Billie Johnston Schronce, age 94, of Ranlo, North Carolina passed away on February 3, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Gaston County on February 17, 1929. She graduated from Ashley High School and had a career as a bookkeeper for Tile Town, Smith’s Drug Store and family owned businesses throughout the years. She spent many years managing Johnston’s Garage and Service Station in Lowell, NC. She enjoyed ceramics and taught ceramic classes at her shop and at area civic organizations. She was a member of Lowell Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her father, Miles Cletus Johnston, Sr, her mother Essie Strickland Johnston, her brother Miles Cletus Johnston, Jr (Sonny) and a grandson Miles Bennett Schronce.
She was survived by her husband of 70 years, Vernon Schronce. Sons: Doug Schronce (Wanda) of Rutherfordton, NC; Kevin Schronce of Ranlo, NC. Daughters: Judy Casey (Sammy) of Dudley, NC; Tammy Schronce (Debi Pace) of Gastonia, NC. Grandchildren: Nick Schronce (Roxy) of Gastonia, NC, Ethan Schronce of Gastonia, NC and Brian Casey (Daisy) of Goldsboro, NC. Great Grandchildren: Emma Schronce of Gastonia, NC; Harper Schronce of Gastonia, NC, Jackson Casey of Goldsboro, NC and Jace Casey of Goldsboro, NC.
A service celebrating Billie’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday February 9, 2024 at Lowell Church of God, 804 West First Street, Lowell, NC. The family will receive friends at the church before the service beginning at 12:30 pm. Billie will be laid to rest at Gaston Memorial Park, in Gastonia, immediately following the service. Reverend Joe Heffner will officiate and Nicholas Schronce, Brian Casey, Randy Smith, Buddy Gates, Larry Bragg and Chris Thompson will be her pallbearers.
The family extends a special “thanks” to the caring and compassionate staff at Gaston Hospice who provided care during her final days.
Fond memories of Billie and condolences for the family can be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations are made in Billie’s name to Lowell Church of God, 804 W. 1st St., Lowell, NC 28098 or Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054 or https://caromonthealth.org/our-community/foundation/donate/ .
The staffs of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park and Gaston Memorial Park are honored to serve the Schronce Family.
