Funeral Home Directory
Name	Location	Phone
Henline-Hughes	Bakersville	688-4813
Webb	Spruce Pine	765-4277
Holcombe Brothers	Burnsville	682-2310
Yancey Funeral	Burnsville	678-9962

Ernest Thomas

Age: Not Given

Address: Hickory

Date of Death: March 8, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was the son of Elsie Thomas of Burnsville and the late Rev. Casie Thomas. He was also preceded in death by a son: Jeffrey (Jeff) Thomas. Ernest was a member of Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church and had retired from Burling Industries and also from Valdese Weavers.  Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 55 years: Nellie Hensley Thomas; daughter: Janelle Thomas Miller and husband, Gene Robert, of Granite Falls; brothers: Marshall Thomas and wife, Marlena, of Kingsport, TN, Eugene Thomas and wife, Pat, of Burnsville, Jim Thomas and wife, Brenda, of Covington, VA, Bill Thomas and wife, Joan, and Larry Thomas and wife, Cindy, both of Burnsville; sisters: Louise Dockery and husband, Doyle, of Marion, Lessie Cook and husband, Harry, of Strawberry Plains, TN, Christine Morgan and husband, Mike, of Candler, and Bernice Metcalf and husband, Charles, of Mars Hill; a grandson: Jordan Ryan Miller and wife, Heather Renee Watson Miller; numerous nieces and nephews; lifelong friends: Nick Huskey, Rachel Berry, Ralph and Marlene McMahan and family, Jack Griffith and family; and, his church family.  Funeral services will be held at 3PM Thursday at Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church. Revs. Dale Faulkenbury and Paul Deal will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:45PM prior to the service at the church.  Memorials may be made to Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658, or Winkler’s Grove Baptist Church, 3320 9th Ave. Dr., NW, Hickory, NC 28601.

Belle Hunter

Age: 101

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: March 8, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:    A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Augustus and Hattie Renfro Hunter. She was also preceded in death by 4 sisters: Birdie Hunter, Mae Williams, Grace Higgins and Georgia Hunter; 4 brothers: Claude, Echard, Burnie and Sanford Hunter and a half-brother: Mack Styles. She was a member of Byrds Chapel Baptist Church.  Surviving are two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Hunter Cemetery on Coxes Creek.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Harold Dean Cook

Age: 65

Address: Seven Mile Ridge

Date of Death: March 7, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Roger and Mary McMahan Cook and the husband of Annetta Robinson Cook. He was also preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Hope Camacho. Harold Dean was a member of Freedom Baptist Church who did auto body work and painted cars. He loved restoring and customizing old cars and going to cruise-ins on the weekends with his family and friends. Surviving is his loving wife of 44 years, Annetta Robinson Cook; two daughters: Pat Silvers of Seven Mile Ridge and Crystal Shepherd and husband, Timmy, of Rice Road; three sons: Larry Cook of Halls Chapel, Darren Cook and wife, Jennifer, of Halls Chapel and Terry Cook and wife, Charlotte, of Seven Mile Ridge; fifteen grandchildren: Ashley Cook, Dallas Street, Angel Cook, Betty Sue Cook, Heath Cook, Brandon Cook, Jessica Cook, Aaron Cook, Dylan Cook, Shelby Cook, T.J. Cook, Olivia Cook, Steven Shepherd, Sarah Shepherd and Blake Shepherd and three great-grandchildren: Kyndall Street, Adrian Camacho and Arribella Camacho. Funeral Services will be held at 8 p. m. on Tuesday, March 9th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a. m. on Wednesday in the Cook Family Cemetery.

Timothy Lynn Street

Age: 36

Address: Pigeon Roost Road, Green Mountain

Date of Death: March 6, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:   He was employed by Snowy River Landscaping, and he enjoyed horseback riding and helping his neighbors and friends. Survivors include; mother, Patricia Gail Tipton Street, of Burnsville, NC, fiancé, Mary Katherine Shepherd, of the home, children, Taylor Street, Austin Rowlands, Gregory Shepherd, and Caleb Buchanan, of the home, Landon Street and Haley Street, of Bakersville, NC, and Jared Greene, of Spruce Pine, NC, brothers, Teddy Street, and wife Anna, of Green Mountain, NC, Jamie Street, and wife Angela, of Bakersville, NC, and Jimmy Dean Street, of Burnsville, NC, aunts, Cassie Honeycutt, and Myrtle Johnson, of Green Mountain, NC, and Louise Bennett, of Erwin, TN, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Taylor Street. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 8:00PM in the chapel of Henline - Hughes Funeral Home with Steve Cochran, Marvin Silvers, and Davey Shelton officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Interment will be Thursday, March 11 at 1:00PM at Bennett Cemetery (Pigeon Roost Rd). Memorial donations may be made to the family C/O Jamie Street 6910 Hwy 226 North, Bakersville, NC 28705.

Edgar J.D. Briggs

Age: 69

Address: Patterson Branch, Yancey County

Date of Death: March 6, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Landon and Julie Bryant Briggs.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Dean and Bud Briggs.  Surviving are his wife of 43 years Donna Peterson Briggs; a daughter Stephanie Anne Whitt and husband Larry, a son Michael Dale Briggs and 3 grandchildren Amber Caitlin and Casey Jai Whitt and Zebulon Thomas all of Burnsville; 7 sisters Pearl Tipton, Dorothy Renfro and Yevonne Canipe of Green Mountain; Patricia Pate of Burnsville; Mary Hughes of Greenwood, Indiana; Ruth Vickers of Salisbury and Betty Cooper of Lexington, NC and a brother Wayne Briggs of Burnsville.  Funeral services will be held 11am Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  Revs. Junior Clyde Metcalf and Darrell Tipton will officiate. Burial will be in the Sid McCurry Cemetery on Patterson Branch.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. 

Irene Hyatt

Age: 90

Address: Pensacola

Date of Death: March 6, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:   A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Pearson and Gladys Hamby Riddle, and the wife of Fred Hyatt who died in 1974. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter: Dianne Beaver; a grandson: Steve Ledford; and, a brother: E. R. Riddle.  Surviving are daughters: Nora Jean Hyatt of the home, Doris Silver and husband, Frank, of Burnsville and Patsy Marshall and husband, Butch, of Asheville; a sister: Marjorie Wilson and husband, Ned; 2 brothers: Vance Riddle and wife, Betty, and Pearson Riddle, Jr. and wife, Wanda, all of Burnsville; 7 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and, 16 great, great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Monday in the Pensacola Free Will Baptist Church, of which she was a member. The Revs. Norman Lovelace and David Ledford will officiate. Burial will be in the Circle of Faith Cemetery at Pensacola.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 P.M. Sunday 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 or Pensacola Free Will Baptist Church.

