Rutherford Weekly - Shelby NC
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Page 14 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, March 30-April 5, 2023 293 S Broadway St., Forest City 828-245-0434 Monday & Tuesday 8AM-5PM Thursday & Friday 8AM-5PM Sat. 8AM-12PM • Closed Wed. Not Just Oil, Pennzoil FAST FAST FAST FAST WAY WAY WAY WAY LET US DO YOUR DIRTY WORK! KIDS' CORNER BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Rutherford Weekly's publisher and its advertisers are not responsible or liable for misprints, typographical errors, misinforma- tion herein contained. We reserve the right to edit, reject or accept any articles, advertisements, or infor- mation to be printed in this publication. We will provide ad proofs for pre-paid ads or ads that are placed by established clients. No proofs may leave our premises without payment and permission and are copyright by Rutherford Weekly. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. 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FIRST MEDIA, INC FIRST MEDIA, INC "Creating Business For People" ® Proud Member of: Association of Community Publishers CIRCULATION C O U N C I L VERIFICATION Audit by Circulation Verification Council Display Advertising: Mayra Littman • mayra@cfmedia.info advertising@rutherfordweekly.com advertising@rutherfordweekly.com Editorial & Announcements: events@rutherfordweekly.co events@rutherfordweekly.com For Classified Ads Call 828-248-1408 or email: classifieds@rutherfordweekly.com classifieds@rutherfordweekly.com Creative Designer: Jan B. Cook advertising@rutherfordweekly.com advertising@rutherfordweekly.com Distribution: Tommy Sims • Greg Grimes RUTHERFORD WEEKLY 157 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043 Phone 828-248-1408 Visit us online at: rutherfordweekly.com A woman walking into the Foundation last Tuesday afternoon said to me, "I can't believe I'm going to Joan King's funeral." I had the exact same thought less than 5 minutes earlier as I was driving into the parking lot. Joan King was one of those people we thought would go on forever, but on Thursday, March 16, our friend passed on. More than 500 people gathered to say good-bye to this courageous, kind- spirited, generous and loving friend last Tuesday at her Celebration of Life service. She loved her children Jeff and Ginger with all her soul and strength, her grandchildren fi ercely and was faithful to her family and friends. Over the past few days friends have commented on her laughter, her hospitality and her love of the people in her town, county and beyond. Even one commented, perhaps she should try to be more like Joan. "It's hard to think of someone who did so much for so many for so long," said Mike Gavin. I met Joan King when I walked into her physical science class as an East Rutherford freshman. A cousin said at her funeral that so many former students had told her, "Mrs. King was the best teacher I ever had." That's my testimony, too. Oh, there were a few other teachers that came close to the best, but Mrs. King displayed her love and concern for all her students, especially those who needed more attention and encouragement. I never worked any harder in any class to do well than in her class. It made a difference to her how we did academically and emotionally. She made me feel special then and for the rest of her life. She taught her science class to love the stars and on more than one occasion in the winter season, she hosted star gazing classes. With hot chocolate, blankets and hats, we studied the heaven's stars together. We talked about that for years. Through the years we became friends outside of school, although it was diffi cult for me to call her Joan. She was Mrs. King. She served on numerous nonprofi t boards, was a staunch supporter of cancer research, was active in her church and began Soul Food Ministry to feed the hungry both physically and emotionally. At her funeral her former pastor said, "She wanted all God's children to eat." She was a tremendous supporter of our county's schools and students and spent many years as a McNair Mentor encouraging students to do their best. She was an Isothermal Community College Trustee. She made a difference in education. She was a grateful person and gave her gifts back to God through those she met. Joan had a blackboard on her kitchen counter that said, "to whom much has been given, much will be required." Luke: 12:48 She never stopped giving. Rutherford County knew Joan was a special person. John Condrey said he was fortunate to volunteer with her for Relay for Life, "You always knew with Joan that you were getting a warm smile and willing worker. And like so many thousands of others, I received handwritten notes from Joan acknowledging something in my life. Joan will be missed for many things she did and I am honored to have been able to call her a friend." Last month for Valentine's Day I received my last handwritten note from Joan. She was always complimentary about something I'd written and also encouraged me to keep writing "local." Her last words to me were "God Bless You Always and keep writing." I suppose Joan wrote literally thousands of uplifting and encouraging notes along the way. I will forever cherish the last card I received from her. Joan King fi nished her race well. She loved us all well. She drew us to her with that contagious smile and acceptance. Life's hardships made her stronger, not weaker and we learned from her example. Her former pastor Ed Hillman reminded us in Proverbs 31: "Ode to an Awesome Woman" reminding us she was a vibrant person, a servant, loved well, served well and drew people to her. She reminded us that God's call on our lives does not end until we have breathed our last breath. Maybe that's why we couldn't believe we were at her funeral last week. To us perhaps, she was still serving with resounding love, gratitude, mercy and grace. Joan King is gone from this earth but her legacy will live on. I like to believe our best gift to her would be to serve, be kind and love well. I am forever grateful to have walked part of this journey with Joan. I will miss her. Rutherford County will miss her. R.I.P. Joan King. Contact Jean: gordonjean211@gmail.com WE ARE BETTER FOR HAVING KNOWN JOAN KING By: Jean Gordon Joan King remembered at Saturday's Education Foundation Hall of Fame gala.