Christine Stamey Grasty

On Monday, June 19, 2023, Mrs. Christine Stamey Grasty passed away at the Haywood Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents, Boyce and Bonnie Stamey; her husband, James S. Grasty, Sr.; and son, Roger Keener.  In January of 2023, Christine’s son, Roger, passed away unexpectedly.  This loss was profound for her, and after having lost her husband, Jim, in 2011 – she had lost the two loves of her life.  We are comforted knowing that they are all together again in Heaven, and that we will see them all again someday.

Known as "Chris" by some and as "Tine" by others, Christine was born on November 4, 1937 in Madison County’s Meadow Fork area, where she spent her earliest years.  Christine graduated from Spring Creek High School in 1955.  She was active in the Spring Creek community even after moving to Haywood County around 1977.  Christine was secretary and treasurer of the Meadow Fork Community Cemetery for 36 years, participated in nearly every community fundraiser by giving of her time and excellent cooking, for which there was seldom a recipe, or if there was a recipe, she was happy to share it.  Additionally, she and her husband, Jim, coordinated regular cookouts in Madison County as an outreach effort to the elderly there.  Christine was loved by everyone from babies to the elderly.

Christine retired from the North Carolina Department of Public Health after more than 45 years, having served in both the Buncombe and Haywood County offices. When she wasn’t working, she loved to be outside.  Christine was an avid gardener who grew vegetables, fruit, and flowers.  She enjoyed sitting on her porch snapping beans or shucking corn.  She embraced being self-sufficient by canning and freezing much of what she grew, and which she shared generously.  It has often been said that Christine would spoil anyone or anything that would let her.  She even spoiled the chickens that she and Jim raised – they wouldn’t go to roost until they got their evening "good night" visit.

She had lived in the Thickety community of Clyde since 1977 and made many dear friends wherever she went.  She and Jim hosted many cookouts at their home and were always on the lookout for an excuse to gather and to have fun.  Christine loved to do for others.  In addition to cooking and baking favorites, she was an accomplished quilt maker and her quilts have been known to fetch a pretty price at benevolent functions.

She was a member of the Rockwood United Methodist Church family and was always quick to volunteer for opportunities to serve her church community.  The COVID pandemic was difficult for her, because she was such a community-focused person, and missed her friends and family.  Christine had recently been able to return to in-person Sunday School classes and sermons, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Christine leaves behind her stepdaughter, Dawn Grasty Weisbaum (Randy) of Durham; and stepson, James S. Grasty, Jr. (Robin) of Waynesville; nephews Gerald Keener (Sherry) of Hemphill and Jimmy Keener (Patty) of Dana; as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.  A private burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park.  A Celebration of Life service to honor Christine will be held at a later date.