Lois Ophelia Cheek

Miss Lois Cheek, age 99, passed away at sunrise on December 9, 2021. She was born September 19, 1922, to D.W. (Dolphus) and Oma Groce Cheek of Yadkinville, NC. She was the oldest of ten (10) children and was affectionately known as Miss Lois, or Aunt Lois to many people. Beyond any doubt the days spent with her brothers, sisters, family, and friends were indeed special and very much beyond description. When asked some years ago about her first memory, she said two things; watching my dad plowing a field with a mule and baking a cake in the wood stove at the “old house”. Her first educational experience was at Center School which was not “too far” from her home, and you are correct ... for two years, she walked to school.  She then attended Yadkinville School and graduated in 1942. The first award she ever earned was at Yadkinville School. This recognition was for a dress she had made in Home Economics class. She was thrilled beyond measure when both her father and her mother were present to see her receive this award, from there it was on Winston-Salem, NC where she attended Draughn’s Business College for one year and she even had her own apartment on Sixth Street. When our nation became involved in World War II her plans had to change and she went to work at the Carbon Plant and thereafter she began her career at Western Electric. She proudly retired from AT & T in 1987 after 46 years of distinguished service at age 62. During her years at Western Electric she was active in their Arts and Crafts organization known as Chapter 79 of the Old North State Pioneers. She won numerous awards for her efforts including “Best of Show” in 1980. As we all know and by her own admission, she loved her family and each member of it, whether young or old. The same was true for her friends. If you ever met her more than likely you were immediately a friend. She loved her church, Southern Gospel music, and certainly her neighbors. She spent many a late afternoon visiting with her friends and neighbors. Miss Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Wilford Cheek, her sisters Margaret (W.T.) Shore, Inez (Vincent) Waddell, and Annie Lee (in 1925). Miss Lois is survived by her sister Athlene “Nick” (Paul) Fulton of Winston-Salem, and her brother J.W. (Frankie) Cheek of Yadkinville, her sister in law Marie Cheek, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews. We wish to give special thanks to Ms. Michelle Lail, and the other caregivers over the past several years including her immediate family who have assisted and made it possible for her to reside in her home. We especially want to extend our sincere appreciation to Mountain Valley Hospice for their assistance. Public visitation will be held on Friday December 17, 2021 from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm at Gentry Family Funeral Services in Yadkinville. Family members will not be attendance unless they choose to do so individually due to health concerns. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. We also thank YOU for your prayers, your food, your cards, and every act of kindness. In lieu of flowers donations may be to: Mountain Valley Hospice 688 N Bridge Street, Elkin NC 28621 or Alzheimer’s Association Western NC Chapter4600 Park Road Suite 250 Charlotte, NC 28209. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Cheek family.