Arthur R. "Doc" Garland

Age: 78

Address: Jonesborough, TN

Date of Death: March 4, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:   He was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and was the son of the late Howard Garland and Pearl Garland Hart. He was self-employed in logging and lumber buying, and was a Veteran of the US Army having served in the Korean War. He was a long time member of the United Church of God in Kingsport, TN. Survivors include: his wife of 54 years, Joyce Hughes Garland of the home, daughters, Sharon Gardner and husband Kenny of Savannah, GA, Loretta Holtzhower and husband Eddie of Chattanooga, TN, son, Brian Garland and wife Dinah of Jonesborough, TN, grandchildren, Shannon Wilson, Dawn Lewis, Eric and Michael Holtzhower, Jessie and David Garland. He was preceded in death by brothers, Ralph Garland, Robert Earl Hart, and John Wesley Hart, and grandson, Justin Wayne Gardner. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 3:00PM at the Morris-Baker Funeral Home in Johnson City, TN. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Ministers John LaBissoniere and David Dobson will be officiating the service. Interment will follow at the Roselawn Memorial Park in Johnson City, TN. Graveside rites will be conducted by the Boone Dam VFW Post 4933 of Kingsport, TN. Pallbearers will be JD Hensley, Fred Gardner, Don Sharp, Joe Horn, Scott Garland, and Richard Garland. Honorary Pallbearers will be Grover Gardner, Kimsey Hughes, Junior Hughes, James Gardner, and Garland Musick.

Shelba Jean Buchanan

Age: 71

Address: North Cove Community, Marion

Date of Death: March 4, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County she was a daughter of the late Pete and Ruby McGee Buchanan and was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Marion. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Charles Billy Buchanan and a brother Tommy Buchanan.  Survivors include two daughters; Debbie McKinney and husband Greg of Spruce Pine and Rebecca Buchanan of Marion, a son; Mike Buchanan and wife Robin of Marion, four granddaughters; Janelle Hollifield of Spruce Pine, Jasmine McKinney of Spruce Pine, Michaela Buchanan of Marion and Lisa Buchanan also of Marion, and three grandsons; Will and Samuel McKinney both of Spruce Pine and Brandon Buchanan of Marion. She is also survived by two brothers; Terry Buchanan of Spruce Pine and Reggie Buchanan of Marion.  Funeral services for Mrs. Buchanan will be conducted at 2:00 pm Monday March 8, 2010 in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with the Rev. Mark Annas officiating. Interment will follow in the Temple Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm until the service hour at the funeral home.

Sandra T. Davis

Age: 65

Address: Murrels Inlet, S.C.

Date of Death: March 4, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Formerly of Spruce Pine passed away Tuesday March 2, 2010 in the Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church.

June Hollifield Pannell

Age: 71

Address: Candler, NC

Date of Death: March 2, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:   She was a native of Mitchell County, NC and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hollifield. She was a member of Bakersville Baptist Church and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Survivors include: daughters, Vicki Snipes and husband Steve of Spruce Pine, NC, Patti Morgan and husband Jerry of Bakersville, NC, son, John Pannell and wife Tammy of Bakersville, NC, sisters, Lois Young of Raleigh, NC and Ruth Young of Durham, NC, ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by: husband, James Hale Pannell, daughter, Debbie Grindstaff, sisters, Naomi Sparks and Elizabeth Arges, brothers, James McFarland Hollifield, Freddie Hollifield, and infant brother, Jack Hollifield.  Funeral services will be held Friday, March 5, 2010 at 2:00PM at the Bakersville Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Billy Stewart will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Bakersville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Western North Carolina Chapter, 3 Louisiana Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28806.  Henline-Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Pannell family.

Louise Crain Phillips

Age: 64

Address: Nebo

Date of Death: March 2, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:    A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Earlis and Jennie Silvers Crain. She was also preceded in death by a son, Jason Eugene Bradford and a sister: Dora Jane Robinson. Louise was a retired beautician and a member of the First Christian Church in Marion.  Surviving are her husband, Lester Phillips; two daughters: Eugenia Wright of Celo and Jennifer Collins of Nebo; 3 step-sons: Michael, Jeff and David Phillips all of Burnsville; 5 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren and a great grandson; 4 sisters: Margaret Young and Ennis Hardin of Burnsville, Joyce Riddle of Weaverville and Theresa Collins of Nebo; 4 brothers: Tommy Crain of Weaverville, Albert Crain of Marion, Johnny Crain of Burnsville and Kenneth Crain of Nebo. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. Don Mitchell and Bill Mitchell will officiate. A private family burial will be held in the Burton Cemetery at a later date.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Marie Buchanan Edwards

Age: 71

Address: Candler, NC

Date of Death: March 1, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Will and Annie Ledford Buchanan. She was a homemaker and a member of Cane Creek Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC. Survivors include: sons, Ronnie Edwards and wife Lisa of Mills River, NC, Randy Edwards and wife Angie of Arden, NC, sister, Grace Buchanan of Candler, NC, brother, Ben Buchanan of Bakersville, NC, grandchildren, Davey, Heather, Alex, Christina, and Stephanie Edwards, and special friend Ron Butler of Candler, NC. She was preceded in death by husband, Dale Edwards, brothers, Tarp, Leonard, Laney, and Leon Buchanan.  Funeral services will be held, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 3:00PM at the Henline-Hughes Chapel in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Mike Peterson will be officiating the service. Interment will be in the Cane Creek Cemetery. Henline-Hughes is assisting the Edwards family.

John Pitman

Age: 70

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: March 1, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County he was a son of the late John C. and Mildred Ellis Pitman. He was owner of Mayland Printing Company and a member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine and the Spruce Pine Jaycee’s. He loved animals, NC State, NASCAR, and the out doors he also was an original P.S.L. ticket owner for the Carolina Panthers. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Ray Pitman.  Survivors include his wife Brenda Morgan Pitman of the home, a son; Chris Pitman and wife Nikki of Spruce Pine, grandsons; Turner and Noah Pitman both of Spruce Pine, and two brothers; Ronnie C. Pitman and wife Diane of Silverdale, WA and Mike Pitman and wife Anne of Newland. He is also survived by three nephews; Travis Pitman of Fredricksburg, MD, Jonathan Pitman of Spruce Pine and Grey Pitman of Newland, a niece, Cary Jan Pitman of Spruce Pine and a close cousin Eloise Benjamin and husband Jack of Nashville, TN.  Services for Mr. Pitman will be conducted at 3:00 pm Thursday March 4, 2010 in the First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine with the Revs. Bill Sweetser and Jeff Coffee officiating. Interment will follow in the Spruce Pine Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Spruce Pine or to the Mitchell County Animal Shelter.

