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Miscellaneous Cherokee County, North Carolina Obituaries


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Christine Diane Souder
Christine Diane Souder, 54, of Andrews, died Monday, May 8, 2006, in Murphy Medical Center. A native of Bryan, Ohio, she had lived most of her life in Angola, Ind., before moving to Andrews seven years ago. She was the daughter of the late William Junior and Margurette Mae McDaniel Hart. She was a registered nurse and Reiki Master. Surviving are her husband, Jack L. Souder; a daughter, Robin Snidle of Garrett, Ind.; a step-daughter, Renee Salinas of Denton, Tex.; two stepsons, Jeffrey and Monte Souder both of Andrews; three brothers, William Hart of Angola, Ind., John Hart of San Ramon, Costa Rica, and Richard Hart of Pacific, Wash.; a grandson, Nikolas Wilkinson, a granddaughter, Anastasia Wilkinson and six step-grandchildren. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Laura Beth Taylor
Laura Beth Taylor, 40, of Bates Creek Road, Murphy, passed away Monday, May 29, 2006, in Murphy. She was a native of Swain County. She was a homemaker and attended Hiawassee Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Fred Killian; and her paternal grandfather Clyde Coffey. She is survived by her parents, Joseph Daniel Taylor Sr., of Gainesville, Ga., and Jo Ann Killian Taylor "Fudji" of Bates Creek Road, Murphy; two sons, Brett Thomas and Brad Thomas of the home; their father, Kenny Thomas of Murphy; a brother and his wife, Joey and Kathy Taylor of Andrews; her maternal grandmother, Coy Killian of Murphy; her paternal grandmother, Kay Coffey of Marble; a niece, Kaitlin Taylor of Andrews; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service was held at 7 p.m., Friday, June 2, at the Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Jim Beasley and the Revs. Larry Shope and Clark Taylor officiated. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Hiawassee Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy. You may send tributes to the Taylor family at www.mem.com. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Donald Joel Crawford
Donald Joel Crawford, 65 of Andrews, died Monday, May 29, 2006, at Murphy Medical Center in Murphy. He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County and was a member of the Wilscott Baptist Church. He retired from Emerson where he worked as a plant supervisor. He enjoyed watching the Braves baseball games and car shows. He was a son of the late Lee and Mattie Farmer Crawford and was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Melissa Dena Crawford. He is survived by his wife, Helen Maxine Holland Crawford; one son and his wife, Brian and Dorothy Crawford of Andrews; two daughters and their husbands, Dena and David Whitaker of Andrews and Trena and Danny Green of Commerce, Ga.; one brother, Sonny Crawford of Robbinsville; one sister, Aline Waldroup of Andrews; eight grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; 10 step-great-granchildren; and several neices and nephews. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, at Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews. Pastor Eric Jones officiated. Music was provided by Voices of Praise and Trena Green. Interment was in the Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery in Andrews. Pallbearers were Bill Stiles, James Parker, Denver Denny, B.J. Crawford, Hubert Morgan and Doyle McClure. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Donald Joel Crawford to Andrews Valley View Care and Rehabilitation Center, 551 Kent Street, Andrews, NC 28901. You may send tributes to the Crawford family at www.mem.com. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

Chester Holder
Chester Holder, 88, of Robbinsville, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2006, at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center in Black Mountain. He was the son of Larnet and Nora Cable Holder. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Jessie Tatham; and brothers Carl, Hobert, Wayne, Elmer, Lester and Clyde Holder. He is survived by his wife, Viola Orr Holder; son, Junior Holder of Marble; sister, Lena Waldroup of Robbinsville; granddaughter, April and Melanie Holder, both of Black Mountain; grandson, Shawn Holder of Robbinsville; and great-grandchildren Kristen, Kourtney and Katlin Burchfield, Brock and Brancyn Phillips, Brooklyn Glisson, Candace Holder and Katlin Teesateskie; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Sunday, May 21, at Sawyers Creek Baptist Church. The Revs. Noah Williams and Delmar Holder officiated. Pallbearers were Shaun Holder, Jerry Orr, Tony Jenkins, Jimmy Calhoun, David Jordan, Lowell Cable. Burial was in the Holder Cemetery. Townson-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements

