Nona Kay (Dayberry) Thompson

Nona Kay Dayberry Thompson of Charlotte, NC, passed away, peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on December 21, 2023 after battling cancer.

She was born to parents Ruth and Wilbur Dayberry in Shelby, NC on October 21, 1944 and attended Cherryville High School, and graduated with a degree in Music Education from UNCG where she volunteered for the Head Start program and impacted the lives of many children.

In 1965 she married John Ferron Thompson, a military officer and together, they lived in Germany, several military bases across the country, and later in Norfolk VA, where she was a dynamic and inspiring elementary music teacher. In the early 1980's Nona moved to Charlotte and began a long and illustrious career in real estate. Everyone in real estate respected Nona for her integrity and dedication to her work. She was also a member of Toastmasters.

In 1987, she married James Cecil King, and was a devoted wife to him for 36 years, until his death in October of 2023. Nona became a dedicated member of Pritchard Memorial Baptist church in the 80's, where she served as the inspiring choir director for many years. She was especially proud of leading the Sunago senior citizens choir, preforming their music at many nursing homes over the years. It was said by many that Nona had the voice of an angel.

Nona was open and friendly to everyone she met. It was her unspoken mission to affect all the people's lives she touched in a meaningful, positive way. Just as George Bailey did in the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, one of Nona’s favorite movies. Her sometimes over-the-top effervescent, multifaceted personality sparkled brilliantly with the full spectrum of the rainbow. You couldn’t help but be drawn to her. Nona never met a stranger.

Her parents, Ruth, friendly and fiercely loyal, and Wilbur, shy and charitable to a fault, instilled a spirit of generosity. Like the song “Jesus Loves Me” she learned as a child, “All were precious” in her sight.

She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Mates (Vincent) of Kings Mountain, NC, , grandson, Colin Mates, granddaughter, Emily Jones (Stephen) and Great grandson, Liam Jones of Waxhaw, NC, Sister, Katherine Robinson, of San Antonio, TX, Niece, Lisa Sain Hodapp, (Allen) great niece Alexandra Hodapp, and great nephew Allen Hodapp Jr. of San Antonio, TX. Former husband, John Ferron Thompson of Seattle, WA.

A service to celebrate Nona's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, 1117 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. Guests will be greeted at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church Youth Retreat Fund or Scholarship Fund. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org.

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