Audrey Louise Bales

Audrey Louise Dodd Bales, age 100, died on July 16, 2021. She was born in Boaz, AL on March 1, 1921, one of nine children of the late David Edward and Maude Smith Dodd. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence and her son Duane. Audrey graduated in 1942 from Berea College KY, where she met Clarence. She received her Master’s degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University in 1969. After the family moved to Monroe in 1961, she became the first librarian at Sun Valley High School. She later worked as the Media Director of Union Country Public Schools. Audrey was a member of First Baptist Church of Monroe for 60 years. She helped with the church library and was an active member of WMU and Tapestries Bible Fellowship class. She held leadership positions in Alpha Delta Kappa honorary society for retired teachers, Rock Rest Extension and Community Association and Union County Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed reading, traveling and gardening. She and Clarence visited all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. The entire family took many trips all over the United States and especially enjoyed exploring national parks in the western states. A memorial service for Audrey will be held at 2:00PM August 14, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Monroe, 109 W. Morrow Ave. Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00PM to 1:50PM, and following the service. Audrey is survived by her son Stephen Bales (Virginia) of Midland MI and her daughter Susan Bales of Monroe; her grandsons Aaron Bales of Lansing MI and Jason Bales (Maureen) of Durham NC; her great-grandchildren William, Kaedyn and Nora. She is also survived by a brother Keith Dodd (Iris) and sisters-in-law Helen Dodd and Anne Bales. The family would like to give special thanks to Robin Mundie and the caring staff at Avendelle Assisted Living in Wingate NC, to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region and also to Lisa Crook for her love and care of Audrey over many months. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Monroe, 109 Morrow Avenue, Monroe NC 28112 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408 Charlotte, NC 28247. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Bales family.