Danny Lee Staton
Danny Lee Staton, 62, of Topton, died Thursday, June 1, 2006, in an Asheville hospital. A native of Marion he had lived in Waynesville before moving to Topton in 1992. He was the son of the late Thurman and Pamela Rowland Staton. He had served in the U.S. Army and was recently employed by Reynolds Fence Company. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved life, family, friends and his animals. He was preceded in death by his loving companion, Merle Reighard Hannah, and two siblings, Donald Staton and Thelma Staton Dale. Surviving are three daughters, Andrea Staton, Amber Staton and April Staton Kelley and husband, Alton, all of Columbus; two step-daughters, Patricia Hannah and Josephine Lewis both of Waynesville; a step-son, Richard Colvard of Spruce Pine; two sisters, Ann Sweatt of Old Fort and Judy Murphy of Swannanoa; two brothers, Thurman Staton Jr. of Lenoir and Harold Dean Staton of Swannanoa; six grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren. Graveside services were at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 3, in Valleytown Cemetery with the Rev. Mike King officiating. Pallbearers were Tyler Walker, Bill Price, Jeff Sweatt, Aaron Mather, Eric Brown and Philip Holbert. The family requests memorials be made in memory of Danny Lee Staton to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., 2000 L Street NW, Suite 710, Washington DC 20036. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Marlene H. Flynn
Marlene H. Flynn, 68, died Tuesday, Aug.1, 2006, at her home in Marble. A native of Hanover, Penn., she spent 35 years of her adult life residing in Tampa, Fla., before retiring to North Carolina in 1998. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Joseph Carl Flynn; her father, Joseph Hagarman; mother, Ruth Hagarman; and sister, Lorraine Miller. Surviving are her husband of 49 years, Melvin Flynn; her daughter Juanita Whited and son-in-law, Jeffrey Whited of Seymour, Tenn.; and three grandchildren, James Tyson and wife Amber of Maryville, Tenn., and Alyssa Whited and Bryan Whited both of Seymour, Tenn. A private family service was held Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy was in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Sharp Raxter
Mildred Sharp Raxter, 78, died Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 2, 2006, at her home in Andrews. A native of Cherokee County, she had lived in Sylva for more than 20 years before returning to Andrews. She was the daughter of the late Leonard Jasper and Flora Jane Gregory Sharp. She was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Sylva and had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Andrews for the past 23 years. She was chairwoman of the Andrews First Baptist Church Hostess Committee, which prepared all meals for different church functions. She was also chairwoman of the Service of Love committee at the church. The organization is a ministry for sick and bereaved families. She was secretary of her Sunday School class, secretary/treasurer of the Ruth Bagwell Mission Group and secretary of Young at Hearts senior adult church group. She helped organize the Jackson County Chapter of Reach to Recovery and was a breast cancer survivor herself for 31 years. The organization helps to counsel breast cancer survivors. Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Don Raxter; one son, Hugh Raxter and daughter-in-law, Kay Raxter of Montgomery, Ala.; one granddaughter, Dana Raxter of Auburn, Ala.; three sisters, Gladys Raxter of Andrews, Joanne Rogers and husband, Kenneth of Marble, and Helen May of Burlington; and a devoted sister-in-law, Dot Sharp, of Andrews. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, in the Andrews First Baptist Church with Dr. Tommy Lamb and the Rev. Fred Lunsford officiating. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Gary Rogers, Danny Anderson, Horlace Sealy, Lane Raxter, Virgil Gibson and Walter Raxter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Mildred Sharp Raxter to the First Baptist Church of Andrews Building Fund, PO Box 427, Andrews, NC 28901 or The Rathbun Center at 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or the Breast Cancer Society. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Fred Glenn Earley
Fred Glenn Earley, 82, of Murphy died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2006, in an Atlanta, Ga., hospital. A native of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late Gilford and Mary White Earley. He was a foreman at Mundy’s Lumber and retired in 1986. He was a member of the Shoal Creek Baptist Church. He was very proud of his Cherokee heritage. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Gladys Hagan, Ivalee Allen, and Ethel Self and two brothers, Henry Earley and Claude Self. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Willa Mae Crowder Earley; a daughter, Carolyn Bennett and husband, Gary of Elkhart, Ind.; three sons, Larry Earley of Murphy, Freddie Earley and wife, Sherry of Marble, and Robert Earley and wife, Jeanette of Dalton, Ga.; a sister, Helen Earley and her husband, Wayne Abernathy of Gastonia; and 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 6, in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Jerry Beavers officiating. Burial was in Shoal Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Josh, Chris and Dewayne Earley, Mitchell Prince, Teddy Stiles and Varnel Jones. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.

Janie "Janice" Ruth Gillespie
Janie “Janice” Ruth Gillespie, 62, of Martinsville, Vir., formerly of Hayesville, died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006, as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A native of Clay County, she was the daughter of Inez Canup McCray of Hayesville and the late Nathan McCray, and the wife of the late Grady Gillespie. She was a retired health care worker and was of the Baptist faith. Surviving in addition to her mother are five sons, Jamie Nunnery and wife, Tracie of Fayetteville, Charles, Jeffery and Michael Nunnery all of Martinsville and Kenny Nunnery of Taylorsville; six sisters, Jennifer Stroud and husband, Boyd, Frances Foster, and Konda Byers all of Hayesville, Evelyn Cothren of Murphy, Brenda Haynes and husband, Billy of Lugoff, S.C., and Shirley Gibson and husband, Lucky of Lake Hartwell, Ga.; six brothers, Arlin McCray and wife Marie, Johnny McCray and wife Ruby, and Jimmy McCray and wife Donna all of Hayesville, Tommy McCray and wife Freida of Andrews, Jack McCray and wife Connie of Robbinsville, and Kenneth Canup and wife Young of Midland, Ga.; and seven grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 17, in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, with the Rev. Dallas Crowder officiating. Burial is in Sweetwater Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are nephews David Byers, Robbie Crisp, Matthew McCray, Adam Moss, Jason Hughes and Larry Stroud. Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, is in charge of all arrangements.

