Bertha Dare Kepley

Bertha Dare Kinley Kepley, 83, of John Young Road, departed on her final journey on Monday, August 31, 2015, from Hinkle Hospice House to join her husband, James. Together they had spent many years traveling the world, especially the outer banks which became their second home. They shared boating and fishing trips with much loved friends and family. James was the captain, but she was his inspiring, creative, and colorful first mate. Mrs. Kepley began her life journey on May 23, 1932, in Thomasville. Parents were Samuel Kinley and Vertie Pope Kinley. Throughout her life she played many roles. She was an integral part of the creation and sustaining of Kepley Frank Hardwood Company, their family business. She was also a wife and mother to not only her children but also neighborhood children and those of her friends. Along with James by her side, her home was always open and fun where everyone who visited felt like they were the most welcome guests. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James Hoyle Kepley Sr., who died June 6, 1998; and sisters, Flossie Lovette, Kate Glascoe, and Janie Hicks; sisters-in-law, Lalah Frank and Hazel Frank; and a brother-in-law, James Frank. Surviving are son, James H. “Jim” Kepley Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Lexington; daughters, Deborah Kepley Ward and husband Jim of Hilton Head, SC, and Susan Kepley Jones and husband Donald of Lexington, with whom she lived for the last three years. They were very compassionate and caring. Chef Don prepared wonderful, tempting cuisine for Nana, as everyone affectionately called her. The role of Nana became her last title in life. Her biological grandchildren were Sarah Elizabeth Kepley, Bryan Ward, Carrie Ward, and Dara Jones. Bertha also became Nana to many more people before she departed to again be “first mate” with James. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Jack Frank of Lexington. A special thank you is extended to her loving caregivers, Fe Boyd and Jean Gooch. The celebration and reflection on her life will be 4 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015, at Beck’s Reformed Church, where she was a member, with the Rev. James Byers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will share time and memories with friends at the church from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday prior to the service and Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at 202 Partridge Lane. Memorials may be made to Beck’s Reformed Church Scholarship Fund, 2845 Beck’s Church Road, Lexington, NC 27292; or Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292.