Jim Stroupe: a hero in peace as well as in war

Jim Stroupe: a hero in peace as well as in war
by Steve Rasmussen in Vol. 17 / Iss. 17 on 11/16/2010

Jim Stroupe, the 86-year-old World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran who died after being struck by a city bus, was a hero in peace as well as in war. In the spring and summer of 2008, when the battle between Asheville residents and developers over the Parkside condos was at its peak, this man — with a frail body but a strong voice, a sharp wit and a powerful spirit — came every single day, always wearing his veteran's cap, to the old magnolia tree in front of City Hall to help guard it from being cut down. He spoke out publicly against the county's sale of George W. Pack's deeded public parkland to private special interests as a violation of the democracy he had fought to defend. But he also kept a light heart, remarking to activist Clare Hanrahan on July 4, for example, "It's a nice place to sit. The air conditioning won't cost you anything."

When my wife, Lady Passion, and I lived for three months under the tree, Jim and his wife Francie brought us food, coffee and encouragement every day. At one point in the long ordeal, when I was beginning to think privately that our cause was hopelessly quixotic, he told me out of the blue. "Steve, I have a feeling you're going to win this." I asked him how he knew, and he repeated with certainty that he just had a strong feeling about it. Figuring you don't question the gut instincts of a guy who's survived three wars, I took heart from that day forward; and of course he proved right. When Pack's descendants won their lawsuit against the sale in superior court, he said to Lady Passion, with tears in his eyes, "All my buddies that died in all the wars I've fought did not die in vain because of what happened today."

Nor was Jim's death in vain, if it saves Asheville citizens' lives by calling attention to the apparently lax safety practices of the multinational transit corporation that holds the contract for our city's transit fleet.

— Steve RasmussenAsheville

Nellie James Stroupe

Nellie James Stroupe, 90, of Hamlet, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010, in Sandhills Regional Medical Center. She was born in Hoffman, a daughter of the late Carl Morris Stroupe and Atha F. Strickland. She held various office positions and worked as an assistant administrator with the State of Virginia until she retired.

Funeral services will be conducted graveside at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, at Richmond County Memorial Park with Rev. John Pfisterer officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the services at Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Stroupe and William Stroupe; and two sisters, Dora Margaret Stroupe Boyette and Marie M. Broetzman.

Surviving are two nephews, Joe Boyette of Middleburg, Fla. and Bill Stroupe of Raleigh.

Watson-King Funeral Home of Hamlet is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Read more: Richmond County Daily Journal - Nellie Stroupe

James David Stroupe

James David “Jim” Stroupe, 86, of Asheville, NC, passed away Friday, November 5, 2010 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born on November 12, 1923 in Cherryville, NC to the late Alfred Isaiah Stroupe and Beulah Dellinger Stroupe. Jim graduated from Cherryville High School. He longed to see the world so he joined the Merchant Marines followed by the US Marines during WWII, and then the US Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While stationed in Germany he met his beloved wife, Gisela Dumeke and they remained married until her death in 2006. They had one cherished daughter, Melanie Stroupe of Phoenix Arizona, who survives. He retired from the military after 32 years to Puyallup, Washington before moving to Asheville in 2000. Jim is survived by his spouse, Francie Lanius, daughter, Melanie, special brother Charles Shirley (Marilyn) of Millersville, PA., and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews whom he adored; special friends Patricia Keeter and family. He also leaves behind his spoiled pet companions, Bootsie, Miss Yow, and Fred Astaire.

In addition to his parents Jim was preceded in death his wife Gisela Duemke Stroupe; by sisters; Lillian Watts, Della Short, Irene Lineberry, Iva Rhyne, Mildred Winfield, Helen Graves and Velda Wetherill and brothers; brothers, Jack Stroupe, and Richard Stroupe.

A Memorial Service will be held at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home, Cherryville, NC, on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:00 PM. Graveside services with military honors at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery will follow. Jim's favorite charities were The Alzheimer's Association, the Humane Society and Veteran’s charities. The family is grateful to his caregivers at Mission Hospital, Care Partners Rehabilitation Hospital and the all the wonderful residents who made his life in Asheville such a joy.

Jim wrote in 2006 "I have lived a wonderful and full life. I had wonderful parents, traveled and lived in many countries, fought in three wars, had a wonderful marriage and am ending up my time with a beautiful lady, both inside and out. I have no complaints."

