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Avery, Watauga Obituaries – March 18, 2015

Louise Gay Woodie, D. March 17, 2015

Louise Gay Woodie, 86 of Linville Falls, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Watauga Medical Center.

Survivors include her children, Sherri Hobson of Linville Falls, Gilda Mervine of Lincolnton, and Perry Woodie of Newland.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 21, at the Higher Ground Church of God in Pineola. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will follow in the Jonas Ridge Cemetery.

Boyd K. Miller (April 1, 1926 – March 17, 2015) 

Boyd K. Miller, 88, of Dreamfield Lane, Lenoir, a native and former resident of Watauga County, passed away Tuesday morning, March 17, 2015, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir.

Mr. Miller was born April 1, 1926 in Deep Gap, North Carolina, a son of the late Joseph Grant Miller and Ida M. Watson Miller. He was a retired cattle farmer and truck driver, and was a member of Crossroad Baptist Church in Lenoir.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Martha Miller of the home; two step-daughters, Lynette Reece of Deep Gap and Tammy Miller of Lenoir; one step son, Randall Reece of Creston; one step-granddaughter, Harley McLelland of Deep Gap; one brother, Homer Miller and wife Betty of Lenoir; three sisters, Nell M. Greene of Lenoir, Peggy M. Calvin of Chester, South Carolina, and Joyce M. Rhymer and husband Stewart of Deep Gap. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Hodges Miller, four sisters Tois Miller Hampton, Lois Miller Young, Chloe Miller Hodges and Clara Miller Hodges, two brothers Charles and Herbert Miller, and an infant sister.

Funeral services for Boyd K. Miller will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 19, 2015 at 2:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:00 until 2:00, prior to the service. Officiating will be Reverend Gurnie Robbins. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 12:00 until 2:00, at Hampton Funeral Service, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street N.W., Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.

The family respectfully requests no food.

Online condolences may be sent to the Miller family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Alice “Polly” Wall (July 29, 1916 – March 17, 2015) 

Mrs. Alice “Polly” Pilcher Wall, 98, of Blairmont Drive, Boone, mother of Carolyn Taylor, passed away Tuesday evening, March 17, 2015, at Blowing Rock Extended Care in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Wall are incomplete at this time.

Online condolences may be sent to the Wall Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Josephine Turbyfill Brewer (Aug. 23, 1929 – March 16, 2015)

Josephine-Brewer-1426530007
Brewer

Josephine Turbyfill Brewer, 85, of Newland passed away on March 16, 2015 at The Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Wintson-Salem, NC.

A native of Avery County, she was born Aug. 23, 1929 a daughter of the late James and Lockie Guy Turbyfill. She was a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Newland and enjoyed reading, planting flowers, gardening, and doing laundry.

Along with her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her: husband, Thomas Brewer; daughters, Barbara Jean Hartley, Patricia Ann Stamey, Pamela Joan Brewer; sisters, Betty McMahon, Gertrude Winebarger, Flossie Smith; brothers, Ernest, Howard, Harry Lee, and Raymond Turbyfill.

Josephine has left to cherish her memory her: daughters, Kathy McKinney, and her husband, Danny, of Newland, Jeanette Coffey, and her husband, Dean, of Banner Elk; sons, Tommy Brewer, and his wife, Lorraine, of Black Mountain, Jimmy Brewer, and his girl friend, Janice Hopson, of Cranberry; sisters, Francis Gouge of Cranberry, Gladys Presswood, and husband, John, of Banner Elk; brother, Clay Turbyfill of Morganton; ten grandchildren; twenty seven great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild

Funeral services for Josephine Turbyfill Brewer will be conducted on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Ingham officiating. Interment will follow in the Cranberry Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 17, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Karen G. Shanefelt (Aug. 31, 1960 – March 16, 2015) 

Karen Griffin Shanefelt of Todd passed away peacefully at her home after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

She is survived by her beloved husband Keith of the home. She is also survived by her brother, Glenn, cousins Andy, Billy, Jimmy and uncle Joe, all of New York.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, Boone. Following the service a luncheon celebrating her life will be held at her home.

Memorials may be made to Medi-Home Hospice of Boone, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Online condolences may be shared with the Shanefelt family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Shanefelt family.

