Watauga, Avery Obituaries – December 12, 2017

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

Roy Linley Smith, Jr.
(December 11, 1956 – November 27, 2017)

Roy Linley Smith Jr. was born December 11, 1956 in Oxford, NC to Roy Linley Smith Sr. and Mary Sue (Winkler) Smith. He grew up in Raleigh, NC with his parents and sister, Susan (Smith) George. He attended Appalachian State University where he a was a founding member of the Appalachian State Rugby Team. He graduated in 1979 with a BS in Business and Minor in Physics. On September 13, 1976 he met Suzie Owen. Lyn and Suzie would wed 4 years later on April 5, 1980. They would have three children, Daniel Lyn, Amanda Michelle, and Rebecca Lynne. He also has 9 Grandchildren: Callie (17), Tyler (14), Dylan (12), Adelaide (5), Emma (5), Godric (4), Yassine (3), Josie (3), and Jasmine (1), whom he loved dearly. Anyone who knew Lyn, knew without a doubt he was a huge Duke fan. His love for Duke University began as a young boy and continued to grow with him his entire life. Lyn and Suzie frequented many Duke football games during their college years at App State. That tradition carried on as they continued to frequent games with their three kids in  tow. Lyn was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a loyal friend that enjoyed staying in contact with with lifelong friends. There’s no denying he touched the lives of many.

James Frank Potter
(March 17, 1937 – November 29, 2017) 

James Frank Potter, 80, of Hickory, and a native of Watauga County, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at his home. Born March 17, 1937 in Watauga County, he was a son of William and Blanche Thomas Potter. Mr. Potter was an active member of the Granite Falls Church of Christ. He was employed at Drexel Heritage Furniture Company for 40 years. The love of his life was his family and in his spare time he enjoyed gardening, buying and trading at flea markets, and searching for items at yard sales. 
    Mr. Potter is survived by his daughter, Anita P. Eckert and husband, Scott, of Hickory; 
    two grandchildren, Mark Eckert of Chicago, IL and Melissa Eckert of Morganton; sister, Zella Parkinson of Elkton, MD and brother John Lee Potter of Mountain City, TN. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jewell Lewis Potter; sons, Jerry and Gary Dean Potter; sisters, Edith Brown and Mary Weaver; and brothers, Bruce and Clyde Potter. 
    Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, December 3rd, at 2 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Evangelist Frank Johnson. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park.
    Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory in Boone is serving the Potter family.

Mrs. Frances S. Fulmer
(June 20, 1925 – December 1, 2017) 

Frances Stone Fulmer, 92, passed away on December 1, 2017 at Trinity Grove in Wilmington, NC. Frances was born June 20, 1925 in Inman, SC to the late Milan Gardner Stone and Annie Williams Stone. She was preceded in death by her brother James Marshall Stone and her husband of fifty years, William Edmund Fulmer. She called Boone, NC home. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Boone for many years. 
     Frances graduated from Winthrop College with an undergraduate degree in Mathematics Education and from Appalachian State Teachers College with a Masters Degree. She taught mathematics at a junior high in Spartanburg, SC, a high school in Columbia, Missouri, and for most of her career, at Appalachian State University. 
    Frances was a thoughtful and loving mother and grandmother. She loved to garden and arrange flowers and was active in the Blue Ridge Garden Club in Boone. She and her husband enjoyed traveling all over the United States as well as to Europe, Australia, and Asia. 
    She is survived by three daughters, Anne Fulmer Plage and husband Robert of Wilmington, Linda Fulmer Sheer of Chapel Hill, and Janet Fulmer Gilbert and husband Marty of Wilmington. Frances is also survived by four grandchildren, Caitlin Plage Robertson and husband Joel of Nashville, TN, Michael Plage and wife Nataleigh of Wilmington, Caroline Gilbert of Raleigh, NC, and Catherine Sheer Kliegle and husband Jonathan of Chicago, IL. 
    A memorial service will take place at First Baptist Church of Boone on Saturday, December 9 at 3:00. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Internment will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Gardens of Boone, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Baptist Church 357 W. King Street, Boone, NC 28607 or Trinity Grove 631 Junction Creek Dr. Wilmington, NC 28412.
    
    The family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Grove for the loving care she received there.

Doris G. Cummines
(May 02, 1924 – December 8, 2017) 

    Doris Mae Gordon Cummines, age 93 of the Bethel Community, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017. She was a native of Petersburg, Indiana and a resident of Watauga County. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and the daughter of the late Allen (A.J.) and Pansy Willis Gordon.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Anson Cummines, two brothers, Doyle Ray and John Thomas Gordon.
    She is survived by two daughters, Nancy and husband Vern Johnson of Bethel, and Carolyn and husband Steve Ficklin also of Bethel.
    She is also survived by seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services for Doris Mae Gordon Cummines will be conducted Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the Bethel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services from 6-7 p.m. in the church. Interment will follow in Indiana.
    In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, 123 Mountain Dale Road, Vilas, N.C. 28692.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Cummines family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Cummines family

Rachel Whittington

(November 08, 1932 – December 8, 2017) 

85, of Boone, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017.
    She was the daughter of the late John and Cora Hagler Grimes. 
    She was preceded in death by her husband Lee Whittington.
    She is survived by one son, Ronnie Whittington of Nashville, Tennessee, two daughters, Kathy Kampfer of Boone and Nellie Ervin of Chapel Hill.
    Funeral services for Rachel Whittington will be conducted Monday, December 11, 2017 at 2 p.m. in Austin and Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services from 1-2 p.m.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Whittington family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Whittington family

 

Mr. Burl A. Pardue
(September 13, 1924 – December 9, 2017) 

Mr. Burl A. Pardue, age 93, of Slabtown Road, Zionville, passed away Saturday evening, December 9, 2017 at his home. Born September 13, 1924 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Mae Pardue. Burl was of the Baptist faith. He was a farmer and doctored large farm animals for many years. 
    He is survived by one daughter, Glenda Adkins of Zionville, four grandchildren, Dana Triplett and wife Diane of Lewisville, NC, Greg Triplett and wife Nicole and Michael Adkins and wife Danyelle all of Zionville, and Jennifer Adkins of Wilmington, five great grandchildren, Adam, Aubrey Marley and Tony Triplett and Athena Adkins, and one brother, Ernest Pardue. 
    In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Edna Miller Pardue, his grandparents, Samuel and Emma Pardue, and one brother, Harold Dean Pardue. 
    Funeral services for Mr. Burl Pardue will be conducted Wednesday evening, December 13th at 8 oclock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Derick Wilson. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 6 PM until 8 PM at the funeral home.
    Graveside services and burial will be Thursday afternoon, December 14th at 2 PM at the Reece Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Reece Cemetery Fund, in care of Charles Cook, 730 Slabtown Road, Zionville, NC 28698 or to Medi-Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Pardue family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Pardue family

Joshua “Josh” Johnfroe

June 29, 1981 – December 06, 2017

Joshua “Josh” Johnfroe, age 36, of James Drive, Hickory, passed away Wednesday morning, December 6, 2017, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

Josh is survived by his wife, Stachia Ann Hagaman Johnfroe of Hickory; his children, Jada Faith Johnfroe, Matthew Xavier Johnfroe, Liam Michael Johnfroe, and Savannah Lynn Johnfroe, all of Hickory; his mother, Debbie Marchadie and her husband Keith of Luling, Louisiana; his father, Maxwell Glaze of Lumberton, Mississippi, one sister, Michelle Gisclair of Saint Amant, Louisiana; his grandmother, Janet Belanger, and his mother-in-law, Brenda Cannon Coffey of Lenoir. He is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Floyd Vallette, and his great-grandmother, Margaret Dodgen.

Funeral services for Joshua “Josh” Johnfroe will be conducted Sunday afternoon, December 10, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, from 1:00 until 2:00, at the funeral home, prior to the service. Officiating will be Pastor Rick Bowman. Military rites, provided by the United States Navy, American Legion Post 130, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow. Burial will then follow in the Trivette Family Cemetery in Sugar Grove.

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

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

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

Mary Harmon Johnson

January 18, 1934 – December 10, 2017

Mary Harmon Johnson, age 83, of Peoria Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Sunday morning, December 10, 2017, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

Mrs. Johnson was born January 18, 1934 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Graydon and Pearl Harmon. She was a homemaker and a member of Green Valley Baptist Church.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by one daughter, Christine J. Trivette and husband Timothy of Sugar Grove; two sons, Willis H. Johnson, Jr. and wife Eunice and Bobby G. Johnson and wife Vickie, all of Sugar Grove; two granddaughters, April Johnson Greene and husband Steven, and Naomi Johnson, all of Sugar Grove; five grandsons, Adam Johnson and wife Tina, Aaron Johnson and wife Mandy, Joel Trivette, Nathan Trivette, and Graydon Johnson, all of Sugar Grove, and one sister, Glenda Trivette of Sugar Grove. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Johnson, Sr.; one son, J.D. Johnson; three sisters, Gayla Harmon, Ruby Harmon, and Wilma Harmon, and two brothers, Carroll and Stacy Harmon.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Harmon Johnson will be conducted Saturday afternoon, December 16, 2017, at 1:00 o’clock, at Green Valley Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church from 12:00 until 1:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Eric Cornett and Pastor Steven Greene. Burial will follow in Green Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Green Valley Baptist Church, in care of Brenda Potter, 629 Buckeye Road, Elk Park, North Carolina, 28622.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements

Canaan Rae Hughes

February 3, 1975 – November 20, 2017

Canaan Rae Hughes, 42, died Monday, November 20, 2017, at her home on Camp Creek Road, Newland. She is predeceased by her father, Kenneth Hughes of Ingalls.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Hunter Laws and Zander Hughes of the home, her mother and step-father, Thelma and Bill Laws, her grandmother, Virginia McClellan, all of Camp Creek Road, her brother Travis Hughes (Amanda) of Newland, niece Taylor Gray and nephew Nolan Hughes, step-sister Renetta Laws and her daughter Lilith, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly. 
Canaan graduated in the 1993 class of Avery County High School and completed her nurses training at Mayland Community College in 1997. She work all of her career in the medical profession which she dearly loved. 
Her son Hunter said, “She always made everybody smile and she helped everybody.” Working with both the mentally ill and elderly was her special talent and love. 
Early in her career, she was moved by and elderly patient’s lack of income and knowing his television was all he had, she paid his cable bill until he died. “I’m not going to let them cut his television off; it’s the only pleasure he has in life,” she said, although as a young nurse she was ill-equipped to pay.
She had the gentlest and warmest of hearts and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangement. Friends will be received at Crossnore Baptist Church, 1-3 PM., Monday, November 27, 2017, with the service following at 3P.M. led by the Rev. Lander Hefner.
Donations in memory of Canaan Rae Hughes may be made to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, 296 Ash Street, Newland, NC 28657
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Hughes family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Canaan and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.
(828) 733-2121

Josephine (ESS) Hopson

November 7, 1933 – December 5, 2017

Josephine (ESS) Hopson, age 84, of Roaring Creek, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the Cranberry House.

She was born on November 7, 1933 in Avery County, North Carolina, to the late Romless Hughes and Heittie Greene Hopson.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; Two Daughters, Janie Sue Hopson, Betty Lou Beattie; Four Sisters, Naomi Jones, Goldie Hicks, May Hopson, Helen Hughes; and Two Brothers; James Hughes, Bow Hughes.

Ess attended The People’s Church for many years. She loved to listen to Bluegrass Music, and she also enjoyed Arts & Crafts, Singing, Sewing, and Cooking.

Ess leaves behind to cherish her memory: Husband, Hamilton Hopson of Roaring Creek, NC; Sister, Florence Coe of Lexington, NC, Son, Eugene (Janet) Hopson of Thomasville, NC, Son, Kim Hopson of Lexington, NC, Son, Randy (Geisha) Hopson of Spruce Pine, NC, Granddaughter, Jessica (William) Dugger of Newland, NC, Grandson, Troy Beattie of Roaring Creek, NC, Grandson, Adrian Beattie of Roaring Creek, NC, Granddaughter, Jamie (Matt) Webb of Newland, NC, Granddaughter, Alicia Hopson of Newland, NC, Grandson, Shawn (Jaime) Hopson of Newland, NC, Granddaughter, Katie Tankersly of Lexington, NC, Grandson, Freddie Hopson of Lexington, NC, Granddaughter, Crystalyn Gomez of Newland, NC, 14 Great Grandchildren, and 9 Great-Great Grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service for Josephine (ESS) Hopson will be held on Sunday December 17, 2017 at 2PM at The People’s Church on Roaring Creek.
A Graveside Service will immediately follow in the Upper Roaring Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home, 296 Ash Street Newland, NC 28657 to help cover funeral expenses.

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Hopson family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net

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

Janice Church Roney

September 8, 1944 – December 6, 2017

Janice Church Roney, age 73, of Banner Elk, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at her home.

She was born on September 8, 1944 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter the late Malcom Church and Lillian Townsend Church Cornett.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; Husband, Carroll Roney; One Sister and 4 Brothers.

She enjoyed Running, Golfing, and Playing Tennis.

Janice leaves behind to cherish her memory; One Son, Joe (Liza) Roney of Raleigh, NC, Grandson, Joseph Roney of Raleigh, NC, Granddaughter, Georgia Roney of Raleigh, NC, Granddaughter, Elizabeth Roney of Raleigh, NC, Brother, George (Margaret) Church of Newland, NC, Sister Nancy Gwyn of Newland, NC and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3 PM till 5 PM on Saturday December 9th at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Shirl Lee Vance

December 13, 1951 – December 10, 2017

Shirl Vance, age 65 of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.
She was born on December 13, 1951 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of Fred Sparks and Dixie Buchannan Sparks.
Shirl worked for many years as a registered nurse.
Shirl attended Emmanuel Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family and camping
Along with her parents Shirl was preceded in death by her Brother: David Spark
Shirl leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband Cecil Vance of Newland, NC; Daughters, Shelli Bowers ( Freddie) of Naples Florida, Leslie Johnson ( Charlie) of Bakersville NC; Sisters, Sheila Sparks of Newland, NC, Debra Grindstaff ( J.B.) of Newland, NC.; Grandson; Timothy Bowers of Naples, FL; Granddaughters: Robin Bowers of Naples Florida, Alecia Yoder of Newland, NC, Ashlie Yoder of Newland, NC, Zaiden Sparks of Newland, NC and Zoie Finley of Newland NC
Four Great-Grandchildren and Two special nieces; Leeanna Sparks and Erin Sparks
The family will be receiving friends Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 6:00PM to 7:00PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newland.
The memorial service will begin at 7:00 with Pastor Joe Ingham officiating 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Vance family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Shirl and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland