Minerva Auxier

Minerva Alice Auxier, 81, of Thomasville, NC died Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Pine Ridge Nursing Home in Thomasville, NC after an extended illness for years. Born October 23, 1930 in Hager Hill, KY; Minerva was one of twelve children born to the late Mr. Dorman Picklesimer and his wife, Rebecca. She was named after both of her grandmothers, Minerva Picklesimer and Alice Slone. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Hershel Picklesimer of Youngstown, OH, Ival Picklesimer (who died at infancy), R.J. Picklesimer of Lynchburg, VA, Clifford Picklesimer of Hurricane, B.J. Picklesimer of Columbus, OH, Paul Picklesimer of West Van Lear, KY; two sisters, Neva Harter of New Rome, OH and Edna Dietrich of Ironton, OH. She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Auxier; stepson, James M. Auxier of Thomasville, NC; brother, Dorman Picklesimer, Jr. of Millis, Mass., and sisters, Jean Spears of Columbus, OH and Mary Hampton of Versailles, KY. Minerva came to full knowledge of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age at the Missionary Baptist Church in West Van Lear, KY. She surrendered her life to Christ and took her commitment to Him very seriously by being active in her timid but effective way. She was never self-assuming but was influential as Sunday school teacher, choir member and in many behind the scenes activities. She was a graduate of Mead Memorial High School in Kentucky and the Charleston West Virginia Business College. She was employed by the Travelers Insurance Company for 34 years where she was a good and faithful employee as Director of Personnel. After retirement in 1984, she enrolled as a volunteer Pink Lady at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston, where she directed the function of the Chaplaincy program for 23 years. She worked there as a volunteer for a total of 18,055 hours which was a record in the number of volunteer hours worked there. She took great pleasure in knowing she had been of outstanding service to the workings of that area of Thomas Memorial Hospital. She married Robert L. Auxier on June 6, 1959 at the Spring Hill Baptist Church in South Charleston. She was a loving, faithful and helpful wife and a mother to Robert?s son, James Martin Auxier throughout their 52 years of marriage. In their declining years, their son James persuaded them to move to Thomasville, NC where he could be of assistance during their severe need of his support and help. This proved to be a wise decision, much appreciated by them both. Minerva is now in the care of her loving heavenly Father, where she will spend eternity in perfect joy and peace. She was most grateful for the guiding hand of her Lord and Savior throughout her lifetime. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday January 6, 2012 at Cross Lanes Bible Church, 5442 Big Tyler Road, Cross Lanes with Dr. James Efaw officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Friends may visit from 6-8 pm Thursday at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans.