Obituaries Dec. 10, 2008

Mildred Adams

KANNAPOLIS — Mildred Harriett Scercy Adams, 81, 8057 Unity Church Rd., died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at Transitional Health Services.

Born April 23, 1927, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Nolan and Myrtie Harriett Scercy. She retired from Cannon Mills Co. and had attended First Baptist Church, Enochville.

Her husband, Lacy Adams, died in 2005.

Survivors include daughter Diane Furr, Kannapolis; brother J.W. Scercy, Charlotte; sisters Ruth Adams, Kannapolis, and Catherine Burroughs, China Grove; one granddaughter; and three great-grandchildren. 

A service was held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Stephen Burrow. Burial, Unity United Methodist Church cemetery. 

Memorials: First Baptist Church of Enochville, 2308 Davis St., Kannapolis, NC 28081.

William Johnson

CONCORD — William “Will” Howard Johnson, 49,  Concord, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. 

He was born Feb. 8, 1959, in Endicott, N.Y., to the late Howard John and Ruth Mae “Kyttle” Johnson. He was employed by IBM as a customer service representative. He was active at his church and taught Sunday school. He was  active in the Concord High School Band Boosters.

Survivors include wife Terrie McCarn Johnson of the home; sons Dustin and Zachary Johnson, both of the home; daughters Brittany Nix, Concord, and Courtney Johnson of the home; brothers Terry Johnson, Concord, and Brian K. Johnson, Lancaster, S.C.; and sister Audry Johnson Barvinchak, Vestal, N.Y.

Services were Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Franklin Heights Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Jim Grigg and Rev. Tim Jernigan.

Memorials: Franklin Heights Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 526 Wright Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28083 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane Kannapolis,  NC 28081.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is in charge.

Jacquelyn Burrage

CONCORD — Jacquelyn Branch Burrage, 86, formerly of 76 Eastcliff Drive S.E., died Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at The Gardens of Taylor Glen.

Born June 14, 1922, in Robeson County, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Ernest Alexander Branch and Mary Emma Parker Branch. She attended Brevard College, William and Mary and Women’s College in Greensboro and moved to Concord in 1940. She and her husband owned and operated Cabarrus Creamery until 1999. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert Luther Burrage Jr.

Survivors include children Jackie Burrage Lafferty, Robert Ernest Burrage, Charles L. Burrage, all of Concord; Kathy Burrage Banks, Kingsport, Tenn., and Jeanette Burrage Riddle, Weaverville; sister Mary O’Neal Branch Bourne, Raleigh; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A service was held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Forest Hill United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. David Hobson, the Rev. Freida Hobson and the Rev. Merrill Perkins. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials: Forest Hill United Methodist Church, 265 Union St. N., Concord, NC 28025. 

Wilkinson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Clyde Beaver

LANDIS — Clyde Junior Beaver, 83, West Mill Street, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008.  

Born May 12, 1925, in Rowan County, he was son of the late John and Bessie Troutman Beaver. Educated in Rowan County schools, he was a member of Landis Baptist church. He was self-employed as a plumber in Landis for more than 40 years.  

He was in World War II in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Survivors include wife Gurline Wilson Beaver, to whom he was married 64 years; daughters Suzzette Flowers and Kathy Nelms, both of China Grove, Cindy Hoell, Landis; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.  

Services were Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, Landis, conducted by the Rev. Chris Pethel and the Rev. Billy Honeycutt. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park.

Ruth Jones

CONCORD — Ruth Cline Jones, 88, Concord, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte.

Born Feb. 18, 1920, in Concord, she was the daughter of the late George W. and Martha Allmon Cline. She worked for Cannon/Fieldcrest/ Pillowtex for 63 years.      

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis M. Jones.

Survivors include son Steve Michael Jones, Charlotte; and sister Helen C. Measamer, Asheboro.

A service was held Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at Carolina Memorial Park, conducted by the Rev. Jim Hood. 

Memorials: Kerr Street United Methodist Church, 419 Kerr St. N.W., Concord, NC 28025.

Wilkinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.   

‘Dot’ Ponder

MOUNT HOLLY — Doris “Dot” Ponder, 75, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at the Lincoln Nursing Center.

Born March 29, 1933, in Darlington, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Albert Aaron and Willie Rochester Crocker. She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina and was a licensed pharmacist. She was a pharmacist with Eckerd Drugs.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard F. Ponder Sr.

Survivors include son Richard Ponder Jr., Kannapolis; daughter Susan Chapman,  Mount Holly; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A graveside service was held Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery, conducted by Dr. Larry Kimel.

Memorials: Mount Holly Fire Department, 433 Killian Ave., Mount Holly, NC 28120 or Hospice & Palliative Care of Lincolnton, 107 N. Cedar St., Lincolnton, NC 28092. 

Woodlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mary Burr

CONCORD — Mary Ruth Russell Burr, 74, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at her home.

Born Aug. 26, 1924, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Sally Drake Russell.

She was preceded in death by a son, Lawrence B. Burr. 

Survivors include children Barbara Burr Canup and Paula B. Schula, both of Concord; Marshall L. Burr Jr. and Donna Fay Burr, both of Kannapolis; and Princess Hope Carriker, Mooresville; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; and seven siblings.

A service was held Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel.

Martha Sloan

KANNAPOLIS — Martha Lee Finch Smith Sloan, 83,  Kannapolis, died Dec. 5, 2008, at Randolph Hospital, Asheboro. 

She was born March 26, 1925, in Wake County, the daughter of the late Alfred Leon and Mamie Cassandra Oliver Finch. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Ray “Slim” Sloan, and a grandson.

She was a sales representative with Stanley Home Products for 52 years. She also had worked at Cannon Mills Co. for many years and later with General Time in Davidson. She was a member of Mount Mitchell United Methodist Church.  

She is survived by daughter, Mamie Fowler, Rockwell;  son, the Rev. Joe Smith, China Grove; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers Charles Finch, Cheraw, S.C., Thomas Finch, Ruby, S.C., and Jerry Finch,Chesterfield, S.C., and sister Betty Marks, Harvey, La.

Services were Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Joe Smith. Burial, Mount Mitchell United Methodist Church cemetery. 

Memorials: Mount Mitchell United Methodist Church, 6001 Old Salisbury Concord Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083 or Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Jimmy Lee Smith

KANNAPOLIS — Jimmy Lee “Smitty” Smith, 69, Kannapolis, died Dec. 3, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast, Concord. 

He was born Dec. 10, 1938, in Cabarrus County, the son of the late James and Gladys Smith. He retired from Pillowtex-Cannon in 2002 as chief of the company fire department. He worked there from 1957 to 2002. 

He had been involved with A.L. Brown athletics for more than 30 years. He was formerly involved with the Cabarrus County Rescue Squad. 

Survivors include wife Patsy Karriker Smith; son Scott Smith; and a granddaughter.

Services were Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Center Grove Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Loyd Ginn and the Rev. Allen Reid. Burial, church cemetery. 

Memorials: A.L. Brown Athletics Fund, 415 E. First St., Kannapolis, NC 28083.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Janet Winecoff

KANNAPOLIS — Janet Lee Fink Winecoff, 48, Kannapolis, died Nov. 28, 2008, at her home. 

She was born July 2, 1960, in Cumberland County, the daughter of Lee McCoy Fink Jr. of Mooresville and Jan Story Fischer of Landis.

She was self-employed in the cleaning business. She formerly worked at Harmony Labs and several restaurants.

Survivors include husband Kenneth Lynn Winecoff;  daughter Taylor Shay Winecoff, Spencer; a grandchild; brothers Sonny Fink, Kannapolis, and John Lynn Fischer, Salisbury; sister Sandra D. Fink, Landis; grandmother Lela Story, Kannapolis. 

Services were Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Stephen Burroughs. 

Lisa Lindsay

KANNAPOLIS — Lisa Marie Lindsay, 29, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, as a result of an automobile accident. 

Born Aug. 15, 1979, in Key West, Fla., she was the daughter of James Bryson Lindsay Jr. of Robbins and Patricia Ann Kilby Mash of North Wilkesboro. She had been employed by AT&T phone company in Charlotte and was  working at Rosie’s Family Restaurant. She was a member of God’s Church of Faith and was a 1996 graduate of A.L. Brown High School. 

