Connie Wise

Connie Lou Turner Wise, age 88 of W. Church St. passed away Monday, December 28, 2020.  She was born February 1, 1932 in Cleveland County to the late A.C. Turner and Mary Mittie Russ Turner.  She graduated from Cherryville High School in 1949 and along with her husband, Hillard Wise, received the Senior Superlative “Most Dependable.”  Connie attended Bob Jones University where she was studying to be a Home Missionary.  She married her high school best friend, Hillard Wise, Jr. on February 23, 1951.  Mrs. Wise was a devoted and active member of First Presbyterian Church in Cherryville, serving as a Sunday School teacher, circle leader, and President of the Women of Church.  She received a Life Membership of Presbyterian Women USA.  She was also an Elder and Elder Emeritus.

Connie was instrumental in founding Cherryville Area Ministries where she worked tirelessly for over 25 years and served as Executive Director.  She was honored by Churches, City, and Ministerial Associations for Gaston County for her work.  She always worked the hardest to make sure every child had something under their tree and made sure they had a Christmas Tree.  Mrs. Wise was active in Gaston County United Way and was inducted into Cherryville Hall of Fame in 1986.  She was a member of the Eastern Star Cherryville Chapter where she formerly served as Worthy Matron.

“Let me live in a house beside the road and be a friend to man.” She lived her life always with her eye on her fellow man; assisting the thousands who came by.  She touched many lives as she took the Word of God through her ministry.  She gave and she received many blessings.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Hillard Wise, Jr.; children, Cheryl Wise McGinnis and husband, Joel, Hillard “Butch” Wise, III, and Rusty Wise and wife, Anne; grandchildren, Winston Russ Wise and Savannah Grace Wise; special friend and caregiver, Iwanda Williams; and special brother-in-law, Joe Wise.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Thelma Browne and Martha Turner; brother, Alvin Turner; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Wise and Jill Daggerhart.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Bill Lowe officiating.  Burial will be private.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:30 to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.  COVID 19 restrictions will be observed and masks will be required.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 107 W. Academy St. Cherryville NC 28021 or Cherryville Area Ministries, 212 N. Mountain St. Cherryville NC 28021.

Condolences may be made to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net