James Frank Marr, Jr.
James Frank Marr, Jr., 75, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2006, at Llanfair Nursing Home in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a native of Camden, W. Vir., and was of the Baptist faith. He had played football for the University of Tennessee before joining the Navy then moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He was a retired salesman with Burdett Oxygen Company in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the son of the late James Frank and Pauline Lusk Marr and was preceded in death by his brother Bill Lusk Marr. He is survived by a daughter Lisa Marr of Dayton, Ohio; a brother Don Hugh Marr of Chattanooga, Tenn.; four sisters, Louise Lester of Andrews, Betty M. Boldin of Lenoir, Kathleen M. Tatham of Robbinsville and Margaret M. Sammons of Cincinnati, Ohio. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 18, at the Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews. The Rev. Harry Hawk officiated. Pallbearers were Eddie Boldin, Eric Sammons, David Oliverio, Tom Tatham, Don Marr, Sr. and Don Marr Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Hubert Myers and Charles Freel. Interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Tributes may be made to the Marr Family at www.MeM.com. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Cecil C. May
Cecil C. May, 71, of Nantahala, died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2006, in an Asheville hospital. A native of Cherokee County, he had lived in Connecticut for 35 years before moving to Nantahala 11 years ago. He was the son of the late Creed and Hester Elrod May. He was a retired machinest with Allied Signal. He was a member of the King Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 12 in Shelton, Conn., and he attended the Briartown Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Betty Kelly May; a daughter, Carol Hasselman and husband, Ray of Broken Arrow, Okla.; a son, Kenneth May and wife, Kathy of Middletown, Conn.; three sisters, Tressie Hoover of Charlotte, Carolyn Sheets of Hildebran, and Ramona Spencer of Nebo; a brother, Homer May of Charlotte; and four grandchildren, Lt. Kevin Hasselman of Alameda, Cal., Karen Hasselman of Tulsa, Okla., Kelly Hasselman of Charleston, S.C.,and Jennifer May of Middletown, Conn. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 21, in the Briartown Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Icenhower officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Ray Hasselman, Henry Spencer, Cecil Day and Carl, Gary and Donald Cross. Honorary pallbearer was Gene Trammel. The family request memorials be made in memory of Cecil C. May to the Lewis Rathbun Wellness Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Katherine Martinson Rumrill
Katherine Martinson Rumrill, 93, of Andrews, formerly of Winter Haven and Seminole, Fla., died Aug. 15, 2006. She moved to Andrews in November 2005 and was a loving resident at Carolina Care Home. She was born at home in Prairie Center, Ill. She grew up in West Bend, Iowa, and then received her registered nursing diploma in Chicago. She worked in the nursing profession for more than 30 years in West Allis, Wisc., and in Indian Rock, Fla. She enjoyed gardening, walking on the beach and caring for her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Harry Oliver Rumrill. Surviving are her son Tom Rumrill and daughter-in-law Lynda Rumrill of Polk City, Florida; her daughter, Linda Miller and son-in-law Jim Miller of Marble; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A private family service will be held in Seminal, Fla. Cochran Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Wanda Juanita Coleman Barnett
Wanda Juanita Coleman Barnett, age 71, of Murphy, passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2006, at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home. She was born Wednesday, Feb. 13, 1935, in Cherokee County and was the daughter of Frank Coleman and Dorothy Grace Coleman. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church where she served as pianist for 20 years. She loved genealogy and to crochet. She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Coleman; sisters, Katherine (Kitty) Donaldson and Jean Waring; and brothers, Marshall and Julius Coleman. Survivors include her husband, James Roy Barnett; mother, Dorothy Grace Coleman; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Sherie Barnett of Murphy, son and daughter-in-law, Blaine and Estella Barnett of Murphy, son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Pat Barnett of Blairsville, son, Jan Barnett of Murphy, daughter, Roz Barnett of Marble, brother-in-law, Martin Waring of Gainesville, Ga., sister and brother-in-law, Frankie and L.C. Chastain of Martins Creek, sister and brother-in-law, Nina and Phillip Chastain of Martins Creek, brother and sister-in-law, Don and Barbara Coleman of Murphy, brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Phyllis Coleman of Marietta; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, step-great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 20, at 4 p.m., at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs L. B. Adams and Ronnie Palmer officiating. Music was provided by the Rev. L.B. Adams, Palmer Family and J.L. McHahan. Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Josh Barnett, Kevin Barnett, Byron Barnett, Derwin Chastain, Eddie Coleman and Gerald Chastain. Nephews were honorary pallbearers. Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy was in charge of arrangements.

Ellis Preston Gulledge Jr.
Ellis Preston Gulledge Jr., passed away Aug. 15, 2006, after a lengthy illness. Born Jan. 2, 1956, in Miami, Fla., he was a resident of Andrews for many years. He is survived by his children Deborah Jean, Nancy Carol and Laura Beth Gulledge; brother Elroy Gulledge, Taylor, Fla.; sisters Ida Adkins (Greg) and Mary Lehmann (Steve), both of Acworth, Ga.; many nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ellis Preston and Mary Lucy Gulledge and sister Cathy Lynn Gregoire. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Valleytown Cemetery Chapel on Business Route 19.

Myrtle Fox Bettis
Myrtle Fox Bettis, 72, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2006, at Mission Hospital, Memorial Campus, in Asheville. A native of Macon County, she was the daughter of the late Lee and Tallie Solesbee Duvall. She was a sewing machine operator for Owenby and Lee companies. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford A. Fox in 1965; three sisters, Nell West, Beatrice May and Edith Rice. She is survived by one son Michael Fox of Andrews; three daughters, Vickie Fox and James Jordan of Ellijay, Ga., Kathy Pressley and husband Jackie of Andrews and Patty Fox Wrenn of Andrews; two sisters, Betty Kerr and husband Bobby of Aquone and Faye Breedlove of Aquone; five grandchildren, Michael J. Fox, Jason S. Fox, Albert J. Fox, Stephanie Pressley and Heath Pressley and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 21, at the Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews, with the Rev. Jim Postell officiating. Pallbearers were James Jordan, Heath Pressley, Albert Kerr, Roger Conley, Bobby Kerr, Jeff Bennett and Amos Weaver. Interment was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22, at Aquone Cemetery in Macon County. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

Verna Cook Thompson
Verna Cook Thompson, 97, of Thompson Hollow, Murphy, passed away Monday, Aug. 21, 2006, at Murphy Medical Center. She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and was an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She had worked at Brumby's Textile Manufacturing. A homemaker, she enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens, canning, oil painting and quilting. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and she attended the Free Methodist Church. She was a daughter of the late William and Jessie Raper Cook and was preceded in death by her husband, Jewell Wofford Thompson, who died Nov. 27, 1984. She is survived by her three sons and their wives, Jack and Mary Ann Thompson, Bill and Pat Thompson, and David and Avis Thompson all of Murphy; a brother, Blaine Cook of Oak Ridge, Ore.; two sisters, Inez Anderson of Murphy and Rose Daugherty of Dalton, Ga.; six grandchildren, Debra Mills, Dana Reda, David Thompson, Derrick Thompson, Emmett Thompson and Trevor Thompson; and nine great-grandchildren, Wendy Thompson, Wesley Mills, Leah Mills, Michayla Thompson, Connor Thompson, Nicholas Reda, Anthony Reda, Joseph Reda and Ashlyn Thompson. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 24, at Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Donald Hand officiated and music was provided by Steve Coleman. Burial was in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy. Pallbearers were Trevor Thompson, Emmett Thompson, David S. Thompson, Derrick Thompson, Donald Cook, Eddie Joe Elliott and Ryland Mills. Honorary pallbearers were Ted Hughes and Edgar Anderson. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Verna Lee Cook Thompson to the Free Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1222, Murphy, NC 28906. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn Wilson Ladd
Evelyn Wilson Ladd, 78, of Marble, died Friday, Aug. 25, 2006, at Murphy Medical Center in Murphy. A native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, she was a daughter of the late Raleigh J. and Myrtle Barton Wilson. She was a member of Marble Springs Baptist Church. She worked in Andrews most of her life, primarily in industries, including Berkshire, Owenby's and Peachtree Industries. She enjoyed fun, family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Ladd; brothers, Frank Wilson, W. M. "Blackie" Wilson, Ralph Wilson, Jack Wilson; and stepmother, Bethel Wilson. Surviving are her son, Gary Breedlove of Asheville; grandson, Brian Breedlove of Duke University; one brother, Roy J. and wife Flonnie Wilson of Marble; three sisters, Betty K. and husband Howard Lovingood of Brasstown, June and husband Leonard West of Marble and Linda Sue Hopkins of Marble; step-brother, Wayne and wife Kay Queen of Arizona; sisters-in-law, Lillie Mae Wilson of Marble, Clara Wilson of Murphy and Martha Wilson of Chattanooga; step-daughter, Maria and husband Earl Bradshaw; step-granddaughter, Heather Bradshaw; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were at 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 27, at Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews, with the Rev. Lewis Welch officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery at Marble. Pallbearers were Bob Barton, Earl Bradshaw, Jerry Breedlove, Jack Mintz, Danny Wilson, Mitchell Arrowood, Eddie Hopkins, Daniel West, Roarke Arrowood, Matt Wilson, Phillip West and Greg Huskins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Evelyn Wilson Ladd to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Building Fund, 5521 NC Highway 141, Marble, NC 28905. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

William Lewis "Billy" King
William Lewis “Billy” King, 59, of Murphy died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006, in a Copperhill, Tenn., hospital. A native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late Edwin Lewis and Lois Elizabeth Sneed King. He attended Mars Hill College for two years and was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy. He was a licensed pharmacist in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, and practiced hospital and retail pharmacy in all three states including 17 years at Copper Basin Medical Center. He was a part of the Murphy business community including co-founding King’s Pharmacy and founding the J.C. Penney Catalog Store. He was a Mason and Shriner and a former member of the Cherokee County Board of Health. He was active in the Cherokee County ARC. Throughout his life, he was active in the Murphy First Baptist Church and the Murphy First United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife, Leah Collins Gordon King; two sons, Lewis King and wife Minde of London, England, and Stephen King and wife English of Durham; a brother, Eddie King and wife Pat of Murphy; and a granddaughter, Emery Rose King. Funeral services were at 8 p.m., Sunday,Aug. 27, in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with Dr. Chester Jones officiating. Interment was in the Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers were Edwin and Doug King, Ricky Peak, Ken McClure, Dr. Allen Uhlik and Gary Gordon. Paul Mathis and Dr. William R. Lee were honorary pallbearers. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.

Mary Carolyn Thompson Anderson
Mary Carolyn Thompson Anderson, 63, of 4 Village Dr., Asheville, passed away Friday, Aug. 25, 2006, at St. Joseph's Hospital after an extended illness. She was surrounded by family. She was born in Andrews to the late Annie Laurie Mashburn Thompson and Dewey Bedford Thompson. She graduated from Andrews High School and later received her bachelor’s degree in education from Appalachian State University. She taught sixth, seventh and eighth grades at Sand Hill Middle School and Enka Middle School for 18 years. She was a resident of Asheville since 1965. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Willis Glenn Anderson of Asheville; three sons, David Glenn Anderson and wife Kristin of Apex, James Alan Anderson of Edmond, Okla., and Daniel Dewey Anderson and wife Jennifer of Candler; two brothers, Jerry Thompson and Joe Thompson of Andrews; sister, Elizabeth Thompson Petrolle of Essex Fells, N.J.; and six grandchildren, William David, Andi Lauren, Meredith Metcalf, Isabella Kristin, Daniel David and Elizabeth Claire. A graveside service was held at Valley Town Cemetery in Andrews on Monday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Herbert Otto Gerald Kubisch
Herbert Otto Gerald Kubisch, 82, of Genesis Lane, Andrews, passed away Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006, at his home. He was a native of Amsterdam, Holland and moved to Cherokee County from Emmett, Mich., in 1996. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and the owner and operator of Kubisch Poultry Farm. He was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Andrews, the Smith Creek Masonic Lodge No. 291, Free Mason Scottish Rite and Shrine in Detroit, Mich. He was a son of the late Herrbert Otto Wilheim Kubisch and Louise Fredeica Luchard Kubisch and was also preceded in death by his sister, Hildegard Augusta Hartig. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Rosemary Florentine Neaton Kubisch; three daughters and their husbands, Lesia Marlene and Alex Huston of Wadhams, Mich., Deborah Lynn and Peter Relken of Columbiaville, Mich., and Melissa Marlo and Hal Johnson of Port Huron, Mich; seven grandchildren, Herbert Huston, Scott Huston, Samantha Relken Becker and husband Joe Becker, Sara Relken Burch and husband Trevor Burch, Shannon Relken, Gerry Johnson and Ian Johnson; and two great-grandchildren, Brenden Burch and Matthew Burch. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 28, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Andrews. Pastor George Simmons, pastor Malcomb Lurch and Arnoldo Lugo officiated. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Herbert Otto Gerald Kubisch to the Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice Agency, P. O. Box 465, Hayesville, NC 28904. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dillard Kenneth Dockery
Dillard Kenneth Dockery, 68, of Murphy, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2006, at his residence. He was a native of Cherokee County and a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. He was a heavy machine operator, a cattleman, and he enjoyed hunting. He was the son of the late Harley Robert and Rosia White Dockery and was preceded in death by his wife Julia "Judy" Poovey Dockery; and a brother, Quenton Dockery. Surviving are four sons and their wives, Mark and Ruth Dockery, Kim and Angie Dockery and Wayne and Vonie Dockery, all of Murphy, and Robert and Annie Mae Dockery of Andrews; one daughter and her husband, Vivian and Larry Powell of Hickory; 12 grandchildren, Billy Jack Dockery, Kenneth Dockery, Sheena Dockery, Rachael Dockery and Candace Dockery, all of Murphy, Mary Dockery, Annie Dockery, Ruby Dockery and Dillard Dockery, all of Andrews, Nicholas Powell, Andy Powell and Justin Powell, all of Hickory; one great-granddaughter, Riley Dockery, and four other great-grandchildren; one brother, the Rev. Goldman Dockery of Murphy; and four sisters, Jannie Lovingood, Lura Carter, Nadine Whitener and Betty Shipman all of Murphy. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 28, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Murphy. The Rev. Edward Carter officiated. Burial was in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were Wayne Dockery, Billy Dockery, Kenneth Dockery, Paul Dockery, Keith Whitener, Charles Carter, Kevin Carter, Michael Carter, Nicholas Powell and Andy Powell. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Tony Richard Self
Tony Richard Self, 61, of Robbinsville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, at his home. He was born Sunday, Jan. 28, 1945, in Graham County, to the late Riley Self and the late Zetta Anderson Self. He had lived in Hickory for more than 40 years before returning to Robbinsville. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Wayne Self, daughters, Toni Ruth Self and Kathy Marie Self and wives Marie Smith Self and Evalona Self.. Survivors include: daughter and son-in-law, Revonda and William Towe of Newton, daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Daryl Hollifield of Conover; grandchildren, Sarah, Dara and Rocky Hollifield, Wesley and Felicia Styles and Amber, Alicia and Adam Towe; brother, Jerry Self of Hickory, brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Rita Self of Hickory, brother and sister-in-law, Benny and Clarice Self of Robbinsville; sister, Avis Severt of Chicago, Ill., sister and brother-in-law, Mavis and Johnny Cody of Robbinsville, sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Marvin Jones of Robbinsville, sister and brother-in-law, Dottie and Ray Smith of Pensacola, Fla., sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Frank Worley of Granite Falls, and sister and brother-in-law, Cleo and Lewin Sharpe of Andrews. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Graveside services were held Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m., at Lower Yellow Creek Cemetery with the Revs. Max Turpin and Timothy Self officiating. Nephews served as pallbearers. The Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy was in charge of arrangements.

Harry E. Neal
Harry E. Neal, 77, of Oakdale Drive, Franklin, passed away Thursday, Aug. 24, 2006, at the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. He was born in Clay County, the son of the late Elmer Neal and Delza Anderson Crawford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Bobbie Bracken Neal who died in 1984 and his step-father, Earl Crawford. He was a veteran of the US Navy during the Korean Conflict where he served as a mortician. He was a member of the Franklin VFW Post No. 7339 and American Legion Post No.108 and a member of the Franklin First Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Junaluska Masonic Lodge No.145, Franklin Lions Club and the Smoky Mountain Shriners. He served on the Macon Bank Board of Directors. He was a prominent businessman for many years in the towns of Franklin and Highlands. In 1969, he provided the town of Highlands with their own funeral chapel. He was a graduate of Gupton-Jones Mortuary College of Nashville, Tenn., and a licensed embalmer and funeral director. He owned and operated Bryant Funeral Home for 42 years, retiring in 2000. He is survived by his wife, Bertha Wiggins Neal; his daughter, Lisa Hall and her husband, Brian of Clover, S.C.; his son, Lynn Neal of Unidilla, Ga.; a step-daughter, Sharon Ford and her husband, Kevin of Franklin, and a step-son, Ralph E. Morgan Jr. and his wife, Tiffany of Lexington, Ken.; a sister, Joan Baldwin and her husband, Bob; four grandchildren, Martin Brian Hall IV, Christopher Neal Hall, Caroline Elizabeth Hall and Ian A. Neal; two step-grandsons and two step-granddaughters. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m., in the Chapel of Bryant Funeral Home with the Revs. Jim Dusek and James Wiggins officiating. Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery. The grandchildren and the employees of Bryant Funeral Home served as pallbearers. Bryant Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Daisy Hudson Sokolik
Daisy Hudson Sokolik, 70, of Robbinsville, passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, at Brittthaven of Graham. She was born Sunday, Aug. 23, 1936, in Gaston County to the late Horace Sanders Hudson and the late Ethel Helen Harold Hudson. She was of the Baptist faith and had owned and operated Miss Daisy's Automotive in Andrews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Barry Sokolik and daughter, Janice Worley Mize. Survivors include sons Jeff Willard of Robbinsville and Tim Willard of Gastonia; a niece, Peggy Guess of Gastonia; a cousin, Gail Oliver of Gastonia; 12 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m., at the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with the Rev. Noah Williams officiating. Interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy was in charge of arrangements.

Homer Roberson
Homer Roberson Jr., 74, of Brownwood Lane, Marble, died Friday, Dec. 1, 2006, at Murphy Medical Center in Murphy. He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and was a member of the Wilscott Baptist Church. He retired from the Hitchcock Corporation where he worked for many years as a miner in the talc mines. He also helped maintain the Smith Farm in the Peachtree Community. He was a son of the late Homer Roberson Sr., and Verdie Whitener Roberson, and was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Burrell Roberson who died April 25, 2003; an infant daughter, Mary Patricia Roberson; and a sister, Lillie Mae Coker. He is survived by three sons and their wives, Bobby and Frankie Beal Roberson of Marble, Haskel and Betty J. Wells Roberson of Murphy, and Edward and Janet Roberson of Franklin; one daughter and her husband, Judy and Jim Totherow of Blairsville, Ga.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3, at Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Johnny Burrell officiated. Burial was in the Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy. Townson Rose funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy S. Devitt
Dorothy S. Devitt, of Longbranch Road in the Nantahala Community, died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, at Valley View Care and Rehabilitation Center in Andrews. She was a native of Macon County, and a member of the White Oak Flats Baptist Church in Aquone. She loved raising German Shepherds and she was a member of the Asheville Schutzhund Club. She loved living all around the world and enjoyed doing family geneology. She was the daughter of the late Pinkney Asbury and Nona Allison Solesbee. She was preceded in death by three brothers Dallas Solesbee, Ralph Solesbee and Frank Solesbee; three sisters Ruth Solesbee, Sally Hardin and Vella Bateman. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Lt. Col. Albert E. Devitt Jr.; one son, Marvin and his wife, Dr. Sandra Gray of Seneca, S.C.; one daughter, Deborah and her husband Paul Enfinger of Lakeland, Fla.; one sister Martha Stansfield; six grandchildren, Dr. Samuel Gray and his wife Heather of Ontario, Calif., Dr. Peter Gray and his wife Rebekah of Seneca, S.C., Sunday Romijn and her husband Henry of London, England, Michael Gray of Seneca, S.C., Susan Gray of Seneca, S.C., and Brandi Enfinger of Washington, D.C.; three great- grandchildren, Simon Gray, Elliott Gray and Alexander Romijn, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30, at White Oak Flats Baptist Church in the Nantahala Community in Topton. The Revs. J.B. Smith and Dean Bateman officiated. Special music was provided by her grandchildren. Interment will be in the Aquone Cemetery. Pallbearers were Samuel Gray, Peter Gray, Michael Gray, Kenneth Solesbee, James Solesbee and Gary Solesbee. Townson Rose Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of arrangements.