We all love you Uncle Jim from the bottom of our hearts and will miss you dearly.
Mike Stroupe

Lehman Stroup Obit

LEHMAN STROUP DIED OCT. 30, 2010 KINGS MOUNTAIN-
Mr. Lehman Stroup, 78, of 102 Carlin Drive, died on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010 at Hospice at Wendover. A native of Cleveland County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late David Augustus Stroup and the late Maud Augusta Epley Stroup. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Hughlon and Rueben Stroup and by two great-grandchildren, Zoe Bachman and Seth Van Dyke.

He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He retired from Burlington Industries after 30 years of service and re-retired from Western Auto Distribution Center after 12 years of service. Mr. Stroup was an avid hunter and a noted gunsmith.Mr. Stroup is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Rachel White Stroup, of the home. He is also survived by a son, Dennis Stroup and his wife Doris of Kings Mountain; by three daughters, Belinda Lankford and husband Steve of Kernersville, Jane Galloway and husband Raymond of Kings Mountain, and Debbie Putnam and husband Roy, also of Kings Mountain. He is survived by two sisters, Doris Clemmer and husband Melvin of Gasto-nia, NC and Gay Jenkins and husband Lewis of Kings Mountain. Sixteen grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren also survive him.Visitation: The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cecil M. Burton Funeral HomeFuneral: Wednesday, 2 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church Officiated by: The Revs. Travis Northcutt and Jody GriffinBurial: Cleveland Memorial ParkFuneral home: Cecil M. Burton Funeral HomeMemorials: Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150Online Condolences: www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
Published in Shelby Star on November 1, 2010

Louise Hipp Groner Obit

Louise Hipp Groner, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sept., 12, 2010, surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.

She was born Feb. 3, 1916, in Alexis, daughter of the late A.B. "Boss" Hipp and Joanna Stroupe Hipp.

She graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1933. Louise was a member of First Baptist Church of Belmont for more than 75 years. Louise will be remembered for her homemade bread and the beautifully decorated cakes she made for many years.

Her wit and humor always made her presence enjoyable. She was a caring, compassionate Christian who loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart. "Nannie" deeply loved her family and friends. Louise and her husband, along with their son, owned and operated Groner's Texaco Service Station for over 45 years.

She is survived by her son, James Arthur 'Jim' Groner (Cindy) of Belmont and her daughter, Nancy Jane Groner Bollman (Lee) of Chapin, S.C.; grandchildren, Travis Groner, Jeff Bollman (Kelli), John Bollman, Seth Bynum (Bobbi), Alex Bynum; two great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Christian Bollman and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Lester Furman Groner; two sisters, Isabelle Verdier, Katholeen Hipp; and three brothers, Wilton, Don and Joe Hipp.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Louise will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14 at First Baptist Church Belmont conducted by Revs. Robert Baker and Joe Lawing.

The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday at McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Terrace Ridge Assisted Living in Gastonia for the months of compassionate love and care given by all. We love and appreciate you.

Memorials may be made to the Belmont Community Organization (BCO), 91 E. Catawba St., Belmont, NC 28012. Condolences may be sent to www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is in charge of arrangements.

Edna Rae Stroupe Taylor Obit

Rae Stroupe Taylor, 94, of 4585 Chenault Road, Cleveland, went to be with the Lord Saturday, September 11, 2010, at the Gordon Hospice House.She was born March 14, 1916, in Morganton and was the daughter of the late George Oscar and Ida Victoria Hildebran Stroupe. She was a member of Cleveland First Baptist Church since 1954 where she was a former teacher of the Mamie Fleming Sunday school class. She was a devoted homemaker and later ran a hair salon from her home. She especially enjoyed wood carving, needle point, embroidery, and gardening.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death on January 27, 2002, by her husband, Lewis Taylor, whom she married on June 23, 1934; five brothers; and six sisters.Those left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Carolyn Davis (Kenneth) of Trussville, AL, Joanne Redman and Kay Cohen both of Cleveland; seven grandchildren, Wesley Davis (Danita), Kevin Davis, Julie Troxell (Ray), Mark Campbell, Dean Campbell, Deatra Simpson (Stephen), and Deanna Troutman (Robert); and ten great-grandchildren.Funeral services celebrating Rae's life will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday at Cleveland First Baptist Church with the Rev. Bobby Seagroves officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 PM Tuesday at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.Memorial contributions may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625; or to Cleveland First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 325, Cleveland, NC 27013.Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Taylor family.

