Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

December 12, 2024

Renna McNair Massey died on December 12, 2024 in Charlotte, NC surrounded by her loving children. She was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on February 16, 1937. Renna was the daughter of Renna and Grover Cleveland McNair. She graduated from Reynolds High School and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She served as a class officer and President of the North Carolina Education Association.    In 1959 she married Dr. Thomas Neely Massey, junior and moved to Philadelphia. Renna taught school there while he completed a fellowship in Cardiology. In 1961 they moved to Charlotte, where she became actively involved by serving on many boards in the community.

Renna was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church. One of her biggest contributions was founding the Child Catechism Program, which she actively taught for twenty-five years. In 2006 she was awarded Life Membership after serving as President of the Women of the Church. Her faith sustained her through the deaths of her son, Dr. Will Massey, on September 30, 2013 and her beloved husband Tom on March 10, 2020.

Renna had a passion for traveling. Especially meaningful was a trip to Africa where she volunteered planting gardens and working in a hospital in Kenya. She also enjoyed adventures in Egypt, the Holy Land, England, Scotland, and various National Parks. She loved hiking the Appalachian Trail and Mount LeConte with friends and family. Another highlight of her life was spending twenty-five summers at Camp Sea Gull while her husband served as the camp physician. Other hobbies included gardening, flower arranging, cooking, tennis, bridge, and playing the piano.

Renna will be remembered as a caring and thoughtful friend, mother, and grandmother who put others’ needs before her own. She loved flowers and used her gift of flower arranging to bless others. She was an extremely talented cook and always had a casserole ready to share with a friend in need. Renna’s contagious smile and southern accent will truly be missed by all who knew her.        

She is survived by her son Thomas N. Massey III (Elise), son David M. Massey (Lauren), daughter Kathryn M. Sweitzer (Sam), ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and her brother, William McNair. She is further survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Renna is predeceased by her husband Dr. Thomas N. Massey; brother Grover C. McNair; sister Kathryn Leinbach; sister Betsy Lee Holladay; and son Dr. William M. Massey.

Her family would like to extend special thanks to her team of devoted caregivers who provided compassionate care, love, and tenderness to our mother. We are forever grateful to you all.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday December 23, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202. Reception/Visitation following in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Nourish UP (Friendship Trays) and Winghaven.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.