Doris Johnson Crowder

Age: 79

Address: Newdale Community

Date of Death: March 1, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, she was born April 20th, 1930 to the late Roy and Flaude Robinson Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Crowder, who passed away in 1990; a daughter, Murrell Hughes and a great-granddaughter, Morgan Hudgins. Doris was employed for a number of years by Taylor Togs and Baxter Health Care. She and Charles spent several years traveling to and working on construction sites across the South. She was a lifelong member of Martin’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Mrs. Crowder is survived by a daughter, Patricia Weatherman and husband, Doug, of Lewisville; a son, Charles Sherrell Crowder and wife, Jane, of Burnsville; six grandchildren: Robbie Hughes, Pam Lawhon, Chuck Crowder, Debbie McKinney, Ernie Weatherman and Angie Hughes; a son-in-law, Robert Hughes; ten grandchildren and her special companion, Max, a Toy Maltese. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p. m. on Friday, March 5th, in Martin’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Rev. Jackie Silvers, Rev. Tony Griffin and Rev. Carroll Bibb will officiate. Burial will follow in the Strawbridge Young Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. on Thursday, March 4th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The family would like to thank Hospice of Yancey County for the wonderful care given to Doris and her family and requests memorial donations to be made to them at 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Janie Haney Johnson

Age: 84

Address: Bald Mountain Community

Date of Death: March 1, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:    A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Sarah Byrd Haney and the wife of Virgil Johnson who died in 1960. She was also preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers.  Surviving are a daughter: JoAnn Johnson McCurry and husband, Robert; a granddaughter: Teena McCurry; 2 grandsons: Jamie McCurry and wife, Shana and Jeremy McCurry and wife, Tiffany, all of Burnsville; 3 great-grandchildren: Megean, Colton and Robbie McCurry; a sister: Mollie Quinn of Inman, SC; a sister-in-law: Kathleen Haney of Burnsville; 5 step-children and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Billy Mitchell will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Fender Cemetery at Bee Log.  The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home, and at other times, will be at the home of JoAnn and Robert McCurry.

Darrell Joe Blalock

Age: 61

Address: Upper Browns Creek

Date of Death: February 28, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late J.T. Blalock, who passed away in 2003 and Beulah Smith Blalock of Micaville. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Brenda DeGroat Blalock, who passed away in 2001. Darrell was an Army veteran, having served in Vietnam, who did many things including: auto body repair, auto and recreational sales, all kinds of remodeling and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved his poodles: Sheba and Midnight. Surviving is his mother, Beulah Smith Blalock of Micaville; a daughter, April Solesby and husband, John, of Prices Creek; a son, Kelly Joe Blalock of Snow Hill; a sister, Sheila Grindstaff and husband, Tim, of Spruce Pine; a brothers, Gerald Blalock and wife, Vicki, of Micaville; a grandson, Levi Solesby and three nephews: Craig Grindstaff and wife, Bethany, of Bakersville, Jason Grindstaff and wife, Brandy, of Marion and Noah Blalock of Micaville. Funeral Services will be held at 8 p. m. on Wednesday, March 3rd, in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Preston Riddle will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. on Wednesday prior to the services at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home of his mother. Military Graverites will be held at 11 a. m. on Thursday in the Carroway Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Charles English, Dean Ayers, Danny Willis, Alastair Aylward, Craig Grindstaff, Jason Grindstaff, Noah Blalock and Fred Justice. The family would like to say a special thank you to the 5th floor inpatient oncology department at the VA hospital in Asheville and requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to them at Charles George VA Medical Center, attn: 5th floor Oncology, 111 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

James "Paul" Hollifield

Age: 84

Address: Lower Georges Fork

Date of Death: February 28, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:    A native of Barnardsville, he was a son of the late Frank and Martha Jane Dodd Hollifield and the husband of Betty Ruth Suttles Hollifield. He was also preceded in death by two grandsons: Cody and Nathaniel and a granddaughter, Shanna. He was a retired dairy farmer and a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church who loved the Lord and enjoyed gardening, yard work, and his family. Surviving is his wife, Betty Ruth Suttles Hollifield; four daughters: Juanita Waldrop and husband, Kenneth, Lois Shipley and husband, David, Pam Duckett and husband, Curtis, and Penny Howell and husband, Daniel, all of Burnsville; four sons: Terry Hollifield of Burnsville, Jerry Hollifield and wife, Pat, of Bakersville, Kenneth Hollifield of Shelby and Danny Hollifield and wife, Michelle, of Burnsville; grandchildren: Melissa, Kenny, Matthew, Josh, Brittany, Ashley, Jacob, Bobby, Nichole, Stephanie, Jeremy, Keisha, Felicia and Cody; eleven great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p. m. on Thursday, March 4th, in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Eddie Ledford and Rev. Eddie Ledford, III will officiate. Burial will follow in the Kona Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p. m. on Thursday prior to the services at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Hollifield family.

George Richard (Dick) Canipe

Age: 69

Address: Sweetwater Road, Green Mountain

Date of Death: February 27, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:     A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Dewey and Beatrice King Canipe. He was also preceded in death by brothers: Chester and Paul Canipe. Surviving are his wife of 47 years: Eyvonne Briggs Canipe; a son: Rodney Canipe; a daughter: Regina Booth and husband, Tony, both of Green Mountain; brothers: Ted Harold Canipe and wife, Kay, of Burnsville and Jim Canipe and wife, Birgette, of Tampa, FL; grandchildren: Tricia, Charlie and Mason Booth; a special cousin: CC and wife, Ora Lee Canipe. Several nieces and nephews also survive.  Funeral Services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Philip Garland and Brother Louie Pate will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Fairview Cemetery at Horton Hill. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Lillie Beatrice McNeill

Age: 89

Address: Crabtree Community

Date of Death: February 27, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   She was the daughter of the late Cleveland and Texie Whetstine Grindstaff and the wife of the late Edward McNeill. She was also preceded in death by her step sons, Ralph and Blanton McNeill, sisters, Peggy Lee, Mamie McNeill and Maudie Grindstaff; niece, Margie Angel and nephew, Lawrence McNeill. Lillie was a member of the Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church. She retired from Breeden Poultry in Morganton. Survivors include her nieces, Barbara Garland, Mable Whitson and Frances Stamey all of Spruce Pine; Marie Miller of York, SC, Wilma Haskins of Shelby, NC, Frankie Alexander of Elizabethton, TN, Paulette Buchanan of Burnsville, Carolyn Burleson and Bee Pittman both of Bakersville and Alma Lee of Marion, NC; nephew, Raymond Lee of Burnsville; cousin, Lena Grindstaff Phillips of Hickory and special friends, Beulah and Richard McKinney and Debra Hoyle. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Monday, March 01, 2010 in the Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church with the Revs. Dallas Renfro, Fred Proctor and Richard McKinney officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery on Seven Mile Ridge. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Fred Burleson