Christine Mason
Christine Mason, 78, of Topton, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2006, at her residence. A native and lifetime resident of Macon County, she was the daughter of the late Turner and Lexie Owenby May and the wife of the late Coolidge M. Mason, who died Oct. 26, 1996. She was retired from Owenby Manufacturing and was a member of the Aquone Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Carl May. Surviving are three daughters, Brenda Dills and Barbara Bryson both of Dalton, Ga., and Trudy Duckworth of Nantahala; a son, John Richard Mason of Nantahala; four sisters, Zelma Davis of High Point, Pauline Neal and Anna Sue Parent, both of Nantahala, and Joyce Cagle of Marble; three brothers, M.J. May of Rockwall, Tex., Ralph May of High Point, and Jack May of Calhoun, Ga.; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law. Funeral services at are at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 21, in Aquone Baptist Church with the Rev. S.J. Waters officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Jackie and Brian Dills, Mack Duckworth, Adam Bryson, Jay Prince and Mack Flood. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Wednesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, where the body will be until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services. The family requests memorials be made in memory of Christine Mason to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Memorial/Honor Program, 1 St. Jude Place Building, PO Box 1000-Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.

Debbie Parker
Debbie Parker, 40, of Aquone, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006, at her residence. A native of Mecklenburg County, she had lived most of the life in Huntersville before moving to Macon County six years ago. She was a homemaker and was a member of the Long Creek Baptist Church in Huntersville. Surviving are her husband, Ernest Parker III; a son, Caleb E. Parker of the home; her parents, Monroe and Gladys Cross Davis of Huntersville; a brother, Dwight Davis of Huntersville; her maternal grandfather, Arthur Howard Cross of Aquone; and a niece, Courtney Davis. Memorial services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20, in the Briartown Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Icenhower officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Harry "Bud" McKay
Harry "Bud" McKay, 61, of Marble, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. He was born Tuesday, Jan. 16, 1945, in Cherokee County, to the late Sam McKay and the late Myrtle Irons McKay. He had served as past chairman of the Cherokee County Crime Commission, attended Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, and was the owner of Professional Floor Care and Janitorial Supplies. Survivors include his wife, Kathy McKay; daughters Lynn McKay and Sonya Teasdale, both of Murphy; son and daughter-in-law, Sport and Christy Teasdale of Andrews, sons Richard McKay of Murphy and Buddy McKay of the home; grandson Devon McKay, granddaughter, Chrislyn Teasdale, grandson, Jacob Teasdale, grandson, Justice McKay, granddaughter, Aerian McKay; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Helen Himsey; one brother; and several nieces and nephews. Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Chester Jones and the Rev. Albert Himsey officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 481 Upper Peachtree Road, Murphy, NC 28906. Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy was in charge of arrangements.

Benjamiiin Gudger Crawford
Benjamin Gudger Crawford, age 83, of Andrews, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006, at the Murphy Medical Center. He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He was a veteran of the US Army and served during World War II. He was a supervisor for the Town of Andrews Water Department for 32 years and a member of McClelland Cove Baptist Church. He loved to watch NASCAR, baseball and wrestling. He was the son of the late Benjamin Pearl and Lula Bell Crawford. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Jack, Doyle, Lionel and Kenneth Crawford, and one sister, Wilma Crawford Hunt. He is survived by his wife, Reva Beatrice Daily Crawford; two sons and their wives, Phillip and Rosa Crawford and Butch and Grace Crawford all of Andrews; two daughters and their husbands, Sarah and Charlie Chastain and Audrey and Kenny Wilhite all of Murphy; one brother, Ted Crawford and his wife Julie of Murphy; three sisters, Anne Crawford Gosney and her husband Dale of Oxnard, Cal., Vivian Crawford Vice of Dallas, Ga., and Ruth Crawford Nilon of Andrews; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews. The Revs. Steve West, David Anderson and Hubert Clark officiated. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery in Andrews with military graveside rites conducted by the Andrews V. F. W. Post No. 7620. Pallbearers were Tom Junior Painter, James Painter, Tony Painter, Charles O'Donovan IV, Brian Crawford and Dwight Hardin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Benjamin Gudger Crawford to the American Cancer Society, 31 College Place, Building C, Suite 100, Asheville, NC 28801. Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Bonnie Derreberry Barker
Bonnie Derreberry Barker, 97, of Franklin, formerly of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, at her home. She was born Thursday, Nov. 18, 1909, in Cherokee County to the late Poley Derreberry and the late Betty Curtis Derreberry. She was a member of Upper Peachtree Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by husband, Bill Barker. Survivors include sons Doyle Barker of Blue Ridge, Ga., and Paul Barker of Snellville, Ga.; a daughter, Betty Stiles of Franklin; brothers Carl Derreberry, Austin Derreberry and Hoyle Derreberry all of Andrews, and Ward Derreberry of Lawrenceville; sisters Marie West of Andrews and Joyce Foster of Advance; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Funeral services where held Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006, at 2 p.m., from Upper Peachtree Baptist Church, with the Revs. Tony Raxter and Steve West officiating. Music was provided by Upper Peachtree Baptist Church Choir. Interment followed in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy was in charge of arrangements.

