Lucy Townsend Sword (March 6, 1929 - April 13, 2016)
Lucy Townsend Sword, 87, of Balm Highway, Banner Elk, passed away Wednesday afternoon, April 13, 2016, at her home.
Mrs. Sword was born March 6, 1929 in Avery County, a daughter of the late Joe and Geneva Teaster Townsend. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Mrs. Sword is survived by one daughter, Trish Weaver and husband Bobby of Banner Elk; one son, Roger Sword and wife Sharon of Banner Elk; two granddaughters, Jamie Benfield and husband Shannon, and Jerica Sword; one grandson Gregory Storie, all of Banner Elk; two great-granddaughters, Hailey Puckett of Roan Mountain and Kallie Calloway of Banner Elk; three great-grandsons, Cole Storie, Garren Benfield and Justin Benfield, all of Banner Elk, one great-great-granddaughter Kinsley Arnette and one great-great-grandson Kaisen Puckett, both of Roan Mountain; four sisters, Celia Norwood of Hendersonville, Ethel Norwood of Newland, Barbara Ann Ward and husband Cecil of Banner Elk and Mary Townsend and husband Junior of Piney Creek, and two brothers, Floyd Townsend and wife Edna of Banner Elk and Jimmy Townsend and wife Ruby of Lansing. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Lucy Townsend will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 16, 2016 at 3:00 o’clock at Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 2:00 until 3:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Ross Knight and Pastor Mark Heisey.
Burial will follow in the Townsend Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Service.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1484 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604, or to the American Cancer Society, in care of Brian Barker, 441 Daniel Drive, Boone, North Carolina 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Sword family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Louise D. Deal (Dec. 1, 1942 – April 12, 2016)
Louise Dunn Deal, 73, of Port St. Lucie, Florida and Blowing Rock, North Carolina passed away April 12, 2016 at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida.
She was born on December 1, 1942 in Caldwell County to Zollie and Leola Triplett Dunn.
Louise is survived by her husband of 53 years, Thomas C. Deal; brother-in-law, Blake (Becky) Deal, Larry (Sharon) Minton; sister-in-law, Shirley Deal; nephews, John (Kelly) Deal, Matthew (Christie) Minton, Barret (Lauren) Deal; nieces, Rebecca Minton and Tiffany (Jason) Shumate.
Louise was an educator of 33 years, retiring in 1996. During her career she was an elementary teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal, and director of Elementary Education in St. Lucie County, Florida.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Blowing Rock Methodist Church, P.O. Box 352, Blowing Rock, NC 28605,Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 or to the donors choice.
Visitation will be at Austin Barnes Funeral Home in Boone, North Carolina on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 1-2 PM with a service to follow at 2:00 PM with Dr. Hal Warlick officiating. Interment will be in Boone Mount Lawn Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared with the Deal family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Deal family.
Norma McNulty Jenkins (Dec. 30, 1932 - April 12, 2016)
Known as a supportive wife, loving mother, strong businesswoman and always a friend generous with love and counsel, Norma Jean McNulty Jenkins passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, April 12, 2016, with family members by her side at Blowing Rock Rehabilitation and Davant Extended Care Center. She was 83.
Although Mrs. Jenkins retired from the High Country business world in the mid-1990s, she was the founder of Blowing Rock’s Jenkins Realtors, which she grew with husband Elmer not only a strong real estate sales operation, but one of the region’s leading vacation rental businesses. Even after selling the business to her daughters, Norma continued to work for the company until near the end of her life.
Born on December 30, 1932, in Covington, LA, Norma was raised in Miami, FL by her mother, Gene Schuster. She married Elmer Jenkins March 1, 1954. Mrs. Jenkins was a full-time mother to three daughters, Kim (Rogers), Lynn Jenkins and Pam (Vines), as well as an insurance sales professional in Miami before the Jenkins family moved to Blowing Rock full-time in 1969. The Jenkins’ bought a ski chalet in Blowing Rock in 1965 and vacationed here every year until deciding to move to the High Country year-round. Norma began work almost immediately for area insurance professional, John D. Broyhill. A few years later, she managed General Realty, a real estate brokerage firm owned by Harry and Spencer Robbins, until buying the company in 1976 and changing the name to Jenkins Realtors.