Age: 82

Address: Kaywilla Lane, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: February 26, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County, he was the son of the late James and Flossie Pittman Burleson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers; J.C. Burleson and Ernest Burleson.  Fred was an active member of the Grassy Creek Baptist Church. He had served as an active deacon there for 20 plus years. He loved his immediate family, his church family, with a special place in his heart for small children. He was a farmer and loved his cattle.  The funeral service for Fred Burleson will be conducted on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Grassy Creek Baptist Church. The Rev’s. Matthew Mills and Gene Self will conduct the services. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. until the service hour at the church. Graveside services and interment will be on Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:00 am at the Grassy Creek Memorial Gardens.  Survivors include his wife; Wilma O. Burleson of the home; adopted daughter; Faye Hollifield of Spruce Pine; close friend and special person; Sharon Fox of Spruce Pine; brother; Jay Burleson and wife, Louise of Pleasant Gardens; sister; Joan Miller of Marion; twelve nieces and nephews; two special grandchildren; Haley M. Gowdy and husband, Steve and their son, Eli of Boone; and Kylie McKinney of Spruce Pine; and many cousins.  Memorial donations to honor the life of Fred Burleson may be made to the Family Life Center of the Grassy Creek Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, NC.

Madge Honeycutt

Age: 88

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: February 26, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:   A native of Yancey County she was a daughter of the late Linzie and Missouri Thomas Ogle and the wife of Rev. Guy Honeycutt who died in 1998. She was also preceded in death by 6 brothers and a sister. Madge was a homemaker and lifelong quilter, having sold quilts worldwide.  Surviving are 2 sons: Billy Honeycutt of Las Vegas,NV and Maurice Honeycutt and wife Frances of Hickory; a daughter: Wilma Laws and husband Phillip of Burnsville; a brother: Robert Ogle and wife Mary of Fort Pierce, FL; 3 sisters: Birdella Hughes of Greenville, SC, Margaret Truesdale and husband Eddie of Alto, GA, and Juanita Ogle of Travelers Rest, SC; 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.  Funeral Services will be held at 2PM Monday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. Denny Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in the Marietta Atkins Cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Nettie Jean Buchanan Naranjo

Age: 77

Address: Stokesdale, NC 

Date of Death: February 24, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was a Native of Mitchell County, NC and the daughter of the late Kelly and Nina Sullins Buchanan. She was retired from Military Retail Work with The United States Air Force. She was a member of Mayodan First Baptist Church, and she enjoyed working with her flower garden and arts and crafts. Survivors include; her husband of 23 years Ismael M. Naranjo, of the home, daughters, Dionne Clark Johnson, and husband Arnold, of Red Oak, Iowa, and Darla Clark Allred, of Mayodan, NC, brothers, Wade Buchanan, and wife Jerrie, of Seneca, SC, Terry Buchanan, and wife Janie, of Lincolnton, NC, and Gary Buchanan, of Erwin, TN, sisters, Shirley Rice, of Spruce Pine, NC, Frances Schwaner, and husband Jake, of Lenoir, NC, and Glenda Pittman, of Morganton, NC, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and friends, and special friends Debra Jackson and her daughter Lindsay Jackson, of Myrtle Beach, SC. She was preceded in death by; husband, Theodore H. Clark, one brother, Kelly Buchanan Jr, and one sister, Gail Boyd. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Henline - Hughes Funeral Home with Chris Rathbone officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Bear Creek Cemetery.

Taylor Jones Hicks

Age: 70

Address: Hobert Hicks Community, Newland

Date of Death: February 23, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Avery County, he was a son of the late Hobert Garrett and Dora Buchanan Hicks. He was also preceded in death by three sisters: Mable Johnson, Anna Lee Cromley, and Devoe Hicks; two brothers: C.T. Hicks and Bob Hicks. Taylor was a U.S. army veteran who retired as a maintenance worker for Grandfather Home for Children. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he had been a deacon and trustee for over 35 years. Taylor enjoyed farming, hunting, spending time with his grandchildren and really enjoyed helping others in his community. He was a friend to all who knew him. Surviving are his loving wife, Joann Brown Hicks; son, Garrett Taylor Hicks and wife, Peggy; two daughters: Melissa Hicks and Barbara Ellen Caterson and husband, William, all of Newland; special nephew, Roger Dean of Hickory; one brother, William Ernest Hicks of Canton, Ohio; three sisters: Beulah Duckworth and husband, Norman, of Morganton, Bonnie Dean and husband, Roger, of Valdese, and Kate Ollis of Newland; three grandchildren: Parker Hicks, Maddie Hicks, and Ansley Caterson. Funeral Services will be held at 8 p. m. on Thursday, February 25th in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Rev. Rodney Milsap, Rev. Kenneth Lance and Rev. Bill McGuire will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p. m. on Thursday at the church. Burial will be held at 11 a. m. on Friday in the Buchanan Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The Rathbun Center, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, NC 28803. The Rathbun Center is Western North Carolina’s only hospital hospitality house where families who are going through a medical crisis can stay in a safe and supportive environment, at no charge, while their loved one is receiving medical treatment at one of the hospitals in Asheville.

Junior Staton

Age: 50

Address: Grassy Creek Community, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: February 23, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   He was a son of Ronald and Lorene Beam Staton Sr. of the Kalmia Community in Spruce Pine and the husband of Rita Powell Staton of the home. Junior was a member of the Henson Creek Baptist Church. He loved to be outdoors, hunting and watching the wildlife and loved spending time with his grandkids. He was an employee of Embree-Reed Construction Co. of Charlotte. Survivors include, in addition to his wife and parents, his sisters, Shirley Cook and husband Jerry of Newland, Kathy Stamey of Nebo and Debbie Franklin and husband Doug of Spruce Pine; one brother, Ken Staton and wife Barbara of Newland; step daughter, Rebecca Buchanan and husband Lee of Newland and step son, Chad Clark of Spruce Pine; step grandchildren, Kesadee Blackburn, Braxton Buchanan and Callee Buchanan. Funeral services will be 7:30 pm Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services with the Revs. Junior Carver and Ken Staton officiating. Burial will be 3:00 pm Friday in the Calvary Assembly of God Cemetery in Morganton, NC. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Yancey Funeral Services, 378 Charlie Brown Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714, to help with the funeral expenses. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Staton family.

