Obituaries

Jewell Theisen of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on January 8, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Charlotte, NC on June 21, 1925, daughter of Burta and Samuel T. Curlee.  Preceding her in death, were her parents, brother, Ernest Jones Curlee and daughter, Kay Graham.

She graduated from Oakhurst High School and attended Kings Business School and shortly thereafter, she and her family moved to Ruston, LA.   Jewell was a talented wedding planner, designer, decorator and worked in retail clothing sales in Ruston, LA.  She later moved back to Charlotte in 1986, to be with her mother and was employed seventeen years in retail sales at Hamrick’s in Matthews, NC until her retirement in 2005.

Jewell was a loving, caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.  She made many loving and lasting friends in all walks of life with a smile for everyone.  Jewell was truly a beautiful person in many ways.

Survivors are daughter, Andrea Chandler Norris and her husband, Reverend Eugene Norris of Southhaven, MS; son, Mark Chandler and wife, Debbie of Ruston, LA and son-in law, Henry Graham, of Weslaco, TX; grandchildren, Michael Norris, Brandon Chandler, Cody Chandler, Charles Graham and Katie Graham.  She also had five great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews;  sisters; Cara Weaver of Greensboro, NC, Cora Cuthbertson of Ft. Worth, TX; brothers, Samuel Joseph Curlee and wife, Betty of Mint Hill, NC; Everette B. Curlee and wife, Virginia of Charlotte, NC and sister-in-law, Iris Odell Curlee of Charlotte, NC.

Members of her family wish to express their love and appreciation to the following caregivers: Mary Graham Detillier, a very close friend, of Laplace, LA,  for the many days and nights, she provided nurturing and loving care from early last November and who was by her side when she went to her heavenly home.  Also, to others who assisted with loving care in many ways, include Denise Hopkins, Heath Tinsley, Melanie Todd, Lona Sloan, Jeff Malone and Stephen Shamp, her closest neighbor.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.  This special group of caring professionals included nurse, Carlton Nivens, coordinator, Janet Dagenhart, Ruth Mevas, volunteer and other caring Hospice associates who provided individual care during her serious illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Thursday, January 14, 2010, in the chapel of J. B. Tallent Funeral Service with visitation from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.  Entombment will follow the service at Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum.