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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Aug. 23, 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.


Margaret Emily McGuire Swift (Jan. 1, 1935 – Aug. 22, 2017)

Mrs. Margaret Emily McGuire Swift, age 82, of 314 Meadowview Drive, Boone, died Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at her residence.

Mrs. Swift is survived by eight children, Skip Hicks and wife Robin of Washington, Lucille Teague and husband Jessie of Sugar Grove, Melba Ashley and husband Terry of Boone, Elizabeth “Gail” Slagle and husband Willie of Elizabethton, Tennessee, Rocky Swift and wife Tianshu of Boone, Erma Swift Staton and husband Steve and Kay Edwards and husband Jimmy all of Marion, North Carolina, one brother, Ben McGuire and wife Janice of Trade, Tennessee, and one sister, Velma McGuire Harmon of Sugar Grove. She is also survived by twenty grandchildren, Twenty one great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Francis Marion McGuire and Sarah Della-Ray Isaacs McGuire; her loving husband, Thomas Berton Swift, affectionately known as “Bert”, one daughter, Melissa “Lisa” Furches and two brothers, Robert “Len” McGuire and Dennard McGuire.

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Emily McGuire Swift will be conducted Sunday afternoon, August 27, 2017, at 5:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Bob Nabholtz will officiate. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 4:00 until 5:00 o’clock. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Mountain City, Tennessee.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 4:00 until 5:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

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


Janie Jones (Nov. 8, 1947 – Aug. 21, 2017)

Martha “Janie”Jones age 69 Years, of Banner Elk, North Carolina passed away Monday, August 21, 2017 at her home. 
She was born on November 8, 1947 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of Howard S Ward and Ada Cannon Ward.
Janie was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Elk Park, NC.
Janie was very family oriented. She had unpreceded love for all people, and was loved by everyone, being wonderfully hospitable to every person on every occasion. 
Her strong tidy work ethic was an inspiration to many. Her very strong spiritual devotion and deep love and care for the health and spiritual wellbeing of others was also truly inspiring. 
She was preceded in death by her Father, Howard S Ward; Mother, Ada Ward; Infant Daughter; Tina Louise Jones; Brother, Harold Ward
Janie leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband Jerry Jones of Banner Elk, NC; Daughter, Marsha (Tommy) Fletcher of Grover, NC, Grandsons Levi Gwyn of Mooresville, NC, Daniel Gwyn of Asheboro, NC, Joshua Gwyn of Banner Elk, NC, Sisters; Betty Ward of Johnson City, TN, Diana (Scott) Gouge of Erwin, TN. Brothers; John (Donna) Ward of Spruce Pine, NC. David (Helen) Ward of Banner Elk, NC. 
The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00PM on Thursday August 24, 2017 prior to the service. 
Services for Martha Jane Jones will be held on Thursday August 24, 2017 beginning at 7:00PM from the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Gragg, Rev. Luther Carver and Rev.Tommy Carver officiating. 
Interment will be in the Cannon Cemetery Friday August 25, 2017. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home 12:00 PM to proceed to the cemetery.
Cannon Cemetery is next to Dayton Jones Lane, off of Beech Mountain Road in Heaton, NC. The cemetery is behind the farm, beyond a gate seen from the road. 
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Jones family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net
The care of Janie and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.


Lawrence Dean “Larry” Beasley (Dec. 30, 1955 – Aug. 20, 2017)

Mr. Lawrence Dean “Larry” Beasley, 61, of Boone passed away, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, at Wake Forest University Medical Center.

Larry is survived by one daughter, Amanda Beasley and her partner, Hart Ford, both of Blowing Rock; one son, William “Will” Beasley and wife Millie of Brooklyn, New York, and three brothers, Earle Beasley of Vero Beach, Florida, Ken Beasley of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Paul Beasley of Burbank, California.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, William Elias Beasley and Hazel Cronan Beasley.

Memorial services for Mr. Lawrence Dean “Larry” Beasley will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Aug. 26, 2017, at 1:00 o’clock, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. Officiating will be The Reverend Cynthia Banks.

A reception will follow the memorial service.

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

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


Cecil B. Green (Dec. 18, 1938 – Aug. 20, 2017) 

Green

Cecil Bryian Green, 78, of Dishman Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Sunday morning, Aug. 20, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center. Born Dec. 18, 1938 in Carter County, Tenn., he was a son of Luther Boyd and Dorothy Cook Green. Cecil was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved his wife, family, and church family at Timbered Ridge Baptist Church, gospel singing, the outdoors, gardening and sports. 
    
Mr. Green is survived by his wife of 43 years, Norma Dishman Green; brothers, William G. Green and wife Wanda, of Strasburg, VA., Rev. Ray Green and wife, Jeanette of Vilas, and Larry D. Green and his friend, Alice, of Soddy Daisy, TN.; sister, Ruth Baker and husband, Jim, of Bristol, TN; and a number of nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services for Cecil B. Green will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 23, at 2 o’clock at Timbered Ridge Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Derick Wilson, Rev. Ray Green and Rev. Tim Bunton. Burial with military honors provided by American Legion Post 130 will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes. 

