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Miscellaneous Catawba County, North Carolina
Obituaries


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DOROTHY H. PRESLAR
Dorothy Harris Preslar, 81, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born Nov. 15, 1918, in Catawba County, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Sarah Ramsey Harris. A member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, she was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Max A. Preslar; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Ron M. and Betsy H. Preslar of Hickory, Wayne Preslar of Fayetteville and Larry W. and Gloria S. Preslar of Columbia, S.C.; a sister, Mildred Alexander of Kannapolis; a grandson, David C. and Julie C. Preslar of Orange, Calif.; and a granddaughter, Amy Preslar of Columbia, S.C. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Richard Fritz at 11 a.m. Friday at her church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will be at Bass-Smith Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 363, Mount Morris, Ill. 61054-0363.

VIVIAN J. STEGALL
LINCOLNTON - Vivian Johnson Stegall, 78, of Cat Square Road, Vale, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Catawba Memorial Hospital. Born Nov. 3, 1921, in Lincoln County, she was a daughter of the late Winfield and Mina Ritchie Johnson. A lifelong member and volunteer of Palm Tree United Methodist Church in Vale, she was a former member of First United Methodist Church in Charlotte and Crystal Cathedral Church of the Air in Garden Grove, Calif. A lifetime member of the National Association of Educators, she was a past member of the Maryland Teachers Association. Survivors include a brother, Cullen Johnson of Richmond, Va.; two sisters, Evelyn Johnson McRae of Charlotte and Mace Johnson Brown of Hickory; three stepchildren, Martha Stegall Harrington of Charlotte, Don Stegall of Blue Ridge, Va., and Gregory Stegall of Elkin; four nephews, Cullen O. Johnson of New York, N.Y., Ritchie W. Johnson of Richmond, Va., Donald G. McRae of Charlotte and Lee G. Brown of Hickory; six nieces, Bobby Kay Johnson Wash of Hopewell, Va., Betsy Brown McLean of Fort Mill, S.C., Sue Ellen McRae Ulshen of Chapel Hill, Linda Bass Griffin of Fort Mill, S.C., Ruby Bass Sigmon of Conover and Inez Johnson Sowell of Dallas; and seven stepgrandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Bill Wash at 11 a.m. today at Warlick Funeral Home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte. Memorials may be made to Christian Children's Fund Inc., P.O. Box 26511, Richmond, Va. 23285; or Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C. 28608.

JOHN R. HOLLAR
LENOIR - John Russell Hollar, 89, of Sheely Road, Gamewell, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital. Born July 2, 1911, in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Ervin S. and Mamie Weaver Hollar. A member of West Lenoir Baptist Church, he retired from Appalachian Advertising. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charlie Hollar. Survivors include his wife, Cember McCreary Hollar; a son, John L. “Bud” Hollar of Gamewell; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Loretta and Dallas Cloer of Hudson, Jean Hollar Proffitt of Lenoir and Brenda K. and Billy Hollar of Gamewell; four sisters, Betty Goolsby of Wilkesboro, Lena Little of Hickory, Pearl Hinsley of Asheboro and Edith Melton of Gamewell; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. James Lockee at 2 p.m. Friday at his church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Park. The family will be at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

WILMA R. BOWMAN
TAYLORSVILLE - Wilma Rebecca Bowman, 79, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born July 19, 1921, in Alexander County, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Essie Mae Echerd Bowman. A lifelong member of Friendship Lutheran Church, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Jessie Bowman and David Bowman; and a sister, Iretha Saine. Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Nesbit K. Bowman; a son and a daughter-in-law, Larry K. and Lois Bowman of Taylorsville; a daughter, Carol Cook of Taylorsville; five grandchildren, Bryan Bowman, Sherry Bowman Taylor, Stewart Bowman, Amanda Keever Church and Aaron Keever of Taylorsville; six great-grandchildren, Ashton Bowman, Brandon Bowman, Joshua Taylor, Jacob Taylor, Kelsey Bowman and Seth Bowman of Taylorsville; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Todd Rauscher and Phil Thorsen at 4 p.m. today at her church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will remain at the church after the service. Memorials may be made to Friendship Lutheran Church, Family Life Center, 5300 Church Road, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681. Alexander Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

ANN B. WALTON
MORGANTON - Ann Butler Walton, of Grandview Court, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Grace Hospital after a period of declining health. Born May 4, 1934, in Morganton, she was a daughter of the late James E. and Catherine Giles Butler Sr. She was preceded in death by a brother, James Edward Butler Jr. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Waightstill Walton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth W. and Chris Stephens of Morganton and Catherine W. and Joey Popp of Charlotte; a brother, Samuel Butler of Arden; and two grandchildren, Christopher Walton Stephens and Elizabeth Adelaide Stephens of Morganton. A graveside service will be conducted by the Rev. Paula C. Morton at 11 a.m. today in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will remain at the church after the service. Memorials may be made to Grace Church, Endowment Fund, 303 South King St., Morganton, N.C. 28655. Kirksey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ALAN H. VANDERVELDE
VALDESE - Alan Howard VanDerVelde, 52, of Jeeter Shell Avenue, Connelly Springs, died Oct. 18, 2000, at his residence after a period of declinilng health. Born Nov. 25, 1947, in Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Howard Verbsky and Juanita Shell Knox. He was a spindell carter with Cegan Furniture. He was preceded in death by a son, Matthew Verbsky VanDerVelde. Survivors include his wife, Patti VanDerVelde; a son, Daniel VanDerVelde of the home; an uncle, Dr. John Shell of Morganton; and three aunts, Frances Jennings of Hickory, Arda Huffman of Hildebran and Rita Fraley of Connelly Springs. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Ronald Arndt at 8 tonight at Heritage Funeral Service. The family will be at the funeral home from 6:30 to 8 tonight. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Burke County, P.O. Box 1029, Valdese, N.C. 28690.

HENRY J. LAMBIRTH
LINCOLNTON - Henry Junior Lambirth, 62, of Hillside Drive, died Oct. 15, 2000, at Century Care of Cherryville. Born Aug. 6, 1938, in Mecklenburg County, he was a son of the late William A. and Ruby Ann Muller Lambirth. A member of Victory Hill Baptist Church in Dallas, he was a textile mechanic for Burlington Industries in Mooresville and served in the U.S. Army. Survivors include two sons, Toney Lambirth and Thomas Lambirth of Mooresville; and a daughter, Ruby Lambirth of Arizona. A graveside service will be conducted by the Rev. Mark Campbell at 2 p.m. today in Forest Lawn Cemetery. E.F. Drum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

FAUNIE T. LENOIR
LENOIR - Faunie Turnmire Lenoir, 85, of N.C. 268, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Born June 20, 1915, in Caldwell County, she was a daughter of the late Charles L. and Mary Etta Cozort Turnmire. A member of St. James Episcopal Church, she was a former member of Blackstone Homemakers Club. She was a nurse at Patterson School for 17 years and a Home Health Aid at Caldwell County Health Department for seven years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Lyndon Lenoir; a brother, C. Ray Turnmire; and two sisters, Jessie Wyke and Claudia Wyke. Survivors include two sons, Andrew Lyndon Lenoir II of Norfolk, Va., and Charles William Lenoir of Lenoir; a daughter, Lundie Lenoir of Lenoir; a brother, Henry S. Turnmire of Hudson; four sisters, Roxie Pierce and Bernice Mabe of Lenoir, Maude Suddreth and Anne Cox of Charlotte; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Ingram Parmley at 7 tonight at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fort Defiance Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. today. Memorials may be made to Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, N.C. 28645; or St. James Episcopal Church, 806 College Ave., Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

JOANN R. WILLIAMS
MORGANTON - Joann Ross Williams, 67, of Drexel, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Grace Hospital. Born March 8, 1933, in Burke County, she was a daughter of the late Isaac Ross and Prella Poteat Ross. She was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Ervin Ross; and four sisters, Rachel Ross Causby, Betsy Ross Dale, Nancy Ross Davis and Shirley Ross Carr. Survivors include her husband, Milford Franklin Williams; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ben M. and Libby Williams of Concord and Roy F. and Reba William of Morganton; a brother, Owen Ross of Morganton; a sister, Bertha Sue Ross Stamey of Mint Hill; and four grandsons, Josh Williams and Justin Williams of Concord, Kirk Williams and Jesse Williams of Morganton. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Mark Pridgen and Johnny Ross at 2 p.m. today at her church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, Building Fund, 4608 Burkemont Road, Morganton, N.C. 28655. Kirksey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

EARL C. KILLIAN
MAIDEN - Earl Clifford Killian, 79, of Union Street, died Oct. 18, 2000, at the Brian Center. Born Aug. 6, 1921, in Catawba County, he was a son of the late Henry O. and Nora Detter Killian. A member of Living Word Pentecostal Holiness Church, he was a supervisor in the textile industry. A Prisoner of War during World War II, he served in the Air Force. He was preceded in death by a son, Earl Carmen Martin; and a sister. Survivors include his wife, Lena Carrigan Killian; two sons, Billy Joe Parlier of Morganton and Earl Clifford Killian Jr. of Charlotte; two daughters, Patricia Deaton of Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Cheerie Berry of Newton; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by Pastors Michael Ainsworth and Becky Tate and the Rev. Garland Elliott at 1 p.m. Friday at his church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in Maiden City Cemetery. The family will be at the church from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Memorials may be made to Living Word Pentecostal Holiness Church, P.O. Box 647, Maiden, N.C. 28650. Burke Mortuaries Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

GARLAND R. ASHERBRANER
Garland Ray Asherbraner, 74, of Hudson Road, died Oct. 19, 2000, at his residence after a period of declining health. Born May 31, 1926, in Catawba County, he was a son of the late Dock F. and Minnie Martha Townsend Asherbraner. A member of Providence Baptist Church, he retired as a farmer. He was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Asherbraner; and a sister, Lillie. Survivors include two brothers and sisters-in-law, J.D. and Betty Asherbraner and Alfred and Mary Hellen Asherbraner of Hickory; a sister, Ruby Sparks of Hickory; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Ernie Richards at 2 p.m. Saturday at his church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be at Hickory Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 tonight and at the residence of Alfred Asherbraner, Greedy Highway, at other times. Memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church, Building Fund, 7618 Providence Church Road, Hickory, N.C. 28602; or American Heart Fund, P.O. Box 52, Hickory, N.C. 28603.

ARTHUR C. ELMORE
MORGANTON - Arthur C. “Art” Elmore, 71, of Independence Trail, died Oct. 18, 2000, after a period of declining health. Born June 5, 1929, in Burke County, he was a son of the late Creighton L. and Ora Lee Berry Elmore. A member of First Baptist Church in Morganton, he served in the U.S. Army in infantry and artillery and with the CIA. He worked in social services in California and Western North Carolina. A member of Morganton Lions Club and Morganton Kiwanis Club, he served Baptist churches in Virginia and West Virginia. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sylvia Cline. Survivors include his wife, Betty Ann Harrell Elmore; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Barbara Elmore of Cool, Calif.; a daughter and son-in-law, Melinda E. and Andre Solomon of San Ramon, Calif.; a sister and brother-in-law, Augusta E. and Forest Rook of Roanoke Rapids; three grandchildren, Caitlyn Elmore, Alexander Solomon and Sofia Solomon; two nephews, Mel Cline of Morganton and Bobby Rook of Roanoke Rapids; and a niece, Susan Cline Taylor of Morganton. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. today in Forest Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be conducted by the Revs. Fred Schuszler, Ted Swann and Bill Rotan at 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church. The family will remain at the church after the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer 459, Morganton, N.C. 28680-0459. Sossoman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

LARRY E. DEAL
TAYLORSVILLE - Larry Eugene Deal, 42, of Hickory, died Oct. 19, 2000, at his residence. Born June 1, 1958, in Alexander County, he was a son of Conley Lee Deal of Claremont and Helen Brookshire Denton of Nebo. A member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover, he was employed with CommScope in Catawba. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his stepmother, Carolyn Hunsucker Deal of Claremont; a brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and Becky Deal of Lincolnton; two stepbrothers, Chris Miller of Newton and Tim Miller of Mooresville; two stepsisters, Donna Sims of Claremont and Bev Miller of Los Angeles, Calif.; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Alexander Funeral Service. Burial will be in Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery in Claremont. The family will be at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 3214 Catawba St., Claremont, N.C. 28610.

LOREN R. SHUFORD
FALLSTON - Loren Robert Shuford, 88, of West Stagecoach Trail, died Oct. 19, 2000, at Hospice of Wendover. Born Aug. 19, 1912, in Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Robert “Bob” L. and Maudie Grigg Shuford. A member of Palm Tree United Methodist Church, he was a member of the sunset Sunday school class. A member of Camp Call Masonic Lodge 534, he retired from J.P. Stevens Co. after 40 years of service. He was preceded in death by a son- in-law, Gene Dedmon; a brother, Clayton Shuford; and a grandson, Dennis Dedmon. Survivors include his wife, Pauline Floyd Shuford; two sons and daughters-in-law, Dwight and Barbara Shuford of Shelby and Warren and Joyce Shuford of Polkville; a daughter, Joan S. Dedmon of Shelby; four brothers, Ernest Shuford, Ed Shuford and Howard Shuford of Shelby and Alvin Shuford of Lawndale; four sisters, Dorothy Martin of Fallston, Mae Beth Whitner and Betty Jean Weaver of Hickory and Kay Barrett of Belwood; seven grandchildren, Thea D. McCurry, Sharon D. Still, Jeanne Dedmon, Richard Shuford, Sandra Satterfield, Lisa Shuford and Daryle Shuford; and six great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Jim Scott at 11 a.m. Saturday at his church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be at Stamey Funeral Home from 6:30 to 8 tonight. Memorials may be made to Palm Tree United Methodist Church, 1157 West Stagecoach Trail, Lawndale, N.C. 28090; or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, N.C. 28150. Stamey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

EDDIE M. HOPPER Sr.
NEWTON - Eddie Marshall Hopper Sr., 50, of North Main Avenue, died Oct. 18, 2000, at his residence. Born Sept. 29, 1950, in Lee County, Miss., he was a son of Letta Imogene Smith Howell of Ripley, Miss., and the late Marshall Robert Hopper. A member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover, he was employed by CommScope Inc. and was a member of the National Guard. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Janice Green Hopper; two sons, Eddie M. Hopper Jr. of Valdosta, Ga., and Cody Hopper of Newton; a daughter, Tonya Hopper Prince of Valdosta, Ga.; stepfather, Harold Howell of Ripley, Miss.; two brothers, Jimmy Hopper and Todd Howell of Ripley, Miss.; and a sister, Jennifer Estes of Ripley, Miss. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Ed Yount at 2 p.m. Monday at McBride Funeral Home in Ripley, Miss. Burial will be in Providence Cemetery in Providence, Miss. The family will be at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 tonight and at McBride Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Memorials may be made to Woodlawn Baptist Church, Together We Build, 440 Seventh St., SW, Conover, N.C. 28613.

