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Rosemarie (Whitener) Nivens (1948 - 2016)
Obituary
A woman of God who served Him in the church as a Methodist minister for 14 years, a lady who loved her family dearly, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother that handcrafted quilts for each of her grandchildren... Rosemarie Whitener Nivens age 68, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at her residence. Rosemarie loved to scrapbook, leaving memories for her family. Rosemarie graduated from Winthrop University and from Emory University with a masters of Divinity and ministered in the South Carolina Conference until 1993. She also was a high school English teacher for 10 years. Along with her career, Rosemarie was the administrative assistant for her husband so as to strengthen his ministry. They made a great team together. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and most recently to Hawaii.
She is the daughter of the late David Rufus Whitener and Frances Roberts Whitener.
Those left to cherish Rosemarie's memories are her high school sweetheart and husband of 49 1/2 years: Cecil Ernest "Ernie" Nivens of Gastonia, North Carolina; three daughters and sons in law: Cathy Nivens Hammett and Kevin of Gaffney, South Carolina, Noelle Nivens Beam and Bo of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Emily Nivens Wilson and Jon of Belmont, North Carolina; seven grandchildren: Eric, Matthew and Kristin Hammett, Justin and Ryan Beam, Browning and Asher Wilson.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at First ARP Church, 317 South Chester Street, Gastonia, North Carolina 28052 with Reverend Matt Kuiken, Dr. Jeff Morrison delivering words of comfort to the family and friends. The Honorable Jesse Caldwell III will deliver the eulogy. The family will entertain friends at the church one hour prior to the ceremony.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM ~ 8:00 PM Monday, November 21, 2016 at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are asked to be made to the Levine Cancer Institute, Breast Cancer Fund, 208 East Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203 or the Gaston Hospice House 258 East Garrison Blvd. Gastonia, North Carolina 28054.
Those who wish to make expressions of love and share fond memories are asked to visit Rosemarie's guestbook at www.carothers funeralhomegastonia.com
Carothers Funeral at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to be serving the family of Rosemarie Whitener Nivens. -
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Kay Manning (Elrod)
Photos taken from Carothers Funeral Home web site.
Dennis W. Haire
Rosemarie was a very sweet girl and also very smart. So sorry to hear of her passing. Ernie and I go back to our old Northside days and his father was my baseball coach for the Aragon Little League team. Like Rosemarie, Ernie was also a Methodist minister for many years.
Dennis Haire
Mike Woodall
Very quite unassuming intelligent young woman in high school.
Parable of the talents:"Her ( his) master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Linda Hunter (Carroll Helms)
Rest in Peace,always such a sweet Lady and friend .. God Be with Family and friends.. Prayers..
George Crow
I echo the sentiments of my classmates above in describing this lovely and gifted classmate and sister of ours. May her every memory bring joy and peace to Ernie and the family as they mourn her temporary and heartbreaking separation.
Thomas Carter
We are saddened to hear of her passing. See was a quiet and dignified person and our hearts go out to her family.
Marilyn (Lyn) Baker (Jackson)
Rosemarie and I went back a long ways. We grew up together in the College Park community and were best friends in junior high. She loved my Mom's pear salads and I loved her Mom's potatoe salad so we would swap our lunches. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. My sincere condolences to Ernie and her family. Will miss seeing her at future reunions.
Sister Carolyn Ann Bennett, Ihm
I am so sorry to hear of Rosemarie's passing. She was always kind and helpful to me in high school, always smiling and having good things to say to you each day. Rest in the Lord's peace, Rosemarie. My prayers are for your family.
Lewis Whisonant
Rosemarie was a quiet, sweet , and smart girl who always had a smile. I remember her sitting behind me in Mrs. Mayfield's US History class. I am saddened to hear of her passing. Too many of us are leaving too soon, but we know that God knows best.