Kannapolis obituaries — Week of 5/21/08

‘Becky’ S. Jones
LEXINGTON — Rebecca “Becky” Anne Smith Jones, 48, Lexington, formerly of Charlotte, died May 14, 2008, at Lexington Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Jones was a daughter of Harry and Betty Jane Cable Smith, Midland.
She volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Kannapolis, while her children were there and at Southwood Elementary School, Lexington. She attended Covenant Church of Harrisburg.
Survivors, in addition to her parents, include husband Gregory Lee “Greg” Jones; daughters Melissa Haas, Fort Hood, Texas, Christine Sheleisa Brown, Chapel Hill; sister Victoria Ellis, Locust; and brother Harry Smith Jr., Harrisburg; nieces Hannah and Faith Ellis and Summer Smith.
Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord, and at other times at her parents’ home, 16408 Clear Creek Drive, Midland.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Covenant Church of Harrisburg, conducted by the Rev. Brandon Bowers and the Rev. David McGuirk. Burial, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Charlotte.
Memorials: Covenant Church of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 219, Harrisburg, NC 28075

Blanche N. Atwell
MOORESVILLE — Blanche Nanney Atwell, 79, of Karriker Farm Road, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.
Born April 27, 1929, in Iredell County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Riley and Pauline Dingler Nanney. She was a graduate of Mooresville High School and attended Unity United Methodist Church. Retired from Burlington Industries, she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by husband, Ray Sloan Atwell, on Oct. 7, 2006.
Survivors include sons Christopher Atwell of Aberdeen, Michael Atwell of China Grove, and David and Tony Atwell, both of Mooresville; daughters Patty Greene and Debbie Freeze, both of Mooresville, Barbara Jones and Joan Hartis, both of Charlotte; sisters Helen Ritchie of Kannapolis, Cora Huffman of Salisbury, Lynn Bumgarner of Mooresville and Phyllis Hardwick of Illinois; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at Unity United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Carl Suttle. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorials: Unity United Methodist Church, 8505 Unity Church Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081; or American Cancer Society, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210; or American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is in charge.

‘Robbie’ T. Orth
Robert Thomas “Robbie” Orth, 71, died Sunday, May 11, 2008.
Born in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 5, 1936, he was a son of the late Robert and Dixie Orth. He had lived at the First Assembly Living Center since 1988.
Survivors include his brother, Gregg Orth of Charlotte.
A graveside service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at Carolina Memorial Park, conducted by the Rev. Forrest Jones.
Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation was in charge.

‘Del’ E. Stanford
Delma “Del” Eugene Stanford, 54, 1368 Sherry Court, Kannapolis, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at his home after two years of declining health.
Born Oct. 21, 1953, in Iredell County, he was a son of the late Cecil Noah and Pauline Rogers Stanford of Kannapolis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked for Pillowtex in Kannapolis for 28 years, until it closed in 2003. He then worked for U.S. Foodservice in Charlotte. He was a member of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by a grandchild.
In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife of 36 years, Patricia King Stanford; son Creg Eugene Stanford of Kannapolis; daughters Kimberly Dawn Bare, Hope Leann Franklin and April Stanford Dennard, all of Kannapolis; brothers Bobby Stanford of Kannapolis, and Ronald Stanford of Salisbury; sisters Dale Bostian and Linda Ervin, both of Kannapolis; stepbrother,Gerald Stanford, Lenoir; stepsister, Loretta Brannon, Charlotte; and 11 grandchildren.
A service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at West A Tabernacle Church, Kannapolis, conducted by the Rev. Chris Pethel. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorials: American Cancer Society, Charlotte Office, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210.
Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge.

‘Pete’ Medlin
CHINA GROVE — Donald Lee “Pete” Medlin, 66, of China Grove, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at his residence.
Born July 30, 1941, in Rowan County, he was a son of the late Claude Herman and Gussie Inez Williams Medlin. He was educated at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis and was an electrician, having worked with Delta Electric, Coastal Electric and Bryant Electric before retirement.
Survivors include daughter Angelia Moore; brother Bob Medlin of Rockwell; sisters June M. Hartsoe of China Grove and Claudette M. Craig of Salisbury; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at West Concord Cemetery, conducted by Hospice Chaplain the Rev. Fred Morrisette and the Rev. Buddy Hoffner.
Evergreen Cremation Services of Salisbury was in charge.