Sarah A. Peterson

Age: 90

Address: Allen Park, MI (formerly of Yancey County)

Date of Death: February 22, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Steven and Minnie Belle Webb Collis and the wife of the late Ray Peterson. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Roy Collis. She worked for many years and retired in Michigan with General Motors. Sarah was the loving mother of Sandra Miles (Tom)of Taylor, MI, dear grandmother of Kimberly, Scott (Larisa) and David; great-grandmother of Brandon Stahl and Selma Miles. Funeral Services will be held at 8 p. m. on Thursday, February 25th at Martenson Family of Funeral Homes in Allen Park. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. prior to the service. Local arrangements will be held on Saturday at 2 p. m. in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery on Horton Hill. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p. m. prior to the services on Saturday at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home of Rev. Ronnie and Shirley Peterson, 180 Boys-R-Us Lane on Patterson Branch Road.

Jeanette Whitfield

Age: 88

Address: Spruce Pine

Date of Death: February 21, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County she was a daughter of the late Dave and Nellie Sullins Pitman and was a member of the Big Crabtree Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Rev. William Whitfield who passed away in 2000, two sons; Richard and Leon Whitfield, a grandson Lewis Rose, Jr. a brother, Ulysses “Plug” Pitman and a sister, Mattie Wright.  Survivors include two daughters; Sheila Renfro and husband Eddie and Sue Ann Rose and husband Lewis all of Spruce Pine, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Funeral services for Mrs. Whitfield will be conducted at 3:30 pm Tuesday February 23, 2010 in the Big Crabtree Baptist Church with the Revs. Dean Honeycutt and Mike Rathbone officiating. Interment will follow in the Sullins Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until the service hour at the church.

Henry J. Hernandez

Age: 82

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: February 21, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   He was a native of New Orleans, LA. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Hernandez family.

Jack Ballew

Age: 79

Address: Seven Mile Ridge

Date of Death: February 21, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was born and lived in the same home all his life. Jack was a son of the late Lonnie and Roxie McMahan Ballew. He was also preceded in death by a son, Ronnie Ballew; two brothers: Kent and Calvin Ballew; former wife, Vivalene Penland; son-in-law, Glenn Buchanan; brother-in-law, Charles Bartlett and two sisters-in-law: Lillie and Irene Ballew. Jack was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, a self-employed carpenter who retired after 48 years of service. He loved to help others and will always be remembered as a giving person with a kind heart. Surviving are his former wife, Joyce Hall of Crystal River, FL; three daughters: Virginia Robinson and husband, Maurice, of Spruce Pine, Deborah Buchanan of Bandana and Freida Ballew of Burnsville; two sons: J.L. Ballew of the home and Roger Penland and wife, Caroline, of Crabtree; two sisters: Anna Robinson and husband, J.C., and Essie Bartlett, all of Seven Mile Ridge; grandchildren: Adam Stewart, Keith Stewart, Vicki Ferguson, Jamie Buchanan and Kyle Penland; great-grandchildren: Alexis Stewart, Dylan Honeycutt and Payton Ferguson. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held at 8 p. m. on Tuesday, February 23rd in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Matthew Mills and Rev. Ken Hollifield will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. on Tuesday prior to the services and at other times will be at the home. Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday in the Ballew Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368. The family would like to say a special thank you to Lesa Scimone and all the staff of Hospice of Yancey County as well as Kayla Ledford of Carolina Home Care for the wonderful care given to Jack during his illness. Yancey Funeral Service is serving the Ballew family.

Dennis L. Murphy

Age: 53

Address: Busick

Date of Death: February 20, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:    A native of Yancey County he was a son of Mary Ellen Briggs Murphy of Burnsville and the late Leon Murphy.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Murphy.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by 2 brothers, Bruce Murphy and wife Beverly of Spruce Pine, and Marty Murphy and wife Angie of Burnsville; a niece, Whitney Murphy and 2 nephews Brandon Murphy and Eric Honeycutt.  Funeral services will be held at 7:30pm Monday in the chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.  The Rev. Forrest Westall will officiate.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00am Tuesday in the Autrey Cemetery at South Estatoe Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30pm Monday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Clara Johnson Stafford

Age: 76

Address: U.S. Highway 19-E South in Newland

Date of Death: February 20, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born on January 15, 1934 and a native of Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Ballard and Faye Sluder Johnson. She was a member of the Yellow Mountain Baptist Church.  The funeral service for Mrs. Clara J. Stafford will be conducted on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Yellow Mountain Baptist Church. The Revs. Cass Buchanan and Johnny McCarty will officiate the services. Interment will be in the Yellow Mountain Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home.  Mrs. Clara Stafford is survived by her husband; Charlie Stafford of the home; two daughters; Lana Pitman and husband, Sherrill of Newland and Glenda Townsend and husband, David of Plumtree; one son; Nelson Stafford and wife, Debbie of Plumtree; four grandsons; Corey Pitman, David Townsend, Jr., Jesse Stafford, and Adam Stafford; one granddaughter; Lindsay Carver; one great grandson; Cobe Townsend; one great granddaughter; Tillie Carver; two sisters; Betty Stafford and husband, Lace of Plumtree and Claudia Aldridge of Atlanta, GA and a brother; Ballard Johnson, Jr. and wife, Jeanne of Canton, OH.

Leamon Phillips

Age: 84

Address: Little Creek

Date of Death: February 19, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Belle Whitson Phillips and the wife of Charles Phillips. She was also preceded in death by three sisters: Geneva Davis, Reba Hensley and Pearl Robinson and five brothers: Calvin, Conway, Howard, Walter and Joe Phillips. Leamon was a homemaker of the Baptist faith who loved to garden and cook, but mostly loved her family. Surviving are her loving husband of 65 years, Charles Phillips; seven daughters: Earlene Howell and husband, Arthur, of Louisiana, Janet Anders and husband, Bob, of Barnardsville, Judy Fox and husband, Glen, of Mooresboro, Sara Wright and husband, Darrell, of Burnsville, Mary Ann Laws and husband, Mack, of Green Mountain, Wanda Lee McPeters and husband, Red, of Pensacola, and Nina Ruth Miller and husband, Sammy, of South Toe; three sons: Fred, Gary Ray, and Edward Phillips, all of the home; one sister, Betty Elders of Newport News, VA; two brothers: Oscar Phillips of Thomasville and L.C. Phillips of Bartow, FL. Eighteen grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive. A private graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20th in the Bee Log Cemetery. Rev. Burl Ledford will officiate. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Phillips family

Jimmy Harris

Age: 74

Address: Asheville, N.C.

