Lorene was born July 22, 1933, in Gastonia. Lorene was preceded in death by her beloved mother Emma Jones Jolly and her adoptive father Mason Jolly; she was also preceded in death by her father Clifford Milton McNabb. In addition, Lorene was preceded in death by her devoted husband George Walter Lynn, to whom she was happily married for 66 years.
Those left to treasure her memory include her adored daughter Sharon Kay (Sherry) Lynn Finger and son-in-law John Wilson Finger of Cramerton; her two precious grandchildren: “little” Ashley Lynn Finger Chamberlain and husband Dr. Adam Chamberlain of Calabash, NC; and “sweet” Dr. John (John-John – her 53rd birthday present) Wilson Finger, Jr., his wife Dr. Meghan Kelley-Finger of Centreville, AL, and their son, Lorene’s cherished great-grandchild, Edward Walter Finger. Lorene is also survived by a half-brother Ronald Clifford McNabb of Hendersonville, NC as well as many “second sons” and special cousins.
With her confident smile and magnetic personality, Lorene never met a stranger. She brightened every room and was genuinely interested in other people, easily making friends and sustaining lifelong friendships. This started early in life, growing up in the shadows of the Loray Mill and attending Loray Baptist Church.
In 1952 Lorene graduated from Gastonia High School, and she awaited the return of the love of her life from his service in the Korean War. When George returned, they were married in Gaffney, SC by Judge W. R. Douglas. George’s next military duty was in Camp Cooke, California, which was their first home. They were then transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington, where their first and only child was born. Later they moved to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. On each stop, they made numerous friends that Lorene would correspond with throughout her life, even maintaining relationships with her friends’ children.
After a few years, George and Lorene moved back to Gastonia. Back home, Lorene was employed at Pama Manufacturing as the Industrial Relations Secretary and Benefits Coordinator for 26 years, where she also planned the employee family picnics and Christmas parties. After Pama closed, she was a secretary for the Gaston County School System for 18 years, retiring in 2005 at the age of 72.
Lorene was a voracious reader. She would wake up early and wait for her morning newspaper and had a large collection of books – mostly biographies and books related to American history. During the week she enjoyed her ‘story’- The Young and the Restless - and held a particular fondness for her favorite character, Victor Newman. She also enjoyed ‘shop till we drop’ trips, amassing a beautiful collection of statement jewelry, pocketbooks and Santa Claus figurines. Throughout her life Lorene took pride in always looking her best, even taking care since 2010 to dress up for her endless doctors’ appointments and chemotherapy treatments.
Holidays were very special to Lorene, and she had a great appreciation for traditions, particularly the annual family reunion in Murphy, NC. Furthermore, Lorene enjoyed traveling, particularly family vacations at “Thee Beach House” in Cherry Grove and their little Shoal Creek mountain house.
Most of all, Lorene invested her heart and soul into her family, loving fiercely and unconditionally. She was happiest spending quality time with her “perfect” family - that is, when “all of her chickens were under her wings” - and was thrilled to know her legacy would continue with the birth of her great-grandson. Lorene made those around her feel treasured, encouraged, and cared for, making them feel rich beyond measure. Her family will carry her love and countless memories with them until they are reunited.
Contributions can be made to Loray Baptist Church in Gastonia or Gaston Hospice.
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