Cletis D Lynch

Cletis Louise (Dellinger) Lynch, a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on September 4, 2023, at her home in Charlotte, NC after being in hospice care for two years. Cletis was born on November 26, 1939, in Spruce Pine, North Carolina to Edward and Mildred Dellinger. She graduated from Bowman High School in 1958. Cletis was happily married to Thomas F. Lynch Jr. for 53 years before he passed away in May of 2021.

When Cletis married Thomas Lynch in 1967, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist. It was normal for women to stay home with the children while their husbands worked. But even by the standards of the era, Cletis was an exceptional wife and mother. She cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. She always ensured that every child who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, and happy.

It would be wrong to say that Cletis lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Cletis stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly looks like. There was no quit in Cletis.

Cletis is survived by her sister Miriam Lamb, her brother Arthur Dellinger, her four children Harvey Lynch, Cynthia Brown, Edward Lynch, and Michael Lynch; step-children Sharon King, Jefferey Lynch, Lisa McAteer; and her grandchildren Brittany, Arilyn, Garrett; step-grandchildren Amy, Justin, David, Heather, Janita, and eight step-great grandchildren.