Johnsie Fay Abernethy

johnsie abernethy

September 17, 1931 ~ December 12, 2023

Born in: Lincolnton, North Carolina
Resided in: Newton, North Carolina

Johnsie Fay Abernethy (92) passed away on December 12, 2023, after a sudden decline in her health. With her devoted family by her side, she drew her last breath listening to her daughter share stories about the love between her and her husband.

Born September 17, 1931, to Woodrow and Madge McRee, Johnsie lived in Lincolnton, NC, and ruled the roost over her five beloved siblings (JoAnn, Doris, Jan, Don, and Kay). The family ultimately set up roots in Newton, NC, where the majority of the siblings would eventually all settle within a couple miles of one another. Over the years, marriages took place, and babies were born. The McRee’s multiplied exponentially in number and love.

Johnsie met the love of her life, Harold Lee Abernethy, through friends in 1946. After several years, they found their way back to one another and were married on September 16, 1951. They, along with a son, Jeffrey Harold, and a daughter, Cheryl Denise, settled in a home built by her father and began their family as the Abernethy’s. Johnsie was never as happy as she was when she was with her children. Jeff would go on to marry Sherry, and Cheryl married Britt Glenn, who was not just a son-in-law to Johnsie, but also, a dear friend.

Johnsie was joyfully known as “Nana” to Brooke Powell (Chuck) and Reid Abernethy (Kathryn). Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. She nurtured them with love, unfailing support, and the most delicious of goodies. Her cup runneth over with the addition of her great-grandbabies: Brooke’s children, Olivia and Will, and Reid’s son, Hunter.

Johnsie was very active in the church, serving in the choir and in whatever capacity she was called upon. Her faith was unwavering and her acts of service were appreciated by all. Her cooking was legendary and was shared at church and countless family celebrations. Johnsie had so many special family members and friends and her “beaming smile” was recalled by many as something they would miss the most.

Johnsie loved cheering on her Braves, spent many an early evening with Pat Sajak and Alex Trebeck, and was never far away from her trusty red pencil and a myriad of word puzzles. But truly, Johnsie’s favorite pastime was sitting back and watching the lives she helped create. Whether it was cheering on Harold, Jeff, or Reid at their baseball games, listening in admiration to Cheryl’s legal stories, watching Brooke sing on stage, or hearing stories of the great-grandbabies excelling at school or on the field; her family was her life.

Johnsie is survived and loved always by: her cherished son, Jeff (Sherry), dearest daughter, Cheryl (Britt), treasured grandchildren Brooke (Chuck) and Reid (Kathryn), precious great-grandchildren, Olivia, Will, and Hunter, and her sweet sisters Doris, Jan, Kay, and sister of her heart, Gwen. She is also survived by a number of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends, including her devoted caregiver, Elecia Shelton.

Johnsie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Harold, her parents, Woodrow and Madge McRee, and her siblings, Don and JoAnn, all of whom were no doubt waiting with open arms right beside our lord Jesus as Johnsie went home to heaven.

Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of Johnsie’s beautiful life on January 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 701 North Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to either ECCCM, 245 East North Street, Newton, NC 28658, to the WNC Bridge Foundation, 294 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or to a charity of one’s own choice.

Services

Celebration of Life: January 14, 2024 2:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church of Newton
701 North Main Avenue
Newton, NC 28658


Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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  1. Cheryl
    Your momma was a dear special person❤️ I remember her bright beautiful smile! Sending deepest sympathies to you and your family!
    Love,
    Anita Perry Day

  2. Sending prayers to you and the family, Cheryl. My mother always loved your sweet parents and every interaction I ever had with both of them was special. Johnsie was a beautiful woman. Very caring, loving, and friendly. It was a pleasure to know her.

  3. Cheryl, my love, thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom will be greatly missed, but she lived a wonderful, long life and is now in Gloryland with her precious Lord.

  4. Cheryl, Jeff and family, your mother will be greatly miss and I know it is especially hard when both parents have pasted away. But you have wonderful memories to hang onto. Relish in the time you shared and the love and way she raised y’all. Those are very important to a Godly family. May God comfort your family during this time. We will always love u. I will truly miss my friend Johnsie.

  5. Jeff & Sherry,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to spend a little time with your mom in your home. She was blessed to have such a godly son who loved her so much. May God grant you much comfort.


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