Age: 66

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: July 3, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers

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

Age:  

Address: of Asheville formerly of Spruce Pine

Date of Death: July 2, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born in Buncombe County she was the daughter of the late Norman and Vauda Bridges Alexander and a member of the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband P.D. Goforth who passed away in 1998 and a son Preston Goforth, Jr. who passed away in 2007.  Survivors include her daughter Norma Jean Goforth of Spruce Pine.  Funeral services for Mrs. Goforth will be conducted at 2pm Monday July 6th in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home.  Entombment will follow in the Spruce Pine Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum.  The family will receive friends from 1pm until the service hour at the funeral home.   

Age: 98

Address: Newland

Date of Death: July 2, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Avery County he was the son of the late Clifton and Viola Dellinger Wise and was a member of Pisgah United Methodist Church.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son David Wise, son in law C.W. Calloway, a brother Garmen Wise and a granddaughter Lisa Calloway.  Survivors include his wife Lena Elvira Wise.  Funeral services for Mr. Wise will be conducted at 2pm Saturday July 4th in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Pisgah Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1pm until the service hour at the funeral home.     

Age: 84

Address: Plumtree

Date of Death: July 1, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Avery County she was the daughter of the late Jim and Mindy Pendley Rhyne and wife of the late Alvin Buchanan. She worked for Vaughn’s Nursery and was a member of the Yellow Mountain Baptist Church. Survivors include a son Van Buchanan of the home, a daughter Lana Shell of Danville, VA and a brother Lee Rhyne of Johnson City, TN. She is also survived by a grandson Eric Shell, granddaughter Heather Frye and two great grandchildren.  No services are scheduled at this time.

Age: 90

Address: Hazen Ledford Road, Bakersville

Date of Death: June 30, 2009

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County she was the daughter of the late Dock and Bertie Woody Pittman and wife of the late Hazen Ledford, Sr.. She was a member of Cane Creek Freewill Baptist Church, The Home Extension of Cane Creek, and The Hawk Community Club.  Survivors include; daughter, Jannie Jarrett and husband Pete, of Bakersville, NC, Daughter, Shelba Harris and husband Bill, of Connelly Springs, NC, sons, Hazen Ledford Jr, and wife Alice, of Bakersville, NC, and Mike Ledford and wife Sherrie, of Burnsville, NC, sisters, Edith Bumgardner, of Gastonia, NC and Jean Boyd, of Marion, NC, brothers, Lawrence Pittman, of Valdese, NC, and Claude Pittman, of Bakersville, NC, grandchildren, Rhonda Freeman, Michelle Johnson, Tony Harris, Danny Harris, Donna Crader, Michaela Ledford, great grandchildren, Zoe Allen, Telisha Duncan, Cortnie Carpenter, Hazen Daniel Hensley, Kirsten Woody, Desiree Harris, Ashley Harris, Jonathan Gouge, Brittany Duncan, Megan Duncan, Taylor Duncan, Kari Woody, and Shana Harris, great great grandchildren, Whitney Mackenzie, Kylie and Kadence Carpenter, Step grandchildren, Amanda Flowers, Rachel Flowers, Hattie Crader, Jacob Crader and April Crader .  The family will receive friends Thursday July 2nd from 1:00pm until the funeral services begin at 2:30 PM in Cane Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Cane Creek Cemetery #2. Memorials may be made to St Jude memorial and honor program, 501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105.

Age: 57

Address: Mine Fork Community, Yancey County

Date of Death: June 30, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Howard Bennett of Burnsville and the late Tilda Ayers Bennett and husband of 35 years to Janice Fox Bennett.   Royce was a retired employee of the N. C. Dept. of Transportation after 30 years of service. He attended Mine Fork Freewill Baptist Church. Surviving, in addition to his father and wife, are 2 sons: Nathan Bennett and wife, Katie, and Jonathan Bennett; 2 grandchildren: Riley and Mia Bennett all of Burnsville. The family will receive friends Wednesday July 1st from 6 until 8 P.M. at the funeral home, and at other times, will be at the home.  Funeral services will be held at Thursday July 2nd at 2 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the John E. Fox Family Cemetery.

