Obituaries

Mrs. Celeste Abernethy Jonas, 94, of Abernethy Laurels in Newton and formerly of Lincolnton, died May 7, 2016.

A native of Lincolnton, she was born August 4, 1921 to Lester Abernethy and Inez Rudisill Abernethy. Her ancestors were among the first pioneer settlers of Lincoln County in the 1700’s.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 73 years, Harvey A. Jonas Jr. of Newton; a daughter Anna Jonas Fortenberry of Salem S.C.; a son Harvey Andrew Jonas of Lincolnton; seven grandchildren, Richard Harvey Jenkins; Rebecca Jenkins Pomeroy; Leslie Thomas; Angela Celeste Fortenberry Payne; Jonas Hale Fortenberry; John Blair Hollis Fortenberry and Benjamin Hanks Fortenberry;  and nine great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Jonas Jenkins Chapman; two brothers, Frank B. Abernethy and Luther A. Abernethy, and a sister Virginia A. Edwards.

Mrs. Jonas was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Lincolnton and taught Bible classes to young adults for many years. A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she traveled the world with her husband, and enjoyed cross-stitching, needlepointing and sewing. A former Scout leader, she was an active supporter of her children when they completed in horse shows, and loved playing games with her grandchildren. She encouraged her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors, and was at her husband’s side throughout his 70- plus year legal career.

She enjoyed attending Rock Springs Camp Meeting and was a direct descendant of camp meeting founder, Rev. Daniel Asbury and of various Methodist Circuit Riders including  Rev. James Hill.

Services will be at 1:00PM Saturday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. David Wyant officiating. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church 201 East Main Street Lincolnton, N.C. 28092.