Mary L. Abernethy

HICKORY - Mary Lea Abernethy, 92, of Hickory, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at Lutheran Home-Hickory West. Born Aug. 2, 1917, in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Ida Bertha LeFevers and Donald Whisnant. Mrs. Abernethy was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen W. Brittain; a brother, Howard Whisnant; and a nephew, Kermit Whisnant. She is survived by a daughter, Abigail Abernethy of Hickory, and three nieces, Carolyn Truett of Vale, La Rae Campbell of Gastonia and Darnell Sigmon Waters of Hickory. The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at Bethany Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dan Duke officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the church. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 1644 Main Ave. Drive, NW, Hickory, N.C. 28601.