Age: 90

Address: Bakersville

Date of Death: June 26, 2009

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  He was the son of the late Charlie and Betty Wilson Turbyfill, and husband of Nina Silver Turbyfill, who survives. He graduated from Bowman High School in 1938; from Evans Business College in Gastonia, NC and joined the United States Army in 1941. He was assigned to Quarter Master in the Army Air Corp and graduated from the Officers Candidate School in Camp Lee, Virginia as 2nd Lt. He spent two years in the Pacific Theatre with the 13th Jungle Air Force and he returned to the United States when he was discharged in December 1946 as a Captain. He worked as an Accountant in Spruce Pine, NC and retired from I.M.C. Corporation in 1984 and continued to work in his Frasier Fir Christmas Tree Farm. He was active in the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and the Mitchell County Association of Christmas Tree Growers and Nurserymen. He was a member of Snow Hill Baptist Church and served as Deacon, Superintendant of Sunday School, and as a teacher. Survivors, along with his wife Nina, include son: Charles Lewis Turbyfill and wife Elaine Boyd; daughter: Edna Jane Turbyfill Norton and husband David Norton; grandchildren: Charles and wife Nancy, Jesse and wife Jade, Tressie, Joseph; and great grandsons: Gabriel and James Lewis.  Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 3:00PM at the Snow Hill Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Graveside Honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Snow Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Charles Ellis, P.O. Box 361, Bakersville NC 28705 or to Snow Hill Baptist Church, c/o Teddy Willis, 308 Wing Road, Bakersville NC 28705.

Age: 78

Address: Georges Fork and Thompsonville, Illinois

Date of Death: June 26, 2009

Arrangements: Blue Funeral Home in Marion, Illinois (posting courtesy Yancey Funeral Service)

Details: He was born September 21, 1930 in West Frankfort, Illinois to the late Euel L. and Fern Alexander Flanagan and was the wife of June Harrison Flanagan, who survives. Reverend Flanagan served as Pastor in the Southern Illinois area. Survivors, along with his wife June, include sons and daughters-in-law: James L. and Ruth Flanagan of Conyers, Georgia and Thomas and Brenda Flanagan of Indianapolis, Indiana; grandchildren: Jared Michael and Krisztina Flanagan and Timothy Scott Flanagan; and great-grandchild, Noah Flanagan and brother, John Flanagan. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2009 at Mr. Zion Church in Thompsonville, Illinois from 10:00am until the funeral services begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Thompsonville. Memorials may be made to the Community Southern Baptist Church in Clay City, Illinois. Envelopes will be available during the service or may be sent to: Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 411, Marion, IL 62959.

Age: 74

Address: Marion, NC

Date of Death: June 24, 2009

Arrangements: Westmoreland Funeral Home (posting courtesy Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home)

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Ada Belle Lewis Robertson and wife of the late Von Ray Clawson.  She was a member of Muddy Creek Baptist Church.  Survivors include six children: Tommy Clawson and wife, Patsy, of Spruce Pine; Alma Sue Clawson of the home; John Clawson and wife, Brenda, of Asheboro; Wanda Edwards and husband, Harold, of Nebo; Pete Clawson and companion, Janet, of Nebo; Margaret Morgan and husband, Jeff, of Glenwood; two sisters: Frances Silver of Burnsville; and Evelyn Miller of Virginia; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Friday June 26th from 9:00am until the funeral service begins at 10:00am at Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion, NC.  Burial will be in the Robertson Family Cemetery in Burnsville.  Memorials may be made to The American Lung Association.

