Jane Lenora Blackwelder Abernethy, 61, of Statesville, N.C., went home to be with her Lord on March 25, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and renal failure. Jane was born February 8, 1950 in Statesville, N.C. and was the daughter of the late Lewis Wilson Blackwelder and Anne Weston Blackwelder. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Angel Hope Holt. On March 5, 1983 she married Ronnie R. Abernethy. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Lisa Holt Elledge and husband David of Harmony; a son, Darren Wilson Holt and wife Kerri of Statesville; two precious granddaughters, Courtney Jane Elledge and Hailey Ann Holt, both of whom love their "Gabby" very much. In addition, she is also survived by two brothers, Jerry Blackwelder and wife Sandra of Clemmons, N.C., and Kent Blackwelder and wife Denise of Statesville; two sister-in-laws, Judy Griffin (Bill) and Sandra Ewing (Joey Finger) of Catawba, and a brother-in-law Terry Abernethy (Cathy) of Whitsett. A number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive. Jane was a graduate of North Iredell High School and was retired from Mitchell Community College following 23 years service in the Library and business office. She was a member of Rose Chapel United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women and cherished her church family. A service to celebrate the life of Jane will be conducted 2:00 PM Monday, March 28, 2011, at Rose Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Ralph Lepley officiating. The Rose Chapel Methodist Men's Group will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will visit with friends following the services at Rose Chapel United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Jane loved flowers and has enjoyed many in the last several months that her friends have brought to her. In lieu of flowers at this time, memorials may be made to Rose Chapel United Methodist Church Meals on Wheels Program, 815 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville, N.C. 28625, or to Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, N.C. 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at
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. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Jane Blackwelder Abernethy.