Wanda Stilwell

Faye Cooper Stilwell, 87, of Anderson Branch Road in Marshall, NC, passed away on November 24, 2019. Faye was born and lived most of her life in Valdese, NC. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she moved to the Marshall community in 2014 where she lived and was cared for by her family.

Faye was raised in a rural community and throughout her life she maintained a strong bond with the land. She milked goats, raised big gardens and fruit trees, butchered and processed meat, and loved flowers. Up until her husband’s death in 2000, they were still providing much of what they ate for themselves. Even after her diagnosis, she delighted in sitting on the porch while snapping and stringing green beans.

Faye was a devout Christian and a lifetime member of High Peak Baptist Church in Valdese, right across the road from the house she was raised in.

Faye was the daughter of Bertha and Howard Cooper of Valdese. She was preceded in death by her husband James R. Stilwell, two sisters, Betty Jean Nichols of Valdese and Corky Howell of Jasper, Georgia, and both parents. She is survived by her daughter Leslie Gail Stilwell and her husband, Rob Amberg, of Marshall, NC; a granddaughter, Kate Amberg, of Marshall; and step-grandson, Ben Amberg, of Portland, Oregon; a sister, Wraye Rhyne of Valdese; and numerous nephews and nieces.

We remember Faye for her calm, caring, and quiet presence, her love of family, especially her granddaughter Kate, and her devotion to her husband Jim.

A private burial is being planned and a celebration of live will be announced at a later date. Donations in Faye’s name may be made to the WNC Bridge Foundation.