Janet Renee Abernathy

Janet Renee Abernathy, 71, passed away peacefully December 12, 2023, at the Robin Johnson House in Dallas, NC at the end of an 18-month battle with brain cancer. Born in Gaston County, January 30, 1952. She was preceded in death by her parents John Barkley and Betty Ann Rhyne Abernathy. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Stanley for more than 60 years, teaching Sunday School and Bible studies.
Raised in deep Christian values, Renee was a woman of faith, always trusting God with her life and endeavors. She lived life to the fullest. Not letting her visual impairment hold her back; she always optimistically looked forward to her next adventure. Renee is in heaven now seeing clearly with marvelous colors.
She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister who led a Godly life serving as a role model for her family and community attending several mission trips with her church family.
Renee was a graduate of Stanley High School, attended St. Andrews College, graduate of UNC Pembroke with a BA in Sociology, graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in Counseling, graduate of PA College of Optometry MSLVR in Low Vision Rehabilitation. She began her career of service as an assistant to the chaplain at Gaston Memorial Hospital. She then worked 33 years for the NC Division of Services for the Blind in Gaston County, She also served as a member of the Gastonia Noon Lion's Club. She founded the BV's a support group for the visually impaired people for Gaston County. Serving on the board for Ski for Light and Guiding Eyes for the Blind for many years. She enjoyed arranging cruises, fishing trips, and beach trips for the visually impaired. She loved participating for many years in the Ski for Light annual event.
Renee is survived by her son, Jeremy Abernathy and wife Ashley and beloved granddaughter Madison Abernathy of Dallas, NC; Brothers David Abernathy and his wife Patricia of Stanley, NC; Paul Abernathy and his wife Linda of Alexis, NC. One niece; Heather Rumfelt and her husband Jeromy; Three nephews; Christopher Abernathy and his wife Danielle, Phillip Abernathy and his wife Melissa, Ryan Abernathy and his wife Elizabeth. Eight great nieces and nephews: Kirsten Abernathy, Austin Abernathy, Landon Abernathy, Connor Abernathy, Hadley Rumfelt, Evan Rumfelt, Avery Abernathy, and John Abernathy.
An aunt, Rebecca Hovis of Stanley, NC; Uncle Jacob Rhyne and wife Carolyn of Dallas, NC. Her guide dogs Shamus, Henley, Bianca, Dolce, Abner, and Farlie.
Our family is deeply grateful for her best friend and caregiver; Christina Caldwell, caregiver Regina Smith, and the Robin Johnson House staff.
A celebration of Renee's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Stanley at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday December 16, 2023. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00p.m., prior to the service. A burial will follow at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Stanley, 512 Old Mount Holly Road, Stanley, NC 28164.
Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org or sent to 403 East Brevard Drive, Stanley NC 28164. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is serving the Abernathy family
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