Age: 65

Address: Upper Hanging Rock Road, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: June 22, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of the late Bela and Annie McClellan Buchanan and husband of the late Barbara Buchanan, who passed away in 1992.  He was a member of Berry Chapel Baptist Church.  Survivors include three daughters: Pam Huffman and husband, Greg, of Spruce Pine; Tammy Patterson and husband, Hugh, of Jacksonville, FL; and Lenita Byrd and husband, Gene, also of Spruce Pine; two sons: Carl Wayne Buchanan, Jr. and fiance, Christy Pittman, of Spruce Pine; and Bradley Buchanan and fiance Hollie Grindstaff of Erwin, TN; three brothers: Randle Buchanan and Larry Buchanan, both of Spruce Pine; and Eddie Buchanan of Burnsville; two sisters: Ilene Jenkins of Spruce Pine; and Betty Mathews of Henderson, NC; and 16 grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Wednesday June 24th from 7:00pm- 9:00pm at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Thursday June 25th at 12:00pm in the Berry Chapel Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in the Berry Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 72

Address: Marion

Date of Death: June 22, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County, she was a daughter of the late Rader Dav and Ruby Mae Gardner Woody, and wife of the late William Silver.  She was a member of the Brushy Creek Baptist Church.  Survivors include a son: Stephen Keith Silver of Marion; a sister: Glenda Lovelace, also of Marion; four nephews: Mike Woody of Spruce Pine; Houston Woody of Marion; David Woody of Marion; and Jamie Lovelace of Marion.  The family will receive friends Wednesday June 24th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.  Funeral  services will be held Thursday June 25th at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will follow in the Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 81

Address: Laws Hollow Lane, Newland

Date of Death: June 22, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Son of the late Nell Laws Gray he was a Veteran of the US Navy and a member and Chaplain of Green Valley Fire Department for 40 years.  He also served as Pastor of the Elk Park Baptist Church for 15 years.  In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by a daughter Gloria Garnette.  Survivors include his wife Louise Vance Laws.  Funeral services for Rev. Laws will be conducted at 2pm Thursday June 25th in the Whites Memorial Baptist Church.  Internment will follow in the Stamey Town Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Wednesday June 24th from 6pm until 9pm at the church. 

Age: 82

Address: Mine Creek Road, Bakersville

Date of Death: June 19, 2009

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County, NC, he was the son of the late Burnie and Pearl Jones Buchanan. He was a member of Roan Mountain Baptist Church and a Veteran of The United States Army, where he served in Belgium and Germany. He was a retired Carpenter and Truck Driver. Survivors include; daughters, Sharon Garden, of Arden, NC, and Caroline Honeycutt, of Bakersville, NC, two sons, Denny Buchanan, and David Buchanan, both of Bakersville, NC, one sister, Louellen Peterson, of Bakersville, NC, seven grandchildren, Chris Buchanan, Mandy Polly, Jason Garden, Christy Ensley, Lukas Honeycutt, Malachi Honeycutt, and Haley Honeycutt, five great grandchildren, Tanner, Annie, Savannah, Alexis, and Weston. The family will receive friends Monday June 22nd from 3:00PM until the service begins at 4:30pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will follow at Green - Young Cemetery.; Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to; Hospice of Mitchell County PO Box 38 Spruce Pine NC 28777.

Age: 61

Address: Spruce Pine, NC

Date of Death: June 19, 2009

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of the late George and Clara Garland Penix and the husband of Willie Huffine Penix. Bill was a former employee of Burns Security at Grandfather Golf and Country Club. He had also worked in the past at Mitchell County EMS, Henline-Hughes Funeral Home, the Bakersville Police Department and the NC Department of Corrections.  He and his wife, Willie, were members of Cornerstone Bible Church on Mine Creek Road. Surviving is his loving wife, Willie Huffine Penix; children: Scottie Penix of Elizabethton, TN, Melissa Penix of Johnson City, TN and Ashley Nicole Penix of Spruce Pine; step-children: Bill Farthing of Atlanta, GA, Jeff Farthing of Smyrna, GA, Chris Smith of Johnson City, TN, Chistine Blevins of Jonesboro, TN, Eric Smith of Louisville, KY and Jason Smith of Johnson City, TN. Six grandchildren and several aunt and uncles also survive. The family will receive friends Monday June 22nd from 6 until the funeral services begin at 8 p. m. in the funeral home chapel.  At other times the family will be at the home.  Graveside services will be held Tuesday June 23rd at 11 a. m. in the Garland Cemetery on Bad Creek Road.

