OBITUARIES

Vernon Justice

Age: 83

Address: Little Switzerland

Date of Death: September 3, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will announced by Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.

Joann Burleson

Age: 68

Address: Bakersville the Bear Creek Community

Date of Death: September 2, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County she was a daughter of the late Bill and Ester Pitman Stamey and was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by an infant son Brian Keith Burleson, a sister; Maxine Allen and a brother, Jack Stamey. Survivors include her husband, Walter Burleson of the home, three daughters; Lorraine Pitman and husband Daniel of Bakersville, Donna Davis and Fiancé Brian Bays of Bakersville and Amy Dale and husband Robert of Spruce Pine. She is also survived by a brother; Billy Stamey and wife Geraldine of Burnsville, a sister, Linda Pitman of Valdese, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Burleson will be conducted at 3:00 pm Saturday September 4, 2010 in the Bear Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Rathbone officiating. Interment will follow in the Bear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour at the church.

Ethel Peterson Boone

Age: 72

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: May 10, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  Ethel Peterson Boone, a direct descendant of Tobias Peterson, who was an original settler of Western North Carolina, passed awayMonday, May 10, 2010 at the age of 72.  She was a daughter of the late Criss and Birdella Cooper Peterson and granddaughter of  Budger Mose Peterson.  She was also preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters. She is survived by her loving husband, R. V. Boone; her children:  Chris, Becky, David and Daniel; three grandchildren and a sister, Oma Peterson. A memorial service will be held at 1PM Sunday, September 5, 2010, at Peterson's Entertainment on Bear Wallow Road.

Dollie Dimple McMahan Martin

Age: 86

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: September 2, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  Dollie was born on March 28, 1924 to Preacher Bis and Bertha McMahan of Micaville, NC. After her marriage to Eugene Wilson Martin of Lenoir in July 1952, the couple moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where they made their home and raised their family. After the death of her husband, Dollie returned to Yancey County where she had lived since 1998. A debilitating fall in October of 2009 precipitated extended care at Brian Center in Spruce Pine, where she lived at the time of her death attributed to Congestive Heart Failure. Dollie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and brothers; Paul, Silas, Charlie and Walter McMahan, and sisters Gladys Saylor and Lydia McMahan. Her heritage continues through her children and their families: Deborah and Don Ford of Spruce Pine and daughter Sarah of Atlanta, Ga.; Danny and Terri Martin of Gaylord, Michigan and children Danny and wife Becky Martin of Holland, Michigan, Benjamin Martin, Timothy and wife Andrea Martin of Gaylord, Michigan and Christina and Rebecca Martin of the home; Sandra Martin of Ypsilanti and daughter Rachel and Anthony Hipp of Ypsilanti and Dollie’s only great-grandchild, Giovanni; Tony and Dalila Martin of Spruce Pine, NC and children Joshua, Juliza, and James of the home. Dollie loved to be with her brothers and sisters and she will be remembered and missed by them: Ola Young of Micaville, Betty Ann Cassingham and husband Allen of Hamilton, OH, Glenna Randall and husband Norman of Macon, GA, Lawrence McMahan and wife Madge of Bakersville, Claude McMahan and friend Wanda Ray of Burnsville, and Violet Buchanan and husband Donald of Spruce Pine. She had many nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Carolyn Danforth of Bakersville. Dollie was a humble, loving person, who was never afraid of hard work or discouraged by the trials of life. She helped raise her younger siblings when her mother died at an early age and eventually brought her brother Claude to Michigan to live. She worked in hosiery mills, as a housewife for many years, then in retail work in Ann Arbor at Kessels, Three Sisters, and K-Mart from where she retired. While in her 70s, she also worked part-time at T.J. Maxx in Asheville. She was very creative and enjoyed sewing, home decorating and design, gardening, baking, and finding treasures at yard sales to restore, refinish, or resell. Most importantly she was a Christian. She raised her children to understand the unconditional love of God by reading and living the Bible daily, and instilling it into their hearts and minds. She loved to laugh and to make others smile; her big blue eyes smiled all the way to her heart. She complained little though her life was seldom easy; she was a survivor. She would say the most important thing she ever did was to raise her family. They were her joy and she was very proud of all of them. Nothing gave her more pleasure than her family. Friendships she developed were held dear and were lifelong. Dollie was extremely healthy most of her life. She developed heart and lung problems eight years ago. Dr. Michael Unks and Dr. Alan Johnson provided her great care through which the Lord blessed her with several more years with us. She was thankful in, and for, all things and inspired others to be aware of their blessings. She always ended her prayers with “I love you Jesus,” and now she can tell Him face to face. The family recognizes all the family and friends who loved and supported her throughout her life and especially in the last years when visits and phone calls meant so much. Also, our appreciation to Patti Noser, Dr. Antonori (who shared a birthday), Dr. Unks, Dr. Kaluzynski and Memory Cares, Hospice of Yancey and Mitchell Counties, roommate Eunice Riddle, and the caring staff of Brian Center. Flowers or donations to Hospice are welcome.

Arthur Arlen Hughes

Age: 89

Address: Double Island Community, Yancey County

Date of Death: September 2, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Fonze and Susie Fox Hughes. He was also preceded in death by his wife: Vera Presnell Hughes; a granddaughter: Donna Lynn Laws; brothers: Richard and Homer Hughes; and, a sister: Francis Hughes Whitson. Arthur was a member of Double Island Baptist Church and a charter member of the Double Island Volunteer Fire Department. He was a World War II US Army Veteran. He is survived by 4 daughters: Jean Robinson and husband, Homer, of W. Jefferson, Helen Hughes, Hazel Wilson and husband, Roger, and Elizabeth (Lib) Cassida and husband, Donald, all of the Double Island Community; special friend: Marcella Hughes; special sisters in Christ: Mae Silvers and Marietta Forbes; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great, great grandchild; and, brothers: Farrell and Howard Hughes of Burnsville, and Lloyd Hughes of Hickory. Funeral services will be held at 8PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. Rick Woody, John Ellege and Joe Bennett will officiate. A private graveside service will be held Saturday in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Patricia Riddle Miller

Age: 45

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 31, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County she was a daughter of Betty McKinney Riddle and the late David Riddle. She attended Blue Ridge Baptist Church and worked at Wal-Mart. In addition to her father she was preceded in death by her husband Tony Miller. In addition to her mother Betty Riddle of Spruce Pine she is also survived by a son; Justin Miller of Spruce Pine, and a brother; Gene Riddle and wife Deborah of Spruce Pine. She is also survived by three nephews; Jason Riddle, Josh Riddle and Damion Riddle all of Spruce Pine, three nieces; Tiffany Riddle, Stacey Riddle and Addison Riddle all of Spruce Pine and a special friend, Donnie Willis also of Spruce Pine. Funeral services for Mrs. Miller will be conducted at 2:00 pm Thursday September 2, 2010 in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with the Rev. Russell Hoilman officiating. Interment will follow in the McKinney Gap Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to Webb Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Frank Junior Silver

