Elrea (Marlow) Hendren

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Elrea Marlow Hendren, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024.  She was born on July 14, 1934, to Vertie and Elda Anderson Marlow.  Elrea was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Max G. Hendren; her daughter, Karen Hendren Billings; her brother, Keith Marlow; and her sister, Arlene Lawson.

Elrea is survived by her daughters, Janice Hendren Hamby (Burl) and Kathy Hendren Hobbs (Steve); her son-in-law, Jerry Billings; her grandchildren, Beth Sanford, Nathan Walsh (Debra), Kristen Hobbs (Courtney), Donna Billings Simpson (Mike) and Robert Billings (Judy); seven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her dear friend and hairdresser, Jan Billings.

A lifelong resident of the Brushy Mountains in Wilkes County, Elrea dedicated her life to her family, community, and faith.  In the early years of her marriage, she was a devoted homemaker, raising her family alongside Max.  As her children grew older, she worked at Spainhour’s Department Store and later retired from Ithaca Industries where she worked in the Quality Control Department.

Elrea was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church, contributing wherever she was needed.  She also gave tirelessly to her community through the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club and played a key role organizing the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival since its inception in 1978.  For her dedication to the Ruritan Club, she was honored as a Tom Downing Fellow, the organization’s highest distinction.

Elrea cherished traveling with Max in their later years and was known for her exceptional cooking and warm, friendly personality.  Her legacy of service and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Services will be held at Bethany Baptist Church on Brushy Mountain Road in Wilkes County on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 2:30 PM with Rev. Jimmy Menis, Rev. Jonah Parker and Rev. John T.  Vannoy, III officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Members of the Brushy Mtn. Fire Department will serve as pallbearers.  May her memory bring comfort to all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church, PO Box 759, Moravian Falls, NC 28654 or Mountain Valley SECU Hospice Home, 243 North Lee Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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