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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Aug. 15, 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. Elithe E. Johnson (June 23, 1930 – Aug.13, 2017)

Elithe Ellison Johnson, 87, of Todd, passed away Sunday morning, Aug. 13, 2017 at the Foley Center in Blowing Rock. Born June 23, 1930 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Earl Donley and Mabel Zora Main Ellison. Elithe loved Elk Knob Baptist Church where she attended the majority of her life. She enjoyed tending her annual vegetable and flower gardens and loved to cook for family and preparing candy for the children of her church and community.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by two sisters, Earle Jean Munday of Creston and Yvonne Shelton and husband, Allen, of Vilas; brother, Gary Ellison and wife, Jan, of Todd; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred William Johnson and her sister, Zelma Potter. 

Funeral services for Elithe Ellison Johnson will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, August 16th at 2 o’clock at the Elk Knob Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor J. C. Greene. The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 1 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. At other times the family will receive friends at the home of Yvonne and Allen Shelton in Vilas. 

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Elk Knob Baptist Church, in care of Jan Ellison, 155 South Road, Todd, NC 28684. 

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


Charles Norman Isenhour (June 12, 1925 – Aug. 13, 2017)

Mr. Charles Norman Isenhour, 92, of Boone, passed away, Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Mr. Isenhour is survived by his wife, Shirley Greene Isenhour of the home, one daughter, Susan Anderson of Blowing Rock, two granddaughters, Jill Brueggenjohann and husband Mike of Baldwin, Missouri and Amy Anderson of Springfield, Missouri, two great-grandchildren, Grant and Madison Brueggenjohann of Baldwin, Missouri and a first cousin, Frank Hayes and wife Jan of Boone.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Charles Joseph Isenhour and Lillian Hayes Isenhour, and one sister, Rebecca Greene.

A memorial service for Mr. Charles Norman Isenhour will be conducted Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 2:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. William Wilcox will officiate. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans chapter 90.

The family will receive friends following the service.

The family respectfully request no food or flowers but memorials may be made to a charity of the donors choice.

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

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


Juanita Vines Swift (April 28, 1928 – Aug. 13, 2017) 

Juanita Vines Swift, 89, formerly of Cove Creek, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017 at the Foley Center in Blowing Rock.

Swift

Born April 28, 1928 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Roy and Mamie Greene Vines. Juanita was a long time member of Cove Creek Baptist Church and was an employee of Carolina Business for many years and retired from Hallmark in Boone as the store manager. She enjoyed growing flowers in her garden to prepare arrangements for family weddings and various church functions. Juanita is finally at peace in Heaven. She was more than a sister, cousin, aunt or friend. She was a momma to many. 

The family is forever grateful to Caldwell Hospice and The Foley Center. They are a bright spot in this world. Juanita was an example of kindness, generosity, caring and comfort for many. It seems she has become dear to a lot of folks just like her. They have provided care and comfort to her and our family. 

Mrs. Swift is survived by her brother, Clint Vines of Lenoir, sisters, Wilma Cook of Zionville and Rebecca Tester and husband, Dewey, of Boone, and brother, Dean Vines and wife, Twila Driver of Hayes, VA; special cousin & family, Ruby Anderson of Boone; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Dean Swift; brothers, Lynn and Dale Vines; brother-in-law and wife, Carlton and Diane Swift, brother-in-law, Tom Cook; and sister-in-law, Flora Vines. 

Funeral services for Juanita Swift will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, August 15th, at 3 oclock at Cove Creek Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Mack Tester and Rev. Shelby Stephens. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 oclock, prior to services, at the church. Burial will follow in the Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. At other times, the family will be at the home of Rebecca and Dewey Tester, George Wilson Rd. in Boone. 

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. 

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


Joseph Greene Norris (Dec. 7, 1943 – Aug. 12, 2017) 

Norris

Joseph Greene Norris, 73, of Milton Moretz Road, Boone, passed away Saturday evening, August 12, 2017 at his home. Born December 7, 1943 in Watauga County, he was a son of Granville and Pansy Greene Norris. Joe was a truck driver for Woods Masonry and attended Emanuel Baptist Church. Joe loved his family and enjoyed gardening and grooming his lawn. 

