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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – April 25, 2017

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. Send obituary notices to jesse@highcountrypress.com.


Mrs. Margaret H. Norris (May 11, 1931 – April 25, 2017) 

Mrs. Margaret Hayes Norris, 85, of Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, April 25, 2017 at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation.

Born May 11, 1931 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd L. Hayes and Nellie Edmisten Hayes. Margaret was a long time active member of Meat Camp Baptist Church. She also served with the Meat Camp Volunteer Fire Department and was involved in many community activities. Margaret was retired from Boone Lumber Company where she worked as a bookkeeper. She also worked at the ASU Post Office for many years. Margaret treasured her grandchildren, she enjoyed reading, gardening and working in the yard. 

She is survived by one daughter, Ginger Jones of the home, three sons, Kenneth Douglas Norris and wife Gladys of Boone, Phillip Edward Norris and wife Deborah of Lenoir and Patrick Hayes Norris and wife Paula of Boone, nine grandchildren; Mary Ellen Carrero and husband Fred, Ray Brent Edmisten, Jr., and wife Laura, Scott Norris and wife Kristina, Steven Norris and wife Miranda, Shawn Norris and wife Maggie, Shane Norris and wife Elizabeth, Holly Norris, Gregory Miller and wife Mandi and Kevin Elliott, thirteen great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren, one sister, Ruby Carson and one brother, Farthing Hayes and wife Mary all of Boone, one sister in law, Phyllis Hayes of Boone, her special friend and caregiver, Nancy Hurley and a number of nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Norris, one sister, Helen Cobb, one brother, Ed Hayes, and one brother in law, Don Carson.

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Hayes Norris will be conducted Sunday afternoon, April 30th at 3 oclock at Meat Camp Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Mike Townsend and Rev. David Clippard. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 oclock until 3 oclock. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Barry Greene, 527 Jack Hayes Road, Boone, NC 28607 or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Gideons International, Boone Camp, Post Office Box 3602, Boone, NC 28607. 

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

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Norris family.


Ivalee Greene Dancey (August 04, 1924 – April 23, 2017)

After 92 years of a full and rich life, Ivalee Greene Dancey of Vilas, NC ended her journey peacefully on April 23, 2017. While we say goodbye to her from her earthly home, there are many watching impatiently for her arrival on heaven’s shores. First to greet her with open arms was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Then she was able to reunite with her earthly parents Clay and Dora Greene; her husband of 61 years Howard Dancey, her sister Mabel and brother in law Max, her sister in law Martha Jean Greene, her nephew Dean Miller and a host of other family and friends.

Mrs. Ivalee Greene Dancey, of 200 Dancey Lane, Vilas, NC was born, August 4, 1924 in Watauga County, NC.

Ivalee and her husband Howard were loved and well known to the community as the owners of Dancey’s Shoe Store for 31 years. She was a lifelong active member of Brushy Fork Baptist Church. She loved her Savior, Jesus Christ and wanted others to know Him as well. She taught Sunday School at her church for many years, was a prayer warrior and loved to study the Bible. Ivalee was one of the most generous people you could meet. She was a true example of how we should love and care for our family. Ivalee loved traveling, gardening and growing flowers, quilting and needlework.

Survivors include her brothers Clay Verne Greene and Ted Greene and his wife Betty of Vilas. Ivalee is also survived by several generations of nieces and nephews that she loved as if they were her own children.

A celebration of Mrs. Dancey’s life will be Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Brushy Fork Baptist Church in Vilas, NC. The Rev. Bud Russell (nephew) and Rev. JohnMark Brown will officiate. The body will lie in state from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Interment will follow in Adams Cemetery in Vilas, NC.

The family will receive friends Monday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times, friends may call at the home of her brother, Clay Verne Greene, 312 Ward Greene Road, Vilas, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectively suggests memorials may be made to: Adams Cemetery Fund c/o Johnny Hayes, 171 Laurel Fork Road, Vilas, NC 28692.

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

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


Paul Leon Payne, Sr. (Sept. 14, 1943 – April 22, 2017)

Paul Leon Payne, Sr., 73, of Boone, passed away Saturday morning, April 22, 2017, at the home of a daughter in Dallas, North Carolina.

Paul was born September 14, 1943 in Watauga County, a son of the late Claude Donald Payne, Sr. and Eva Greene Payne.

He was a retired chef for over 50 years, and was employed by numerous High Country resort restaurants and clubs. Paul was a member of the American Academy of Culinary Arts and a current member of the Carolina Fly-Wheelers Engine Club.

Paul is survived by three children, Paul Leon Payne Jr., Christy Payne, and Shaye McLean; four grandsons, one granddaughter, and two great-grandsons; one brother, Claude Donald Payne, Jr., two sisters, Grace Ray, Mary Farmer, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Lawrence Payne, Dan Payne, and Luther Payne, and five sisters, Dorothy Payne, Deane Clawson, Ruth Hollar, Shirley Grimstead, and Imogene Williams.

A celebration of the life of Paul Leon Payne, Sr. will be held Friday afternoon, from 4:00 until 6:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service. Pastor Gordon Noble will officiate.

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


Elizabeth Ann Sathre (April 26, 1923 – April 22, 2017) 

Elizabeth Ann LIBBY Sathre, age 93, of Rosenstein Drive, Deep Gap, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday evening, April 22, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center. 

Born April 26, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri, she was a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Meyer Jennemann. Before moving to Watauga County, Mrs. Sathre was an active member of St. Edwards Catholic Church in Austin. Love of family was her highest priority. Libby was one who possessed a great sense of humor and a lady who never met a stranger. 

Mrs. Sathre is survived by her daughter, Mary Jo McCrary and husband, J. L., of Deep Gap; son, Gary Sathre of Austin, Minnesota; and grandsons, Scott Dahlgren of Vilas and Erik Dahlgren and wife, Svetlana, and their daughter Leyla Rose of Plymouth, Minnesota. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon BUD Sathre.

Services for Mrs. Sathre will be scheduled in Austin, Minnesota. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Watauga Medical Center, The Foley Center and Caldwell Hospice for their compassion and care extended to Mrs. Sathre. 

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


James B. Harrison, Jr. (July 19, 1951 – April 21, 2017)

James B. Harrison, Jr., age 65, of Angelic Way, Lenoir, a native and former resident of Watauga County, passed away Friday morning, April 21, 2017, at the North Carolina Veterans Home in Black Mountain.

James was born July 19, 1951 in Watauga County, a son of the late James B. Harrison, Sr. and Margie Lea Coffey Brown. He was a police officer for the Lenoir Police Department and Sergeant of the Boone Police Department, where he retired after 34 years of service. James developed the Crimestopper’s Programs in both Watauga and Caldwell Counties. He also served in the United States Air Force.

James is survived by three sons, Jimmy Harrison and wife Jenna of Lenoir, Charlie Harrison and wife Sarah of Asheville, and 
Travis Harrison and wife Heather of Wilkesboro; one daughter, Michelle Gurley and husband Charlie of Lenoir; two granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Hailey Gurley, both of Lenoir; one grandson, Jace Harrison of Asheville; three sisters, Nancy Lane and husband Charlie of Belhaven, North Carolina, Mary Coffey of Lenoir, and Ursula Michael and husband Tommy of West Jefferson; one brother, Artie Coffey and wife Kelly of Lenoir, and his step-father, Mayne Coffey of Lenoir.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Stephanie King.

Funeral services for James B. Harrison, Jr. will be conducted Monday afternoon, April 24, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Perkinsville Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Mr. Bill Hartley, Jr. James will be laid to rest with Military and Police graveside rites and burial, provided by the United States Air Force and the Boone Police Department, in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 
High Country Crimestopper’s, 1500 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to Crimestopper’s of Caldwell County, 1035 West Avenue NW, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.

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


Salvador Silva Jr. (June 18, 2009 – April 20, 2017)

Salvador Ilario Silva Jr., 7, of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at his residence.

He was born on June 18, 2009 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of Salvador Silva and Juana Aguilar Silva.

Salvador was a loving little boy who attended the First Grade at Newland Elementary School. He enjoyed playing with his tablet. 

He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandmother, Cecilia Cacari; .
Salvador leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Father, Salvador Silva, Sr. of Elk Park, NC, Mother, Juana Silva of Elk Park, NC, Sister, Jennifer Silva, Sister, Erandy Silva, Sister, Juana Silva, Brother, Alexis Silva, Brother, Samuel Silva, Maternal Grandfather, Ernesto Aquilar, Maternal Grandmother, Amelia Cona, Paternal Grandfather, Samuel Silva.

Services for Salvador will be conducted on Sunday, April 23, 2017 a the Elk Park Christian Church. Interment will follow in the Minneapolis Community Cemetery.

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Silva family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net


Iris Craft Clark (Sept. 28, 1925 – April 19, 2017)

Iris Craft Clark, 91, of Farmlake Drive, Concord, passed away Wednesday morning, April 19, 2017, at Avante at Concord in Concord, North Carolina.

