Age: 24

Address:  Nebo

Date of Death: August 25th, 2008 (as a result of an automobile accident)

Arrangements: Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton (posting courtesy Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home)

Details: A native of Burke County, he was the son of James Francis Garnhum and Vickie Brooks Clontz and husband of Kala Scott Garnhum, all survive.  Other survivors include a daughter: Kassie Garnhum; a son: Kayden Garnhum, all of the home; and a sister: Virginia Smith and husband, Ivy, of Morganton.  He was a son-in-law of Danny and Kay Scott, formerly of Burnsville.  The family will receive friends Wednesday August 27th from 5:00pm until 6:15pm at the funeral home with funeral services to follow at 6:30pm.  Burial will be held Thursday August 28th at 2:00pm in Patterson Branch Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery in Burnsville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, N.C., to help with funeral expenses.

Age: 79

Address:  Bakersville

Date of Death: August 25th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Fred and Flora Garland Street and the husband of Sarah Daffin Street of the home, who survives.  He was a member of Buladean Presbyterian Church.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  Survivors, along with his wife, include daughters: Connie Matthews of Jasper, FL and Diane Hinton of Miami, FL; son: Gregory Allen Street of Bakersville, N.C.; sisters: Charlotte Street of Johnson City, TN, Mary Lee McKay of Columbia, S.C. and Doris Bryant of Fairfax, VA; brother: Fred Street of Forest City, N.C.; 4 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Thursday August 28th from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at the funeral home.  Graveside services will be held Friday August 29th at 1:00pm at Garland Parker Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Mitchell County, P.O. Box 38, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777. Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 84

Address:  Slagle Road, Bakersville

Date of Death: August 24th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Jobe and Mary Lee Boston Murdock and wife of Leonard Geouge, who survives.  Zella was a member of the Lily Branch Baptist Church and was retired from the Mitchell County School System.  Other survivors, along with her husband, include son: David Geouge and wife, Gay, of Bakersville; sister: Bess Murdock of Bakersville; grandson: John Geouge and wife, Shanna, of Bakersville; granddaughter: Laura Cole and husband, Mark, of Bakersville; and 2 great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Tuesday August 26th from 6:00pm until the funeral service begins at 7:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Graveside services will be held Wednesday August 27th at 11:00am in the Lily Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 21

Address:  Bakersville

Date of Death: August 22nd, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Age: 90

Address:  Silvers Gap Road

Date of Death: August 21st, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Dollie Jean Silvers Morrow and wife of Carl Hilemon who died in 1980.  Survivors include a daughter: Nancy Stiles and husband, Charles, of Burnsville; sons: Ernest Grady Hilemon and wife, Nancy, of Erwin, TN, Lee Roy Hilemon and wife, Juanita, and Ronald Hilemon and wife, Kathy; a sister: Mabel Fox of Forest City and a brother: Clarence Morrow of Burnsville; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and a great-great grandson.  The family will receive friends Sunday August 24th from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will be in the Same Hilemon Cemetery on Silvers Gap Road.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Age: 77

Address:  Three Quarter Creek

Date of Death: August 20th, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Age: 75

Address:  Crabtree Community

Date of Death: August 20th, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Avery County, he was the son of the late Carl and Mabel Davenport Stafford and the husband of Betty Gillis Stafford and husband of 49 years to Betty Gillis Stafford, who survives.  He served four years in the United States Navy and was a Korean War Veteran.  He retired from Henredon Furniture and was a member of Piney Grove Methodist Church.  Other survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons: Phillip Stafford and wife, Heather, of Burnsville, and Gregory Stafford of Camden, NC; one granddaughter: Cheyanne Stafford; three step grandsons; and sisters: Muriel Whitcraft of Reiserstown, MD, Margaret Sims of Patterson, GA, Barbara Knauff of Leesburg, FL, Doyle Squire of Winterpark, FL and Carlene Black of Rock Hill, SC.  The family will receive friends Saturday August 23rd from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow in the Whites Memorial Cemetery.

