Henry Battle Abernethy

Henry Battle Abernethy died peacefully on Oct. 10 after a very brief illness. He was 95 years old, born May 5, 1914 in East Durham and lived his entire life in the Durham area. He was the last surviving member of a family of eight brothers and sisters. Mr. Abernethy served in the Army during WWII, and was retired for many years from the US Postal Service. He was an active, lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Abernethy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Josie Roten Abernethy, two children Gary Abernethy of Asheville, and Donna Abernethy Fleming, of Waxhaw and their spouses; his granddaughters, Meredith Abernethy, and Katherine and Christine Fleming, and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mr. Abernethy's life will be held 2:00 PM Monday, October 12 in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends at church from 1-2:00 PM. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Donations in Mr. Abernethy's memory may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church or the Americaneeart Association.