Age: 77

Address: Pensacola Community

Date of Death: September 1, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Champ and Bonnie Storie Silver. He was also preceded in death by a daughter: Diane Beaver; a son: Steve Ledford; and, his mother-in-law: Irene Hyatt. Junior served 16 years in the U.S. Navy and was a Korean War Veteran. Surviving are his wife: Doris Hyatt Silver; a daughter: Judy Ledford of Spruce Pine; sons: Charles Ledford and wife, Carol, of Monticello, GA, David Ledford and wife, Tammy, of Erwin, TN, Dean Ledford and wife, Paula, and Gary Ledford and wife, Teresa; daughter-in-law: Kathy Ledford; son-in-law: Gerald Beaver; a sister: Jean Allen; brothers: Jerry Silver and wife, Tish, all of Burnsville, and Dennis Silver of Marion; 17 grandchildren; and, 17 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1PM Friday in the Pensacola Free Will Baptist Church, of which he was a member. Rev. Norman Lovelace and David Ledford will officiate. Burial will follow in the Circle of Faith Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM Thursday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home, where the body will remain until taken to the church to lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, or Pensacola Free Will Baptist Church Widows Fund, C/O Tish Silver, 305 Ewart Wilson Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

James Luther Yelton

Age: 66

Address: Nebo, NC

Date of Death: August 31, 2010

Arrangements: Henline Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  He was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and was the son of the late John and Dollie McKinney Yelton. He was self employed in the Concrete business. He was a Veteran of the Air National Guard, a former employee of the Mitchell County Sheriff's Department, and the Spruce Pine Police Department, and a member of the Bakersville Baptist Church. He was a former member of the Norman-Pitman-Glass V.F.W. Post 8060 in Spruce Pine, NC. Survivors include: wife, Dianna Ramsey Yelton of Nebo, NC, son, Patrick Yelton and wife Sheila of Johnson City, TN, daughter, Nicole Rivers of Knoxville, TN, step-children, Savannah King, Amanda Wheeler, Nicholas Yelton, Scott Ramsey, Trish Ingram, brother, Otis Yelton of Spruce Pine, NC, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: sisters, Pansy Hoilman, Elizabeth Yelton, Bobby Biddix, and sister in law, Wanda Yelton. Funeral services will be held, Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 2:00PM in the Chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Billy Stewart and Jimmy Upton will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Byrd Cemetery with the NC Honor Guard conducting full military honors.

Martha L. Roncali

Age: 67

Address: Newland

Date of Death: August 31, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  A native of Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Waites and Bonnie Mae Trivette Calloway. Martha was a homemaker who loved children. She was the "community babysitter". She was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Roncoli; grandson, Blake Carpenter; brothers, Luther Trivitte, Clifton "Tip" Calloway, James Calloway and Ed Calloway; sisters, Valia Price, Naomi Ingram and Betty Calloway. Survivors include her two daughters, Tammy Horney and husband Joey of Crossnore and Terri Carpenter and husband Richard of Pyatte; brother, Harie Calloway and wife Lou of Crossnore; grandchildren, Erin Benfield, Heather Burleson and Hollie Burleson; step grandsons, Josh, Jonah and Jacob Horney. Funeral services will be 8:00 pm Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 in the Big Meadows Baptist Church with the Rev. Josh Calvert, Lynn Church and the Rev. Jacob Willis officiating. Burial will be 11:00 am Friday in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 pm prior to the service.

William Benton Sweetser, Sr.

Age: 97

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 31, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born in Scranton, PA he was a son of the late Joseph and Lois Biddoe Sweetser. He was a retired veteran of the US Marine Corp. where he served 30 years, serving during WWII and landing on Iwo Jima. After retiring from the Marine Corp. he worked for North American Aviation for thirteen years. He served as a Deacon many years and taught Bethel Bible Study and was active in Scouting for 20 years.  Survivors include a son; Rev. Bill Sweetser and wife Sheila of Spruce Pine, a daughter; Sally Sweetser-Newman and husband Alex of Martinez, CA, two granddaughters; Amanda Sweetser of Chesapeake, VA and Elizabeth Newman of Martinez, CA. He is also survived by three nephews; Wayne Brown of Lima, OH, Steve Brown and wife Denise also of Lima, OH and Bill Fuoss and wife Linda of Richardson, TX and a niece; Janet Vigue and husband Rich of Jasper, GA.  A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Sweetser will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday September 25, 2010 in the First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine with the Rev. Jennifer Smith officiating.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine, PO Box 764, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Nola Pate Bradford

Age: 91

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: August 30, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late John D. and Hattie Wilson Pate of which she was the last survivor of 11 children. She was the wife of Hubert Bradford who died in 1992 and was also preceded in death by children: Nina Hammonds, JoAnn Hicks, Roger Bradford, Steve Bradford and Danny Bradford. At age 55, Nola reared a second family: Donna Smith, Eddie and Steve Hammonds and Kimberly Ball. Nola remained active and enjoyed quilting, gardening and fishing well into her later years. Nola’s influence was felt far beyond the realms of her family.  Surviving are children: Eddie Bradford and wife, Jean, of Burnsville, Dale Coletta and husband, David, of Palm Harbor, FL, Broma Stiles and husband, Ed, of Burnsville; son-in-law: William R. Hicks of Blountville, TN; 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Stacy Elkins will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday in the Milburn Bradford Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

June Aileen Edwards Fender

Age: 76

Address: Bee Log Community

Date of Death: August 29, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  She was the daughter of the late Floyd and Edith Wheeler Edwards and the wife of the late Dewey Fender. She was also preceded in death by a grandchild: Dawson Fender. Surviving is three sons: Ronnie Fender and wife, Pam, Randy Fender and wife Kathy, Rick Fender and wife, Donna all of Burnsville; four daughters: Debbie Hensley and husband, Danny, Shandra Peterson and husband, Roger, Rhonda Fender all of Burnsville, Mitzi Fritz and husband, Ron, of Maryland; one brother; Keith Edwards, of Asheville; twelve grandchildren: Natasha Fender Tabor and husband Jake, Sean and Nicole Swick, Lindsey, Justin, Tiffany, Zach, Taylor and Charly Fender, Candice and Kyle Fritz, nine nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2010 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services with Rev. Kelly Bryant officiating. The family will receive friends 6 until 8 p.m prior to the service. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 2nd in the Rick Fender Cemetery at Bee Log.