Michael D. Short
Michael Duane Short, 31, 908 Willard Ave., died Friday, May 9, 2008, at his home.
Born Aug. 6, 1977, in Cabarrus County, he was the son of Farris Mitchell Short of Ruby, S.C., and Rose Haynes Blake of Kannapolis.
He attended A.L. Brown in Kannapolis and was employed by Alby Stamey Electric.
Survivors include daughter Alisha Nicole Short of Kannapolis; maternal grandparents Almer and Dollie Haynes of Kannapolis; paternal grandmother Margaret Deese of Ruby S.C.; brother Christopher Lynn Short of Kannapolis; and sister Farrah Michelle Short of Ruby, S.C.
A service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, Landis, conducted by the Rev. Walter Lyman.

Polly Smith
TROUTMAN — Polly Lemons Smith, 71, 304 Houston Road, died Friday (May 16, 2008) at her home.
Born Sept. 8, 1936, in Union, Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Henry Leroy and Arney Crump Lemons. She retired as a spinner from Templon Spinning Mills, Mooresville.
Her husband, Bobby W. Smith, died in 1976.
Survivors include sons Rick Smith, Mooresville, Paul Smith, Troutman, and Danny Smith, Statesville; sister Helen Mogofski, Kannapolis; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
A service was held Monday (May 19, 2008) at Lady’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis, conducted by the Rev. Leon Hawks. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis.

Alice L. Dowling
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Alice L. Dowling, 80, formerly of Concord, died Friday, May 9, 2008.
She was born in Concord, the daughter of the late Will Mac and Lila King Linker. A retired lieutenant colonel, she was a nurse in the U.S. Air Force. She was a member at Centerville First United Methodist Church, a member of the Retired Officers Association and the American Red Cross Association.
Survivors include husband Fred M. Dowling; and sisters Willie Knox of Statesville and and Faye Myers of Concord.
A service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in the chapel of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Burial, Andersonville National Cemetery.
Memorials: Centerville First United Methodist Church at 101 Wilson Drive, Centerville, GA 31028, in memory of Mrs. Dowling. Heritage Memorial Funeral Home is in charge.

Thomas A. Walter
WILMINGTON — Thomas A. Walter, 78, a retired lieutenant colonel, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at his residence after a lengthy illness.
Born June 3, 1929, in Concord, he was the youngest son of the late I. Lois McDonald and Oscar Boger Walter.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara D. Walter.
Survivors include sons Thomas Walter Jr., Tracy Walter and Micheal Walter; sisters Martha Ellen Summers, Mary McDonald Haigler and Frances Estelle Kolbe; and two granddaughters.
A graveside service was held Saturday, May 17, 2008, in Oakwood Cemetery, Concord.
Market Street Chapel handled services in Wilmington and Wilkinson Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Irvin Leroy Hann
CONCORD — Irvin Leroy Hann, 68, of Sandusky Boulevard, died Saturday, May 10, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast.
Born Nov. 17, 1939, in Baltimore, Md., he was a son of the late Irvin Thomas and Mae Spealmann Hann. Prior to retirement, he was employed in the construction industry.
Survivors include his wife, Brenda Barts Hann; sons Todd Hann, Forest Hill, Md., and Mark Hann, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; daughter Tammy Cassera, Spring Hill, Fla.; sister Janet Bewley of Bel Air, Md.; and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Lane Street Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Mike Dunn.
Memorials: Lane Street Baptist Church, 2532 Lane St., Kannapolis, NC, 28083.
Lady’s Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge.

