Matilda M. Israel

MATILDA “TILL” ISRAEL Matilda M. “Till” Israel, died Saturday, September 27, 2003, at her home in Brevard following a courageous six-year battle with ovarian cancer. A native of Henderson County, she was a daughter of the late James Faye and Vivian Jones Maney of Mills River. A graduate of Western Carolina University, Mrs. Israel taught music and secondary math in the public schools of Haywood, Transylvania and Henderson counties. Following her retirement from public education she was employed as a senior tax specialist with H&R BLOCK in Transylvania County. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brevard where she enjoyed participation in the handbell choir and the Eugenia Mock Circle. Mrs. Israel was an active member of the Brevard Book and Plate Club, an affiliate of the N.C. General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She thoroughly enjoyed her teaching as well as favorite activities of playing the piano and duplicate bridge. She is survived by her husband of 49 years Ed Israel; sister Margaret Spratt and her husband Clarence of Kings Mountain; brother James Maney and his wife Suzanne of Mills River; son John Israel of Atlanta; daughter Sherri Israel Scott and her husband David, also of Atlanta; and beloved grandson Spencer Scott. She is also survived by a nephew Michael Maney and his wife Tina of Roe, Ark and niece Patty Heafner and her husband Jodie of Mills River. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, October 5, 2003, at the First United Methodist Church of Brevard with the Rev. Fred Jordan officiating. Her family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service and request that memorials be made to Hospice of Transylvania County, 1234 Asheville Highway, Brevard, NC 28712, or to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 28801. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting with the arrangements.