Jessie Mae Kale

CATAWBA - Jessie Mae Ervin Kale, 98, of Catawba, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Abernethy Laurels in Newton. Born May 11, 1911, in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Miles Harvey Ervin and Bertha Bolick Ervin. Jessie was a member of Concord United Methodist Church in Catawba. Her adult life centered around her family, church and large garden that she loved to share. She taught the ladies' adult Sunday school class and quilted with the ladies of the church for many years. One of her favorite sayings was, "The Lord has blessed me all my life." Jessie was a blessing to others all her life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll E. Kale; three brothers; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by three sons, Jimmy Kale and wife, Johnsie, and Kermit Kale and wife, Josephine, all of Catawba, and Steven Kale and wife, Carolyn, of Newton; three daughters, Josephine Burke and husband, Steve, of Lincolnton, Joyce Lee and husband, Robert, of Michigan and Janice Bumgarner and husband, Allen, of Catawba; sister, Helen Sherrill of Newton; 16 hrandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at 3 p.m. at Concord United Methodist Church in Catawba, with the Rev. Roger Sailors officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. in the Concord UMC Family Life Center, prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Concord United Methodist Church Building Fund, 4618 Monbo Road, Catawba, N.C. 28609. Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences online. Burke Mortuary in Newton is serving the Kale family.