JERALD D. BROYLES
CONOVER - Jerald Dennis Broyles, 64, of Boggs Road, Claremont, died Oct 18, 2000, at his residence. Born Jan. 2, 1936, in Georgia, he was a son of the late William D. and Veda Mabel Watkins Broyles. He retired as a warper tender from Carolina Mills after 17 years of service and received the Textile Citizen for Plant 14 in 1996. He served in the U.S. Army. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Broyles of Claremont; three stepsons, Robert Wright of Newton, James Michael Wright of Hickory and Charles Wright of Conover; two brothers, Hubert Broyles and Warren G. Broyles of Georgia; two sisters, Elsie Fortune and Juanita Broyles of Georgia; and three stepgrandchildren. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Drum Funeral Home. Burial will be in Providence Cemetery in Catawba with military graveside rites conducted by members of American Legion Post 16. The family will be at the funeral home from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 825 Third Ave., NW, Hickory, N.C. 28601.

SARAH K. HUITT
MAIDEN - Sarah Kathryn Huitt, 90, of Abernethy Retirement Center, died Oct. 18, 2000, at Abernethy Retirement Center. Born Jan. 2, 1910, in Catawba County, she was a daughter of the late Lester and Hattie Setzer Huitt. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, she was a matron with the Federal Prison System. She was preceded in death by a brother, John A. Huitt; and two sisters, Mary Shuford and Eugenia Caldwell. Survivors include seven nephews and nieces, Marlyn Hewitt and Gerald Caldwell of Claremont, Gayle Wilfong of Florida, Johnny Hewitt of Matthews, William Hewitt of Albemarle, Donna Caldwell of Jamestown and Joe Caldwell of Monroe. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Scott Bollinger at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Claremont. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Burke Mortuaries Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

CASPER BROWN
Casper Brown, 71, of Twenty-sixth Street, SW, died Oct. 18, 2000, at High Point Regional Medical Center after a period of declining health. Born April 8, 1929, in Grover, S.C., he was a son of the late Jake and Lillie McCluney Brown. A member of Morning Star First Baptist Church, he was a former trustee and member of the Gospel Chorus Star. A former member of St. James Lodge 20, he was retired from Siecor Optical. He was preceded in death by six brothers. Survivors include his wife, Vinnie Anderson Brown; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Ted and Harriet Brown of Hickory and Leroy Sweezy of Shelby; a daughter, Coretta T. Brown of Hickory; three brothers, Harrison Brown, James Brown and Douglas Brown of Shelby; a sister, Asiree Brown of Shelby; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a number of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Webster E. Lytle at 4 p.m. Sunday at his church. Burial will be in Southside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his nephews. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Allen Mitchell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

CECILE M. BURGESS
TAYLORSVILLE - Cecile Martin Burgess, 82, of Valley Nursing Center, formerly of Hiddenite, died Oct. 18, 2000, at Alexander Community Hospital. Born July 27, 1918, in Alexander County, she was a daughter of the late Espie and Molly Goble Martin. A member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church, she was a former Sunday school teacher. A member of the Hiddenite Sunshine Club, she retired from Broyhill Furniture after 25 years of service. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Burgess. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Modean Burgess of Hiddenite; five brothers, Plato Martin, Bruce Martin and Conley Martin of Taylorsville, Crowson Martin of Bethlehem and J.E. Martin of McBee, S.C.; three sisters, Viola Icenhour and Rushie Warren of Hiddenite and Alice Dagenhart of Taylorsville; a granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Connie and Norman Simpers Jr. of Conover; and a great-granddaughter, Christy Simpers. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Brian Eades and Buster Treadaway at 3 p.m. Saturday at her church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be at Adams Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Memorials may be made to Mount Nebo Baptist Church, P.O. Box 26, Hiddenite, N.C. 28636.

