Allene C. Stepp, age 97

Allene C. Stepp, 97, of Hendersonville stepped into glory Sunday morning, April 27, 2014, at the Elizabeth House. She had been in failing health for some time.

She was a Henderson County native, born Jan. 17, 1917. She was the daughter of the late James Fanning Corn and Ida Jeanette McCarson Corn. She was the widow of Charlie Elbert Stepp, who died in February 1979. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Agnes Blythe Mintz, Eva Osteen, Gladys Nelson, Launa Harvey, Malvin, Earl, Leon, and Roy Corn; great-granddaughter, Amy Caraker; and several nieces and nephews.

She was a longtime faithful member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville having been baptized in that church in 1929. She was a good Christian mother who raised her children to be believers. She was a fulltime homemaker but also a lifelong caregiver and babysitter. At age 9, her mother passed away from cancer leaving several children at home. She, along with two other sisters who were still at home, helped their father keep the family together by sharing in the rearing.

She is survived by daughters, JoAnn Fain and husband, David, Betty Lou MaGruder and husband, Gene Ray; three grandchildren, Michael Fain, Diane Worthen and husband, Ken, Donna Caraker and husband, Steve; four great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; half-sister, Alma Corn Stepp; sister-in-law, Sarah Taylor; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

A special thanks to the new family of caregivers at Four Seasons Hospice and to First Baptist Church for the food they delivered weekly to her home.

Graveside services will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Shepherd Memorial Park with Rev. Alan Taylor officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 312 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739; American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 120 Executive Park, Building 1, Asheville, NC 28801; or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.