Rena Mcginnis

Rena McSwain McGinnis, 94, of White Oak Manor of Shelby, joined her husband of 61 years, Ernest Edwin McGinnis, in heaven on Friday, July 26, 2013.

Mrs. McGinnis was born on October 4, 1918, to the late Drury Reuben and Vera Putnam McSwain, and was the sister of the late Clifton McSwain, and D. Reuben McSwain, Jr.

She is survived by sisters Reba Moss, Evelyn Simpson, and Martha Johnson all of Shelby.

Rena was a cherished mother to her daughter Patsy Eskew of Shelby, daughter Jean Thrift and husband Jerry of Kings Mountain, son Jerry McGinnis and wife Yazmin of Shelby, daughter Deborah Rogers and husband Chris of Shelby, and daughter Amelia McGinnis and special friend Curtis Swink of Shelby. "Mama Rena" felt blessed by her 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, and loved keeping up with their accomplishments and exploits.

Rena always enjoyed the homemaking arts, and was never happier than when in the garden with Ernest, or in her kitchen cooking for her family, friends, even strangers. For many years, she managed Discount Fabrics in Shelby. After her "retirement" she started her own drapery-making business, retiring again at age 80. She was an avid reader in her later years. "Miss Rena" especially loved her church family, and was a faithful member of Christ for the Nations Church.