David M. Warren (July 12, 1937 – March 16, 2015) 

Mr. David Maston Warren, 77, of N.C. 105 Bypass, Boone passed away Monday evening, March 16, 2015 at Life Care Center in Banner Elk.

Warren
Warren

Born July 12, 1937 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Joe and Floy Trivette Warren. David was a member of Willow Valley Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for many years. He was an avid fisherman and a US Navy veteran, having served during the Korean War. David was a licensed barber for 54 years.

He is survived by his children, David Warren and wife Julie of Boone, Wayne Warren of Zionville, Brenda Cornell and husband Tommy of Vilas and Sandra Warren of Morganton, six grandchildren; Blaine Cornell, Alisha Cornell, Dwayne Warren, Caleb, Zack and Jonathan Young, four step grandchildren, Linsey, Jordan, Tyler and Bailey Messenkoph, one sister, Helen Warren of Boone, one brother, Roy Warren and wife Helen of Sugar Grove, one sister-in-law, Jeanette Barkley of Waco, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Shelby Warren and one brother, Charles Albert Warren.

Funeral services for Mr. David Maston Warren will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 19th at 2 oclock at the Willow Valley Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Ray Greene and Rev. Michael Greene. Burial with military honors provided by American Legion Post 130 will follow in the Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Brandon Greer, 436 Clark Swift Road, Vilas, NC 28692 or to Watauga County Project on Aging Meals on Wheels, 132 Poplar Grove Connector Road, Boone, NC 28607.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the Warren family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory

Gregory K. Harmon (October 07, 1983 – March 14, 2015) 

Harmon
Harmon

Gregory Keith Harmon, 31, of Highway 321, Sugar Grove, passed away Saturday, March 14th, 2015.

Gregory was born October 7, 1983 in Watauga County. He was a member of the Beech Valley Baptist Church, and was a self-employed carpenter. Gregory was a great dad who, above all, loved his children. His passion was spending time with Jacob, Josh and Amber. He enjoyed riding bikes with the kids, and spending time out-doors fishing and hunting.

Gregory is survived by his three children, Jacob, Josh and Amber Harmon, all of Boone; mother, Sherry Gregg Harmon of Butler, Tennessee; and father, Keith Harmon of Sugar Grove.

Graveside services and burial will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2015, at 4 oclock at the Harmon Family Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Chad Cole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family, in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home, to assist with expenses.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Harmon family.

Mrs. Margaret Garland (March 26, 1928 – March 14, 2015)

Garland
Garland

Margaret Hayes Garland, 86, of Elk Park, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2015.

A native of Avery County, she was a daughter of the late Floyd and Hattie Winters Hayes. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Roan Mountain, where she had served as a Sunday School Teacher for the children’s class.

Mrs. Garland was a kind and generous woman who made those around her feel good about life and themselves. A lady who was dedicated to her community, she volunteered at Roan Highlands Nursing Home, at the Avery County Shrine Club and for the Cranberry Corporation. She was deeply involved in the Eastern Star and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Avery County Rescue Squad. She enjoyed being in her garden and fishing.

She retired from the Johnson Law Firm in Newland after many years serving as the Estate Clerk.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Garland, Jr., brothers, Harold, Buster, and Ben Hayes.
A loving mother and grandmother, she leaves behind to cherish her memory, her sons, Eddie Garland, and his wife, Carol, of Cranberry, Bob Garland, and his wife, Donna, of Elk Park; grandchildren, Jamie Garland and Lisa , Amy Garland, Jason Stewart, John Stewart, Jodi Garland; Great Grandchildren, T. J. Banner, Dustin Garland, and Bryce Stewart. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and wonderful friends who made her life better.

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Garland will be held on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with the Rev. Lonnie Barnes officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until the service hour Monday evening at the funeral home. At other times, they will be at Bob and Donna’s home.

Interment will be in the Happy Valley Memorial Park in Elizabethton, Tenn. Memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657 or to the Avery County Shrine Club.

Virginia D. Baker (Nov. 17, 1924 – March 12, 2015) 

Baker
Baker

Virginia Denny Baker, 90, of Aho Road, Blowing Rock, passed away.

