Gertrude Culbreth Conner Panther, 96, of Columbus, N.C. passed away Thursday morning, June 25, 2015 in the Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills, Landrum, S.C.

Born in Polk County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late John Archie and Lela Lee Walker Culbreth. She was first married to Mack Conner. Mrs. Panther retired from Hatch Mill in Columbus, N.C. and later worked in the lunchroom at Stearns School. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church, Columbus, N.C.

She was preceded in death by a son, Mack Steve Conner and an infant son.

Surviving is her husband of 30 years, Bronson “Jim” Panther; one step daughter, Darlene Smith; one sister, Lee Ellen Foy (Ed), two brothers, Henry Culbreth (Dot) and Horace Culbreth (Margie); three grandchildren, Kim Greene, Michael Smith and Michelle Tipton; four great-grandchildren, Kelsea, Makayla, Skylar and Adam Greene. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2015 in Mill Spring First Baptist Church Cemetery, Mill Spring, N.C. with Rev. William Swink and Mr. David Edwards officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall of Mill Spring First Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to the Gertrude Panther Memorial Fund, c/o Bronson Panther, 3108 Houston Road, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.