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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – February 27, 2018

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

 

Henry Mack Ellison 
(May 31, 1932 – February 16, 2018) 

     Henry Mack Ellison, age 85, of Meat Camp Road, Boone, passed away Thursday evening, February 16, 2018 at Glenbridge and Rehabilitation in Boone. Born May 31, 1932 in Watauga County, he was a son of Pink and Minnie Shelton Ellison. Mr. Ellison was a timber cutter and was of the Baptist faith. 
    He is survived by four brothers, Don Ellison, Robert Ellison and wife, Shirley, and Charlie Ellison, all of Boone, and George Ellison and wife, Rachel, of Mountain City; and four sisters, Bonnie Potter of Hickory, and Tempie Woodring and husband, Howard, Pansy Ross and husband, Dean, and Pearl Miller and husband, Danny, all of Boone. 
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Jerry Ellison; and two sisters, Hazel Canter and Evalee Kincaid.
    Funeral services for Henry Mack Ellison will be held at a later date. 
    Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ellison family.

 

Willena Dance Hunter 
(June 26, 1928 – February 17, 2018) 

     Willena Dance Hunter, 89, of Banner Elk and formerly of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away February 17, 2018. 
    Mrs. Hunter is survived by her son, Jerry Hunter and wife, Sharon, of Zionville; her daughter, Beth Hunter Cook and husband, Jim, of Michigan; two sisters, Barbara Beaver and husband, David, and Martha Graham and husband, Ray, all of Charlotte; and one brother, Joe Dance and wife, Yvonne, of Waynesville. Four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. 
    A memorial services for Mrs. Hunter will be held at a later date in Clemson, South Carolina.
    Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hunter family.

 

 Carolyn F. Carr 
(February 14, 1941 – February 18, 2018) 

    Mrs. Carolyn F. Carr, age 77 of Boone, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018. 
    She is survived by her husband, Gordon L. Carr, Ph.D., a step-daughter, Shannon Carr, M.D. and spouse Mark Ward of Albuquerque, New Mexico, two step-sons, John C. Carr, Ph.D. and wife Michelle of Raleigh, N.C., and Patrick T. Carr and Angela of Nashville, TN. One brother, Dan A. Pounders and wife Lynn of St. Charles, MO. Also survived by two grandchildren, Garrett and Chandler Carr.
    Services are incomplete at this time, but will be announced as soon as they become available.
    No flowers please. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Seby Jones Cancer Center Patient Fund, 336 Deerfield Road, Boone, BN.C. 28607 and/or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen; Dept. 41831, P.O. Box 650309 Dallas, Texas, 75265.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Carr family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Carr family

 

 Isabella M. Smith-Sexton 

(December 13, 2017 – February 18, 2018) 

     Isabella Marie Smith-Sexton of Boone, two month old daughter of Diana Smith and Steven Sexton, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018.
    In addition to her parents, she is survived by three sisters, her twin, Emma Rose Smith-Sexton, and Eve Alexandria and Gabrielle Mary Smith. Maternal grandmother, Julia Taube, and maternal grandfather, Edwin Smith. Her Paternal grandparents Edward and Opal Sexton.
    Funeral services for Isabella Marie Smith-Sexton will be conducted Friday, February 23, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Helton United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lansing.
    The family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.,m., prior to the services.
    Online condolences may be share with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving Isabella’s family.

 

Estelle Gertrude Isaacs 
(December 29, 1926 – February 19, 2018) 