WILLIAM T. THOMPKINS Sr.
NEWTON - William Thomas “Bums” Thompkins Sr., 52, of N.C. 10 East, Conover, died Oct. 19, 2000, at Catawba Memorial Hospital. Born Aug. 4, 1948, in Baltimore, Md., he was a son of the late Paul A. and Agnes May Dixon Thompkins. He was a spray operator for Hickory Chair. Survivors include his wife, Christie H. Thompkins; two sons, William Thomas Thompkins Jr. and Shawn Thomas Thompkins of the home; two daughters, Tina Shiflett and Faith Zornak of Crisfield, Md.; four brothers, Paul Thompkins, Francis Thompkins and Robert Edward Lee Thompkins of Baltimore, Md., and Wayne Thompkins of Virginia; two sisters, Linda Lee Spears of Newton and Pauline Kluka of Baltimore, Md.; a grandchild, Michael Zickafoose; two nieces and a nephew-in-law, Charlene and Tony Johnson of Newton and JoAnn Kluka of Baltimore, Md.; and two great-nieces, Blair Johnson and Jenna Johnson of Newton. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home. The family will be at the funeral home three hours prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658.

JEREMIAH N. HUNGERFORD
Jeremiah Nathaniel Hungerford, 21, of Raleigh, formerly of Hickory, died Oct. 14, 2000, at Catawba Memorial Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in an accident. Born Feb. 16, 1979, in Hickory, he was a son of Debra Hungerford of Hickory and John Hungerford of Austin, Texas. He attended the Eagle's Nest Christian Fellowship in Raleigh and was a manufacturing representative with the Gafford Group Inc., servicing Home Depot stores in the Raleigh area. A 1997 graduate of Fred T. Foard High School, he served as a member of the Fred T. Foard Marching Band. He was preceded in death by a maternal grandfather, Hylke Werkhoven of Gill, Mass. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include paternal grandparents, Rodney and Virginia Hungerford of Columbia, S.C.; a maternal grandmother, Ruth W. Frankfort of Delray Beach, Fla.; an uncle, Doug Hungerford of Columbia, S.C.; two aunts and an uncle, Diane and Bob Engels of Charlotte and Ruelene Wegner of Amherst, Mass.; four cousins; and numerous friends. The funeral was conducted by Pastor Ken Frasure on at Catawba Funeral Home. Burial was in Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory. Pallbearers were Amaro Elwood, Richie Teague, Michael McDaniel, David Beard, Dan Stahl and Jeff Brigham.

ELVIN A. JOHNSON
MORGANTON - Elvin Artina Johnson, 90, of C.V. Johnson Road, Valdese, died Oct. 15, 2000, at his residence after a period of declining health. Born March 10, 1910, in Burke County, he was a son of the late Edward and Sarah Berry Johnson. A member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, he was a former adult Sunday school teacher for 25 years, a trustee, deacon, emeritus for 64 years, teacher of the Baptist training union adult class and a former member of the Laymen League. He retired from Drexel Heritage after 47 years of service. He was a former member of the Burke County NAACP, pulpit committee, Senior Choir and Drexel Community Center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vernell Horn Johnson; four brothers, Leroy Johnson, David Johnson, Alvin Johnson and Vono Johnson; and four sisters, Mary Jo Hawkins, Lola Johnson, Daisy Berry and Dora Setzer. Survivors include two sons, Charles H. Johnson and James E. Johnson of Valdese; four daughters, Belinda J. Williams of Winston- Salem, Sarah E. Johnson of the home, Clara J. Kinlow of Cherryville and Odessa J. Peterson of Valdese; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Kenneth B. Falls, W.F. McIntosh Jr., Herbert Carter, Frances Tate and Bryan Corpening Sr. at 3 p.m. Saturday at his church. Burial will be in Mount Zion Memorial Park. The family will be at Ebony Funeral Service from 7 to 8 tonight.

