Lou Ann Montgomery McAfoos

lou mcafoos

February 19, 1931 ~ December 22, 2021

Born in: Montezuma, IN
Resided in: Candler, NC

Lou Ann Montgomery McAfoos, 90, passed away on December 22, 2021.

Lou Ann was born on February 19, 1931, in Montezuma, IN, where her father worked for the US mail service and operated a series of small businesses. Lou left her hometown following high school and went to Indiana State University where she graduated with an education degree in music. Upon graduation, she moved to Benton, IL, where she met her husband of 63 years, Bob. She and Bob moved several times, Lou always teaching in the local schools. They settled in Asheville, NC, in 1964.

Lou taught music and choir at Gibbons Hall (now Carolina Day School), where her sons went to school, before moving to Enka High School in 1973. Through her role as the choir director, she encouraged her students to participate in state contests where they excelled. Lou entered a second career, going back to school and earning a Masters Degree in Library Science at Western Carolina. She then became the Enka High School librarian. She was recognized by the state of North Carolina as the Media Specialist of the year for converting Enka High School’s card catalog to one of the first digital systems in the state.

She and Bob were very dedicated to the First Christian Church of Asheville. Lou was the choir director at the church for many years and enjoyed singing with her many friends. Even in retirement, Lou was never one to sit idle. She always had a project. The church relocated from downtown to a site in the county and as a member of the building committee, Lou was instrumental in the construction of the new church home.

Throughout her life, she always put family first. She was devoted to her husband and two sons. When she became a grandparent, that devotion took on a new meaning. She attended countless baseball games and track meets. She sewed handmade dresses for her granddaughters and she and Bob would often take a grandchild with them on their many travels. When her great-granddaughter was born, she and Bob made a point to spend a month every winter close by her home.

Lou is predeceased by her husband, Robert Cyrus McAfoos; her parents, Lucille Gilfoy and Harry I. Montgomery; and brother, Joe Ray Montgomery. She is survived by her sons, Robert M. and David (Kimberly); her grandchildren, Laura (David), Amy (Charlie), Brian, Kevin, Dana and Holland; her great-grandchildren, Elise, Philippe, Chase, Ian and Michael; her sister-in-law, Margot McAfoos; her daughters-in-law, Toni and Linda; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. at First Christian Church of Asheville, 470 Enka Lake Rd., Candler, NC 28715.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 470 Enka Lake Rd., Candler, NC 28715 or to Enka High School Chorus, 475 Enka Lake Rd., Candler, NC 28715.

Services

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Memorial Service: January 15, 2022 11:30 am

First Christian Church of Asheville
470 Enka Lake Rd.
Candler, NC 28715


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Guestbook

  1. Dear Robbie and David, I was so sorry to hear this. Lou was my chorus teacher and helped me develop confidence in my singing. Later, when I went back to Enka as a teacher, she was a most dedicated and helpful colleague. She will be sorely missed.

  2. I am very sorry to hear this. I loved Mrs. McAfoos. She was such a good person and she seemed to really care about her students. She made singing in the chorus fun and rewarding. I will always look back on our trip to Gatlinburg my senior year, as one of my fondest memories from high school. I pray the Lord grant peace and comfort to her family.

  3. I’m sorry to hear about Mrs. McAfoos’ passing. I knew her first, from being neighbors with my Aunt Frances and Uncle Albert Greene. Then, I attended Enka.
    Prayers for her family

  4. Lou was an exceptional friend. She and Bob were both wonderful people and so supportive of Enka High School, their community and their church. I have learned that there are several stories of them going above and beyond to help friends that developed some sort of short term need and they had such respect for privacy that they would never tell others of their assistance. I was fortunate enough to get to know them well and they were two of the most genuine people I ever knew. Prayers for the family and friends.

  5. What a life well lived. When I was counselor at EHS Lou was kind and encouraging to her students and always had a smile and friendly word for everyone. I’m sure her Christ like character were a blessing to lives she touched through the years. May her family and friends experience God’s comfort during this time.

  6. Mrs. McAfoos was a wonderful chorus teacher at Enka High. I really enjoyed singing in the chorus with her leading. I pray the sweet Holy Spirit will embrace you dear family and comfort you all and give you all His sweet peace in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

  7. So sorry to the family for your loss. I became acquainted with Mrs. McAfoos when my husband was a patient at Pisgah Manor. She was so faithful to visit her husband daily and make sure his needs were met. I was impressed with the care and attention she gave him. We sat at the same table several times and chatted while our spouses ate their meals. She always talked about looking forward to family members coming in and going shopping with her. Prayers for comfort!

  8. I’m so very sorry to hear about my dear friend, Lou. I will always treasure our many memories and long friendship. Please know I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

  9. Robbie and David – I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a wonderful person and a great friend to my mom. It looks like she continued to hold her family close and I know you will miss her. Thinking of you.

  10. Benton McAfoos family. Margot, Kathy, Fred and Tom. Thinking of you all and reminiscing of Aunt Lou and Bob

  11. I wish I could attend today’s service for Lou, but she is on my mind and forever in my heart. I wanted to say that Mrs. McAfoos was instrumental in shaping my life as a student at Enka High. She made chorus so much fun, and her willingness to produce huge musical productions is something I will always cherish. When I look back at high school, it’s participtating in ‘Lil Abner’ or ‘Lightshine’ that stands out in my mind. Later in life, I never saw Lou without a smile or a giant hug. She loved her students, and in turn, we loved her back. Shine on…Mrs. McAfoos! Much love to Robbie, David and family.


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