Carla Charlotte Owenby Dalton, 62

Carla Charlotte Owenby Dalton, 62, a native of Henderson County, started her earthly journey on May 9, 1952, and ended her earthly journey by entering into and Heaven’s domain April 15, 2015. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents Carl E. and Hester Gilbert Owenby.

She leaves behind her precious husband, C. Arthur Dalton, Sr., and two daughters by marriage: Jeannine Burrell of Hendersonville and Deanna (Neil) Brittain of Greensboro, NC; four grandchildren by marriage (who she claimed as her own) Christopher Lynch of Atlantic Beach, NJ; Megan Lynch of Long Beach, CA; Kellie Burrell of Goldsboro, NC; and Ariel Brittain. She is also survived by her first cousin (more like her sister), Jean Owenby Heatherly of Flat Rock, NC; and a dearly loved Uncle (considered the Patriach of the Owenby family), Clifford Owenby of Hendersonville, NC. She leaves behind many beloved friends who became like family; a dear church family; and 4-legged babies.

Carla started her working career at the age of eight setting up bowling pens in her Uncle’s bowling alley in Chimney Rock, NC. She graduated from Edneyville High School as her class valedictorian; then graduated from then Blue Ridge Tech with honors. She worked at the Henderson County Dept of Social Services, the Henderson County Health Dept. and finished her working career in her most loved work place – the Henderson County YMCA , retiring from the YMCA after 25 years of service in 2007.

Carla loved traveling and was blessed by three trips overseas; cross-country of the USA; and many shorter trips. She was constantly reminded of our Heavenly Father in all the beautiful places she saw in her travels and marveled at the blessings of God in allowing her to see so many beautiful places on this earth. Near the end of her life, she made several “bucket-list trips” as long as her health allowed. Her beloved husband, Arthur, family, and many friends helped to make these last trips of her life possible and comfortable.

She was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and was especially grateful to her Pastor, Bryan Melton, and the countless friends and neighbors who constantly encouraged her, brought food to her home, ran errands, brought flowers, sent cards and visited in the last months of her life.

Carla strongly believed that there was enough hurt and pain in the world to the point that she did not need to add to it if she possibly could refrain from doing so. Kind words and actions were strong endeavors in her life. She tried to live her life, and encouraged others, to live out the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Mother Teresa was one of Carla’s role models and some of Carla’s favorite quotes of Mother Teresa: “Peace begins with a smile…”; “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless”; “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

Jackson Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday April 17, 2015 at Mount Moriah Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 3 to 5 PM and Memorial service will start at 5 PM.

It was Carla’s wish that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Building Fund.