Age: 78

Address:  Johnson City, TN (formerly of Biggerstaff Road, Spruce Pine)

Date of Death: August 19th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Silas and Ethel English Buchanan and wife of the late Frank Thomas who passed away in 2002.  She was a graduate of Appalachian State University and was retired from the Mitchell County School System with 33 years of service as a fifth grade teacher.  Mrs. Thomas was a member of Beaver Creek Baptist Church.  She is survived by two daughters: Myra Biggerstaff and husband, Bobby, of Spruce Pine and Lesia Thomas and husband, Sam, of Orfield, PA; two sisters: Aileen English of Spruce Pine and Ann Hobson of Knoxville, TN; and 3 grandchildren  The family will receive friends Friday August 22nd from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Saturday August 23rd at 11:00am at the Beaver Creek Baptist Church.

Age: 84

Address:  Asheville

Date of Death: August 19th, 2008

Arrangements: Anders-Rice Funeral Home (posting courtesy Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home)

Details: A native of Madison County, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd Wade and Lizzie Fox Allen, and the wife of the late Nicolas Taylor Buckner, who died in 1979.  Survivors include her children: Nick Buckner and wife, Nancy, of Burnsville, Geraldine Buckner and husband, J.V., of Woodfin, Ronnie Buckner of Jupiter and Patricia Cannon of Weaverville; 16 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and 22 great great granchildren.  The family will receive friends Thursday August 24th from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at the funeral home on Patton Avenue in Asheville.   Graveside services will be held Thursday August 24th at 2:30pm at Pisgah View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.

Age: 84

Address:  Long Branch Road

Date of Death: August 19th, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Andy and Elizabeth Estep Wheeler.  Surviving are a niece: Betty Worthy of Pacolet, S.C. and several great nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends Friday August 22nd from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will be in the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 95

Address:  Sunshine Hill Apartments, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 18th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: She was a daughter of the late Carl Eli Murphy and Lottie Barger Murphy and was the wife of 58 years to the late Lester Ray Marlowe.  Survivors include her beloved grandson: Oscar Vernon Coulter III of Spruce Pine; sister: Carlotta Murphy Rhew of Charlotte and numerous nieces and nephews.  A service to celebrate her life will be held Friday August 22nd at 11:00am at the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow the service at Spruce Pine Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Spruce Pine United Methodist Church.

Age: 65

Address:  Beans Creek Road, Bakersville

Date of Death: August 18th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: She was the daughter of the late Aster and Mollie Wilcox Renfro and wife of Nathan "Nath" Byrd, of the home, who survives.  She was a member of Beans Creek Freewill Baptist Church and was self employed in Real Estate.  Other survivors, along with her husband, include children: Marlene G. Inghan, Marie Taylor, and Thomas M. Inghan, all of Westminster, MD, and Kimberly Willingham and husband, Howard, of Reiserstown, MD; stepchildren: Betty Clark and husband, Carl, of Marietta, S.C., and Terry Byrd and wife Janie of Bakersville, NC; sister: Alma Heyer of Burnsville, NC; brothers: Charles Renfro and wife Wanda, also of Burnsville, NC, and Paul Renfro and wife Dixie of Bakersville, NC; 11 grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Wednesday August 20th from 7:00pm until 9:00pm in Beans Creek Freewill Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held Thursday August 21st at 2:00pm at the church.  Interment will follow at Beans Creek Cemetery.  Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 79

Address:  Pine Cone Lane, Burnsville

Date of Death: August 18th, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Oscar and Mildred Ray Ledford and husband of the late Edith Ledford.  Survivors include one brother: Bob Ledford of Arden; four sisters: Irene Gentry of Durham, Nell Vea of Charlotte, Ossie Mae English of Mars Hill, and Grace Sandall of New Blenheim, New Zealand; step-children: Mary Ellen Wood and husband, Luke, of Arden, Peggy Harvey of Weaverville, Rex Plemmons and wife Carolyn of Weaverville, Ron Plemmons of Spartanburg, and Hal Plemmons of Spruce Pine.  The family will receive friends Wednesday August 20th from 6:00pm until 7:30pm at the funeral home followed by a short service.  The graveside service will be held Thursday August 21st at 1:00pm at Ashlawn Gardens of Memory, Aiken Road, in Asheville.