Gladys G. Starnes
Gladys Grass Starnes, 74, Kannapolis, formerly of Oak Island, died Friday (May 16, 2008) at CMC-NorthEast, Concord, following a period of declining health.
Born July 28, 1933, in Cabarrus County, Mrs. Starnes was a daughter of the late Avery Jackson and Inez Burris Grass.
A graduate of J.W. Cannon High School, she worked for the Charlotte and Salisbury offices of BellSouth until retiring and was a member of Midway United Methodist Church, Women of the Moose of Oak Island Lodge and a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
She was a longtime den mother for Cub Scout Pack 007 at Midway United Methodist Church.
Her husband, Billy Eugene Starnes, died Dec. 9, 2000.
Survivors include sons Scott Starnes, Salisbury, Greg Starnes, Concord, and Todd Starnes, Kannapolis; sister Audrey Purser, Wagram; brother James Grass, Concord; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral services were Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Dave Cash. Private entombment.
Online condolences: www.whitleysfuneralhome. com.
Memorials: Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or Midway United Methodist Church, 708 S. Main St., Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Wade B. Holt
MOORESVILLE — Wade Bennett Holt, 84, 952 Shinnville Road, died Thursday (May 15, 2008) at Davis Hospital, Statesville.
Born Nov. 31, 1923, in Stanly County, Mr. Holt was a son of the late Ruben and Elizabeth Howard Holt.
A retired insurance salesman, he served in the Army Air Force during World War II.
Survivors include wife Thelma Blackwelder Holt; son Mark Holt, Mooresville; daughter Debbie Kutschenko, Mooresville; brother Elvin Holt, Mount Ulla; sister Joyce Goodman, Cleveland; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services were Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. James Reep and the Rev. John Kale. Burial, church cemetery.
Neill Funeral Home was in charge.
Memorials: Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Weathers Church Road, Troutman, NC 28166.

Birdia M. Baker
Birdia Moose Baker, 89, 1202 East 11th St., Kannapolis, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008.
Born Jan. 4, 1919, in the Bear Creek Community of Mount Pleasant, she was a daughter of the late A.F. and Tena Rowland Moose. She worked later in life caring for the sick as a private duty sitter at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leif E. Baker, in 1990.
Survivors include sons William M., Norman E. and Harvey E. Baker, all of Kannapolis; brothers Archie, Harold and Melvin Moose, all of Mount Pleasant; and four grandchildren.
A service was held Thursday, May 15, 2008, at Bethel United Church of Christ. Burial, church cemetery.
Memorials: Bethel United Church of Christ 18937 Bear Creek Church Road, Mount Pleasant, NC 28124.
Gordon Funeral Services of Mount Pleasant is in charge.

Raymond Parks
Raymond Lee Parks, 84, Wright Road, died Thursday (May 15, 2008) at his home.
Born Aug. 18, 1923, in Rowan County, Mr. Parks was a son of the late H. Glenn and Eula Freeze Parks. He retired from the Cannon Mills Plant 4 machine shop and was a member of Bethpage Presbyterian Church.
Son Terry Parks preceded him in death.
Survivors include wife Elizabeth Smith Parks; daughter Rhonda Jones, Kannapolis; brothers Arnold, Harold and Kermit Parks, all of Kannapolis; and two granddaughters.
Funeral services were held Sunday (May 18, 2008) at Bethpage Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. Darryl Baker. Burial, church cemetery.
Lady’s Funeral Home was in charge.
Memorials: Bethpage Presbyterian Church, 6020 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

AnnaBelle Norris
AnnaBelle Coffey Norris, 93, formerly of 1006 DeSoto Ave., died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Trinity Oaks Retirement Community after a short illness.
Born Jan. 18, 1915, in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Dell C. and Mary Jane Bodenhamer Coffey. She was a teacher in the Kannapolis City Schools for 20 years until her retirement in 1976.
She was a member of Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church where she assisted with Cub Scouts, Sunday school, the Lutheran Church Women and other church activities. She was a former member of the Kannapolis Garden Club, where she had served as president. She was a former volunteer with the American Red Cross in Cabarrus County and the Cabarrus Cooperative Christian Ministry.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale C. Norris, on Dec. 2, 2007.
Survivors include sons Gary and Mickey Norris, both of Concord, and Dan Norris of Boone; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A service was held Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Richard Rhoades. Entombment, Carolina Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum.
Memorials: Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church, 101 Vance St., Kannapolis, NC 28081 or Green Park Valley, PO Box 3533, Boone, NC 28607.
Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge.

‘Jill’ Ann Falls
Patricia “Jill” Ann Roseman Falls, 59, 2921 Springdale Ave., died Friday, May 9, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast.
Born Feb. 27, 1949, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Annie Kirk Roseman.
She was preceded in death by her son, Devin Falls.
Survivors include her husband David L. Falls Jr.; son Gary Wayne Falls of Greensboro; daughter Crystal Stevenson of Kannapolis; sisters Olivia Spears and Marsha Neal, both of Concord; brothers Thomas Roseman of Kannapolis, and Roddy and Christopher Roseman, both of Concord; and four grandchildren.
A service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Marable Memorial AME Zion Church, conducted by the Rev. Wayne C. Harris. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park.
Clark Funeral Home Inc. is in charge.

Mildred Triece
SEAGROVE — Mildred Lorene Swink Triece, formerly of Kannapolis, died Thursday (May 15, 2008) at the home of son Dan Triece, Seagrove, with whom she lived the past four years. She was in declining health for four years and seriously ill for four months.
Born June 14, 1927, in Rowan County, Mrs. Triece was a daughter of the late Willis Franklin and Mary Melinda Swicegood Swink.
A certified church musician in the Lutheran Church of America, she served 40 years as an organist and choir director at several churches, including St. Enoch, Center Grove and Trinity Lutheran churches in Landis and Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church. She was instrumental in introducing handbell music into this area. After retiring, she worked at Mills Garden Center.
Her husband, Ray “Buck” Triece, preceded her in death.
Survivors, in addition to son Dan Triece, include son Jim Carraher; and daughter Sharon Vanpelt, Kannapolis; Lois Eagle and Doris Childers.
Funeral services were Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Center Grove Lutheran Church, Landis, conducted by the Rev. Diane Wales and the Rev. Matthew Miller. Burial, church cemetery.
Lady’s Funeral Home was in charge.
Memorials: Hospice of Randolph County, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Alma Thompson
CONCORD — Alma Elizabeth Burris McGaha Thompson, 90, 3575 Poplar Tent Road, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast.
Born Sept. 11, 1917, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late John Travis and Fannie Zorville Burris. She worked as a wash cloth cutter at Cannon Mills. She was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lloyd McGaha, and second husband, Opel Leon “Pete” Thompson.
She is survived by son John Edward “Ed” McGaha of Concord; and one grandson.
A graveside service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at Oakwood Cemetery, conducted by Ken Sloop and Sheldon Burdick.
Memorials: Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, N.C. 28081.
Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord was in charge.

Mary G. Isenhour
CONCORD — Mary Iris Goodman Isenhour, 83, 2452 Rock Hill Church Road, Concord Place, formerly of Kannapolis, died Friday (May 16, 2008).
Born Dec. 25, 1924, in Concord, Mrs. Isenhour was a daughter of the late Archie Franklin and Mildred Mitchell Goodman.
She retired from the Cabarrus County Schools administrative office. A musician, she has played throughout the area and around the world.
Survivors include husband Ben M. Isenhour.
Funeral services will be private. Lady’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis, is in charge.

Ollie M. Clontz
MONROE — Ollie Mullis Harrington Clontz, 98, 9307 Landsford Road, formerly of Kannapolis, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at her home after a year of declining health.
Born July 26, 1910, in Union County, she was a daughter of the late Charlie N. and Camilia Benton Mullis. She worked for the former Cannon Mills Co. Plant No. 1 and No. 6 Weave Room for 34 years until her retirement. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Marshville. She lived in Kannapolis most of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, C. Lee Harrington, who died June 24, 1988; and a son, Clonnie Harrington.
Survivors include daughters Lois Threatt, Monroe, Johnnie Todd, Concord, Joyce Hathcock, Stanfield, and Gina McGlynn, Charlotte; sons Eugene Harrington, Davidson, Lawrence Harrington, Albemarle, and Clarence Harrington, Kannapolis; sister Dorothy Edwards, Wingate; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and four great-great-great-grandchildren.
A service was held Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Gary McLain and Elder Joe Helms. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park.
Memorials: Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110.

