Avin Vernell Leckie Dagenhart, 93, died peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Jurney’s of Statesville, after a period of declining health. She was born in Cleveland Township in Rowan County, N.C., on January 4, 1931, the daughter of the late Robert Glenn Leckie and Ella Irene Smith Leckie. She was affectionately known to many as “Toni.”
She was married on September 5, 1948, to the late William Ellis Dagenhart. They were married for 73 years until his death on January 28, 2022. They lived in a house built by Ellis and his father on the Dagenhart family farm for almost all of their married life.
During her career, she was employed over the years at Statesville Motor Coach Company and Gardener Supply Company. Avin retired as a bookkeeper and accounts payable clerk at Valley Wholesale Roofing and Building Supplies, all of Statesville. She also enjoyed cooking, canning, and bird watching.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Michael Ray Dagenhart of Haymarket, Va.; granddaughter, Michele Thomas Dagenhart (Hurt) of Bristow, Va.; and brother, Robert Glenn Leckie Jr. of Oklumgee, Okla.
She is survived by her brother, Bill Leckie of Symrna, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Theresa Long Dagenhart of Haymarket, Va.; and great-grandsons, Ashton Michael Hurt and Jaxon Alexander Hurt of Mechanicsville, Md. She is also survived by in-laws, Kay Dagenhart Edwards of Troutman, N.C., and Wayne Dagenhart of Statesville, N.C., as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Special thanks are extended to caregivers from the family to Mary Herman, Lorene Carlson, Pat Oswalt, Jessica Talbert, Bonnie Wallace, Michelle Carpenter, Carolyn Gantt, Diana Dagenhart; and to neighbors Sue and John Taylor and Elaine Johnson.
Avin will be remembered in a memorial service at West Iredell Ruritan Club on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 11 a.m.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the West Iredell Ruritan Club. West Iredell Ruritans work year-round to assist with school supplies, clothing, and other needs in all the schools in West Iredell High School area. Please address checks to West Iredell Ruritan Club, c/o Frank Guy, 290 Guy Farm Lane, Statesville, NC 28625.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.