Iris was born September 28, 1925 in Darlington County, South Carolina, a daughter of the late Tilman and Ethel Hammonds Craft. She was a homemaker and a member of Roberta Baptist Church.

Iris is survived by one son, Ronnie Clark of Concord, North Carolina, and three granddaughters, Veronica Yost and husband Bobby of the home, Cherish Walker of Virginia, and Rileen Clark of Kansas. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Clark, and her brothers and sisters. 

Funeral services for Iris Craft Clark will be conducted Saturday morning, April 22, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at Aaron Baptist Church in Montezuma. The body will lie in state, at the church from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Tommy Hayes and Reverend Ray Ravenbark. Burial will follow in Montezuma Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.

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

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


James Franklin Corbin, Sr. (Oct. 20, 1930 – April 19, 2017)

Mr. James Franklin Corbin, Sr., 86, of 972 Linville Creek Road, Vilas, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

James was born October 20, 1930 in Augusta, Georgia, a son of the late Charles Rubin Corbin and Katie Louise Deloche Corbin. He was a retired 28 year veteran of the United States Army, where he served with the Special Forces, Green Berets, and the 82nd Airborne. James was a member of First Christian Church in Vilas.

James never met a stranger. He loved his family and was a wonderful husband, Dad, and Papa.

James is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Corbin of the home; three daughters, Sandy Dowless and husband David, Sr. of Fayetteville, Shelly Giles of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Lisa Martin and husband Ross of Summeville, South Carolina; one son, Jimmy Corbin, Jr. of Boone; two granddaughters, Ashley Marie Dowless of Fayetteville, and Haley Elizabeth Giles of Jacksonville, North Carolina; four grandsons, David Wayne Dowless, Jr. of Fayetteville, and Haydn Dean Bullman, Corbin James Bullman, and Landon Ross Martin, all of Summerville, South Carolina, and two sisters, Shelby Jean Price of Luggoff, South Carolina and Monteen Elliott of Jonesboro, Georgia. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillie Britt Corbin; one brother, Charles Rubin Corbin, Jr., and one sister, Mary Louise McCollum.

Funeral services for Mr. James Franklin Corbin, Sr. conducted Monday afternoon, April 24, 2017, 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 Zachary Hoffman. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by the United States Army, will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 1:00 until 3:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8517.

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

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


Kathleen Clark (April 5, 1943 – April 19, 2017)

Kathleen Beam Clark, 74 of Jonas Ridge, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. Born April 5, 1943, daughter of the late France and Thelma Beam. Along with her parents she was proceeded in death by a brother Ralph Beam.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years Wesley Clark; daughter Deborah Clark Greene and husband Sanford; son James Wesley Clark and wife Verna; granddaughters Brandee Harrison and fiancé Randall Rounds, Jessica Clark Winebarger and husband W.L.; grandsons Christopher (Auby) Harrison and J.W. Clark; great grandson D.J. Winebarger; her sister Juanita Poteat and husband Dean of Morganton; brothers Donald Beam of Jonas Ridge and Joe Beam and wife Ethel of Marion. She was part of a huge loving family that includes several sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends she loved very much. Her greatest accomplishments in her eyes were her family and being of service to others as a C.N.A. in the homes of others.

The family will receive friends beginning at 5 PM till 8 PM on Friday April 21, 2017 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
Family and friends will gather at Harper Creek Cemetery on Saturday April 22 2017 at 12 PM for interment.

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Clark family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net


Mary Greene Triplett (Feb. 12, 1942 – April 18, 2017) 

Mary Elizabeth Greene Triplett, 75, of Blowing Rock, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Born February 12, 1942 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Harlen James and Cora Lee Greene. Mrs. Triplett was a retired CNA from Blowing Rock Hospital. Mary was completely devoted to her husband and entire family, and had a special love for her animals. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Harold Triplett, Sr.; their son, Harold Jr. and wife, Carrie, and grandchildren, Ella and Gabriel, all of Blowing Rock; brothers, Jim Greene and wife, Louise and Joe Greene and wife, Debbie, and sister, Martha Greene, all of Blowing Rock; and niece, Robin Rickards and husband, Mike, of Virginia Beach, VA. 

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday morning, April 22, at 11 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Gary Shew. The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 9 until 11 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Mary will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Harold Triplett, Sr. at PO Box 1173, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

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


William G. Prichard, Jr. (June 1, 1945 – April 18, 2017) 

 Mr. William Gary Prichard, Jr., 71, of West Jefferson, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced in the near future.

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