Joan Pless

Joan Bumgarner Pless, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at The Homestead. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the later Walter Henry and Nancy Selma Singleton Bumgarner. She was also preceded in death by a son, Tim Pless; three brothers, Carroll, Frank, and Ernest Bumgarner; and two sisters, Betty Goodson and Dorothy Faye Bumgarner. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Joan was a very determined lady in all areas of her life. She was extremely dedicated to her family especially her husband as a pastor's wife. Joan loved to teach, especially vacation Bible school. She adored children and was always loving and encouraging them. Music was a special part of her life, she enjoyed singing in the choir and playing the piano. She was fun-loving and will be remembered for her wonderful laugh and gentle spirit. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Reverend Howard Pless; a son, David Pless and his wife, Vickie, of Fair Bluff; a daughter, Risa Spradling and her husband, Sumner of Browns Summit; a sister, Iva Lee Elingburg of Candler; eight grandchildren, David Pless, Jr., Carrie Wilson, Sallie Floyd, Drew, Josh and Sean Pless, and Jason and Carter Spradling; and eight great grandchildren, Delaney and Caleb Pless, Harrison and Grayson Wilson, Brody Pless, Hunter, Emily and Jackson Spradling; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Jack Holland and Reverend Dr. Perry Brindley officiating. Burial will follow at New Cruso Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Lottie Moon Missions, 261 Dix Creek Road, Canton, NC 28716.

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