Dorothy Bowman Abernethy


Hickory, N.C. - Dorothy Bowman Abernethy, 81, of Hickory, passed away April 13, 2008. Born Aug. 24, 1926, in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Arthur (C.A.) Bowman and Minnie Pearl Bowman (Deaton) and wife of the late Kenneth Hahn Abernethy.

Dorothy graduated from Startown School and attended Clevenger Business School.
She and Kenneth were married from 1943 until his death in 1988.

She worked as a bookkeeper in Kenneth's business, Printing Services Inc., and worked as a volunteer for the American Legion Catawba County Fair Association as well as for the American Diabetes Association.

In addition, she worked for a period of time as a teacher's aid at Ridgeview Elementary School. From childhood, Dorothy was a member of New Jerusalem Church, from which she moved to become a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where she served many years on the church council before returning to New Jerusalem, where she became active again in church life, in particular the Monday night women's circle. She also was active in several local bridge clubs and enjoyed water aerobics and other activities with her many friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister, Francis Bollinger, and her brother, Arthur Calvin (A.C.) Bowman.

Survivors include sisters, Lois Moose of Hickory and Martha Caudill of Goldsboro; son and wife, Reggie and Yvonne Abernethy of Cornelius; granddaughter, Erin Abernethy of Greensboro; daughter, Pat and husband, Alan Bolch, of Newton; and a grandson, Erik Bolch of Newton. Dorothy also leaves many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends whom she loved.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008, at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church on Startown Road.

Burial will follow in Catawba Memorial Park on U.S. 70.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evening, April 17, 2008, at Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory.