By Staff
Gloria Churn Fentress, 82, of Washington, NC died peacefully Tuesday March 31, 2009 at the Raleigh home of her daughter, surrounded by her family. Her gracious southern style, her warm smile and wonderful sense of humor were always a part of her, even through her courageous battle with cancer and will be sorely missed by many.
She was born on November 6, 1926 in Goldsboro, NC the daughter of Pearl Bryant Churn and Clifton Russell Churn. She grew up in Raleigh, NC with two brothers, Clifton Russell Churn, Jr., deceased, and William Leroy Churn who lives in Raleigh. She graduated from Needham Broughton High School in 1944 and Peace College in 1946. She worked as a secretary at the State Bureau of Investigation where she met Clyde Deleon Fentress, Jr. She married him in 1951. They moved to Washington, NC where they made their home. She then worked as a secretary for many years for William P. Mayo, R. Nelson Jennette, and Cameron H. Rodman.
As a loving mother, she raised three children, Susan Fentress Brown, married to John V. Brown of Raleigh, Clyde Stephen Fentress of Jupiter, Florida and Patricia Fentress Phelan, married to Sean M. Phelan of Charlotte, NC. She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Caroline Fentress Brown, Patrick Bryant Brown, Ashley Marie Fentress, Stephen Daniel Fentress, Andrew Michael Phelan, William Thomas Phelan and Isabel Churn Phelan. She spent many years as a tireless and loving caregiver to her husband, Clyde, who preceded her in death in 1980. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church. Fiercely independent, she enjoyed being with her friends, her children and her wonderful grandchildren. All during her life she was an avid bridge player with a wide circle of friends of all ages. She was a charter member of the Sans Souci Book Club of Washington.
She and her children were astounded by the warmth, compassion and many kindnesses of her friends, neighbors, and caregivers throughout her illness.
The service and celebration of her life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 211 West Second Street in Washington on Friday, April 3rd at 11 a.m. Pallbearers are Anthony Ashburn Capehart, III, George William Taylor, III, Luther J. Davis, Donald Howard, Jack Pyburn and Howard Smith. Her four grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Family will greet friends and loved ones in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the cemetery. A private burial at Oakdale Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center of Washington, First Presbyterian Church of Washington or Community Hospice of Washington and Cary.
Condolences may be addressed to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.
Paul Funeral Home of Washington is serving the Fentress family.