December 7, 1928  -  December 5, 2013

Mrs. Elizabeth "Lib" Sifford Rotan, 84, of Belmont, died Thursday, December 5, 2013 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. She was born December 7, 1928 in Lowesville, NC, a daughter of the late Ray C. and Dola Barker Sifford.
Lib grew up on the farm in Lincoln County with six siblings during the Great Depression. She graduated from Rock Springs High School, Phiefer College, High Point University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She started her career teaching and coaching basketball at Cramerton High School and then went to serve 34 years with Myers Park High School and Mecklenburg County Schools teaching Physical Education and coaching. In the mid 1970s she became Assistant Athletic Director until her retirement in 1990.
Lib was a great athlete who enjoyed tennis, basketball, bowling, and golf. She was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to her TarHeels.
Survivors of Mrs. Rotan include her brother Johnny Sifford and wife Doris; brother-in-law, Jim Rotan and wife Mary; nieces, Patsy Dawn Hills and husband Larry; Mary Ann Marlow and husband Richard; Tammi Caskey and husband Michael; Judy Shaefer and husband John; Ansle Hudson and husband Al; Leia Dean and husband Benny; Nancy Burke and husband Pierre; nephew, John Rotan and wife Lynn; great-nieces and nephew, Christie, Matthew, Stephanie, Haley, Sydney, and Alli; and other great-great-nephews and niece.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 plus years, Jay C. Rotan; brother, RC Sifford; sisters, Brettie Sifford Black, Jessie Sifford Gouger, Lois Sifford Henkle, and Patsy Lee Sifford; and by a nephew, John Sifford Gouger.
The family will receive friends Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at First Baptist Church of Cramerton. A funeral service will be held at 2:30pm at the church with Dr. David Julen officiating. Interment will follow the service at Gaston Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 235 8th Ave., Cramerton, NC 28032.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the family of Mrs. Rotan.