Owonia Leola Farthing Nichols

Owonia Leola Farthing Nichols, 99, died Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Grace Hospital. She was born in Avery County, NC on June 15, 1910 and was a daughter of the late James Monroe Farthing and Matilda Jane Stamey Farthing Stamey. Owonia was the oldest living member of Zion Baptist Church, and her main mission and joy in life was talking to her family and friends, sharing stories of the good ole days, witnessing and ministering to others, her faith in God always shining through, and her desire that everyone’s life she touched know the Lord as their savior. Her beautiful spirit and her sweet smile made everyone she met feel warm and special. Today she is walking on the "streets of gold" with her brand new body. Without a doubt when she saw her Lord it took her breath away. Psalm 121Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and caregiver; the love of her life, Jean Nichols, of Morganton; a step-daughter, Joretta Musslewhite and her husband, Warren, of Apopka, FL; a niece, Ruth Harvey and her husband, Rennis, of Morganton; and numerous step-nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.In addition to her parents, Mrs. Nichols was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Durant Nichols; brother, Ormond Farthing; half-brothers, Conard and Cecil Farthing; sister, Pauline Farthing; and half-sisters, Mabel Stamey and Ellen Farthing Key.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at Zion Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Parker and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. Flowers will be appreciated, but memorial contributions may be made to Stamey Town Baptist Church, 660 Stamey Branch Rd., Newland, NC 28657 or to WCIS 760 The Cross, PO Box 1806, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.