Dee Holmes York Vanstory

The community lost one of its greatest historians, artists, and friends. Many people were recipients of Dee’s kindness and afghans as they touched her life and made a difference to her. She was fiercely loyal and devoted to her loved ones, and especially proud of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her relationship with Jesus Christ.

She was born June 22, 1927, in Olin and was the daughter of the late Nathaniel Green “N.G.” and Sue Fraley Holmes. In 1939, she was baptized and joined Tabor Presbyterian Church and joined Macedonia United Methodist Church in 1959 where she served as church pianist for many years. She retired as a licensed practical nurse from Iredell Memorial Hospital following 23 years of service in order to care for her daughter, Rita.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, John Frank York, Sr., whom she married on January 29, 1945, and Charles D. Vanstory, whom she married on December 6, 1981; two daughters, Rita York Hix and Elizabeth “Libby” Delane York; three sisters, Frances H. Feimster, Lola H. Adams, and Robinette H. Feimster; and a brother, Clarence F. Holmes.

She is survived by a son, John Frank York, Jr., of Olin; eight grandchildren, Melanie Hix Harrell (Scott), April Hix, Lauren Hix Upton (Robbie), Jonathan Hix, Angela York, Wendy York Foxcroft (Brooke), Amanda York Mendoza (Omar) and John Frank York III; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Edith H. Holland of Olin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service celebrating Dee’s life will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, October 15, 2015, at Macedonia United Methodist Church in Harmony. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Thursday at the church prior to the service.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.reavisfuneralhomeharmony.com.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to Macedonia United Methodist Church, c/o Joy Holmes, 292 Williamsburg Road, Olin, NC 28660.

Reavis Funeral Home of Harmony is entrusted with the arrangements.