1000 x 90

Avery, Watauga Obituaries – Dec. 15, 2015

Helen Bowles Huff (Sept. 30, 1932
- Dec. 14, 2015)

3521802_wlppHelen Virginia Bowles Huff, 83, of Boone, NC died peacefully December 14, 2015 at Watauga Medical Center surrounded by family.

The youngest of nine, she was born September 30, 1932 in Boone to the late Cloyd Clayton Bowles and Maggie Story Bowles.

Always a hard worker, Helen grew up on a large family dairy farm in Boone and graduated from Appalachian High School. She was a lover of all things simple– being a homemaker, cooking, canning, candy making, quilting, gardening and spending time with family and close friends. She always had a fun loving sense of humor and shared humor even in her sickest hours. She was known to be resilient, tenacious, kind hearted, giving, loyal and of strong faith.

Some of her greatest joy came from being “Mimi” to her 2 grandchildren. She was a retired employee of Watauga Medical Center and a founding member of Deerfield United Methodist Church. 

She is survived by one daughter, Donna Huff Naylor and husband Dwayne Naylor, two grandchildren, Mackenzie (15) and Zachary (14) Naylor, all of Raleigh, NC. One brother, Burl Bowles and wife Lola of Lexington, NC, and several loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Ruby Critcher, Ruth Eggers, Alma Hartley, and Mary Kochheiser; two brothers, Dean Bowles, and June Bowles; her former husband of 34 years, Burl Huff and most recently; two special nieces Nancy Frost and Rhea Harris both of Boone, NC.

Funeral services for Helen B. Huff will be conducted Friday afternoon, December 18th, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Burl Greer and Rev. Virginia Purifoy. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. 

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to MediHome Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation, Watauga Medical Center and Medi Home Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to the Huff family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Betty F. Robinson (April 22, 1938 – Dec. 14, 2015)

Mrs. Betty Ruth Foster Robinson, 77, of Beaver Dam Road, Vilas, passed away Monday afternoon, December 14, 2015 at her home. Born April 22, 1938 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Herbert and Blanche Miller Foster. Betty was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church where she also taught Sunday School. She was a retired seamstress from Belk’s. Betty enjoyed sewing and was an avid reader.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Robinson, four children; Tina Robinson Trivette and husband Gary of Vilas, Gail Robinson Miller and husband Larry of Granite Falls, Timothy Robinson of Boone and Cassie Robinson Sheets and husband James of Hudson, four grandchildren, Aubrey and Annalise Miller, Draven and Elijah Sheets, and one sister, Diana Harper of Smithfield. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one sister, Bonnie Greene and two grandchildren, Avery Miller and Addison Younger.

Funeral services for Mrs. Betty Ruth Foster Robinson will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Beaver Dam Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Keith Brown. The body will lie in state at the church from 1 until 2 o’clock. Burial will follow in the Robinson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 o’clock until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

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

John Arnel Hicks (Jan. 20, 1932
- Dec. 13, 2015)

Mr. John Arnel Hicks, 83, of 447 Marion Thomas Road, Zionville, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2015 at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation.

Mr. Hicks was born January 20, 1932 in Watauga County, a son of the late Martin Levi Hicks and Viney H. Hicks. He was a retired employee of the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan, and a member of Union Baptist Church.

Mr. Hicks is survived by one daughter, Debbie H. Thomas and husband Joe, of Zionville, two sons, Danny Wayne Hicks and wife Jill and James Michael Hicks and wife Sue, all of Michigan, two sisters, Linda Lou Ward and husband Hill of Sugar Grove, Lois Carswell and husband Buddy of Newland and one brother, Lee Hicks and wife Wilma of Newland and eight grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Inadell Gambrell Hicks; one daughter, Brenda H. Lauritsen, and six sisters.

Funeral services for Mr. John A. Hicks will be conducted Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 11:00 O’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Pastor Tom Brown will officiate. Interment will follow in Hicks Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 until 11:00, one hour prior to the service at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the Hicks family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Kristiana Anne Young (July 2, 1984
Died: Dec. 11, 2015)

3520068_wlppKristiana Anne Young, age 31, of Radio Hill, West Jefferson, passed away Friday, December 11, 2015, at her home.

Kristiana was born July 2, 1984 in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, a daughter of Doris Phillips and Danny Wagner. She was a former sales clerk for CVS Pharmacy and a member of Warrensville Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Kristiana is survived by her son, Damian DeStio of Fletcher, North Carolina; her daughter, Trinity Young of Lansing; her mother, Doris Phillips and husband Herman of Jefferson; her father, Danny Wagner of Huntsville, Alabama; one sister, Fawn Young of Waxhaw; one brother, Joey Phillips of West Jefferson, and her maternal grandmother, Dee Michalski of Atlanta. She is also survive by one niece and one nephew.

Memorial services for Kristiana Anne Young will be conducted Sunday evening, December 13, 2015, at 6:00 o’clock, at Warrensville Seventh Day Adventist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Kevin Morgan.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her children’s education fund, in care of Doris Phillips, 7002 US Highway 221 North, Jefferson, North Carolina, 28640.

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

Caleb Lance Johnson (May 16, 1993
- Dec. 10, 2015)

Caleb Lance Johnson, age 22, of 212 Park Road, Banner Elk, the Foscoe Community, passed away Thursday, December 10, 2015.

Caleb
Caleb

Caleb was born May 16, 1993 in Watauga County, a son of Sonny “Buck” Johnson, Jr. and the late Evelyn Shook Johnson. He was full of life, while possessing a gentle soul. Caleb loved making people laugh. He loved hiking with his beloved dog Lucy, fly fishing, and snowboarding. Caleb was a member of Watauga Baptist Church.

Caleb is survived by his father, Buck Johnson and his companion, Betsy Crisco and her daughter Megan, all of Newland; one brother, Seth Johnson of Banner Elk, and his paternal grandmother, Elsie Johnson of Newland. He is also survived by numerous aunts and uncles, including David and Lucy Shook of the Foscoe Community, and cousins. 

Funeral services for Caleb Lance Johnson will be conducted Monday afternoon, December 14, 2015, at 2:00 o’clock, at Watauga Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend R.D. Watson and Reverend Toby Oliver. Burial will follow in the Watauga Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Watauga Baptist Church. At other times, friends may call at the home of the brother, 212 Park Road, Banner Elk, NC

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Johnson family, in care of Seth Johnson, 212 Park Road, Banner Elk, North Carolina, 28604.

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

 

Charlotte Sutherland Stanley (March 14, 1911 – Dec. 10, 2015)

Mrs. Charlotte Sutherland Stanley, 104, of 250 Edgewood Drive, Boone, passed away Thursday evening, December 10, 2015 at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living. Born on March 14, 1911 in Watauga County, she was the daughter of Charles C. and Addie Louise Shull Sutherland. Mrs. Stanley was a graduate of Appalachian State Teachers College and taught 39 years in the public schools of NC.

Stanley
Stanley

In 1939, she married the late James A. Stanley of Warrensville. They lived in the Baldwin Community where she taught in the Ashe County School System. In 1954, they moved to Robbinsville where she taught school and the late Mr. Stanley served as principal of the Robbinsville High School and later as superintendent of Graham County Schools. They made their home in Boone in 1963, where she taught at Hardin Park School and was a mentor for many student teachers from Appalachian State.

She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Lynn Latta and husband, Dr. E. Michael of Raleigh; one son, James Charles Stanley and wife, Denise of Boone; grandchildren, Dr. Stanley Michael Latta of Cary, Rev. Patrick Ray Latta and wife, Julie of Newnan, GA, James Sutherland Stanley and Sarah Louise Stanley, both of Boone; great-grandchildren, James Michael Latta and Margie Joy Latta, both of Newnan, GA; sister, Mrs. Joyce Davis and niece, Cathy Davis of Boone.

Mrs. Stanley was a devout Christian, a lifelong educator, an avid reader of non-fiction, an artist and a great cook. She enjoyed traveling with one of the highlights being the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.

Services for Mrs. Stanley will be conducted Thursday morning, December 17, 2015, at 11 oclock at the Boone United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. David Hockett, Rev. Jeff McClain and Rev. Patrick Latta. The family will receive friends following services in the chapel of Boone United Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boone United Methodist Women Education Scholarship Fund at PO Box 3702, Boone, NC 28607.

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

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

Barbara Dellinger Forbes (July 13, 1940 – Dec. 9, 2015)

Forbes
Forbes

Barbara Dellinger Forbes , age 75, of Newland passed away on December 9, 2015 at Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital .

A native of Avery County, she was born July 13, 1940 a daughter of the late Elva Dellinger.

She was a graduate of Appalachian State University and was a member of the Altamont United Methodist Church.

Along with her mother, Barbara was preceded in death by her: husband, Donald Forbes; sister, Sue V. Franklin; and a grandson, Justin Daniels.

Barbara has left to cherish her memory her: son, Vaughn Daniels, and his wife, Susie, of Newland; brothers, Bill Dellinger of Phoenix, AZ, Calvin Vance of Newland; sister, Janice Brewer of Newland; grandson, Joey Daniels of Newland.

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

Lois Oliver Thomas (Jan. 19, 1940
- Dec. 8, 2015)

3516630_wlppLois Oliver Thomas of Zionville, age 75, beloved wife of 55 years of J. Lawrence Thomas, daughter of the late Reverend Barney Lee Oliver and Mrs. June Younce Oliver, passed on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Carolinas Medical Center, due to congestive heart and kidney failure.

