Individual Details

Death

Willie Ruth Perry Furr Sep. 29, 1919 - Sep. 6, 2007 Willie Ruth Furr, known to friends and family as 'Billie Ruth', left this world behind for a homecoming in heaven on Thursday morning, September 6, 2007. She was the third child of Lealer Hartsel Perry and William Ruffus Perry. Her work experiences include many years in the Pineville Mill, owning and operating her own restaurant, working for H&R Block, and cashiering for Park-n-Shop Grocery. Billie Ruth Furr was a dedicated member of the Pineville Church of the Nazarene for seventy-one years. She loved her church and her church family, enjoying the fellowship of friends in her Adult Bible Class and the Joy Club. Mrs. Furr believed in sharing her time and her talents, writing music, poetry, and tributes for family, friends, and special occasions. She gave many years of loving and loyal service to her community and to the Pineville Church. Along with many other positions in the church, Mrs. Furr served as church treasurer for fifty years, was Sunday School Superintendent and taught Sunday school for more than fifty years, and was a lifetime member of the Church Board. Billie Ruth Furr was instrumental in raising money for God's work, encouraging others to give and constantly seeking funds for church growth. As a very young woman, she dedicated herself to the raising of money for the first Pineville Church of the Nazarene, which originated on Dover Street and then moved to Gay Street in Pineville. Her dedication continued as she was extremely active in the building of the present church located on Pineville-Matthews Road, working on the building committee, selling bonds, and seeking donations of money, labor, supplies, and prayer. One of her greatest strengths was her ability to pray for and with others. She believed in and knew the power of prayer, constantly praying for the building of God's church here on earth. One example of her mighty works for God was in the building of a church in Rowanda, South Africa. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 8th at Pineville Church of the Nazarene, honoring Mrs. Furr's life and celebrating her homecoming. The Reverend Mark Barnes will officiate, assisted by Reverend Dewey Wise. Burial will follow in Sharon Memorial Park. Mrs. Furr is survived by her son, Joe A. Furr and his wife, Jean; granddaughters, Cindy Furr and her husband, Steve Price, of Charlotte, NC, and Sharon Furr and her husband, Sheldon Groner, of Blackstock, SC; and her great granddaughter, McAllister Price. She leaves behind her wonderful friend and care giver, Ms. Rina Lizardo and her son, Antonio, who has cared for Mrs. Furr over the last year, showering her with attention, compassion, and love. Mrs. Furr is also survived by one niece, Frances Mahoney and her husband, Robert, along with Emily Perry and Mike Perry. She leaves a wonderful church family, good neighbors and a host of friends who meant the world to her. Mrs. Furr was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd C. Furr; her mother, Lealer Hartsel Perry; her father, William Ruffus Perry; and her two brothers, James V. Perry and Charles E. Perry. Memorials may be made to the Pineville Church of the Nazarene, 8614 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226. Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service, Pineville Chapel.
The Charlotte Observer, September 7, 2007