| Funeral Home Directory | | Name | Location | Phone | | Henline-Hughes | Bakersville | 688-4813 | | Webb | Spruce Pine | 765-4277 | | Holcombe Brothers | Burnsville | 682-2310 | | Yancey Funeral | Burnsville | 678-9962 |
Obituaries
Betty Biddix Wyatt Age:
66 Address:
Richmond Drive, Bakersville Date of Death:
October 28, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details:
She had previously worked at Coats American and was a Member of Big Crabtree
Baptist Church. She enjoyed flowers and spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include: sons, Chris Wyatt and wife Christina of Spruce Pine, NC,
Michael Wyatt of Gastonia, NC, mother in law, Pearl Grindstaff of Penland, NC,
sisters, Brenda Wright of Spruce Pine, NC, Patricia Biddix of Spartanburg, SC,
Sheila Gaddy of Arden, NC, Angie Sawyer of Weaverville, NC, brothers, Rufus
Biddix of Newland, NC, Richard Biddix of Santa Cruz, CA, Kenneth Biddix and
Kermit Biddix of Spruce Pine, NC, grandchildren, Ashley Nichole Wyatt, Kylie
Shay Wyatt, and Dylan Riddle. She was preceded in death by: husband, Buddy
Wyatt, son, Eddie Wyatt, sister, Ophelia Yelton. Funeral services will be
held Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 2:00PM in the Big Crabtree Baptist Church in
Spruce Pine, NC. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Toby Crowder
and Dean Honeycutt will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the
Big Crabtree Baptist Church Cemetery.
Coy Earl McGee Age:
97 Address: U.S.
19E, Estatoe Community
Date of Death: October 27, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born
on July 29, 1914 in Swain County, he was the son of the late Kelly and Maude
Gillespie McGee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his
wife, Lola Bartlett McGee; a daughter, Kathleen Lovegrove; a son, Julian McGee;
two granddaughters, Ella Jean McKinney and Becky McGee; and four brothers;
Clifford McGee, Eddie McGee, Gilbert McGee, and Wilburn McGee. He was a member
of the Liberty Hill Baptist Church. The funeral services for Mr. Earl
McGee will be conducted on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 3:00pm at the Liberty
Hill Baptist Church with the Rev’s. Ricky Ray, Ricky Burton, and Chris Rathbone
officiating. Interment will follow in the Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 6 until 8 in the chapel of Webb
Funeral Home. Left to cherish his memories are his son; James McGee and
wife, Oleta of Bakersville; his brother; Luther McGee of Columbus, Ind.; his
sister; Ruth Williams of Spruce Pine; eighteen grandchildren; eleven great
grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren.
Samuel Lewis Wilson Age:
91 Address:
Micaville Date of Death: October
27, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details:
A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Horace and Bivia Thomas
Wilson and the husband of the late Dora Bristow Wilson. He was also preceded in
death by a sister, Faye Wheeler and a brother, Floyd Wilson. For a number of
years he lived in Krebs, OK. Surviving are two daughters: Frances Wilson of
Micaville and Mary Bunton of Burnsville; two grandchildren: Angela Bunton and
Misty Edwards and six great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also
survive.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 29th, 2011 in the
Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Rev. Rick Bennett will officiate. Burial
will follow in the Micaville Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour
prior to the service at the funeral home.
Amara Shade Age:
3 Address:
Burnsville Date of Death: October
27, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details:
A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of Stephen and Nola Brown Shade.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Margaret Shade who passed away on
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 and grandfather, Dean Brown who passed away October
5th, 2011. Amara was a special gift from God who was always happy, loved her
brothers and sisters, loved music, loved to dance, she was smart, smart and
against all odds. She was truly a blessing to everyone she was around and will
be greatly missed. Surviving in addition to her parents are her brothers and
sisters: Trevor, Alexis, Kaden and Chance; grandmother, Jacquetta “Keta” Brown;
uncles and aunts: Rick Brown and Nancy Turbyfill, Noel Brown, Deena Johnston and
husband, James, Bill Shade and wife Carolyn, Wyatt Shade, Sonya Silvers and
husband, Edward, Katrina Buchanan and Brandon Ashe and Shawn Buchanan. Many
cousins and friends also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service. The Rev.
Steven Grindstaff will officiate. Burial will be in the Academy Cemetery. The
family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home
and at other times will be at the home of Amara’s grandmother, “Keta”, on Bill
Allen Branch Road. The family would like to say a special thank you to Amara’s
therapists and caregivers for all the love and kindness given to her.
Jack Cox Age:
90 Address: Bakersville Date of Death:
October 26, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details:
He was born in Mitchell County, NC to the late Nelson A. and Susie Hollifield
Cox. He had previously worked as a self-employed truck driver. Survivors
include: sons, Jack Cox Jr. and wife Linda of Bakersville, NC, Sam Cox of
Bakersville, NC, daughters, Debby Woodie and husband Dan of Newland, NC, Kathy
Annis and husband George of Granite Falls, NC, Nona Cox of Spruce Pine, NC,
sister, Tilda Cresawn of Spruce Pine, NC, eight grandchildren, six great
grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: wife,
Elizabeth "Toots" Cox. Graveside services will be held Sunday, October 30,
2011 at 2:00PM in the Burleson Cemetery.
Virgil Buchanan Age:
84 Address:
Buchanan Hill Road, Bakersville Date of Death:
October 25, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details:
He was born in Mitchell County, NC to the late George and Donie Ward Buchanan.
He had previously worked at the NC Department of Transportation doing highway
construction. He was a Member of Cane Creek Baptist Church and he enjoyed
hunting and the outdoors. Survivors include: his wife of 43 years, Margaret
Buchanan of the home, daughters, Crystal Dawn Buchanan of the home, Becky Miller
of Canton, OH, son, Michael Allen Buchanan and wife Buffy of Bakersville, NC,
grandchildren, Austin Miller and Courtney Piercy, niece Angie Atwood and husband
Ben, of Bakersville, NC, great niece and nephews, Kennedy, Kasey, and Kaleb
Atwood, sisters in law, Marion Buchanan, Georgia Buchanan, sisters, Ruby McGee
and Donna Lee Burnette both of Spruce Pine, NC, Rachel Higgins and husband
Richard of Winston Salem, NC, Ruth Lambeth of High Point, brother, Jack Buchanan
and wife Betty of California. He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 28, 2011 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM in the
Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Funeral services will
be held Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 2:00PM in the Cane Creek Baptist Church
with Lonnie McClellan, Doug Honeycutt, and Bill Newnam officiating the service.
Interment will follow in the Cane Creek Cemetery. The family wishes to express a
special Thank You to Hospice of Mitchell County and Bakersville Medical Center.
Eula Jean McCourry Age:
66 Address:
Hamburg Road, Bakersville Date of Death:
October 25, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details:
She was born in Mitchell County, NC, to the late Dave and Eva Byrd Gardner. She
was a homemaker and attended White Oak Baptist. She enjoyed reading and
gardening. Survivors include: her husband, Harrison McCourry Jr, of the
home, daughter, Vickie Hughes and husband Randy of Spruce Pine, NC, sons, Mike
Grindstaff of Morganton, NC, and John Paul Grindstaff of Bakersville, NC,
sisters, Carlene Duvall and husband Paul of Bakersville, NC, Jan Poovey and
husband Tom of Hickory, NC, grandchildren, Kesia Edwards and husband Elvis of
Unicoi, TN, Dakota Hughes and Emily Grindstaff of Spruce Pine, NC, Gabriel and
Logan Grindstaff of Burnsville, NC. She was preceded in death by: her husband,
Paul Ray Grindstaff and brother, Douglas Byrd. Funeral services will be
held Friday, October 28, 2011 at 2:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral
Home. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Don Ford will be
officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Silver Chapel Cemetery.
Dennis Roger Ogle Age:
55 Address:
Peterson Branch Road, Green Mountain Date of Death: October
25, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details:
A native Yancey County, he was a son of Ruth McIntosh Ogle of Green Mountain and
the late Rotha Ogle. He was a member of Patterson Branch Freewill Baptist
Church. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing and caring for his mother. Surviving in
addition to his mother, are a sister, Wanda Kay Smith and husband, Blake, of
Burnsville; 3 brothers: Morris Ogle and wife, Sallie, of Green Mountain, Ronnie
and Tony Ogle of Burnsville; and nieces and nephews: Joe Williams, Melena
Penland, Amanda Garland, Nerissa Smith, Shelly Hoilman, Jason Ogle, Randy Ogle,
Brandon Ogle and Daniel Moss. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM Friday
in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. Cecil Hensley and Denny
Wilson will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Saturday in the
Rotha Ogle Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior
to the service at the funeral home.
Arthur Richardson Age:
81 Address:
Burnsville Date of Death: October
25, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details:
A native of Oklahoma, Arthur was an assembler at Walmart in Spruce Pine and a
finisher at Henredon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, in 2006.
Surviving are three sons: Michael Arthur Richardson of Spruce Pine, James Thomas
Richardson of Michigan and Arthur Timothy Richardson of Asheville; two
daughters: Carol Ann Richardson and Jeri Lynn Meanley both of Bakersfield, CA; a
sister: Nancy Lovelis of Utah; 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; and
step-children: Michael Letterman of Burnsville, Sharon McCurry and Mary Ann
Letterman of Burlington. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday
in Bowditch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 PM
Thursday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.
Lucy L. Hartley Age:
84 Address:
Linville Date of Death: October
25, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details:
A native of Avery County, she was a daughter of the late Ed and Medie Cornett
Lewis and the wife of Ray J. Hartley, who passed away in 1999. She was also
preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra K. Hartley. She was a homemaker and
loved to garden and grow beautiful flowers. Lucy was a loving mother,
grandmother, great grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed. Surviving
is her daughter, Linda H. Clark of Newland; granddaughters: Melisa Maston of
Dayton, OH, Melody Hodge and husband, Shane, of Mountain City, TN and Kelsey
Clark and friend, Brandon Watson, of Newland; great-granddaughters: Mercedis
Nelson and Machenzie Nelson both of Dayton, OH; brother, Cecil Lewis of Newland.
Several nieces, nephews, special friends and loved ones also survive. Graveside
services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 28th, 2011 in the Fork
Mountain Cemetery. The Rev. Rodney Millsaps will officiate. Memorial donations
may be made to The Salvation Army or to the charity of ones choice.
Marie Pitman Phillips Age:
Not Given Address:
Bakersville Date of Death:
October 23, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details:
She was the daughter of the late George and Ethel Pitman and wife of the late
Arnold Phillips, who passed away in 2008. Marie was also preceded in death by a
son, Allen Phillips; a daughter, Linda Ballenger; a grandson, Michael Phillips;
a great-grandson, Jeremy Roland; brothers: Bruce, Jack, and B.F. Pitman;
sisters; Joyce Evans, Alice Greene, and Opal Buchanan. Marie loved to spend time
with her family and was a Member of Cub Creek Baptist Church. Survivors are
sons: Arnold Phillips, Jr. and wife Naomi, Jimmy Phillips and wife Betty of
Bakersville, Randy Phillips and wife Donna of Spruce Pine; daughters, Judy
Roland and husband Horace of Marion, Janice Hoilman and husband Harold of
Bakersville, Jackie Lail and husband Ernie of Hickory; brothers, Buster,
Clinton, and Tommy Pitman of Hickory; sisters; Virginia Kanipe and Sondra Hayes
of Hickory; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-five great grandchildren, two
great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will
be held Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 8:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes
Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be two hours prior to the
service. Interment will be Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 11:00AM in the Malone
Gouge Cemetery.
Aidan Seth Garland Age:
Infant Address:
Burnsville Date of Death: October
23, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details:
Infant son of Buster and Erica Garland, went home to be with the Angel’s on
Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. He was preceded in
death by his paternal grandfather, Vernon Garland, who passed away in 2007.
Surviving in addition to his parents are his sister, Skyler Garland and brother,
Shane Garland; maternal grandparents: Martha Cashion and husband, Steve and
Marvin King; paternal grandmother, Marian Garland. Several aunts, uncles, great
aunts, great uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral
services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011 in the Chapel of
Yancey Funeral Service. Rev. Junior Metcalf will officiate. Burial will be in
the King-Proffitt Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October
27 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home and other times will be at the home
of Marian Garland.
Margaret Wilson Shade Age:
76 Address:
Burnsville Date of Death: October 19, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details:
A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Mamie Young Wilson and
Warner Wilson. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Warner “Hank”
Wilson, Jr. and a sister, Peggy Barnette. She was an active member of Griffith
Chapel Church, where she loved to sing. Margaret also loved to cook and visit
with family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory, a sister, Genevieve
Lottahall and husband, David, of Burnsville; three sons: Billy Bishop Shade and
wife, Carolyn, of Maine, Wyatt Minton Shade of Burnsville and Stephen Warner
Shade and wife, Nola, of Burnsville; two daughters: Sonya Silvers and husband,
Edward, of Green Mountain and Katrina Buchanan and fiancé, Brandon Ashe, of
Candler; fifteen grandchildren: Renee, Aaron, Jacob, Feleshia, Evan, Darian,
Marcus, Shawn, Isaiah, Elijah, Trevor, Alexis, Kaden, Amara and Chance; two
great grandchildren: Lindsay and Jocelyn. Several nieces and nephews also
survive. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 27th, 2011
at Griffith Chapel Church. Rev. Richard Blanton will officiate. Burial will
follow in the Horton Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour
prior to the service at the church. Memorial donations may be made in Margaret’s
honor to Relay For Life, in care of Kathlene Stith, 81 McMahan Road, Burnsville,
NC 28714.
Sherry Lee Duncan Age:
54 Address: Marion Date of Death: October 19, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details:
A native of McDowell County, she was a daughter of Robert Duncan and the late
Rachel Stafford Duncan. Sherry was a caring nurse who loved playing the guitar,
writing songs, singing and camping. Surviving are her father, Robert Duncan and
wife, Inez, of Pigeon Roost; sister, Donna Wilson and husband, Dean, of Marion;
brother, Bobby Duncan of Marion; three nieces: Denay Wilson of Marion, Candi
Glenn and Crissy Yaccarino both of Spruce Pine; nephew, Chad Duncan of Marion;
step-brother, Rick Bennett and wife, Susie, of Burnsville and their son, Matthew
and eight great nieces; one great nephew. Several other loving family members
also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22,
2011 in the Yellow Mountain Baptist Church. Rev. Rodney Millsaps will officiate.