More Reunion Photos

Cherryville Museum Visit

On Sat. before the Stroup reunion in Alexis, a small group met at the Cherryville Museum. Several people had not been back to Cherryville in a number of years. My Uncle Jim (87 years young) entertained everyone with his tales of the different Cherryville families. His memory is sharp as a tack and is a great source of information on Cherryville families starting about 1920. The Cherryville Museum is a great source of information on the early years of Cherryville. I find new information EVERY time I visit.

Mike

New Name on Ancestry

When I started my tree on Ancestry I had no clue it was going to evolve into what it is today. As time went on several branches felt “put out” by the name “Stroups of Cherryville”. So, this morning I have changed the name to “Jacob Stroup/Straub Descendents” which I feel is more fitting. As Pam says “All roads lead back to Jacob Stroup”.
Mike

Early Reunion Photos

Here are some early photos. I’m sure there will be more to come. It will take a little time to identify everyone. We had about 114 attended and 32 of them were born as Stroup(e). Next year I would love to see attendance reach 135. Our reunion president Nancy Quesada sent these photos to me. Thank you Nancy. I feel like a real dunce, I had a camcorder in my car but with only one eye I was not able to operate it. As I said more to come.

Mike

Early Reunion Thoughts

Wow it took me a full day to recover. I want to start by saying I want to thank from the bottom of my heart those who traveled a great distant to attend. I am not going to name names because I will surely forget one of my dear friends. I had a fabulous time and pretty sure everyone else did. We are pretty sure the attendance increased from the previous year. Of course the food was fabulous as usual. My problem with the food is I get so excited my appetite is gone once the action starts. Gosh it is hard to put all my feelings into words. I’m pretty sure everyone enjoyed the early morning cemetery tour. I know I did.
Ok I lied because I want to thank Sid for the great job he did. He continuously had a crowd checking out his family trees. I got more Stroup hugs Sunday than I have had in years. Hope it’s enough to last me until next year. As a lot of you know some of us met on Saturday in Cherryville and we went to the museum and Mt Zion Cemetery, so we spent a half a day together. Then on Sunday my sister and I arrived at Alexis Church at 9:30 and were the last to leave that afternoon, so that means I spent 12 hours with dear friends. What I’m getting at here is it was too damn short!
A special thanks to my sister Jane for driving me to all these events. She is a sweetheart for putting up with this blind in one eye fellow. I will be posting more as I get the minutes and photos. I love all my dear cousins.
Mike Stroupe

Reunion is fast approaching!!!

The reunion is fast approaching. Please bring any old photos you would like to share. We will have a copier and scanner to make copies. If all else fails we will have cameras. This is shaping up to be a "humdinger". I have a double vision problem which likely won't be solved by reunion time. There is a plus to this as I will see twice as many cousins. I'm so excited I'm about to pop!
Mike

83 Years Ago - Stroup Family Reunion

The fourth annual STROUP REUNION was held at the Alexis North Carolina home of David Jackson Stroup in early August of 1927. The event was reported in the Gastonia [NC] Gazette, August 5, 1927. According to the article approximately 1,200 people attended.

My Reunion Schedule

There is a group of us cousins that are going to meet on Saturday morning at 11AM at the Cherryville Museum. The Museum is right in the middle of town on Main Street. All interested parties are welcome to join us. After we finish at the Museum we are going to Mt. Zion Cemetery that is just outside of Cherryville, I expect to get to Mt. Zion about 12:00-12:30. We will drive by any locations that people are interested in seeing. Everyone is welcome to join us. DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!

On Sunday I will arrive at Alexis Baptist Church about 10AM. We have a small group that is going to tour the 3 local Stroup Cemeteries. Two are located in the woods so dress for the woods. There are restrooms at the church if you want to change clothes. I usually dress casual for the reunion anyway. Again all that are interested are welcome to join us. I will have handouts for each Cemetery. DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!
Mike Stroupe

It's Reunion Time Again

It’s that time again. Our annual Stroup Reunion in Alexis, NC is just around the corner. If you don’t receive an invitation in the mail that doesn’t mean you aren’t invited it just means you aren’t on our mailing list. We have great food; loads of fun and best of all you can meet your distant cousins.

