Barbara Jean (Hamilton) Hepler

Mrs. Barbara Jean Hamilton Hepler passed from this earth and entered into life eternal on March 19, 2020. She has been a resident at Piedmont Crossings for three years and formerly from the Fair Grove community. She was the youngest of the seven children of John Rasper Hamilton and Alma Green Hamilton. She graduated from Fair Grove High School in 1949. She attended East Carolina University. She worked as a teacher’s aid at Fair Grove Elementary School for many years. Ironically, she and L.C. attended the very first Bible study for Fair Grove United Methodist Church in 1938, when they were only six and eleven years old respectively. On July 26, 1952 she married her one true love and sweetheart, Luther Charles (L.C.) Hepler, Jr. They were married in Fair Grove United Methodist Church, where she had been a faithful member. They shared 56 wonderful years together until L.C.’s passing in 2008. She was very active in her church as children’s coordinator, Sunday school teacher, and Methodist Women. She served as President of Methodist Women on the local level and as Vice President and President on the District level. She was instrumental in getting the Chrismon Tree tradition started during the Advent season for Fair Grove United Methodist Church. She was one of the first members of the Thomasville Junior Woman’s Club and later, Thomasville Woman’s Club. She served on the executive board and many committees. Before her passing, she was the oldest active living member of the Thomasville Woman’s Club. Much of her life was centered on the church and the community of Fair Grove. Together, she and L.C. raised their family in the Church which meant so very much to them both. She enjoyed arts and crafts including basketweaving and needlework. Much of her handicraft was given as presents to children and grandchildren throughout the years which is cherished by all. She and L.C. were avid vegetable gardeners for many years. She would diligently can and freeze vegetables for the family to enjoy in the winter months. After L.C.’s retirement, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and the World. Retirement years were very well deserved and together, she and L.C. enjoyed every day. She would repeatedly tell friends and family how much she and L.C. enjoyed those retirement years.

She is survived by a daughter, Linda Cheryl Hepler Lee, a son, Luther Charles Hepler, III and his wife Sharon Sullivan Hepler, all of Thomasville. Grandchildren Jeremy Daniel Lee, Ryan Hamilton Lee and wife Mayra Lee, Joshua Charles Hepler and his wife Lynnsey Lollis Hepler, Connor Anthony Lee, and Maggie Ann Hepler. Great-grandchildren Jaden Lee, Avery Lee, and Noah Lee. And many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at Fair Grove United Methodist Church in Thomasville. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. We would like to thank the staff and Piedmont Crossings for the exceptional care given to her the past three years. Memorials may be directed to Fair Grove United Methodist Church, 138 Fair Grove Road, Thomasville, N.C. 27360 or to Piedmont Crossings 100 Hedrick Drive, Thomasville, N.C. 27360.

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