Rebecca Joan (Wilson) Cline

Rebecca Joan Wilson Cline, 86, of Kannapolis, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Joan was born on November 25, 1934 in Cabarrus County to the late Paul Allen Wilson and Grace Elizabeth Sifford Wilson.

As a bookkeeper for most of her life, she worked for the offices of Cannon Mills and Cabarrus Construction, as well as her husband's company, Herman's Construction.  She later loved being a substitute teacher for both Cabarrus and Rowan County Schools and took every job she could get.  She loved being in the classroom and always had fun activities for the students to do.

Joan was always busy with something:  reorganizing her office, searching for "new" material for teaching or keeping up with friends and family.  As an avid reader, Joan loved learning and teaching.  Researching her local family history was a favorite pastime.  She adored her cat, Callie, and caring for plants and watching them grow.

Most of all, Joan loved people.  She went out of her way to get to know her neighbors and befriend them.  She especially loved children and made a point to let them know she cared for them, was interested in their lives and that they were important.  Joan and her husband, Herman, were ardent supporters of Boy Scouts of America.  Joan made a point to support and keep in touch with Scouts she knew.

Integral to her life, Joan loved her church, Ebenezer Lutheran.  She faithfully attended every time the doors were open.  She even attended private services so as not to miss the fellowship and worship that was such an important part of her life.  Joan played an important part in starting Ebenezer's Easter Pageant that has lasted over 50 years.  She wrote numerous programs for church activities, often writing her own plays and skits and creating themed events to carry a positive and thought-provoking message for Lutheran Church Women, banquets throughout the year and seasonal children's programs.  Teaching Sunday School for different ages brought her much joy, but, no doubt, she enjoyed talking and sharing with children the most.

Though Joan had no children of her own.  She touched the lives of so many and many considered her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death in 2011 by her beloved husband, Herman Lee Cline, who had been her "boyfriend" since 2nd grade.  Her two sisters, Ellen Elizabeth Cashion and Carol Wilson Orvin, and her brother, Billy Allen Wilson, also preceded her in death.

Those left to cherish her memory include a niece, Kimberly Orvin, nephew, Joe Cashion; dear friends and caregivers, Melvin and Gale Schenck and family, and numerous cousins and friends who will all miss her dearly.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 in the fellowship hall of Ebenezer Lutheran Church.  The funeral service will follow and begin at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Lucas Safrit officiating.  Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 4914 Old Beatty Ford Rd., China Grove, NC 28023.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.