I know over the years there have been Stroup reunions in many places Cherryville, NC (Daniel’s branch), Buncombe County, NC (Solomon’s branch), Texas, Georgia, Missouri and others. Well all these branch reunions are good BUT I think the Alexis Reunion is the Granddaddy of them all. Those that attended those various branch reunions are all cousins and descend from Johann Jacob Stroup (Straub) who settled in “The Grove” near Alexis around 1769/1770. This reunion has been held since 1927.

As usual Sid Stroupe, Linda Ballard and myself will be there to help you find your long lost relatives if possible. We will bring Stroup materials, photos, and documents to assist you in your search.
Mike, Sid, Linda

Mamie Louise Ross Stroup Obit

JUNE 15, 1920 - MARCH 24, 2010

CHERRYVILLE - Mrs. Mamie Louise Stroup, 89, of 355 Sperling Road, died Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.She was born on June 15, 1920, in Cleveland County, a daughter of the late Evans and Amanda Connor Ross. Mrs. Stroup was a member of Waco Baptist Church. She retired from Leslie Fay, formerly employed by Cleveland County Schools at Waco and was a health care provider.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Lee Stroup.Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Paul Shull of Cherryville; sisters, Bessie Anderson and Cella Falls, both of Kings Mountain; and a number of nieces and nephews.Funeral: Friday, March 26, 4 p.m., Carpenter's Funeral HomeOfficiated by: The Rev. Leonard BumgardnerVisitation: The family will receive friends Friday, 2 to 3:45 p.m., before the service, at the funeral and other times at the home.Burial: Capernaum CemeteryMemorials: Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 Funeral home: Carpenter's Funeral HomeOnline condolences: www.carpentersfuneralhome.net

Lula Beam Mauney, Age 106

Lula Beam Mauney, age 106 and 11 months, a resident of 134 Mauney Avenue, Cherryville North Carolina, died March 1, 2010. She was born March 18, 1903, the daughter of Wiley I. Beam and Margaret Emaline Stroup Beam.

Lula was the last surviving grandchild of Joseph Jason "J.J." Stroup, prominent Cherryville landowner and veteran of the U.S. Civil War.

Lula was most likely the last surviving fourth generation descendent of Johann Jacob Straub [STROUP] 1733 immigrant from Grossgartach, Wurttemberg (now Germany).

Lula was married to Floyd Lee Mauney for 54 years until his death in 1973. For over 80 years, she made her home and raised her family in the original house built by her husband, south of Cherryville. Lula was a life-long member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, where she was active in the 3-4 year old "Beginner" group for 40 years and was a member of the Woman's Missionary Union.

Lula was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter Ruth E Mauney and son Harold H. Mauney Sr.

She is survived by her children Robert L. Mauney, Marie B. Mauney Nestlerode, Joel B. Mauney and Ray D. Mauney.

[Note: I had the pleasure to meet and visit with Lula on two occasions in the years just prior to her death. She shared with me a "host" of memories of the Stroup family of South Cherryville --- of years long gone by. Lula Beam Mauney will be missed by all.]