Grace B. Dellinger

Age: 74

Address: Pine Branch Community, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 29, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  She was the daughter of the late Farrell and Viola Young Buchanan, and the wife of Eddie Dellinger. She was preceded in death by a brother Harry L. Buchanan. Surviving in addition to her husband Eddie Dellinger is a son Daryl Dellinger and wife Debra, a daughter Dawn Hughes and husband Curtis; one sister Shirley Hoilman and husband Joe; a special sister-in-law Faye Johnson; two grandchildren: Tyler and Tenille Dellinger. Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at Pine Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Williams officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 until 7:30 prior to the funeral. Graveside will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday in the Pine Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Edith Singleton Love

Age: 92

Address: Hanging Rock Road

Date of Death: August 28, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born on May 6, 1918 in Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Ella Fair Moody Singlenton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Finley Love, Sr. who passed away in 2006. She was also preceded in death by a grand daughter, Vicky Woody; brothers; Robert, Ray, Enlow, and Earl Singleton; sisters; Mary Wright, Hazel Greene, and Bess Carpenter. She was a member of the White’s Memorial Baptist Church.  She is survived by a daughter, Jean Woody and husband, Bill of Spruce Pine; a son, Finley Love, Jr. and wife, Sherry of Spruce Pine; a grand son; Scott Love of Spruce Pine; a grand daughter; Dianna Love of Spruce Pine; great grand children; Aaron Daniels, Destiny Love, and Lacey Love; great great grandchild; Orion Daniels; and two sisters; Louise Hughes of Roan Mountain, TN and Mildred Carpenter of Morganton.  Funeral services for Mrs. Love will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, August 30, 2010 in the Whites Memorial Baptist Church. The Rev’s. Mike Haley and Andy Stephens will officiate the service. Interment will follow in the Whites Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour at the church.

Handy H. Bailey

Age: 85

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: August 28, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  He was the son of the late George Dewey and Dorothy Eva McCurry Bailey and the husband for 66 years of Willie Lou Proffitt Bailey of the home. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sonya Bailey Ayers; brothers, Bill Bailey and Nicky Ron Bailey. Handy served his country proudly during WWII with the US Marine Corps. Later he attended the University of North Carolina and the University of Miami. He was an aircraft electrician and an industrial engineer for many years. Handy and his wife attended the West Burnsville Church of God. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Joanna Bailey Fender and husband Edd of Fletcher; sisters, Doris Wilson of Kingsport, TN, Nancy King of Asheville and Dora Barrington and husband John of Altamonte Springs, Fl; brother, Sidney D. Bailey and wife Peggy of Burnsville; 3 grandchildren, Tabbitha Garland and husband Randy, Brent Fender and wife Michelle and Sean Fender; 4 great grandchildren, Dusty, Gracie, Presleigh and Tyler. The funeral services will be 2:00 pm Monday, August 30, 2010 in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Service with Pastor Eugene Moore and Pastor Tim Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in the Proffitt Cemetery with military rites conducted by D.A.V. Chapter 57. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Yancey Co., 856 Georges Fork Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714.

Roger McKinney

Age: 66

Address: Old Dale Road, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 27, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born on June 30, 1944 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Louis and Iva Hollifield McKinney. He was a member and deacon of the Freedom Baptist Church. Mr. McKinney was a U.S. Army veteran and had worked for Northwestern Bank, Bank of America with twenty-six years of service, and United Community Bank. He was a retired member of the Spruce Pine Volunteer Fire Department. Roger had many friends and was a people person that cared about everyone. Mr. McKinney is survived by his loving wife of thirty-two years; Marlene M. McKinney of Spruce Pine; mother-in-law; Hazel McKinney of Spruce Pine, and his special friend and pet; Oreo.  Funeral services for Mr. McKinney will be conducted at 7:00 pm on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at the Freedom Baptist Church. The Rev’s. Vernon Buchanan, Milton Hollifield, and Darrin Waldroup will officiate the services. Military graveside services and Interment will be in the church cemetery at 11:00 am on Monday, August 30, 2010. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5 pm until the service hour at the church.

Donald Coy Barnett

Age: 61

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: August 26, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Charlotte Young Barnett of Burnsville and the late Columbus Barnett. Coy went to Oak Crest Elementary School in the Lincoln Park Community where he grew up, a graduate of Cane River High School. While at Cane River he participated in football and other sports. Coy also was a member of the Burnsville Eagles baseball team. He attended Blanton’s Business College. After that he did a tour of duty in the US Army. Upon his return from the Army, he attended and graduated from Montreat-Anderson College. For several years Coy was an employee of the Buncombe County Sheriffs Department. In his later years he attended church at the Gathering Place in Burnsville. He enjoyed fishing, camping and cookouts with his family and friends.  Surviving in addition to his mother are a son: Donald C. Barnett and two grandsons of Chicago. His loyal companion of 12 years, Jeanne LaMont of Burnsville. Her family and two grandchildren. A sister Shirley Whiteside of Burnsville. A brother, Derwin Barnett of Burnsville. A host of nieces and nephews. Extended family and friends and his brothers and sisters in Christ.  A homecoming celebration will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday September 2, 2010 in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Ronnie Anglin, Rev. Bill Whiteside and Rev. William Ray. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at 2 P.M. Thursday in the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with Military grave rites conducted by the Buncombe County Veterans Council.

Pauline Bremenour

Age: 88

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: August 26, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  A native of Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Dorothy Sinko and the wife of the late Teddy Bremenour. Pauline was a homemaker and loved to play Bingo. Surviving is her daughter and son-in-law: Nancy and Richard Voska of Burnsville; a sister, Eileen Johnson, of Parma, Ohio and brother, Teddy Bremenour of Concord, Ohio. A graveside service will be held at 11 a. m. on Friday, August 27th from the Academy Cemetery. Rev. Rick Bennett will officiate. The family would like to thank Hospice of Yancey County and Brookside Rehabilitation and Care Center for the care given to Pauline.

Dennis "Mac" Harten

Age: 67

Address: Green Mountain

Date of Death: August 25, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  A native of Ogden, Iowa, he was the son of Bertha McCall Harten of Ogden and the husband of Peg Deyton Harten. Mac retired from the Air-National Guard in Des Moines, Iowa and was also an avid NASCAR Racing fan. Surviving is his loving wife, Peg Deyton Harten; one sister, Claudia Harten Cargill and husband, Phil, of Muscatine, Iowa, two step-children: Jan Shemirani and husband, Ali, of Clive, Iowa, and Michael Munson and wife, Elizabeth, of Landenberg, PA; three grandchildren: Joshua Shemirani, Matthew Munson and Dylan Munson. Also surviving are two nieces: Kelly and Heather and one nephew, Scott. A Memorial Service will be held at the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services, Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jody Campbell will officiate. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Harten family.

Mason Grubb

Age: 75

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 25, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  A native of Wytheville, VA, he was the son of the late Fred and Mary Rypass Grubb and the husband of Judy Grubb of Spruce Pine. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Dana Marie Davenport, who passed away in 1985 and a brother, Martin Luther Grubb. Fred spent 50 years of his life in the hosiery mill industry. He loved golfing and his dog, Bowsie.
Surviving is his loving wife of 30 years, Judy Grubb; two daughters: Debbie G. Davenport and husband, Gerald, of Greenwood, SC, and Teresa G. Gambrell and husband, Robert, of Waterloo, SC; two step-daughters: Anita Crowder and husband, Donnie, of Laurens, SC and Amy Jones and husband, Scott, of Burnsville; one sister, Shelby King and husband, Jerry, of Clinton, SC; six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. A Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 28th in the Newberry Memorial Gardens in Newberry, SC. Andrew Isenhower will officiate. Yancey Funeral Services of Burnsville and Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry, SC is serving the Grubb Family.

Randolph Bing

Age: 83

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 23, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born in Charlottesville, VA he was a son of the late Henry Bing and Gladys Dickerson Ferneyhough. He was a veteran of the US Army and worked as a Flight Engineer for PanAm where he retired after 39 years of service. He was a graduate of the Miller Military Academy in Richmond, VA where he was valedictorian and he also was a graduate of the University of Virginia. He volunteered for AARP for 25 years doing free tax services. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Grassy Creek Country Club. He also was a member of the flight crew for the Press Corps of Presidents, Reagan and Carter. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Ingrid Norene Bing and a brother; Ennis Bing. Survivors include two daughters; Nancy Bing Plack and Karen Ann Bing Bruce both of Spruce Pine, and two sons; Kenneth R. Bing of Tavernier, FL and Kristopher E. Bing of Spring Hill, TN. He is also survived by four grandsons; Benjamin Bing, Bradley Bing, Travis Bing and Bryan Bruce, three granddaughters; Jennifer Walker Scaglia, Lauren Bing and Rachel Bruce, a great-granddaughter, Nicole Scaglia and a great grandson, Christopher Scaglia.  A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Bing will be held at 11:00 am Saturday September 4, 2010 in the First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine with the Rev. Bill Sweetser officiating. The family will greet friends after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine, 970 Greenwood Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Zellma Mathis

Age: 73

Address: Bowditch Community, Yancey County

Date of Death: August 23, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late James and Annie Mae Murphy Jones. She was also preceded in death by a son, Joey Mathis. Zellma was a member of Browns Creek Baptist Church.  Surviving are her husband, Woodrow Mathis; a daughter: Nina Boone and husband, Keith Phillip Boone, of Burnsville; 8 grandchildren: Chasidy Sutton, Monica Boone, Kendra Boone, Cory Boone, Danny Mathis, Terry Mathis, Ashley Mathis and April Wooten; 10 great-grandchildren; 6 sisters: Pat Gosnell, Barbara Landers and Sue Dover of Micaville, Louise Buchanan of Bakersville, Nancy Mull and Ruth Parlier of Morganton and a brother: Lloyd Jones of Marion.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. Mike Grindstaff and GE Freeman will officiate. Burial will be in the Bowditch Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Gladys Silver Gillespie

Age: Not Given

Address: Cane Branch Road

Date of Death: August 23, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: She was the wife of Kermit (Dave) Gillespie who went home to be with the Lord, November 11, 1999. She was the daughter of the late Lynn and Mary McCurry Silver and was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Ada Silver. Mrs. Gillespie was a public school teacher in the Yancey County school system for over 40 years. She was a member of Crabtree Baptist Church and Sunday school teacher.  Surviving are a son: David Lynn and wife, Ervena; 3 grandchildren: Dawn Michelle, Shaun Michael and wife, Kim, and David Mark and wife, Jayanna; 5 great-grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; and one nephew: Ken Hilliard.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Claude Surrett and Pastor Dale Banks will officiate. Burial will be in the Crabtree Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Faith Fellowship Church Mission Fund, P. O. Box 756, Micaville, NC 28755 or Tri-County Christian School, 1637 Highway 19E, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Vaneisa Lee Thomas Branch

Age: 49

Address: Shady Lane, Marion and Emerald Mine Road, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 22, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was a native of Mitchell County, NC and a Homemaker. She enjoyed visiting various Baptist Churches. Her hobbies included; fishing, bowling, travel, and reading. She also enjoyed attending classic car shows where she spent time with family and friends.  Survivors include her husband Norman Branch of the home, her father Jack Thomas and wife Becky, of Marion, NC, three stepchildren, Paul Stephen Branch, Rachel Carmen Branch, and Daniel Albert Branch, all of the home. She was preceded in death by her mother Glenda Lee Fisher Thomas and an infant daughter Rose. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 3:00PM in the Chapel of Henline - Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC with Reverend T J Addison officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at First Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery Spruce Pine, NC. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation PO Box 650309 Dallas TX 75265.

Zeda Hughes Parker

Age: 81

Address: Bakersville (Buladean Community)

Date of Death: August 22, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was the daughter of the late Will and Rosa Street Hughes. She was a Graduate of ETSC and was a devoted School Teacher for 39 years at Buladean Elementary School. She will be loved and remembered as a dedicated lay member of Spring Creek Baptist Church. Zeda will be remembered as a woman of great faith who loved the word of God and witnessed to others. She was a Godly mentor to her grandnephews Isaac and Isaiah Ollis and her niece Allison Ollis who loved her very much.  She is survived by her sister, Ethel H. Ollis and husband Farrell, and nephews, Alvin Dean Ollis and wife Cynthia, Buddy Sparks, Sammy Parker, and nieces, Pat Parker, Betty Stambauch, and a sister in law, Maude Parker Forbes.  She was preceded in death by her husband Jeter Ray Parker, a sister, Madeline Hughes and twin brothers, Valley and Floyd Hughes. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 8:00PM in Spring Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Bob McCurry and Reverend Scotty Jenkins officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Interment will be Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 11:00AM at Hughes Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Buladean Fire Department C/O L. G. Sheets, 28 Firehouse Rd Bakersville, NC 28705.

Donnie Johnson

Age: 69

Address: Newland (in the Spear Community)

Date of Death: August 22, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born in Mitchell County he was a son of the late Joe and Georgia Greene Johnson. He worked as an Electrician and was a member of the Crab Orchard Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Claudette Buchanan Johnson, a son; Michael Johnson and a sister Nancy Johnson.  Survivors include a son; Bill Johnson, two granddaughters; Ginny Austin and Amber Johnson, two grandsons; Scott Dellinger and Asa Johnson, two great granddaughters, Addison Dellinger and Marlee Austin and three great grandsons; Remington Austin, Maverick Austin, and Briley Austin. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Johnson will be conducted at 4:00 pm Wednesday August 25, 2010 in the Henson Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Junior Carver officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Carolyn Austin Tipton

Age: 67

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: August 22, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  Carolyn was a daughter of Eloise Holcombe Austin of Burnsville and the late Zeke Austin, who passed away in 2004. In addition to her mother, she is survived by two sons, Bobby Robinson and Jackie Robinson both of Burnsville; sisters, Betty Jean Austin Silvers and husband Wesley and Patricia Blankenship and husband Kenneth of Burnsville; brother, Royce Austin and wife Shelia also of Burnsville; grandchildren, Jacqueline Robinson Wilson and husband Kenny and Elizabeth Ann Robinson; great grandchildren, Kylie Robinson, Keira Wilson, Kennedy Wilson and Christian Wilson; special friend, Isaac Silvers; also a number of nieces and nephews. Carolyn was lovingly called "Maw" by her family and was a loving, precious, kind, sweet, "tough" woman always concerned about her family and others more than herself. She was known as a good, Christian woman and will always be remembered for her devoted prayers. Maw was also a wonderful daughter, mother, sister and friend that left great memories. Our hearts are broken and sad, but heaven has never welcomed a sweeter woman than "Maw". Funeral services will be 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 24, 2010 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services with the Revs. Ed Davis and Royce Ball officiating. Burial will be 11:00 am Wednesday in the Academy Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to help with funeral expenses.

John Ayers

Age: 59

Address: Upper Pig Pen Road, Yancey County

Date of Death: August 22, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late John and Ethel Randolph Ayers and the husband of Dianne Proffitt Ayers, who passed away in 2007. He was also the former husband of Alma Styles Ayers of Hickory. Survivors include six children: Dewayne Ayers and wife, Linda, of Green Mountain, Tammy Ayers of Conover, Heather Lawton of Florida, Crystal Bryson of Hickory, Jeremiah Ayers and wife, Michelle, of Green Mountain and Angela Markland and husband, Josh, of Tennessee; one brother, Kyle Ayers and wife, Brenda, of Green Mountain; two sisters: Sarah Gurley and husband, Dan, of South Toe and Virginia Rewis and husband, Charles, of South Carolina; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 23, 2010 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Thelton Powell will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11 a.m. prior to the service. Graveside services will follow in the Letterman Cemetery. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Ayers family.

Martha Edwards Wilson

Age: 91

Address: Bald Mountain Community

Date of Death: August 20, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Elbert and Dollie Ledford Edwards and the wife of Elige Wilson, who passed away in December of 2007. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Nell Wilson. Martha attended Bald Mountain Freewill Baptist Church who loved to read her Bible daily and loved to quilt, sew, garden, can and spending time with kids. She was a loving mother and grandmother and loved by all who knew her. Surviving are two daughters: Eudine Omron of Bald Mountain and Lillian Tomberlin and husband, David, of Burnsville; three sons: Elbert Wilson and wife, Marilyn, of Burnsville, Allan Wilson and wife, Donna, of Jacks Creek and Thomas Wilson and wife, Susan, of Bald Mountain; one sister, Mary McCurry of Bald Mountain; two brothers: Clay Edwards and Wesley Edwards and wife, Kathleen, all of Bald Mountain; 16 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 8 great, great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held at 8 p.m. on Monday, August 23rd in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Roscoe Briggs, Rev. Denny Wilson and Rev. Randy Stephens will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home. Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, August 24th in the Edwards Cemetery on Hoot Owl Hollow Road.

J.D. Bobby Isaacs

Age: 86

Address: Squirrel Creek Community

Date of Death: August 19, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  JD was the son of the late Jeter and Lula Isaacs. He was also preceded in death by his wife Helen Elizabeth Isaacs who passed away in 2007. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He enjoyed hunting, gardening and loved masonary work. Surviors include his two daughters, Linda Clark and Harriett Webb; three sisters: Evanell Stafford, Norma Johnson and Floy Bradsaw; three grandchildren: Jonathan Clark, Patricia Hughes and Juanita McKinney and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August, 21, 2010 at Chestnut Dale Baptist Church. Rev. Dustin Dellinger and Chaplin Lonnie Barnes will officiate. Burial will follow in the Daniels Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Billy J. "Bill" Slagle, Sr.

Age: 79

Address: Spruce Pine, NC

Date of Death: August 18, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  He was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and was the son of the late Jake and Bessie Garland Slagle. He was a Veteran of the US Army and served in the Korean War. He was a graduate of Tipton Hill School and Technical College of Baltimore, MD, and worked at 3M Corporation of Baltimore, MD. He was the former co-owner of City Drive In in Spruce Pine, NC, and owner of the Burger Hut in Spruce Pine, NC. He was elected County Commissioner in 1968 and was on the North Carolina Highway Commission under Governor Holshouser. He also held various offices in the Mitchell County Republican Party. Survivors include: daughters, Terrie Slagle-Villoch and husband Dr. Charles Villoch of Coral Gables, FL, Pamela Slagle and Sharon Slagle Bishop and husband Tracy both of Spruce Pine, NC, sons, Gregory Slagle and wife Lisa of Marion, NC, and Bill Slagle Jr. and wife Melanie of Spruce Pine, NC, sisters, Helen Hobson of Bakersville, NC, and Virginia Tipton of Erwin, TN, brothers, Lee Slagle of Burnsville, NC, and Jack Slagle of Spruce Pine, NC, grandchildren, Natalie King, Amber Slagle, Candice Coffey, Erin Carter, Kyle Slagle, Abby Slagle, Spencer Bishop, Andrew Bishop, Charles Villoch, Kate Louise Villoch, Chad Joseph Villoch, great grandchildren, Allie King and Paylen Coffey.  He was preceded in death by: wife, Margaret Louise Burleson Slagle, sisters, Trula Burroughs, brothers, Earl, Harry, and Ted Slagle.  Funeral services will be held Friday, August 20, 2010 at 6:00PM in the Red Hill Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Randy Wise and Chris Davis will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Church cemetery with military honors being provided by the North Carolina Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Mitchell County, PO Box 38, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777.

"Granny" Lenora Hughes Webb

Age: 94

Address: Red Hill Community

Date of Death: August 17, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:  A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Dan and Etta Deyton Hughes. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Luke Webb, who passed away in 1988, two sisters and three brothers. Lenora was the oldest living member of the Ridgeview Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed quilting and gardening. Surviving are her daughter, Jane Tipton and husband, Wayne, of Red Hill; two sisters: Edna Hughes of Jonesboro, TN and Belva Deyton of Red Hill; one granddaughter, Sharon Barnett and husband, Jerry, of Red Hill; one grandson, Mike Tipton and wife, Carolyn, of Jacks Creek; one great-granddaughter, Leah Miller and husband, Dustin, of Red Hill; two great-grandsons: Jared Barnett of Red Hill and Lucas Tipton of Jacks Creek and one great, great granddaughter, Kylie Miller. Funeral Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18th at the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Jerry Barnett and Rev. Brian Tipton will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. prior to the funeral. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Ridgeview Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family would like to thank Hospice of Mitchell County for the wonderful care given to Mrs. Webb. Memorials may be made to Hospice at P. O. Box 38, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Webb family.