In addition to her parents, she is survived by daughter Courtney Lee Roseman of the home; son Julian Pacheco, Concord; stepmother Tamara Lindsay, Robbins; maternal grandfather Vonley Kilby, North Wilkesboro; paternal grandmother Ruth Lindsay; Kannapolis; brothers James Lindsay III, China Grove, Shane Andre Lindsay, Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Nathan Tyler Lindsay, Robbins. 

A service was held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at God’s Church of Faith, conducted by the Rev. Jeff Upright. Burial at a later date. 

Memorials: God’s Church of Faith, 811 Elm St., Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mary B. Ross

KANNAPOLIS — Mary Ballard Ross, 93, 205 Echo Ave., died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008.   

Mrs. Ross was born in Richmond County on July 24, 1915, a daughter of the late Edgar T. and Bernice Green Ballard. She retired from the Sheet Department of Cannon Mills Co.  

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Kannapolis, and the King’s Daughters Sunday School Class. She was a former member of Eastern Star.

Her husband, Robert B. Ross, died in 1962.

Survivors include daughter Gail Query, Salisbury; son Robert Lee Ross, High Rock; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a  caregiver, Katherine Ohmes.

Services were Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at Carolina Memorial Park, conducted by Dr. Thomas E. Cabaniss.

Memorials: First Baptist Church, 101 N. Main St., Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Lady’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Charles Umberger

CONCORD — Charles King Umberger Sr., 96, Concord, died Dec. 1, 2008, at Five Oaks Nursing Center. 

Born Jan. 6, 1912, in Cabarrus County, he was the son of the late Bascom and Jinnie Ludwick Umberger. He retired from Craver Construction Co. as a carpenter. He was a member of McKinnon Presbyterian Church. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Solomon Umberger, and his second wife, Evelyn Benson Umberger. 

Survivors include son Charles K. Umberger Jr., Concord; sister Ruth Plonk, Kings Mountain; and two grandchildren.  

A service was held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at McKinnon Presbyterian Church. Burial, Oakwood Cemetery. 

Memorials: Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. 

Whitley’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Barbara Crisco

LANDIS — Barbara Upright Crisco, 60, 107 Church St., died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury.

Mrs. Crisco was born Feb. 26, 1948, in Cabarrus County to the late Robert Lee and Irene Rimer Upright. 

She worked at Rowan Regional Medical Center in housekeeping for 18 years until becoming disabled. She was a member of Unity United Methodist Church.

She is survived by son David Cook Jr., Landis; daughter Angela Cook, Landis; five grandchildren; sisters Mildred Lawing and Joyce Bowden, both of Kannapolis, Betty Morgan, China Grove, Phyllis Thompson and Carolyn Bentley, both of Mooresville, and Jean Dewitt, Concord; and brother Bud  Upright, Kannapolis. 

Services were Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, with the Rev. Carl Settle and the Rev. Jeff Upright officiating. Interment at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis.  

Memorials: Memorials may be sent to Unity United Methodist Church, 8508 Unity Church Road, Kannapolis, NC.

Helen Wilhelm

KANNAPOLIS — Helen Marie Russell Wilhelm, 90,  910 N. Walnut St., died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast, Concord, following four years of declining health. 

She was born Feb. 10, 1918, in Rowan County, a daughter of the late Martin Luther and Lula Bass Russell. She was employed by Cannon Mills Plant 1, Spinning Room 5, retiring with 50 years of service. 

She was a lifelong member of North Kannapolis Baptist Church. She was a former member VFW Post 8989 Ladies Auxiliary.

Her husband, Alfred F. Wilhelm, died Nov. 29, 1990.

She is survived by sisters Florence Seaford, Jacksonville, Ruth Poston, Kannapolis and Audry Herrin, Mount Pleasant; and by  nieces and nephews.

Services were Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Coy Privette. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. 

Memorials: North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust St., Kannapolis, NC 28081. 

Donald Lampert

KANNAPOLIS — Donald Wesley Lampert, 80, died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast Medical Center.

