Asheville, NC — Alma Lena Netherton Lambert passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital on Sunday, January 23, 2022, after a long battle with Cancer. Alma was born on October 26, 1949, to the late Theodore Glenn Netherton and Helen Earline (Campfield) Warlick.
Alma was a loving wife to her husband, Larry Brent Allison.
In addition to her husband, Alma will be greatly missed by her three stepsons, Brent Allison (Christen), Christopher Allison, Ben Allison (Joni), and two granddaughters: Caroline Allison and Sarah Margaret Allison. She is also survived by Ted Netherton (Wanda), her brother; Sandy Fowler (Joe), her sister-in-law; Robert Allison (Kathy), her brother-in-law; and extended family members and friends.
Alma joined the Kimberly-Clark Manufacturing Plant in Mountain Home, NC in 1968, working on the production line and then as the Administrative Assistant to various plant managers for more than 47 years. Those who worked there will tell you that plant managers would come and go, but that Alma ran the place.
Alma was a life-long crafter. There was not much that she could not create with her hands: painting, pottery, basket weaving, beading jewellery, and chainmail to name a few. Renowned in the South for her mastery of weaving baskets which she began in 1987. She taught all levels of basket weaving at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Brevard College, Greenville Hospital Craft Program, Arrowmont Craft School, and the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts. Alma served on the NCBA Board as editor of The Readers’ Report for fourteen years. She was a past president of the Blue Ridge Basketmakers and North Carolina Basketmakers’ Association, which had over one thousand members. Her greatest pleasure was sharing her knowledge of basketry.
Alma enjoyed volunteering her time with Saint Matthews Anglican Church. She was an active member of the choir and the food committee. She also served as the treasurer of the St. Michaels and All Souls Anglican Church. Alma was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Alma loved to share her love of travel with her husband, Larry, going to far off places but their favorite “get-away” was Hilton Head Island.
Many who knew Alma will remember her with a smile on their face and remembrance of homemade salsa, greasy back beans, cranberry dressing, and her famous butterfingers.
A visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville, NC on Sunday, January 30, 2022, from 4 to 6 PM. A funeral service will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville, NC on Monday, January 31, 2022, at 11 AM with the interment to follow at Oak Forest Cemetery in Etowah, NC.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Alma’s name to Saint Matthews Anglican Church, 812 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville, North Carolina 28787, St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, 2270 Hendersonville Road, Suite 5, Arden, NC 28704, or the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts, 230 Lapidary Ln, Young Harris, GA 30582.
I remember an Alma Netherton who was a student at French Broad Elementary school in Alexander during the 60;s. She had a brother we called Skipper, who was in my class. Just wondering if this is the same family.
Fly high on those angel wings my friend. I will miss you.
I cherish the time I was able to spend with Alma, especially at the Wm. Holland school. She had a way of bringing anyone around her into a conspiracy of joy!
God bless Larry, and all of the family, as Alma moves from strength to strength in the glory of Heaven.
Alma provided the help and support you would want from any good friend and coworker. She always had her finger and ears on the pulse of the mill. She always had good advice filled with wisdom and things that make me smile as I think about them. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Know that Alma touched all of her Berkeley family!
Alma was truly one of a kind. She touched so many lives with her positive outlook and smile. I am so thankful for her support during my times at Berkeley. She was kind to me when I was brand new engineer and a friend and trusted confidant when I came back as plant manager. I’m thankful for all the great memories of her wonderful sense of humor. Thank you Alma – you will be missed!
EVERYONE who was lucky enough to know Alma, LOVED HER! She ALWAYS had a smile and a cheerful word of encouragement … ALWAYS!!!
My deepest condolences to her entire family, but extended heartfelt hugs to Ted and Charlie that I also had the privilege of knowing at Berkeley. I will forever remember the laughter that we shared together, even when some of the days were long and hard work!
I would give anything to be able to attend her visitation/funeral but because of illness and strict doctor orders to stay away per the stupid pandemic.
Godspeed to you Alma! You were such a blessing here on earth that I know that God is gathering all of your crowns to adorn your precious head with!
You will be greatly missed until we meet again!
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!
Sincerely
Debbie Boyer,
Alma was an abundantly talented person uniquely gifted with an infectious sense of humor and common sense, I often called her “The North Star of Berkeley’s Power Alley”. Thank you, Alma Lena, for helping so many people in so many ways!
I am so sorry to hear the news of Alma passing. I will always remember her as one of “Earl’s Girls” at Kimberly Clark. She was one of the few who could decipher my dad’s handwriting. I have a painting she did of my cabin in the woods hanging on my wall now. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
The world is a sadder place. I miss your smile and laugh.
Always maked me smile. Such a sweet soul. Will miss her.