     Gertrude Coffey Isaacs, age 91, of Horse Bottom Road, Banner Elk, passed away Monday afternoon, February 19, 2018 in Newland. Born December 29, 1926 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of William Harston and Nila Rowe Coffey. Mrs. Isaacs was a member of Clark’s Creek Baptist Church in Valle Crucis and was a retired seamstress from Shadowline, Inc. She was better known as ‘Grand Mommy’ to her family and to most of Avery County. With ‘just 5 minutes notice’, she would be ready to travel and had visited most states in the Union. She was most proud of being named an Honorary Member of the Fast Draw Association. 
    Mrs. Isaacs is survived by her daughters, Helen Clarice Cannon and husband, Jimmy, of Vilas and Sharon Wilson of Morganton; sons, Edgar Dean Coffey and wife, Jeanette, of Banner Elk and Ralph Harston Coffey and wife, Brenda, of Newland; 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and l4 great-great grandchildren; and special friend, Betsy Sweet. 
    She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Charles Coffey; parents, William Harston and Nila Rowe Coffey; sisters, Reba Townsend and Lucille Byrd; brothers, Truett and Bynum Coffey; daughter-in-law, Norma Coffey; and granddaughter, Debbie Matheson. 
    Funeral services for Gertrude Isaacs will be conducted Friday afternoon, February 23, 2018 at 2 PM at the Clark’s Creek Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. David Lunsford and Rev. Chad Cole. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 until 2 o’clock, one hour prior to services, at the church. Graveside services will follow in the Clark’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. 
    Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Isaacs family.

 

Ms. Joyce S. Moore 
(June 10, 1943 – February 21, 2018) 

    Joyce Alma Simmons Moore, age 74 of Morganton passed away Wednesday morning, February 21st, 2018. She was born June 10, 1943 in Watauga County, NC. 
    She was the daughter of William Stewart Simmons and Virginia Moody Simmons. 
    Ms. Moore is survived by her daughter Colleen Moore Cornette and husband Michael of Sherrills Ford, NC. Two Brothers, James Robert Simmons and wife Glenda Hodges Simmons of Vilas, NC and George William Simmons of Trade TN. One granddaughter Kathryn Rose Cornette and 2 nephews Allen and wife Kathy and William Simmons and wife Allison. 
    A private memorial service for Joyce will be held at The Chapel at Broughton Hospital on March 7th at 3:30 PM. The family would like to thank the staff of Broughton Hospital for the 25 years of kindness, love and compassionate care she received. A special thanks to the wonderful staff of ward 14 and 103. Mom loved her caregivers and they loved her. 
    In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cemetery Fund of Broughton Hospital or Cheer fund for the patients of Ward 14. Mailing address: 1000 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655 Attn: Cashiers office. In memory of Joyce Moore.
    Online condolences may be shared with the Moore family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Moore family.

 

Shirley Ann South Moody

July 22, 1953 – February 19, 2018

Shirley Ann South Moody, age 64, of Boone, passed away Monday, February 19, 2018 at Wake Forest University Medical Center.

Shirley was born July 22, 1953 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Cody South and Unabell Hodge South. She was a dispatcher and driver for the Applcart of Boone.

Shirley is survived by one daughter, Carolyn South of Boone; four brothers, Bob South of Dallas, North Carolina, Bill South of Branson, Missouri, Jesse South and wife Peggy of Zionville and George South of Concord; one sister, Juliana Hayes and husband Ronnie of the Cove Creek Community, and two sisters-in-law, Judy P. South of Vilas and Lori South of Boone. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Dean and Wayne South, and an infant brother, Frank South; one sister, Bernice Carroll, and an infant sister, Alice South.

A Celebration of the Life of Shirley Ann South Moody will be conducted Friday evening, February 23, 2018, at 7:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 7:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in care of Brian Barker, 441 Daniel Drive, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina.

 

Larry Phillips

September 08, 1950 – February 20, 2018

Larry Phillips, age 67, of Lenoir, a native and former resident of Watauga County, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

Larry was born September 8, 1950 in Watauga County, a son of the late Dayton Marvin Phillips and Ella Norris Phillips. He was a member of Mountain Dale Baptist Church.

Larry is a loving brother of six sisters, Jean Pharr and husband Lawrence of Mocksville, North Carolina, Ann Wood of Harrisburg, North Carolina, Ruby Pennell, Barbara McCall, and Doris “Sam” Phillips, all of Lenoir, and Irene Cummings and husband Francis of Hickory, and five brothers, Bill Phillips and wife Martha, and Joe Phillips and wife Fran, all of Zionville, Charles Phillips, Robert Phillips and wife Etheleen, and Mike Phillips, all of Lenoir. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a twin brother, Jerry Phillips; one brother, Carl Norris; one sister, Beulah Norris Rector, and three brothers-in-law, Carlton Wood, Maurice Pennell, and Jerry McCall.

Funeral services for Larry Phillips  will be conducted Saturday afternoon, February 24, 2018, at 2:00 o’clock, at Mountain Dale Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Tim Pierce and Reverend Bill Hayden. Burial will follow in Mountain Dale Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Dale Baptist Church, 2308 Mountain Dale Road, Vilas, North Carolina, 28692.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements

 

Tammy L. Meyer

August 06, 1959 – February 27, 2018

Tammy L. Meyer, age 58, of Fred Hatley Road, Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, February 27, 2018, at her home.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Randy Meyer of the home; three daughters, Samantha Coffey and husband Samuel of Mountain City , Tennessee, Jessica Cornett of Sugar Grove, and Tara Driggars and husband Joseph  of Mountain City; one son, Nathaniel Meyer and his companion Teresa Ellison of Mountain City; her mother, Jane Arnold Colglazier of Boone, two sisters, Jackie Hulett of Sullivan, Indiana and Kim Butler of Jasper, Indiana, and two brothers, John McDonald of Helena, Montana and Jeffrey Mcdonald of Indiana. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry McDonald and one brother, Rob McDonald.

Funeral arrangements for Tammy L. Meyers are incomplete at this time.

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

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

 

Rev. Ragland Fletcher

June 22, 1917 – February 21, 2018

The Reverend Ragland Nathaniel Fletcher, 100, of Newland, NC, died February 21, 2018 in Raleigh, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Nathaniel Fletcher and Anna Meade Ragland Fletcher and his brothers James Paul Fletcher and Jacob Herman Fletcher. Ragland is survived by his wife of 74 years, Sallie Fleming Teague Fletcher, of Newland, NC; son Dr. Gary Yates Fletcher and wife Gwen, of Cary, NC; daughter Anna Julian Fletcher Leith and husband Tom of Cynthiana, KY; daughter Sallie Beth Fletcher Dabagian and husband Marc of Raleigh, NC; granddaughters Preston Troy Fletcher Deans and husband Brandon of Denver, CO; Kendall Lorraine Fletcher of Sydney, Australia; Julianna Christine Margaret Leith of Florence, KY; Delaney Grace Dabagian and Harper Claire Dabagian, both of Raleigh, NC; grandsons Thomas Edward Leith, Jr. of Sydney, Australia; Eric William Fletcher of Raleigh, NC; and great grandsons Fletcher Nathaniel Deans and Deacon Christopher Deans of Denver, CO. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. 
Ragland graduated from Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, NC; King College, Bristol, TN; and Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA. He proudly served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. 
During his ministerial career, Ragland served as Lay Assistant at First Presbyterian Church, Bristol, TN; Pastor at Keystone and Asbury Chapels under the auspices of the First Presbyterian Church, Johnson City, TN; LaCrosse Memorial Presbyterian Church, Phoebus, VA; Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth City, NC. Supply Pastor at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, Banner Elk, NC, and Pineola Presbyterian Church, Pineola, NC. Parish Associate at Fletcher Presbyterian Church, Newland, NC. Ragland also preached for 23 years for informal Sunday worship services held at Tropic Isle Travel Resort, Bokeelia, FL, where he and Sallie wintered for 31 years. 
In 1939, Newland Presbyterian Church started an outpost Sunday School in the Cow Camp Community of Avery County. Ragland, at age 22, was appointed as trustee of the proposed church. He faithfully taught Sunday School in homes and under trees until volunteering for service in WWII. After a facility was built in 1945, the church became known as Fletcher Chapel in Ragland’s honor. In 1994, the Western North Carolina Presbytery and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church US commissioned Fletcher Chapel a church, and its name was officially changed to Fletcher Presbyterian Church. Ragland and Sallie attended the General Assembly meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio where Ragland personally received the Certificate of Celebration and Commemoration of the church’s organizing. Additionally, Ragland served as Boy Scout Master in Newland for many years and became a Scout Executive based in Asheville, NC. Several of his scouts became prominent members of the community.
Having a degree in Physical Education served Ragland well over the years. An avid golfer all his life, in his 70s and 80s, he participated in a weekly event at Mountain Glen Golf Course in Newland called “The Over-the-Hill Gang” for senior golfers. In his lifetime, Ragland made 7 holes in one and two double eagles! He often said the goal was to shoot your age, which he did on numerous occasions. He also enjoyed skiing, sailing, camping, fishing and boating. 
The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 4:00-5:00PM at Newland Presbyterian Church, 199 Elk Street, Newland, NC 28657. The funeral service celebrating the life of Ragland N. Fletcher will then be held at 5:00PM, following the visitation. The Reverend Roger Wise, The Reverend Michael McKee, and The Reverend Ms. Deborah Moore Clark will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fletcher Presbyterian Church, PO Box 493, Newland, NC 28657.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rsfh.net
The care of Rev. Fletcher and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 

