Individual Details

Death

Colleen Hendrix Furr CHARLOTTE - Mrs. Furr, 84, passed away in the night June 27, 2009 at The Laurels Retirement Center in Charlotte. Colleen had a given name but was known by two nicknames given to her, Linda by her husband, and Mickey (for Mickey Mouse) by her brothers and sister. When she called people she would announce herself as Colleen Mickey Linda if she wasn't sure by which name the person knew her. Colleen was born in Columbia, S.C., July 15, 1924, the daughter of the late B.D. Hendrix and Adele L. Hendrix. At an early age the family moved to Charlotte, where she later met and married the late, William W. Furr. They had a long and happy married life. Colleen was a wife, mother, teacher and friend to many people. She graduated from Central High School in Charlotte and Winthrop College in Rock Hill. After marrying, she moved to Columbia to raise her two children during which time she worked at the VA Hospital. Colleen and her family returned to Charlotte in 1960 where she began teaching English and History, her favorite subjects. After twenty five years she retired from teaching at Eastway Junior High where she touched the hearts and minds of many young students during her long career. She was a very compassionate person that would do anything to help a person in need. After retiring she continued to teach continuing education for adults trying to help improve their lives. Her thirst for knowledge kept a book in her hands. Colleen was an aspiring writer and poet from an early age; only with retirement was she finally able to devote time to her passion of poetry. She was involved in The Charlotte Writers Club for many years. One of her proudest moments was winning a state wide poetry contest and being published in a compilation of works for the state. Colleen had many other passions that included gardening and bird watching. Both of which were instilled in her by her mother. She could work in her garden tending the azaleas for hours on end; only stopping to admire the birds that fluttered through. A lifelong Episcopalian, she attended St. Peters Episcopal in Charlotte for many years. After moving to Concord she spent hours helping at All Saints Episcopal before retiring back to Charlotte where she attended Holy Comforter Episcopal. She is survived by her two children Ann F. Ermel and husband, Michael and William W. Furr, Jr. and wife, Maggie, three grandchildren Alicia, Belinda and Chris along with a multitude of nieces and nephews. She had two brothers B.D. Hendrix, Thomas Hendrix and one sister, Louise Morgan that preceded her in death. After a lifetime wondering what it would be like to fly like a bird, she can now join the Blue Birds that she so loved to watch. She always saw the silver lining in every dark cloud and was a ray of sunshine in many people's lives. She will be missed by all of those she came in contact with. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 until 7 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home chapel with Reverend John Shields officiating.
Concord & Kannapolis Independent Tribune, June 30, 2009