Age: 65

Address: Hardscrabble Community

Date of Death: June 18, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Jap and Opal Proffitt Phillips. Jackie was a US Army Veteran and was a carpenter and painter.  He is survived by his aunts: Dorothy Hensley of Barnardsville, Audrey Davenport of Spruce Pine and Paralee Hensley of Burnsville and several cousins. A memorial service will be held Monday June 22nd at 3:00 pm in the Proffitt Cemetery on Hardscrabble Road.  Memorials may be made to Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.

Age: 67

Address: Newton

Date of Death: June 17, 2009

Arrangements: Willis Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton (courtesy Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home)

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Calvin and Annie Peterson Evans and the wife of Norman James Bumgarner, who survives.  Other survivors include 2 daughters: Andrea Walshak of Newton and Allison Keisler of Sherrills Ford; a son: Deron Bumgarner, 8 grandchildren; 4 sisters: Eula Sims of Johnson City; Mildred Edwards of Houston, TX; Nadine Black of Hickory; and Mary Argento of Asheville; 5 brothers: John and Clyde Evans of Hickory; Jim and Harold Evans of Burnsville; and Mike Evans of Claremont; and numerous nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends Friday June 19th from 6:00pm until 8:03pm at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton, where the body will remain until taken to the church, to lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service of remembrance, which will be held Saturday June 20th at 11:00am at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Hickory.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Memorials may be made to: New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 2120 Startown Road, Hickory, NC 28602.

Age: 80

Address: Arbuckle Community

Date of Death: June 16, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mae Burleson Boone and wife of the late William Lee Bartlett.  Gladys retired from Ellen Knitting Mills.  Surviving are her children: Linda Carroway and husband, Dennis, of Burnsville, Bill Bartlett and wife, Karen, and Brenda Earley and husband, Lee, of Spruce Pine; 3 grandchildren: Leslie Crowder and husband, Toby, of Burnsville, and Lydia and Danny Earley of Spruce Pine; 2 great grandchildren: Emilee and Katy Crowder of Burnsville; 3 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Mildred Miller and husband, Charles, and Margaret Greene and husband, Chuck, of Burnsville and Ruby Putman of Spruce Pine; 2 brothers: Ray Boone and wife, Edna, of Burnsville and Paul Boone and wife, Emma, of Newland; a sister-in-law: Flora Ann Boone of Newland; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday in Liberty Hill Baptist Church of which she was a member.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Age: 88

Address: Greene Drive, Bakersville

Date of Death: June 15, 2009

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: She was the daughter of the late Leroy and Estella Shelton Tipton and wife of the late Floyd Greene, who passed way in 2000.  Mildred was a member of the Fork Mountain Missionary Baptist Church.  Survivors include; five sons, Claude Greene, of Morganton, NC, Bradley, Wayne, Gary, and Terry Greene, all of Bakersville, NC, one daughter, Linda Willis, of Spruce Pine, NC, two brothers, Fred Tipton, of Jonesboro, TN, and Robert Lee Tipton, of Greeneville, TN, three sisters-in-law, Sadie Greene, Helen Greene and Myrtle Burnette, all of Marion, NC, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 18 at 8:00PM in the funeral home chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be Friday, June 19 at 11:00AM at the McKinney Cemetery on Delpha Road. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to: McKinney Cemetery Fund, C/O Claude Greene, 3814 Stroupe Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Age: 45

