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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – July 11, 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.


Beth Weaver ( Jan. 20, 1949 – July 10, 2017)

Beth (Elizabeth) Ann Cleland Weaver, age 68, of Calloway Road in Foscoe, crossed The River into The Light of The Great Spirit on Monday, July 10, 2017, at her home, at daybreak. She was born on January 20, 1949, in Knoxville, Tenn., and was the middle child of three, including her older brother John of Cary and her younger brother Tom of Knoxville, Tenn.  Her parents were Greg and Ann Cleland last residing in Knoxville, Tenn. Greg was originally from Middlesboro, Ky, and Ann from Portland, Ind.

Beth and her husband Craig had been married 13 years. She is survived by her husband, her two brothers, her two children Justin Pride, of Thompson Station, TN, and Meg Pride Stephens, of Charlotte, NC., children of her former marriage with Tom Pride of Hendersonville, NC, and also by her two step-children Gaines Weaver, of Raleigh, NC, and Jennifer Weaver, of Hillsborough, NC. She was the ever-grateful and loving grandmother of five grandchildren: Makayla, Cyrus, Rosa Lu, Aria and Eden, and she was a devoted aunt to Elizabeth Roberts, Katharine McClure, Laurel Barbour, Jason Pride and Ryan Pride. Craig is a retired spiritually-oriented psychotherapist.

She was a retired French teacher, having taught all age levels from pre-school to college, ending her teaching career at Appalachian State University in the Foreign Language Dept. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Master’s Degree. She was an inveterate Francophile, loving the language, the people, the culture of France and traveled there extensively over the years. When she retired, Beth had been in charge of the administrative office of the Faculty Senate at ASU for several years. In preparation for her death, Beth wrote of herself:

“A teacher at heart, who loved to share love, knowledge, experience. A lover of music, dance, God’s  Creation, family and friends. A quiet soul comfortable with solitude, while also relishing the fullness of life and the challenges and delights that it brings. A woman who knew great love and who found  the love of her life and shared with him more beauty than she had imagined possible.”

A Celebration of Beth’s Life will be held at 11:00AM, this Saturday, July 15, at High Country United Church of Christ, US 421 N, Vilas, NC. The service will be preceded by family and friends gathering in fellowship 10:00 – 11:00AM before the service, as well as after 12:00 – 1:00PM. Snack and finger foods will be provided. Officiating will be the Revs. Nancy Sehested, of Asheville, NC, and Tamara Franks, Pastor of HCUCC.

Her family requests that, in lieu of flowers or food, honor Beth’s legacy by making a donation to the F.A.R.M. Cafe’. Go to farmcafe.org to make a donation and to read about the Cafe’s mission, one which is dear to Beth’s heart.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Weaver family, and online condolences may be shared on their website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.


Joan Kirkpatrick (March 12, 1934 – July 10, 2017) 

Joan Kirkpatrick, age 83, of North Street, Boone, passed away Monday morning, July 10, 2017 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir. 

Ms. Kirkpatrick is survived by her daughter, Lynn Clayborn and grandson, Jonathan Clayborn, both of Boone; sisters, Geraldine Horton of Lenoir and Rosalee Craven of Lenoir; and brother, Samuel Kirkpatrick of Oak Ridge, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Leroy and Elizabeth Hagler Kirkpatrick; sisters, Daisy Mae Kirkpatrick, and Mary Jane Rice; and brothers, Buddy, James and Leroy Kirkpatrick, Jr.

Funeral arrangements for Joan Kirkpatrick are incomplete. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. 

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Kirkpatrick family.


Dr. Robert C. Snyder, M.D. (July 9, 1944 – July 9, 2017)

Dr. Robert C. Snyder, M.D., 73, of Cezanne Drive, Blowing Rock, husband of Corinne Johnson Snyder, passed away Sunday morning, July 9, 2017.

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Robert C. Snyder, M.D. are incomplete at this time. Online condolences may be sent to the Snyder family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.


Lee W. Wilson (Jan. 13, 1940 – July 8, 2017) 

Mr. Lee William Wilson, 77, of Joe Shoemaker Road, Vilas, passed away Saturday morning at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation. Born January 13, 1940 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Bert James and Lizzie Icenhour Wilson. 

He is survived by two sisters, Louise Harper of Mountain City and Della Ward and husband Bobby of Boone, two brothers, J. C. Wilson and David Wilson both of Vilas, and 29 nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ivy Wilson, Pearl Guy and Hazel Falwell, and two brothers, Glenn and Tommy Wilson. 

Funeral services for Mr. Lee Wilson will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Max West and Rev. Jackson Lawley. Burial will follow in the Reece Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon prior to the service from 1 PM until 2 PM at the funeral home. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

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


Evelyn Cardwell Dawson (July 3, 1930 – July 8, 2017)

Evelyn C. “Sandy” Dawson died peacefully on July 8, 2017 at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living in Boone North Carolina. She had just celebrated her 87th birthday.

Her Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 16 at 1 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski, Virginia. A reception will follow the service, after which there will be a private family gathering at Highland Memory Gardens for the internment of her ashes.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to the Emergency Needs Task Force of Pulaski County, Virginia or to Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley.
Evelyn was born on July 3, 1930 in Newport News, Virginia, the only child of John Henry Robert Cardwell and Mattie Arlene Johnson Cardwell.

dShe graduated from Newport News High School and attended Radford College. On September 8, 1948, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Dawson, Jr. They raised 4 children and for 20 years, she was a full time, stay at home Mom. Her family was always of the utmost importance and joy to her.

After returning to school, Evelyn received a Bachelor’s degree from UNC– G and began her teaching career in 1970. She taught sixth grade for three years in the North Carolina Public School System and for sixteen years at Dublin Middle School in the Virginia Public School System. It was in the classroom that she found her voice and made her greatest public contribution. In 1983, she was named the Pulaski County, Virginia Teacher of the Year, and was nominated for Virginia State Teacher of the Year, placing in the top four.
From 1973 until her death, she was a beloved and active member of First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski Virginia where she served as Sunday School Teacher, Youth Choir Director, Youth Club Director, Accompanist, Member of the Choir, Presbyterian Women’s Circle Chair Person, and Member of the Session.

She worked alongside her husband in community affairs and was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Honor Society for Women Educators, Pulaski County Retired Teachers Organization, Presbyterian Women, the Pulaski County Democratic Party, The Round Dozen Club, The Red Hat Society, and The Southwest Virginia Harp Ensemble.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, William J. Dawson Jr. and by her daughter, Ann Dawson Ingham.

She is survived by her children, Kenneth Robert Dawson and his wife Libby Outlaw, Karen Dawson Fuller, and Carol Dawson Miller; by her grandchildren, David Allen and his wife Katy Allen, Spring Dawson-McClure and her husband Garen McClure, Sara Fuller Brown and her husband Joe Brown, Jessica Glenn Carrasco and her husband Cesar Carrasco, Rebecca Miller White and her husband Matthew White, Jennifer Sunshine Dawson, Benjamin William Ingham and his fiancé Elysse Yager, and Jonathan Robert Ingham; and by her nine great grandchildren Lucy Carrasco, Ian Miller, Gus McClure, Eli Miller, Lucas Carrasco, Hollis Brown, Zora McClure and Ellie Brown. 

During her long life, her light brightened the days of so many. In the words of two of her granddaughters, “I will feel her open-hearted love and tenderness always,” and “We will sing her songs, repeat her sayings, and teach our children the values she instilled in us.”

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

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


Yvonne Clark Cornett (Jan. 9, 1940 – July 8, 2017)

Yvonne Clark Cornett, 77 of Jonas Ridge, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Life Care Center in Banner Elk, NC.

She was born on January 9, 1940 in Avery County, NC, a daughter of Arthur and Bessie Mae Carpenter Clark
Yvonne was the Salutatorian of her graduating class from Crossnore High School in 1958. Her last job before retirement was in health care as a CNA with Avery County CAP. 

She was a huge fan of Nascar. Yvonne loved flower gardening and watching the hummingbirds.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur Clark and Bessie Mae Carpenter Clark; Husband Roy “Drum” Cornett; Grandson; C.J. Poored.

Yvonne leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughter, Lisa Stamey of Jonas Ridge, NC, Daughter, Darlene Poore and Chuck of Jonas Ridge, NC.; Son; Shawn Cornett of Charlotte, NC
Brother; Bob Clark and Peggy of Jonas Ridge, NC. Special Brother; Cecil Beach and Janice of Jonas Ridge, NC.

Five Grandchildren: Shane, Melinda, Kayla, Ethan and Aleana; One Great-Grandchild, Parker
Services for Yvonne Cornett will be held on Tuesday July 11, 2017, beginning at 8:00 PM from the Chapel of Reins- Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Beach officiating. 

The family will receive friends beginning at 6:30 PM on July 11, 2017 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. 
Interment will be in the Jonas Ridge Cemetery Wednesday July 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM. 

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


Lenore Greene Critcher (Sept. 5, 1933 – July 7, 2017)

Lenore Greene Critcher, 83, of Deerfield Road, Boone, passed away Friday afternoon, July 7, 2017, at her home.

