Doris Garnett Travis Rimmer

Doris Garnett Travis Rimmer entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 and is now rejoicing, pain free, in her new Heavenly home. She was born January 19, 1927 in Iredell County to the late Charles Leroy Travis, Sr., and Vera Pearl Nash Travis.

Garnett was educated in Iredell County Schools and at a young age was a switchboard operator at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Upon her return to Statesville she met and married the love of her life, Harold S. Rimmer. They were married at the home of her parents on South Lackey Street on March 8, 1946.

They lived in Kannapolis North Carolina in the home that Harold, and his father-in-law Charles Leroy Travis, Sr built from the foundation to the roof. They eventually found their way to Florida, and upon their return to N.C., made their home in Statesville. Garnett was a well known waitress for many years at the Howard Johnson's and Chat-N-Nibble Restaurants. She also operated Rimmer's Grocery.

Her greatest and most notable achievement however, was that of being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Garnett had a deep rooted faith in Jesus Christ, and was a member of Oakdale Baptist Church. She loved to sing and listen to "old timey Hymns".

Garnett was a master seamstress. When West Iredell High School was first opened, she and a friend, the late "Sis" Josey, were approached by the Band Director, the late Jim Calabrese, about making a model band uniform based on the "Warrior" theme. The model was well received and she and Mrs. Josey made the uniforms for every member of the West Iredell Marching Band.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Charles L. Travis, Jr.; a sister, Fern T. Hamilton; and a son-in-law, Glenn Allen "Pete" Kerley.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 67 years, Harold S. Rimmer; daughters, Doni R. Kerley, of Kernersville, and Kay R. Tuttle, (Carroll), of Lenoir; sons, Dennis Rimmer, of North Wilkesboro, and Eddie Rimmer, (Robin), of Statesville. She is also survived by sisters Mona T. Lackey, of Statesville, and Mary T. Wooten of Holly Hill, FL.; and a sister-in-law, Jewel S. Travis, of Statesville. She is further survived by grandchildren, Alan Kerley, (AJ), Crystal K. Giffin, (Cory), Ginny B. Webb, (Blake), Daniel Brown, (Patty), Elizabeth Brown, (Fiancé Lee Gillette), and David Rimmer, (Kristan); great-grandchildren, Jordan Giffin, Brayden Giffin, Autumn Webb, Michael Brown, Gabriel Brown, David Rimmer, and soon to be born "baby girl" Webb; and a host of very special nieces, and nephews.

Garnett was blessed to have many special friends, and neighbors, that she deeply loved. You gave her enjoyment with your visits, assistance, and more especially your love, and friendship. You touched her heart, and brought her great joy, and comfort.

Services to celebrate the life of Garnett Rimmer will be conducted on Saturday, August 23, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 315 West Broad Street, in Statesville, N.C. with the Reverends Mack Mathis, and Michael Ghering, and Hospice Chaplain Sharon Snow officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church immediately following the service.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Music Ministry of Oakdale Baptist Church, 585 Mocksville Highway, Statesville, NC 28625, or, the Meals on Wheels Program of the Iredell County Council on Aging, 344 East Front Street, Statesville, N.C. 28677, or, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, N.C. 28677.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of the Health Care Providers who gave such wonderful care to Garnett over the years. We also extend our love and appreciation to all of the staff of Gordon Hospice House for your compassion, care, and love. She truly loved each of you. Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Rimmer Family.