Age: 81

Address:  Robertson Street, Burnsville

Date of Death: August 17th, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A former resident of Medina, New York, he had lived in Burnsville for the past 5 years.  He was a World War II Navy Veteran, retired insurance agent, and upholsterer.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Etta Carroll Peek, who died in 2004.  Survivors include a daughter: Susan Peek of Burnsville; two sons: Joseph Peek of Burnsville and Alan Peek of Burke, VA; 3 sisters; 4 grandchildren; and a great grandson. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 591, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Age: 91

Address:  Bakersville, NC

Date of Death: August 17th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Lemuel and Lillie Street Honeycutt and wife of the late Spence Birchfield.  She was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church.  Survivors include her son: Bill Birchfield and wife Carolyn of Unicoi, TN; four grandchildren; and four great granchildren.  The family will receive friends Wednesday August 20th from noon until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm at Spring Creek Baptist Church.  Interment will follow the service in the Garland Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to: The Garland Cemetery, c/o Trula Burleson, Blevins Branch Road, Bakersville, NC 28705.

Age: 60

Address:  Bakersville, NC

Date of Death: August 17th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Jake and Darlie Gardner Garland and wife of Dennis Street of the home, who survives.  She was a member of the Beans Creek Church of Jesus Christ where she was a devoted singer with The Garland Family doing work for the Lord.  Survivors, along with her husband, include her sister: Mary Lee McKinney of Bakrersville; and brothers: G. B. Garland and Jimmy Garland, both of Bakersville.  The family will receive friends Monday August 18th from 3:00pm until the funeral services begin at 5:00pm in Beans Creek Church of Jesus Christ.  Interment will follow at Beans Creek Cemetery.  Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 83

Address:  Marion, NC

Date of Death: August 17th, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Ballew Wilson and the wife of the late Carl Aurtey, who died in 2005.  Survivors include six children: Patricia Thomas and Jerry Autrey of Burnsville, and Gary Autrey, Kay Lewis, Kathy M. Denny and Randy Autrey, all of Marion; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and three sisters: Bonnie McKinney of Nebo, Ruby Wyatt, and Mayomi Carroll of Hendersonville.  The family will receive friends Monday August 18th from 6:00pm until the funeral services begin at 8:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Graveside services will be held Tuesday August 19th at noon in the Fairview Cemetery at Seven Mile Ridge.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of McDowell County, 218 Logan Street, Marion, NC 28752.

Age: 83

Address:  Highway 226 South, Dysartsville Community, Union Mills

Date of Death: August 16th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Avery County, he was the son of the late Elzie and Linda Rose Woody.  Survivors include two daughters: Maureen Slider and husband, Richard, of Redlands, CA, and Donna Goins and husband, Gene of Drexel; sisters: Katie Lowrie and Edith Haga, both of Pennsylvania; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Wednesday August 20th from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be in the Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery on Bent Road in Spruce Pine.

Age: 38

Address:  Arden

Date of Death: August 16th, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of Jim Buckner of Burnsville and the late Harriet Hayter Buckner.  She was a 1988 graduate of Mountain Heritage High School.  Surviving, in addition to her father, is her husband, Tracy Pearson of Arden; stepmother: Lavonne Murdock Buckner, of Burnsville and grandparents: Edward and Ruth Buckner of Abingdon, VA.  The family will receive friends Wednesday August 20th from 12:30pm until the funeral service begins at 2:30pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow in the Academy Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to: The Yancey County Humane Society, 982 Cane River School Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, or The Mimi Paige Foundation, 1420 North Fork Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

Age: 74

Address:  Asheville, N. C.

Date of Death: August 16th, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Arthur J. and Elizabeth Phillips  Edwards and husband of 50 years to Hazel Wilson Edwards, who survives.  Reece was a U. S. Army veteran serving in Germany and was retired from the Ball Corp. after 32 years of services.  He was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church and the Men's Golden Rule Bible Class.  Survivors, along with his wife, include sons: Kimsey R. Edwards of Asheville and Dr. W. Barry Edwards and wife, Dr. Carolyn J. Anderson of St. Louis, MO; 2 grandchildren; brothers: Briscoe Edwards of Erwin, TN, and Larry Edwards of White Pine, TN; and a sister: Kaye Harris of Burnsville.  The family will receive friends Tuesday August 19th from 6:00pm until the funeral service begins at 8:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Graveside services will be held Wednesday August 20th at 11:00am in the Hughes Cemetery at Big Creek.  Memorials may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Asheville, N. C., 28801, or to Care Partners Hospice and Palliative Care Services, 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Age: 81

Address:  Green Mountain, N. C.

Date of Death: August 15th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: He was a retired chef at Bakers Restaurant of Spruce Pine.  He was a member of West Burnsville Church of God where he had served as Superintendent and taught Sunday School to young people.  He also served in the prison ministry.  He was a Navy veteran and served in the Pacific during World War II.  He was past Commander of Chapter 57 D.A.V. and he served as Captain of the Tin Can Sailors Organization of NC for many years.  Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Viola Yelton McIntosh; one daughter: Renee and husband Ricky Vasquez of Campobello, S. C.; two sons: Keith and Arnold Lee and wife Jennie of Morganton, N.C.; two step-daughters: Pat and husband Dr. J.N. Yong of Johnson City, TN, Nancy and husband Jon Simon of Gardners, PA; three grandchildren; one great grandchild; six step-grandchildren and three step great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Tuesday August 19th from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm at West Burnsville Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at the Garland Cemetery on Bad Creek Road in Bakersville with military graveside services.  Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 78

Address:  Old Highway U.S. 19-E, Estatoe Community, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: August 14th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Clifton and Ida Grindstaff Smith and husband of Bessie Silvers Smith of Spruce Pine, who survives.  He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War and was retired from Henredon Furniture of Spruce Pine.  He was a member of Snow Hill Baptist Church.  Survivors, along with his wife, include his son: Gary Smith of Spruce Pine; daughter: Debbie Boone of Spruce Pine; 4 grandchildren; and brother: Roy Smith and wife, Pearl, of Glen Alpine.  The family will receive friends Sunday August 17th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Monday August 18th at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be in the Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 64

Address:  John Canipe Road, Bakersville, N. C.

Date of Death: August 10th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Vick and Laura Wright Hoilman and husband of Sue Y. Hoilman, who survives.  He was employed with The North Carolina Department of Transportation as a foreman.  He was a member of Cub Creek Baptist Church.  Other survivors, along with his wife, include daughters: Vicki Stewart and husband Nathan, and Lisa Buchanan, all of Bakersville, N. C.; one sister: Dovie Yelton of Bakersville; three brothers: Bradley, Harold, and Johnny Hoilman, all of Bakersville, N. C.; and four grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Tuesday August 12th from 7:00pm until the funeral service begins at 8:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be Wednesday August 13th at 11:00am at Slagle Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County, P. O. Box 38, Spruce Pine, N.C. 28777.  Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 71

Address:  Wes Jones Road, Newland

Date of Death: August 9th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Lora Buchanan McKinney.  She was a member of the Powdermill Baptist Church.  Survivors include her sisters: Ruth Smitheran of Sugar Grove, N. C., Nell Buchanan of Bakersville, and Caroline McKinney and husband Phillip of Spruce Pine, and Dorothy Watson of Newland; and brothers: Junior McKinney of Newland and Ernest McKinney of Marion.  The family will receive friends Tuesday August 12th from 12:00pm until the funeral services begin at 2:00pm at Powdermill Baptist Church.  Interment will be in the Yellow Mountain Cemetery.

Age: 83

Address:  3rd Avenue Cedar Glenn, Conover

Date of Death: August 9th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Dora Greene McKinney and the wife of the late Ralph Carpenter, who passed away in 1994.  She was retired from the Spruce Pine Mica Company.  She is survived by two daughters: Lana Houk of Charlotte and Karen Roberts and husband Chris of Marietta, S. C.; one son: Larry Carpenter and wife Doris of Marion; 2 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and two sisters: Opal Young of Valdese and Lois Boone of Hickory.  The family will receive friends Monday August 11th from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 82

Address:  Minneapolis, Avery County

Date of Death: August 8th, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Henry Thomas and Donie (Buchanan) Thomas. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Aughty Smith English, who passed away in 1975.  Survivors include her husband of 31 years, Edward Grindstaff; one daughter: Peggy Yelton and husband Bruce, of Newland; two sons: Danny English and wife Jean, of Newland, Tony English and wife, Lisa, of Lenoir; two step daughters: Frances Fletcher and husband Randall, of Minneapolis and Joy Sluder and husband, Jimmy, of Greeneville, TN; one step-son: Bill Grindstaff of Minneapolis; one sister: Joyce McKinney of Newland; one brother: Tommy Thomas and wife Kate of Newland; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and three step great-grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Monday August 11th from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm at People's Church.  Burial will follow in the Upper Hughes Cemetery.

Age: 86

Address:  Not Given

Date of Death: August 7th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: She was a daughter of the late Taylor Whitson and Mary Jane Whitson and wife of the late W. G. Honeycutt.  She was a former member of Mountain View Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, but most recently was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Bakersville.  She was a former employee of Tennessee Eastman, Bakersville Child Development, and Mitchell County Senior Center.  Survivors include daughters: Barbara Jenkins and husband Bobby of Bakersville and Eloise Gouge and husband Jack of Asheville; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; six sisters: Gladys Garland, Martha Gschwind and husband David, Beulah R. Whitson of Johnson City, TN, and Bonnie Harrison and husband Kyle of Gray, TN; and brother Bill Whitson and wife Louise of Limestone, TN.  The family will receive friends Saturday August 9th from 6:00pm until the funeral begins at 8:00pm at the funeral home.  Interment will be Sunday August 10th at 2:00pm at Roselawn Cemetery at Johnson City, TN.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Mitchell County, P.O. Box 38, Spruce Pine, N.C. 28777, or flowers will be appreciated.  Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 53

Address:  Holloway Road, Big Creek Community

Date of Death: August 7th, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Quinton  "Squeeky" Higgins, who passed away in 1982, and Lala Miller Higgins of the home, who survives.  He was a convenience store manager for a number of years in Piney Flats, TN, before moving back to Burnsville, where he worked for O.M.C. for a number of years.  Tim was a member of Big Creek Freewill Baptist Church.  Surviving, in addition to his mother, is a sister: Veronica Willis and her husband, Ronnie, of Spruce Pine; and a brother: Tom Higgins, of the home.  The family will receive friends Saturday August 9th from 2:00pm until the funeral service begins at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow in the Higgins Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to Yancey Funeral Services to help the family with expenses.

Age: 81

Address:  226 North, Bakersville

Date of Death: August 6th, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: A native of Mitchell County, N. C., she was the daughter of the late Lee and Dora Masters Greene and wife of the late Jack R. McKinney.  She was a graduate of Bowman High School, a member of Bakersville United Methodist Church, and was self-employed as the co-owner of B & J Auto Parts in Bakersville.  Survivors include her son: Bobby McKinney and wife Ginger of Bakersville; one sister: Dorothy Lee Anderson, of Bakersville; and one granddaughter.  The family will receive friends Thursday August 7th from 6:00pm until the funeral service begins at 8:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be Friday August 8th at 11:00am at Bakersville Memorial Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Mitchell County, P.O. Box 38, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.  Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 83