Thursday evening, March 12, 2015 at Watauga Medical Center. Born Nov. 17, 1924 in Avery County, she was a daughter of James Fulton and Flora Rowe Denny. For many years she was an active member of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock, and was a long-time volunteer at the Budget Box at Blowing Rock Hospital. She also held membership in Hope Chapter #1 of the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Baker is survived by her daughter, Vivian Richards and husband, Larry, of Boone; son, James Edward Jimmy Baker and wife, Sheree, of Asheville; four grandchildren, Robby Baker and wife Brook and Bradley Baker and fiance, Caroline Keck, all of Asheville, Carrie Richards Phillips and husband, Todd, and Travis Richards, all of Boone; great-grandsons, Chance and Chase Phillips; and her brother, John Denny of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Edward Baker; brothers, Bynum and Edward Denny; sister, Ruth Kelly; and grandson, Jason Scott Richards.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m. at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Charlie Landreth. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 until 3 p.m., prior to services, at the church. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Shriners Children Hospital, in care of Randy Vines, 1005 George Wilson Rd., Boone, NC 28607, or to Caldwell Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Baker family.

Richard M. Park (Sept. 12, 1950 – March 12, 2015) 

Park
Park

Richard M. Park, age 64 of Endwell, New York, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 12, 2015. He was born on Sept. 12, 1950 in Sayre, PA to Merle R. Park and Marquerite Peg Wandell Young. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol.

Richard served in the US Navy aboard the USS Fiske from 1969 to 1973. He retired from the State of New York Department of Transportation as one of their best generator and heavy equipment mechanics. He was an educated and excellent graphic artist having been offered a job with Disney during the making of The Little Mermaid. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, travelled to numerous parts of the world, and studied in-depth the work and theories of Nikola Tesla.

Richard is survived by his loving step-daughter, Marty Wilson; step-son Stacey Miller and wife, Leigh; granddaughters Tiana Wilson and Lizzie Miller; grandsons Thomas Wilson and Casey and wife Charity Miller; great-granddaughters Allena and Cora Miller, all of Boone, NC; his sister Winnifred Beattie and husband, Jim of Bear, DE; his brother George R. Miers and wife, Carmella of Norristown, PA, and his brother George Crowell of Sayre, PA; nieces Lisa Baker, Karen Miers, Jennifer Logan, Joanna and Jenna Crowell; and nephews George D. Miers and Jimmy Crowell. Other survivors include special friends Dink and Kimberly Miller of Boone, NC.

Richard was a devoted husband and grandfather. He loved his family and was always willing to offer his wisdom and encouragement to everyone. Richard will be remembered for his humorous stories, his immense knowledge of all things relating to power and electronics, his positive attitude, and his persistent laugh even in the face of adversity. He was a blessing to all who met him and will be dearly missed.

Funeral Services will be conducted Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 4:00pm at Meat Camp Baptist Church. Military honors, provided by American Legion Post #130, will follow at the church. Memorial donations in Richards name may be made to Meat Camp Baptist Church, Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Disabled Veterans of America, or any charity of choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the Park family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Park family.

Christine Murdock Widener (Nov. 19, 1943 – March 12, 2015)

Christine Murdock Widener, 71, of Todd Railroad Grade Road, Todd, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 12, 2015, at her residence.

WidenerMrs. Widener is survived by her husband of 51 years, Cecil Wilburn Widener, of the home; one daughter, Jennifer Chandler and husband Ray, of Advance, North Carolina; one son, Paul Widener, of the home; three granddaughters, Jackie Stutts and husband Justin, of Lexington, North Carolina, Christina and Kylie Chandler both of Advance, North Carolina; her mother, Ora Barnett Murdock, of Bakersville, North Carolina; one sister, Carolyn Pendley and husband Danny, of Morganton, North Carolina; and one brother, Phil Murdock and wife Theresa, of Gainesville, Florida. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Walter Washington Murdock, one brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Linda Murdock.

Funeral services for Mrs. Christine Widener will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 14, 2015, at 3:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 3:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Homer Murdock and Reverend David Cooper will officiate.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 1:00 til 3:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

Graveside services and burial will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 15, 2015, at 3:00 o’clock, at Lily Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Bakersville, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to South Fork Baptist Church Bus Fund, P.O. Box 27, Todd, North Carolina, 28684.

Online condolences may be sent to the Widener family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Lessie Greene White (June 7, 1920 – March 12, 2015)

White
White

Mrs. Lessie Greene White, 94, from Boone, widow of Robert “Bob” White, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2015 at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Mrs. White was born June 7, 1920, a daughter of the late James and Ethel Greene.

