Florence Gettys

GASTONIA - Florence Geneva Quinn Gettys, 82, died March 31, 2010, at Gaston Memorial Hospital.

A longtime Gastonia resident, she was born Feb. 16, 1928, in Clover, S.C., to Alma Biggers Quinn and Elgin Grey Quinn.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Chalmer Gettys and her grandson, Rodney G. Hawkins III.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Rodney Hawkins Jr. of Clover, S.C.; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Elgin Gettys and Ruth Ellen Kinzey of Salisbury; her grandson, Robert Elgin Hawkins of Gastonia and an aunt, Martha Sue Stewart of Clover, S.C.

During her career, she worked in the office at Sterchi's Furniture, was secretary to the administrator at Garrison General Hospital and was the general manager at Gettys Hardware Company. In later years, she provided loving home care to her husband during his extended illness.

An active member of the community, she served as president of the American Legion Post 23 Auxiliary and was a member of the Golden Kiwanis Club and the Lucille Tatum Home Extension Club. She also supported the American Legion Post 23 Ramblin' Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps and Post 23 baseball.

She took great delight in her flowers and gardening, enjoyed music and travel and cared for her beloved pets, Brandy and Fluff.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care and support provided by the doctors, nurses and staff of Gaston Memorial Hospital and Gaston Hospice.

A service to celebrate her life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church of Gatonia.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service.

Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park.

Arrangements are with Greene Funeral Service – Southside Chapel in Gastonia.

Memorials can be made to Gaston Hospice or to First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia.