CHARLOTTE OBSERVER War bride became devoted wife, mom BELMONT She shared the fate of many World War II brides: long-distance love for a long, long time. Dessie L. UnderGerry wood, thews-Belk retired Matsales Hostetler person, died Satur- day at her Johnston Drive home. She was 78. Dessie Ledford was just 22 when a friend set up a double date for her with Harrell Underwood.
It may have been a blind COMMENTARY COMMENTARY date, but love certainly wasn't blind that night. "When they met, that was IT," said their daughter, Jane Deaton. Dessie married Harrell, a Duke Power worker, in March Then came the Army for him and, after a painfully short few months, separation that same year. Harrell was in the medic corps stationed in the Philippines, then Hawaii. They were apart for nearly four years.
Son Charles came along in 1947, and Jane was born in 1950, when her mother was older than 30. "That was unusual then," Jane said of the days when children were usually born to younger women. Her mother's main interest was her family, her daughter said. She was a stay-at-home mom until Jane was 13. Jane never had to come home to an empty house after school.
"I didn't know it was any different then, but I loved it. All her life, family was her main focus. I think kids now miss out, with the day care and all. She was a very good mother the best." When Dessie did go to work, it was as a sales clerk at the Matthews-Belk store in Gastonia. She retired from there in 1985.
"She enjoyed work," said Jane, but family was still the biggest interest in her life. Dessie's mother died when Dessie was only 3. She had been raised by an older sister, so she knew well the value and comfort of her own family. Harrell's brother Carl said, "She was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother." Dessie was a favorite sister-in-law, he said. Dessie was widowed in 1996 and went to Raleigh to live with Jane and her husband, Bryant.
A Raleigh doctor treated her diabetes, and she lost 80 pounds. "She was real proud of that," Jane said. "She looked her best and was able to be nearly off insulin after 26 years. Friends joked that we took her to Raleigh and starved her to death." In March, Jane's family decided to move back to the Johnston Drive home near Holy Comforter Lu- theran Church, where her mother was a member. "It was a good move," said Jane.
"Mother was glad to be back with the neighbors and her church." There had been no indication of ill- ness. Jane said. Her mother peared to be in good health had a stronger heartbeat usual. Dessie died peacefully Saturday night, sitting in her "You could have told me the had ended, and I wouldn't been shocked any more," Jane. Jane now has a precious mento of her parents' distance romance three old letters tied with yellow ribbon.
Underwood KNOW SOMEONE? Gerry Hostetler's obituary column runs on Tuesday. If you know someone recently deceased in the Gaston or Lincoln counties or Kings Mountain areas she should write about in her column, please call us at 868-7730. Her e-mail address is If it's about cars, it's on charlotte.com/carhunter. To advertise, call 358.5817. A Section And Online Service Of The Observer www.charlotte.com/carhunter TUESDAY.
DECEMBER 1, 1998 5L North Carolina BESSEMER CITY Thelma May Burgin Gilreath, 91, of 946 Ramseur formerly of 1516 Little Mountain Road, died November 29, 1998 at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia. Born March 31, 1907 in McDowell County, NC, she was the wife of the late John H. Gilreath, daughter of the late Alfonzo and Freddie Gilliam Burgin, mother W.L. Gilreath, and sister of the Roy Burgin, late Helen Williams, Bea Mason, May Mie Greene, Gladis Allison, and Elizabeth Davis. She was a member of Davis Memorial Baptist Church and Mothers Class Sunday School, also retired employee of Firestone Mills, Gastonia.
Funeral service is 11 am Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Davis Memorial Baptist Church with the Ken Lane, W.H. H. Calvert, and Mitchell Pruitt, officiating. Burial will be in Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia.
Visitation is 7-9 pm Tuesday at Greene Funeral Service (Southside Chapel) and other times at the home of Mary Carpenter, 946 Ramseur Bessemer City, NC. Pallbearers are John Gilreath Ill, Todd Gilreath, Robbie Gilreath, Chris Gilreath, Johnny Whitaker, and David Hooks. Survivors include her sons, John H. Gilreath and Joe Gilreath of Gastonia, Bobby Gilreath of Stanley; daughters, Mary Carpenter of Bessemer City, Margaret Whitaker and Lynn Mathis of Gastonia; brother, Glenn Burgin of Gastonia; sister, Edith Griggs of Old Fort, NC; 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers may be sent to Davis Memorial Baptist Church, 1005 Robinwood Gastonia NC 28054.
Arrangements by Greene Funeral Service, Inc. (Southside Chapel). MOUNT HOLLY Mrs. Estell Franklin Ball, 87, died Nov. 29, 1998, at the Center.
Graveside service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Forest Hill Cemetery, Morganton with Father Whittington officiating. Visitation is 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at Kirksey Funeral Home, Morganton. Mrs.
Ball was born in Burke County. She was a retired nurse with Grace Hospital. She was preceded in death husband, Gerald Ball; one daughter; and two brothers. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Frankie and Mike Braswell of Mt. Holly; granddaughter, Page Braswell of Lowell; grandsons, Edward and Drew Braswell of Mt.
Holly; and great-granddaughters, Hanna and Abby Braswell of Lowell. GASTONIA Esther Massey Greene, 71, of 2807 Gail died November 29, 1998 at the resi- dence. Born February 14, 1927 at Banks County, GA, she was preceded in death by her parents, George D. and Lona Peyton Massey, and by two brothers, Hubert and Gene Massey. She attended Banks County schools and was a retired textile worker.
Graveside funeral service is 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Gaston Memorial Park with Rev. James Lowrey officiating. Visitation is pm at Greene Funeral Service (Southside Chapel).
Survivors include her sons, Marshall Greene, Roger Dale Greene, both of Gastonia; brothers, Howard Massey of Lilburn, GA and Edward Massey of Homer, GA; sisters, Mae Jones of Gastonia, Mamie White of Balwin, GA, Myrtle Crenshaw of Columbus, GA, Flois Duckett of Demmris, GA, Reba Turner of Charlotte, NC, Betty Meeks of Lula, GA, and Vernelle Hicks of Jefferson, GA; and granddaughter, Leslie White of Gastonia. Memorials may be made to the Chapel Grove Baptist Church (Lottie Moon Christmas Offering), 716 Camp Rotary Gastonia, NC 28052. Arrangements are by Greene Funeral Service, Inc. (Southside Chapel). GASTONIA Luther Ellis Cabe, 60, of 1324 Covington Lane, died November 29, 1998 at Gaston Memorial Hospital, Gastonia.
Funeral is 11 AM Tuesday at Macon Funeral Home, Franklin, NC with Rev. Ronnie Owens officiating. Burial in Bethel United Methodist Cemetery, Franklin. Pallbearer will be Danny Hooper, Ronnie Hooper, Donnie Ray Hooper, Keith Cabe, Preston Cabe, Melvin Spradlin. Mr.
Cabe was a native of Macon NC, son of the late Harley M. Cabe and Ida Elliott Cabe. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Carl Cabe. He was a U.S. Army Veteran.
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Jean Cabe of Gastonia; sisters, Margie Lee Hooper of Franklin, Dora Lee Garrett of Garner; brothers, Albert Cabe of Hayseville, Roy Cabe of New Port Richie, Florida, William Robert Cabe of Franklin, Wiley A. Cabe of Franklin; a number of nieces and nephews. Ward Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. PRESENTED BY CRESCENT COMMUNITIES Featuring Six Beautiful Homes At OVERLOOK It's the Fifth Charlotte Observer Holiday Elegance Home Tour! Great fun for the kids, Santa hay rides, decorating ornaments and holiday crafts! SATURDAY, DEC. 5-SUNDAY, DEC.
13 HOURS Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ADMISSION Adults $10, Children 12 and under FREE Ticket Sales End At 5 p.m. Daily Net Proceeds Benefit The Observer Children's Charities DIRECTIONS From uptown Charlotte, take Hwy. 16 North to Mt.
Holly-Huntersville Rd. Turn right. The Overlook entrance is on the left. SPECIAL EVENTS HAYRIDES Dec. 5 12, 12 noon-3 p.m.
Dec. 6 13, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. VISITS FROM SANTA CLAUS Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec.