Frances S. Hardee
CONCORD — Frances Spainhour Hardee, 95, died May 14, 2008, at Hospice House, Kannapolis.
Born Dec. 25, 1912, in Lenoir and raised on Mimosa Farm, Burke County, Mrs. Hardee was a daughter of Ralph Harrington and Hattie Wills Spainhour.
A graduate of East Carolina University and an elementary school teacher for 30 years, she was a member of West Market Street United Methodist Church, Greensboro.
Her husband of 37 years, the Rev. Robert M. Hardee, a Methodist minister, preceded her in death.
Survivors include daughter Esten Hardee Goldsmith, Concord; son Robert M. Hardee Jr., Columbia, S.C.; sister, Ruby S. Mills, formerly of Concord; four grandchildren.
A service was held Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Wilkinson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Randy Wall. Burial, Maplewood Cemetery, Durham.
Memorials: High Point University, Robert M. and Frances S. Hardee Endowed Scholarship, 833 Montlieu Ave., High Point, NC 27262; Greensboro College Hardee Scholarship, 815 W. Market St., Greensboro NC, 27401; or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis NC 28081.

Malcom S. Reaves
CHINA GROVE — Malcom S. Reaves, 80, 255 Pamela St., died May 14, 2008, at Liberty Commons Nursing Center following two years of declining health.
Born March 21, 1928, in Wake County, Mr. Reaves was a son of the late Jesse and Mary Lillian Eason Reaves.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired in 1985 after 33 years with Fieldcrest Cannon. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for 40 years, where he served on the council, led the Youth Group and taught Sunday school.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Harris Reaves; sons Jeff Reaves, Plano, Texas, Mark Reaves, China Grove, and Steaven Reaves, Wilson; four grandsons; and two great-grandsons.
Funeral services were held Saturday (May 17, 2008) at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Salisbury, conducted by the Rev. Maurice Staley and the Rev. Bruce Sheeks. Burial, church cemetery.
Online condolences: www.whitleysfuneralhome. com.
Memorials: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3070 E. N.C. 152, Salisbury, NC 28147.

Homer Freeman
CONCORD — Homer Ray Freeman; 85, 30 Roberta Road, died Saturday (May 17, 2008).
Born June 7, 1922, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Freeman was a son of the late Martin Luther and Kattie Cline Freeman.
He worked for years at Craftsman Finishers and later retired from K&D Finishers. He was a member of Maranatha Worship Center.
His wife, Betty Morgan Freeman, died in 2003.
Survivors include daughter Deborah F. Isley, Concord; son Randel Freeman, Concord; sisters Martha Harwood and Lula Mae Swinson, both of Mount Pleasant, and a granddaughter.
A service was held Monday (May 19, 2008) at Wilkinson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev Marvin Goodnight. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis.
Memorials: Maranatha Worship Center, Possess The Land Fund, 99 S. White St. Concord, NC 28027.

Elizabeth G. Smith
CONCORD — Elizabeth Goodman Smith, 92, Mooresville Road, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast.
Born Aug. 31, 1915, in Cabarrus County, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Alexander and Beulah Goodnight Goodman. She was employed by Cannon Mills Co. Plant No. 1 Wash Cloth Department for 48 years until her retirement.
She was a lifelong member of Bethpage Presbyterian Church, in the Women of the Church and did circle work. She was voted Woman of the Year at the church, taught Sunday school in the children’s department, a member of the Adult Choir for 60 years and was one of the first women elected to the session as an elder, where she served two three-year terms. She was also an active member of Bethpage Home Extension Club and the Young At Heart Club at the church.
Her husband Gillie P. Smith, died Oct. 12, 1965.
Survivors include daughter Gilda S. Wilkinson, Concord; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Bethpage Presbyterian Church, Kannapolis. Burial, church cemetery.
Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge.