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By Shirley Thorne

County Line Correspondent

County Liners have returned from their summer last hurrah, and school kids are settling in for a semester of studying and learning.

Members of Piney Grove AME Zion are enjoying some events before the arrival of fall weather.

Society Baptist homecoming will be Sunday, Sept. 17, followed by revival at 7 p.m. Sept. 18-20.

Our community extends sympathy to the family of Jerry Gibson, who died early Thursday morning of last week. He had been in declining health the past few years and was lovingly cared for by his wife.

One of four children, he was born in Iredell County in 1937 to the late Belle Adams Gibson of Statesville. Jerry graduated from Statesville Senior High School and attended UNC-Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University. He was an accountant for Thomasville Furniture and other companies and assisted nonprofits.  In 1972 Jerry married the former Betty Sue Harper;  they made their home on Harper Drive off US 64 West near the South Yadkin River and reared sons Andy and Stephen. The couple joined in worship at Faith Baptist; where Jerry served as minister of music, deacon, and youth leader for over 40 years. They later joined Bear Creek Baptist, where he was a deacon and choir member. Jerry loved coin collecting, playing church softball, and watching Tarheel ballgames. He also enjoyed volunteer leadership positions at Cool Spring VFD for over 50 years.

A service celebrating his life was held Sunday at Diamond Hill Baptist Church; he was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery.

We extend sympathy to the family of Carolyn Sue Cooper Nichols; who died Thursday, Aug. 24 at Gordon Hospice House of Statesville after a period of declining health. One of eight children, she was born in Yadkin County in 1943 to the late Homer and Ruby Martin Cooper. Educated in the public schools of Yadkin County, Sue graduated from Yadkin High School.

Upon her marriage to William C. Nicholas, the couple lived in Washington, DC, and other places before settling on Mt. Bethel Road in Iredell County and rearing daughters Shanlyn, Twanna, and Tanya. The family joined in worship at Piney Grove AME Zion, where Sue was a deaconess, class leader, and active member.   A kind and caring person, Sue last worked for Life Alliance as a caregiver.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and participating in church activities.

A service celebrating her life was held Saturday afternoon at Piney Grove;  she was laid to rest in the Rocky Creek AME Zion Church Cemetery beside her beloved husband William, who died September 2021.

Our community sends get-well wishes to Jody Gaither, who has received a liver transplant. Pray that his body will accept the transplant and function.  Caleb Williams is resting at home while his last chemotherapy treatment continues to try to shrink the tumor on his liver. Lorene Macemore remains in rehab at Rowan Regional Medical Center.  Alice Waugh and Mildred Beck remain in rehab at Davie Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Join us in prayer for the Lord’s divine healing upon Jody, Caleb, Lorene, Alice, Mildred, and others who have health problems.  Pray for the Lord’s comfort and support upon the families of Jerry and Sue as they deeply miss their loved ones in life.

Continue to pray for the family of George Woodward, who died Sunday of last week and was the husband of the late County Line native Elizabeth “Lib” Koontz Woodward. Also, continue to pray for Caroline McManus Jones, wife of County Line native Archie Jones, as she continues weekly treatments for a brain tumor at UNC-CH Medical Center.  Remember in prayer those families affected by Hurricane Idalia.

For news and memories to share, please call or text 336-492-5115 or email sdtlink@ hotmail.com. If possible, email photos.