County Line: Tributes to deceased community members

Published 8:42 am Thursday, February 24, 2022

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By Shirley Thorne
County Line Correspondent

Clarksbury United Methodist Church will have a pancake supper at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, in the fellowship hall followed by an Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Church members invite others for this special service.
Calvary Baptist Church continues to have only Sunday morning worship service until March. All other services and meetings are still canceled.
Oscar Koontz celebrated his 90th birthday Monday, Jan. 17. A farmer and electrician in his earlier years and always a dedicated family man, today he enjoys the loving comfort and care by his children and their families in his golden years. Oscar, all of us in County Line congratulate you upon reaching this milestone in life and wish you a happy and healthier new year.
Our community extends sympathy to the family of Sara Wilson Koontz, who died at Forsyth Medical Center after a brief stay Jan. 31. The fourth of five children, she was born in 1933 in Davie County to the late James Butler and Hattie Powell Wilson of Davie. She was reared off Davie Academy Road near Jericho Church of Christ, where she attended church with her family.
She graduated in 1951 from Mocksville High School and was active in Future Homemakers of America and Glee clubs. Later that year she married the love of her life Oscar Koontz of County Line; he joined her in worship at Jericho. The couple made their home with his parents on the Koontz family farm between Davie Academy and Ridge roads, now Dorse Road, and reared their four children. Throughout her married life she was dedicated to homemaking, caring for her family, and helping with the family dairy and cattle farm. At times Sara was our community “Avon Calling” lady and also worked part-time at Belk’s of Mocksville before taking care of her grandchildren.
In their latter years Sara and Oscar joined in worship at Main Street Church of Christ of Mocksville, where they were active faithful members for 27 years. A service celebrating her life was held Sunday afternoon, Feb. 6 at Eaton Funeral Chapel; she was laid to rest in the Jericho Church of Christ Cemetery beside son Jerry, who died accidentally in 1976.
Sara and Oscar have supported and contributed to our community news since its beginning in 2003. I have known them for as long as I can remember; in fact, I first knew her as “Judy.” Many times I have asked them for help with a news flashback about weddings, military data, school days, etc.. They were always willing to help and share treasured family photos and data. Their support and contributions were always greatly appreciated.

Our community extends sympathy to the family of Joseph Allen “Joe” Harris, who died at home Friday of last week after a period of declining health.
He was born in 1954 in Iredell County to the late Lonnie Alexander and Edna Anderson Harris of County Line. He attended Clarksbury United Methodist Church with his family and graduated from North Iredell High School.
He married the former Patricia “Pat” Mohler in February 1974; the couple made their home on a farm on Moll Hodson Road off County Line Road and reared their three children. Many years Joe worked as a welder for Ingold Company and was retired as a maintenance worker from Tyson Foods.
A life-long farmer, he enjoyed all aspects of working on their farm (raising dairy cows, growing cotton and tobacco, and raising chicken broilers) and enjoyed “nature” walks with Pat on their farm. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and going to their ball games, recitals, and graduations.
A graveside service celebrating his life was held in the cemetery of Clarksbury United Methodist Church, where he was a member; he was laid to rest there beside Pat, who died October 2020.

We extend sympathy to the family of William Pierce Bolin, who died Tuesday of last week at his home in Statesville. The fourth of eight children, he was born in 1926 in Iredell County to the late Virgin and Vannie White Bolin of Iredell. He was reared on NC 901 near Clarksbury United Methodist Church and attended church there with his family. He attended Harmony High School and completed an apprenticeship in machinery at the U.S.Navy Shipyard in Norfolk, Va., during World War II.
In 1950 he married the former Betty Shoemaker; the couple made their home in Statesville and reared children Johnny and Sandy. He worked for Southern Screw Co. of Statesville as a machinist and later in quality control for almost 39 years before retiring.
For many years Pierce and Betty joined in worship at Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church, where he served in several leadership positions. Since 2013, the couple worshiped at Eastside Baptist Church. He loved serving others – visiting those homebound, in nursing homes, and hospitals and also splitting wood for Yokefellow Ministry in Statesville. In 2019 he received “Volunteer of the Year” award by Maple Leaf Nursing and Rehabilitation. A service celebrating his life was held last Saturday at Eastside Baptist Church.

Our community sends get-well wishes to Mary Kelly and Amanda Porter. Mary has been at Iredell Memorial rehabilitation unit for increasing her strength. Amanda had knee replacement surgery and is receiving physical therapy at home. Jenny C. Turner is improving but remains in rehab at Davie Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Carol Brazel remains at the Sticht Center of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Alice C. Waugh remains in rehab at Davie Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Join us in prayer for the Lord’s divine healing and blessings upon Mary, Amanda, Jenny, Carol, Alice, and others who are having health problems. Pray for the Lord’s comfort and support upon the families of Sara, Joe, and Pierce as they deeply miss their loved ones.
Remember in prayer the family of Daven Labron Allison, who died from the effects of Covid at Iredell Memorial Hospital Monday of last week; he was a grandson of the late Louise Gray James of County Line. Continue to pray for those in our area affected by Covid.
For news and memories to share, please call Shirley on 336-492-5115 or email sdtlink@hotmail.com.