Mary Katharine Wimberly

"Kay"

Mrs. Wimberly, 90, of Charlotte, NC, formerly of Greensboro, NC, passed away on August 31, 2011 at Asbury Care Center. She was born on December 12, 1920 in Guilford County, NC, a daughter of Ellis Bowers Snyder and Mary Esther Diggs Snyder, and beloved wife of the late Oliver Erskin Alexander Wimberly.

Kay earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Greensboro College, and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Appalachian State Teachers College, before going on to teach private music lessons while serving as organist/choir director for various churches throughout southern NC. After moving to Hartsville SC, she developed the music program for the high school choir to award winning status, on both local and state levels, after which she initiated and implemented the original music program for the elementary schools. She returned to NC, serving as Gaston County School System’s Music Supervisor until her retirement in 1971. After retirement, she continued teaching music privately and participating in music programs in various NC churches. Love of reading, birds, and aquatic activities occupied most of her private/quiet time.

Kay is survived by three children: Judith Wimberly Hannon and husband, Bill of Charlotte, NC, Ronald Erskin Wimberly and wife, Mary Jo of Greensboro, NC, and Norma Jean Wimberly Gwinn of Tucson, AZ; nine grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

A service in celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2011 in the Sanctuary of Myers Park United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in Jubilee Hall. A private family interment will be held in Greensboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.