12, 12 noon-2 p.m. Dec. 6 13, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. INTERIOR DESIGNER SEMINARS Dec Dec. 12, Daily 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
"WHERE DO BEGIN? STEPS TO DECORATING SUCCESS" Ann Newton Spooner, House Dec. 7 "DECK THE HALLS" Julie Dibella, House $5, Dec. 8 "DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS' Trudy Green, House Dec. 9 "EASY HOLIDAY DECORS" Laurie Halverson, House Dec. 10 YOUR DECORATING Pamela Lee, House Dec.
11 DESIGN ACCENTS" Mimi Guin, House Dec. 12 ORNAMENT CRAFTS Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2 p.m.-4 p.m. COMPLIMENTARY TEA ROOM FOR GUESTS Daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m., House Coffee, Tea, Mulled Cider, Bagels, Scones Sponsored by Harris Teeter HOLIDAY GIFT SHOP Daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m., House Sponsored by On Spring Buffalo For More Information, Call 704.394.9175 MT. HOLLY Mrs.
Helen Rogers Holden, 50, of 115 Helms Drive, died November 29, 1998 at Gaston Memorial Hospital. She was born in Lenoir City, Tenn. Mrs. Holden was a Homemaker and was Assistant Pastor at True Gospel Interdenominational Church in Stanley. She was also, Mrs.
a sundaes is School survived Teacher. by her husband, Jerry L. Holden; 2 sons, Jerry Holden, Jr. (Bo) and his wife, Angie of Stanley and Scottie, Holden and his wife, Lisa of Holly; 2 daughters, Angie Sutherland and her husband, Rev. Randy Sutherland of Stanley, and Vanessa Stowe and husband, Ronnie of Mt.
Holly; her parents, George Odell and Betty Rogers Eury of Mt. Holly; 4 brothers, William and Larry Rogers, both of Stanley, David Rogers of Mt. Holly and Robert Abbott of Clover, SC; 11 grandchildren, Bruce and Samantha Sutherland, Christopher and Cheri Stowe, Tiffany, Bobby, Brianna, Calen, Carmen, Brandon, and Scottie Holden Jr. She was preceded in death by a brother, Marvin Rogers. Funeral service is 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 2, at The True Gospel Interdenominational Church in Stanley with Rev. Randy Sutherland and Rev. Herman Winkler officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mt.
Holly. The family will receive friends from 7-9 pm Tuesday, Dec. 1, at True Gospel Interdenominational Church in Stanley. Memorials may be made to The True Gospel Interdenominational Church Building Fund, 511 Wilson Stanley, NC 28164. 2 Carothers Funeral Home in Mt.
Holly is serving the family of Mrs. Holden. LINCOLNTON Mr. F. Clete Walker, 73, of 352 Buffalo Shoals Rd.
died Nov. 29, 1998, at home. Funeral is 2 p.m. Tuesday at Warlick Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Spence officiating.
Burial will be in Hollybrook Cemetery. Mr. Walker was born in Gaston County. He was a construction supervisor and also served in the Air Force during WWII. He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Walker.
Survivors include his wife, Katherine Kistler Walker of the home; one son, Erick Walker and daughter-inlaw, Linda; mother, Mrs. Thelma S. Walker of Lincolnton; one granddaughter, Ericka S. Carswell of Lusby, MD. Memorials may be made to Boger City Baptist Church Building Fund, 2201 E.
Main Lincolnton, NC 28092. CROUSE Robert Frederick Nelms, 36, died November 28, 1998, at home. A native of Gaston County, he was son of the late Wesley Z. Nelms and was an environmental technical for Globe Manufacturing Co. in Gastonia.
He attended Victory Life Assembly of God in Cherryville. He is survived by sons, Daniel and Billy Nelms of Kings Mountain; parents, George and Helen Stuart Preast of Dallas; sister, Cassandra Smith of Novi, MI; half-brother, Kenneth Nelms of Bessemer City; half-sisters, Kay Grant and Diane Nelms of Gastonia; stepson, Noah Lopez of Cherryville; stepdaughters, Jeneatta and Meghan Lopez of Cherryville; nephews, Patrick and Perry Hinson of Dallas and John Hinson of Gastonia. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Sisk-Butler Funeral Home, Bessemer City, with Revs.
Don Capell Brent Walker officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Lincolnton. Visitation is p.m. Wednesday at Sisk-Butler Funeral Home, Bessemer City, and other times at the home of his parents at 1848 Ratchford Drive, Dallas, NC. Sisk-Butler Funeral Home of Bessemer City, NC, is in charge of the arrangements.
GASTONIA Ferrie Elizabeth Riddie Hooks, 80, died November 29, 1998 at Gaston Memorial Hospital. A native of Bowling Green, she was the daughter of the late W.B. Riddle and Bessie Jackson Riddle. She was retired from Gurney Industries with over 50 years of service. She was a member and Elder and Armstrong Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and President of Women of the Church.
She also worked for Sweetland's Restaurant in Gastonia. She was a graduate of Clover High School, Clover, SC. Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, Hill and Beverley Hooks of Concord, Hank Hooks of Charlotte, Cecil Hooks of Gastonia; sister, Mary Bigger of Lake Wylie, SC; and grandchildren, Emily, Katie, Michael, Sarah and Rachel Hooks, Alex, William and Alison Hammett. Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.
2, at Armstrong Memorial Presbyterian Church with Rev. Richard J. Harrod, officiating. Burial will be in Gaston Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is 7-9 p.m.
Tuesday at Ward Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Frank Harkey, Russell Harkey, Kevin Harkey, Wade Putnam, Ken Putnam, and Mike Ferguson. Ward Funeral Home is in charge. LINCOLNTON Mrs. June H.
Far- ley, 67, of 208 Labans Ln. died Nov. 29, 1998, at her home. Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church with Rev.
Mary McKey officiating. Burial will be in Hollybrook Cemetery. Warlick Funeral Home is in charge. Mrs. Farley born New Orleans, LA and was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederic and Lucille Alciatore Huck. Survivors include her husband, Dr. D.J. Farley Jr. of the home; one son, Dyer Farley Ill of Lincolnton; one daughter, Mrs.
Nancy Farley Rice of Southampton, MA; one sister, Mrs. Mignonne Volterre of New Orleans; and four grandchildren. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Library Fund, 114 W. Main Lincolnton, NC 28092. STANLEY Mrs.
Effie Lee Pitt- man Rabun, formerly of 126 Lin-Mar Ln. 'died' Sunday, Nov. 29, 1998, at Brian Center Nursing Home, Charlotte. Funeral is 10 a.m. today (Tuesday) at First Free Will Baptist Church, Mt.
Holly, with the Rev. Tim Young officiating. Graveside is 11 a.m. Wednesday in Stuckey Baptist Church, Stuckey, GA. Visitation is 7-9 p.m.
today at Ronnie Stewart Funeral Home, Glenwood, GA. Born in Wheeler County, GA, Mrs. Ra Rabun was a daughter of the late Alec C. and Clara Coleman Pittman, wife of the late Ollie Cleo Rabun mother of the late Helen Josephine Rabun and Jimmy Alec Rabun, was a homemaker, a member of First Freewill Baptist Church, Mt. Holly.
Survivors include son, 0.C. Rabun Stanley; sister, Mary Ann Coleman of Starke, FL; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and four greatgreat-grandchildren. Carothers Funeral Home in Mt. Holly is serving the family of Mrs. Rabun.
TO OUR READERS We offer Death Notices information in the Gaston section of the Observer free of charge. Forf further information, please consult with your funeral director or call The Charlotte Observer at 358-5382. Please see DEATHS next page The Charlotte Observer HOLIDAY ELEGANCE HOME TOUR AT OVERLOOK apand than that chair. world have said melong- love BUILDERS Cornerstone Homebuilders, Helms Builders Parker Lancaster Homes. Robert Ingraham Homes, Shea Homes, Zaring Homes SPONSORS Appliance Teeter CITY The Charlotte Observer Harris Piedmont ON SPRING Donna Schermerhorn Natural Gas NEW HOMES Company EB Fifth Third Mortgage Services Gas Cuts the Cost of Comfort BUFFALO.
