Nona Claire Trowbridge

Nona was born on November 1, 1932, in Pelion, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Leonel Blanton Ergle and Jessie Mae Sanders Ergle. She grew up in South Carolina and graduated from Furman University in Greenville. Following graduation, she met James Norman Trowbridge at a neighborhood party in Aiken, South Carolina, and the two were married. They made their home in Wadesboro, where they raised their three daughters.

Nona devoted her professional life to educating children, serving as an elementary and middle school teacher in the Anson County Schools. Her commitment to teaching reflected her care for others and her dedication to the community.

After moving to Monroe, she became an active member of First Baptist Church, where she served as a deacon. She also taught Sunday school and shared her musical talents by playing the piano. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, and was known for baking delicious cakes for church suppers and fundraisers, offering her time and talents in service to others.

An avid reader, Mrs. Trowbridge began her mornings with The Washington Post and made weekly visits to the Union County Library in Monroe to replenish her supply of novels. Her love of reading remained a cherished part of her daily life.

Mrs. Trowbridge was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Norman Trowbridge; her parents, Leonel Blanton Ergle and Jessie Mae Sanders Ergle; her brother, Leonel Blanton Ergle Jr.; and her sister, Joanna Lynn Ergle Johnson.

She is survived by her three daughters: Sara Claire Trowbridge Combs of Abingdon, Virginia; Julia Catherine Trowbridge (Steve) Martin of Lenoir, North Carolina; and Ann Carol Trowbridge Bailes of Monroe, North Carolina. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Mary Claire Martin McGhan of Durham, North Carolina; James Luke Martin of Raleigh, North Carolina; Carrie Ann Bailes of Roanoke, Virginia; and Nathan Gordon Bailes of Rock Hill, South Carolina; as well as four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Monroe, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be considered for the Union County Library, 316 East Windsor Street, Monroe, NC 28112.