Thursday, September 22, 2016 9:36 am

John Henry Toms, 91 of Rutherfordton passed away Saturday, September 10th, 2016.

A lifelong resident of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late William Spurgeon Toms, Sr. and Lonnie Blanton Toms.

He joined Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. He graduated from New Hope School in 1943. He was a member of the NAACP and the PTA. Prior to retirement; he was employed by Stonecutter Mill and General Fireproofing. He also operated an automobile repair business.

John Henry is survived by his wife, Curtis Mae Copeland Toms. He is the beloved father of Lonnie Snyder, Connie Alexander, Ruth (Ellsworth) Simmonds of New Haven, Ct., and Crystal (Vince) Daniel of Forest City, NC. He leaves to cherish his memory, sisters, Edna Washburn and Mamie (Charlie) Morris and an aunt, Ruth Blanton Toms.

John Henry leaves seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren and number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, William Henry Toms; brothers, William Spurgeon Toms Jr., James Howard Toms, sister, Dorothy Toms Sheppard and ex-wife Lona Flack Mitchell.

Funeral services were held at Gold Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.