An active promoter of all things Blowing Rock, Norma would frequently travel to Florida’s Gold Coast with business friends Butch Triplett (Woodlands BBQ) and Howard Gray (former Executive Director of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce) to various travel industry events, encouraging people to vacation in Blowing Rock. She was a two-time (1980 and 1985) President of the Watauga-Avery Board of Realtors (the predecessor to today’s High Country Association of Realtors), “Realtor of the Year” in 1985, on the founding board of High Country Host, and twice served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. For several years, Norma was also an active advisor to the North Carolina Association of Realtors.
In retirement, she and Elmer lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, off and on for 15 years before returning to Blowing Rock in 2005. They maintained several rental properties in Blowing Rock, even in retirement.
Norma had a passion for playing Bingo and loved to pull the handle of slot machines. She delighted in the sounds of the slots — including the clinking and tinkling of tumbling coins that would sometimes follow. With her “Bingo Buddies,” she often travelled as far as Hickory, even in the dead of winter to find an evening of fun. At least one of her daughters always knew where she was playing.
That daughter also knew whether or not it was a night of good fortune for her mother because on those occasions she would get a phone call, “Winner! Winner!” Mrs.Jenkins is preceded in death by husband Elmer (April 15, 2011).
She is survived by daughter Kim and husband David Rogers; daughter Lynn and wife Hope Bennett; daughter Pam and husband Tim Vines; son Geoffrey Long; grandchildren Brad Parker and wife Holly, Megan and wife Shana Carignan, Corey Parker and wife Carla, Alex Vines, Melissa Parker, Alexander Borgen, Meara Madison and husband Alan. Great-grandchildren include: Maddie, Anabel, Ayden, and Evan Parker; Jaxen Carignan; and Sloane Madison.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel in Boone. The body will lie in state at the chapel from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm. Officiating the service will be Chaplain Melanie Childers. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Blowing Rock. The family will receive friends Friday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S., in care of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, PO Box 393, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605. Online condolences may be sent to the Jenkins family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Harold Dean Waters (Aug. 26, 1945 – April 10, 2016)
Harold Dean Waters, age 70, of Campbell Glen Lane, Fleetwood and formerly of Boone, passed away Sunday morning, April 10, 2016 at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation. Born August 26, 1945 in Watauga County, he was a son of Henry W. and Mamie Cornett Waters. Harold was a real estate developer who built homes in both Seven Oaks and Old Keller Farm subdivisions.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Ann Waters of Fleetwood; grandson, Stephen Nash Presnell, and granddaughter, Tarryn Reese Presnell, both of Fleetwood; two brothers, Clifford Waters and wife, Joyce, of Boone and Albert Waters and wife, Joann, of Mooresville; two sisters, Doris Edmisten and husband, Lane, of Sugar Grove and Grace Ward and husband, Alfred, of Vilas; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mamie Cornett Waters, and one sister, Helen Waters McGuire and her husband, Odell McGuire.
Funeral services will be private.
The family respectfully requests no flowers and suggests memorials be made to the Mountain Dale Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Travis Cornett, 654 White Laurel Lane, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared with the Waters family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Waters family.
Edward Dean Matheson, Jr. (April 10, 1962 – April 10, 2016)
Edward Dean ‘EDDIE’ Matheson Jr., age 54, of John Ward Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 10, 2016 at Watauga Medical Center. Eddie was born April 10, 1962 in Watauga County. He retired from the Watauga County Board of Education as the transportation director. For many years, he was a member, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Timbered Ridge Baptist Church.
The most important things in his life were his love of his Lord, family and church. In his spare time he always enjoyed being outdoors.
Mr. Matheson is survived by his wife, Gloria Eggers Matheson; daughters, Jennifer Potter and husband, Junior, of Sugar Grove; Jessica Bumgardner and husband, Josh, of Mountain City, TN., and Lindsey Shaw and husband, Larry, of Vilas; six grandchildren, Sierra, Sidney and Kayla Bumgardner, Noah and Elijah Potter, and Alyssa Shaw; his mother, Mary Tester Matheson of Sugar Grove; sister, Vivian Matheson Greene and husband, Ricky, of Deep Gap; sisters-in-law, Wanda Pennell and husband, Wayne, of Hudson, Judy Milan of Creston, Pam Taylor of Sugar Grove and Pattie Jenkins of Boone; brother-in-law, Spurgeon Eggers of Boone; and mother-in-law, Barbara Eggers of Boone. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews; his Timbered Ridge Baptist Church family; and his constant companions, Peewee, Snuffy, Tabby and Buttons. He was preceded in death by his father, Dean Matheson and his step-father, Carter Matheson.