Address: Double Island

Date of Death: June 15, 2009

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Robert and Mollie Riddle Briggs of Green Mountain and the loving husband of Anita Chrisawn Briggs.  Martin was a Deacon and Teen Sunday School Teacher at Claymound Baptist Church.  Surviving is his loving wife of 25 years, Anita Chrisawn Briggs; two daughters: Alicia and Amber Briggs, both of Burnsville and a son, Aaron Briggs of Burnsville; two sisters: Amanda McCurry of Green Mountain and Nancy Williams of Spruce Pine and a brother, Jerry Lee Briggs of Green Mountain. Funeral services will be held at 8 p. m. on Wednesday, June 17th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. on Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home of Chuck and Joan Chrisawn of 340 Double Island Road. Burial will be held at 11 a. m. on Thursday in the Double Island Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 45

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: June 14, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  He was the son of Johnnie and Mary Frances Pittman Buchanan.  He was a member of Berry Chapel Baptist Church and worked for Unimin.  in addition to his parents, he is survived by a daughter: Brittany Dellinger and husband, Josh, of Spruce Pine; two sons: Dalton Lane and Timothy Colton Buchanan, both of Spruce Pine; a sister: Tammy Buchanan Williams and husband, Hank, of Newland; and his paternal grandmother: Opal Buchanan of Bakersville.  The family will receive friends Thursday June 18th from 6:00pm until the funeral service begins at 8:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be Friday June 19th at 11:00am in the Cane Creek Cemetery.

Age: 55

Address: Bald Mountain Community

Date of Death: June 14, 2009

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Fannie Mathis of Banks Creek and the late Buddy Mathis and husband of Shelly Bradford Mathis.  He was a very skilled carpenter.  Surviving is his loving wife of 23 years, Shelly Bradford Mathis; two daughters: Avie and Clare Mathis and a son, Lane Mathis; five sisters: Connie McMahan and husband, Jimmy, Susie Rhiem, Tammy Woodby and husband, Ronnie, Laura Woodby and CheChe Robinson and husband, John, all of Burnsville; a brother, Bobby Mathis and wife, Treva also of Burnsville. A host of extended family, friends and his Harley brothers, who he considered his family, also survive. Funeral arrangements will be held at 3 p. m. on Tuesday, June 16th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Burial will follow in the Outlaw Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 3 p. m. prior to the services on Tuesday at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, Shriner’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Age: 60

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: June 14, 2009

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Ernest and Myrtle Fields Davis and the wife of James Barnett, who survives.  Iris retired from Yancey Nursing Center where she was employed for 9 years, and was a member of Halls Chapel Baptist Church.  Survivors, along with her husband, include three daughters: Myrtle Walters of Jonesborough; Ina Tester of Boone; and Leona Brewster of Kingsport, TN; two step-daughters: Jerlene Oneil of Erwin, TN; and Darlene Ballew of Burnsville; three sons: Jason Hyatt of Burnsville; Jimmy Stewart of Kingsport and Charles Stewart of Kingsport; one step-son: Jarvis Barnett of Johnson City; two sisters: Opal Unger and Francis Hamm of Johnson City; ten grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four step great-grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Monday June 15th from 6:00pm until the funeral services begin at 8:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will be Tuesday June 16th at 10:00am in the Bennett Cemetery at Pigeon Roost.   

Age: 93

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: June 12, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of Hamilton County, IL, she was a daughter of the late Clyde Orville and Lula Morris Daily.  Survivors include a daughter: Cheryl Payne, of the home; a granddaughter: Julie Roosa, of Charlotte, NC; a grandson: Brian Payne, of Greensboro, NC; and five great-grandchildren.  A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Sunday June 28th at 2:30pm in the funeral home chapel.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Hospice of Mitchell County, P.O. Box 38, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Age: 47

