Daphne Lynnette Abernathy Mozeley

Daphne Abernathy Mozeley, 42, of Valdese passed away on December 30, 2025 after a 4-year bout with cancer. She took her last breath in this life holding the hands of her closest loved ones and immediately began her new life by taking the hand of Jesus, her savior.

Daphne was born on January 13, 1983 and was a lifelong Burke County resident, attending Drexel Elementary School, Heritage Middle School, East Burke High School and Western Piedmont Community College. Daphne loved her children and honored her husband with great dedication with only her submission to Christ Jesus being more important. Daphne loved to be active in almost any sport, but her love for volleyball, softball, and functional fitness were a common thread throughout all of her lifetime. She took great pride in everything that her children were doing and have accomplished and she always pushed them to be the best that they could be. That love of sports carried over into Daphne’s career with the Burke County School system where she coached volleyball and track during much of her time at Heritage Middle School. Always willing to jump in and help, always smiling and energizing those around her were traits that will be sorely missed by all of those who were blessed to have known her.

Daphne leaves behind her high school sweetheart and husband of 21 years RJ, and their three children Mason (21), Bailey (17), and Shellie (10). She is also survived by her mother, Kim Reece (Robbie), father, Robert Abernathy, brother, Jeramie Abernathy (Alexis), sister Jennifer Abernathy (Eddie), and grandmother, Myrtle Abernathy. In addition to her immediate family Daphne is survived by many cousins, and beloved in-laws.

Daphne endured great hardship during her journey through cancer treatments but always pushed ahead without complaint to be there for her husband and her children and she wanted all of her friends and loved ones to always remember her in a joyful way. Daphne and her family want to extend sincere thanks to her church family at East Valdese Baptist and to so many other friends and co-workers who have cheered her on and inspired her these last 4 years.

Services for the celebration of Daphne’s life will be held at East Valdese Baptist Church on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Chip Stallings officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Amorem Hospice at www.amoremsupport.org.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.