Faire (Lathan) Funderburk

Faire Lathan Funderburk, age 102, passed away peacefully on November 24th at The Haven in Pineville. A service celebrating her life and faith will be held in the Chapel of Central United Methodist Church in Monroe at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 29th, with burial to follow in the Prospect United Methodist Church cemetery. Visitation will be in the Chapel of CUMC from 1:30 to 2:00 pm prior to the service. Church services will be conducted by Senior Pastor Reverend George Freeman and Associate Pastor Reverend Laura Hamrick of Central United Methodist. The graveside service will be conducted by Reverend Gayle Ford, retired Methodist minister. Born August 8, 1913, in Union County, she was a daughter of the late Leonard Franklin and Sarah Fincher Lathan. She was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Lathan, two sisters, Ruth Lathan Deese and Ida Lathan Richardson, and a granddaughter, Leslie Faire Funderburk Coppley. Survivors include two sons, Jim Funderburk of Gastonia and Jerry Funderburk (wife Patricia) of Monroe, a daughter, Barbara Funderburk of Monroe, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two nephews. Faire earned degrees from Appalachian University and devoted her professional life to education in Union County public schools both as teacher and principal. As she often said, “I loved every day in the classroom and every single child I ever taught.” She was instrumental in establishing the speech and hearing therapy programs in the county schools and served as a remedial reading teacher as well. She also served as coordinator for the Child Find program in Union County Schools for which she received the prestigious Felix Barker Award from the State Council for Exceptional Children. She was appointed by former Governor Sanford to serve on the N.C. Citizens Committee for Better Schools. She received state, regional, and national awards for educational projects she implemented. She was a past president of the NCAE. As president of the Monroe Woman’s Club, she guided the establishment of the first playground in Monroe (still in use on Sunset Drive), served on boards with the Council on Aging and the Senior Center ,and as chairperson of the county’s Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for over 10 years. She was active with the Heart Association, the Red Cross, and as a hospital volunteer. She relished acting in local theater groups over the years. She was an accomplished ballroom dancer, holding many trophies from competitions. She also traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world. She was a delightful and inspirational speaker, often sought by civic, educational, and religious organizations. At her death, she was a member of The Waxhaws Chapter Daughters of the American Colonists, having served both as a past chapter regent and as state chaplain for that organization, the John Foster Chapter DAR with over 50 years as a member, and the historic Rock Rest ECA. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church where she served in many offices, including that of being the first female Lay Leader. She founded and was a member of the Lessie Ann Circle there. She wrote and directed a historical drama to celebrate Central’s 133rd anniversary. She was an extraordinary person with a limitless love for people and her community She was a friend to all who met her. Her love of life and people found expression in every facet of her long, fruitful life. Her family would like to extend gratitude to her wonderful, lifelong physician,Dr. John Vick, to the compassion and professionalism of the staff and volunteers with Hospice of the Charlotte Region, and for the many kindnesses extended to her by the staff at The Haven in Pineville, NC. Special thanks for the “extra mile” from aides at Home Instead in Charlotte. Visits, calls, and cards from everyone gave such uplifts to her spirit during the final years of her life. Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church in Monroe, 801 S. Hayne Street, Monroe, NC 28112, Hospice of the Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204, or to a charity of one’s choice. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112, is caring for the Funderburk family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.