Mrs. Sibyle Irene Abernethy Hager, 78, of Hickory, NC, died Monday, September 13, 2021 at Carolina Caring Sherrill’s Ford Hospice House. She was born July 13, 1943 in Newton, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thurman Ray Abernethy, Eva Punch Abernethy, and brother Terry. Her late grandparents were Anna Sigmon Punch and husband Pinkney Hazelius Punch.
She was a graduate of Newton-Conover High School and Lenoir Rhyne University. After Sibyle and Greg were married, they moved to Andrews Air force base. She was an X-ray technician at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. She taught at Startown Elementary for a year after moving back to Newton, and then joined her husband as controller at Tri-City Electronics, Inc. where she worked for over 50 years. Sibyle and Greg are both members of Providence Baptist Church in Hickory, NC.
Sibyle participated in numerous community programs. She helped start the Catawba County Better Business Bureau and served as the first Chairperson. Sibyle was an active member of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and she served on the Board of Directors. Sibyle served on the BB&T Advisory Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board. She served on several county committees to raise money for organizations like the Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry and the Science Center. In addition, she also served as Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Catawba County. She also hosted a fund raiser event for Elizabeth Dole.
Sibyle and Greg received the awards of the ‘North Carolina Business of the Year’ by NCRMA and ‘The Faith in the Future’ award given by The Chamber of Commerce of Catawba County.
One honor that Sibyle treasured is an article that she wrote for NARDA, National Association of Retail Dealers of America, about the importance of women working and buying in the electronics business. The AP picked up the article and this article is still available on the internet.
In addition to great times with friends and family, Sibyle and Greg enjoyed traveling. During their years in business, they qualified from sales contests for many trips and excursions around the world. They visited numerous states including Hawaii, and seventeen different countries. She also thoroughly enjoyed her childhood hobby of watercolor painting. Her paintings are displayed in her and her family’s homes. She thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called her ‘Mimi’. She also enjoyed going to the Punch and Abernethy family reunions.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Loyd Gregory Hager, sister Trudy Abernethy Hunicke and husband William E. (Bill) Hunicke, sister-in-law Vicky Hager Turner and late husband Joe E. Turner Sr., son Brian Gregory Hager and wife Taryn, daughter Leslie Hager Bolick and husband Richard.
Also surviving are the following grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Leigha Hager, Bradley Hager-Lugo and wife Jessica Hager-Lugo, Benjamin Hager, and step-grandchildren; Jennifer Bolick Reynolds and husband Brenden, Joshua Bolick, Jacob Medina and wife Britni, Daniel Medina and wife Molly.
Great-grandchildren include Elizabeth, Charlotte, and Penelope Hager-Lugo, step-great-grandchildren Nolan and Zoiey Bolick, Braxton and Emma Reynolds, and Kaison Medina.
Surviving aunt and cousins include Betty Watts, and cousins Darvin Punch and wife Arlene, Vicky McGuirk and husband Gary, Ginny Jefferies and husband Richard, Julie Wright and husband Chris, Caroline McGuirk, Katie Jeffries and sons Wyatt and Brooks.
Her surviving nieces and nephews include Kristin Hunicke Cugnon and husband Xavier, William Kyle Hunicke, Kari Hunicke Hatley and husband Andy, Cindy Hord and husband Jerry, Sandy Plank and husband Eddie, Reverend Joe Turner Jr. and wife Angie.
Surviving great nieces and great nephews include Eva and James Hatley, Cody and Lily Hunicke, Margaux Cugnon, Joey Turner and wife Brandy and children Levi, Lexi, and Remi, and Chris Turner.
Funeral services will be held at Providence Baptist Church, 7618 Providence Church Road in Hickory, NC 28602 on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Chris Dale will officiate, and the burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive visitors Friday, September 17, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
The family is requesting that all attending wear masks. Masks will be available if needed.
Pallbearers will be Richard Bolick, Kristin Cugnon, Xavier Cugnon, Kyle Hunicke, Brad Hager-Lugo, and Ben Hager.
Memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church, 7618 Providence Church Road in Hickory, NC 28602.
Condolences may be sent to the Hager family at https://www.dignitymemorial.com .
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