Emily Lois Beaver Stirewalt

Emily Lois Beaver Stirewalt, 92, of Salsbury, NC went into “the everlasting light” on Monday, June 1 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice house. She was at peace and listening to her favorite hymns to include Beautiful Savior and Lift High the Cross. Emily was a force of nature. From an early child she was a fervent volunteer in her community, playing the piano for multiple school and church events, and active in Luther League for many years. The only place she even considered for higher education was Lenoir Rhyne College/University where she received her BA in Early Education. She went on to teach on two military bases (where her husband was stationed) and mostly in Rowan County. It was a familiar experience to just be with her around town and a former student or someone else that knew her would stop to say hello. Memme (Emily) was always there with a quick joke, a smile, and a laugh. She loved Lenoir Rhyne with all of her heart, participated in the A Capella Choir and rarely missed any opportunity for a reunion. She even served on the LRU Alumni Board. Her love of her Lutheran Church followed her throughout her life. She was a member of her church choir for many years and part of the Rowan Choral Society for over 50 years! She greatly loved to travel and share her events, excursions and escapades with others. She was known for randomly bursting into song when traveling nationally and internationally. As liked to say, she has “performed in Carnegie Hall and in Milan at La Scala Opera House. “Again, randomly singing “God Bless America.’ She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, W.L. Stirewalt. She is survived by her daughter Lois Murchison, her husband Col. Michael Murchison, USMC Retired, her granddaughter Margaret O’Connor, her grandson William O’Connor and her bonus grandson Merrick Murchison. Her funeral will be held on Friday, June 26 at 12:30pm at the Historic National Cemetery where she will be interred with her husband. We invite family, friends, former students, and her nursing staff to join us. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow around the corner at The Bonapart Castle. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to: The Willie L. and Emily B. Stirewalt Scholarship Fund, Lenoir Rhyne University, PO BOX 7467, Hickory, NC 28601. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Stirewalt family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Emily Lois Beaver Stirewalt

June 1, 2026