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By Shirley Thorne

County Line Correspondent

Normally we have three church homecomings this month; however, only one has been planned thus far due to the conronavirus. Pleasant View Baptist Church will celebrate with an old-fashioned day worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20; there will be no fellowship dinner after the service.

Churches have these service this week (Contact the church for updates weather may require): Calvary Baptist, outdoor Sunday worship at 11 a.m.; Clarksbury Methodist, outdoor Sunday worship at 10 a.m. and special “Book of John” Bible study at 7 p.m. Thursday; Piney Grove AME Zion, outdoor Sunday worship at 10 a.m.; Pleasant View Baptist, regular indoor services; Salem Methodist, outdoor Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. under the shelter and special Center-Salem Bible study at 7 p.m. Thursday at Center this week; Society Baptist; inside Sunday worship at 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall; Wednesday night prayer & Bible study on line at 7 p.m.

Our community extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Ruth Lindsey Hodgson, who died last Saturday at Maple Leaf Health Care of Statesville.  She was born in Iredell County in 1931 to the late Raymond and Chloie James Lindsey.  She and her husband Carl Hodgson made their home on his family farm on Moll Hodgson Road off County Line Road. The couple had been married almost 39 years when he died in May 2016. Ruth attended Iredell County schools and was of Presbyterian faith. Retired as a certified nursing assistant for the Iredell County Health Department, she enjoyed word puzzles, music, and reading. No services are scheduled.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Bobby Ray “Bob” Lewis, who died at home Wednesday night of last week after a courageous battle with cancer. The fifth of six children, he was born in 1933 in Forsyth County to the late Thomas Sydney and Amanda Triplett Lewis.  At the age of 11, his mother died and he went to live with his Aunt Viola. When the family lived on Ridge Road, he attended Cool Spring High School, where he played basketball and baseball and was active in Future Farmers of America. After his sophomore year the family moved to Rimrock Road, and  he transferred to Harmony  High School; where he played football, was active in Future Farmers, and graduated in 1952. After serving honorably in the US Army during the Korean Conflict for two years, he married fellow County Liner Shirley Prather in June 1955. The couple built a home adjacent to her parents’ home on Stroud Mill Road and reared their three daughters. After his retirement from Kewanee Scientific of Statesville, Bob also drove a van for YVEDDI and enjoyed playing golf and other sports. A graveside service celebrating his life was held last Friday afternoon in the cemetery of Clarksbury United Methodist Church, where he had been a long-time faithful member; he was laid to rest there.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Frances Koontz McGarity, who died Tuesday of last week at Rowan Memorial Medical Center due to complications of the coronavirus.  She was born in Davie County in 1930 to the late Dorse and Sudie Campbell Koontz of Dorse Road.  In her youth she attended Salem United Methodist Church with her family and helped them on their family farm. She graduated from Cool Spring High School in 1948 and later graduated from Salisbury Business College. She and her husband George, whom she married about 70 years ago, made their home on Lucerne Lane in Salisbury and reared daughter Doris. She had worked as office manager and finance officer for the Salisbury City Schools. Frances was a talented cook and seamstress and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a member of Franklin Baptist Church and had been an active member of Calvary Baptist in Rowan, where she was financial secretary.  A service celebrating her life will be held at a later date.    

Our community sends get-well wishes to Leonard Godbey, who was hospitalized last week and is recuperating at home.  Frances Hilling had surgery last week and is in rehab at Iredell Memorial Hospital. James Barker remains in rehab at Iredell Memorial. Betty Lou Richardson continues to improve but remains in rehab at Iredell Memorial. Gene Snow is recuperating at home.  Faye Stroud continues to rest at home while under treatment for cancer.

Join us in prayer for the Lord’s divine healing and blessings upon Leonard, Frances H., James, Betty Lou, Gene, Faye, and other residents who are having health problems. Pray for the Lord’s comfort and support upon the families of Ruth, Bob, and Frances M. as they adjust to life without their loved ones.

Continue to pray for the many families affected by the coronavirus.

Word has been received of the death of Roger Johnson, who died Sunday afternoon at his home on Stroud Road off Vaughn Mill Road.  Please remember his family in prayer.

For news and memories to share, please call Shirley on 336-492-5115 or email sdtlink@hotmail.com.