Geneva Christine Rector

Geneva Christine Rector 100, of Drexel, NC left her last earthly home at College Pines Nursing Center in Valdese and went to join her Lord and family on Thursday, February 16, 2017.  Geneva, the eldest of five children, was born on September 26, 1916 to the late Joseph William Lawrence Rector and Sallie Sarah Magdalene Abernathy.

Geneva grew up in Drexel and graduated from Morganton High School in 1933.  After high school she graduated from Appalachian State Teachers College in 1936 where she earned a BS degree in Mathematics and Physical Education and a teaching certificate in Science.  She taught for three years, one each at Marion City Schools, Low Gap in Surry Co. and Haw Creek High School in Buncombe Co. before deciding that she wanted to pursue other avenues. After attending Blanton’s Business College in Asheville, she worked for 3 years for the Clark-Fowler Cigar Company in Asheville. During WWII she went to work for Tennessee Eastman Kodak in Kingsport, TN. From there she retired in 1981 after 38 years of service and returned to Drexel to be with her aging father.  Never married, her extended family was one of her greatest joys.  She was always active in her church and also enjoyed gardening and hiking.

Geneva was preceded in death by her sister, Opal Marie Rector and her husband Edgar Crutchfield, and one of their four children William (Bill) Crutchfield; her brother William (Bud) Lawrenzo Rector, his first wife Frances Graybeal and two of their four children Jerry Dean Rector and David L Rector.  Also preceding her in death were brothers Ray McGimpsey Rector, Lloyd Kenyan Rector and his wife Caroleen Day.

Geneva is survived by sisters-in-law Catherine Whisnant Rector and Willadean Day Rector.

Also surviving are nieces and nephews Edgar (Buck) Crutchfield Jr. and his wife Carol, Emily Crutchfield Chadwick and her husband Edward, Sallie Crutchfield Harvey and her husband Troy, Betty Sue Rector Allen and her husband Virgil, Joseph Rector and his wife Sarah, Bruce Rector and his wife Elaine, Kevin Rector and his wife Virginia (Ginny), Neil Rector and his wife Susan, and Kyle Rector and his wife Susan, Carol Rector Bankhead and her husband Todd.

In addition, Geneva is survived by Bill Crutchfield’s widow Patricia, David Rector’s widow Insuk, along with numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm, Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will be held at 2 pm in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home (1011 S. Sterling St., Morganton) with the Rev. Michael Duncan officiating.  Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Drexel First Baptist Church, PO Box 308, Drexel, NC 28619 or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.