Colean Stewart Gurley, 94, formerly of Statesville, N.C., passed away and was finally reunited with her husband of 40 years, James D. Gurley Sr. on January 18, 2020, in Oak Island, N.C
Born to the late Oren and Addie Stewart on September 25, 1925, she grew up in Iredell County. She retired as a seamstress supervisor at Beauty Maid Mills in Statesville after 30 years. Colean was an avid pilot. She enjoyed flying every chance she could get. There wasn’t a lot that Colean didn’t enjoy throughout her life. She loved her family and friends and cherished them all. Her pride and joy was her only child, James D. Gurley Jr., who survives.
After losing her husband in 1987, she moved to Oak Island, N.C., with her son. She quickly became well known in the community by becoming very active in the church. She never met a stranger and was always eager to meet new people while walking on the beach. She was a caregiver her entire life. She took pride in knowing that she could always make someone’s day brighter by just being kind and caring. She was a very giving woman and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her smile could light up an entire room, and her personality was warm and loving.
In addition to her son, she is also survived by two brothers, Howard and Carlos Stewart; six nephews, Donnie Stewart, Dennis Stewart, Bubby Stewart, Steve Stewart, Ronnie Stewart and Gary Stewart; and five nieces, Kathy Stewart, Nancy Stewart, Donna Stewart Baker, Shirley Roy Burgess and Linda Gurley Long. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and very best friend Pauline Stewart.
A visitation for Colean was held at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 23, 2020, from 2 to 3 p.m. and a funeral service followed in the Chapel at 3 p.m. with Rev. Mack Mathis officiating. Burial will be held after the service at Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Colean Gurley and her family.