Frank Howard Sparks

Age: 85

Address: Leesburg, FL (Mitchell Count native)

Date of Death: August 16, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  Frank was born March 12, 1925 to the late Fred Anderson Sparks and Nellie Pitman Sparks. He trusted in Christ as Lord and Savior when he was a young boy attending Bear Creek Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC where his grandfather, Rev. Anderson Sparks, preached. Frank served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Whitehurst from 1943 to 1947. He and his family moved to Tampa, Florida in 1955 where they became members of Idlewild Baptist Church. He served as chairman of the deacon board, superintendent of Sunday School, and taught a Sunday School class. He worked as a painting and drywall contractor until his retirement in 1987. At that time, he and his wife, Phyllis, returned to his home place in Bakersville, NC and their home church, Bear Creek Baptist, where Frank was a Sunday School teacher and faithful member until moving to Leesburg, FL in 2007. Frank loved the Lord and when he was not working to support his family, he was serving his heavenly Father in whom he trusted with all of his heart, soul and might. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew his faithful, gentle and unassuming ways. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Eugene and Joe. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Phyllis Riddle Sparks; their son, Phil H. Sparks and his wife Renee of Burnsville; their daughters, Carla Sparks French and her husband Thomas W. French and Kathryn Sparks Kirkconnell and her husband Moses I. Kirkconnell III, each of the Cayman Islands, and daughter, Lori A. Sparks of Florida; grand-daughter, Melissa French Haught of Florida and her husband, Benjamin; grandsons, Thor Sparks and his wife Claudia of California, Brek Sparks of Virginia, Aaron French of Florida, and Justin French and his wife, Jehllean of the Cayman Islands; great-grandsons, Zachary French, Garrison French, and Cayden Haught; great grand-daughters, Ashlyn French, Chanielle French, Mikaela Haught, and another Haught on the way. Sisters, Loretta Pitman, Kate Pitman and Louise Wyatt; his brothers, Ted and Parnell Sparks all of North Carolina; several in-laws, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held in Bear Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, August 21, 2010, at 2:00PM and will be officiated by his Pastor, Rev. Chris Rathbone and his son-in-law, Rev. Thomas W. French. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family would like to thank all those who interceded with prayer, made phone calls, and sent cards and flowers that have encouraged us during Frank’s long illness.

Clara Geneva Runion Hensley

Age: 97

Address: Bakersville

Date of Death: August 11, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was born May 27th 1913 to the late William Bert and Lilly Farnor Runion. Preceding her in death husband Ural Davis Hensley, 1970. She is survived by Robert M. Hensley and wife Janie of Bakersville NC; granddaughter Tammy Sorrell and husband Bobby of Rougemont, NC; grandson Robert B. Hensley and wife Robin of Marshville, NC; four great grandchildren, Eliza, Grace and Sam Sorrell of Rougemont, and Raven Hensley of Marshville, NC. Preceding her in death brothers, Luke Runion, Bill Runion of Bakersville, NC, and Jacob B. Runion of Spring Grove, PA. Surviving, Robert Runion and wife Helen of Bakersville, NC; Charles Runion of Spruce Pine, NC; sisters, Rebecca Crawford of Lenior, NC, and Betsy Harris and husband Sanford of Rocky Mount, NC; sisters in law, Ruby Runion Kelley of Baltimore, MD, and Lora Runion of Asheboro, NC, fifteen nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews.  Clara was an Educator, teaching for thirty four years. She attended Red Hill Methodist Church and Bakersville Baptist Church until becoming disabled.  A Celebration of her life will be held at Henline-Hughes Funeral Home from 6:00PM-8:00PM Friday, August 13, 2010 with the funeral following the visitation. Robert M. Hensley and Rev. Jacob Willis will be officiating the service. Interment will be Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11:00AM in the Bakersville Memorial Cemetery. Graveside rites will be conducted by the Ordered Eastern Star Chapter #29.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to: Hospice of Randolph County, PO Box 9, Asheboro, NC, 27204.

Thomas Fletcher McCourry

Age: 92

Address: Simpsonville, S.C.

Date of Death: August 10, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Euphrates and Rose Peterson McCourry. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 56 years: Zula Hughes McCourry; sister: Ruth McCourry Hills; and, two brothers: Alvin and Ray C. McCourry. Fletcher was a US Army Air Corp veteran, serving 33 years through three wars. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Burnsville.  Fletcher was a member of Simpsonville Masonic Lodge No. 311, F. & A.M.  Surviving are four children: Thomas Larry McCourry, and wife, Ruth, of Asheville, Stephen Lynn McCourry of Travelers Rest, SC, Patricia Renee McCourry Meier and husband, Steven, of Charleston, SC, and Barry Alan McCourry and wife, Melissa, of Simpsonville, SC; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; a sister: Eileen Peterson of Burnsville, NC; and, many nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at 5PM Saturday, August 14, 2010, in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Maggie Lauterer and Billy Bryant will officiate. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Horton Hill.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 635, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Jack Eugene Webb

Age: 83

Address: Green Mountain

Date of Death: August 10, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late George and Jennie Peterson Webb. A World War II Army Veteran, Jack was a retired truck driver and a member of Peterson Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a brother: Paul Webb; and, sisters: Judy Webb and Betty Tipton. Jack would meet you with a smile and leave you with one also. He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending church.  Surviving are his wife of 60 years: Edith Peterson Webb; son: Randy Webb and wife, Karen; daughters: Brenda Allen and husband, Raymond, and Anna Webb, all of Green Mountain; grandchildren: Christy Deyton and husband, Shannon, and Luke and Lacey Webb; and, a great granddaughter: Vega Deyton.  Funeral services will be held at 8PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Donald Whitson and Denny Wilson will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11AM Friday in Peterson Cemetery at Huntdale.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mildred Buchanan Gouge

Age: 80

Address: Bakersville

Date of Death: August 9, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Blaine and Dora Buchanan. She was a homemaker and a member of Roan Valley Baptist Church.  Survivors include: son, Gary Gouge of Bakersville, NC, adopted sons, Phil Castro, Keith Kuhne, and Doug Hobson, special nieces, Ann Castro, Kathy Kuhne, Saundra Buchanan, Elizabeth Honeycutt, and June Bryant, special great niece, Connie Lichtenhahn of Bakersville, NC, several other nieces and nephews, and loving caregivers, Teresa Kenyon and Megan Nanny.  She was preceded in death by: husband, Herbert C. Gouge, Jr. who passed away in 2006, three sisters, and five brothers.  Funeral services will be held, Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 3:00PM in the Roan Valley Baptist Church. Adam Brewer will be officiating the service. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Grassy Ridge on Gouge Road.

Laura Belle Garland

Age: 67

Address: Bakersville

Date of Death: August 8, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was a native of Mitchell County, NC and was the daughter of the late Fred and Dollie Hoilman Blevins. She was a homemaker and a member of the Beans Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Survivors include: her husband, William Edward Garland of the home, sons, Terry Garland of Bakersville, NC, Larry Garland, of Knoxville, TN, daughters, Carrol Ann Garland and Rosa Lee Garland both of Marion, NC, sisters, Shirley Riddle and Dixie Renfro both of Bakersville, NC, brother, Bruce Blevins of Bakersville, NC, seven grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by son, Gary Lee Garland. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 2:00PM at the Beans Creek Freewill Baptist Church with G.B. Garland and Marvin Silvers officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the L.G. Gouge Memorial Cemetery on Hwy 226 North.

Tina Cooper Ledford

Age: 34

Address: Clearmont Community, Yancey County

Date of Death: August 8, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of Gary Lee and Wanda Christina Cooper of the home. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Margie Tipton Higgins. Tina was a 1994 graduate of Mountain Heritage High School and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church who loved horses, but her life was her daughter, Star, who she called “Shuggie Bug”. In addition to her parents, Tina is survived by her daughter, Star “Shuggie Bug” Hilemon; a sister, Brittany Cooper and friend, Justin, and two brothers: Jordan Cooper and friend, Brooke, and Nathan Cooper and friend, Amy; paternal grandmother, Shirley Pittman Bailey of Burnsville; and maternal grandfather, R.C. Higgins of Glen Rock, P.A. Several special aunts, uncles and friends also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 11th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services .The family will receive friends 6 until 8 p. m. Wednesday prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Rev. Ricky Honeycutt and Rev. Ray Wilson will officiate. Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 12th in the Peterson Hill Cemetery. Donations may be made to Yancey Funeral Services to help with funeral expenses.

Jonathan Paul Wright

Age: 51

Address: Upper Browns Creek

Date of Death: August 6, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of New Jersey, he was a son of Helen Firehock Wright of Burnsville and the late Bob Wright. John was a former employee of Buck Stove and OMC. Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife: Gina Bradford Wright and two sons: Corey and Chris Wright, all of Burnsville; three sisters: Deborah Davis of California, Faye Wright of Florida and Eva Montragon of Asheville; and, two brothers: Butch Wright of Burnsville and Mike Wright of Plymouth, NC. A memorial service will be held at 2PM Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at Celo United Methodist Church. The Revs. Bill Mitchell and Don Mitchell will officiate.

Mary "Brucie" Jennings

Age: 57

Address: Lick Log Community, Yancey County

Date of Death: August 5, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: A native of Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Charles “Bucky” and Alma “Jo” Callahan Jennings. She was also preceded in death by two infant sisters: Sara Jacqueline and Martha Lou Jennings; one infant brother, Keith Wesley Jennings; a brother Jim Jennings who passed away in 2004; one aunt, Mary Lou Vaughn and two uncles: John Wesley “Uncle Johnny” Callahan and Jess Willard Callahan. She was a member of Minneapolis United Methodist Church. In her youth she worked in the glove factory in Banner Elk. She was also a volunteer at the Minneapolis Elementary School in Avery County for a number of years. Surviving is her daughter, Janel Howell (Ray) of Roaring Creek, three brothers: Bill Jennings of Roan Mountain, TN., Charlie Jennings (Sarah) of the Frank Community, Bob Jennings (Jill) of Spruce Pine; one granddaughter, Desarae Howell; one step-granddaughter, Heather Howell. Several nieces, nephews and loved ones also survive.
Funeral Services are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Yancey Funeral Services.

Donald Anderson

Age: 85

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 2, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  He was born in Barry, IL on August 22, 1924 to the late Dr. Harry D. and Eva Anderson. He is survived by his beloved wife Georgeanna, his sons Randall Anderson of Lawrenceville and Charles Winters of Gastonia, NC daughters; Sandra Berry of Gastonia, NC, Jan Robbins of Hickory, NC and Tanya Barnes of Kings Mountain, NC, eleven Grandchildren and five Great Grandchildren.  Mr. Anderson spent most of his working career in the textile industry. He was in management positions with Hanes Corporation, J.P. Stevens, and retired as Vice President of Purchasing for American and Efrid Mills Division of Ruddick Corporation. After his retirement from A&E, he set up the D.E. Anderson Consulting Services Company and served as President until 1992.  Mr. Anderson played tennis and basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a member of Carolina’s 1946 NCAA Runner Up Basketball Team. He was an avid tennis player and played in over three hundred tennis tournaments with his doubles partner Mr. Frank Love. They were ranked as high as 1 in the South and 12 in the Nation.  A Celebration of Life service for Mr. Anderson will be conducted at 2:00 pm Thursday August 5, 2010 in the Central Baptist Church of Spruce Pine with the Rev. Randy Bonner officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Mitchell County or to the Mitchell County Humane Society.

Jean Ann Benedict

Age: 66

Address: Banner Elk, NC

Date of Death: August 2, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: Born January 28th, 1944 to Warren and Annelle Beaird. She was preceded in death by her father, Warren Beaird, in 2008. She is survived by her mother, Annelle Beaird, of Inverness, FL; a daughter, Tamera Glover and husband, Brian, of Indianapolis, IN; four grandchildren: William, Hollee, Linzee and Stacee and three great-grandchildren: Devon, Ana and Mahala. Also her very loving dear and caring friend, Cindy Hoilman of Roan Mountain, who was her life for many years.

Birdie Woody

Age: 86

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 2, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Avery County she was a daughter of the late Isaac and Liddy Ollis Woody and was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by five sisters; Flossie Hughes, Texie Forbes, Maude Warren, Pearl Wilson and infant Sophia Woody and five brothers; Lonzo, Willard, Cread, Jeff and William Woody.  She is survived by one sister-in-law; Frances Woody of Spruce Pine and several nieces, nephews and friends.  A graveside service will be held at 9:00 am Thursday August 5, 2010 in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Greene officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 pm Wednesday evening at Webb Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County or to the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Beverly Ann Bell

Age: 83

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: August 1, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Kansas City, MO, she was a daughter of the late Charles Jasper and Grace Smith Bell. She had been a resident of Burnsville for the past 20 years.  Surviving are two sisters and a brother.  A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. Thursday in the First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Maggie Lauterer will officiate. A reception will follow the service at the church.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, The Reconciliation House-Fuel Fund, P. O Box 1147, Burnsville or First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 635, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Bonnie Wilson McKinney

Age: 95

Address: Nebo (Formerly of Spruce Pine)

Date of Death: July 31, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born on May 12, 1915 in Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Ballew Wilson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl McKinney. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Betty M. Banner, two brothers, and three sisters. She was a member of the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church.  Mrs. Bonnie McKinney is survived by a daughter; Peggy Carroll and husband, Burdette of Marion; granddaughters; Marsha Carroll of Marion, Lisa McLean of Asheville, Dici McClellan of Spruce Pine, and Tracy Trefrey of Sarasota, FL; grandson; Chris Carroll of Nebo; twelve great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and two sisters; Mayoma Carroll and Ruby Wyatt both of Hendersonville.  Funeral services for Mrs. McKinney will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, August 2, 2010 in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home. The Rev’s. Ken Hollifield and Charles Carroll will officiate the service. Interment will follow in the Collis Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the service hour in the funeral home chapel.

Chester Knox Souther

Age: 84

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: July 30, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Fred and Sadie Fowler Souther. Chester was a WWII Army Veteran and a retired employee of Glen Raven Mills after 37 years. He was preceded in death by a son: Chester Michael Souther; brothers: Charles, Carroll, Ted, Donald, John and Robert Souther; sisters: Virginia Mitchell and Geneva Bailey. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Hazel Hensley Souther; children: Karen Payne and husband, Bobby, Kathy Ingle and husband, J. C., Kevin Souther and wife, Diane, Kristie Hollifield and husband, Darrell, and Kim Souther all of Burnsville; 5 grandchildren: Mike and Lonny Payne, Terri Ingle-Krause, Amanda Hollifield and Jacob Souther and 2 great grandchildren: Colton Payne and Shayleigh Souther. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. David Garland will officiate. Burial will be in the McCracken Cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the funeral home.