LENNIS D. BENFIELD
MORGANTON - Lennis Dellinger Benfield, 84, of Glen Alpine, died Oct. 18, 2000, at Grace Hospital. Born June 10, 1916, in McDowell County, she was a daughter of the late Ferdinand and Rhoda Thomas Dellinger. She was a member of McDowell Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Paul Benfield. Survivors include two sons, Bob Benfield of Morganton and William “Bill” Wheeler of Chicago, Ill.; two daughters, Lee Swink of Siler City and Natalie Wheeler Bumgarner of Illinois; two sisters, Opal Perry and Rooney Wheelon of Black Mountain; three grandchildren, Wendy Benfield Seal of Lenoir, Kimberly Benfield Black of Chester, S.C., and Scott Swink of Morganton; and two great- grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Doug St. John at 2 p.m. today at her church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Kirksey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JAMES W. FRESH
ASHEVILLE - James William Fresh, M.D., 74, of Green Cove Springs, Fla., died Oct. 12, 2000, at Life Care Center in Orange Park, Fla. He was born Jan. 9, 1926, in Stevens County, Ga. A Methodist, he served in the U.S. Navy in medical research units in Taipei, Taiwan; Alameda, Calif.; and Cairo, Egypt. He retired as a captain in the Navy Medical Corps after 30 years of service. Retired as a doctor of pathology, he specialized in tropical medicine. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the U.S. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, the Alee Temple in Sardis, Ga., and the Shriners Temple in Savannah, Ga. Survivors include his wife, Frances M. Fresh; a son, Alexander M. Fresh of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter, Elinore L. Fresh of Green Cove Springs, Fla.; a sister and brother-in-law, Elinore and William G. McCaskill of Pinehurst; a sister- in-law, Vivian Fresh of Grove City, Pa.; and four nieces, Sue Stewart of Carthage, Jane Rock of Raleigh, Mona Jean Fossee of Wexford, Pa. and Donna J. Ferrere of Grove City, Pa. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Riverside Cemetery in Asheville with military graveside rites. Groce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

EDGAR L. PRITCHARD
LENOIR - Edgar Lee Pritchard, 67, of Greasy Creek Road, died Oct. 18, 2000, at Vencor Hospital in Greensboro. Born Jan. 14, 1933, in Caldwell County, he was a son of Ollie Matilda Pritchard Pritchard of Lenoir and the late Charlie Edgar Pritchard. A member of Confidence Advent Church, he retired from Singer Furniture and was former owner and operator of Pritchard Stick Co. and served in the U.S. Navy. Survivors include his wife, Nina Belle Key Pritchard; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Gary Pritchard of Lenoir, Scott and Susan Pritchard of Collettsville and Tony Pritchard of Taylorsville; a daughter, Karen Pritchard Harrison of Lenoir; two brothers, Joe Pritchard and Ray Pritchard of Lenoir; three grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted by the Rev. Paul White at 11 a.m. today in Blue Ridge Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons. Memorials may be made to Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645. Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GEORGIA M. HILL
FOREST CITY - Georgia Mae Hill, 68, of Third Avenue, SE, Hickory, formerly of Forest City, died Oct. 16, 2000, at Frye Regional Medical Center. She retired from Frye Regional Medical Center. Survivors include her mother, Ruth T. Young of Hickory; three sons, Gregory A. Hill and Wayne D. Hill of Hickory and Gerald S. Hill of Morganton; a daughter, the Rev. Debra J. Hall of Cleveland; two brothers, James Hill and Everette Hill of Hickory; a sister, Thelma Odom of Trenton, N.J.; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Lenton Rhodes at 3 p.m. Saturday at Clinton Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Southside Cemetery. Thompson Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

HAZEL L. SPENCER
RALEIGH - Hazel Lester Spencer, 92, died Oct. 14, 2000, at his son's residence in Rocky Ford. Born Oct. 19, 1907, in Hickory, he was a son of the late Dallas F. and Hester Miller Spencer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Whitaker Spencer; and a granddaughter, Kathy Spencer. Survivors include two sons, Lester C. Spencer of Land O' Lake, Fla., and William D. Spencer of Rocky Ford; six grandchildren, Kareen S. Stromberg of Halethrope, Md., Carla S. Owens of Sykesville, Md., Valerie S. Wilson of Fort Riley, Kan., Brian D. Spencer of Raleigh, Jananne E. Spencer of Garner and Nadine S. Lewis of Four Oaks; and eight great- grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Maryland. Memorials may be made to Franklin area Rescue Squads. Capital Funeral Care is in charge of arrangements.

