Myrtle Elva Kiker, 91,  passed away on September the 27th, 2018 at The Summit Place in Kings Mountain, NC. She was born in Polkton, NC on May the 18th, 1927 to the late Ira T. and Maude Hudson Kiker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Rupert "Jack" Kiker, Clyde Kiker, Violet Thomas, and Doris Carelock; also preceeded in death by nephews: Michael Carelock, Dean Carelock, and Lyndon Thomas.
She is survived by two sisters: Mary Thomas of Polkton and Beth Ross, and husband Fred of Indian Trail. Other survivors include seven nieces and nephews: Ann Wolf (Don), Ruth Kiker, David Thomas (Shirley), Ouida McIntyre (Dexter), Steve Ross (Connie), Wanda Greene (Boyd), Gary Ross; and their families.
Ms. Kiker received a B.S. degree at Appalachian, and an M.A. degree at the University of Colorado. She also attended various summer schools throughout the U.S. on scholarship, including Dartmouth. She taught for a total of 34 years at Winecoff in Concord, North Mecklenburg and East Mecklenburg in Charlotte, Forest Hills in Marshville, and Union County Career Center. After retiring from the public-school system, she taught four years at the Christian Academy in Japan, an international school predominately for missionary children.
Along with receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award, she sponsored junior and senior Student Council, yearbook staff, junior and senior plays, and senior trips to New York. Ms. Kiker also coached debate teams at North Meck and East Meck and progressed several teams to state competition. She was Teacher of the Year at East Meck, Forest Hills, and Union County Career Center, and was the Union County Teacher of the Year. Many students kept in touch with her by phone, letters, visits, and reunions, and still express that she was their best and most influential teacher, both personally and academically.
Ms. Kiker was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary teachers' sorority, where she held many offices. While residing at Wilora Lake Lodge in Charlotte (now Brookdale East), she served as Secretary for two years and Mayor for four years.
An active member of Marshville First Baptist Church, Ms. Kiker was the first female deacon and served four three-year terms. She was also a teacher and member of many committees. After moving to Charlotte, she attended Central United Methodist for many years.
Her interest included reading, tutoring, and travel, including all seven continents, 50 states, and all provinces of Canada.
The family will have a Memorial Service 2 PM, Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Hopewell United Methodist Church, 1715 Hopewell Church Road, Peachland, NC 28133. Visitation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to: Hopewell United Methodist Church, c/o Susie McSwain, 424 Pork Road, Peachland, NC 28133 or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150, for their loving care and support.
Online condolences may be made at: www.morganandsonfuneralhome.com
Morgan & Son Funeral Home Inc. of Marshville is in charge of arrangements.