Pansy Grindstaff Willis

Age: 94

Address: Wing Road, Bakersville

Date of Death: July 28, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County she was a daughter of the late Squibb and Bunie Grindstaff. She was a member of the Snow Hill Baptist Church and a member of the Roan Mountain Order of the Eastern Star Chapter # 29. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Wade Willis, three sisters; Lela Grindstaff, Mae Good and Bonnie Smoot and three brothers; Andrew, Mack and Everette Grindstaff.  Survivors include two daughters, Mary Sue Buchanan and husband David of Bakersville, and Betty Lou Norman and husband Bruce of Bakersville, two sons; Tommy Ray Willis and wife Reva of Bakersville and Ted L. Wills and wife Ruth also of Bakersville, and four sisters; Savannah Smith, Mattie Whitney, Alice Scarlette and Ethel Young. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.  Funeral services for Mrs. Willis will be conducted at 3:00 pm Saturday July 31, 2010 in the Snow Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Dean Honeycutt officiating. Interment will follow in the Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour at the church.

Helen Rose Beavers

Age: 87

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: April 26, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: (Update) Born April 6, 1923 in Chicago, IL to Ludwick and Victoria Rdesinski Pawlowski, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Beavers and a sister, Lillian Latawiec. Helen worked in Yancey Hospital as a nurses aid for several years and will be remembered by many for her caring help. She was of Polish descent and was proud to be known as the Polish Lady she was. A devout Catholic, she was loved by many who knew her for her devotion to God. Surviving are a son Joe Beavers of Huntingdon, TN and a daughter, Vivian Alvarez of Burnsville; three grandchildren: Michelle Hall, Jeff Beavers and Jason Beavers; seven great grandchildren: Maleah Hulme, Sierra Trott, Christopher Hall, Rachael Beavers, Morgan Beavers, Maddie Beavers and Evan Beavers; two sisters: Evelyn Staskiewicz and Genevieve Zaworski of Chicago and numerous nieces and nephews of family in Chicago. A memorial service will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, July 31, 2010 in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Yancey County Senior Center, P.O. Box 546, Burnsville, NC 28714.

China Autrey

Age: 47

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: July 25, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Ima Jean Clemons Autrey. Survivors include two daughters, Nicole Calloway and husband Freddie of Spruce Pine and Misty Biddix and husband Robert of Spruce Pine, three sisters; Rose Whitt of Hickory, Derata Robinson of Marion and Wilma Autrey of Spruce Pine, four brothers; James Autrey of Sanford, NC, Freddy Autrey of Rutherfordton, Robie Autrey of Spruce Pine and Rodney Autrey of Spruce Pine. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Ava Jade Smith and Eden Calloway both of Spruce Pine and a grandson, Robert D. Biddix of Spruce Pine. A private service will be held.

Sharla Baker

Age: Not Given

Address: Anglin Circle, Burnsville

Date of Death: July 25, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: Shar was born in Orlando, Florida and had formerly lived in Newport News and Virginia Beach, Virginia before moving to Burnsville in 2003. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ruth Foley. Shar was known for her devotion to her many friends, her love of all animals and her liberal views for the less fortunate and oppressed. She is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 32 wonderful years, Bill Baker; her three pets: Kinsey, Lucky and Emmy Lou and her beautiful horse, Champaigne. Also left to cherish her memory and spirit are Linda Herman (her BFF for over 50 years); Linda’s family, four sisters, and her life long friends and extended family. Interment Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 31st at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Winter Garden, Florida. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, August 15th in the Burnsville Town Center from 3 until 5 p. m. Per Shar’s wishes, memorial donations may be made to Yancey County Humane Society, 982 Cane River School Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Jeter Ray Parker

Age: 90

Address: Buladean Community, Bakersville

Date of Death: July 22, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  He was the son of Fornum and Julie Canipe Parker. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Sam, Jake, and Claude Parker, one sister, Ethel Parker Hoilman, and one nephew, Charles Parker Jr. (Sonny).  He worked at Glen Raven in Burnsville, NC, for 17 years and was a carpenter and farmer. He was a veteran of World War II, a Staff Sergeant in rank. He was a faithful member of Spring Creek Baptist Church and was a teacher and served as a deacon. Survivors include his wife, Zeda Hughes Parker of the home, one sister Maude Parker Forbes of Roan Mountain, TN, special sister and brother in law, Ethel and Farrell Ollis of Bakersville, NC, three nephews, Alvin Dean Ollis and wife Cynthia, Ernest Sparks (Buddy), and Sammy Parker, two nieces, Pat Parker and Betty Stambauch.  Funeral services will be held, July 25, 2010 at 3:00PM in the Spring Creek Baptist Church. Bob McCurry will be officiating the service. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Hughes Cemetery.  Military Rites will be provided by the North Carolina Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to: Gideons International, PO Box 611, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777.

Bradley Fisher

Age: 56

Address: Forest Fisher Road, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: July 22, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County he was a son of Sylvia Crowder Fisher and the late Stokes Fisher. He worked as a Carpenter and was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by two brothers; Clayton and Dennis Fisher, a sister, Brenda Fisher and a nephew, Jerry Fisher. In addition to his mother he is survived by two sons; Ricky Fisher and Bradley Fisher both of the home, four sisters; Mildred Pittman, Marie Sparks, Jean Fisher and Tammy Fisher all of Spruce Pine and two brothers; Morris “Pee Wee” Fisher of Spruce Pine and Glenn “Buddy” Fisher of Marion.  Funeral services for Mr. Fisher will be conducted at 2:00 pm Saturday July 24, 2010 in the Fairview Baptist Church with the Revs. Luther Carver and Darrin Waldroup officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Friday evening at the home of his mother at 186 Fisher Road, Spruce Pine.

Bonnie Sparks Byrd

Age: 92

Address: Ridgeview Lane, Bakersville

Date of Death: July 21, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was the daughter of the late John and Minnie Green Sparks and a native of Mitchell County, NC. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Church of The Brethren at Harrell Hill. She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Byrd. She and Clyde were the original founders of the Bonnie and Clyde Drive In Restaurant in Loafers Glory, NC. She resided with her daughter (Carol) for the past two and a half years.  Survivors include her daughter Carol Byrd Bennett, and husband Paul, of Red Hill, NC, one sister, Edna Masters, of Erwin, TN, grandchildren, Mike Hopson, and wife Nancy, of Johnson City, TN, Dan Hopson and wife Tammy, of Red Hill, NC, David Bennett and wife Sarah, of Lynchburg, VA, Sarah Bennett Woody and husband Shannon, of Red Hill, NC, great grandchildren, Samuel and Annie Hopson, Linda and Ethan Hopson, Marcus Beach, Annie and Daniel Bennett, Caroline, Mary Beth and Zeb Woody.  She was preceded in death by her daughter Alice Hopson and husband Max several brothers, and sisters.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 12:00 Noon in Pleasant Grove Church of The Brethren (Harrell Hill), with Paul Bennett officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery (Harrell Hill Rd). A dinner following the services will be held for friends and family at Harrell Hill Community Building.  Memorials may be made to: Pleasant Grove Cemetery 2506 Harrell Hill Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705.

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This page was last updated on Tuesday, 29 April 2008 02:15 PM