Lois Ann Richardson Carney, 86, passed away Sunday evening, April 1, at her home in Lawndale, North Carolina. Lois was born November 7, 1931, at home in State College, Pennsylvania, Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Louis Alexander and Margaret Freas Richardson; her sister, Mary Dawson; and her son-in-law, Brian Alexander Simpson.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John Williams Carney, Jr. and her four children: Karen Louise Carney Simpson of Lawndale, North Carolina; John Williams Carney, III, and wife DawnMarie Vestevich of Chicago, Illinois; Mark Douglas Carney and wife Patty of Darien, Illinois; Walter Louis Carney and wife Laurie of Wheaton, Illinois as well as her brother, Louis Alexander Richardson, and wife Ruth of Holmes Beach, Florida; She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Shannon Alexis Simpson Nagel and husband Anthony of Canton, Georgia; Colin Louis Simpson of Charlotte, North Carolina; Devin John Kyle Simpson, of Pittsboro, North Carolina; Sean Cameron Garry Simpson, of Asheville, North Carolina; John Williams Carney, IV, of Boulder, Colorado; Katherine Elizabeth and Taran Alexander Carney, of Chicago, Illinois, Hanna Lyn Carney of McHenry, Illinois, as well as three great-grandchildren: Anthony Fredrick and Garrett John Nagel of Canton, Georgia, and Trinity Jane Larson of McHenry, Illinois.

Lois was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and graduated magna cum laude from Penn State University in 1953, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She had a passion for learning and a belief that individuals are never too young to be challenged. Her career was devoted to providing enriched learning environments to preschool children of diverse backgrounds in various settings including Head Start and KinderCare. She also spent several years as a realtor in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Lois loved being outdoors and athletics. An avid downhill skier, she was the 1947 Pennsylvania Women's Slalom Champion. She enjoyed fly fishing, playing baseball, Nittany Lion football, golf, and anything at the beach.

She loved all kinds of music and was an accomplished singer. She sang in the Penn State University Chapel Choir. Lois was a great cook and enjoyed sharing good food with family and friends. She also loved to play bridge, read, and knit.

Lois believed in giving back to her community. Whether providing food for Thanksgiving, presents for Christmas, treat baskets for Easter, or warm clothes for children without, Lois could be counted on to help those in need. A breast cancer survivor, she later shared her empathy by compassionately volunteering with Hospice in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In later years, she enjoyed sitting on the porch and watching the birds as well as anything having to do with family. She was an avid Shelby High School football fan and continued to provide companionship to her husband, John, on the golf course.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 6, at 11 am in the Chapel at Shelby Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Luke Harkey officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends in Shelby Presbyterian's Ellis Hall an hour before the service from 10 until 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: www.humanesociety.org.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Carney.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com