Mary Cathryn Estep

April 14, 1927 – February 22, 2018

Mary Cathryn Estep passed away on February 22nd. Born in Avery County and residing there for most of her life, she was a truly selfless person that served the area as a medical professional. “Cat” (as many knew her) was one of the first people in North Carolina to be licensed as a Nurse Practitioner. She worked at Sloop Memorial Hospital, Cannon Memorial Hospital, and Guy Medical Clinic. Many of her patients called her “Dr. Mom” because she cared for them like a mother cares for her family. She always put the needs of others before her own and was well-respected by the medical professionals she worked alongside.
Mary Cathryn was a woman of God and lived her life as a shining example of His teachings. She made the world a better place. Granny Cat had a special and different relationship with each of her grandchildren and she was a wonderful mother to Mike, Becky, and Kathy. 
Mary Cathryn was an avid UNC Tarheel fan. She knew every player and, through her TV, coached them each game. 
She was preceded in death by her parents Omar and Sammy Thompson; her husband Landon (Bud) Estep; two infant sons David and Stevie Estep; brothers Sam and Edwin Thompson; and sister Joyce Thompson Cooper. She is survived by son Mike (Mary Ann) Estep of Roan Mt, TN; daughters Becky Corder of Port Aransas, TX and Kathy Carroll of Weaverville, NC; sisters Shirley(David) Morgan of Bradenton, FL, Pat (Don) Julian of Roan Mt, TN, and Sally (Roger) Morgan of Roan Mt, TN; grandchildren Mike Estep Jr, John Colborn, Monica (Philip) Condrey, Zak, Zoe, and Zane Carroll; great grandson Landon Estep; great-great granddaughter Emory Estep; a host of nieces and nephews, and very special friends Paul and Linda Crinkley.
After retiring from her medical career, Mary visited the home-bound and others that needed care, comfort, or even simply company and compassion. She considered this her mission and her pleasure. A fund has been established through the First Baptist Church of Crossnore to fund and continue her work. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Crossnore/ Mary Estep Visitation Fund, P.O. Box 370, Crossnore, NC 28616.

Services for Mary Catherine Estep will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2018 beginning at 3:PM at Crossnore Baptist Church with Dr. Phil Murdock and Rev. Mark Potter officiating. 
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1PM to 3PM 
Interment will be in the Daniels Cemetery

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

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

 

John Wesley Ellis

March 13, 1955 – February 24, 2018

John Wesley Ellis, age 62, of Elk Park passed away on February 24, 2018 at Johnson City Medical Center.
A native of Avery County , he was born March 13, 1955 a son of the late Clark and Maxine Eller Ellis
John was a member of Heaton Christian Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, sports and fishing. John will be greatly missed my his family and the community. 
Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by his: Brother: Jim Ellis
John has left to cherish his memory his: Daughter: Shanna Houston of Elk Park, North Carolina , Son: John Ellis V of Elk Park, North Carolina, Grandson: Cash Houston of Elk Park, North Carolina; Sister Jan (Dennis) Lewis of Elk Park, NC; Frances Potter of Maryland
Several nieces and nephews
The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 27, 2018 from 6PM-7PM at Heaton Christian Church
A celebration of life will follow at 7PM 
Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.
The care of John and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.