Nadine Grindstaff Fisher

On January 2, 2017, Nadine Grindstaff Fisher passed away peacefully while being read poetry by her son-in-law.  Mrs. Fisher suffered with Alzheimer’s, and had declined steadily following the death of her beloved husband, Harold B. Fisher, just thirteen months prior.

Mrs. Fisher was born April 27, 1932, and was raised on Stoney Creek, just outside of Elizabethton, TN.  Although their coal mining father did all he could, the family of twelve struggled financially, like most during that era.  She was a member of the basketball team in High School, made excellent grades, and decided she wanted more.

She, the oldest of six girls and baby sister to four brothers, was the first of her family to attend college.  With no money, she packed what she had, and attended Lees-McRae College, where she entered agreements with them to work for her education and realized nursing was her calling.  She worked at Grace Hospital, and became an R.N.  While in nursing school, she met a handsome, young businessman by the name of Harold B. Fisher.

Mother and Daddy adored one another.  They were together for ten years, growing their business, Fisher’s Market of Morganton, before adopting their first child, Gina (incidentally, Mrs. Fisher passed on Gina’s birthday, which Gina sees as a true honor).  A couple years later, along came Art, and then Marla, to complete the family.

The family greatly enjoyed travelling and camping, especially with Jim Fisher’s family.  Together, they travelled the country and Canada.  She loved her church, First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, televised trials, swimming in her pool (even though she never really learned to swim), playing board games, working puzzles, playing on Yahoo with her siblings, and ice cream.

Once her children had flown the nest, she returned to her nursing career, working at Grace Ridge as a supervisor. 

She was a tough, but loving woman.  To earn her trust was attainable, but difficult.  Earning her respect was to be treasured.  Her love for her grandchildren was endless.  We know she is in Heaven with her husband of 57 years, and they are watching us all.  She is survived by her children; Gina Fisher-Isaacs and husband Jody of Morganton, NC; Art Fisher and wife Kelly of Morganton, NC; and Marla Fisher Barnwell and husband Chris of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren Kelsey Fisher, Carlee Poole, Luke Fisher, Ben Fisher, Spencer Barnwell, Addison Poole, Holden Barnwell, Harper Isaacs, and Ragan Fisher; sisters Judy Scholl, Mary Nell Greer, Erma Barker, Ann Breeland, and a very special sister, Della Nettles, of SC, without whom, we would not have made it through this time as well; brothers Orville Grindstaff, and JD Grindstaff, and numerous nieces and nephews  Preceded in death by; beloved husband, Harold Bennett Fisher, and his parents Bennett H. and Etta Fisher; her parents Vaught and Lina Grindstaff; brothers Bert Grindstaff and Ernest Grindstaff.

We will miss you, Mommy.  Your wit, your fierce loyalty, your lemon meringue pies, and your honesty.

A special thanks to Cambridge House of Longview NC, and our cousin, Conlee Fisher Clarke of Catawba Regional Hospice, for her help and guidance during the last thirteen months.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following charities: Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658, the Children’s Home Society of NC, PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415, or to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 200, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm, Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The graveside service will follow at 2:30 pm at Burke Memorial Park with the Rev. Adam Bowling officiating.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.