Nan Elizabeth Abernathy

ABERNATHY, BOYLE, WATTERS, TOEPFER, CHARLTON

Posted By: Alice Daniels (email)
Date: 9/21/2013 at 06:53:23

Centerville Daily Iowegian And Citizen
September 8, 1945

OBITUARY

Miss Nan Abernathy, who was well known here due to a life-long residence in Centerville, died Sunday morning, Sept. 2, 1945 at the home of her sister, Mrs. J. K. Boyle, following an illness of nearly two years.
Nan Elizabeth Abernathy was born in Centerville, Ia., on August 14th, 1884, being the daughter of Alonzo and Sarah Moore Abernathy. During her girlhood she attended the Centerville schools. On February 8, 1903 she united with the Baptist church of Centerville, but in after years she united with the Central Church of Christ, and was an active and faithful member until her passing. She was also a member of the Philathea Class of the Bible School of the Central Church. When she was about 18 years of age, she began working at the Regal Laundry and continued her work there for 18 years, following which period of time she made a change of occupation by becoming an employee of the N. V. Craig Cleaning Co., where she made a reputation by her skill in the pressing of women's garments. She continued in the employ of the Craig Co. for more than 22 years, and until she was incapacitated by illness.
Miss Abernathy was also a member of the Rebecca Lodge, and during the early years of the organization, she was a member of the BPW.
Her mother having died when she was young, the father and the three children, Nan, William T.
and Ethel went to live with Nan's grandmother and the latter's daughter, Miss Rachel Abernathy. Following the death of the grandmother and father, the children continued
to reside with their aunt, at 610 North 6th Street. Since June, 1944, she and her aunt had made their home with the sister, Mrs. Boyle. Thus throughout the larger part of Nan's life
she and the aunt were almost constant companions. The aged aunt faithfully ministered at the bedside of her niece throughout the latter's long illness.
The aunt, Miss Rachel Abernathy, and the sister, Mrs. Ethel Boyle, the last sole survivor of
the three children, survive to mourn the death of a loved one whom they will sadly miss. The
brother, William T. Abernathy of Des Moines died on Feb. 5, 1940.
There are also two nieces, Mrs. Clifford Watters and Mrs. Dale W. Toepfer, a great niece, Barbara Jane Toepfer, age ten and a greatnephew, Billy Dale Toepfer, age five. Also a sister-in-law, Mrs. William Charlton, all of Des Moines, Iowa.
Nan was a woman of tine character and had many friends in and around Centerville who will mourn her passing.
Funeral services were held from the Central Church of Christ on Thursday afternoon with H. E.
Trimble, pastor of the church, officiating. Burial was in Oakland.