Evelyn Jeanette Avant McRae, 79, of Rockingham, passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born June 5, 1944, in Richmond County, daughter of the late Oscar Lennis Avant and Frances Evelyn Ingram Avant.
Jeanette previously worked in textiles. She loved watching westerns with “Gunsmoke” being her favorite. She took great pride in her home, herself, and her family. She enjoyed cooking and creating her own recipes, and was particularly fond of sweets. Giving to others brought her tremendous joy and she was always willing to help anyone in need. She never met a stranger and could easily make friends wherever she would go. Her greatest joy was her family and she loved family gatherings. Jeanette will be missed by her family and everyone who knew and loved her.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John William McRae; brothers, Richard, Floyd and Jerry Avant; and sister, Patricia Lemar.
Jeanette is survived by her daughters, Angela Bennett of Rockingham, Rhonda Whitlock (Billy) of Ellerbe and Kelli Jones (Brent) of Wake Forest; grandchildren, Chrissy Yow of Rockingham, Cassandra Fowler (Mike) of Ellerbe, John Whitlock (Brittney) of Ellerbe, Leigh Dressel (Travis) of Aberdeen, Heather Bashaw (Cory) of Wake Forest and Brandon Jones (Emily) of Charlotte; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Eastside Cemetery, Rockingham. Burial will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the McRae family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
