Grier “Sump” Summerell Abernathy, 86, Salisbury, died Monday (July 17, 2000) at Rowan Regional Medical Center after several years of declining health.

Born April 7, 1914, in Iredell County, Mr. Abernathy was a son of the late Samual Oscar and Carrie White Abernathy. He was educated in the Rowan County schools.

He had worked at Cannon Mills Plant 1, No. 6 weave room and then for Southern Railway Transfer Shed until it closed. He then returned to Cannon Mills Plant 1 and worked in No. 6 weave room until he retired.

Mr. Abernathy was a member of Lyerly Memorial United Church of Christ and a former council member.

Survivors include wife Bernita Kluttz Sifford Abernathy, whom he married Oct. 11, 1970; sons Grier S. Abernathy Jr. and Gene Abernathy, both of Salisbury; daughter Betty Ann Abernathy Bare, Salisbury; stepsons Walter Roy Sifford and Dennis Andrew Sifford, both of Salisbury; sister Carrie Owens, Salisbury Lutheran Home; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Lyerly Memorial United Church of Christ, Rockwell, conducted by the Rev. Conrad Cornelius. Burial, church cemetery.

Visitation: 7-8:30 tonight, Powles Funeral Home, Rockwell. At other times the family will be at the home.

Memorials: Lyerly Memorial United Church of Christ, 1320 Crescent Road, Rockwell, N.C. 28138.

Susie Beck Gobble

MOCKSVILLE — Susie Beck Gobble, 93, Gobble Lane, died Sunday (July 16, 2000) at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Winston-Salem.

Born Dec. 29, 1906, Mrs. Gobble was a daughter of the late Thomas P. and Lelia Harris Beck. She was a homemaker and a member of Center United Methodist Church.

Her husband, J.B. Gobble, preceded her in death.

Survivors include son Larry Gobble, Mocksville; brother Roland Beck, Mocksville; sister Ruby Mayberry, Harmony; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Davie Funeral Service Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Wade Wright. The body will be placed in the church at 10:30. Burial, Ijames Baptist Church cemetery.

Visitation: 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.

Memorials: Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103.

Willie Hammill Helderman

ALBEMARLE — Willie Dora Hammill Helderman, 89, 1032 N. Second St., died Monday (July 17, 2000) at Stanly Memorial Hospital.

Born June 20, 1911, in Concord, Mrs. Helderman was a daughter of the late William Henry and Fanny Rinehard Hammill. She was a homemaker.

A member of First Lutheran Church, she was a former member of War Mothers and Albemarle Women’s Club.

Her husband, John Russell Helderman, died Jan. 22, 1996.

Survivors include son Kenneth Russell Helderman, Albemarle; sisters Ruth Black, Gold Hill, and Alma Crowell, Albemarle; and four granddaughters.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, First Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. John W. Futterer. Entombment, Fairview Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Visitation: After the service at the home on North Second Street.

Hartsell Funeral Home is in charge.

Memorials: First Lutheran Church, 230 S. Second St., Albemarle, N.C. 28001.

Annie O. Morris Jackson

Annie Olema Morris Jackson, 79, formerly of Lafayette Circle, Salisbury, died Tuesday (July 18, 2000) at Brightmoor Nursing Center.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home is in charge.

Norman Earl Leach Jr.

Norman Earl Leach Jr., 61, 418 W. Franklin St., died Monday (July 10, 2000) at W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center after a week of serious illness.

Born March 5, 1939, in Raleigh, Mr. Leach was a son of the late Norman Earl and Hazel Holt Leach. He was a graduate of J.W. Ligon High School, Raleigh.

A disabled veteran, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Surviving is sister Jeanne L. Knox, Chicago, Ill.

Mitchell and Fair Funeral Service is in charge.

The family will be at the home on West Franklin Street.

Thelma Moore

EAST SPENCER — Thelma Moore, 80, 524 Railroad Ave., died Tuesday (July 18, 2000) at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury.

Rowan Funeral Service, Salisbury, is in charge.

William Thomas Shuping

William Thomas Shuping, 75, Salisbury, died Tuesday (July 18, 2000) at his home.

Summersett Funeral Home is in charge.

Mildred Thompson Sigmon

LANDIS — Mildred Thompson Sigmon, 70, 1009 N. Chapel St., died Monday (July 17, 2000) at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury.