Vangie Mae Wells Altizer

Vangie was born May 25, 1924, to Bessie Jane Henson Wells and Duard N. Wells in Kings Mountain.

She was retired from American & Efird Mills, was an accomplished church pianist/organist, and was a very beloved piano teacher. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, and will be missed by all.

On Feb. 14, 1948, Vangie married James Daniel Altizer in Tazewell County, Va. The couple was married 49 years and raised three boys together. As a pianist, Vangie was well known for her impeccable musicianship, her “lightning-fast fingers,” and her creative mixing of musical style. Though classically trained, Vangie was equally comfortable with the likes of Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude, When They Ring Those Golden Bells, Give the World a Smile, and even St. Louis Blues! She is listed in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and was acclaimed not only for her playing but for her ability to mimic others’ playing styles. God gifted Vangie Mae with a wonderfully unique extraordinary talent, and she dedicated her life to Him.

Survivors left to cherish Vangie’s memory include her sons, Dennis Altizer (Susan), Greg Altizer (Lisa), Kevin Altizer; grandchildren, Rebecca Carriker (Terrill), Greg Altizer (Sara); great-grandchildren, Ally Wilson, Stephen Carriker, Jada and Ella Altizer; and her sister, Alice Moss.

A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Catawba Heights Baptist Church, 311 Belmont Mount Holly Road, Belmont, with a service to follow at noon.Interment will be in Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mount Holly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region, 1057 Red Ventures Drive, Suite 150, Fort Mill, SC 29707; or donatehospice.org.

Online condolences and notes of sympathy may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomestanley.com.

Carothers Funeral Home in Stanley is serving the Altizer family