Mr. Norris is survived by his wife, Georgia Phillips Norris; sons, Terry Norris and Kimberly and Charles Norris and Anita Watson, all of Boone; daughters, Diane Stines and husband, Ernie of Newland and Linda Norris of Boone; and nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Granville and Pansy Greene Norris; step-daughter, Reba Taylor; and four brothers and four sisters. 

Funeral arrangements for Joseph Greene Norris are incomplete. Friends may call at the Norris residence at any time. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in care of Jerry South, PO Box 390, Deep Gap, NC 28618.

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


Kathleen H. Simmons (Aug. 31, 1929 – Aug. 11, 2017)

Mrs. Kathleen Hodges Simmons, 87, of Boone, passed away Friday morning, August 11, 2017 at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation. Born August 31, 1929 in Mt. Airy, she was a daughter of the late Reuben and Louise McCreary Hodges. 

Simmons

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Bruce Simmons, one son, Dwight Simmons and wife Sandra, of Boone, two grandchildren, Emilee Simmons Hughes and husband David of Knoxville, TN, and Brent Simmons and wife Autumn of Seattle, WA, and two great grandchildren, Lucy Kate Hughes and Owen Charles Hughes both of Knoxville, TN. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Adele Hodges. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Kathleen Hodges Simmons will be conducted Monday morning at 11 am at the Conrad Memorial Baptist Church, in High Point, NC. Officiating will be Rev. Donald Ray Thomas and Rev. Bob Hiatt. The body will lie in state at the church from 10 until 11 oclock. Burial will follow in Guilford Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC. 

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, August 13 from 5 oclock until 7 oclock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. 

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


Mr. Lowell G. Hagaman (Dec. 27, 1937 – Aug. 11, 2017)

Mr. Lowell Gray Hagaman, 79, of Clemmons and a longtime resident of Blowing Rock, passed away peacefully at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem on Friday, August 11, 2017.

Hagaman

He was born in the Beech Creek Community of Watauga County on December 27, 1937 to the late Hard and Clemmie Miller Hagaman. Lowell worked for Sealtest Milk, making home deliveries throughout Watauga and Avery Counties. He then spent 30 years working in the manufactured housing industry, owning Landmark Homes in Wilkesboro and retiring from Clayton Homes. Lowell enjoyed travel throughout the United States and many foreign countries. He always felt very blessed and wanted to share with others. Lowell especially loved his family. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Boone, where he enjoyed serving in the food pantry ministry.

Lowell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cora Broyhill Hagaman, of the home; two children, David L. Hagaman of Greensboro, and Rev. Dr. M. Scott Hagaman and wife, Hanna, of Marion; two grandchildren, Laurel L. Hagaman and Benjamin G. Hagaman.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Boone with Rev. Roy Dobyns and Rev. Christa Warise officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the service. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts are encouraged to Boone First Baptist Church, Christian Outreach Center, 375 W. King Street, Boone, NC 28607 or to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, Attn: Finance Department, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

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


Patrick D Tolley (Dec. 6, 1929 – Aug. 11, 2017)

Patrick Dale Tolley, 87 of Cranberry, North Carolina passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn.

Tolley

He was born on December 6, 1929 in McDowell County, West Virginia, a son of Lawerance Tolley and Alice Tolley.

Patrick retired from US Air Force, with twenty-one years of service. He was a Tech Sergeant. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in North Cove, NC. He was a member of DAV and VFW Post 4286

Along with his parents Patrick was preceded in death by his Wife, Carolyn Tolley; Three Brothers, Scott Tolley, Benjamin Tolley, L.A. Tolley; Four Sisters, Vickie Cummings, Georgia Tolley, Madelyn Davis, Wilma Tolley; .