Address: Pine Root Branch Road, Bakersville

Date of Death: June 12, 2009

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details: He was a son of George Ledford and the late Janice Caudill Ledford and husband of Mildred Jean Ledford, who survives.  He was employed by Mitchell County in Recycling.  Survivors, along with his father and wife, include stepfather: Ronald Tickle of Myrtle Beach, S. C.; one daughter: Jessica Ledford of Bakersville; two sons: Michael Allen Ledford, Jr. and wife, Misty, of Gray, TN; and Mark Christopher Ledford and wife, Kendra, of Bakersville; two sisters: Betty Jean Hughes of Spring Grove, PA; and Christine Fillmore of Dover, PA; two grandchildren: Christian Harrell and Mekhi Ledford.  The family will receive friends Sunday June 14th from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will follow in the Ledford Cemetery.

Age: 86

Address: Newdale

Date of Death: June 12, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late J. Edgar and Bessie Harris Banner and the husband of the Louise McIntosh Banner who died in 1982. Ernest was a World War II Navy Veteran and retired from Yancey County School Systems after 30 years of service.  Surviving are his wife: Lena Howell Banner.  Funeral services will be held at 2:30pm Sunday June 14th in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30pm prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Academy Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Martins Chapel United Methodist Church, 9951 State Highway 80 S,. Burnsville, NC 28714 or a charity of one's choice.  

Age: Not Given

Address: South Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville

Date of Death: June 11, 2009

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Ashe County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Sharpe and wife of the late Thomas Gwyn Graham. She was a graduate of Appalachian State University, known at that time as Appalachian State Teachers College. After graduation Mrs. Graham taught school in Ashe County for two years, then got married. She and her husband moved to Bakersville in the early 1940's where her husband owned and operated Graham's Furniture and Hardware Store. Mrs. Graham taught school in Mitchell County for 30 years during which she was named Teacher of the Year and received the Mitchell County Terry Sanford Award. She was a member of Bakersville Baptist Church where she was trustee, erved on various committees, taught a Sunday School Class and was the WMU Director. She was a member of Roan Mountain Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron and held other offices as well. After her retirement, she served as president of the Mitchell County Retired Teachers Organization. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Eta State and served as its president and Regional Director. She served on the Bakersville Town Board and on the Mayland Community College Board. Survivors include her children: Sallie Dotson and husband Lowell of Matthews, NC; Matthew Graham and wife Carol, of Greenville, SC; Mary Gwen Wilson and husband Tom of Carrollton, Ga.; grandchildren Stephen Dotson and wife Christina of Indian Trail, NC ; Charles Dotson, Jr. and wife Sharon of Matthews, NC; Suzanne Jones and husband Harrison of Charlotte, NC, Brooke Hancock and husband Mike of Greenville, SC, Stephen Graham of Charleston, SC, and Ethan Wilson of Carrollton, Ga., her sister, Phyllis Simpson of Wilson, NC and twelve great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Henline-Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville on Sunday June 21, 2009, from 1:00-3:00 pm. Afterward a graveside service for family and friends will be held at Bakersville Baptist Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bakersville Baptist Church, Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville, North Carolina 28705 or to a favorite charity in her honor.

Age: 66

Address: Spring Road, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: June 7, 2009

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details: A native of King County, NY, she was the daughter of the late William E. and Katherine Geis Beckham.  She was a member of the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church.  Survivors include  two daugthers: Mary Wray of Spruce Pine and Susan Weidman of New York, NY; a sister: Joan Pruett of Spruce Pine; and a grandson: Jesse Wray, of Spruce Pine.  A celebration of life service will be conducted on Saturday June 13th at 11:00am at Spruce Pine United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Age: 90

Address: Bailey Branch

Date of Death: June 6, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Mack and Zella Bailey.  Earl was a World War II Army Veteran.  Survivors include a sister: Madlyn Bailey; brother: Bruce Bailey and wife, Gwen, all of Burnsville; 2 nieces: Genene Muse of Macon, GA; and Carol Jones of Atlanta, GA; a nephew: Rodney Hensley of Swannanoa; 3 great nephews: Justin Jones of Destin, FL; Jeffrey Jones of Austin, TX; and Ed Muse of Macon, GA; and a grand niece: Melany Grant of Milledgeville, GA.  The family will receive friends Tuesday June 9th from 1:00pm until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Jacks Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Age: 73

