Joan Abernathy Blackwelder, age 74 of Bessemer City, passed away peacefully October 29, 2023, at her home.

She was born September 24, 1949 in Lincoln County to the late Clyde David and Mary Helen Sneed Abernathy. Joan was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and loved doing her daily devotionals. She was a people person and never met a stranger. Joan retired from UPS but also worked numerous other jobs. She was good at bringing her family in to help her with many new ventures including numerous restaurants in Cherryville and Shelby, an ice cream shop, consignment shop, and even her hotdog cart. Joan was skilled in canning, gardening, jewelry making, crafting, and sewing. She was a collector of all things and loved Elvis. Her greatest treasure was time spent with her family and especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Amy Blackwelder; and infant brother, Clyde David Abernathy, Jr.

Survivors include her husband of 26 years, Wade Thomas Blackwelder; daughters, Cori Hager (Joni) and Aundi Wright (Dava Smith); brother, Tony Abernathy (Cathy); grandchildren, Tyler Hoopaugh (Jamie), Payton Hoopaugh (Madison Garren), Jaden Smith (Mia Bandinelli), Chase Vaughn, Chance Vaughn, and Leland Williams; great grandchildren, Tracyn and Landon; nieces, Summer Abernathy and Brittany Abernathy; great nephew, Cooper Mauney; and sister-in-law, Peggy Pierce.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Carpenter-Porter Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Huss, Rev. Ken Gibson, and Rev. Bob Wise officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Lincoln County, 900 Dontia Dr. Lincolnton NC 28092.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com