Born Nov. 28, 1928, in Wayne County, W.Va., he was the son of the late Claude Palmer and Ruth Irene Hoy Lampert.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served 24 years. He received the National Defense Service Medal,  Korean Presidential Unit Citation, WWII Victory Medal; Korean Four-Star Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal and other decorations. He retired from military service on Aug. 1, 1970. He was a magistrate for 16 years. He was a Mason for 50 years and was an active member of Cannon Memorial Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Valda Gray Lampert; daughters Gail Denise Overcash, Kannapolis, and Cathy Hales, Concord.; son Michael Wesley Lampert, Binghamton, N.Y.; sisters Dorothy Tucker, Dolores Bartram, Doreen Winn, Doretta Huff and Doris Johns; and  brothers Doyle, Douglas, Dorwin “Sam” and Dorvil Lampert; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A service was held Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Erin Yow. Burial with military rites, Carolina Memorial Park.

Memorials: The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Inc., 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565.

Thomas Duggan

CONCORD — Thomas Joseph Duggan, 74, N.C. 200, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at his home. 

Born Jan. 10, 1934, in Schenectady, N.Y., he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Nancy McLaughlin Duggan. He was employed for 30 years by IBM as a site and safety engineer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. 

Survivors include wife Frances Johnson Duggan; son Christopher M. Duggan, New London; daughter Kathleen D. Bartlett, Concord; brother Maurice J. Duggan, Bridgeton; sister Nancy A. Jeffers, Mount Laurel, N.J.; and three grandchildren. 

A service was held Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at Wilkinson Funeral Home.  

Memorials: Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28001 or Cabarrus Pets Society, P.O. Box 5042, Concord, NC 28026. 

‘Son’ Gibson

KANNAPOLIS — James Walter “Son” Gibson, 73, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008. 

Born Oct. 15, 1935 in Ruby, S.C., he was a son of the late John C. “Lummie” and Bertha Cleo Kirkley Gibson. He was a retired employee of Cannon Mills and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church and attended Liberty Baptist Church. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Griggs Gibson. 

Survivors include son James Michael Gibson, China Grove; daughter Debbie Gushue, Hoganville, Ga.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers John Gibson of Chesterfield, S.C., and Robert L. Gibson, Spartanburg, S.C.; sisters Bobbie Gulledge, Concord, Betty Sellers, Cheraw, S.C., and Gail Cassidy, Chesterfield, S.C. 

A service was held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home, Chesterfield, S.C. Burial, Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery.

Margaret Measmer

KANNAPOLIS — Margaret Isenhour Measmer, 91,  1560 Oakwood Ave., died at the Country Home of Cabarrus County.

Born Oct. 8, 1917, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Luther  and Betty Henley Isenhour. She retired in 1982 from Cannon Mills after 49 years of service. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester J. Measmer.

Survivors include son John Lester Measmer, Spring, Texas; daughter Susan Williams, Kannapolis; and six grandchildren.

A service was held Sunday, Dec.7, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial, church cemetery. 

Memorials: Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Trinity Church Road, Concord, NC 28027

Whitley’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Frederick Bombard

MOUNT PLEASANT — Frederick H. Bombard, 64, St. Stephens Church Road, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. 

Born March 24, 1944, in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., he was the son of the late Kenneth and Hildreth Collins Bombard. He was a former inspector with Smith Corona. He was a U.S. Army veteran. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana Cortwright Bombard. 

He is survived by daughters Kimberly Bombard-Pearlman, Penfield, N.Y., and Crystal McDonald, Kannapolis; and five grandchildren.

A service was held Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Gordon Funeral Home. Burial, Cabarrus Memorial Gardens. 

Memorials: MP Food Ministry and Lunch Plus Program, 8615 Park Drive, Mount Pleasant, NC 28124.

Carol Cochrane

CONCORD — Carol Yvonne Cochrane, Keeneland Place S.W., died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast Medical Center. 

Born Oct. 13, 1936, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Zeb D. and Bessie Blackwelder Cochran. She had worked for Cannon Mills, was a homemaker, and a lifelong member of Roberta United Methodist Church.

Survivors include sisters Ophilia “Philly” Furr, Josie Honeycutt and Anne Yates; and brother Larry “Shortie” Cochran.

A service was held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at Roberta United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Debra Short. Burial, church cemetery.

Memorials: Roberta United Methodist Church, 3925 Cochran Road, Concord, NC 28027. 

Wilkinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.