For Nepsia Williams of Laurinburg, quiltmaking has been a part of her life for many years. For the past decade and a half, the 76-year old has presented one of her creations to her place of worship, Caledonia United Methodist Church on Barnes Bridge Road, as part of its annual Ingathering event.

"This will be the final quilt I plan to give to the church," Williams said, "and it is made in a pattern known as Grandmother's Flower Garden. I created the top about 16 years ago, just before my husband Thomas WiIliams passed away."

With the help of ladies from the church, Williams began completing the quilt in July for Thursday's Ingathering.

"I can't make them by myself anymore," Williams said, "because my eyesight is so poor due to macular degeneration. One year back in the 1990s, when I wasn't working, I made eight quilts."

Church member Peggy Troxell praised Williams for both the work she has done with her hands, from ceramic angels to porcelain dolls, and for the personal impression she left on the younger woman.

"Nepsia is like a mother to me," Troxell said. "She is a wonderful craftsperson who has done many things for the church. She is just really good at everything she does, and she has been the best teacher for everyone connected with the church and for members of the community as well."

A native of Robbins in Moore County, Williams and her husband were involved with Caledonia church for "40 to 50 years". She retired from Abbott Laboratories in 1990.

As part of their annual Ingathering festivities, the church will feature lunch from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. today and supper from 4 until 7 p.m., with barbecue and barbecue chicken plates sold. Raffle tickets for Williams' quilt will be available at $1 each, with a drawing held for the item at approximately 7 p.m.

"In the past, Nepsia's quilts have raised anywhere up to $1500 for the church," Troxell said. "This particular quilt is very special, since it is the last one she will donate to Caledonia. I am very happy she is being honored by everyone for the wonderful work she has done."

While Nepsia plans to present this quilt as her final gift to the church, her creative spirit may not be finished just yet.

"I have one more quilt top I've completed," she said with a smile, "which I might just quilt later. I'm going to keep this one for myself, though, since it probably will be the last one."

Caledonia United Methodist Church is located at 15201 Barnes Bridge Road, just off Highway 501 South outside of Laurinburg.