Burial will be in the Yellow Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will
receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Alden Benjamin "Toby" Chrisawn Age:
65 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 19, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details:
A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Benjamin Harrison Chrisawn
and Connie Mae Autrey Chrisawn. He was also preceded in death by his brothers,
Sherrill and Wayne Chrisawn. He was a Navy Veteran, having served during
Vietnam. After serving in the military, he earned a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration from Mars Hill College. He then worked for Asheville
Buncombe Community College in business finance until 1989. He worked as Dean of
Finance for Alamance Community College until 1992 before moving back to Yancey
County to become the finance officer for Toe River Health District. After his
retirement in 1998, he became a licensed real estate broker until his declining
health. Toby loved gardening, landscaping, and woodworking. Surviving are his
wife of 43 years, Norma Jean Sparks Chrisawn and two sons: Nathan Alden Chrisawn
of Winston Salem and Jeremy Wayne Chrisawn of Charlotte; sisters-in-law: Brenda
Henson and husband, Stanley and Pat Chrisawn Matthews and husband, Jerry;
brothers-in-law; Charles Sparks and wife, Lois and Eddie Sparks and wife, Nancy;
niece, Tracie Ann Chrisawn Voletto and husband, Jeff. Several nieces and nephews
also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21,
2011 at First Baptist Church of Burnsville. Rev. Beth Joyner and Rev. Tommy
James will officiate. Military Honors will follow in the Patton Cemetery. The
family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Burnsville, P.O.
Box 425, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Ruth Emma Robinson Silver Age:
93 Address:
Grindstaff Road, Bakersville Date of Death:
October 17, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details:
She was born in Mitchell County, NC, to the late Clyde and Della Stafford
Robinson. She was a homemaker and Member of Kona Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include: daughter, Wanda Freeman and husband Tom of Spruce Pine, NC,
son, William Silver Jr. and wife Brenda of Bakersville, NC, grandchildren, Mark
and John Silver, Jennifer Foxx, Corrie, Sarah, and Will Freeman, Hannah Shepard,
great grandchildren, Andrew Freeman, Thomas Shepard, Jackson Foxx, Makayla
Silver, Annali and Riley Silver. She was preceded in death by: husband,
William George Silver, and son, Wayne Silver, brothers, Homer, Paul, Marvin, and
Kenneth Robinson, sister, Lovie Grindstaff, and five infant brothers and
sisters. Funeral services will be held, Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at
1:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Jerry
Robinson, Paul Silver, and Randy Bonner will be officiating the service. The
family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow
in the Silver Family Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be
made to: Silver Family Cemetery, c/o William Silver Jr, 262 Sam Gouge Road,
Bakersville, NC, 28705, or to a charity of ones choice.
Joseph "Joe" Inman Age:
84 Address: Swiss
Pine Court, Spruce Pine
Date of Death: October 17, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born
on July 9, 1927 in Whiteville, NC, he was the son of the late Clarence Benjamin
and Mable Benton Inman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
five brothers; Clarence Inman, Jr., Gene Inman, Richard Inman, Jack Inman, and
Charles Inman, and one sister; Peggy Donmyer. He was a World War II veteran of
the U.S. Navy that served in the European Theatre and Pacific Theatre. He was a
member of the First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine. Mr. Joe Inman was the
biggest fan of the Mitchell High School Mountaineers. He had a great interest in
the football team, womens basketball team, and the wrestling team. He loved and
admired all of the athletes that took part in the Mitchell High School athletic
program. A service to celebrate the life of Joe Inman will be held on
Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine
with James Acuff and the Rev's. Matthew Costner and Curt Bomar officiating.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of the football team, girls
basketball team, and wrestling team. Left to cherish his memories are his
wife of sixty years; Martha Benton Inman of the home; two daughters; Jo Ellen
Puckett and husband, Jim of Huntersville, NC and Sharon Flint and husband,
Gordon of Lexington, VA; two granddaughters; Elizabeth Jane Puckett of Raleigh,
NC and Katherine Graham Puckett of Huntersville, NC; and a grandson; Alexander
Gordon Flint of Lexington, VA; and a brother; Patrick Thomas Inman of
Greenville, SC.
Charles Phillip Dellinger Age: 93 Address: Micaville Date of Death: October 17, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, He was a son of the late John and Laura Hensley Dellinger and the husband of Hazel Shelton Dellinger who died in 1994. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Grover Dellinger and a sister, Helen Dellinger Silver. He was a partner in Dellinger and Silver Store in Micaville for over 30 years. Surviving are two sons: Randy Dellinger and Kevin Dellinger of Burnsville and a granddaughter: Taylor Dellinger of Burnsville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Charlie Carroway will officiate. Burial will be in the Fred Young Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Thursday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.
Cynthia G. Autrey Age: 48 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 16, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: She was the daughter of the late Jerry Clark and Betty Jean St. John Clark. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Edward Clark. Cynthia was a loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all. Surviving is her loving husband of 18 years, Randall Autrey; children: Josh Higgins, Nick Higgins, Jessica McIntosh, Timothy Autrey;
sister, Cathy Pearson and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3
p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2011 in the South Toe Baptist Church. Rev. Randy
Autrey and Rev. Ronnie Gouge will officiate. Burial will be in the McIntosh
Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 3 p.m. prior to the
service at the church.
Sharon Whitson Age: 57 Address: Henredon Plant Road, Spruce Pine Date of Death: October 16, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on October 20, 1953 in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late Alaska Biddix Mace. She was a member of the Altapass Church of God and worked there as a Vacation Bible School teacher. The funeral service for Mrs. Sharon Whitson will be conducted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Altapass Church of God with the Rev. Cameron Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the McKinney Gap Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 at the Altapass Church of God. Left to cherish her memories are her husband of thirty-five years, Ronnie Whitson of the home; her daughter; Amy Michelle Moore and husband, Brad of Spruce Pine; her son; Christopher E. Whitson and wife, Danielle of Spruce Pine; her sister; Carolyn Dellinger and husband, T.J. of Newland; close cousins; Venita Williams, Diane Hughes, Brenda Ray, Sylvia Fortner, Elizabeth Barnhill, Rita Burleson, Charlotte Gouge, and Joan Forbes.
Betty Staley Age: 89 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 16, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: Born September 2,1922 in Moundsville, West Virginia to the late Daddy Bill and Carrie Hipkins West, she was the wife of David Staley, who died in 2008. She and David were married July 25, 1954. Betty was also preceded in death by sisters: Ada Lou West and Alice Wood; brothers: Ben and Harold West; and, her aunt who raised her: Louella Hipkins Honeycutt. She spent much of her life caring for children in her home and at Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church. For many years she and David enjoyed selling jewelry at the Jamestown Flea Market. Surviving are cousins: Willard Maxwell of Missouri, Texas, Glenn Maxwell and wife, Katherine, of Bellaire, Ohio and Ruth Abrigg and husband Edwin of Bridgeport, Ohio; and, special friends: Linda Hensley and Helene Moore of Burnsville. Funeral services will be held at 11 A. M. Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Pastors Don Shuman and Wes Sharpe will officiate. Burial will be in Holcombe Cemetery.
Thelma Shepherd Angel Age: 97 Address: Swiss Community Date of Death: October 16, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Laskey and Maude Waycaster Shepherd, and the wife of William Walton Angel who died in 2001. She was also preceded in death by sisters: Lillie Shepherd and Julia Bennett; brothers: Woodrow, J. Olin and Ralph Shepherd; daughter: Alma Jean Buckner; and, son-in-law: Harold Buckner. Surviving are a son: Danny D. Angel (Linda) of Burnsville; granddaughters: Patricia Buckner (Glenn Seabolt) of Nashville, TN; Dolores Buckner Wyatt (Larry) of Marshall, Cindy Buckner Edwards (Rick) of Mars Hill; grandsons: John Mark Angel of Asheville and Jeremy Angel; great grandchildren: Truman Wyatt, Ashley and Katey Edwards, Austin, Abigail and Summer Angel; a special great, great grandson: Bently Eli Edwards; niece: Susan Kiser; and, nephews: Rev. Palma Bennett, Dale Shepherd and Dallas Peterson. Funeral services will be held at 1PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Palma Bennett will officiate. Burial will be on the Angel Family Farm on Scronce Creek Road. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, C/O John Radford, 395 Shake Rag Road, Mars Hill, NC 28754.
Deamie Tipton Watts Age: 92 Address: Lotties Creek, Yancey County Date of Death: October 13, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late John Henry and Prince Edwards Tipton, and the wife of Arnold Watts who passed away in August of 2005. She was also preceded in death by a sister: Ida Tipton Howell; brothers: Homer, Chester, Ova, Hoy, Regis and L. V. Tipton; and a grandson: Larry Watts. Deamie leaves a legacy of love and devotion for family, friends and neighbors. Left to cherish those memories and keep her love alive are her two sons: Jackie Watts and wife, Maria, of Augusta, GA and Jim Watts and wife, Alice, of Burnsville; grandson: Anthony Watts and wife, Amanda; granddaughter: Rhonda Watts; and, great grandchildren: Johnathan, Joey, Billy, Abi, Isaiah, Max, Andrew and Ryan. She had many dear, beloved nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. A special thanks to dear friends, family and neighbors who cared for Deamie in her home during her last days, especially her special caregivers: Mary Dell Penland and Christel Wilson. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. David Bryant, Denver Styles and Billy Mitchell will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Sunday in the Watts Cemetery at Lotties Creek. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Lillian Lena Renfro Age: 88 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 11, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Northfield, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Secondo and Delia Virano, and the wife of the late Fred Renfro. She was a World War II Marine Veteran and a member of Woman’s Marine Association. Lillian was a member of the Yacht Club of Pleasantville, NJ. Surviving are a daughter: Jeanne Renfro of Burnsville; sons: Thomas Renfro of Burnsville, and William Renfro and wife, Sharon, of Aiken, SC; 3 grandchildren: Todd Renfro, Amy Thomas and Paige Morris; and, 5 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Michael Leahy will officiate. Burial will be in the Higgins Cemetery with military graverites by Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Annie Ingram Age: 91 Address: Ingram Lane in Newland Date of Death: October 11, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on February 17, 1920 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Ruben and Delila Freeman Huskins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons; Reggie Ingram and Paul Ingram; four brothers; Earl Fisher; Forrest Fisher; George Huskins; and Paul Huskins; two sisters; Nettie Duncan and Maggie Love. She was a member of the Whites Memorial Baptist Church. The funeral service for Mrs. Annie Mae Ingram will be conducted on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Big Meadows Baptist Church with the Rev’s. Tommy Thomas and Jim Shoupe officiating. Interment will follow in the Big Meadows Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7 until 9 in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home. Left to cherish her memories is her husband of seventy-two years; Jerry Ingram of the home; her daughter; Betty Weathers and husband, Doug of Newland; her sons; George Ingram and wife, Margie of Newland and Paul Ingram, Jr. and wife, Hazel of Newland; grandchildren; Tammy Morgan, Tommy Ingram, Wanda Pendley, Harold Ingram, Brenda Weathers, Delila Ingram, and Deanna Ingram; and seven great grandchildren.
Stella Hensley Hollifield Age: 86 Address: Spruce Pine (formerly of Burnsville) Date of Death: October 10, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: Stella was born on January 16, 1925 in Yancey County to the late Robert Lee and Pansy Edwards Hensley. Formerly of the Swiss community, she had been making her home with her daughter, Violet Buchanan and husband, Donald, of Spruce Pine for the past three years due to her declining health. Stella was also preceded in death by her husband, Ed Hollifield in 2004 and brothers: Paul and Verona; and sisters: Addie King, Odell Riddle, Thelma Hensley and Ruby Wheeler. Stella was a kind, humble, loving person who wasn’t afraid of hard work. She loved working in her garden and canning, working in her flower garden, sewing and making quilts, and she loved most, reading her Bible. She taught Adult Women’s Sunday School class for years. Her heritage continues through her daughter: Violet Buchanan and husband, Donald, of Spruce Pine; grandchildren: Kim Cottrell and husband, Todd, of Gainesville, GA; Samantha Varner and husband, Bruce, of New York and Roy Thomas and wife, Amy, of Burnsville; great grandchildren: Rachel, Drew and Adam Cottrell of Gainesville, GA, Nicolas Varner of New York and Roy, Gideon, Emma and Audrey Thomas of Burnsville; stepdaughters: Christy Rash and husband, Paul, of Spruce Pine and Renee Duncan of Burnsville; step grandchildren: Tonya Capps of Hendersonville, Devin Teague of Spruce Pine and Francesca Duncan of Burnsville; sisters: Eloise Silvers of Burnsville and Vertie Lou Carver and husband, Roy, of Cherryville; and, brothers: Robert Hensley and wife, Teresa, and Cacciaquida Hensley and wife, Linda, of Burnsville. She had many nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Dianne Surrett. Funeral services will be held at 8 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Roy Thomas will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday in the Burton Cemetery at Bald Creek. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.
Johnnie Christine Morrow Austin Age: 72 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 10, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: She had suffered a long illness, but God granted her peace and victory. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert Wade Austin; grandson: Dustin Andrew (Andy) Austin; sisters: Jane Delane Morrow and Callie Ann Randolph; and her father: John Grady Morrow, all of whom she loved and missed. She is survived by her mother: Opha Elnora Morrow; children: Joseph Andrew Austin and wife, Rachel, Kenitra Gail Higgins and husband, Dennis, William Daniel Austin and Scott Wade Austin; grandchildren: Jeremiah Benjamin Styles and wife, Ashley, Maria Harrison and husband, Marshall, Nathaniel Lee Austin, Briana Elnora Higgins, and Lochlin Wade Austin; great grandchildren: Jaden Malachi Styles, Hunter Isaacs and Lakyn Austin; brothers and sisters: Thomas Isaac Morrow and wife, Margaret, Connie Mae Ray and husband, Bobby, William Michael Morrow and wife, Sharon, Deborah Kay Fox and husband, Roger, Mona Marie Honeycutt and husband, Larry, Benjamin Kevin Morrow and wife, Patricia; brother-in-law, J. T. Randolph; 15 nephews, 5 nieces, 19 great nephews, 13 great nieces and 1 great-great niece all of whom she loved and cherished. Funeral services will be held at 8 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Stacey Elkins will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Thursday in the Wade Austin Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of Kenitra Higgins on Sam Robertson Road. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4).
Beverly Ann Thompson Age: 27 Address: Thompson Road, Spruce Pine Date of Death: October 8, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on December 1, 1983 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of Glenn Thompson and Estell Miller Thompson. She was a member of the Pine Branch Baptist Church. The funeral services for Beverly A. Thompson will be conducted on Monday, October 10, 2011 at 2:00pm at the Pine Branch Baptist Church with the Rev’s. Steve Williams, Cass Buchanan, and Ronnie Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 1:00pm until the service hour at the church. Left to cherish her memories are her Mother; Estell Miller Willis of Spruce Pine; her Father; Glenn Thompson of Spruce Pine; her brothers; James Miller of Asheville and Charles Miller of Burnsville; her sisters; Cynthia Thompson of Spruce Pine and Pam Blevins of Burnsville; and her paternal grandmother; Grace Thompson of Spruce Pine.
Arnold McIntosh Age: 91 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 6, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Ernest and Lucy King McIntosh. A WWII Army Veteran, Arnold was infantry in the South Pacific. He was a member of West Burnsville Baptist Church and the Sgt. E.L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Edith Arrowood and brothers, Ray McIntosh and Jack McIntosh. Surviving are 3 daughters; Linda McIntosh, Anne Mann and Julie Pond; 5 grandchildren: Adrian, Joel, Hayley, Olivia and Eli all of Oregon, and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first great granddaughter. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Charlie Carroway will officiate. Burial will be in the Bee Log Church Cemetery with Military grave rites conducted by the Sgt. E. L. Randolph DAV. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Dean M. Brown Age: 67 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 5, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Thurman and Eva Laws Brown. Surviving is his wife, Jacquetta Perkins Brown; daughters: Deena Johnston and husband, James, of Lexington and Nola Shade and husband, Stephen, of Burnsville; sons: Ricky Brown and fiancé, Nancey Turbyfill and Noel Brown, all of Burnsville; 4 sisters: Lois Roland and husband, E.J., Grace Hensley and husband, Bill, and Eloise Hensley, all of Burnsville, and Emma Jean Hunter and husband, Clarence, of Hampton, VA; 2 brothers: Benny Brown and Billy Joe Brown and wife, Peggy, all of Burnsville; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. No services are planned.
Tammie Silver Edwards Age: 51 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: October 3, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of Eloise Brewer Harding and the late Hal Silver. Tammie and her husband, Michael, were owners of Prosperity Plants and she was Director of Housekeeping at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care. Tammie was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Michael Edwards; daughter: Sarah Edwards of the home; mother: Eloise Harding and husband, J. C., of Green Mountain; brother: Richard Silver and Olena; sister: Mecheel Stewart and husband, Mark, all of Burnsville; nephews: Jake Silver of Burnsville and Keith Southerns of Greenville, SC; step-sisters: Nancy Silver and husband, Marvin, and Linda Hughes and husband, Danny, of Green Mountain; step-brother: Mike Harding of Granite Falls; sister-in-law: Bereda Lovelace and husband, Jeff, of Asheville and several step nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Jeff Brewer will officiate. Burial will be in the Blue Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Friday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.
J. D. Hollifield Age: 82 Address: Bidfield Ridge Road, Spruce Pine Date of Death: October 3, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on January 13, 1929 in Mitchell County, he was the last surviving child of Steven and Carrie Harrison Hollifield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Joetta W. Hollifield who passed away in 2005. Mr. Hollifield served as a county commissioner in Mitchell County for eight years. He built or repaired houses for his children and his grandchildren. He was a retired carpenter and farmer. He was a friend to all and established a great friendship with the Amish families of John Fisher and David Stoffus of Pennsylvania. He served as a deacon of the Grassy Creek Baptist Church for many years and was currently a member of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Spruce Pine. The funeral service for Mr. J D Hollifield will be conducted on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 8:00 pm at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev’s. Milton Hollifield, Clay Dale, and Darrin Waldroup officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 pm until the service hour at the church. Graveside services and interment will be at 11:00 am Thursday in the Greenlee Cemetery. Left to cherish his memories are his wife; Jewell Fisher Hollifield of the home; his daughter; Melda Biddix and husband, Alan of Spruce Pine; his son; Coy Hollifield and wife, Billie of Bakersville; his grandchildren; Shane Biddix and wife, Stephanie of Spruce Pine; Dustin Biddix and wife, Jessica of Spruce Pine; Tammy Buckner and husband, Bo of Bakersville; Shana Buchanan and husband, Cass of Bakersville; Casey Johnson and husband, Kelly of Crossnore; and Cara Laws and husband, Matthew of Spruce Pine; great grandchildren; Madison, Sage, Levi, Grayson, Keyven, Keaton, Daylen, Ettalen, and Colton.
Foster Byrd Age: 76 Address: Shady Lane, Bakersville Date of Death: October 1, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on September 22, 1935 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Charlie Howard and Anna Myrtle Byrd. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ross Byrd. Mr. Foster Byrd was retired from Roadway Express Trucking Company. He was a member of Bakersville Masonic Lodge #357 A.F. & A.M. He enjoyed wood working, loved his family, and enjoyed traveling. The funeral service for Mr. Foster Byrd will be conducted on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with the Rev’s. Darrin Waldroup, Matt Ward, and Brent Duncan officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites by the Bakersville Masonic Lodge #357 A.F. & A.M. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 in the funeral home chapel. Mr. Byrd leaves behind his wife of fifty-two years; Anarose G. Byrd of the home; two sons; Tony Byrd and wife, Selina of Newland and Gaylen Byrd of Bakersville; a daughter; Rhody Janke and husband, Ziggy of Spring Valley, IL; three grandchildren; Ariel Byrd, Danielle Byrd, and Elijah Byrd all of Newland.
Freeman Thomas (Tom) Clark Age: 72 Address: Celo Date of Death: October 1, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: He is survived by wife, Carol (married 42 years); sister, Virginia Schneider, and nieces: Gail Childs, Lori Swift and Jill Smith. Tom served in the U.S. Army and proceeded to complete his doctorate in Administration of Higher Education at The University of Michigan. Most recently, he served as a court interpreter English/Spanish for the Clerk of Superior Court in Burnsville. For 15 years, he was an adjunct professor at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. He served as Assistant to the President at the University of the Valley in Guatemala and was Director of Student Services at the University of Michigan. A dedicated social activist, he was involved, in many ways, teaching justice and building bridges with people in Mexico and Central and South America. He was a student of the world, traveling widely. He and Carol lived in Guatemala for three years and Mexico for two years. Their hearts have been in Yancey County for 23 years. A Memorial Service is planned for a later date at Celo Friends Meeting House. In lieu of flowers, send gifts to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 George’s Fork Road, Burnsville NC 28714 or Witness for Peace Southeast, 1105 Sapling Place, Raleigh, NC 27615.
Lew Jessie Ayers Age: 55 Address: Red Hill Community Date of Death: September 30, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: He was a son of Rheba Hughes Ayers of Red Hill and the late Charles Ayers. A truck owner-operator, Lew had traveled extensively throughout the United States. Over 30 years, he visited 48 states and logged more than a million miles. In the summer of 2010, he made his last cross-country trip, during a summer vacation, visiting the Southwestern deserts, Grand Canyon,California Coast and High Sierras with his brother. He was a journeyman, farmer and mechanic and loved working with animals, caring for two wolves since 1994. Lew suffered a debilitating stroke in 2009; after which, his health steadily declined. Lew was, at heart, a soft-spoken and caring man who many times helped neighbors during difficult times. Surviving, in addition to his mother, are a brother: Rev. Dorne Ayers of San Diego, CA; and nephews: Jeremiah Ayers of California City, CA and Dr. John Ayers of Boston, MA. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Joyce Strickler Age: 82 Address: Mt. Carmel, TN Date of Death: September 30, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: She left behind a tired and worn out body in exchange for a brand new one. How good she must feel now! She was surrounded by her family, who loved her very much and she will be missed greatly. She was a member of Mt. Zion Methodist Church of Spruce Pine, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard Strickler, her parents, James and Gertrude Huskins McKinney, three brothers; James Junior, Buck and Jack McKinney; one sister; Jewel Phillips, and one great granddaughter, Morgan. The funeral service for Joyce Strickler will be conducted on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the Mt. Zion Methodist Church with the Rev. Ken Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 2:00 pm until the service hour at the Mt. Zion Methodist Church. Joyce is survived by a son; Jamie Strickler and wife Nancy of Blountville, TN; a daughter; Sheila Lovell and husband Rick of Mt. Carmel, TN, a sister; JoAnn Buchanan of Spruce Pine, eight grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild, and many extended family, friends, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the nurses from Amedisys Home Healthcare for all the care they gave our mother. We give a special thank you to Nancy Osborne whom our mother thought a lot of. The family will be receiving friends at the home of her daughter, Sheila Lovell at 456 Old Hickory Circle, Mt. Carmel, TN.
Virginia Faye Hoilman Robinson Age: 82 Address: Robinson Ridge Road, Bakersville Date of Death: September 28, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: She was born in Mitchell County, NC to the late John Wesley and Lillie Wilson Hoilman. She had previously worked at Ellens Knitting Mill and was the oldest member at Cub Creek Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening and watching her children play sports. Survivors include: son, Gary and wife Teresa Robinson of Spruce Pine, NC, Larry and wife Sabra Robinson, Jim and wife Linda Robinson, John and wife Angela Robinson, and Danny “Moe” and wife Bobbie Robinson all of Bakersville, NC, daughter, Claudia Christian and husband Mike of Simpsonville, SC, twenty five grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and special friends, Jessica Sparks and Tonya Jo Minks. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Claude Robinson who passed away in 2004, seven sisters and one brother. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 30, 2011 at 8:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be three hours prior to the service. Larry Beam, Clifford Willis, and Doug Willis will be officiating the service. Interment will be Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 1:00PM in the Slagle Cemetery off of Sweet Creek Road, Bakersville, NC. Henline-Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Robinson family.
Cecil D. Huskins Age: 83 Address: Celo Date of Death: September 28, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Milt and Dora Williams Huskins. He was also preceded in death by three sisters: Edna Grindstaff, Estelle Huskins and Pauline Long and four brothers: Landon, Jack, Bill and Sherrill Huskins. Cecil was a deacon and choir leader at Mt. Mitchell Baptist Church and was passionate about the NC Baptist Children’s Home, of which he was a representative for a number of years. He was also a former school board member with the Yancey County Board of Education. His other passions included writing and singing gospel music throughout WNC with his family. His love and compassion will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Surviving is his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Wilma Ray Huskins; his daughter, Karen Young and husband, Bud, of Spruce Pine; his two grandchildren, that were his life: Ben and Ivy Rose Young; sister, Joyce McGalliard of Nebo and sister-in-law, Betty Huskins of Dysartsville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 30th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Forrest Westall will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7:30 p. m. on Friday prior to the service at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 1st in the Ray Cemetery on Blue Rock. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Baptist Children’s Home of NC, 111 Sneed Drive, Clyde, NC 28721-8468.
Milam McCurry Williams Age: 83 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 26, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Burgess and Drucilla Watts McCurry. Milam was also preceded in death by 4 brothers: Fred, Tilman, Sam and Bacchus; 2 sisters: Trula and Ruby and 2 great grandchildren: Andrea Shultz and Cody Wise. Surviving are two sons: Gerald Phillips and wife, Kathey, and Greg Williams and wife, Inge, all of Burnsville; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; a brother: J. C. McCurry of Johnson City, TN; 2 sisters: Gladys Erwin of Erwin, TN and Mary Edwards of Burnsville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held at 8 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Clifton McCurry will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Thursday in the Watts Cemetery on Lotties Creek. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Elizabeth "Jean" Fox Age: 69 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 25, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Hattie Laws Fox. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers: Ross Fox and Clyde Fox; and 4 sisters: Lois McCurry, Jackie Runion, Hazel Fox and Thelma Hensley. Jean was an employee of Bantam Chef for the past 37 years. Surviving are 3 brothers: Homer Fox and wife, Neta, and Clay Fox all of Burnsville and Albert Fox and wife, Rebecca, of Weaverville and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Larry Sprouse will officiate. Burial will be in the Academy Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mary Lee Buchanan Barron Age: 90 Address: Bakersville Date of Death: September 25, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: Born August 24, 1921, she was a life-long resident of Mitchell County and member of the Bakersville United Methodist Church spending most of her life in Bakersville with the past five years at the Brian Center in Spruce Pine. Bob and Mary Lee lived for brief periods in Miami and Detroit during WWII. Mary Lee was a graduate of Western Carolina University and began her teaching career in Mitchell County as a seventh grade teacher and started the library in the middle and elementary section of Bowman School. During summers she completed a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Appalachian State University then worked in the Mitchell County Public Library as a cataloger and part time bookmobile librarian. She returned to the school system in the early 60’s, coordinating library service in Ledger, Buladean, Glenn Ayre, and Gouge elementary and Bowman Middle schools. The family is proud to hear many people remark, “Mrs. Barron was my librarian.” She loved the children and worked diligently to help them to appreciate their mountain culture by reading stories to them like Jack Tales and the work of John Parris. She will reunite also with her parents, Lorenzo Buchanan and Euzelia Young Buchanan of the Rock Creek and Young Cove communities, who spent their married lives in a big white house in downtown Bakersville where Mary Lee and her son Daniel were born. Bob and Mary Lee have been separated by death for 25 years. She is survived by her son Daniel, Director of AMY Regional Library, and his wife Brette, an artist, both of Bakersville; a granddaughter, Amy Barron of Huntersville, a GIS Professional with Duke Energy in Charlotte; a step grandson, Bobby Day of Spruce Pine, an Electronics Technician with Euro-Pro; and a step granddaughter, Maddie Day of Bakersville a Senior at Mitchell High School. Mary Lee will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her and appreciate all that she contributed to the lives of Mitchell County children and the community spirit of Bakersville. One of her favorite places was New Orleans, and as their bands play “When the Saints go Marching In,” she and Bob will smile and say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” Instead of flowers, the family will appreciate donations in Mary Lee’s behalf to the Mitchell County Public Library in Bakersville. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 3:00PM in Bakersville Methodist Church with David Lee officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Green Young Cemetery.