Funeral services for Eddie Matheson will be conducted Thursday afternoon, April l4, 2016 at 2 o’clock at Timbered Ridge Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Derick Wilson, Rev. Ray Greene and Minister Raymond Tester. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 12:30 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at the church. Graveside services will follow in the Timbered Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or the family suggests memorials to the Timbered Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Junior Potter, 681 Timbered Ridge Road, Sugar Grove, NC 28679.
Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Matheson family.
Virginia Dare Tester Greene (April 7, 1929 - April 10, 2016)
Virginia Dare Tester Greene, age 87, of 5517 Peoria Road, Vilas, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 10, 2016, at her home.
Mrs. Greene was born April 7, 1929 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Fonzo Clinton Tester and Vertie Leona Glenn Tester. She was a homemaker, and a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.
Mrs. Greene is survived by three daughters Teresa Greene and fiance’ Paul Andorn of Maine, Janet Hagaman and husband Joe and Paula Oxentine and husband John; and one son, Sherman Greene and wife Rita, all of Vilas; three granddaughters Ashley Carver and husband Justin of Vilas, Heather Oakes and husband Bradley of Sugar Grove, and Miranda Gregg and husband Jeremy of Vilas; four grandsons, Jay Hagaman and wife Lisa of Todd, Ryan Greene and wife Samantha of Vilas, Jesse Hagaman and wife Heather of Sugar Grove, and Timothy Oxentine and girlfriend Victoria of Vilas; 8 great-grandsons and 4 great-granddaughters. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Germia Allen Greene, her father and mother, Fonzo Clinton Tester and Vertie Leona Glenn Tester, and two brothers, Howard and Dwight Tester. Funeral services for Virginia Dare Greene will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, April 13, 2016 at 2:00 o’clock at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Jeremy Hull, Reverend Tull Oakes, Reverend Daniel Lawrence, Reverend David Ward, Reverend Quincy Norris and Reverend Tim Bunten.
Burial will follow in the Greene Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7:00 o’clock until 8:30 at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times, friends may call at the home of the daughter, Janet Hagaman, 2818 Stone Mountain Road, Vilas. Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to MediHome Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Greene family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Diana P. Stahl (Nov. 22, 1936 – April 10, 2016)
Diana Proudfit Stahl age 79, passed away Wednesday April 10th, 2016 at the Watauga Medical Center surrounded by family. She was born in Argentina November 22, 1936 to Arthur T. Proudfit and Virginia Roberts Proudfit.
Mrs. Stahl lived through out several South American countries. She was known for her witty sense of humor, her cooking, and her love of travelling and entertaining her many friends and family. Mrs. Stahl is survived by one daughter Diana Mayoral-Mendoza and husband Carlos of Venezuela; three sons, Federico Mayoral of Venezuela, Arturo Mayoral and wife Vivian of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and John F. Stahl, III of Monument, Colorado, and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Stahl, Jr., and her parents, Arthur T. Proudfit and Virginia Roberts Proudfit. A small funeral service will be held at Hampton Funeral Services at 683 Blowing Rock Road Boone, North Carolina 28607 on April 12th, 2016 at 11:00 am.
She will be truly missed….
Online condolences may be sent to the Stahl family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Eleanor Francis Schultheis Wright (Nov. 20, 1942 - April 10, 2016)
Mrs. Eleanor Francis Schultheis Wright, age 73, of Linville Street, Newland, passed away Sunday evening, April 10, 2016 at the Life Care Center of Banner Elk.
Mrs. Wright was born November 20, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of the late William Schultheis and Ruth Katherine Brady Schultheis. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse, who in later years enjoyed reading, crocheting and activities at the Avery Senior Center.
Mrs. Wright is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Wright of Newland; two granddaughters Kya Adams and Riley Adams of Newland; one niece, Beverly Bridge of Miami, Florida; and one nephew, Jeff Meyer of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Wright, her father and mother, William Schultheis and Ruth Katherine Brady Schultheis, three sisters and one brother.
There will be no services held at this time for Mrs. Wright. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 2151, Memphis, Tennessee, 38101-2151
Online condolences may be sent to the Wright family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
James L. Coffey (July 21, 1929 – April 10, 2016)
James Fredrick Coffey, aged 86, of Banner Elk, NC passed away in peace on Sunday April, 10th, 2016.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jimmie Coffey, his first wife Ozalene and second wife Mary Alice, sisters Muriel, Evelyn and Helen and brother Herman. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Friday April 15th at 1:00 p.m. at Monte Vista cemetery in Johnson City, TN. The family plans to have a gathering for anyone in the community to join in remembrance of James at his home in Banner Elk; hopefully in May.
The family would wishes to extend special thanks to Robert and Felicia Ruppard of Banner Elk and Ethan Anderson of Linville for their gracious love and care of James and to Austin and Barnes Funeral Home for their advice and support through this difficult time.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Coffey family.
Helen Carroll (March 2, 1940 – April 9, 2016)
Helen Aileen Carroll , age 76, of Montezuma left to be with the Lord and Her Husband on April 9, 2016 at her residence after a battle with Parkinsonian Dementia.
A native of Coahoma County, Mississippi, she was born March 2, 1940 a daughter of the late Thelma Lindsey.
In an era when the role of women was limited, she has been an RN, Real Estate Broker, and Accounting Instructor At Appalachian State University. She was a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner in Avery County for many years, but had to retire to care for her husband, who passed in 2012 after a 15 year on and off battle with cancer. She enjoyed her Wednesday Bible study at Crossnore Presbyterian Church, eating cookies, and an occasional good Margarita with friends.
Helen has left to cherish her memory her son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Alice Carroll; and many friends and family.
A service to celebrate the life of Helen Carroll will be held on Saturday April 16th at 1:30 pm at the Crossnore Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossnore Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 386, Crossnore, NC 28616.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Medi-Home Hospice of Newland.
Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.
Betty Watts Beck (Aug. 13, 1932 - April 8, 2016)
Betty Lou Melton Watts Beck, formerly of Germanton, Winston-Salem, and King, NC, was escorted into Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 8, 2016.
She was born August 13, 1932 to David Albert and Ida F. Melton who preceded her in death. Betty lived most of her life in Germanton, NC, until she moved in 1999 to Assembly Terrace Apartments in Winston-Salem. In 2005 she moved to Villa Trace Apartments in King, NC until she became ill 10 years later.
Betty had a talent for writing poetry and stories as well as doing crafts, planting flowers, and Humming Birds. One of her favorite things to do was sit on her patio and watch the birds, look up at the blue sky, and dig in the dirt as she phrased it. Friendly and outgoing, Betty never lacked for friends. Betty loved animals and had several pets as companions throughout the years.
Betty was a very kind and giving person who loved people which is why she chose working in Retail in various Dept. Stores until she retired. Betty enjoyed helping others when she could. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, William Odell, Elmer, Jether, and Ellis, sister in law, nephew, and other relatives.
She is survived by two sons, Daniel Douglas Watts (Beverly), David Lee Watts, three grandchildren Andy, Clinton, and Kelly Watts, three Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and her special friend Terry Cox who was like a daughter to her.
There will be a Memorial Service at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Zionville, NC, on Saturday, April 16, at 1:00 pm for family and friends. There will be a private graveside service for just immediate family at Rural Hall, NC. Because of Betty’s love for flowers, we appreciate anyone who wants to celebrate Betty’s life with flowers. Or you may make donations to Life Care Center, Banner Elk, NC.
Online condolences may be sent to the Beck family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Curtis Anthony “Tony” Shanks (Aug. 7, 1957 – April 7, 2016)
Curtis Anthony “Tony” Shanks, age 58, of Hensel’s Lane, Boone, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at his residence.
Curtis was born August 7, 1957 in Madisonville, Kentucky, a son of Curtis Rex Shanks and Marilyn Lois Hopper Shanks. Before becoming disabled, he was a successful hairstylist. He was of the Christian faith.
He is survived by two daughters, Megan Paxton and husband Robert of Rockledge, Florida and Tessa Shanks of Titusville, Florida; his father and mother, Curtis Rex Shanks and Marilyn Louise Hopper Shanks of Palm Bay, Florida; one brother, Brian Shanks of Palm Bay, Florida, and one grandson, Aiden Shanks of Titusville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Funeral arrangements for Curtis Anthony Shanks are incomplete at this time. Online condolences may be sent to the Shanks family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Lowell Lawrence Thomas (June 5, 1938 – April 6, 2016)
Lowell Lawrence Thomas of Blowing Rock, NC died at home on April 6, 2016 at the age of 77.
Lowell was born in Asheboro, NC on June 5, 1938. He was the son of Cecil Lawrence Thomas and Lois Freeman Thomas. Lowell graduated from Asheboro High School in 1956, where he was senior class president. He attended Elon University where he earned his BS in history and political science in 1965. Upon graduating he joined NCNB, which became Nationsbank and now Bank of America. He retired in 1992 in the position of Senior Vice President.
