Myrna K Israel

Myrna Kay Israel, born October 31, 1942, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on January 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. She was the daughter of the late Ralph Elmore Nichols and Eunice Davis Nichols.

Myrna Kay was a proud and involved member of the Enka High School Class of 1961 and a graduate of the Dell School of Medical Technology. She worked for a Brevard physician prior to her marriage to Tech. Sgt. John W. Israel in August of 1963. John had served in the United States Air Force for 18 years. Tragically, on March 8, 1969, he was killed in the crash of a C-130 aircraft while landing at Ching Chuan Kang Air Force Base, leaving Myrna Kay to raise their two children on her own.

A loyal and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Myrna Kay lived her life devoted to her faith and family. She raised her children in the church, instilling strong values and ensuring both received good educations. Her faith was not only spoken, but lived out daily through her service to others.

Myrna Kay was deeply involved in Piney Mountain Methodist Church, where she served for many years as President of the United Methodist Women, helping raise funds for missions. She faithfully participated in Vacation Bible School, Trunk or Treats, and numerous church activities. A talented pianist, Myrna Kay shared her gift generously, playing for many churches, weddings, and countless funerals, and occasionally filling in as pianist at Piney Mountain Methodist Church.

Her servant's heart extended beyond the church walls. Myrna Kay tutored children at Pisgah Elementary School for many years and served her community in countless ways, always putting others before herself.

Myrna Kay is survived by her loving children, Mona Israel Shope (husband Larry Shope) and Sean Patrick Israel (wife Generosa Israel); her grandchildren, Megan Lancaster, Morgan Denton (husband Logan Denton), and Bill Riddle; and her great-grandchildren, Tyson Patton and Hadley Denton. She is also survived by her siblings, Zina Nichols and John Nichols (wife Fonda Nichols).

Funeral services for Myrna Kay will be held at Piney Mountain United Methodist Church on Friday, February 6, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., and graveside service immediately following in the church cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.

In keeping with the faith that guided her life, Myrna Kay found great comfort in the promise of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Her family rejoices in the assurance that she now rests in that everlasting life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Piney Mountain United Methodist Church Fund, continuing Myrna Kay's lifelong dedication to her faith and community.