Sid Stroupe

Durham, North Carolina

OBIT: Cuthberta J. “Bert” Stroup

Cuthberta J. “Bert” Stroup, age 92, of New Bethlehem, PA, died, Monday, February 15, 2010 at her home.
She was born February 7, 1918, in Milton, PA to Walter C. and Phyllis (Mathews) Long.
Mrs. Stroup attended the Concord Presbyterian Church. After graduating from the Dayton Vocational School in 1935, she received her Registered Nursing degree from St. Catherine’s Hospital of East Chicago, Indiana in 1939. She then worked as an industrial registered nurse with various industrial businesses in the Calumet Region of Indiana for 35 years. After her retirement and returning back to New Bethlehem, PA in 1976, she was a health screening nurse for 9 years with the Area Agency on Aging in Armstrong County. Also along with her late husband, she was the owner and operator of Creek Bend Camp Ground of Mahoning Dam from 1970 to 1997. Cuthberta was a member of the Alumni of St. Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago, IN. She served on the advisory board of Armstrong County Area Agency of Aging, and was a representative for Armstrong County serving southwestern, PA. Cuthberta also served on district council Area Agency of Aging. She also served as an officer and participated at the Marshall House in Dayton. She enjoyed traveling worldwide and home gardening. Cuthberta just happily celebrated her 92nd birthday surrounded by her family and friends.
She is survived by her two sons, Douglas L. McCrea and wife Lynn, and Richard S. McCrea and wife Beth, all of New Bethlehem, PA; one daughter, Phillis Denise Israel and husband Mark of Barringron Hills, IL; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Linda K. Koleck of Ford City, PA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Brady L. Stroup whom she married on September 16, 1961 and who died March 1, 1998; three brothers, Bernard M. Long, Walter C. Long, and Richard E. Long; and a sister, R. Jean McQuide.
The family will receive friends from 3-8 PM on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at the Bauer-Bly Funeral Home, 125 E. Main Street, Dayton, PA.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM at Milton Church, 1957 Dayton Road, Dayton, PA, on Thursday, February 18, 2010, with Rev. David D. Murphy officiating.
Interment will follow at Milton Cemetery, Wayne Twp., Armstrong Co., PA.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Salvation Army, 205 S Jefferson Street, Kittanning, PA 16201, or the Marshall House, PO Box 447, Dayton, PA 16222.
To send an online condolence visit: http://www.bauer-bly.com/

Mildred Oneda (Stroupe) Hipp Obit

Mildred Oneda (Stroupe) Hipp CHARLOTTE - Mildred Oneda Stroupe Hipp, 89, passed away Jan. 29, 2010 at her residence.
A native of Gaston county, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Anderson and Birdie Iona Keever Stroup.
Mrs. Hipp was a member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church and a former member of Alexis Baptist Church. She was the owner/operator of Hipp's Day Nursery in Charlotte for 21 years before retiring to Florida with her husband.
She is survived by her daughter, Martha Daniel and husband, Mike of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Brenda Hipp of Thomasville; grandchildren, Brian Hipp and wife, Courtney of Rock Hill, SC, Jennifer Leahy and husband, Tim of Lexington; great grandchildren, Olivia Hipp, Cameron Hipp, Brenna Leahy, Katie Leahy; sisters-in-law, Louise Hipp Groner, Ruby Hipp, Mary Stroupe; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Wilton Lafayette Hipp; son, Dennis Hipp; brothers and sisters, Ralph Stroupe, Virginia Kiser, Coy Stroupe, Roy Stroupe, Jack Stroupe and Margie Mauney.
A funeral service will be held noon Monday at Alexis Baptist Church.
Interment will be after the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Alexis Baptist Church, 118 Alexis Church Rd, Alexis, NC 28006 or Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 1601 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC 28214. Condolences may be made online at http://www.carothersfuneralhomestanely.com/ : click on obituaries.
Carothers Funeral Home, Stanley, is serving Mrs. Hipp's family.

Martha all our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Mike and Sid

Lois Emma Stroupe "Diane" Smith Obit

NEWTON - Lois Emma "Diane" Stroupe Smith, 61, of Hedrick Street, Newton, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley. She was born July 12, 1948, to the late Howard Columbus and Pearlie Mae Paysour Stroupe. Diane worked for many years with Sigmon & Sigmon Attorneys at Law, Rebecca Englefield Attorney at Law and at the district attorney's office as an administrative assistant. She was an administrator for the REPAY program, a Meals on Wheels volunteer and worked as a receptionist at Abernathy Laurels. Survivors include a sister, Joanne Stroupe Lutz and husband, John Jr., of Conover; three brothers, Herman Clarence and wife, Lacy Stroupe, of Crouse and R. Dean Stroupe and Dennis "D.A." and wife, Vivian Stroupe, all of Lincolnton; a half brother, George and wife, Sally Paysour, of Kings Mountain; numerous nieces and nephews; and her puppies, Barkley and Ashey. Two brothers, Lewis Stroupe and Billy Stroupe, preceded her in death. A celebration of Diane's life will be held at Spirit Place at Abernathy Laurels, 102 Leonard Ave., Newton, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, with Chaplain Larry Bolick officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to The Humane Society of Catawba County, P.O. Box 63, Hickory N.C. 28603 and Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton N.C. 28658. Condolence messages may be sent to www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Smith family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Newton.