Jewell Hudson Pyatt Bounous, 98, of Valdese, NC passed away at her home on Saturday, March 2, 2024 following a brief illness. Born on September 3, 1925 in Oyama, NC to parents Roscoe Lee and Sadie Varina Hudson Pyatt, she grew up in Connelly Springs, NC.
Following graduation from Valdese High School in 1941 she attended Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC and then transferred to Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC graduating in May 1945 with a B.S. Degree in Business Education. She returned to teach for Burke County Public Schools for a total of 38 years, retiring in the spring of 1987.
After marrying in 1952 she began attending the Waldensian Presbyterian Church where she served in various offices including Deacon, Elder, President of Presbyterian Women and was the recipient of the Women of the Church Lifetime Membership Award. She was actively involved in the Waldensian Heritage Museum helping to preserve the heritage of the Waldenses in Italy and Valdese by serving as a docent and as Chairman of the museum committee. Jewell enjoyed traveling including several trips to Northern Italy. Her interest in family, genealogy, history and serving the community lead her to join the Col. John Alston (serving several terms as Regent) and Quaker Meadows Chapters, Daughters of the American Revolution (serving as State Historian, DAR member for 65 years), and the Fort San Juan Chapter, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century (Charter Member). Jewell was also a member of the Pilot Club of Valdese where she served in different roles including President and delivering Meals on Wheels (member for over 50 years). She enjoyed the arts, music, and reading by supporting the Rock School Arts Foundation and the Valdese Public Library.
In addition to her parents, Jewell was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, John Henry Bounous, Sr., her sisters, Sue Anna Pyatt Peeler (Jack) and Cesarine Estelle Pyatt Ruggles (Melvin).
She is survived by her son, John Henry Bounous, Jr. of Valdese, NC and her daughter and husband,
Caroline Jewell Bounous Toler and Robert Lynn Toler of Oak Ridge, NC, grandchildren Aiden Keith Johnson and Joshua Bounous Toler, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jewell’s family would like to thank relatives, friends and caregivers who kept her in their thoughts and prayers.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 2:00pm at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Following at 3:00pm a memorial service will be held at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church. The family will receive relatives and friends at Le Phare des Alpes Clubhouse after the service.
Memorials may be made to the Waldensian Heritage Museum (PO Box 111, Valdese, NC).
An online guest book and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
Jewel was a perfect name for this precious jewel. I knew her through the Quaker Meadows Chapter DAR where she was a valued Daughter. She served as our our regent from 2001-2004 and chaired several committees.
I send my sympathy to her family as they deal with their grief.
John and Family, I am sorry to learn of Jewell’s passing. I only met her once many years ago, but it was obvious that she was a special lady.
I had Mrs. Bounous at East Burke High School in the 1980’s. A wonderful Teacher!!
My deepest condolences
Jewel, I loved you so much. My teacher, my friend. You were a go getter. Prayers for John, Caroline, and family’s. Jane Perrou Pope
Jewel Bounous was a very “classy lady” in every respect. I was first introduced to her as my teacher at Valdese High School 1966-1970. I remember her as a kind lady who would go out of her way to help a student and as an encourager. She will be missed since she touched so many lives in our community, church, and our heritage. Thank you, Mrs. Bounous, for your input and all that you have sown into our lives over the year! Yes, you were a beautiful and kind jewel – your name reflected that well. Thank you for your service.
John, prayers for you and your families,
Jewell was a valued member of the Hickory, Fort San Juan chapter of Colonial Dames, 17th Century.
We will miss Jewel so much at the Waldensian Heritage Museum. She was a lovely lady who dedicated much of her time serving her community, especially here at the museum. She was so supportive and a excellent mentor when I was hired as the Executive Director in 2007. Love and prayers to John, Caroline and the Bounous family in the days ahead.
Gretchen Costner
John and Caroline, I hope you know how much your mother meant to so many people. She was always kind, gracious and a truly beautiful person. I also hope the love of family and friends will help you through the sadness and feelings of loss. Much love and sympathy to you and your family.
Condolences to John, Aiden, and the rest of the Bounous family for the loss of a beautiful Jewell- Indeed!
John, I just found out today. I loved your mother very much. My heart goes out to you. She was a precious lady.