Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 22, 2016

Mrs. Stipp passed away on Monday, August 22, 2016, at her home in Charlotte, NC. She was born July 11, 1931 in Columbus, GA, the daughter of the late Joseph Samuel Ray and Irene Thompson Ray.

She was a 1948 graduate of Columbus High School and of the Alma T. McGee Piano Studios. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1953 and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a piano major. During her college years, she was elected to Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.

Mrs. Stipp and her family came to Charlotte in 1972. She taught private piano lessons for 56 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Chapel Bible Class, Christ Care, Circle #6 and served as a Moderator of the Presbyterian Women. She also served on the First Neighbors Committee, Loaves and Fishes, was a church representative to the Board of Community School of the Arts, and chaired the Prime Timers Committee.

Mrs. Stipp was Chairman of Certification of the Piano Teachers for the North Carolina Music Teachers Association and a past president of the Charlotte Piano Teachers Forum. She had a number of roles with the Charlotte Community Concert Association (now Charlotte Concerts), including President, Chairman of the Artist Selection Committee, Secretary, and Advisor. She served as an officer or member of Friends of Music at Queens University, Charlotte Music Club, Charlotte Opera Guild, Charlotte Symphony Guild, Metropolitan Music Ministries, and was a charter member of Sigma Alpha Iota Charlotte Alumnae Chapter. Mrs. Stipp was a professional member of Music Teachers National Association, member of the North Carolina Music Teachers Association, a charter member of the Charlotte Music Teachers Association, and a member of the national and state Federation of Music Clubs. She served as adjudicator for the NC Federation of Music Clubs in Charlotte and was a past chairman of the National Guild of Piano Teachers' Auditions in Charlotte. She held state and permanent national certification from the Music Teachers National Association.

Mrs. Stipp was a member of Myers Park Country Club, past member of the Mint Museum, and the Women's Impact Fund. She was also a member of the Phillips Legion Chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy in Atlanta, GA, the Battle of Charlotte Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Governor John Archdale Chapter of Colonial Dames of the XVII Century in Charlotte.

Mrs. Stipp was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Ernest Stipp and a sister, Betty Ray Botts. She is survived by her beloved children Bradley Thomas Stipp and his wife, LeAnne of Charlotte, John Joseph Stipp and his wife, Tracey of Charlotte, Leigh Stipp Growney and her husband, Thomas of Albuquerque, NM; nine grandchildren, Bradley, Jr., Spencer, Mary Neal, and Mitchell Stipp of Charlotte, Christin, Joseph, and Jackson Stipp of Charlotte and Ryan and Caroline Growney of Albuquerque. Mrs. Stipp loved her family dearly and was never happier than when surrounded by her children and her grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1100 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street. The Reverend Katherine Kerr will officiate and Mr. William P. Young III, Director of Music Ministries, will assist in the service. The family will receive friends at a reception in the Wood Fellowship Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the TV Ministry of First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte 28202, the Community School of the Arts, 345 N. College St. #413, Charlotte, NC 28202 or MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Allen Wong, John Pasquini, James Boyd, Dipika Misra, Dennis Kokenes, and William Harley for their excellent care. Also, a special thank you to Edna Graham, Jackiea (Kia) Mininall, Angela Norman, and Marilyn Adair for the special and kind care they provided.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Services 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 704-641-7606.