Mrs. White is survived by one son, Richard White, of Mountain City, Tennessee; one grandson, Travis White of Butler, Tennessee; one granddaughter, Shannon Snuggs and husband Chris of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina; one great-grandson, Mack White of Butler, Tennessee; one daughter-in-law, Nadine White, of Greensville, North Carolina; two step-granddaughters, Monica Hampton Allsbrook and husband Richard of Greensville, North Carolina, and Vonda Hampton and husband Kevin McCusker of Herndon, Virginia; three step-great-grandchildren, Julia and Jackson Allsbrook of Greensville, North Carolina and Avery McCusker, of Herndon, Virginia; and one sister, Lee Watson of Hickory, North Carolina.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” White, one son, Roderick “Roddy” White, two sisters, Lillian Moretz and Betty Watson, and two brothers, Earl and Cecil Greene.

Funeral services for Lessie Greene White will be conducted Monday, March 16, 2015, at 11:00 o’clock at Grace Lutheran Church. The body will lie in state at the church from 10:00 ’til 11:00, prior to the service. Officiating will be Reverend Derek Boggs. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 7:00 until 8:00 at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 115 East King Street, Boone, North Carolina 28607 or to the Masonic & Eastern Star Home, 700 Holden Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27407.

Online condolences may be sent to the White family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Steve W. Winebarger (Feb. 28, 1948 – March 11, 2015)

Winebarger
Winebarger

Steve W. Winebarger, 67, of Meat Camp Road, Boone, passed away Wednesday evening, March 11, 2015, at his residence.

Steve is survived by his wife, Violet Winebarger of the home; one son, Richard Winebarger of Boone; his mother, Lucy Greene Winebarger of Boone; two sisters, Helen Bledsoe and husband Johnny of Mocksville, and Rachel Townsend and husband Dana of Lenoir, and two brothers, John Winebarger of Boone and Jerry Winebarger and wife Barbara of Lenoir. He is also survived by four grandchildren, three aunts, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Luther Winebarger, Sr.; two sisters, Barbara Ann Reese and Mary Sue Winebarger; two brothers, Albert Luther Winebarger, Jr. and Joseph Winebarger; two sisters-in-law, Betty Winebarger and Muriel Winebarger, and one brother-in-law, Gene Reese.

Funeral services for Mr. Steve W. Winebarger will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 15, 2015, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Jerry Moretz and Reverend Brian Cornell. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 12:00 until 2:00, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the Winebarger family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Muriel Moretz Winebarger (April 23, 1934 – March 10, 2015)

Muriel Moretz Winebarger, 80, of Meat Camp Road, Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, March 10, 2015, at Watauga Medical Center.

Winebarger
Winebarger

Mrs. Winebarger was born April 23, 1934 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Ronda Carl Moretz and Hollie Mae Miller Moretz. She retired after forty years employment as a resistor installer from IRC/TRW. She was a member, secretary and treasurer of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Winebarger is survived by her husband, John C. Winebarger of the home; one daughter, Kathy Riggan of Boone; one son, Jeff L. Winebarger and wife Debra of Boone; two granddaughters, Kelly Lincoln and husband Lucas of Millers Creek, and Regina Painter and husband Steve of Waynesville; four grandsons, Jason Miller, Douglas Winebarger, Charles Winebarger and Cody Webb, all of Boone; two great-grandsons, Triton Clay Lincoln of Millers Creek, and Coleman Painter of Waynesville; two sisters, Judy Dollar of Vilas, and Jane Reece and husband Forest of Valle Crucis; one brother, Len Moretz and wife Janet of Boone; her mother-in-law, Lucy Winebarger of Boone and a sister-in-law, Gloria Moretz of Glade Springs, Virginia. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Jerry Wayne Riggan and William Carl Miller; one sister, Dora Moretz; two brothers, R.C. and Alan Moretz; one sister-in-law, Lydia Moretz; and two brothers-in-law, Clarence Dollar and Alonzo Moretz.

Funeral services for Muriel Moretz Winebarger will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 12, 2015, at 2:00 o’clock, at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Brian Cornell and Reverend Jerry Moretz. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service. At other times, friends may call at the home of the daughter, Kathy Riggan, 2549 Meat Camp Road, Boone.

Online condolences may be sent to the Winebarger family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Len Moretz, 215 Len Moretz Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.