Date of Death: February 17, 2010

Arrangements: Anders-Rice Funeral Home (posting courtesy Yancey Funeral Service)

Details:   He was born in Yancey County but spent most of his life in Buncombe County. He retired from Victoria Nursing Center as a Department Supervisor. His wife Ruth of 35 years passed away from a long illness two years ago. He is also preceded in death by his son, Randy Long. He was one of six children and is survived by sisters, Marion, Carrie Mae and Darlene; son, Donald Long of Arden; daughter, Sandy Harris of Leicester; grandchildren, Tyler Harris, Shelia Long, Donald Long, Jr. and Donna Kay Lunsford; & great grandsons, Aaron and Austin Lunsford. “Jimmy” as all his family and many friends knew him by will be greatly missed. Jimmy never met a stranger and would go far out of his way to help anyone in need. He had many passions and a true zest for life which he shared with everyone around him. He loved motorcycles and was an avid passionate rider. He always took place in the yearly “Toys For Tots” motorcycle charity as well as others. He also loved automotive mechanicing and some have said he could fix most any vehicle - this he shared and enjoyed with his family - again, he will be greatly missed.  Funeral services will be held 4 P.M. Sunday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Furman Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home.

Ettie Miller Bennett

Age: 94

Address: Green Mountain, NC

Date of Death: February 17, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and was the daughter of the late John K. and Nettie Branch Miller. She was a homemaker.  Survivors include: sons, Manis Bennett and wife Brenda of Erwin, TN, Troy Bennett of Green Mountain, NC, Lloyd Bennett and wife Carolyn of Green Mountain, NC, daughter in law, Lavona Bennett of Green Mountain, NC, brother, Ike Miller of Green Mountain, NC, ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: husband, Richard Bennett, son, Maynard Bennett, sisters, Dollie Bennett and Venia Howell, brothers, Roy, Vester, Hansel, and Floyd Miller.  The family will receive friends Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 6:00 until 8:00PM at the Henline-Hughes Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 2:00PM in the Upper Pigeon Roost Freewill Baptist Church with David Garland and Marvin Silvers officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Bennett Cemetery on Pigeon Roost Road. Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Mitchell County, PO Box 38, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Susie K. Lingerfelt

Age: 54

Address: Asheville, N.C.

Date of Death: February 17, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   She was a homemaker. Surviving are her mother, Billie M. Garland of Asheville; two sons, Gerald Lingerfelt and Michael Lingerfelt both of Tennessee; two sisters, Patricia Anderson and Geraldine Anderson both of Asheville; one grandson, Michael Lingerfelt Jr. Graveside services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, February 18, 2010 in the Thomas Cemetery with the Rev. Phillip Garland officiating.

Lillian Styles Powell Young

Age: 95

Address: Burnsville, NC

Date of Death: February 17, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:    A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Delzie and Roxie Ray Styles. She was predeceased by her first husband: Albert C. Powell, of Statesville, and second husband: Edd Young, of Burnsville; brothers: Ray, Jess and Dee Styles; and, sisters: Ollie Young and Avis Young. Lillian was a registered nurse for forty-five years, having worked at Davis Hospital in Statesville.  Surviving are 2 sons: Bill Powell and wife, Joyce, of Charlotte and Paul Powell and wife, Robyn, of Raleigh; 2 step children: Lucy Wilson and Eddie Young, both of Burnsville; 5 grandchildren: Neal Powell and wife, Sandy, Emily Carroll and husband, Jon Paul, Sam, Jake and Sarah Powell; 2 step grandchildren: Sally and Charlie Wilson; 3 great grandchildren: Noah and Caroline Powell and Hannah Carroll; 2 step great grandchildren: Dakota and David; a sister: Helen Ramsey of Hickory; a sister-in-law: Nellie Styles of Burnsville; and, numerous nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at 12 o’clock noon Friday in Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church, of which she was a member. The Rev. Wes Sharp will officiate. Burial will be in Iredell Memorial Park in Statesville.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Darrell Dean Renfro

Age: 52

Address: Pendley Road, Spruce Pine (formerly of Burnsville)

Date of Death: February 16, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born on November 25, 1957, he was the son of the late Ike Renfro and Mary Jo Pendley Lominac. He was a Graduate of Harris High School, was an electrician, and was a member of the Beaver Creek Baptist Church.  Memorial services for Darrell Renfro will be conducted on Friday, February, 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Beaver Creek Baptist Church. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until the service hour at the church.  Mr. Darrell Renfro is survived by his wife; Deborah Phillips Renfro of Burnsville; daughters; Kristabell Kennedy of Burnsville and Jody Certain of Rock Hill, SC; son; Michael Shuman of Tallahasee, FL; Mother; Mary Jo Lominac and Step-Father; Bob of Spruce Pine; sister; Donna Renfro and husband, Charles of Bakersville; granddaughters; Crystal Shuman of Keystone, FL and Jae Kennedy of Burnsville; grandsons; C.J. Shuman of Keystone, FL and Job Kennedy of Burnsville; niece and nephew; Andrew and Sarah Renfro of Bakersville; several aunts and uncles.

Bonnie Huskins Young

Age: 95

Address: Seven Mile Ridge

Date of Death: February 16, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late James and Creed McNeil Young and the wife of Dewey Huskins, who passed away in 1986 and Jim Young, who passed away in 1992. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Ella Buchanan, a son, Bobby Huskins, and a grandson, Porter Robinson. Bonnie was a member of Fairview Baptist Church who was a homemaker and loved to garden, work in her flowers and to cook.
Surviving are three daughters: Ruth Hollifield and husband, Clarkston, Jr., Betty Robinson and husband, Leonard, and Lorraine Forbes, all of Seven Mile Ridge; a son, Bill Huskins of Seven Mile Ridge; two daughters-in-law: Nancy Huskins of Blue Rock and Lillian Huskins of South Toe; a son-in-law, Frank Buchanan of Crabtree; ten grandchildren: Neil Hollifield, Steve Robinson and John Robinson, Susan Hoilman, Debra Buchanan, Randy and Scott Forbes, Anne Marie Bivens, Mitchell Huskins and Aaron Huskins; eighteen great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a. m. on Saturday, February 20th in Fairview Baptist Church. Rev. Ken Hollifield will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Grandsons will be pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. on Friday at the church and at other times will be at her home. Memorial donations may be made to Fairview Baptist Church, 355 Cabbage Patch Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714 or to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Charlie Brown Road, Burnsville. Yancey Funeral Services is serving the Young family.

Gerald Emory Honeycutt

Age: 70

Address: Taylors, S.C.

Date of Death: February 15, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Daniel and Hazel Byrd Honeycutt. He was also preceded in death by a brother: Larry Dean Honeycutt. Gerald was a U.S. Army Veteran and a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper. He was a former employee of Save-A-Stop and was owner/operator of Green Acres Lawn Care.  Surviving are a daughter: Tammy Putman and husband, Boyce, of Taylors; 2 sons: Chris Honeycutt and wife, Beth, of Taylors and Chase Honeycutt of Greenville; grandchildren: Brock and Breana Putman, Cord and Clay Honeycutt, and grandson expected in March: Hendrixx Honeycutt; a sister: Janice Branton Blankenship of Burnsville; and, a brother: Robert Daniel Honeycutt and wife, Marie, of Taylors.  Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. Dean Honeycutt, II will officiate. Burial will be in the Youngs Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in his memory.

