Handmade Coverlet Returns Home to Piedmont Crossing

THOMASVILLE, N.C. - July 27, 2026 - PRLog -- A treasured family heirloom with deep roots in the history of Piedmont Crossing has found its way back home.

On July 15, 2026, Stephen Marion and several family members visited Piedmont Crossing to donate a handmade coverlet created by Anice Shuler, whose 49-acre farm was bequeathed to Emmanuel United Church of Christ more than 50 years ago. That generous gift helped make possible the retirement community now known as Piedmont Crossing.

The coverlet represents more than a remarkable example of craftsmanship—it tells a story of faith, hard work, family, and generosity. Living on her Davidson County farm, Anice Shuler raised sheep, sheared and spun their wool into yarn, dyed it using natural materials such as pokeberries and black walnuts, and handwove the fabric on a loom. The finished coverlet was later gifted to her sister, Daisy Myers.

Daisy devoted much of her life to caring for her parents and younger siblings after the loss of her fiancé during World War I. In gratitude for her years of sacrifice and devotion, Anice gave her the handmade coverlet as a symbol of love and appreciation.

Following Daisy's death, the coverlet passed to the sisters' niece, Evelyn Beck Marion, who carefully preserved the piece for future generations. After Evelyn's passing in 2022, her son, Stephen Marion, chose to return the heirloom to the land where its story began.

During a gathering in Unity Place, Marion shared the history of his family, the farm, and the coverlet with Piedmont Crossing residents and staff. What started as the story of a family heirloom quickly became a reflection on the values of service, perseverance, and caring for others—principles that continue to guide the Piedmont Crossing community today.

The event also served as a family reunion, bringing together relatives who shared memories and celebrated their family's legacy. Following the presentation, Executive Director Jan Briggs welcomed the group to lunch at the community's bistro, where conversations continued about the significance of returning the coverlet to its original home.

After traveling through generations of family history, the handmade coverlet will now be displayed in Unity Place, where residents, visitors, and staff can appreciate its craftsmanship and the story it represents.

For more information about Piedmont Crossing, visit www.piedmontcrossing.org.