Elizabeth "Jean" Fox Age: 69 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 25, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Hattie Laws Fox. Jean was an employee of Bantam Chef for the past 37 years. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers: Ross Fox and Clyde Fox; and 4 sisters: Lois McCurry, Jackie Runion, Hazel Fox and Thelma Hensley. Surviving are 3 brothers: Homer Fox and wife, Neta, and Clay Fox all of Burnsville and Albert Fox and wife, Rebecca, of Weaverville and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Academy Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Lois Hopson Age: 87 Address: Tipton Hill Community Date of Death: September 25, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Lonas and Myra Bryant Tipton. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Jerry Frank Hopson, brother, B. Frank Tipton and sister, Nelle Hicks. Lois was born and lived her first 14 years in Mitchell County in the Red Hill Community, but most of her married life in East, TN in Unicoi County, where she was a member of Unicoi Baptist Church. She moved back to Tipton Hill in 1995. She was a homemaker who dedicated her life to raising her 5 children and she loved to quilt and read. She was a wonderful mother, friend and neighbor who was loved by everyone, especially her family. Surviving are her children: James K. Hopson and wife, Linda, of Unicoi, TN, Patsy Griffith and husband, Sherrill, of Tipton Hill, Sharon Newell and husband, Don, of Johnson City, TN, Linda Crichton and husband, John, of Spring Hill, TN, and Judy Tilson of Morristown, TN; sisters: Faye Hughes of Bakersville and Peggy Huscroft and husband, Frank, of Telford, TN; brothers: Ralph Tipton of Greensboro, Joe Tipton and wife, Anna, of Greensboro and Wayne Tipton and wife, Carolyn, of Morristown, TN; 9 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services with the Rev. Randy Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Red Hill Methodist Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Yancey Co., 856 Georges Fork Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714.
Elec Louis Hensley Age: 72 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 25, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: He was the son of the late Marcus David and Edna Wilson Hensley. Elec was a retired correctional officer for the State of North Carolina. He was also preceded in death by his son, Dale Hensley who passed away in 1975 and his brother, Yuit Hensley. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Christina Allen Hensley of the home; one daughter, Cynthia Gail Phillips and husband, Roger, of Unicoi, TN; son, Christopher Hensley of Burnsville; twin sister, Winnie Chandler and husband, Jimmy, also of Burnsville; two granddaughters, Jessica Dale McKinney and husband, Josh, and Autumn Lee Carroll; great-grandson, Laiken Jayce McKinney and great-granddaughter, Peyton Alexis McKinney. Funeral services for Mr. Hensley will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Jerry Shelton will officate. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the services. Burial will follow in the Hensley Cemetery.
Palama Anderson Pate Age: 87 Address: Hickory Lane Date of Death: September 23, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Madison County, born to the late Dewey and Vernie Brigman Anderson Stanley, she was the adopted daughter of the late Joe and Alice Robinson. She was also preceded in death by a sister: Bernice Banks; and, brothers: Ernest, Horace and Preston Anderson. Palama loved her family, spending time with her grandchildren, and gardening. Surviving are her husband of 68 years: Ransom L. Pate; two sons: Donald Lee Pate of the home and Gerald Pate of Micaville; a daughter: Jeanie Chrisawn and husband, Keith, of Micaville; a granddaughter: Leigh-Ann Capps and husband, Jeffrey, of Weaverville; a grandson: Alan Chrisawn and wife, Amanda, of Nebo; 3 great grandchildren: Colby and Callie Capps and Joshua Chrisawn; and, 2 step great grandchildren: Kasey and Rodney Kinser. Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Keith Blankenship and Ricky Ray will officiate. Burial will be in the Eddie McMahan Cemetery at Low Gap. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home of Jeanie Chrisawn on Cane Branch. Memorials may be made to the Gideons International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Thomas Dean McIntosh Age: 68 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 21, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Tom and Ruth Jarrett McIntosh. He was a Cum Laude graduate of Appalachian State Teachers College where he earned a teaching degree in mathematics. During his 31 years of public school teaching, he touched many lives. Tommy was an avid member of Burnsville First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a sister: Susan Wilson and husband, Robert, of Lenoir; a brother: Ronnie Vic McIntosh and wife, Midge, of Newdale; 2 nieces: Tamara Coffey and Cathy Harmon of Lenoir; a nephew: Jeremy McIntosh of Newdale; 2 great-nieces: Kirsten Coffey and Aubrey Harmon and a great-nephew: Corbin Thomas Coffey and numerous cousins. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Maggie Lauderer and Dr. Bill Lindeman will officiate. Burial will be in the Lily Branch Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 PM Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Burnsville First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 635, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Staci Nicole Ayala Age: 36 Address: Newdale Community Date of Death: September 20, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: She was preceded in death by a sister, Tami Denise Honeycutt; grandparents: Ossie and Verlon Edwards and Lester and Carrie Honeycutt and her favorite aunt, “Mommy” Wanell Hudgins. She was a 1993 graduate of Mountain Heritage High School and a graduate of East Coast Bible College in Charlotte. Surviving is her loving husband of 7 years, Jonathan Ayala; parents, Benny and Judie Honeycutt; mother and father-in-law, Bob and Becky Ayala and a sister-in-law, Ali Ayala. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Rev. Charles R. Dodson will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday in the Edwards Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Helen Johnson McCoury Age: 90 Address: Mountain Manor Assisted Living Date of Death: September 18, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: Born April 30th, 1921 to Hobert and Merla Johnson, she was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, September 18th, 2011 at Mountain Manor Assisted Living. She was the wife of the late Frank Edward McCoury, who passed away in 2002. In addition to her parents and husband she was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Kristie Lynn Gunderson Lee; sisters: Margaret Johnson Carter and Frances Johnson Van den Enden. She was a member of Crabtree Baptist Church for many years and following Frank’s death she joined the First Presbyterian Church of Burnsville. Helen worked for Glen Raven Mills, was a manager of the lunchroom at East Yancey Middle School and retired from Baxter Heath Care. Surviving is her daughter, Barbara McCoury Skinner and husband, Pat, of Burnsville; brothers: Kermit Johnson and wife, Betty, of Spruce Pine and David Johnson and wife, Suzanne, of Germantown, NC; granddaughters: Karla Deen and husband, Jason and Barbara Stewart; great-grandsons: Zachary Lee, Christian Deen and Brady Deen. Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Thursday, September 22nd at the First Presbyterian Church of Burnsville. Dr. Bill Lindeman will officiate. Burial will be in the Honeycutt Cemetery on Georges Fork Road. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made in Helen’s honor to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Maud Kathleen Hensley Higgins Age: 95 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 18, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Wesley B. and Atlas Banks Hensley. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William A. Higgins, in 1996, a retired magistrate of North Carolina for Yancey County, two brothers, Edgar B. Hensley and Brooks C. Hensley, and a grandson, Douglas A. Fisher. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Ann Higgins Fisher and Colonel Donald L. Fisher of Bend, Oregon; two grandsons, William Blackburn of Colorado Springs, Colorado and David Fisher of Bend, Oregon; a great-grandson, Brandon Blackburn; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Evelyn Hensley Divers and John D. Divers of Cloverdale, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Wilhelmina A. Hensley and Joyce R. Hensley of Burnsville; six nieces, two nephews, special friend, Yvonne Edge, and a host of cousins and friends. Mrs. Higgins was owner and operator of Maud’s Beauty Salon in Burnsville for 30 years. She was a member of Higgins Memorial Methodist Church since 1934. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. John D. Divers and Pastor Wes Sharp of the Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Banks Cemetery on Bolens Creek. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Charles Bailey, Jr. Age: 77 Address: Mine Branch Date of Death: September 18, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a direct descendant of John “Yellow Jacket” John Bailey. He was a son of the late Charley and Martha Hall Bailey. Charles was preceded in death by 3 children: Beth, Shannon, and Charles Christopher; brothers: Perry, Ralph and J. C. Parker, D. P., Nass and Bill Bailey; and, sisters: Ginger Tipton, Jacquelene Huskins and Ida Lee Silvers. He was a retired miner, an avid outdoorsman and collector of Indian artifacts. Surviving are a son: Sandy Bailey and wife, Shelly, of Green Mountain; 4 grandchildren: Charles Joshua Bailey, Jordan Marshall, Jessi Mae Bailey and Nicholas Drew Hoilman; 2 sisters: Ruby Miller of Newdale and Betty Sue Parker of Bakersville; 2 brothers: Adam and Michael Sparks of Bakersville; and, a special cousin: James Byrd. A graveside service will be held at 2PM Monday in the Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Danny Dean Silvers will officiate.
Guy Silver Age: 82 Address: Bandana Community Date of Death: September 17, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: He was the son of the late Fred and Edna Jarrett Silver. He was preceded in death by his brother Harry Silver. Mr. Silver is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jo Ann Holder Silver, his sons; Sam and wife Ronda Stafford Silver and Edd Silver, three grandsons; Clint F., Jacob Guy and J.E.B. Silver all of the Bandana Community. He is also survived by two sisters; Nina Turbyfill of Snow Creek, Bobbie Stack of Pensacola, FL. and a brother Ted Silver of Garner, NC; several nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law James and Jean Willis of Bear Creek, brother-in-law; Charles Bruce Holder and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Edward and Mary Holder all of Canton, Ohio. Guy was a lifetime farmer in the Bandana Community except for a brief period when he served in the Korean War in the US Air Force. Guy showed a love for God first, family second and then his community and the land, as was obvious by his testimony. He was a lifelong member of Silver Chapel Baptist Church and was laid to rest there on Sunday, September 18, 2011. The family invites you to come and join them in celebrating his life on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Silver Chapel Baptist Church in Bandana. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Gideons of which he was a long time member.
Doris Sparks Martin Age: 47 Address: Mica Street, Spruce Pine Date of Death: September 15, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on March 1, 1964 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Josephine Sparks Greene. She was preceded in death by a brother; Ray Junior Sparks and a sister; Betty Henson. She was a member of the Berry Chapel Baptist Church. The funeral service for Mrs. Doris Martin will be conducted on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the Berry Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev’s. Greg Hollifield and Bobby Joe Greene officiating. Interment will follow in the Berry Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00 pm until the service hour at the Berry Chapel Baptist Church. Mrs. Martin leaves behind her husband; Leslie Harley Martin of the home; her son; David Mace of Spruce Pine; two brothers; John Sparks and wife, Stacie of Spruce Pine and Jerry Sparks and wife, Manuela of Spruce Pine; two sisters; Barbara Laws and husband, John of Ingalls and Wilma Mae Sparks of Spruce Pine; two granddaughters; McKenzie Brooke Harris and Hannah Mace both of Spruce Pine; several nieces and nephews.
Verdie Mae Cox Age: 96 Address: Chestnut Grove Road, Spruce Pine Date of Death: Not Given Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on May 26, 1915 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Columbus and Bessie Schism Smith and wife of the late Virgil Cox. She was preceded in death by two brothers; Frank Smith and Bert Smith and two sisters; Maude Smith and Josephene Young. She was a member of the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. The funeral service for Mrs. Verdie Mae Cox will be conducted on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Little Switzerland with the Rev’s Vernon Buchanan and Greg Burnett officiating. Interment will follow in the Burnett Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 2:00 pm until the service hour. Mrs. Cox leaves behind two daughters; Jenella Walls and husband, Robert of Charles City, VA and Melba Lyons of Marion; granddaughters; Dawn Rash and husband, Cort of Fuquay-Varina, NC and Marcy Carter and husband, Michael of Marion; one grandson; Victor Lyons, II and wife Jamie of Little Switzerland; and six great grandchildren.
Oppy Louise Bennett Age: 83 Address: Weaverville Date of Death: September 13, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: Surviving are her husband, Ward Bennett; a son: Larry and his wife, Susanne; granddaughter: Kaci; grandson: Cody; sister: Daisey and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 17, 2011 in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Bailey and Edwards Cemetery on Coxes Creek. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Marjorie Young Fox Age: 89 Address: Newdale Date of Death: September 13, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: She was the daughter of the late Lat R. Young and Nora Robinson Young. She was also preceded in death by husband, Brady Fox; son, Mike Fox; infant grandson, William Michael Fox II; brother, Ray B. Young; sister-in-law, June Young; brother-in-law, Lawrence Towe. Marjorie was a woman of strong character, values and determination. She was very devoted to her family and loved spending time with them. She enjoyed flower gardening as a hobby when her health allowed it. Marjorie loved to talk and share stories of her time in the Army Signal Corps in the early 1940’s at Long Branch, NJ. She lived life in spite of many health problems and will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Surviving family members include, daughter, Anita Fortner and husband, Larry; grandson, Michael Fortner of Bakersville; sister, Betty Towe of Newdale; daughter-in-law, Brenda Fox of TN; 2 nephews: John and Alan Young of TN. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17th in the Newdale Presbyterian Church Cemetery with a memorial service to be held at 2 p.m. in the church. Rev. Mike Brazelle will officiate. Memorials in Marjorie’s honor may be made to Newdale Presbyterian Church
Charles Ray "Charlie" Proffitt Age: 39 Address: Bald Creek Community Date of Death: September 13, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Bobby and Linda Stiles Proffitt. In 1989, Charlie began co-hosting with Ed Ball, “The Ed Ball Gospel Sing”. After Mr. Ball’s death, he and his father co-hosted what became “The Sunday Gospel Jubilee”. He also worked part time at WKYK as an announcer. Charlie was a life long member and former trustee of Bald Creek United Methodist Church and a 16 year member of West Yancey Fire Department, where he served as Secretary and on the Board of Directors. He was employed by the North Carolina Department of Corrections as a Sergeant with Mountain View Correctional Institution. Charlie was an avid sports fan, but more than anything, he loved spending time with his girls. Surviving in addition to his parents is his loving wife of 18 years, Dawn Francis Proffitt; his two daughters: Mackenzie and Cadie Proffitt; brothers: Mike Proffit and wife, Valencia, of Hardscrabble and Randy Proffitt and wife, Jeanne, of Burnsville; father-in-law, Doug Francis and wife, Trish, of Burnsville; mother-in-law, Ann Greene and husband, Buddy, of Chesney, SC; nephews: Matthew, Jason, Robbie and Steven Proffitt. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 16th in the Bald Creek United Methodist Church. Rev. A.J. Moore and Rev. Mike Shuford will officiate. Burial will follow in the Cane River Baptist Cemetery with honors conducted by the NCDOC Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Thursday at Bald Creek United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Bald Creek UMC Memorial Fund C/O Nan Proffitt 43 Beechwood Lane, Burnsville, NC 28714 or The American Cancer Society at 120 Executive Park Building 1, Asheville, NC 28801.
