KMHM has received a memorial gift to honor and memorialize these three beloved friends and their longtime support of the museum. We would like to honor each one of them: Hallie Ward Blanton Conner Hallie Connor, a beacon of light and inspiration, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Kings Mountain, NC, at the age of 84. Born on August 24, 1941, in Burke County, Hallie dedicated her life to serving others with a selfless heart and an unwavering spirit. Hallie's journey of compassion and service was reflected in her work as a social worker for the Kings Mountain District Schools. Outside of her professional life, Hallie's passions included home decorating and shopping, where she expressed her creative flair and zest for life. A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kings Mountain, she was deeply rooted in her faith, which guided her generous and open-hearted approach to life. Barbara DeVane Bridges Barbara Bridges, a longtime resident of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 28, 2025. Barbara was born on November 26, 1936, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Barbara graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence, S.C., in 1955. A tribute to her inner and outer beauty, she was crowned “Miss Florence” in 1957. That same year, she graduated from the School of Business at Columbia College. After her children graduated from high school, Barbara, following her passion for interior decorating, completed formal training in interior design. She was a sought-after interior design consultant for two decades to many homes and businesses throughout the Kings Mountain, Gastonia, and Shelby communities. She genuinely loved people and made enduring friendships from all walks of life, throughout her life. Betty Lewis Patterson Masters Betty Lewis Patterson Masters was born December 17, 1933, to William Hayne and Agnes Austell Patterson in Shelby, North Carolina and passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025. She graduated from nursing school at Charlotte Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and served as the School Nurse for the Kings Mountain School District for thirty-six years, caring for at least three generations of students. Betty always called the children “her kids,” and she meant it. She made sure students had what they needed to succeed. Beyond nursing, Betty was active in the Colonel Frederick Hambright Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she assisted over 120 people in tracing their genealogy to join that chapter and others. During her 41years of DAR service, she held every position in the chapter, including Chapter Regent. She served as a District Director, State Vice-Chair of Membership, Chair of Commemorative Events, Volunteer Genealogist, and Chair of the Program & Literacy Promotion. (fb)

What an incredible evening at our 22nd Annual Fundraiser! This year's theme, The Speakeasy, made the night especially fun and eventful - a wonderful way to bring our community together in celebration of history. We are so grateful to all who attended and to all of our generous sponsors and donors who made this event possible: Albemarle Kings Mountain, BEAM Construction Company, Inc., Coldwell Banker of Kings Mountain, Kings Mountain Kings Mountain Family Dentistry, Westmoreland Printers, Inc., Neisler Brothers, Inc., Warlick and Hamrick Insurance, Kings Mountain King's Mountain International, Darrell L. Keller, CPA, PA, Dr. Paul & Mary Ann Hendricks, John & Anne Gamble, Harris Funeral Home Incorporated, Flossy's Inc Nutty For Nutcrackers Museum, and Coldwell Banker Mountain View . A huge thank you as well to our dedicated board members, Susan Patterson for her beautiful event decorating, and Jo's Florist & Catering, LLC for their outstanding service. Your hard work and support helped make this year's fundraiser a wonderful success in preserving an celebrating our history here in Kings Mountain! PHOTOS TAKEN BY: Josh Sellers (fb)