LARRY S. BOLICK
TAYLORSVILLE - Larry Stuart Bolick, 39, of Hickory, died Oct. 18, 2000, at his residence. Born Oct. 15, 1961, in Catawba County, he was a son of Linda Smith Bolick Shook and the late Larry Joe Bolick. A member of Mount Pisgah Lutheran Church, he was employed in the furniture industry and the grocery business. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Paul Bolick; maternal grandparents, Garland and Vada Icenhour Smith; and two aunts, Marcelene Icenhour and Juanita Kerley. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his stepfather, Tom Shook of Hickory; a brother, Ashley Bolick of Hickory; a paternal grandmother, Sue Bolick of Hickory; four uncles, Billy Bolick, Dale Bolick and Jackie Bolick of Hickory and Arthur Smith of Taylorsville; six aunts, Betty Smith, Brenda Gordan and Carolyn Bolick of Hickory and Velma Meadows, Lillie George and Lois Mitchell of Taylorsville; a friend, David Church of Hickory; and a number of cousins. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Henry Starnes and Sammy Kiser at 11 a.m. Saturday at Alexander Funeral Service. Burial will be in Mount Pisgah Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will be at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 tonight.

MAUDE B. WALKER
MORGANTON - Maude Branch Walker, 98, of Bethel Road, died Oct. 18, 2000, at her residence after a period of declining health. Born Sept. 20, 1902, in Burke County, she was a daughter of the late Balbus and Nannie Morrison Branch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank E. Walker; three brothers, Charles Branch, Jason Branch and Pat Branch; and a sister, Lillian Brittain. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Nan and Fred Rivers and Frankie and Jack Devine of Morganton; a brother, Ones Branch of Morganton; four grandchildren and three grandchildren-in-law, Susan and Rick Carswell, Beatrice and Jack Whyle-Spitz, Andy and Tammy Devine and Scott Devine; five great- grandchildren, Rebecca Mull, John Mull, Ashley Devine, Allison Devine and Tad Ehrlich; and three stepgreat-grandchildren, Katie Wise, Richie Carswell and Terry Carswell. A graveside service will be conducted by the Rev. Neville Storey at 11 a.m. today in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will be at Sossoman Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. today. Memorials may be made to Oak Forest United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, 101 Forest St., Morganton, N.C. 28655.

GEORGE G. MILLER
CONOVER - George Garland Miller, 94, of Oxford School Road, Claremont, died Oct. 18, 2000, at Brian Center East in Hickory. Born June 26, 1906, in Iredell County, he was a son of the late Charles “C.D.” and Candace Fox Miller. A member of Bethel Lutheran Church, he retired from J.H. Brikley Construction Company. He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgie Bolick Miller; three brothers, Cecil Miller, Ray Miller and Carl Miller; and a sister, Estelle M. Campbell. Survivors include two brothers, Paul Miller of Winston-Salem and Woodrow Miller of Catawba. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Edward Meyer at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, Building Fund, 5759 Bolick Road, Claremont, N.C. 28610; or Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658. Drum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ALICE L. WAGSTAFF
SHELBY - Alice Lanier Wagstaff, 84, of Plymouth, died Oct. 17, 2000, at Stanley Total Care in Stanley. Born in Catawba County, she was a daughter of the late John F. and Claudia Weaver Lanier. She was a member of a Methodist church in Kinston. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Paul Wagstaff; and a son, William Lanier Wagstaff. Survivors include two sisters, Cordula Hassell of Stanley and Ruby Hiss of Altoona, Fla. The funeral will be conducted by Dr. Joe Reeves at 2 p.m. today at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Westview Cemetery in Kinston. The family will remain at the funeral home after the service. Memorials may be made to Hebron United Methodist Church, Roper, N.C. 27970.


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