HICKORY- Shirley Miller Abernathy, 76, passed away on Saturday June 23, 2012 at Burke Hospice& Palliative Care.
Shirley was born January 19, 1936 in Catawba Co. to the late Emerson Odell and Essie Rogers Miller Sr.
She was a member of Royal Chapel Church of God and sang in the choir. She retired from Sample House.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Inez Miller, three brothers, William Miller, Emerson Odell Miller Jr., Gwyn Miller and a granddaughter, Kyley Denae Burkhalter.
Surviving is her husband of 50 years, Howard Thomas Abernathy of the home; five daughters, Joli Burkhalter and husband Tommy, Gaye Lowman and husband Terry of Connelly Springs, Denise Townsend and husband Earnest of Hickory, Gail Buffington and husband Steve of Marietta, GA, Hope Skoney and husband Jim of Birmingham, AL, a son, Hal Abernathy and wife Lori of Granite Falls, four grandsons, Curtis Lowman and wife Tonya of Hudson, Dustin and Lance Townsend of Hickory, Chase Lowman and wife Jill of Maryland, two granddaughters, Briana and Taylor Burkhalter three great-grandchildren, Heather Lowman of Rutherford College, Alex Lowman of Morganton, Dez Townsend of Hickory, one brother, Charles Miller of Hickory, two sisters, Betty Rink of Hickory, Barbara Franklin of Columbia, SC, nine nephews, four nieces and best friend of 70 years, Aileene (Toopie) Martin..
Funeral services will be held at Royal Chapel Church of God on Tuesday June 26, 2012 at 3:30 P.M. with the Reverend David Smith officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Monday June 25, 2012 from 6:00PM until 8:00 PM. At Hickory Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank the staff of Burke Hospice for the care and love shown during this time.
Memorials may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.
Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com.
Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.