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Timbered Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in care of Junior Potter, 681 Timbered Ridge Rd., Sugar Grove, NC 28679.

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


Homa Mahmoud (June 3, 1938 – Aug. 18, 2017)

Mrs. Homa Mahmoud, 79, of Raleigh, passed away Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 at Duke Raleigh Hospital in Raleigh.

Homa is survived by her beloved daughter Kitty Otero, cherished and dutiful son-in-law Michael Otero, her pride and Joy Grandson Jack Winston Otero, her loving daughter Lori Mahmoud, Esq., her dear sister, Zahra Mahaiuddin, two daughters Maria and Sophia Mahmoud, and her husband Dr. Shah Mahmoud.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, General Hyatollah Khan and Bebe Gul Khan.

A private service for Mrs. Homa will be conducted at Mt. Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum. 

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

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


Nancy Fabben (Oct. 24, 1955 – Aug. 18, 2017)

Nancy Elizabeth Fabben, 61, of Newland, passed away on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 at her residence in Jonas Ridge, NC.
She was born on Oct. 24, 1955 in Wake County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late John Richers and the late Violet Hayes Richers.

She retired from the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Department after 30 years of service. She was a member of hte Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in Linville and was very faithful in her attendance. She loved to travel, having been on 25 cruises.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Gashe.

Nancy leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband of 37 years, Glenn Fabben of the home; Daughter, Kimberly and Ronny Davidson of Slidell, LA; sisters, Barbara McCune of Knoxville, Tenn., Terri Humphrey of Knoxville, Tenn., Mary and Dan Adolphson of Maryville, Tenn.; mother in law, Betty Fabben of Newland; Brother in law, Brad and Jamie Fabben of Wellington, FL; sister in law, Bonnie and John Whitehead of North Palm Beach, FL; many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Linville, NC with Father Christopher Gober officiating. The family will host a reception immediately following the services in the church fellowship hall. Private interment will be in the Montezuma Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

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


Paul Wayne Potter (July 14, 1953 – Aug. 17, 2017)

Mr. Paul Wayne Potter, Sr. age 64, of Creston passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017 at his residence.

Mr. Potter is survived by his wife, Susan Jones Potter, of the home, one son, Paul Potter, Jr., of Jefferson, two daughters, Heather Potter Rickman of Spruce Pines, and Shannon Potter Woods of Jefferson, three brothers, Sam Potter of Hickory, James Potter and Butler Potter both of Todd, six sisters, Grace Miller of Todd, Elithe Liddle of West Jefferson, Zelma Miller of Todd, Bea McMillian of Crumpler, Mary Potter of West Jefferson and Rachel Dancy of Crumpler, 10-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Paul Wayne Potter, Sr. will be conducted, Monday, August 21, 2017 at 10:00 o’clock at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel with speaker Heather Rickman, Reverend Steve Ashley and Reverend Paul Kurts officiating. Interment will follow in Potter-Main Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Boone Family Funeral Home.

The family will be meeting at the home place at 5939 Big Laurel Road, Creston.

Flowers are appreciated or Memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, P.O. Box 421, Jefferson, North Carolina 28640.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of the arrangements. Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.


Arthur R. Clark (Sept. 23, 1928 – Aug. 17, 2017) 

Arthur Ray Clark, 88, of Boone passed away on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. He was preceded in death by four brothers: William Clark, Gerald Clark, Maurice Clark and Hugh Clark and one sister, Lina Storms. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Boone, his daughter, Debbi of Fuquay Varina, his son, Tyler of Boone, his granddaughter, Kirsten of Holly Springs and two great grandsons, Jake and Brody.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Rumple House.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607. 

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


Junior C. Ward (June 30, 1930 – Aug. 16, 2017)

Junior C. Ward, 87, of Silverstone Road, Zionville, passed away Wednesday evening, Aug. 16, 2017, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation in Boone.

Junior was born June 7, 1930 in Watauga County, a son of the late Edd and Hazel Tester Ward. He was a retired Body Shop Repairman for Andrews Motor Company and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Junior retired from the United States Army after serving for more than 20 years.

Junior is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mildred Sanders Ward of the home, and one brother, Chalmer Ward of Wilkesboro. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, James R. Tester, and one sister, Irene Faye Ward.

Funeral services for Junior C. Ward will be conducted Saturday morning, August 19, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Alan Perry and Pastor Derick Wilson. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by the United States Army, will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service. At other times friends may call at the residence, 1468 Silverstone Road, Zionville.

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

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


Edna Charlene Ward (March 19, 1957 – Aug. 15, 2017)

Edna Charlene Ward, 60, of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC.

She was born on March 19, 1957 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Charles D Bailiff and the late Mary Johnson Bailiff.

