Johnnie Belle McPhaul of Raeford died Sunday, March 23, 2014 in her home at the age of 96.
She was born July 4, 1917 in the Wheat Swamp community of Lenoir County to the late John and Eunice Sugg. She was a graduate of Wheat Swamp High School and then attended The Worth Business School in Charlotte where she met John Worthy "Buck" McPhaul. They married in 1939 and returned to Raeford in 1943. Not only partners in marriage, Johnnie Bell and Buck started several businesses together including McPhaul Accounting, McPhaul Williams Office Supply, and the Raeford branch of Nationwide Insurance. They later purchased the McLauchlin Company where she worked until 1997.
A devoted member of Raeford Presbyterian Church for 68 years, she served as secretary and treasurer of the Women Of The Church and was very active in the Ladies Circle until her death. For her faithful devotion and service, she was awarded a Lifetime Membership to The Raeford Presbyterian Church in 1986. She was also honored at the Hoke County Centennial celebration in 2011 by serving as a Grand Marshall of the parade.
Those who knew and loved Johnnie Belle would say that few matched her zest for life. She loved to play bridge, cook for her family (especially her famous fried chicken), work in her yard, go to the beach, and spend as much time as she could with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by Buck in 1991, she is survived by her daughters, Carol M. Sample of Newton, and Patricia M. Bingay (Thomas) of Lewisville; her sons John William McPhaul (Ann) of Shallotte and James F. McPhaul of Raeford; her sister, Bruce Bennett of Pompano Beach, Florida; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the John C. Ropp Fellowship Hall at Raeford Presbyterian Church on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary with the Rev. Michael McGehee and the Rev. Dr. Ray Harris officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Raeford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Raeford Presbyterian Church, 128 W. Edinborough Ave, Raeford, NC 28376. Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.