Emily Hildreth Gathings

Matthews - Mrs. Emily Hildreth Gathings of Plantation Estates Retirement Community in Matthews, NC, died Friday, August 14, 2015. Born and raised in Wadesboro, NC, she was the daughter of James (Jim) Thomas Hildreth and Rosa Trexler Hildreth. Mrs. Gathings was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, as well as brothers, Thomas Hildreth and Herbert Hildreth. Also preceding her in death were sisters, Ethel Hildreth, Eunice Shepherd, Ellen Caudle, Esther Rucker, Eva Ratliff, Elizabeth Ratliffe and Dorothy Matthews. Surviving is a sister-in-law, Joyce Hildreth, and many loving nieces and nephews. Emily married John 'Jack' Pittman Gathings, Jr. in 1942 and they were happily married until his death in 1986. She worked at Belk's Department Store as buyer of piece goods and hosiery in Wadesboro, NC and Hartsville, SC until 1946. At that time, she and Jack moved to Candor, NC where she worked with her husband in their Western Auto business. Emily also served in Candor as a substitute school teacher. She was very active in many clubs in Candor and especially loved her Garden Club and working in her own yard and gardens. Emily participated in the Fine Arts Club and many bridge clubs. She enjoyed playing bridge with friends and especially enjoyed entertaining in her beautiful home. Emily loved Candor Presbyterian Church where she was a member for many years, being very active in church activities. She served as a Deacon for many years, was a Sunday school teacher and greatly enjoyed being in the Women of the Church. Emily was a scout leader and enjoyed being on many trips with young people. Although never having children, she enjoyed working and being with children during her married life. She loved her godchildren, Jan Harmon Williams and Marion Ratliff; while also loving her nieces and nephews just as much! Emily had many dear friends in Candor and at Plantation Estates but most of all she loved her family and enjoyed being with them. A memorial service will be held at Plantation Estates Retirement Community, 733 Plantation Estates Drive, in Matthews, NC at 1:30PM on Wednesday, August 19. Interment will follow at Anson Memorial Park , Highway 742 South in Wadesboro, NC at 4:30PM Wednesday, August 19. Memorials may be made to Candor Presbyterian Church, PO Box 635, Candor, NC 27229 or Matthews Presbyterian Church, PO Box 97, Matthews NC, 28106.