Jean "Nannie" Saine Shehan of Rutherfordton



Jean "Nannie" Saine Shehan of Rutherfordton

Jean "Nannie" Saine Shehan of Rutherfordton, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Jean's life journey began on Friday, June 25, 1926, to William Nathan Saine and Alpha Huntley Saine. She was the granddaughter of the Reverend MM. and Ida King Huntley.

Jean was a long time member of Mt. View Baptist Church in Rutherfordton and a member of Crestview Baptist Church in Forest City for the past 15+ years. Jean loved attending the Trail Blazers Bible Study Group at 2nd Baptist Church in Rutherfordton for many years and many wonderful friends were made there Tom Banfield, the Senior Adult Leader, was very dear to her heart. She had a deep respect for him and his knowledge of the Bible.

Nannie's passion was reading from a young child. From the time she re- dedicated her life to Christ at age 41, she read her Bible through at least twice a year. She said that each time she read through her Bible, she learned something new. Because each time she was at a different place in life A phrase she stated many times was, "You're never too old to learn." Another phrase she loved was "Know it in your head, Stow it in your heart, Show it in your life, Sow it in the world".

When asked a number of years ago what a favorite scripture was, she said ...all of it. But probably Psalm 23 would be my favorite. Her favorite song was " The Eastern Gate." Nannie served others all her life but she never shared what she had done. We will never know what awaited her for her gifts given or performed in the name of Jesus.

Volunteering to help others was a way she served her Father. At 91, she would arise early and be ready each Monday morning to travel to Asheville with 2nd Baptist Church to feed the street homeless. They also called her Nannie. At 92, she was part of 5 women who sewed 172 dresses in 9 months for Samaritan's Purse shoe boxes. Just a few months ago she was reading the Bible to other women at the assisted living where she lived. She prayed every night with her roommate who suffered from Alzheimer's. The lists in her Bible were long of people that she was praying for, perhaps your name was there. She wanted everyone to know Jesus and the way to receive Him into your heart and have a personal relationship with Him.

Jean's first job was at Stonecutter Mill in Spindale at age 16. She worked at Bost Retail Bakery in Spindale, Tanner Company in Rutherfordton, Rutherford Hospital in X-ray, and at Crellin-Sonoco until retirement at age 63 During the 70's, she volunteered at the Union Mills Orphanage for boys. She was a volunteer for Hospice of Rutherford County and PATH Shelter for battered women.

In addition to her parents, Jean was pre-ceded in death by her husband E.C. Shehan, daughter Sandra Wilson Dobbins and two grandchildren. Also a sister and brother-n- law Frank and Sue Jordan and a brother Dr. C.H. Saine and a brother-n- law Forrest Whisnant.

She is survived by her son-n-love of 48 years, Larry P. Dobbins of Rutherfordton. Two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her daughter and son-n-love, Bobbie S. Kesler and Scott of Colbert, Georgia. Two grandsons, Two great grandsons. She is also survived by a sister Hazel Saine Whisnant of Winston Salem. Special nieces and nephews Gail Oldfather (John) of Indiana; Leslie Jordan (Mary) of Arden, NC, Karen Spangler (Kevin) of Winston Salem, NC and Jeff Whisnant of Texas. Friends like sisters are Myra and Dot. A very dear cousin and his wife who meant the world to her are Max and Nancy Huntley of Gastonia, NC.

Jean requested no flowers because she was going to a place that had more beauty than we could imagine. Her simple last request was this: Do something nice for someone else. A simple request from a simple but most loved Nannie.

A graveside service will be held after the holidays.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is serving the family