Marion Copeland Michalove

Marion Copeland Michalove of Forest City, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016.

Born in Dallas, TX on October 28, 1927, she was the daughter of the late C. M. and Bernice M. Copeland of Corsicana, TX. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Forest City, where she served in many capacities. She was especially grateful for her beloved Gate Sunday School Class.

She was a proud 1949 graduate of Duke University and worked at Isothermal Community College from 1971-1992 in Continuing Education as JTPA and HRD Coordinator.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, I.S. (Mike) Michalove, her brother John Copeland of Rowlett, TX, and her sister in law Maxine Michalove Deal of Tallahassee, FL.

She was involved in many civic and community activities: Rutherford County American Red Cross Chapter, Rutherford County Council on Aging, Region C Aging Advisory Council, Griffith Rutherford Chapter DAR, Forest City Housing Authority and Mooneyham Library Board. She also served on the Life Services Board, Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, United Way of Rutherford County, Rutherford County Transit Administration, and the Community Clinic of Rutherford County. She was an organizing delegate of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature and a charter member of two Pilot Clubs (Rutherford County and Foothills).

She was also earned the following awards: 1975 Citizen of the Year (Forest City Kiwanis Club), 1992 Outstanding Citizen Award (Forest City Ministerial Association), 1993 American Red Cross Clara Barton Award and 1996 DAR Williams-Hampton Outstanding Member Award.

Marion was the first woman elected to the following offices: Town of Forest City Council (1973-1979) and Rutherford County Commissioner (1980-1988). She took pride in the example she set for other women.

She is survived by her four children: Robert Michalove and his wife LuJuan Gibson of Waynesville, NC; Karen Darsey of Charlotte; Clint Michalove and his wife Deborah of Rutherfordton; and Linda Leigh Brittain and her husband Kelvin of Cherryville. Also, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in law Beverly Copeland of Dallas, TX, and brother-in-law Charles Deal of Tallahassee, FL.

"I am at peace. I had a loving husband and four wonderful children who took care of me in my later years as I had taken care of them in their early ones. I do regret that I was perhaps the only lady in town who could not make sweet tea".

A memorial service was held in the First United Methodist Church, Forest City with Dr. Neil Haynes officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 341 E. Main St. Forest City, NC 28043; Mooneyham Public Library, 240 E. Main St. Forest City NC 28043; or Hospice House of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is serving the family.