Maggie West
Maggie West, 78, of Topton, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, at Murphy Medical Center. A native and lifetime resident of Macon County, she was a daughter of the late Fred William and Flossie Pendergrass Mason. She was a homemaker and a member of the White Oak Flats Baptist Church. She was a good friend and neighbor to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by two sons, Fred William and Jimmy Dean West; two grandsons, Eli Stewart West and Anthony Mark Hooper; and two brothers and two sisters. Surviving are her husband of 60 years, Fred “Hub” West; two daughters, Evelyn Rosealee Postell of Andrews and Linda Hooper of Robbinsville; a son, Tony West of Asheville; four brothers, Jimmy and Sherman Mason, both of Dalton, Ga., Wayne Mason of Chatsworth, Ga., and Virgil Mason of Andrews; and seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Aquone Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Postell and Johnny Postell officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Lewin West, Danny Wayne, Jimmy and Daniel Mason, Stanley Pendergrass and Jerry Owenby. Tommy Hooper and Gerald Pendergrass were honorary pallbearers. The family requests memorials be made in memory of Maggie West to the Wagener’s Granulomatosis, Vasculitis Foundation, PO Box 28660, Kansas City, Mo., 64188-8860. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Judith "Judy" M. Hyde
Judith “Judy” M. Hyde, 65, of Sanborn, N.Y., died Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at DeGraff Memorial Hospital, North Tonawanda, N.Y. Born on April 29, 1941, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Richard and Jennie Maciver Ansel. She married David E. Hyde, formerly of Andrews, on Sept. 12, 1958. She attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. She worked as a cosmetologist for various salons in the North Tonawanda, N.Y., area. She enjoyed playing bingo and traveling to Las Vegas. Surviving, in addition to her husband of 49 years, are three children, Cheryl Hyde, Richard Hyde and Donnie Hyde, all of Sanborn; one grandson, Aaron Hyde; one sister, Marlene and husband John Marnon of Spencerport, N.Y.; one brother, Charles and Madalene Ansel; two uncles; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation and funeral services were private. Burial was in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, N.Y. Memorials may be made to the Rainbow Animal Shelter, 2100 Lockport Road, Box 200, LPO, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Otto Redanz Funeral Home, Niagara Falls, N.Y., was in charge of arrangements.

Willie Andrew Jones
Willie Andrew Jones, 71 of Hayesville, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, at his home after an extended illness. He was born Oct. 23, 1935, in Graham County and worked at Baker Furniture Company in Andrews, where he retired after 30 years. He was a member of Meadow Grove Baptist Church, where he was an active member and loved the fellowship. He loved to hunt and fish, especially with his great-grandson, Bryce. He was the son of the late Monroe and Gertie Cody Jones. He was preceded in death by six brothers, Vincent Jones, Harvey Jones, Claude Jones, William Jones, Ernest Jones and Emory Jones; and three sisters, Stella Jackson, Ellie Kirkland and Lucille Jacobs. Surviving are his wife, Anna Mae Martin Jones; three daughters and their husbands, Diann Buckner and Joe of Hayesville, Deborah Burch and Eddie of Hayesville, and Theresa Waldroup and Dean of Young Harris, Ga.; two sons, Danny Jones and wife Joey and Kim Jones and wife Wanda, all of Hayesville; eight grandsons, Joey Buckner, Jerry “Dustan” and Amy Buckner, Jason and Kim Buckner, Jeremy “Moe” and Fonda Buckner, Joshua Jones, Daniel Jones and Nick Jones, all of Hayesville, and Matthew Waldroup of Young Harris; two granddaughters, Shawnda Jones and Rebecca Jones of Hayesville; two great-grandsons, Bryce Buckner and Jackson Lance; four great-granddaughters, Morgan Waldroup, Jocelyn Buckner, Taylor Suzanne Buckner; and expectant great-granddaughter, Emma Shae Buckner. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Meadow Grove Baptist Church in Hayesville, with the Revs. Arnold Brown, Jimmy Rogers and Brandon Matheson officiating. Jeremy “Moe” Buckner provided the music. Burial was in Meadow Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons Joey Buckner, Dustan Buckner, Jason Buckner, Joshua Jones, Daniel Jones, Nick Jones and Matthew Waldroup. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Frances Grant Day
Frances Grant Day, 80, of Andrews, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, at Valley View Care and Rehabilitation Center in Andrews. She was a native of Nantahala in Macon County. She was a homemaker and member of Mountain View Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late Harley and Gracie Lee Grant, and was preceded in death by her husband, L.L. Day, who died June 19, 1988; and one daughter, Sue Heffner, who died June 8, 2006. Surviving are three sons and their wives, Rick Day and Gayle of Andrews, Larry Day and Linda of Dallas and Tommy Day and Linda Sue of Bessemer City; two daughters and their husbands, Sandy Walters and Ken of Edmund, Ala., and Jan Brown and Jim of Mount Holly; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews with Pastor Eddie Hardin officiating. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery, Andrews. Pallbearers were grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valley View Care and Rehabilitation Center, 551 Kent St., Andrews, NC 28901. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Rome Antone
Rome Antone, 76, of Andrews, passed away Monday, Jan. 22, 2007, at Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. He was a native of Alameda, Cal., and a resident of Cherokee County for the past 17 years. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, serving with the 82nd Airborne Paratroopers Unit and was also a U. S. Navy Veteran. He was a retired pipefitter from Local No. 342 in Concord, Cal. He was a member of the Andrews Seventh Day Adventist Church. He enjoyed wood carving, landscaping and was an avid supporter of the National Arbor Day Foundation. He served 32 years in Pathfinders and received the Master Guide and Leadership Award and delivered Meals on Wheels for five years. He was a registered clown and a member of Clowns of America. He was a son of the late Francis Fournier and Dorothea Errol Jordan Fournier. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Wauneta Altie Madison Antone; three sons, Paul A. Antone and Joseph R. Antone both of New Market, Vir., and Mark H. Antone and wife Jayne of Ooltewah, Tenn.; two daughters and their husbands, Ramona K. and Peter Roesler of Grizzley Flats, Cal., and Michelle R. and Lorne Brown of Canton, Ga.; a sister, Laverne D. Brumbaugh of Oakland, Cal.; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A graveside service and burial were held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 26, at Memory Hills Cemetery in Murphy. Pastors Joe Blevins and Don Yancheson officiated. Military graveside rites were conducted by veterans organizations: Murphy V. F. W. Post No. 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post No. 96 and D. A. V. Chapter No. 73, and Clay County V. F. W. Post No. 6812. Pallbearers were Anthony Brown, Mark, Paul and Joseph Antone, Lorne Brown and Joshua Antone. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Roberts and Jeremiah Roesler. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Rome Antone to the National Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org/join/TICTIM, or by calling 888-448-7337. Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

