Genelle Katherine Causby

Genelle Katherine Causby, 88, of Morganton passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020 after a multi-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Born in McDowell County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Crawford Morris and Audrey Meldona Mason Morris.  She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church where she served as Coordinator of Prison Ministries, taught Sunday school, was a member of the United Methodist Women, was Laity Delegate, and was a Health and Welfare Representative.  She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and Tarheel basketball.

Genelle graduated from Morganton High School in 1949, Grace Hospital School of Nursing in 1952, and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from NC Central University in 1969.  She began her career at Grace Hospital, working as a nurse from 1952 to 1953, head nurse from 1953 to 1956, pediatric nursing instructor from 1956 to 1959, acting director of nursing from 1959 – 1961, assistance director of nursing from 1970 to 1975, and director of nursing from 1975 to 1981.  She also worked as a pediatric nursing instructor at Lenoir Rhyne College from 1961 to 1967 and as a nursing consultant for SunHealth Corp from 1981 until her retirement.  Genelle was a member of the Friendship Force, traveling with and hosting groups coming to the Morganton area.  She was a member of the Grace Hospital Nursing Alumni, member of the first board of directors for Hospice of Burke County, member of Foothills Hoofers, and a member of the Red Hat Society.  She also travelled locally doing presentation on caregiving as an instructor for AARP.

Genelle is survived by her son, Fred Causby (Amy); grandchildren, Courtney Causby (fiancé, Ethan Winkler), Catherine Causby, Carrigan Causby, and Camelia Causby; brothers, Charles “Charlie” Morris, Sr. (Olga) and Johnn Morris; sisters, Betty Smith and Joyce Counihan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Genelle was preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick Nelson Causby, Sr.

In keeping with her life-long commitment to the advancement of healthcare, her body has been donated to science in hopes that it may further research for a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Salem United Methodist Church with Revs. David Bradley and Norm Jones officiating.  The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Salem United Methodist Church, ALS Research, or to Alzheimer’s Association.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the owner and staff of Hope Ridge Family Care for the excellent love and care extended to Genelle during her final years of life.  They would also like to express their appreciation to the staff of Burke Hospice for their care and assistance during her final days.