Katherine Bowlin Wooley

Katherine Bowlin Wooley, 94, of Candor, NC passed away peacefully on July 12, 2021 at First Health of the Carolinas in Pinehurst at Reid Heart Center. She had recently been a resident of Autumn Care of Biscoe, NC. Born in Stokes County, NC, Katherine was the daughter of the late Elmer and Betty Bowlin. In addition to her parents, Katherine was preceded in death by her first husband, Lee Vernon, her second husband, Cleo O. Wooley as well as her two sons, Gary Vernon and Tony Wooley. She was a sibling to 7 brothers and sisters, all except one, Sylvia Ray of Windsor, have preceded her. She is survived by daughters Carolyn McNeill of Candor, and Martha Wooley Wegner (Don) of Belmont, NC. She has seven beloved grandchildren, Andy Vernon of Charlotte, Terry Vernon of Pinebluff, Zachary Vernon of Candor, Charlotte Garner of Biscoe, Bryan McNeill of High Falls, Aaron Wooley of Candor, and Chris Wooley of Candor. She was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews to cherish her memory. Katherine was a member of Sardis United Methodist Church. She had many passions and hobbies that occupied her time in addition to employment at Clayson Knitting Company. Katherine was a homemaker and farmer. She worked the land with crops and gardens that continue to produce to this day. She loved her vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flowers and could grow anything from a seed or a sprig. Late into her 80s, she push-mowed her extensive yard caring for all her plantings. Katherine was a force of nature. She had a strong work ethic and loved to work hard, but she loved to enjoy her free time. She was a champion horse-shoe thrower, performed before many events with her Square Dance group, and clogged on stages throughout the state at Bluegrass Festivals. She loved attending music festivals and “singings.” She loved seeing the Christmas plays by the children of the Church. She absolutely loved playing in the dirt with her children and insisted outdoor play and imagination was essential. She was a master mud-pie maker. She most especially loved to laugh and could watch I Love Lucy and Americans Funniest Videos reruns and chuckle the entire time. She was sharp, quick-witted and always appreciated the humorous side of life. She was engaging and appreciated a thoughtful discussion on life issues. She had an opinion and always wanted to hear yours. She adored the mountains and the cool air. One of her favorite activities at the end of the day was sitting on her large porch enjoying the summer breeze. She loved putting together puzzles which became a main stay when she couldn’t be outside. She was the first to make snow cream during a winter snow, and freeze so she could enjoy in the summer. Katherine could whip up fluffy homemade biscuits and any kind of gravy in a minute with her eyes closed. Every meal needed bread and dessert. Katherine was a conservationist and lover of the land well before that was popular. She recycled and reused rather than tossed. She was not wasteful and appreciate the hard work it took to grow food and make things. She often enjoyed yard sales and would repurpose items. She saw treasures in everything and everyone. She loved many pet dogs and cats through her years – too many to mention, but Goldie was very special to her. If she had a regret it would be that she didn’t learn to play the piano and once said if you move it outside, I may have more interest in practicing. Family will receive friends at Briggs Funeral Home, 187 Farmers Market Road, Biscoe on Thursday, July 15 from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sardis United Methodist Church, 147 NC HWY 731 E, Candor, NC 27229. The family is most grateful to the love and care of Autumn Care and the amazing staff at Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4.7 Briggs-Candor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.