Rena Blackwelder McPhatter, formerly of Scottsville and Concord, NC passed away Monday morning, July 17, 2017 at Ashe Assisted Living in West Jefferson, NC. She was born in Cabarrus County, NC to the late Nora Elizabeth and James Thomas Blackwelder on January 26, 1919 and was the oldest of seven children. She graduated from Winecoff High School and, in 1940 married Earl McPhatter. They had one son, Richard, and lived in Concord, NC, until moving to Ashe County, NC in 1991. Rena's loves were her family, her church, and her work. She and Earl were married for 62 years until his death in 2002. While in Concord, she worked with her sisters, Neta Helms and Catherine Petrea, in their family retail business, Neta's. She was a member of Ann Street Methodist Church, singing in the choir and serving in the Woman's Society for Christian Service. In 1959, she received their Lifetime Service Award. Upon retiring to Ashe County in 1991, she joined Jefferson United Methodist Church and the Nathan's Creek Extension Club. Her hobbies were quilting and basket weaving, for which she won several awards. She truly cherished the friends that she made throughout her life . Rena is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Betty McPhatter, of Jefferson, NC; her sister, Neta Helms, of Concord, NC; several nieces and nephews. She will be missed for easy disposition and her willingness to please others. A memorial service will be held at Jefferson United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 2:00pm. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm on Saturday; one hour prior to the memorial service, in the church fellowship hall . In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Jefferson United Methodist Church, 115 East Main Street, Jefferson, NC 28640 or Ann Street Methodist Church, 335 Ann Street NW, Concord, NC 28025.