Obituary of Atholene Funderburk

Atholene Plyler Funderburk Atholene Plyler Funderburk, resident of Charlotte for over 80 years, peacefully passed away late Monday afternoon, January 3, 2011, at the age of 102. Family and friends knew Mrs. Funderburk as ?Big Mom?, a title that reflected her status as the matriarch of her multi-generational family. Atholene was born in Chesterfield Co., SC on February 15, 1908 to Franklin A. Plyler and Hattie F. Plyler. She was one of fourteen children, and received education through the 12th grade, a wonderful feat for women during the period in which they fought for suffrage. Atholene married Evan William Funderburk on December 25, 1925. They were married for over 60 years until Mr. Funderburk passed away on July 27, 1986. Prior to retirement, Mrs. Funderburk served as a nurse?s aid. She was a caring woman who enjoyed giving her time to the community. She was known for visiting nursing homes to sit with elderly people who had no family to visit them. Her passion was soil and sunshine; she gardened every day. The fruits of her labor were beautiful and the process kept her young. Those who knew her recall with a smile that she had a great sense of humor. She was strong in every sense, and wise, having faced many hardships in her life, including the loss of her husband, Evan W. Funderburk, her daughter, Annie Laura McKinney, her son, Eugene Funderburke, and her grandson, Richard McKinney. Besides living 102 years of a healthy life, one of Mrs. Funderburk?s greatest accomplishments was the establishment of an extensive family. She taught everyone the importance of hard work, the pursuit of education, and the invaluable bonds of family. Big Mom is survived by two sons, Edward Funderburk, and William Funderburk, both of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren, Michael Funderburke of Cincinnati, OH, Mark Funderburke of Roanoke, VA, Lisa Mann of Charlottesville, VA, and Leslie Johnson of Annapolis, MD; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at Trinity Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM, and interment will follow in Forest Lawn West. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday evening, January 7, 2011 at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service.