Kathryn Strom

Age: 91

Address: Altamont Community

Date of Death: February 15, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Knoxville, TN, she was a daughter of the late Chris S. and Willie Belle Johnston White. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her son, Ellis Aycock of Altamont. A graveside service will be held at 1 p. m. on Wednesday, February 17th in the Aycock Family Cemetery in Altamont.

Johnny Fender

Age: 77

Address: English Road, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: February 15, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  Born on January 24, 1933 in Yancey County, he was the son of the late Arlin and Connie Phillips Fender. He was preceded in death by a brother; Ray Fender; a sister; Wilma Wilson; and a step-son; Vance Hudgins. He was retired from The Feldspar Corporation of Spruce Pine.  The funeral service for Mr. Johnny Fender will be conducted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 7:00p.m. in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until the service hour in the funeral home chapel. Graveside services and interment will be in the Wyatt Cemetery on Lotties Creek at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Mr. Johnny Fender is survived by his wife; Margaret Fender of the home; a son; Dennis Fender of Old Fort; a daughter; Ann Wyatt of Micaville; step-sons; Butler Hudgins of Green Mountain and David Hudgins of Burnsville; a step-daughter; Norma Shepherd of Burnsville; a brother; Wayne Fender of Burnsville; a sister; Cathleen Shuford of Burnsville; eleven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Charles Black

Age: 93

Address: Three Quarter Creek, Burnsville

Date of Death: February 14, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late E. C. and Bertha Styles Black and husband of 56 years of Zoe Elizabeth Deyton Black who died in 1998. He was also preceded in death by a son: Alan Black; sisters: Helen Derby, Anne Penland, and Margarett Deyton and brothers: Hardy, John, Luther, and Ralph Black. Charles was baptized in Windom United Methodist Church, served in the CCC in Newton, NC, at Camp Little (No. NCSCS15) and retired as Personnel Manager from Glen Raven Mills with 37 years of service. He also farmed and was an avid gardener and Atlanta Braves fan.  Surviving are three daughters: Thanna Davis and husband, Jerry, of Green Mountain; Karen Howell and husband, James, of Asheville, with whom he had made his home since September; Mary Ann Elliott and husband, Jesse, of Burnsville; two sons: Ed Black and Alice of Asheville; Stuart Black and wife, Christy, of Old Fort; daughter-in-law: Marieka Black of Burnsville; four sisters: Grace Rogers of Leicester, Dorothy Deyton and Louise Silcox of Burnsville, and Virginia Joins of Newark, Delaware; 17 grandchildren: Crystal Middour, Tiffany McEntire, Laurin Buchanan, Jill Keenan, David Howell, Stacy Arnold, Emily Clifton, Everett, Caleb and Joshua Black, Maggie, Chelsea, Ben and Jake Elliott, Spencer, Mason and Cyrus Black; and 16 great-grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Tony Griffin will officiate. Burial will be in the Howell Cemetery on Patterson Branch.  The family will receive friends from Noon until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Juanita Crews

Age: 87

Address: Lake Placid, FL

Date of Death: February 13, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A memorial service for Mrs. Crews will be conducted at 10:00 am Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in the Grindstaff Memorial Chapel of Webb Funeral Home.

Bernece Wilson Edwards

Age: 72

Address: Bald Mountain Community

Date of Death: February 10, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of Foye Crowder Wilson of Bald Mountain and the late Woodrow Wilson. She was also preceded in death by two brothers: Ernest and Lawrence Wilson. Bernece retired from Quality Diecast in Warren, Michigan where she worked before moving back to Burnsville in 1982. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, doing quilting and crafts, and also enjoyed singing Gospel music and sang with a gospel quartet in Michigan. She was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Surviving in addition to her mother is her loving husband of 55 years, Clay Edwards of the home; one daughter, Tressia Ann Edwards and Fiancee, Randy McCurry of Burnsville; son, Gary Lee Edwards and wife, Sissy, also of Burnsville; five sisters: Wilma Johnson and husband, Jim, Wanda Johnson and husband, Bob, of Gainsboro, TN, Jewel Pierce of Byrds Town, TN, Carrol Crissone and husband, Clyde, of Burnsville and Betty Lou King, also of Burnsville; four brothers: Ray Wilson and wife, Cathy, of Cookville, TN, Woodrow Jr. Wilson and Charles Michael Wilson, both of Burnsville and Roger Dale Wilson of Asheville; ten grandchildren: Christy, Stephanie, Coty, Jenna, Randi, Scott, Sam, B.J., Justin and Gary Lee II, all of Burnsville; seven great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Jordyn, Danika, Dylan, Trey, Tagan and Carter.  Funeral Services will be held at 6 p. m. on Saturday, February 13th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Denny Wilson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p. m. on Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a. m. on Sunday in the Edwards Community Cemetery on Hoot Owl Road in Bald Mountain.  Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Memory Care, 856 George’s Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Ward Wesley Mathis

Age: 75

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: February 10, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Yancey County he was born February 23, 1934, a son of the late Roy Lee and Evie Belle McIntosh Mathis. He was also preceded in death by a brother Cedric ‘Junior’ Mathis. Ward was a US Army Veteran and a Mason.  He is survived by three children: Deborah A. Mathis of Asheville, R. Christopher Mathis of Weaverville and Jonathan W. Mathis and wife Jean of Asheville; a granddaughter, Amber Nicole Mathis of Candler, five sisters: Jewel Penland of Swannanoa, Mary Robinson of Burnsville, Marie Ferguson of Jonesborough, TN, Hannah Neighbors of Hamlet, NC and Louise Young of Burnsville; three brothers, Edd Mathis of Hickory, Wayne Mathis of Jacksonville, NC and Ted Mathis of Asheville; the mother of his sons, Ann Mathis of Weaverville; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Ward spent most of his 40+ year professional career in the grocery business – first as a butcher and store manager with Colonial Stores, and then as a store manager, district manager and opening specialist with Bi-Lo Supermarkets.  Ward was also a beloved husband, father, grandfather, farmer, horseman, fisherman, animal lover, softy, friend, and entertainer. He made friends wherever he went and no person was a stranger to him. Any time you visited he always seemed ready to fix steaks on the grill. Ward touched the lives of many people in his almost 76 years of life. He will be greatly missed.   Ward’s family will welcome friends and celebrate his life from 2 to 3:30 pm Sunday, February 14 at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. A brief memorial service will follow at 3:30pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ward’s memory to Elk Shoal Baptist Church in Burnsville (the church in which he grew up) or to the First Baptist Church of Weaverville (where he was a member most of his adult life).