In 1964 he met Catharina ‘Ineke’ Koorn of Eindhoven, the Netherlands, who had come to Elon as a foreign student. They married in the Netherlands in 1966. Lowell and Ineke have 2 daughters: Anja Catharina Thomas of Richmond, VA, and Chelsea Dawn Thomas-Nuñez of Hollywood, FL, wife of Gabriel Ernesto Nuñez from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lowell also leaves behind four grandchildren: Reid, Helen and Audrey Hardymon of Richmond, VA, and Lorenzo Nuñez of Hollywood, FL.
Lowell started his career with NCNB in Greensboro, NC. During his 27 year career with the bank, the family called several North Carolina communities home: Morganton (birthplace of daughter Anja,) Reidsville (birthplace of daughter Chelsea,) Mount Airy, Statesville, Wilson and finally Charlotte.
Throughout those years, he practiced a life of public service, holding many leadership positions with numerous organizations, including: North Carolina Jaycees, Tri-county Mental Health Authority, the Burke County Cancer Crusade, the Democratic party, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Rotary, Reidsville Planning Board, Heart Fund, Community Concerts, March of Dimes. While residing in Mount Airy, NC, Lowell was a cast member at the Andy Griffith Playhouse.
Lowell began his 14 year association with the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry in 1983, the same year Governor Hunt designated him a “Special Volunteer” for North Carolina. His involvements with education began by joining the North Carolina Public School Forum as a task force member, and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, for which he was a director. Under Governor Martin, Lowell was admitted to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1992.
Education remained a big interest for Lowell after retirement, especially after Governor Hunt appointed him to the North Carolina School Board in 1995. His participation sent him on Education System Study Groups to Germany, Denmark and Japan, and he served as an evaluator of North Carolina Teaching Fellows candidates.
As a team, Lowell and Ineke rejuvenated the hydrangea gardens at Bass Lake along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as led the installation of the Legacy Garden along Main Street in Blowing Rock, which they personally maintained for 7 years. Together they installed the garden at Edgewood Cottage, which Ineke will continue to maintain.
A Watauga, NC county resident for the last 24 years, Lowell used his experience to benefit the Blowing Rock Board of Adjustment, the Hunger and Health Coalition, the Watauga Planning Board, Edgewood Cottage and, certainly not least, the Blowing Rock Historical Society, of which he was a long-time board member and for which he was president until last month, tendering his resignation to put family and cancer treatment first. He also ran for public office, first for the North Carolina State Senate in 1994 and later for Watauga County Commissioner in 2010.
Lowell was a competitor who loved tennis, an activity he regularly participated in 3 or 4 times a week, and it was his struggle to compete at his usual level that became the harbinger of his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in February.
The family will receive guests at 2:00 o’clock on Sunday, April 10 at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 159 Chestnut St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 o’clock. The family respectfully requests no flowers and in lieu thereof, suggests memorial gifts be made to the Blowing Rock Historical Society (blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com/membership/), the Appalachian State University Tennis Team (harkeynm@appstate.edu, 828.262.3108) or to Elon University (connect.elon.edu/supportelon, 877.784.3566). Online condolences may be sent to the Thomas family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Mr. Von Hagaman (Sept. 16, 1925 – April 6, 2016)
Mr. Robert Von Hagaman, age 90 of Boone passed away Wednesday April 6, 2016. Born September 16, 1925 in Sugar Grove, he was the son of the late Floyd and Hattie Roark Hagaman.
Volunteering at age seventeen, Von was a US Navy Veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. As a crew member on three separate landing craft tank (LCT), he was in landings at Saipan, Guam, Tinian and Okinawa. He also transited the Panama Canal and survived a kamikaze attack in the battle of Okinawa.
After military service Von Returned to Boone and served as a US Postman for 36 years. Upon retirement he worked for Carter & Kirk Paving Company and then 20 years for Elk River Club Security.
He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Boone where he served as a deacon and Sunday School secretary. As a member of the Boone Civitan Club, he served as President, Secretary and Master at Arms. Von was awarded the North Carolina West Region Civitan of the Year for 2008 and with a little padding, became Santa Claus for Exceptional Children Classes at Hardin Park Elementary. He was also a member of The Jaycees, and was a charter member of Boone’s VFW Post 7031.
