Elsie Abernathy Primm, a beautiful spirit, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2024 at the age of 105 at her home in Denver, NC. She was born in Lincoln County on October 21, 1919, a daughter of Lee Alexander and Connie Cashion Abernathy. Elsie grew up in and for most of her life was a resident of the Triangle area in Lincoln County.
She remained active into her later years until battling dementia in her late nineties and lived with her daughter Linda in the home she and her husband built in 1947, just across the street from Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, where she was a long time member.
After retiring from employment with General Time Company in Davidson in the 1980’s, Elsie found her true calling when she found basket making. creating some glorious baskets from that time until several years before her death. She loved the art of making baskets and creating something new and unique. Elsie was an exhibitor at the Metrolina Christmas Show and later at the Christmas Made in The South show, leaving that show at her 90th birthday in 2009. After that she participated in the Denver Art Trail. .
Next to her love of basket making, nothing made her happier than being outside with her long handled hoe, hat on, digging in her flower beds and keeping her yard looking great
Elsie is survived by her daughter Linda and by nieces: Trudy Moss Starr and husband Ronnie, Newton; nephew W. S. Abernathy, Jr and wife Ann of San Antonio, TX; Jane Moss, Hickory, widow of nephew Johnny Moss; and great nieces Beth Luckey McCoy; Gigi Taylor Schweikert; and Connie Gaeckle, and great nephews Alex Taylor, Jeff Luckey; Aaron Moss and Jonathan Moss; and great, great nieces and nephews.
Her husband Henry Anderson Primm, and her daughter Phyllis Ann Primm, died in 1981 and 1983, respectively. Elsie was also predeceased by her sisters Annie Mable Luckey, Sarah Paulina Edwards, Jessie Belle Long, Margaret Helen Moss and brothers Roy Lee Abernathy and William Shellum Abernathy, Sr., and a special great niece, Robin Baker.
Elsie was a substitute mother to many. She is well described by a Mother’s Day card she received: “Moving mountains with patience and courage, Overlooking and forgiving mistakes, Touching lives with warmth and kindness, Hearing what’s been left unsaid, Encouraging gently with her presence, and Remembering the things that matter most.” She had a love of life, an infectious laugh, a beautiful winning smile, and will be missed dearly by her loving friends and family, especially at Christmas, her most favorite time of the year.
Her daughter Linda thanks all the many caregivers who assisted her throughout her illness. Especially Mary Hunter her longtime friend and helper, Kelly Hirst, Diane Phillips, June Simms, Lindsey Blackman. She is also grateful for the many kindnesses of friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Elsie’s Life will take place on at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Unity Presbyterian Church Denver, North Carolina.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to The Good Samaritan Funeral Home in Denver, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church, 8210 Unity Church Rd, Denver, NC 28037, or to the charity of your choice.
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