Earlene “Nanny” McCourry went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 15, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. A devoted follower of Jesus, she was welcomed into His loving arms, her body restored and made whole. Her family rejoices knowing that Nanny is now in the presence of her Savior, where there is no more pain, only peace and joy. Her unwavering faith in the Lord gave her strength throughout her life.
Born to Ben and Lizzie Peterson on March 5, 1935, Earlene’s life was a testament to her faith, as she lived each day loving others as Christ loved her. She had a heart for serving others and created a legacy of love that will live on through the countless lives that she touched. Nanny’s home was always a place of warmth and love, open to everyone who needed a friend or a kind word. Many times, you’d find her in the kitchen, always ready to offer a meal to whoever stopped by or working in the flowers she loved so much.
Earlene and husband Alvin McCourry raised five children: Mike McCourry, Danny McCourry, Gayla Bryant, Liz Elkins, and Cheryl Dale, each of whom carry forward the values of faith and love she instilled in them. Nanny took great pride in her large, loving family and was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mike and Beth’s family includes their three children: Justin McCourry, Erin McCourry and fiance Jorge, and Alex McCourry. Justin and Jessica have two daughters, Madison and Caroline. Alex and Sean have a daughter, Catherine.
Danny and Valerie’s family includes Adam McCourry and Renee McCourry. Adam and Jenny are the parents of Ally Jane and Ben. Renee and Jamie have three sons, Mack, Thomas, and Ellis.
Gayla and Gary’s family includes Kenny and Mandy Bryant as well as David and Leslie Bryant who have two children, Levi and Haven.
Liz and Eric’s family includes Blake Elkins, Haley Elkins, Nealy McIntosh and his children Charlie and Ava.
Cheryl and fiance Chris’s family includes Kayla Blankenship and Jacob Dale. Kayla and Frank have two children, Willow and Micajah. Jacob and Jacquelin have a daughter, Paisley.
Earlene is also survived by her siblings Bud, Mary, and Bet. She is now reunited in Heaven with her siblings Edward, Jay, Seth, Virginia, Carl, Jerry, Clay, and Verna and her son in law, Michael, who went before her.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to the many dedicated caregivers who poured themselves out to provide compassionate support and care to our beloved Nanny in her final days, including Sarah Angel and Amy Hughes. Their kindness, patience, and gentle care brought comfort not only to her but to all of us during a difficult time. We are forever grateful for the way you honored her dignity and filled her last moments with peace and love.
Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in the assurance that Nanny is now in the presence of our Lord, where her faith has now become sight. Nanny will be deeply missed, but we rest in the assurance that they will see her again in eternity. Until that day, we celebrate her life she lived and the love she shared during her time on this earth. We are encouraged by the words of Jesus in John 16:22: “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” Though we grieve the loss of Earlene, who was so much to so many, we take comfort in the promise of a future reunion, where sorrow will be replaced with unshakable joy. This truth will bring us peace and strength in the days ahead as we hold onto the treasured memories of our Nanny.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024, in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and loved ones for visitation two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in the McCourry/Peterson Cemetery on Jacks Creek in Burnsville, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Hospice of the Blue Ridge, The Gideons or Samaritan’s Purse.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the McCourry family.