Bill Burleson

Age: 62

Address: Greenwood Road, Spruce Pine

Date of Death: February 9, 2010

Arrangements: Webb Funeral Home

Details:  A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of Fred O. Burleson and the late Jean Ellis Burleson.  He was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher for the Men's Class and a Trustee.  He was the President of Cardinal Insurance Company, and was dedicated to several civic and service organizations.  In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Burleson.  In addition to his father, Fred O. Burleson and wife Lucille of Spruce Pine, he is survived by his wife Jeannie Britt Burleson of the home, a son, Freddy Burleson and wife Stacie of Burnsville, a daughter, Beth Satterfield and husband Scott of Miami, FL, grandchildren; Britt, Cole and Jace Burleson and Bryce, Isaac and Alli Satterfield.  He is also survived by a brother, Roger Burleson and wife Nancy of Spruce Pine.  Funeral services for Mr. Burleson will be conducted at 3:00pm Friday February 12th 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 1:00pm until the service hour at the church.  In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made to the Youth Program of Bear Creek Baptist Church, 327 Bear Creek Church Road, Bakersville, NC 28705.

John D. "J.D." Silvers

Age: 84

Address: Riverside Community

Date of Death: February 9, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was the son the late Arthur and Grace McAllister Silvers. John was a former police officer for the Town of Burnsville and a WWII Marine Corps veteran. He was a member of the D.A.V Chapter #57. He was an outdoor enthusiast and loved hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed helping others. J.D. attended Riverside Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Bessie Silvers; a son, Billy Joe and wife Lillian Silvers of Burnsville; two sisters, Hattie Atkins of Morganton and Helen Evans of Burnsville; two brothers, James Silvers of Shelby and Charles Silvers of Burnsville; a special brother-in-law, Ward Silvers of Burnsville. John is also survived by several nieces and nephews including special niece, Sandra and husband Albert Kosderka of Green Mountain. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, February 12, 2010 at Yancey Funeral Service. Rev. Marvin Silvers will officiate. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home and other times will be at the home. Burial will be 1:00 pm on Saturday in the Academy cemetery.

Robert Lee Pittman

Age: 67

Address: Aspen Lane, Bakersville

Date of Death: February 8, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  He was a Native of Mitchell County, NC and the son of the late Thomas and Ora Buchanan Pittman. He was self employed as a Carpenter and was a Veteran of The United States Army where he served 18 months in the Dominican Republic. He was a Graduate of Bowman High School Class of 1960, and he attended Snow Hill Baptist Church. Survivors include: wife, Jane McKinney Pittman, of the home, daughter, Lora Anthony, and husband Larry, of Johnson City, TN, son, Robert Alan Pittman, of Bakersville, NC, sisters, Hattie Zell Rathbone, of Spruce Pine, NC, Rose Ann Ledford, of Bakersville, NC, and Carolyn Birchfield, of Unicoi, TN, brothers, Henry Pittman, of Hickory, NC, James Pittman, of Bakersville, NC, and Joe Pittman, of Spruce Pine, NC, two grandchildren, Sara, and Zakary. He was preceded in death by: brothers, Glenn, and Stokes, sisters, Brenda Pittman, and Parvell Hughes. The family will receive friends Friday, February 12, 2010 from 6:30 until 8:30 PM in Henline Hughes Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 1:00PM in Snow Hill Baptist Church with Marvin Hensley, Dean Honeycutt, and Adam Brewer officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Cane Creek Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Snow Hill Baptist Church c/o Teddy Willis 308 Wing Rd Bakersville, NC 28705, or Hospice of Mitchell County PO Box 38 Spruce Pine NC 28777.

Jean Hughes Brandon

Age: Not Given

Address: Formerly of Burnsville

Date of Death: February 8, 2010

Arrangements: Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home

Details:   (Updates in bold) She was a daughter of the late Shelton and Lois McCurry Hughes. Jean was a member of First Baptist Church Concord and the Willing Workers Sunday School class. Jean was a loving wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne (W.C.) Brandon.  Surviving are her daughters: Vicky and Cheryl Brandon, both of Knoxville; and special friends: Ed Singletary and Ruth Weeks.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Click Funeral Home, Farragut Chapel, with Rev. Steve Peek officiating. Funeral services are postponed and will be posted at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Missions Ministry, 11704 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934.

Hoover Johnson

Age: 81

Address: Burnsville

Date of Death: February 7, 2010

Arrangements: Yancey Funeral Service

Details:   A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Fred and Creasy Higgins Johnson. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Wayne Johnson and Titus Johnson. Hoover was a very active member of Cane River Baptist Church. He was a logger, farmer and a merchant who retired from the Yancey County School System as a custodian at Mountain Heritage High School and he loved listening to gospel music, reading his bible, gardening, mowing his lawn, but most of all he loved his family and his church. Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Estella Whitson Johnson; a daughter, Mary Frances and husband Clyde Turner of Micaville; sisters, Verlyn “Peggy” and husband Lewis Westall of the Beaver Lake community, Margaret English of Weaverville and Chloe Swilley of Saradoa, Fl.; two granddaughters: Beth and husband, Rev. Shane Cassida of Micaville, and Anne Turner of Woodfin; two great grandchildren, Ian and Eli Cassida. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in Cane River Baptist Church. Pastor Shane Cassida will officiate. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church and at other times will be at the home. Burial will be 1:00 pm Thursday in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Cane River Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, c/o Donald Angel, PO Box 1446, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Lena Hoilman Garland

Age: 86

Address: Rockdale Road, Bakersville

Date of Death: February 5, 2010

Arrangements: Henline-Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  She was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Claude and Minnie Webb Hoilman. She was a homemaker, a member of Big Rock Creek Baptist Church, and a member of the Fork Mountain Fire and Rescue.  Survivors include: daughters, Sandra G. Depew and Vicki G. Garland of Bakersville, NC, sons, Samuel Lee Garland and wife Phyllis of Bakersville, NC, Floyd Garland and wife Jeannene of Bakersville, NC, sisters, Maxine Greene and Martha Johnson of Bakersville, NC, and Georgia Elkins of Monkton, MD, grandchildren, Christie McCurry, Angela Honeycutt, Rebecca Garland, Samantha Anderson, Jessica Williams, Seth Lee Garland, and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Garland, brothers, Claude Hoilman Jr., Grover Hoilman, and Kenneth Hoilman, sister, Beulah Kate Hoilman. Funeral services will be held, Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 7:00PM in the Chapel of Henline Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville, NC. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. William Ellis and Darren Williams will be officiating the service. Interment will be Monday, February 8, 2010 at 1:00PM in the Garland Family Cemetery on Rockdale Road.  Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Mitchell County, PO Box 38, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777.

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