Charlene was employed at Watauga Medical Center as a Phlebotomist and had worked for many years as a CNA at Life Care Center. She was a member of Fall Creek Baptist Church, where she was also member of the choir. She enjoyed watching television, Shopping and Coloring. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Bailiff.

Charlene leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband, Harold E Ward of Elk Park, NC, Son, Brent (Julie) Ward of Elk Park, NC, Daughters, Kristie (Steven Lechance) Ward of Elizabethton, TN, Amanda (Jacob) Messer of Madison, WV, Grandchildren, Breeanna Ward, Carrie Ward, Lauren Ward, Payton Ward, Caleb Messer, Great-Grandchildren, Annalee Brewer, Noah Brewer, Sister, Rose Bailiff of Columbia, SC, Brother, Charles (Cindy) Bailiff of Atlanta, GA, Nephew, Rush Bailiff.

Services for Edna Charlene Ward will be held on Sunday August 20,2017, beginning at 2:00PM from the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Ward Family Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00PM on Sunday August 20, 2017 at the funeral home.

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


Kenny Hicks (Dec. 9, 1969 – Aug. 15, 2017)

Kenneth Wayne Hicks, 47, of Heaton, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville. 

He was born on December 9, 1969 in Washington County, Tennessee, a son of Larry Dale Hicks and Della Cannon Rupard.

He was a member of Heaton Christian Church. Kenny enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. Some of his fondest childhood memories were camping with his family and hunting with his brother Eric, cousins, and uncles. He worked for many years as a carpenter. He was very skilled in that area and had other many special talents.

An avid fisherman, he enjoyed his trips to Canada with his friend, Darrell Brewer, spending time in God’s glorious outdoors fishing with his brothers-in-law, Mark and David and with his son-in-law and grandson. Kenny also loved making the annual trip to the Christmas Tree Lot in Louisiana with his cousin, Dean Hagie and close family members. 

He was preceded in death by his Father, Larry Dale Hicks, and Step-Father, Dale Rupard.

Kenny leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife of 28 years, Lori Lusk Hicks of Heaton, NC; Daughter, Jessie Lee (Chad) Stines of Elk Park, NC; and Grandchildren, Wayne, Bree, and Henry Stines. His mother, Della Rupard of Elk Park, NC; Sisters: Tammy (William) Costner of Linville, NC; Penny (John) Hicks of Elk Park, NC; Brothers, Eric (Laura) Hicks of Roan Mountain, TN, and Dean (Tami) Hagie of Watauga Lake, TN.

Services for Kenneth Wayne Hicks will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Heaton Christian Church with Pastor Paul Cole officiating. Interment will follow in the Cannon Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening, August 18, 2017, at the church from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

The family would like extend their sincere appreciation to: Dr. Michael Livingston and Staff at the Levine Cancer Institute; Blue Ridge Pallaitive and Hospice and Kenny’s nurse, Wanda Knecht, Dr. Joseph Barker and the nursing staff at Cannon Memorial Hospital. Gary Edwards and David Ellis, and the members of Heaton Christian Church; Kenny’s best friend, Randall Aldridge and his wife Kathy; Kenny’s Uncle and Aunt, Hal and Marie Hagie; and all the MANY family and friends for all their love and support during this journey. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Levine Cancer Institute Carolinas Kids Cancer Research Coalition c/o Carolinas HealthCare Foundation, 208 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203

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


Dorothy E. Fletcher (July 27, 1923 – Aug. 14, 2017)

Mrs. Dorothy Eggers Fletcher, 94 of Boone, passed away Monday afternoon, Aug. 14, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

She was born July 27, 1923 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Hill and Effie Matheson Eggers. Mrs. Fletcher was retired from TRW/IRC, where she worked as a group leader of a resistors department for 30 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Boone.

Surviving are her daughter, Sue Fletcher Austin of Hickory; one grandson, Mark Fletcher Austin and wife, April of Cary; one granddaughter, Cindy Suzanne Austin of Hickory; nephews, Melvin Fletcher, Ronnie Fletcher, R.D. Eggers and Steve Eggers; nieces, Gail Fox and husband Jim, Hilda Fletcher and husband Jake, Mary Lou Diether, Janet Fletcher, Priscilla Rainey, Betty Church and husband Dean, and Cathy Farmer and husband Sid.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and special caregivers and friends, Callie Rominger, Kathy Phillips, Connie Williams, Karen Dancey, Cierra Wolfe, Tommy Wolfe, Berdie Pitts, Lisa Crisp and Diane Shook.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Bert B. Fletcher and a son-in-law, Collis Austin, Jr., and a brother Rom D. Eggers.

Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy Eggers Fletcher will be conducted Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Cindy Lunsford. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens, Boone. The family will receive friends prior to the services Saturday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

The family respectfully requests no food; flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mabel United Methodist Church in care of Gail Fox, 7320 US Hwy. 421 N., Vilas, N.C. 28692.

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