Dania Edwards Hall Age: 77 Address: Penland Date of Death: September 12, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born in Dade County, FL., she was a daughter of Dan and Hallie Edwards. Dania’s favorite past time was going to auctions and spending time with her grand kids. She is survived by her husband; Walter (Sugar) Hall of the home, daughter; Laura Anderson of Marion and three grandchildren; Erin, Sean and Ryan Anderson. A Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Hall will be at 11:00 am Saturday September 17, 2011 in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel.
Roy L. Tipton Age: 86 Address: Port Orange, FL Date of Death: September 11, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: He was born in Mitchell County, NC to the late Burnie and Nellie Bryant Tipton. He had previously worked as a Sales Supervisor at the Budweiser Company. Survivors include: daughters, Debbie Bowling and husband Richard of Port Orange, FL, Anita Worley and husband Kenneth of Johnson City, TN, grandchildren, Vance and Dennis Rountree, Gator, Sarah, and Brittany Bowling, and great grandson, Jonah Lane Bowling. Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Phil Graeber will be officiating the service. Interment will be Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:00AM in the Whitson-Tipton Cemetery on Miller Road in Green Mountain, NC. Memorials may be made to: Whitson-Tipton Cemetery, c/o Thelma Tipton, 5549 NC 197, Green Mountain, NC, 28740.
Edith Gortney Wyke Age: 90 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 10, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Mitchell County she was a daughter of the late Jesse and Vennie Grindstaff Burleson. She was also preceded in death by husbands: Paul Gortney and Leroy Wyke; daughters: Helen Borkowski; 4 sisters and 4 brothers. Surviving are her children: Lois Hughes of Lenoir, Leona Paterson and husband Jerry of Greensboro, Glenn Gortney and wife Nancy of Burnsville, Carolyn Laws and husband Delmar of Burnsville, and Nancy Radford and husband Ross of Fletcher; 2 sisters: Mary Hughes of Statesville and Elberta Buchanan of Bakersville; 12 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Danny Hardin and Michael Gortney will officiate. Burial will be in the Silvers Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Bakersville. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM Monday at the funeral home. Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to Fleshers Fairview Health Care Employee Fund, P.O. Box 1160, Fairview, NC 28730.
Brownlow Luther Moffitt Age: 83 Address: Hughes Gap Road, Bakersville Date of Death: September 7, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: A native of Mitchell County, NC born September 4, 1928. He was the son of the late Isaac and Sylvia Moffitt. Brownlow was a member of Bakersville Masonic Lodge # 357 AF&AM and Odoms Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. He was loved and well known as elected Sheriff of Mitchell County for twelve years. He also was known as dealing with many people as Lumberman and Sawmill Operator for many years. He also worked with Ford Motor Company for some time, owned and operated a Motel in Woodlawn, NC and dealt with many people there. In his younger years he served in the United States Army and was employed by the city of Elizabethton, TN as a Bus Driver. Brownlow loved and enjoyed life to the fullest, never a stranger to meet, all to become his friends. He had a very special love for politics and the county he served. He was preceded in death by sister, Etta Hughes, brothers, Vester, Fred, and Jess Moffitt, wife Lennis H. Moffitt, gone to be with the Lord in June 1997. Survivors include his wife Georgia G. Moffitt, two daughters, Janice McKinney, and husband Gary, and Jeannene Garland, and husband Floyd, all of Bakersville, NC, one grandson Ryan B. McCann and fiance Tracie Miller of Bakersville, NC, one granddaughter, Jessica Williams and husband Darren of Montross, Virginia, one stepson Randy Boone, of the home, two step-grandchildren Tracy and Cynthia McKinney, of Erwin and Unicoi, TN, one surviving brother, Toye Moffitt and wife Georgia, of Unicoi, TN, one sister Faye Matheney, of Concord, NC, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 9, 2011 at 8:00PM in the chapel of Henline – Hughes Funeral Home with William Ellis, Darren Williams, and Jessica Williams officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Interment will be Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 11:00AM at Middle District Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be his Masonic Brothers of Bakersville Lodge #357 AF&AM. Honorary Pallbearers will be Past Members of Mitchell County Sheriffs Department who served under Brownlow. Larry Cox, J D Street, Weldon Greene, Jimmy Burleson, Ed Wilson III, Tate Whittington, Stokes Bailey, Jack Young, John Ray Sparks, and Roy Stevens. The family would like to express special, warm thank you to current caregivers, Karen Watts, Deborah Hicks, Lula Belle Slagle, Tina Hughes, and to all other caregivers during his illness.
Dear daddy, we’re so thankful daddy for our beautiful years. In lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County 236 Hospital Drive Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
Martha Calloway Age: 73 Address: Old Plumtree Creek, Newland Date of Death: September 7, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on April 11, 1938 in Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Andy and Clara Moody Benfield. She was preceded in death by a brother, George Benfield and a sister, Nola Benfield. She was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church. The funeral service for Mrs. Martha Calloway will be conducted on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Fellowship Baptist Church with the Rev’s. James Ballew and Josh Calvert officiating. Interment will follow in the Little Elk Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 at the Fellowship Baptist Church. Mrs. Calloway is survived by her husband; Bobby Gene Calloway of the home; her sons; Lonnie Benfield and wife, Judy of Newland; David Calloway and wife, Katlyn of Newland; Robert Calloway and wife, Kendall of Newland; Michael Calloway of Newland; and Jason Calloway and wife, Leah of Newland; her sisters; Frances Sheehan of Nebo; Katie Benfield and husband, Charles of Lexington, NC; Hazel Calloway and husband, Clyde of Newland; Myrtle Burleson and husband, Sam of Newland; Patsy Scarlett and husband, Tony of Lexington; and Dora Benfield and husband, Billy Joe of Newland; her brothers; Joe Hardy Benfield of Plumtree; Justin Benfield and wife, Betty of Newland; Thomas Junior Benfield of Newland; and Bill Benfield and wife, Chenell of Newland; fifteen grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
Paulette Harris Age: 88 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 6, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late John and Ora Fortner Staton. She was the wife of Cecil Harris who passed away in 1993. Paulette was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church where she was the treasurer for many years. Surviving are a son: Keith Harris and wife, Lavonne, of Green Mountain; 2 daughters: Betty Harris and husband, Tim Pankewicz of New Jersey and Karen Shaw Mishkin and husband, Bruce, of New Jersey; 4 grandchildren: Seth Harris, April Owenby, Beth Greene and Gareth Shaw; 4 great-grandchildren: Sean, Brendan and Kevin Harris and Marlee Owenby; a sister: Thurma Hughes and husband, Filmore, and a brother: J. C. Staton. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Billy Mitchell will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday in Morning Star Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The family would like to extend special thanks to Yancey House, Dr. Kramer, Blue Ridge Medical Center and Yancey County EMS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation, Serving the Carolinas, 4819 Park Road, Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28209-3842.
Fred Pitman Age: Not Given Address: Bakersville Date of Death: September 5, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: Pop as he was affectionately known, will be deeply missed by a host of friends, family members and his church family at Western Carolina. He served the people of Mitchell County for 16 years at Mitchell County Emergency Service and four years as a County Commisssioner. From 1972 – 1989, he served on the State Board of EMT examiners. He also taught EMT classes through Mayland Community College where his students jokingly replaced “I know CPR” with “I know Fred Pitman, can I help?” He is preceded in death by his parents Lon and Nell Pitman, brother, Jack Pitman, sister, Ruth Whiting, daughter, Dawn Pitman Ledford, and his loving wife Mary. He is survived by son, Alan Pitman and wife Sandra of Plumtree, NC, daughters, Robin Willis and husband Tim of Ledger, NC, Lori Pitman and special friend Ben Flowers of Spruce Pine, NC, grandchildren, Jenney Howell and husband Chris, Maggie Buchanan, Lucas Pitman, and Kimberly Pitman, great grandchildren Coleen and Tate Howell. He is also survived by sisters Ruby Buchanan and husband Howard, and Jean Freeman and husband Joel, brothers,Wade Pitman and Sonny Pitman and wife Liz of Cleveland TN. The celebration of Fred’s life will be held at Henline – Hughes Funeral Home Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 7:30 PM with Randy Bonner and Ronnie Gouge officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM until 7:30PM. Interment will be Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 11:00AM at Cane Creek Cemetery #2. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County, 236 Hospital Drive Spruce Pine, NC 28777 or American Cancer Society 4A Oak Branch Drive Greensboro, NC 27407.
Lloyd R. Chrisawn Age: 89 Address: Raleigh, NC Date of Death: September 4, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Raleigh and Maggie Simmons Chrisawn. He was a World War II Navy veteran and a member of William G. Hill Masonic Lodge # 218 AF & AM. Lloyd was a member of Longview Baptist Church. Surviving are two sons: Richard Chrisawn of Raleigh and Michael Chrisawn and wife Margaret of Tallahassee, FL, a grandson: Charlie Chrisawn and wife Corie of Raleigh and a sister: Rena Dee Thomas of Baltimore, MD. A graveside service will be held at 11 A. M. Wednesday in the Westall Cemetery at Hamrick.
Archie Loftis Age: 84 Address: South Toe Community Date of Death: September 3, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Walter and Myrtle Wilson Loftis. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Gregory Van Loftis, a brother, Jack Loftis and a sister, Lula Robinson. Archie was a US Navy veteran, having served in World War II. He was a retired logger and loved hunting. Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Thelma Simmons Loftis; two sons: Richard Loftis and wife, Barbara and Michael David Loftis and wife, Carol R., all of the South Toe Community; one granddaughter, Kim Loftis of South Toe; sister, Lillie Crowder and husband, Bill, of Newdale; two brothers: Donald Loftis and wife, Lois, of Blue Rock and Sam Loftis of Rock Creek; sister-in-law, Sue Loftis of Seven Mile Ridge; brother-in-law, Edd Robinson of Rock Creek; special friends: Roscoe and Mary Hudgins of South Toe. Several nieces, nephews and a host of friends also survive. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 4th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Donald Davis will officiate. Burial will follow in the Simmons Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County, 236 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
Timothy Norton Age: 54 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 2, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County he was a son of the late Thomas Norton. Surviving are his mother: Betty Norton Young; a brother: Harley Paul Norton and wife, Elizabeth; and, a nephew: Thomas Norton. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Charles Honeycutt Age: 78 Address: Phillips Lane, Spruce Pine Date of Death: September 1, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born in Yancey County on August 16, 1933, he was the son of the late Garrett and Mary Hodge Honeycutt. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by three brothers; Perry, Reuben, and Jess Honeycutt and three sisters; Kathleen Elliot, Wanda Roberts, and Marie Music. Mr. Charles Honeycutt is survived by three sisters; Erlene Pitman, Thelma Thomas; and Barbara Hughes all of Alliance, OH; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mr. Charles Honeycutt will be conducted on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 2:00 pm in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Rupert officiating. Interment will follow in the Newdale Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 1:00 pm until the service hour in the funeral home chapel.
Laura June Johnson Age: 86 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: September 1, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Belle Duncan Chrisawn. She was also preceded in death by her husband: Johnny Johnson; and, two brothers: Winslow and John Lee Chrisawn. She was a member of Crabtree Baptist Church and was the church pianist for many years. Surviving are her daughters: Vicky Rimmer and husband, Glenn, of Statesville, Pat Silvers and husband, Joe, of Asheville, and Wanda Chaney and husband, Conrad, of Rock Hill, SC. She was blessed with three granddaughters and four wonderful great granddaughters. Funeral services will be held at 2PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Crabtree Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Brandon S. Bare Age: 20 Address: Elk Park, NC Date of Death: August 30, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Avery County, he was a son of Teresa Anderson of Odessa, TX and Freddie Bare of Elk Park. Brandon was a 2010 Avery High School graduate and attended Cranberry Baptist Church. He was a sports fan and loved hanging out with his friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Perry Lee Anderson, great grandparents: Dessie Duke, Aliceteen Richards, Perry Leon Anderson, Billy Duke, Fred Guy and Stuart Bare. Surviving is his mother, Teresa Anderson of Odessa, TX; father and step-mother, Freddie Bare and Beth Hodges, of Elk Park; two sisters: Bethany Bare and fiancé’, Austin Burr, of Newland and Cadie Bare of Elk Park; two brothers: Riley Bare of Elk Park and Ben Turbyfill of Newland; two nephews: Evan and Noah Burr of Newland; maternal grandmother, Debbie Duke of Elizabethton, TN; maternal great-grandmother, Joey Anderson of Odessa, TX; paternal grandmother, Katie Pyatte and husband, Lester, of Jonas Ridge; paternal grandfather, Bill Bare of Johnson City, TN; paternal great-grandmother, Edilee Guy of Newland; girlfriend, Morgan Rogers of Odessa, TX and special friend, Holly Barker of Elk Park. Several uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends also survive. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6th at Elk Park Christian Church. Nick Daniels will officiate. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. Tuesday at the church prior to the services. Burial will follow the services in the Elk Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Codie Garrison, Matthew Oliver, Tommy Shea, Chris Childress and Steven Daniels. Honorary pallbearers will be: Freddie Bare, Ben Turbyfill, Riley Bare, John Ellis and Jake Potter. Memorial donations may be made to the carpentry class at Avery High School at 775 Cranberry Street, Newland, NC 28657.
Dorado Burleson Age: Not Given Address: Crossnore Date of Death: August 30, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Richard Burleson. She was the daughter of the late Burt and Ida McKinney Aldridge. She was sister to Ray Aldridge, “Tip” Aldridge, “Doc” Aldridge, Odell Aldridge, Edna Webb, Iris Brant, Annis Braxton, Josepha Crowe, and Eunice McKinney, all of which were waiting for her to enter the gates of Heaven. Also waiting were her special nephews, Elmer and Culley Aldridge and J.A. Webb. She has left to cherish her memory, her daughter, Iris Christine Nyberg and husband Gene (better known as “Ollie”), a son, Brantly Burleson and wife, Hope, her special nephew, Cliff Aldridge and wife Janet , her very special niece , Kitty Webb Yarber, her most special friend and caregiver, Donna Vance and her ever-loving companion, Shadow. Her grandchildren, Allecia Campbell, Mark Patterson and wife, Delores, Christopher Nyberg, Russell Nyberg, Brittney Burleson and Lauren Burleson will miss her so very much. She had 5 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and many friends and family members who will never forget her. Dorado was an LPN at Broughton Hospital until she retired. She loved life, bluegrass and old-timey gospel music. She loved listening to her granddaughters playing basketball, and she could really dance. She was blind, but now she sees! A memorial service will be announced at a later date when we inter her ashes along with her husband, Frank Richard Burleson who died October 31, 2000. They will be joined together, forever, at Dorado’s request. The family would like to thank ARHS CAP and Avery Home Care, High Country Home Care, and Medi -Home Hospice of Avery County for the wonderful care she was provided.