Address:  White Oak Community

Date of Death: August 2nd, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Statesboro, GA, he was a son of the late Ernest B. and Mary Elizabeth Williams Fordham.  He was preceded in death by his wives, Willa L. Fordham, who died in 2007, and Clara B. Fordham, who passed away in 1996.  Mr. Fordham was a World War II Army Veteran and a member of Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Statesboro, GA.  Surviving are three daughters: Barbara F. Green and husband, Ray, of Burnsville, Lanette Messel of Douglasville, GA and Rachel Price and husband, Mike, of Florence, S. C.; three step-sons: Shelton Waters and wife, Joyce, of Atlanta, GA, Leonard Waters and wife, Jennie, of Greenwood, S. C. and James Dennis Waters, also of Greenwood, S. C.; one sister: Ernestine Minick of Statesboro, GA; 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Tuesday August 5th from 6:00pm until the funeral service begins at 8:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Graveside services will be held Wednesday August 6th at 11:00am in the South Estatoe Baptist Church Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to: South Estatoe Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Lewis Pritchard, 207 Old Field Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Age: 77

Address:  Toe River Road, Green Mountain

Date of Death: August 2nd, 2008

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: He was the son of the late Spencer and Laura Blevins Jones and husband of Janie Peterson Jones, who survives.  Conley was retired from Avondale Mills in Burnsville and was a member of Upper Brummitts Creek Fundamental Church of the Brethren.  Survivors, along with his wife, include daughter: Brenda Jones Peterson and husband Terry of Burnsville; son: Eddie Jones and wife Regina of Burnsville; six sisters: Gladys, Marie, Mary, Betty, and Virginia, all of Pennsylvania, and Violet of West Virginia; and two grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Tuesday August 5th from 6pm until the funeral service begins at 8pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be Wednesday August 6th at 11:00am at Tipton Griffith Cemetery on Griffith Road. Condolences may be emailed to info@henline-hughes.com.

Age: 92

Address:  Bowditch, Yancey County

Date of Death: August 1st, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Margaret Edge Young and wife of the late Cecil Murphy, who passed away in 1986.  She attended Celo Methodist Church.  Surviving are her children: Shirley Merrill and husband, Bob, of Morganton, Clarence (Fuzz) Murphy and wife Grace, Beverly Deyton and husband Rodney, and Diane Wilson, all of Burnsville; 2 sisters: Minnie Young of Burnsville and Juanita Morgan of Fairview; 3 brothers: Marshall Young and wife Barbara of Marion, Dale and Eugene Young of Burnsville; 10 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Sunday August 3rd from 4:00pm until the funeral service begins at 6:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Graveside services will be held Monday August 4th at 11:00am in the Thomas Cemetery.  At other times the family will be at the home of Fuzz Murphy, 349 Sally Lane, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Age: 87

Address:  Spruce Pine

Date of Death: July 31st, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: She was the daughter of the late Rommie and Bessie Silvers Buchanan and wife of the late Isaac Clayton Ledford.  Survivors include her sons: Charles Ledford of Beaufort, S. C., Robert and Barry Ledford of Spruce Pine; daughters: Betty Duncan and Trisha Boone of Spruce Pine, Ann Harwell and husband Gene of Hickory; brother: Frank Buchanan of Maggie Valley; sister: Mae Smith of Marion; 7 grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Saturday August 2nd from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Sunday August 3rd at 2:00pm at Big Crabtree Baptist Church.  Burial will be in the Big Crabtree Cemetery.

Age: 72

Address:  Star Branch Road, Jacks Creek Community

Date of Death: July 31st, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Banner Elk, he was the son of the late William Osborne (W.O.) Briggs and Harmie Katherine Bailey Briggs and the loving husband of Carol Glenn Briggs, who survives.  Richard retired after 20 years service in the U.S. Navy, retiring as Master Chief.  He was a member of Jack's Creek Presbyterian Church.  Survivors, in addition to his wife, include three daughters: Kassie McFee and husband, Doug, of Oxford, N.C., Mary Byrd of Burnsville, Stefanie Hutheson and husband, Steve, of Lenoir; a son: Billy Briggs and wife, Christina, of Burnsville; a brother: Steve Briggs and wife, Millie, of Athens, GA; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Saturday August 2nd from 6pm-8pm at the funeral home and at other times, at the home.  Funeral services will be held Sunday August 3rd at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Military graverites will be conducted by Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Madison Manor Nursing Center, Craft Department, 345 Manor Drive, Mars Hill, N. C. 28754.