Patrick leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Daughter, Alicia Shell and husband Steven of Cranberry, NC, Daughter, Amy Tolley of Cranberry, NC, Granddaughter, Haley Shell of Graham, NC, Granddaughter, Emma Shell of Cranberry, NC, Granddaughter, Megan Shell of Cranberry, Grandson, Ethan Shell of Cranberry, NC, Great-Grandson, Ryan Vance of Graham, NC. Several Nieces and Nephews. His dogs Henry and Skillet

Services for Patrick Dale Tolley will be held on Monday August 14, 2017, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Greene and Rev. David Burnop officiating.

The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 on Monday August 14, 2017 at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Cranberry Cemetery, Tuesday August 15, 2017 at 11:00 AM, family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 10:15 AM to process to the Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: D.A.V. Newland Chapter, P.O. Box 2533, Banner Elk, NC 28604

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

The care of Patrick and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.


Fred Carlton Pitts (June 28, 1927 – Aug. 10, 2017)

Fred Carlton Pitts, 90, of Possum Hollow Road, Blowing Rock, passed away Thursday morning, August 10, 2017, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

Pitts

Fred was born June 28, 1927 in Watauga County, a son of the late Johnny and Grace Greene Pitts. He was a retired store clerk and served in the United States Army and Air Force for 20 years.

Fred is survived by his wife, Cacilia Sigl “Lotte” Pitts of the home; two sons, Bill Pitts and wife Carol, and Steve Pitts and wife Sherrie, all of Blowing Rock; two granddaughters, Misty Pitts, and Tammie Hill and husband Cameron, all of Blowing Rock; one grandson, Chad Pitts and wife Stephanie of Port Ludlow, Washington; two great-grandsons, Noah Bruining, and Jackson Hill, all of Blowing Rock, and three great-granddaughters, Charlotte Hill of Blowing Rock, and Charley and Rilan Pitts, all of Port Ludow, Washington. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward, Carl, and Arl Pitts, and one sister, Elizabeth Greene.

Funeral services for Fred Carlton Pitts will be conducted Saturday afternoon, August 12, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Dr. Harvey Bauman. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by the United States Air Force, will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

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

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


Rev. James R. Holshouser (Jan. 14, 1934 – Aug. 10, 2017) 

Rev. James Richard Holshouser, age 83, of Blowing Rock, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017. He was the son of the late Robert Jacob Julius Holshouser, Sr. and Mamie Gladys Roberts Holshouser. He was a graduate of Davidson College and Union Seminary in Richmond, Va. He was a retired Presbyterian minister and served many churches throughout eastern and western North Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Sadie Rebecca Rigler Holshouser, two daughters, Natalie Lorraine Holshouser of Blowing Rock, and Laura Ailene Holtsberg and husband Russell of Bend, Oregon. Two sons, Richard Andrew and wife Francisca Holshouser of Denver, Colorado, and Jonathan David and wife Rebecca Holshouser of Boulder, Colorado.

One sister, Lorra Lee Holshouser of Mooresville, two brothers, Robert Holshouser, Jr. and wife Susan K. of Conover and Howard and wife Rita Holshouser of Mooresville. Three granddaughters, Lorraine, Madison and Lillian, and one grandson, Dylan.

 Services for Rev. James Richard Holshouser, Sr. will be conducted Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in Grace Lutheran Church, Boone. 

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


Dr. Michael Joseph Dotson (March 30, 1951 – Aug. 8, 2017)

When God had Louis play the treasured song that calls the Saints home, that was so beloved by this good and honorable man, Mike went willingly toward the Light that promises eternal life in a new body free of pain.

Dotson

Dr. Michael Joseph Dotson was born 30 March 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Rhea Esneault and John Dotson. Raised in New Orleans, he spoke fondly of a safer time when his Mother would put him on a train bound for Cincinnati, entrusting the six-year-old to the care of a conductor until he reached his Aunt in Cincinnati. Mike rode his bicycle throughout New Orleans, attended Catholic Schools where he loved to challenge the brothers and sisters, and wrestled in high school. 

Mike was an excellent student and attended LSU. Unfortunately, he enjoyed life outside the classroom immensely. After re-establishing his priorities, he received his BA at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA in 1973. During this time, he married Janice Frazer and worked as a Sales Manager at Phillip Morris Furniture Company. The love of learning led him back to Mississippi State University where he earned a DBA in Marketing in 1984 and taught. A favorite story was while a financially struggling graduate student, he and Janice had people over for a dinner featuring a beautiful roast, which was grabbed in midair and eaten by a beloved English Bulldog. 

In 1983, Mike accepted a position in the Marketing Department at Appalachian State University. He was a member of this Department until his death and served as a Professor and Acting Chairperson. In the 34 years he spent at ASU, he taught Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Advertising, and Channels; published 58 refereed journal articles; gave 24 presentations at various professional meetings; and, served at the Department, College, and University levels. In recognition of the quality of Mike’s research, he was recognized with the Walker College of Business Scholarship/Research Award in 2012.

Mike enjoyed not only showing dogs, but also guiding more than one to achieving Canine Good Citizen. He had planned to retire in December 2017 and looked forward to grooming his Briards Jackamo and Fury through obedience trials and to writing fiction. Mike loved his family and took great pride in being a exemplary husband, an involved Father, a loving Uncle, Brother, and Son-in-Law, and a loyal friend. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Aunt Edna and Aunt Florence, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many dear friends and companions. Those left to grieve and cherish his memory are: his wife of 25 years, Mary Darden McLeod; his cherished son Sean Michael Dotson; his beloved brothers, Maurice and Pierre Wirth; his dear sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Beth McLeod & Jon Kral; his dear brother-in-law, T McLeod; a sister-in-law, Jennifer McLeod; his nieces Kimberlye and Gracie; his nephews Thomas, Walker, and Braxton; numerous cousins and friends; Janice Frazer Voss & husband Jeff; and his beloved canine and feline fur babies. 

Services for Dr. Michael Dotson will be held at 2:00 (1400) Sunday, 13 August 2017 at the home of T. Bragg McLeod, 108 Penny Lane, aka George Blagg Lane, Blowing Rock, NC with parking at the Church of the Epiphany Mission, 163 Galax Lane, Blowing Rock, NC. 

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers but encourages memorials to: Old Friends Equine Rescue, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324; Partners! Canines, 476 Shotwell Rd., Suite 102-224, Clayton, NC 27520; Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607; or the charity of your choice. 

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

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


James Albert Dancy (March 1, 1945 – Aug. 8, 2017) 

James Albert Dancy age 72, of Circle Drive West, Vilas, passed away Tuesday morning, August 8, 2017 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Dancy

Born March 1, 1945 in Watauga County, he was a son of Archie and Madge Greer Dancy. James was a life-long member of Brushy Fork Baptist Church and was a retired inspector from the road construction division of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He enjoyed restoring vintage automobiles and was a long time member of the High Country Classic Car Club. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was well known as a dependable gentleman who always enjoyed tending to the needs of others, especially family and neighbors. 

Mr. Dancy is survived by his wife, Dorothy Winebarger Dancy; son, Jerry Dancy and wife, Kelli, of Raleigh; daughter, Kristin Trivette and husband, J.M., of Zionville; step-son, Jimmy Aldridge and wife, Kim, of Brevard and step-daughter, Saundra Aldridge of Foscoe; brother, Bobby G. Dancy of Newland and sister, Nancy Shore and husband, Gordon of Boone; three grandsons, A. J. Trivette, Cade Dancy, and T. J. Aldridge and wife Rebecca; three granddaughters, Faith Trivette, Jacobi Dancy and Lyndsie Aldridge; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Glenda Dishman Dancy of Statesville; the mother of his children, Barbara Davis Dancy of Boone; one uncle, Billy Greer and wife Joyce, of Huntersville; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, A. D. Dancy.

Funeral services for James Albert Dancy will be conducted Saturday afternoon, August 12th, at 4 oclock, at Brushy Fork Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Johnmark Brown and Rev. Ernie Richards. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 2 until 4 oclock, prior to services, at Brushy Fork Baptist Church. The flag presentation will be provided by the American Legion Post 130. At other times, the family will be at the Dancy residence. 

 Flowers are appreciated or the family suggests memorials to the Greer Family Cemetery Fund, in care of Brenda Hollar, PO Box 84, Sugar Grove, NC 28679.

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