Joan Rogers McElreath

Joan Rogers McElreath, 79, of 188 Old Newfound Rd., passed away unexpectedly on February 19, 2015 in Asheville, North Carolina. A native of Buncombe Co., she was born June 20, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Roy Rogers and Drama Martin Rogers. Joan grew up in Sandy Mush, NC. She graduated from Leicester High School in 1953. After high school she attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Joan married Earl McElreath, Jr. on June 8, 1957 and they were happily married for 57 years. She retired from Wachovia Bank and enjoyed her life on the farm gardening, canning, camping, reading and keeping her grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Bell United Methodist Church. Joan was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother who will be long cherished for all the love, devotion, help and support she gave to all of her family. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tommy Rogers and her sister Janet Rogers Ross. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Earl McElreath, Jr.; sons Tim McElreath and Roger McElreath; daughter Melinda McElreath Rogers and husband Bill of Leicester; sisters Virginia Blenn of Texas, Dorothy Worley of Asheville, and Rosalie Plemmons of Leicester; grandchildren Lindsey McElreath, Evan McElreath, Brian McElreath, Ashton Rogers; and step-grandchildren Michael Johnson and T.J. Morgan. The funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 22, 2015, in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Big Sandy United Methodist Church Cemetery. At all other times, family will be at the home of Melinda Rogers, 184 Old Newfound Rd., Leicester. Donations can be made to either Bell United Methodist Church or Big Sandy Mush United Methodist Church.