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1924
2013
Charlotte Holderman Ray Derrough
Asheville - Charlotte Holderman Ray Derrough, age 88, of Asheville, passed away peacefully in her home on the evening of Friday, January 11, 2013, following a brief bout with cancer. Present were her five children, Roger Derrough, Jr., Julia Rome, Carol D. Neely, Patricia Derrough, David Derrough; two of her grandsons, Morgan and Carter Neely; and Roger's wife, Janese Derrough. Known to her loving family, and many of her friends, by the sobriquet "Bigcake," Charlotte was revered for her joy, positivity, vibrant spirit, humor, lovely smile, and incomparable, passionate love of God and humanity.
Born in the mountain town of Burnsville to Samuel Troy Ray and Winnie Lou Higgins Ray on December 13, 1924, she graduated from Greensboro College in 1946 with a bachelor's degree in home economics; after graduating, she taught home economics in Burnsville for one year before her adventurous spirit led her to move to Chicago and live in a girls' club. She soon found work with Admiral Appliances of Chicago and traveled around the country demonstrating their products, a job that she treasured and about which she loved to reminisce. She and several members of the girls' club continued to travel together for decades after they each went their separate ways.
In 1950, while still living in the girls' club in Chicago, she went on a blind date with Roger Derrough, of Thomasboro, Ill., who took her to see a stage performance of Private Lives featuring Tallulah Bankhead. Several weeks later, Roger proposed to Charlotte while on a trip to New Orleans. They married on August 26, 1950; in 1953, they relocated from Chicago to Charlotte, N.C., where they lived until moving to Asheville in 1962. In the early 1970s, Charlotte earned her teaching certificate from the University of North Carolina Asheville; worked as a substitute teacher for Asheville City Schools; and built a solar house with her best friend, Jo Silver, as Hardly Able Construction Company.
A devoted homemaker, she cherished working in the yard and garden, and created a warm home that always welcomed and entertained diverse guests and family. In the 1990s she worked as a greeter at Earth Fare, which her son, Roger Jr., founded. She devoted much of her time in that decade and the following to her work with the Asheville Symphony Guild, was instrumental in developing the Guild's Musical Feasts, and served as chair of the feasts for several years.
Charlotte was a proud democrat, enjoyed putting together puzzles, singing along to jazz classics, traveling with her family, and was particularly fond of recounting an interaction with Jon Stewart while viewing a taping of The Daily Show during a trip to New York. Just two nights before her passing, she inspected her house, pointed out which plants needed watering, danced with her daughter, Carol, and played two hands of gin rummy with her children.
Charlotte is survived by her sister, Llewellyn Estep, of Williamsburg, Va.; son, Roger Jr., and his wife, Janese, of Asheville, and Roger's daughter, Katie, of New York; daughter, Julia Rome, and her husband, David, of Frankfort, Ky., and their two sons, Justin and Jeremy; daughter, Carol Neely, and her husband, Steve, of Rutherfordton, and their three sons, Morgan and Carter of Asheville, and Hart and his wife, Jen, of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughter, Patricia, and son, David, of Asheville; great-grandchild, Harper Eames Neely; step-grandchildren, Nathan Rome and his wife, Shannan, Rachel Rome and her husband, Elijiah Israel, and Isaac Gleason; and step-great-grandchildren, Lauren Whiteside, Michal Allen, Gabrielle Israel, Benjamin Rome, Leah Rome, Zoey Parker, Gavin Parker, and Max Gleason.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Winnie Lou, and father, Troy; her brother, Ronnie; and her devoted husband of 56 years, Roger Derrough, Sr.
A public memorial service will be held at Central United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, with the Rev. Dr. Rob Blackburn officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.
The family wishes to extend and express their profound gratitude to the staff of CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care for their guidance and compassion, and to Caroline and Ruth of the Center for End of Life Transitions for their extraordinary assistance and deep knowledge and respect.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in Charlotte's memory to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church St., Asheville, N.C., 28801; the Yancey History Association's Rush Wray Museum, 3 Academy St., Burnsville, N.C., 28714; and the Center for End of Life Transitions, 12 Von Ruck Court, Asheville, N.C., 28801.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To all my Derrough friends -- Charlotte was one of those special moms in my life. Her smile and laughter were contagious and brought many of her children's friends much joy. I shall treasure many memories. As I sat and listened to the harp music, my eyes were mesmerized by the stained glass reflections as the colors glimmered like stars and rainbows on the wall. I felt like angels were gathering to honor Charlotte. May her spirit soar with those angels. Much love, Annie
Annie Martin
February 7, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Charlotte was my 3rd cousin: my grandmother was Charlotte's cousin Fern Ray Ellis, and my mom was Barbara Ellis Davis. I do know how heartbroken you are as my mom just passed away on Jan. 7. I last saw Charlotte in August 2004 at uncle Jim Ellis' house where she came after my grandmother's funeral and brought her yummy pimento cheese. I commented on it to her and she said she would be glad to make it for me any time--just as generous as could be! Her love for all of you and her smile will live forever as fond memories for me. God Bless You All
Cindy Evans
January 21, 2013
Julia,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our mothers became good friends long after we were in high school together. She was so sweet to our family when my mother was going through cancer, hospice and subsequent death. She brought food and had a lot of kind words for us. I really wish I could have known her too. I know you have lots of beautiful memories to help you at this time.
Sharon Scarborough Glisson
January 20, 2013
Hi, it's Claire Wells, I forgot to sign my name to the previous post.......
January 19, 2013
Charlotte had an open heart, a ready smile and embracing spirit for anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path; she was special in so many ways...we will all miss her. Love to all the Derroughs
January 19, 2013
Charlotte had a special enthusiasm and light that she expressed in a sweet and fun way. I am honored to have been touched by her light.
Becky Cannon
January 19, 2013
Twenty years ago when my family would be on a weekend adventure in Western NC (whitewater rafting, snow skiing, boating, hiking, etc.) with Carol Neely's family, we'd often end up at Charlotte's table sharing wonderful food and conversation. Thanks for the memories. It has truly been a blessing!
Kip Goossens
January 18, 2013
Oyster Shells reminds us that every passing life leaves something beautiful behind "A Pearl"...Charlotte was a wonderful person and I know you children will miss her terribly. Our love to you all.
Shirley and Kenn Greene
\Charlotte,N.C.
January 18, 2013
Mrs. Charlotte was a joy to know. I met her at Central through UMW. She was an inspiration and delight to our younger women's group. I will remember her so fondly.
Ann Leonard
January 17, 2013
Charlotte was such a special lady. I treasure the times we spent together working for Symphony Guild. I will miss her hugs and warm smile. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Janice Orson
January 16, 2013
Fondly remembering a wonderful, funny and gracious lady. My prayers are with all of the Derrough family.
Vikki Riddle-Smith
January 15, 2013
Dear Derrough's,
Charlotte was one of those people who brought continuity to the generations. Her youthful smile and vibrant approach to life connected her to all ages of people. Her grace and warmth remain an inspiration to all of us.
Roger, Sue, Sara and KAi Sherman
Roger Sherman
January 15, 2013
Steve and I will miss Charlotte's smiling face. We feel blessed to have known her. We have fond memories of working with Charlotte on a Musical Feasts event and seeing her at church and walking around the neighborhood. Our deepest condolences to her treasured loved ones.
Steve and Carol Bourke
January 15, 2013
Charlotte was a special person in every respect. I came to know her when her homeplace became a museum here in Burnsville and I will always treasure memories of her. James Byrd
James Byrd
January 14, 2013
My sister Barbara and I offer deep condolences to the family of Charlotte, who we will remember as a funny, intelligent, vibrant "double cousin" and great cook. We know she is in a better place with her husband Roger and brother Ronnie. Our prayers are with her sister Lewellyn, her children and the rest of the extended family.
Sincerely,
Tom Higgins
Mooresville, N.C.
January 14, 2013
Dear Roger,
I just received news of your dear mother's transition and want you to know how grateful I am for having had the opportunity to know her even if only briefly. She was such a joyful person, and how precious for her to have been surrounded by all the love of your family till the end of her time here on earth. I hold you, Janese, and all your family in my heart. Blessings and love to you.
Molly Mills
January 14, 2013
Your mom was an amazing lady and she meant a great deal to many, including my parents. My prayers go out for all of you. Sally Harpe Young
Sally Young
January 14, 2013
As the matriarch of the Derrough family, Charlotte touched many of her children's friends for decades... like me. My heart is with Rog, Trish, David, Julia and Carol.
Annie Martin
January 14, 2013
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Charlotte on several occasions ... her incredible smile and sense of humor will be with all of us forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Vicki, Keith, & Kyle Poitinger
January 14, 2013
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers, Julia ~ Amy Pickett Dodson
January 14, 2013
To Roger, Janese and family; I'm so glad you were all there together, to send Charlotte off on her new journey with love and gratitude. She obviously lived well and died well; both great gifts. I am holding you all in my heart.
Debbi Sprinkle
January 14, 2013
To Julia & Family: I would like to offer my condolences to you and your family. I am not sure if you remember me or not but I am a classmate ('72) and I thought you were one of the nicest people I have met. I sometimes browse the Citizens and I saw the last name and I knew that had to be your mom. I will be praying for you and your family and I hope you all remember that God will be by your side when the times are hard and the tears start to flow. Your mom will be looking over you.
Anita Pearson Greene
January 13, 2013
RIchard/Betty/Cram Family
January 13, 2013
To an exceptional human being and very dear friend...you will be missed by us all, but we keep you close in our hearts love and prayers to all of the family.
Tricia
January 13, 2013
Remembering your precious mother and grandmother, and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Debra Greene
January 13, 2013
I was always happy to bask in the glow of your mother's smiles. She will be remembered for her graciousness and kindness, and she will be appreciated as the great mother of fine human beings! Thank you Derrough family for everything. Much love to you all...
Nathan Boniske
January 13, 2013
What an amazing woman and family! I feel very blessed to have known her.
Jodie Jackson
January 13, 2013
I will always remember your mother's loving manner and her generous smile. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Winn Warner Hill
January 13, 2013
In memory of a "very wonderful and beautiful" woman. You made all of us smile!!! Love You and I will miss you
Alan Watts
January 12, 2013
Carol and family,
We are praying for you. Thankful we were able to spend time with "Bigcake" at your house last year.
Candy Arrington
January 12, 2013
Remembering Charlotte with joyful thoughts and keeping the entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
Keith and Susan Hinz
January 12, 2013
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