Von is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mickey Hagaman, three children; Cathy Hagaman Underwood and husband Philip; Tim Hagaman and wife Pam; and Rosemary Hagaman Virginia and husband Jeff all of Boone; four grandchildren Paul, Asa & Emmy Hagaman and Andy Virginia; one step grandson Greg Underwood and wife Wendy, two great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Ann Hodges and an infant brother, Jack Hagaman.
Funeral services for Von Hagaman will be conducted at 11 AM, Monday April 11th at the First Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Gerald Hodges and Rev. Curtis Privette.
Graveside services with military honors provided by the US Navy, American Legion Post 130 and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90 will follow at Mt. Lawn Memorial Park and
Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Sunday, April 10th at the First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Rise Up Campaign, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607, Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care 902 Kirkwood Street NW Lenoir, NC 28645 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the Hagaman family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hagaman family.
Anna B. Coffey (Aug. 29, 1942 – April 6, 2016)
Anna Belle Coffey, age 73, of Blowing Rock, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Spencer and Alice Harvey Harrison.
She is survived by her husband, Doug Coffey, one daughter, Susan Coffey of Blowing Rock, and a grandson, Brandon Coffey also of Blowing Rock.
Three brothers, two sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services for Ann Coffey will be private.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Coffey family.
Dr. Ulrich H. Froehlich (Nov. 25, 1944 – April 5, 2016)
Dr. Ulrich Froehlich of Blowing Rock, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, April 5, 2016, at his home, surrounded by family members.
Dr. Froehlich was born in Neviges (Germany), immigrated to the U.S., and completed undergraduate and graduate studies at the State University of New York at Albany, earning a doctorate in Germanic languages and literatures in 1980.
In 1981 he joined the faculty at Appalachian State University, where he developed and conducted the first study abroad opportunities for ASU students in Germany.
After arriving at Pfeiffer University in 1997, he founded the Academy of International Business Studies, which he led as dean until his death. In keeping with Dr. Froehlichs strong focus on international education, he worked tirelessly to establish international partnerships among colleges and universities, and to foster academic exchange opportunities for American and European students and scholars, who could participate in programs of study or internship experiences, or conduct research and teach.
Throughout his academic career of 35 years, Uli, as he liked to be called by students, colleagues, and friends, touched the lives of many. He was a global leader and scholar, a facilitator, and a mentor to students and colleagues alike. To his friends, he was a person who lived life to the fullest, who never met a stranger, and who generously gave of his friendship. He also enjoyed the privacy of his home, was an avid landscape gardener, and loved hiking among of the natural beauty of the High Country.
The memorial service will be private.
Online condolences may be shared with the Froehlich family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Virginia Christine Critcher (March 31, 1929 – Nov. 28, 2015)
Mrs. Virginia Christine Critcher, age 86, of Eagles Path, Boone, wife of Mr. Dean Critcher, passed away Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Watauga Medical Center. Mrs. Critcher was born March 31, 1929 in the Mabel Community of Watauga County.
Mrs. Critcher is survived by her husband, Dean Critcher of Boone; her step-children and spouses, Jerome and Barbara Critcher, Jerry and Audrey Cotton, Danny and Kimberly Crum, John and Dwinda Grinnell, John and Tammy Love, Bruce and Beverly Raymond, and 14 step-grand and great-grandchildren. She also had a brother and sister-in-law, that she adored Jones and Elaine Oliver and their children Ricky, Shannon, Russ, and D’Lesa. She was also close to her Aunt Phillis Norris and children Susan and Jeff.
These people were very supportive during her times of stress and sickness.
There were also many friends included in this support from personal acquaintances to wonderful help from Hospice Home Care, Blowing Rock Rehab Center, Life Care Center, Watauga Medical Center, and Dr. David Cline and his staff.
Christine loved life and was never short of a smile. She loved to talk to people and rarely knew a stranger. She also loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was never ashamed of that fact.
Christine will be deeply missed by all of those who loved her and knew her and we can rest assured she left this earthly body to be present with the Lord. (to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord: 2 Corinthians: 5:8)
She is also survived by her sister Frankie, one son Ronald, and one daughter Hilda, a sister-in-law, Margaret Oliver and one granddaughter and six great-grandchildren. Christine was preceded in death by her father and mother, Luther Charles and Margaret Norris Oliver; one brother and sister-in-law, John and Ruth Oliver; one brother Luther Charles Oliver, Jr., and one granddaughter, Kimberly Menton.
A private memorial service for Mrs. Virginia Christine Critcher will be conducted Sunday, May 8, 2016, at 3:00 o’clock, on the grounds of the “Singing on the Mountain” at Grandfather Mountain. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
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