Age: 63

Address:  Kempner, TX

Date of Death: July 30th, 2008

Arrangements: Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove (posting courtesy Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home)

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Robert and Vaughtie L. Thomas and husband of 41 years to Kathryn Ann Thomas, who survives.  Roy was a 20-year Veteran of the U.S. Army and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.  He was a lifelong member of the Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church.  Surviving, along with his wife, are his sons: Roy M. Thomas of Kempner, TX and Stephen M.  THomas and wife, Tracie, of Lubbock, TX; 3 grandchildren: Patrick Thomas, Robert Lyons and Kristie Lyons; sisters: Vivian Beaudreau of Rhode Island, Frances McCurry and Peggy Ray of Burnsville; and brothers: Rev. Russell Thomas of Mooresville, and Jim Thomas of Burnsville.  A memorial service will be held Saturday August 2nd at 1:00pm at the funeral home in Copperas Cove. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Welch Foundation Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choosing.

Age: 97

Address:  Green Mountain

Date of Death: July 30th, 2008

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Mac Deyton and Molly Bell Riddle Deyton.  In addition, she was preceded in death by her husbands: Sam McKinney, who passed away in 1962, and Fred McKinney.  Irene was a member of Covy Rock Freewill Baptist Church.  Survivors include two sisters: Buena Deyton of Burnsville and Zelda McKinney of Valdese; and a brother: Frank Deyton and wife, Billie Jo Deyton, of Green Mountain.  The family will receive friends Friday July 31st from 1:00pm until the funeral begins at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow in the McKinney Cove Baptist Church Cemetery in Bakersville.  Memorial donations may be made to:  Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC or Gideon's International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, N.C. 28714, or to the charity of one's choice.

Age: 81

Address:  Mountain View Drive

Date of Death: July 28th, 2008

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Erskin B. and Gladys Honeycutt Bailey and the loving wife of 60 years to Lee Wallace, who survives. Mrs. Wallace taught in many Yancey and Guilford County schools.  Other survivors, along with her husband, include a daughter: Cathy Gauldin and husband, William, of Stokesdale; a son: Ray Wallace and wife, Michelle, of Oak Ridge; sisters: Ada Lee Hipps and husband, Hershey, of Green Mountain, and Karen Bengtson of Franklin; brothers: Claude Bailey and wife, Deanna, of Pasadena, TX, and John Bailey and wife, Lila, of Sumter, S.C.; 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Saturday August 2nd from 6:30pm until 8:30pm at the funeral home, and at other times at the home at 102 Mountain View Road, Burnsville.  Funeral services will be held Sunday August 3rd at 2:00pm in the Bald Creek United Methodist Church of which she was a member.  Burial will be in the Peake-Wallace Cemetery on Upper Pig Pen Road.

Age: 59

Address:  Altapass Community, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: July 28th, 2008

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: He is the son of the late James and Derado Johnson Long, and husband of 33 years to Lynn Stewart Long, who survives.  Other survivors include sons: Neal Long and wife, Courney, of Elk Park, NC; Paul Long and wife, Norma, of Spruce Pine, NC; brothers: Steve Long and wife, Susan, of Newland, NC; Jeff Long and wife, Sandy, also of Newland; Mike Long and wife, Carol, of Spruce Pine, NC; sisters: Patty Rhyne; Linda Stafford and husband, Ricky; and Karen Buchanan, all of Newland, NC.  Visitation will be Wednesday July 30th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.  The family will have a private graveside service.