Lila Dunavant Debow

Lila Dunavant DeBow, born November 1, 1937 to parents Harold Alexander DeBow and Virginia Henkel DeBow, spent most of her life in Statesville and Hickory. As a baby still in the cradle, Lila was pronounced to be as "cute as a button," and thus began her lifelong nickname, Button. She attended Salem Academy and Holton Arms Junior College in Washington DC, where she received an Associate degree. In 1957 she was a Statesville Debutante making her debut at the Terpsichorean Club in Raleigh. She began her career at the Statesville Record & Landmark and later worked for the Salisbury Post, Statesville City Club, Bassett Furniture and Wachovia Bank. Lila treasured the traditional ways of life, and firmly rejected means of communication other than direct contact or handwritten notes and letters. She often started conversations with the phrase "What do you know good, besides yourself?" She also had a great appreciation of her family heritage, and the social graces. She dearly loved and admired her uncle, the late C.V. Henkel, and the people closest to her. Lila will be remembered for her determination, wit, infectious laugh, and her gracious spirit. A favorite family Button-ism was one she learned from her grandmother and was frequently shared at the conclusion of a visit or personal call, "I've enjoyed this all I can stand!" Lila is survived by close friends and family, Debbie and Joe Watts of Newton, Susan Summerville Shriver of Jacksonville Fl, and her beloved cousins. A Service will be held on May 23rd at 11:00 at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Hickory NC. Interment will follow in the church's Dell Memorial Gardens. A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Church of the Ascension at the conclusion of the service. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Catawba Regional Hospice Foundation

3975 Robinson Road

Newton, NC 28658 Gordon Hospice House of Statesville 2347 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 The Episcopal Church of the Ascension 726 1st Ave NW Hickory, NC 28601 Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville is handling the arrangements.