Emily Milstead

Emily Pharr Arey Sechrest Milstead went to Heaven, Sunday, January 28, 2018, following a brief illness.



Mrs. Milstead was born December 7, 1925, in Iredell County, the only daughter of the late George Ray Pharr and Leola Robbins Pharr and the sister of six brothers: Lawrence, Nick, Doug, and Ray Pharr preceding her in death and surviving brothers Bill Pharr (Wanna Sue) of Leesburg, Florida and Bob Pharr (Susan) of Salisbury.



Emily's spouses, Frank Arey, Sr., Vinson Sechrest, and Jim Milstead, also preceded her in death.



She is survived by her loving children: daughter Cindy Arey-Schank (Jim) of Statesville and son Frank Arey, Jr. (Paula) of Charlotte; grandchildren Scott Wood (Carol) of Charlotte, April Rorabaugh (Adam) of Statesville, Emily Batten (Austin), Alexandra Arey, and Frank Arey III, all of Charlotte; great grandchildren Alexis, Julia, and Justin Wood, Carter and Mackenzie Rorabaugh, and Aiden Batten, along with many nieces and nephews.



Mrs. Milstead was deeply devoted to her family and her Christian faith. She was a long time member of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Statesville where she was a Sunday School teacher and Youth Leader. Emily was a graduate of Cool Springs High School. She was a wonderful mother and homemaker and worked at UM&M Langley and Home Savings and Loan.



Following a private gravesite burial, a Memorial Service celebrating Mrs. Milstead's life will be conducted on Wednesday, January 31, at 2:00 P.M. at First ARP Church, 123 East Broad Street, Statesville, with the Reverend Phillip McCoy and the Reverend Robert Sherer officiating. Her grandsons will be pallbearers. The family will receive friends following the Memorial Service.



Her family wishes to express special appreciation to Dr. James Fouchee and Dr. John Gazak and to the loving nurses and staff at Gordon Hospice House.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First ARP Church of Statesville, P.O. Box 1607, Statesville, NC 28687 and to the Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.



Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Emily Milstead.



Donations may be made to:

First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church123 E. Broad St., Statesville NC 28677Gordon Hospice House2341 Simonton Rd., Statesville NC 28625