She retired from Mountain Farm Credit. As a banker, her word and handshake were her trademark. Mrs. Thomas was a proud graduate of Cove Creek High School. She was a member of Union Baptist Church, where she served as long-time pianist for 61 years. She was also a dedicated Sunday School Teacher for over 44 years. Mrs. Thomas was also an active member of Baptist Women.

She is survived by her husband, J. Lawrence Thomas, of the home, son Daren L. Thomas of Washington, DC, daughter Paula T. Hicks, son-in-law Bobby D. Hicks, granddaughters Lindsay T. Hicks and Abby M. Hicks of Vilas; daughter Denise T. Smith, son-in-law Michael D. Smith, grandsons Dylan M. Smith and Luke T. Smith of Sugar Grove. Mrs. Thomas is also survived by sisters Libby O. Warren and the Reverend Bill G. Warren; Connie O. Shore and Alton E. Shore, brother Bud Oliver and Faye B. Oliver. She is also survived by brother-in-law Albert J. Thomas and Jewel P. Thomas, Sisters-in-laws Francis T. Phillips and Joseph Phillips, and Hilda T. Wilson and Sonny Wilson. Mrs. Thomas had many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law Clay W. and Wilmetta E. Thomas.

Funeral services for Lois Oliver Thomas will be conducted Friday afternoon, December 11, 2015 at 2:00 o’clock at Union Baptist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Derick Wilson, Reverend Vernon Eller, and Reverend Bill Warren. Burial will follow in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening , December 10, 2015 at Union Baptist Church, from 6:00 until 9:00 o’clock.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that contributions be made to Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Roxanna Miller, 802 North Fork Road, Zionville, North Carolina 28698 or Cove Creek High School Class of 1958 Scholarship Fund c/o J.B. Townsend, 1159-1 Bamboo Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

The family would like to especially thank the many Doctors, Nurses and Caregivers that so beautifully watched over their loved one in Boone, Blowing Rock and Charlotte. 

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

Floyd Marshall Ward (Jan. 20, 1931 – Dec. 7, 2015)

Floyd Marshall Ward, age 84, of Northside Drive, Sugar Grove, the Laurel Creek community, passed away Monday evening, December 7, 2015 at the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

BigWard, FloydBorn January 20, 1931 in Watauga County, he was a son of Vance Presnell and Sarah Melinda Ward. After serving 14 years in the US Navy, Floyd returned home to carpentry and farming. He raised and marketed Christmas trees and ornamental shrubbery. As a member of the American Legion Post #130 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, Floyd enjoyed serving on the Honors Guard and transporting veterans to the Asheville and Johnson City VA Medical Centers.

An all-around great guy, Floyd was a loving husband, Dad and Papaw. He was loved and will be missed by all.

Mr. Ward is survived by his wife, Caroline Ward; son, Joseph Trivette and wife, Mindy, and grandsons, Zachary and Conner Trivette, all of Vilas; five sisters, Myrtle Carpenter of Granite Falls, Reba Presnell of Pickens, SC, Eunice Harmon and husband, Ralph, of Banner Elk, Maxine South of Granite Falls, and Catherine South and husband, Bill, of Zionville; and one brother, Ricky Presnell and wife, Carol, of Easley, SC. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Lillie Ann Miller, Susie Presnell and Mamie Eller and by three brothers: Arnold, John and Charlie Ward.

Services for Floyd Marshall Ward will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Austin & Barnes to assist the family with expenses.

Online condolences may be shared at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

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

Evelyn Kay Hughes (Sept. 13, 1934 – Dec. 4, 2015)

Evelyn Kay Hughes, age 81, of Newland passed away on December 4, 2015 at her residence.

Hughes
Hughes

She was born September 13, 1934 in Punta Gorda, FL. a daughter of the late Guy and Pauline Bramblett.

Evelyn was a member of Newland Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the Church Womens Group.

She retired from Blowing Rock Hospital where she was the Director of the Medical Records Department.

Along with her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her: husband, Lynn Hughes; brother, Wayne Bramblett.

Evelyn has left to cherish her memory her: daughter, Sharon Nicholson and husband Jimmy of Gulf Breeze, FL.; son, Greg Hughes and wife Nancy of Baton Rouge, LA.; grandsons, Nick Hughes of New Orleans, LA., Ted Hughes of New Orleans, LA., Chris Nicholson and wife Amanda of Birmingham, AL., Hunter Nicholson of Guntersville, AL; great grandchildren, Mila, Ali and Gray Nicholson; sister, Laverne Legge and husband Richard; brother, Gene Bramblett; nephew, Gary Buchanan and wife Loretta.

Funeral services for Evelyn Kay Hughes will be conducted on Wednesday, December 9th at 3:00 p.m. at the Newland Presbyterian Church with Rev. Mike McKee officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the American Diabetes Association at P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312 or to Newland Presbyterian Church at 199 Elk Street Newland, NC 28657.

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