John Dennis Alcock Age: 78 Address: Jacks Creek Community Date of Death: August 29, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: Born in Hoylake, England, he was the son of the late George and Queenie Alcock. He was also preceded in death by one step-sister, Gladys. John was a past District Governor of the Lions Club in Florida and was currently the Secretary for the Burnsville Lions Club. He attended St. Andrews Catholic Church in Mars Hill and for many years was a general contractor in Miami, FL. Surviving is his wife, Daphne Alcock of Burnsville; daughter, Denise Simm of Jonesboro, TN; son, Derek Alcock of Garner, NC; grandchildren: Sean Alcock of Daytona Beach, FL, Chris and Brooke Simm both of Jonesboro, TN. No services are planned at this time. Yancey Funeral Service is serving the Alcock family. Memorial donations may be made to the Lions Club of Burnsville at PO Box 306, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Dee Manis Age: 73 Address: Ollis Road, Spruce Pine Date of Death: August 28, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on April 27, 1938 in Hawkins County, TN; he was the son of the late Walter and Ollie Wiles Manis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Susa Manis. He spent much of his life in the trucking industry. Graveside services and interment will be in the Harrison Cemetery in Rogersville, TN on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Mr. Dee Manis is survived by his sons; Daniel Eugene Manis and wife, Tammy of Burnsville and David Walter Manis and wife, Stacey of Spruce Pine; and his daughter; Brenda Leigh Hughes and husband, Tom of Loretto, TN; his grandchildren; Dalton Hughes, Ashleigh Hughes, Taylor Manis, Isaiah Manis, Cheyenne Manis, and Jada Manis. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to assist with funeral expenses.
Bill Turner Age: 89 Address: Asheville, NC Date of Death: August 28, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Coleman and Stella Banks Turner. He was the husband of the late Gladys Sparks Turner and Louella Jackson Turner. He was also preceded in death by brothers: James, Eugene, Arthur and Albert Turner; sisters: Nell Ball, Marie Burleson and Edith Gardner. Bill was a WWII Army Veteran and retired employee of Sears in Asheville. He was a member of the First Church of God in Asheville. Surviving are a sister: Verlyn Sullivan, of Waterview, Virginia and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Pastor Dedrick Clark will officiate. Burial will be in the Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Special thanks to the staff of Yancey House, Brookside and Hospice. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC, 28714, or Gideons International, P.O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Charles Frank Hardin Age: 85 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: August 26, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: He was the son of the late Hobart and Pansy Pate Hardin. Charles was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Vannis Hardin and Ralph Hardin; 3 sisters: Alta Higgins, Annis McIntosh and Floye Randolph. He was a WWII Navy and Korean Army Veteran, he worked for General Motors for 9 years in Flint, Michigan, and Merchant Marines for 14 years. Charles was a member of West Burnsville Baptist Church. Surviving are 2 Children: Pamela Strickland and Deborah Meade of Burnsville; 6 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 2 sisters: Faye Vickers of Micaville, Glenna Clark of Lenoir; 2 brothers: Dean Hardin of Glen Alpine and Evertt Hardin of Marion. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Bee Log Cemetery.
Lena Howell Banner Age: 91 Address: Newdale Community Date of Death: August 26, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: She was the daughter of the late John and Nola Ada Boone and the wife of the late Jack Howell and Ernest Banner. She was also preceded in death by her step mothers, Viola Conley Boone and Nola Sparks Boone , her sisters, Bernice and Lucille and her brothers, Arbey, Frank, John and Nat Jr. Lena was a member of Martins Chapel United Methodist Church. She was a homemaker and loved to work in her rose garden. Surviving is her daughter: Carolyn Sims and husband Joe of Flowery Branch, GA; sons: Larry Howell and wife Mary Lou of Newdale, Rev. David Howell and wife Pam of Richmond, VA; sister: Margaret Howell of Kingman, AZ; brothers: Worley Boone and wife Lois of Conover, NC Charles Boone and wife Nora of Ft. Walton Beach, FL Howard Ray Boone and wife Miriam of Snellville, GA Donald Boone and wife Laura of Alpharetta, GA Ronnie Boone of Spruce Pine, NC; grandchildren: Jeff Howell and wife Traci, Brent Howell, Matthew Sims and wife Katie, Wendy Lash and husband Nathan, Meredith Anthony and husband Jake and Morgan Howell and wife Mary; also 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, August 27th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Rev. Don Sneller will officiate. Burial will follow in the Rebels Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 pm until 4 pm on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Eddie Miller Age: 61 Address: Patty Lane, Spruce Pine Date of Death: August 25, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on February 13, 1950 in Reidsville, NC; he was the son of the late Dee Martin Miller and Billie Jean Sharpe Miller. He was a member of the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Reidsville High School and Rockingham Technical College. He was a retired firefighter and was retired with thirty plus years of service with the Spruce Pine Fire and Rescue Department and was a member of Vesper Lodge #554 AF & AM. He was employed for thirty plus years by Henredon Furniture of Spruce and had been employed by Wal-Mart in Spruce Pine for the past three years. The funeral service for Eddie Miller will be conducted on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 4:30 pm at the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Hamlin officiating. Interment will follow in the Spruce Pine Memorial Cemetery with graveside rites being conducted by Vesper Lodge #554 AF & AM. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 3:00 pm until the service hour at the church. Mr. Eddie Miller is survived by his wife of forty-two years; Kathy Bartlett Miller of Spruce Pine; his daughter; Mariea Tountasakis and husband, Michael of Athens, GA; his son; Matthew Miller and wife, Brandy of Spruce Pine; his mother; Billie Jean Sharpe Miller of Reidsville, NC; his sister; Pam Grant and husband, Jim of Reidsville, NC; and his grandchildren; Aubrey Miller and Landon Miller both of Spruce Pine. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made in his honor to: Spruce Pine United Methodist Church.
Bobby Biggerstaff Age: 55 Address: Biggerstaff Road, Spruce Pine Date of Death: August 25, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on March 8, 1956 in Mitchell County, he was the son of Laxton and Kathy Perrymam Biggerstaff. He was preceded in death by a sister, Katherine Ann Biggerstaff. Bobby Biggerstaff was a graduate of Lees-McRae College and a graduate of Gardner-Webb University. He had been employed by Brad Ragan, Inc.; Goodyear Tire; O.M.C. of Spruce Pine; O'Mara Inc.; and Feldspar. He had served as a youth league coach. He enjoyed family get togethers and loved to cook and entertain guests; and walking the dog. The funeral service for Bobby Biggerstaff will be conducted on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 2:00 pm in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with Rev's. Ken Anderson, Lawrence Glenn, and Brandon Pitman officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Grove Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6 until 8 at Webb Funeral Home. Mr. Bobby Biggerstaff is survived by his wife; Myra Thomas Biggerstaff of Spruce Pine; his son; Bobby Jacob Biggerstaff and wife, Mary Cotye of Goose Creek, SC; his granddaughter; Yuri Joyce Biggerstaff of Goose Creek, SC; his parents; Laxton and Kathy P. Biggerstaff of Spruce Pine; two brothers; Michael K. Biggerstaff and wife, Vickie of Spruce Pine and John P. Biggerstaff and wife, Kathy of Burnsville; his sister-in-law; Lesia Thomas Vassallo of Orfield, PA; two nieces; Aubrey Stewart of Burnsville and Laura Lynn Biggerstaff Valentine and son Chrisitan of Spartanburg, SC; a nephew; John Biggerstaff of Burnsville; and his dog; Bandit. In Lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to either: Hospice of Mitchell County or the Shriners.
Mozell Webb Age: 89 Address: Higgins Community Date of Death: August 25, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late John Moss and Rose Berry Wheeler and the wife of Lewis Webb who died in 1999. She was also preceded in death by sons: J. H. Webb and John Webb; brothers: Lloyd Wheeler and Boyd Wheeler; sister-in-law: Bertha Wheeler and brother-in-law: Luther Byrd. Surviving are her son: Bobby Webb of the home and daughter: Elizabeth Butler of Burnsville; 4 grandchildren: David Webb and wife, Andrea, of Marion, Regina Ellis and husband, Duane, of Fitzgerald, GA, Mary Hooper and Cissy Reel and husband, Richard, of Marion; great grandsons: Steven and John Green, Blake Webb and Tristin Reel; great granddaughters: Bailey Grace Webb and Leigha Ellis; brothers: Edgar Wheeler and Floyd Wheeler and wife, Letha of Burnsville; sisters: Alene Silvers and husband, Reece, of Burnsville and Veo Byrd of Lincolnton; sisters-in-law: Clara Bell Wheeler and Millie Silvers and husband, J.B.; several nieces and nephews; special friends Opha Morrow, Ethel Lou Bradford, Annis Bailey and John Morrow (deceased) and Mattie Morrow (deceased); and her caregivers: Barbara, Janice and Loeita. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday in Higgins Free Will Baptist Church of which she was a member. Revs. Keith Miller, Bill Mitchell, Billy Styles and Denny Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in the Higgins Church Cemetery with nephews serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 PM Saturday at the church prior to the service. The family would like extend special thanks to Hospice of Yancey County and Blue Ridge Home Care. Flowers are appreciated and accepted or memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Pauline Pate Verrone Age: 90 Address: English Lane, Bakersville Date of Death: August 24, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on June 16, 1921 in Lauderdale County, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ida Gibson Pate and she was the wife of the late Arnold J. Varrone, Sr. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers. While in Bakersville, Mrs. Varrone attended the Rebels Creek Baptist Church. She loved to attend the Mitchell County Senior Citizens Center, enjoyed fishing, and was an avid reader. Mrs. Pauline Varrone is survived by her son; Joseph Varrone and wife, Ruth of Colorado Springs, CO; her daughters; Deborah Grindstaff and husband, Sam of Bakersville, NC; and Marianne Varrone of Leadsville, CO; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine is in charge of local arrangements. Swan Law Funeral Directors in Colorado Springs, CO is in charge of additional arrangements.
Jim Griffith Age: 95 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: August 24, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late John and Celestia Wilson Griffith, and the husband of Christine Young Griffith who died in 1990. Jim was a retired employee of Burnsville Hospital and a lifelong member of Griffith Chapel AME Zion Church. Surviving are a son: Marvin Griffith and wife, Darlene, of Burnsville; 3 granddaughters: Keely Griffith of Burnsville, and Kathy and Christie Griffith of Marion; 5 great grandchildren: Zack, Isaac, Hannah, Caine and Malcom; and, several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. James Staley and Cathy Henson will officiate. Burial will be in the Marietta Atkins Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3PM Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Amelio White, Sr. Age: 84 Address: Little Switzerland Date of Death: August 23, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born in Stanly County, North Carolina he was the son of the late James David and Minnie Diaz White. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers; Phillip and June White. Survivors include his wife Marie Fischler White of the home, sons; Amelio White, Jr. of Pensacola, FL., Phillip White of Robertsdale, AL., a daughter Maricka White of Little Switzerland, his best buddy, grandson Devlin White, three additional grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two brothers and one sister. A special thank you to all of his friends he greatly appreciated everything they did for him while he was here. Mr. White served in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War. He loved the outdoors and doing yard work; he loved to chuck wood. No services are planned at this time.
Cilla Fox Age: 94 Address: Fox Creek Date of Death: August 23, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Lee and Ella Banks Chandler and the wife of Joe Frank Fox who died in 1995. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Joe Ann Ramsey. Surviving are two sons: Rev. Gary Fox of Leicester and Jimmy Foxx of Yancey County; a brother, Raymond Chandler of Mars Hill; 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. Gary Fox and Eugene Dodd will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 10 AM Saturday in the Fox Cemetery on Fox Creek. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Foy Lee Blevins Thomas Age: 74 Address: Newdale Community Date of Death: August 23, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Sam and Lizzie Fox Blevins. She was preceded in death by her infant twin brother: Troy Blevins; and, a sister: Rosa Lee Blevins. A retired employee of Baxters, she was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church and currently attended Browns Creek Baptist Church. She was a loving, dedicated Christian wife, and a wonderful caring mother, who always put her family first, including being a foster mother. Surviving are her husband of 54 years: Johnnie Thomas; 2 daughters: Lisa and John Austin of Arden and Mary and Michael Blevins of Burnsville; 2 grandchildren: Emily Austin and Jenna Blevins; sister: Betty Wilson (wife of the late Ray Wilson); brothers: Harold Blevins and wife, Mary Ruth, and Earl Blevins and wife, Jenavee, of Green Mountain; and, many additional loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 8PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral home. The Revs. Ronnie Gouge, Donald David and John Gibbs will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11AM Thursday in Morning Star Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714, or Browns Creek Baptist Church. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to all caregivers, friends and family, who have shown their love over the past month.
Gustie Georgia Murphy Age: 97 Address: Green Mountain Date of Death: August 22, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Bell Hensley Haney and the wife of the late Lester Murphy, who passed away in 1979. She was also preceded in death by a son, Rev. Wade Murphy, who passed away in January, 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Gustie attended Big Creek Baptist Church. She loved to garden and read her Bible. Surviving is her daughter, Ivelyne Murphy of the home; sons: Wayne Murphy and wife, Emma Ann, of Lenoir, Willie Murphy and wife, Frankie, of Green Mountain, Rev. Dean Murphy and wife, Etta, of Green Mountain and Rev. Kenneth Murphy and wife, Judy, of Bakersville; brother, Letcher Haney of Fletcher; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 25th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Rev. Ross Lewis and grandson, Rev. Danny Lee Murphy will officiate. Burial will be in the Band Mill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Fred R. Huskins Age: 66 Address: Lower Browns Creek Date of Death: August 21, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son the late Floyd and Autherene Bolick Huskins and the husband of 49 years to Virginia Rice Huskins. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Voris Gurley. Fred was a timber man for 40 years and a NASCAR Racing fan who loved his family and friends. Surviving in addition to his wife is his daughters: Miriam Ayers and husband, Danny, of Green Mountain and Christine Geouge and husband, Marvin, of Seven Mile Ridge; son, Keith Huskins and wife, Pat, of Barnardsville; sisters: Nancy Tipton and husband, Oscar, of Charlotte and Helen Hall and husband, Donald, of Weaverville; brothers: Dennis Huskins and wife, Dorothy, Donald Huskins and friend, June, Billy Huskins and wife, Linda, Darrell Huskins and wife, Donna, Burl Huskins and wife, Debbie, all of Burnsville; grandchildren: Stephen Ayers, Kandias Honeycutt, Tony Ayers, Dylan Geouge, Walker Geouge, Matthew Huskins, Emily Huskins, Dawn Wilson and Leah Wilson; great-grandchildren: Dalton Bell, Olivia and Eden Ayers; loyal friend, Joe Grindstaff. The family would like to say a very special thank you to Fred’s hospice nurses; Lisa Simmone, Janna Campbell and Kelly Hughes. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service. Rev. Charles Ray Carroll will officiate. Burial will be in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23rd in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to help with funeral expenses.
Cheryl Goodman Beasley Age: 67 Address: Newland Date of Death: August 21, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: Cheryl was the daughter of the late Hayden John Cole and Gwen Goodman McNutt of Mountain Glen. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Rhodes and uncle, Robert Goodman. Cheryl was of the Protestant faith and loved ceramics and will be remembered as a “people person”. Surviving in addition to her mother is her former husband, Donald Beasley of Macclenny, Florida; cousins: Melissa Haynes of Jacksonville, FL, Larry Goodman of West Palm Beach, FL and many special friends. Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23rd at First Baptist – Crossnore. Rev. Lander Heafner will officiate. Burial will follow in the Crossnore Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to Yellow Mountain Enterprises at 255 Montezuma Estatoa Street, Newland, NC 28657.
Ralph Wyatt Age: 77 Address: Micaville Date of Death: August 20, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: Ralph was a son of the late Clarence and Cora Chrisawn Wyatt and the husband of Pauline Wyatt. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Jewell Alma Wyatt and two brothers: Junior and Calvin Wyatt. Ralph retired from Henredon Furniture after 28 ½ years of service. Surviving are his wife, Pauline Peterson Wyatt; step-son, Greg Pate of Micaville; two sisters-in-law: Frankie Wyatt and Violet Shehan Wyatt, both of Micaville; several nieces and one nephew. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 22nd, in the Micaville Cemetery. Rev. Billy Mitchell will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 21st in the Chapel at Yancey Funeral Services.
Harley Hughes Age: 65 Address: Bill Allen Branch Date of Death: August 18, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Chet and Mae Cassida Hughes. He was the husband of Janie Buchanan Hughes who died in 2003. Harley was also preceded in death by a granddaughter: Amber Cole. Surviving are a son: Jay Hughes of the home; a daughter: Shelly Cole and husband, Scottie, of Burnsville; 4 grandchildren: Sierra Hughes, Kelsey Buchanan, Dalton and Dusty Cole; and a great granddaughter: Halie Buchanan, all of Burnsville; a brother: Harold Hughes of Green Mountain; and, 2 sisters: Christine Hughes of Burnsville and Joyce Allman of Morganton. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held at 2PM Sunday, August 21, 2011 in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. Denver Styles and Russell Hughes will officiate. Burial will be in the Pete Young Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Ruth Ballew Autrey Age: 87 Address: Seven Mile Ridge Date of Death: August 18, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Rosie Grindstaff Ballew and wife of the late Lloyd Autrey, who passed away in 1998. She was also preceded in death by a son, Ray Autrey, who passed away in 1987, son-in-law Pete Huffman, who passed away in January, a great granddaughter, Alyssa Downer and several brothers and sisters. Ruth was a homemaker and a member of Fairview Baptist Church who loved her family very much. Surviving are her daughters: Judy Huffman of Spruce Pine, Brenda Grindstaff and husband, Vernon, of Bakersville and Teresa Fox and husband, Randy, of Blue Rock; sons: Rev. Glen Autrey and wife, Judy, of South Toe, Curtis Autrey and wife, Susan and Richard Autrey all of Seven Mile Ridge; three sisters: Myrtle Hollifield, Pansy Young both of Seven Mile Ridge and Vada Hoilman of Bakersville; 10 grandchildren: Jamie Burgin, Matthew Grindstaff, Taylor Fox, Tim Fox, Lori Robinson, Amy Autrey, Brandon Autrey, Chris Autrey, Josh Autrey and Cindy Haynes; 17 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, August 20th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Revs. Ronnie Geouge and Randy Autrey will officiate. Burial will follow in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 4 pm on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Debra Ann Nanney Fox Age: 56 Address: Marion (formerly of Burnsville) Date of Death: August 16, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Germany, she was the wife of Pastor Arcemus Foxx and daughter of Charles and Inez Frye Nanney of Marion. She was a member of Valley Chapel Baptist Church. Deb was a homemaker who loved to do anything to help her church and church family. Surviving in addition to her husband and parents are her daughters: Kim Hutchison and husband, Kevin, of Vale, Kristy Richards and husband, Jeremy, of Vale, Michelle Wilson and husband Matthew, of Green Mountain; brothers: Ricky Nanney and wife, Kathy, of Marion, Gary Nanney of Marion; Mark Nanney and wife, Donna, of Nebo; sisters: Sherry Lee and husband, Buddy, of Marion, Missy Smith and husband, David, of SC; grandchildren: Ashley Burleson, Joshua Wilson, Brittany Richards, Caleb Wilson, Bailey Richards, Katlin Hutchison, Luke Hutchison and Kamryn Hutchison. Also surviving is her special friend, Helen Bibalas. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 19th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Matt Wilson, Rev. Chuck Hensley and Rev. Clyde Paige will officiate. Burial will be in the Fox Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:30 p.m. on Friday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of McDowell County 575 Airport Road, Marion, NC 28752.
Carol Ann Dailey Age: 76 Address: Bolens Creek Date of Death: August 15, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: She was the daughter of the late Harold and Hilde Kirkhuff Kresge. Carol worked for Keipers Laundry in Stroudsburg, PA for 15 years and The Pocono Record for 5 years. She loved bingo and crossword puzzles. Surviving is her loving husband of 56 years, William Dailey, Sr.; daughter, Beth Ziemba and husband, Kevin, of Burnsville; son, William Dailey, Jr. and wife, Dawn, of Effort, PA; brother, Dwayne Kresge and wife, Janice, of Long Pond, PA; grandchildren: Allen Shafer of Burnsville, Eric Ziemba of Burnsville, Zachary and Logan Dailey both of Effort, PA. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 19th, 2011 at William H. Clark Funeral Home in East Stroudsburg, PA. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery in Stroudsburg. The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 18th in the William H. Clark Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service hour on Friday. A memorial service for Carol will be held in Burnsville at a later date and will be announced by her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Carol’s memory may be made to Hospice of Yancey County 856 Georges Fork Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714 or Yancey County Humane Society 962 Cane River School Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Ruth Burnett Young Age: 89 Address: Jake Wilson Circle, Morganton, NC (formerly of Spruce Pine) Date of Death: August 12, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on May 13, 1922 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Daniel R. and Florence Williams Burnett. She was the wife of the late Fred Young who passed away in 1975. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sisters; Dorothy Young, Pansy Howell, Zora Burnett, Isabell Burnett, Wilma McBee, and Irene Podvarko; and brothers; Ted Burnett, John Burnett, and Jake Burnett. The graveside services for Mrs. Ruth Young will be conducted on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 4:30 pm at the Burnett Cemetery with the Rev. Greg Burnett officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 3 pm until 4 pm at Webb Funeral Home. Interment will follow the graveside service in the Burnett Cemetery. Mrs. Ruth B. Young is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Alice M. Greene Age: 87 Address: Bear Creek Church Road, Bakersville Date of Death: August 10, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: She was born in Mitchell County, NC to the late Monroe and Elva Buchanan Woody Triplett. She was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church and was retired from Baxter Healthcare. Survivors include daughters Shirley Wiggins and husband Leonard of Bakersville, NC and Jerolene Queen and husband Robert of Spruce Pine, NC, one son Claude Greene and wife Betty of Butler, TN, one sister in law Marjorie Greene, of Spruce Pine, NC, five grandchildren Donna Johnson, Michelle Wheeler, Vickie Blankenship, Chad Young, and Aric Young, three great grandchildren Tiffany McFalls, Austin Wheeler, and Avery Blankenship, one great great grandchild Kylie McFalls. She was preceded in death by her husband Arie Greene, and a daughter, Patsy Young. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 4:00PM in Bear Creek Baptist Church with Chris Rathbone officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County 236 Hospital Drive Spruce Pine NC 28777, or to Bear Creek Baptist Church Building Fund c/o Joe Ray Willis Bear Creek Church Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705.
Thelma Adkins Whitson Age: 91 Address: Big Creek Community Date of Death: August 10, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Clate and Bonnie Bennett Adkins and the wife of Shurl Whitson who died in 2001. She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers: Phil, George and Farrell and a sister: Eddith Wilson. She was a member of Big Creek Free Will Baptist Church and she and her husband were owner/operators of Shurl Whitson’s General Merchandise for over 50 years. Thelma’s hobbies included genealogy and gardening. She was a valuable source for anyone searching for family, friends or community genealogy. She was a true believer of planting by the signs of the moon, and apparently, that was valuable information because she yielded great crops. Surviving are her son: Gary Whitson and wife, Pat, of Weaverville and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A. M. Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Former pastor, Rev. Ulis Miller and Dr. Jim McCoy will officiate. Burial will be in the Adkins Cemetery at Big Creek. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Frank Edward Macpherson Age: 90 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: August 10, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: Frank was born May 28, 1921 and raised in rural Northeast Louisiana. He served as a Navy Officer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After spending most of his working years as an employee and later owner of Lake Charles Office Supply in Lake Charles, LA, Frank settled in Burnsville for most of the past 30 years. He was active in the Presbyterian Church, both in Lake Charles and Burnsville, the United Way, Reconciliation House, Meals on Wheels, and many other community services. Frank was an active hiker for many years throughout the mountains of North Carolina, loved being outdoors and an avid baseball fan. He is survived by his wife of almost 22 years, Gwen Green Macpherson; a daughter: Sandra Cooper of Santa Rosa, CA; a son: Charles Macpherson and his wife, Jocelyn Cavin Macpherson, of Marietta, GA; stepsons: Jonathan Green and his wife, Betsy Glenn Green, of Raleigh and Christopher Green of Asheville; stepdaughters: Jennifer Green-Lee and her husband, Tony Lee, of Raleigh and Teresa Green Mask of Jacksonville, FL; 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Burnsville. The family requests that memorials be made to Reconciliation House, P. O. Box 1147, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Rhianna and Trevor McIntosh Age: Infant twins Address: Burnsville Date of Death: August 8th and 9th, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: Rhianna Joy McIntosh and her twin brother, Trevor Ryan McIntosh, went home to be with the angels at Memorial Mission Hospital. Rhianna passed away on Monday, August 8th and Trevor passed away on Tuesday, August 9th. Rhianna and Trevor were the twin infants of Randall and Jessica McIntosh of Burnsville. They were preceded in death by their great grandfather, Ford Cannon and great-grandparents: Byrd and Faye McIntosh and William and Hazel Carver. Surviving in addition to their parent’s, Randall and Jessica, is their brother, Dalton McIntosh of the home; grandparents: Jimmy and Joyce McIntosh of Burnsville and Linda Shook of Candler; great grandparents: Pearl Cannon of Burnsville and Wade and Evelyn Shook of Hendersonville; uncles and aunts: Dan Curry and wife, Jenny, of Swannanoa, Nathan Carver and wife, Lisa, of Black Mountain, Jacob Carver and wife, Kathy, of Woodstock, GA, and Mike McIntosh and wife, Angela, of Burnsville. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 13th at Bethel Baptist Church in Madison County. Revs. Eddie Rice and Dale Whitson will officiate. Burial will follow in their family cemetery.
Mary Bryant Aldridge Age: 33 Address: Morganton, NC Date of Death: August 8, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Mitchell County, she was the daughter of Oakland and Esther Phillips Bryant of Morganton and wife of Mack Aldridge. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Rexter and Zona Belle Bryant; maternal grandfather, Raleigh Phillips; uncle, Franklin Phillips; aunts: Hazel Phillips and Mary Ruth Bryant. Mary loved to play basketball and hunting with her brothers. Surviving in addition to her parents and her husband are her daughters: Hannah and Haley Aldridge; brothers: Johnny D. Bryant and Joseph Bryant and wife, Leslie, of Burnsville; grandmother, Lida Phillips of Burnsville; special aunt, Edith Phillips of Burnsville; nieces: Alisa and Alexis. Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 14th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Jeff Bryant and Rev. Danny Hughes will officiate. Burial will be in the Phillips Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 13th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service and at other times will be at the home of her grandmother, Lida Phillips, on Bloody Fork.
Lois Byrd Gouge Age: 89 Address: NC 226, Bakersville Date of Death: August 8, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: She was born in Mitchell County, NC to the late Rayburn “Rabe” and Mable Webb Byrd. She was a Homemaker and a member of Red Hill Methodist Church, Mitchell County Library Board, Mitchell County Historical Society, and Manhattan Project Oak Ridge TN. She was also an avid Bridge Player. Survivors include daughters Susie Styles and husband Bob of Spruce Pine, NC, Janice Greene and husband Claude of Morganton, NC, and Cindy Lawson and fiance John Wadsworth, of Spruce Pine, NC, three brothers James Byrd, Brad Byrd and wife Pauline, and Jack Byrd and wife Annette, all of Bakersville, NC, sister in law Lena Masters of Green Mountain, NC, seven grandchildren Ralph Strickland, Sam Strickland, Chris Greene, Traci Davenport, Ryan Pendley, John Lawson, and Thomas Lawson, nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Sam Gouge, sister Betty Ayers, and brother Hayes Byrd. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 4:00PM in Red Hill United Methodist Church with Jody Campbell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service. Memorials may be made to Mitchell County Library, Bakersville, NC, or Red Hill Methodist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Annette Byrd 5187 N226 Hwy Bakersville, NC 28705.
Joseph Reginald Cramp Age: 84 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: Not Given Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: He was born July 24, 1927 in Pasadena, CA to his Canadian parents Margaret Lenore and Reginald Cramp. When he was 5 years old the family returned to their home in Toronto, Canada where Joe went to school. At age 17 Joe went to work in Niagara Falls and at 18, in 1945 was drafted into the Army Air Force of the United States where he had dual citizenship. While in the service he reached the rank of Tech Sergeant and became and X-Ray Technician. After 12 ½ years of service he was given a hardship release because his father was ill and his mother had died several years before. He moved to Flagler Beach, FL to help his father manage a motel. It was there he met and married Margaret Ainley who was visiting from North Carolina. Margaret and he continued to run the motel after the death of his father. They later sold the motel and built a home in Flagler, but visited North Carolina annually. In 1993 they built a home in Burnsville, NC and moved there. While in Florida they adopted a visually handicapped 4 year old boy named Michael. Margaret and Joe were married 36 years before her death in 2006. In March 2007 Joe married Audrey Elbel. In addition to his parents and first wife Mr. Cramp was preceded in death by sisters; Phyllis and Margaret. Joe loved animals, driving his 1998 Lincoln and reading. He was a member of Higgins United Methodist Church. The family will be having a memorial service on Sunday, August 14th at 2:00 pm at the Higgins United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Mitchell/Yancey County Animal Shelter or Higgins United Methodist Church.
Royston P. Turnbaugh, Sr. Age: Not Given Address: Longview Drive Date of Death: August 8, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Baltimore, MD he was a son of the late Walter and Bertha Mae Kennedy Turnbaugh. Surviving are his wife of 68 years: Mamie Marie Whitson Turnbaugh; 8 children: Linda M. Shepard, Royston P. Turnbaugh, Jr., Gary L. Turnbaugh (deceased), Wesley Turnbaugh, Gene E. Turnbaugh, William P. Turnbaugh, Roger L. Turnbaugh and Teresa Y. Fitzgerald; 20 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren and two sisters: Helen Peacock and Ella Mae Wilhelm. A memorial service will be held Saturday August 13th at 4:00pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness.
Helen Buchanan Age: 70 Address: Micaville Date of Death: August 8, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: She was a daughter of the late Harvey and Helen Welch Lawson. Surviving are her husband of 50 years, Dan Buchanan; two sons: John Buchanan and wife Amanda of Arden and Michael Buchanan and wife Christine of Taylorsville, a brother: Harvey W. Lawson of Annapolis, MD and grandchildren Kayla, Kevin, Thomas, Mickie, Hannah and Derek. Funeral services will be held at 7 P. M. Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 10 A. M. Thursday in the Anglin Cemetery on Presnell Hollow Road. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 P. M. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Katlyn Marie "KT" Maggs Age: 21 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: August 8, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Robin Theresa Vorhees. KT was a 2007 graduate of Mountain Heritage High School. Surviving are her grandparents: George and Claire Maggs of Burnsville; a sister: Danielle Maggs of Lexington, KY; a brother: Michael Davis of Ft. Bragg, NC; and her fiancé, Nik Staab of Burnsville. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 PM Thursday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 11 A. M. Friday at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Reservoir Road. Father Vance Mann will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Sherry Boone Robinson Age: 49 Address: South Toe Community Date of Death: August 8, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Patricia Wyatt Boone and wife of the late Zane Robinson, who passed away in June. Sherry, for many years, did private nursing. She adored her family, her granddaughter, Danielle, and her dogs: Sammy, Rocky, and Bella. Surviving is her daughter, Amanda Robinson, of the home; her son, Shane Robinson and wife, Lacey, of Burnsville; one brother, Donnie Boone and wife, Bobbie, of Marion; granddaughter, Danielle Kirk. Several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews also survive. A memorial service will he held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th, 2011 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service. Rev. David Gillespie will officiate. Burial will follow in the Cook Family Cemetery on Seven Mile Ridge. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home.
Staff Sgt. Marvin W. Powers Age: 79 Address: Micaville Date of Death: August 7, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: He was a US Army Korean War Veteran. Surviving are his loving wife of 20 years, Alice; a daughter: Denise Marlow and husband, Randy, and a special grandson: Clint Marlow all of Micaville; a son: Howard Hiatt of West Palm Beach, FL; daughters: Valarie Adams, Vanessa Powers and Veronica De Ford all of Vermont; 2 sisters: Bessie and Ella; 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday in Morning Star Baptist Church of which he was a member. Revs. Billy Mitchell and Paul Robinson will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Tuesday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home where the body will remain until taken to the church to lie in state one hour prior to the service.
Gary Dale Ledford Age: 58 Address: Marion, NC Date of Death: August 5, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Mitchell County, he was the son of Lora Aldridge Ledford of Spruce Pine and the late Ted Ledford. He was also preceded in death by a son, Joshua Ledford. Gary attended Mars Hill College and was a professional gem cutter. Surviving in addition to his mother, is his son, Phillip Ledford of Spruce Pine; brothers: Terry Ledford and wife, Jean, and Teddy Ledford both of Spruce Pine; nephew, Ryan Ledford; great nephew, Sage Ledford; great niece, Violet Ledford, all of Boulder, CO. Also surviving, William Harman, who was also like a son to Gary. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th, 2011 at Berry Chapel Baptist Church in Spruce Pine. Rev. Greg Hollifield will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Marion at a later date. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gary’s son, Phillip Ledford, to assist with expenses.
Josephine Capps Age: 84 Address: Pensacola Community, formerly of Hendersonville Date of Death: August 5, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: She was the daughter of the late Willie and Effie Cantrell. She was preceded in death by her husband: Fred Raymond Capps, Sr. Surviving are her sons: Fred R. Capps, Jr. of Burnsville, and D. Joe Capps and Ed Capps of Guachochi, Mexico; her daughter: English Biber of Asheville; 6 grandchildren; and, 7 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Ed Capps will officiate. Burial will be in the Ledford-Atkins Cemetery on Haney Creek. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to Gideons International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714, or to the ministry of Ed Capps, Central Missionary Clearing House, P. O. Box 219228, Houston, TX 77218.
Clela Ball Hensley Age: 93 Address: Burnsville Date of Death: August 5, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Clay and Amanda McMahan Ball, and the wife of Selwyn Hensley who died in 1993. Surviving are daughters: Barbara Hensley of the home and Beverly Weaver and husband, James, of Mt. Olive, NC; sons: Steve Hensley and wife, Anita, of Asheville and Bacchus Hensley and wife, Jackie, of Burnsville; 4 grandchildren: Amy Miller and husband, Joey, and Clay, Christopher and Layne Hensley; and, 4 great grandchildren: Weston and Savannah Deyton and Daniel and Dalton Miller. Funeral services will be held at 2 P. M. Sunday, August 7, 2011 in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. Hartsell McCurry will officiate. Burial will be in the Banks Cemetery on Banks Creek. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Patsy Pitman Vaughan Age: 69 Address: Brian Center, Spruce Pine Date of Death: August 4, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: She was born in Mitchell County, NC, to the late Fred and Edith Ollis Garland. She had previously worked at the US Post Office as a Mail Carrier, was the former Postmaster at Penland and Green Mountain, was a Member of the Letter Carriers Association and a Member of Calvary Baptist Church. Survivors include: her husband, Thomas E. Vaughan of the home, daughter, Donna Buchanan and husband Kenneth of Spruce Pine, NC, son, Timothy Harper Pittman and wife Tammy of Bakersville, NC, grandchildren, Jennifer Shea Buchanan, Amanda Renee Pittman, and Deanna Nichole Pittman. She was preceded in death by: husband, Harper Pittman, sister, Billie June McKinney. Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 7, 2011 at 4:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Don Stafford, J.J. Orr, and Shane Gunter will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Cane Creek Cemetery II.
Ramie McKinney Woody Age: 90 Address: NHC Healthcare, Johnson City, TN Date of Death: August 3, 2011 Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home Details: Mrs. Woody was a lifelong resident of Bakersville, NC until moving to Tennessee in 2007. She was a daughter of the late Levy McKinney and Geneva Garland McKinney Espey. Mrs. Woody was of lifelong member of Red Hill Methodist Church until she moved to Tennessee and became a member of Oakland Avenue Baptist Church in Johnson City. Mrs. Woody was a wonderful wife, dedicated mother, and loving grandmother. She was an exceptional cook. Shopping with her granddaughter and eating “Cheetos” with her husband were two of her favorite pastimes. Mrs. Woody never met a stranger and after meeting them she could always recall their name. Her generous spirit and sweet smile touched everyone she met. She served on the Resident Council at NHC and was known as the “welcome greeter” for all new residents. Her goal was to make a new friend each day. She will be missed by all who knew her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Osborne, step-father, David Espey; sister, Lorine Hoilman; and son-in-law Bobby Brannigan. Mrs. Woody was known by names such as Momma, Granny, Nanny, and GeGe. For those surviving her, these names will always hold a special place in their hearts. Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Bert Shelby Woody; two daughters, Pat and husband Roy Yelton of Piney Flats, TN; Becky Brannigan of Spruce Pine, NC; son-in-law, Kyle Osborne of Abingdon, VA; grandchildren, Todd Yelton and wife Shauna; Matt Yelton and wife Tamara; Jeremy Yelton and wife Graham; Josh Osborne and wife Melissa; Pagiela Hill and husband Greg; Betsy and Rusty Brannigan; great grandchildren Mackenzie, Colin, Aiden, Addison Yelton and Madelyn Osborne; special family friend, Jeff Brannigan. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Woody’s family extends a special thank-you to her physician and friend Dr. David Moulton as well as the entire staff of NHC Healthcare.
The family will receive friends Saturday August 6th from 11:00 to 1:00 at Henline -Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:00 officiated by Pastor Roy Yelton and music will be provided by Pastor Harold McNabb. Interment will be at the Phillips Cemetery at Red Hill, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Tri-Cities Christian Schools, 1500 Highway 75, Blountville, TN 37617.
Gay Sparks Age: 94 Address: Micaville Date of Death: August 3, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Charles and Nanny Randolph Sparks. He was a member and deacon of Pleasant Gap Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 74 years: Thula Jones Sparks; a son: Kenny Sparks and wife, Judy; 2 grandsons: Stephen Sparks and wife, Christina, and Scott Sparks and wife, Brandy; and, a great grandson: Caleb, all of Burnsville. Funeral services will be held at 7:30 PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11AM Saturday in the Fred Young Cemetery at Pleasant Gap. Pallbearers will be Scott Sparks, Stephen Sparks, Greg Presnell, Kenneth Yarborough, Dennis Jones and Randall Robinson. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 PM Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Jewel Silver Age: 75 Address: Georges Fork, Yancey County Date of Death: August 2, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Berlin and Mary Styles Jones and the wife of Rev. Jack J. Silver who died in 1997. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Stevie Jones. Jewell was a retired employee of OMC. Surviving are two sons: Randy Silver and wife, Penny, and Dennis Silver and wife, Malinda, all of Burnsville; 4 sisters: Thula Hughes and Shirley Jones of Burnsville; Charlotte Whitaker and husband, Kenneth, of Fletcher and Ruth Shipman and husband, Jim, of Horseshoe; 3 brothers: Sam Jones and Carson Jones and wife, Opal, of Burnsville and L. C. Jones of Mooresboro; 6 grandchildren: Danielle, Holland, Autumn and Sawyer Croix Silver, Melody Kardulis and Tina Ray; step-grandson: Jan Michael Riddle; 3 great-grandchildren: Maria and Aidan Kardulis and Christina Ray and a special friend: Rachel Mahoney. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday in Youngs Chapel Free Will Baptist Church of which she was a member. Revs. Roger Thompson and Bobby Revis will officiate. Burial will be in Youngs Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Thursday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home where the body will remain until taken to the church to lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
June Lois Jones Age: 93 Address: Pine Avenue, Spruce Pine Date of Death: August 1, 2011 Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home Details: Born on June 14, 1918 in Milwaukee, WI, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Katherine Maas Goelz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Charles Winfield Jones and a brother; Robert Goelz. She was a member of the Holy Nativity Lutheran Church and worked as a school secretary. Mrs. June Jones is survived by her daughter; Cathryn Arrowood of Spruce Pine; one grandson; Casey Thomas Arrowood of Alexandria, VA; one granddaughter; Dana Arrowood Goode of Carey, NC; and two great grandsons; Gavin Goode and Griffin Goode both of Cary, NC. Interment will be in the Sunset Ridge Cemetery in Kanosha, WI. Additional arrangements are under the direction of Bruch Funeral Home, Kanosha, WI.
John Arlus "Andrew" Allen Age: 71 Address: Barnardsville Date of Death: August 1, 2011 Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service Details: A native of Barnardsville, he was the son of Maefrie Boone Allen and the late James Gotch Allen. Surviving in addition to his mother is his daughter, Vicki Allen of Barnardsville; grandsons: Shea Dyer and Bo Dyer; sister, Linda Huntley of Asheville; brothers: James Allen of Charleston, SC, Lloyd Avon Allen of Burnsville, Max Allen of Burnsville, Lenny Allen of Jacksonville, FL, Tilson Allen of Lancaster, KY and Eugene Allen of Barnardsville. Several nieces and nephews also survive. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 20th, 2011 in the James Gotch Allen Cemetery. Yancey Funeral Service is serving the Allen family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the John F. Keever Solace Center at 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.
Buck Laws Age: 87 Address: Green Mountain Date of Death: July 30, 2011 Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home Details: A native of Yancey County he was a son of the late Pearl Laws. He was also preceded in death by his sister: Edith Tipton; half-brother: George Yelton; half-sister: Joyce Forbes. Buck was a proud World War II Veteran and member of Sgt. EL Randolph Chapter 57 Disabled American Veterans. He retired from Northwest Olivine and was a farmer. He was a loyal member of Covey Rock F.W.B. Church where he served as a Superintendent and was a deacon for 26 years. Surviving is his loving wife of 63 years: Marie Ayers Laws; 2 sons: Dale Laws and wife Elaine of Red Hill, Rev. Roger Laws and wife Barbara of Buladean; 2 daughters: Nina Miller and husband Jerry, Jean Murphy and husband Rev. Tommy Murphy both of Green Mountain; 5 grandsons: Tommy Murphy, Rev. Allen Laws and wife Melissa, Rev. Kevin Laws and wife Tiffany, Matthew Laws and wife Kara, Brandon Laws and wife Shea; 2 grand-daughters: Christy Murphy and fiancé Brandon Cooper, Amelia Laws and fiancé Jr. McMahan; 6 special great grandchildren: Delancy, Corbin, Ike, Elijah, Brody and Ettalean; A special sister: June Ayers of Erwin, TN; half-brother: Joe Yelton and wife Hilda of MD. Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM Tuesday at Covey Rock F.W.B. Church. Revs. Randy Laws, Russell Hughes, Ray Laney and Kevin Laws will officiate. Burial will be in the Will Hughes Cemetery with Military Grave Rites conducted by Sgt. E.L. Randolph DAV. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM Monday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.
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