Address: formerly of Micaville

Date of Death: June 5, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Rev Biss and Bertha Carroll McMahan.  He was also preceded in death by a sister: Lydia McMahan and brothers: Paul, Charlie and Silas McMahan.  Survivors include his step-mother Stella Hollifield of Burnsville.  Funeral Services will be held at 4pm Sunday June 7th in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the McMahan Family Cemetery on Rector Hill.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  

Age: 60

Address: Hwy 80 South, Burnsville

Date of Death: June 4, 2009

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details: He was a son of the late Vista Pendley Haynes Lyons and James Reid Haynes.  He was the husband of Judy Brown Haynes.  In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by his step-father Lumar Lyons and sister Veronica Deese.  He proudly served in both the US Navy and the US Army.  He was employed as Environmental Services Supervisor at Charles A. Canon Memorial Hospital in Linville, NC.  He was a member of the West Burnsville Baptist Church.  Survivors include his wife of 26 years Judy.  A memorial service will be held at 4pm Sunday June 14th in the West Burnsville Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church and at other times will be at the home.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to West Burnsville Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 38, Burnsville, NC 28714. The family would like to send a special thank you to our pastors for their support and to Hospice of Yancey County for the special care given during Charles's illness.     

Age: 77

Address: Estatoe Community

Date of Death: June 2, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native if Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late William and Mamie McFalls McMahan.  Louise was a retired employee of Coats America.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter: Patricia Hughes Rowe and brother: Bill McFalls.  Surviving are a daughter: Gail Hughes Galgano of Estatoe.  A memorial service will be held at 2pm Monday June 8th in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Age: 88

Address: Plum Branch

Date of Death: June 3, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details: A native if Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Arcemus and Lessie Lee Ledford.  She was a member of the Plum Branch Baptist Church.  Survivors include her husband of 73 years Carl Scott.  Funeral services will be held at 2pm Saturday June 6th in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in the Scott Cemetery on Prices Creek.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service and at other times will be at the home on Plum Branch.  

Age: 65

Address: Newdale Community

Date of Death: June 3, 2009

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Services

Details: A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of the late George Avery Huskins and Marie Huskins Musick, and the husband of Hazel Huskins, who survives.  George worked as supervisor with Unimin Corporation before his retirement and was pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Burnsville.  Survivors, along with his wife Hazel, include his two sons: Darryl Huskins and wife, Desiree Huskins, of Burnsville; and Dewayne Huskins and Lorie Chrisawn of Marion; three sisters: Sabra Jones of Spruce Pine; Betty Hughes of Newdale; and Carolyn Silver of Marion; three brothers: Jimmy Huskins of Bakersville; Ronald Huskins of Johnson City, TN; and Bobby Huskins of Spruce Pine; 6 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.  The family will receive friends Saturday June 6th from 2:00pm until the funeral service begins at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow in the Crabtree Baptist Church Cemetery.  At other times the family will be at the home of Betty and Johnny Hughes on Deneen Road.

Age: 88

Address: Spring City, TN

Date of Death: June 1, 2009

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  A former resident of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Lonnie F. and Bulah Denny Lawhern and the husband of Mary Belle Ayers Lawhern, who died in 2003.  Survivors include a son: Steven F. Lawhern and wife, Sondra, of Knoxville, TN; 3 sisters: Pat Greene of Wilmington Beach, S. C. and Catherine Bulsiewicz and Margaret Shuman of Asheville; 3 grandchildren and  2 great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Friday June 5th from 5:00pm until the funeral service begins at 7:00pm in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home in Spring City, TN.  Locally, the family will receive friends Sunday June 7th from 1:00pm until 1:45pm at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Sunday in the Academy Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Gideons International, P.O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.