Hobbie Whitener
Hobbie Whitener, 90, of Marble, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, at Murphy Medical Center. He was born Saturday, April 1, 1916, in Cherokee County to the late J.H. Whitener and the late Bettie Coleman Whitener. He was a member of Ogreeta Baptist Church, Cherokee Masonic Lodge No. 146 F&AM, and an Army World War II veteran. He was a master musician, learning to play the banjo at the age of 7. He was also well known for his guitar playing and singing with his wife Louceil at church, nursing homes and community benefits. He was an avid gardener and was able to continue enjoying his vegetable garden through this past fall. He was preceded in death by a son, Doyle Ray Whitener; brothers Anderson Whitener, Alfred Whitener, Dillard Whitener, Sheridan Whitener and Howard Whitener; and sisters Hattie Fain, Elsie Rose and Nina Whitener.. Survivors include his wife, Louceil Thompson Whitener; daughters and sons-in-law Shirley and Melvin Beaver of Murphy, and Phyllis and Steve Coleman of Marietta, Ga.; sisters Ida Kidd of Murphy, Miza Parris of Lowell; grandchildren, Stephen and Jadrien Beaver, Roger and Michelle Beaver, Eric and Michelle Coleman Sneed, Jonathon and Ashley Coleman Cronon; great-grandchildren Brittany, Lauren, Leigha and Dylan Beaver, Michael, Stephen, Christopher and Kaitlyn Sneed, and Mackenzie Cronon. Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Ronnie Palmer, Wayne Johnson and Calvin Murphy officiating. Music was provided by the Sonny Reighard Trio and Sarah Wilson. Interment followed in Greenlawn Cemetery with military honors by local veteran organization. Serving as pallbearers were Stephen Beaver, Roger Beaver, Eric Sneed, Jonathon Cronon, Austin Beaver, Franklin Barnett. Honorary pallbearers included nephews. Arrangements were by Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.

Essie Watkins Parnell
Essie Watkins Parnell, 79, of Gastonia, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2007, at her residence. She was born in Macon County on May 28, 1927, daughter of the late Emlis Watkins and the late Delsie Anderson Watkins. She was retired from Pharr Yarns, Sterling Plant, in Belmont. She was also a healthcare giver. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, William Parnell; sister, Eddis Rodgers; brothers, John Henry, Floyd and Ralph Watkins; grandson, Shannon Bolding; a step-son, Donnie Parnell. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Linda Bingham of Yulee, Fla.; step-son, Mickey Parnell of Colorado Springs, Colo.; daughters and sons-in-law, Rosa and Sonny Sebastian of Gastonia; Burle Payne of Gastonia; Retha Cornwell and fiancee, Jerry Burnette of Gastonia; step-daughter, Sue Virgil of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Inez Watkins of Bethlehem, Ga., Harold and Pauline Watkins of Marble, Edwin and Betty Watkins of Gastonia; sisters, Marie Payne and Hazel Gibby both of Andrews; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at Greene Funeral Service in West Chapel, Gastonia, on Saturday, April 21. Funeral service was held at Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel in Gastonia on Sunday, April 22. Officiating clergy were the Revs. Johnny Gilreath and Keith Walker. Interment was in Westview Gardens, Bessemer City. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were grandsons. Arrangements were with Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel, Gastonia.

Edith L. Curtis
Edith L. Curtis, 80, of Andrews, died Thursday, April 19, 2007, at her residence. A native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late Woody Hyatt and Lola Marie Sudderth Raxter and the wife of the late Wayne Henry Curtis, who died May 1, 1995. She was a retired seamstress and a member of the Andrews First Baptist Church. Surviving are two daughters, Peggy Jean Capouano and husband, Albert of Longwood, Fla. and Judy Curtis of Andrews; a son, Wayne W. Curtis and wife, Erica of Andrews; a sister, Elizabeth McCleland of Hoschton, Ga.; two brothers, Jack Raxter and Walter Raxter both of Andrews; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sunday, April 22, in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with the Rev. Eddie Hardin officiating. Interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Scott Raxter, David Libke, Michael Watson, Marcus and David Capouano, Bryan Roberts, and Mike Sorrell. The family requests memorials be made in memory of Edith L. Curtis to the Valleytown Cemetery Fund, City Hall, P.O. Box 1210, Andrews, NC 28901. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Sara "Ma" Pullium
Sara “Ma” Pullium, 87, of Andrews, died Saturday, April 21, 2007, at Murphy Medical Center. She was a native of Buncombe County, but had lived in Cherokee County for most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Samuel J. and Sallie Mae Whisenhunt Taylor and was the wife of the late Grady Pullium, who died May 22, 1998. She had worked for Berkshire and later retired from Owenby Manufacturing. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Andrews Chapter No. 15 and the Andrews United Methodist Church. Surviving are a son, Robert Pullium and wife, Martha of Andrews; two sisters, Ruth Pritchard and husband, Tom of Phoenix, Ariz. and Jean Mathis and husband, Gerald of Andrews; a brother, Daniel Taylor of Andrews; three grandchildren, Angie Mayfield and husband, James, Kathy Hardin and husband, Herman, and Robbin Raxter and husband, Michael all of Andrews; four great-grandchildren, Melissa Koehler, Robert Mayfield, Dakota Gibby, and Brody Raxter; and Sara was expecting her first great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Monday, April 23, in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, with the Rev. Harry Hawk officiating. Interment was in the Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robert Mayfield, Michael Raxter, Herman Hardin, Henry Burrell, Jim Mathis and Richard Mathis. The family requests memorials be made in memory of Sara “Ma” Pullium to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter, Mountain Regional Office, 31 College Place, Ste D320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.

Arvil McClure
Arvil McClure, 93, of Andrews, died Friday, June 15, 2007, at his daughter’s residence. A native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late Robert and Lena Gibby McClure, and the husband of the late Thelma Mae Hogan McClure, who died Feb. 21, 2003. He had worked at District Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1976. He was a member of Junaluska Baptist Church. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Willie Belle, Dolly and Katherine; and a brother, Garland. Surviving are a daughter, Wanda Carringer of Murphy; two sons, Arnold Dee McClure of Mineral Bluff, Ga., and Eddie Ted McClure of Murphy; a brother, Talbert McClure of Andrews; and six grandchildren, six great- grandchildren, and a great-great- grandchild. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 17, in the Valleytown Chapel with the Revs. Homer Wilson and Ron Hicks officiating. Interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Adam Garrett, Michael, Dallas and Scott Carringer, Matthew McClure and Jamie Brooks. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.


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