Lenore was born September 5,1933 in Watauga County. An angel on this earth, She lived a life full of love and dedication to her Lord and family. She married the love of her life Truman Amos Critcher on July, 12 1953, and dedicated her life to one of service to her community and family. Many knew her as a well-respected, warm and loving teacher for 3 years at Happy Valley in Caldwell County and for 27 years at Blowing Rock Elementary School until her retirement in 1989.

Through the years, many of her students have affectionately expressed their adoration of her as one of their favorite teachers. Her heart for serving others and the Lord continued as she was an active member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Her legacy holds many days of teaching Sunday school, directing Vacation Bible School, and being an active participant in her Senior Sunday School Class. She and Truman were very active in their retirement years seeing many sight of this great country traveling with friends making precious memories. Lenore was also a worldwide traveler visiting places like China, Germany, Australia, Israel, and Italy to name a few soaking up the moments with her traveling buddies. During her retirement, she also participated actively in Senior Games in both bowling and basketball.

Lenore loved spending time with family and was their biggest fans. She attended all sporting events, recitals, and/or activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lenore is survived by her husband, Truman A. Critcher of the home; one daughter, Ardease Critcher Greene and husband Joe of Boone; one son, Joe Greene Critcher and wife Berniece “Bunny” of Laurenburg, North Carolina; four granddaughters, Jennifer Greene and husband Burl of Boone, Elizabeth Bowyer and husband Roland, Alison Critcher, and Hannah Yarbrough, all of Laurenburg; four grandsons, Benjamin Greene and wife Kim, and Jonathan Greene and wife Katie, all of Boone, Sgt. John Yarbrough and wife Kimi, stationed in Vicenza, Italy, and Paul Yarbrough and wife Katelyn of Rockingham, North Carolina; her great-grandchildren, Samuel Greene, Wilson Greene, Abraham Greene, Agustus Greene, Jay Greene, Selah Greene, Savannah Greene Rhett Greene, Allisa Critcher, Nolan Caulder, and Ryleigh Yarbrough, Jaxson Yarbrough, Maria Leigh Yarbrough, and Ezekiel Conrad Greene, and her in-laws, Ester Critcher and Ann Critcher, Harry and Wanda Critcher, John and Dana Critcher, David and Linda Critcher, Steve Critcher, Reggie Critcher, George Davison. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Rodney Conrad Greene and Belle Greer Greene; an infant brother, Rodney C. Greene; one sister, Laverne Greene Prevatte, and a nephew, Rodger Prevette, her in-laws, Ed and Vee Critcher, Carlton Critcher, Howard Critcher, Richard Critcher and Erma Rhea Davidson.

Funeral services for Lenore Greene Critcher will be conducted Monday morning, July 10, 2107, at 11:00 o’clock, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 9:30 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Bud Russell, Reverend Burl Greene, and Mr. Ben Greene. Burial will follow in the Critcher Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday morning, from 9:30 until 11:00 o’clock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645, or to Mount Vernon Baptist Church Equip Sports Ministry or Pavilion Fund, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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


Meta Born Ifill (Jan. 23, 1921 – July 7, 2017)

Meta Born Ifill, 96, of Charlotte, passed away Friday morning, July 7, 2017, at Sunrise Nursing in Charlotte.

Mrs. Ifill is survived by her daughter, Shannon Scott of Charlotte.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Leroy Ifill, Jr.; her father and mother, Rudolph and Matilda Steinagle Born, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services for Meta Born Ifill will be conducted Monday afternoon, July 10, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Chaplain Melanie Childers. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donors choice.

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

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


Vicki Joyner Miller (Oct. 14, 1945 – July 7, 2017)

The world lost a truly amazing light when Vicki Joyner Miller died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Friday, July 7. 

Vicki began leaving her mark on the world shortly after her birth in Stonefort, Illinois on October 14, 1945. As the only child of the late Alice D. Walker, Vicki began developing into the unique, loving, and fiercely independent woman she was until her last breath. Vicki found her way into the heart of many, including her maternal Aunt and Uncle, Donna and Waid Doty. Never having had children of their own, Vicki was their “un-daughter.” Family was always of the utmost importance to Vicki. Her number one priority arrived in October 1974 when she gave birth to her only child, Jason Waid Miller. Vicki devoted her life to ensuring that Jason had all of the love and support he needed to succeed in life. However, Vicki reached the absolute pinnacle of her life in February 2004 when her only granddaughter, Ella Grace Miller, was born. Earning the nickname Nene from Ella, that is how she was affectionately known for the remainder of her life. Vicki truly devoted herself and her life to Ella and was beyond proud of the beautiful young lady she has become. 

Although her family was small, Vicki was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know her. 

Vicki is survived in death by her son, Jason Waid Miller and his husband, Matthew S. Peterson, of Washington, DC, her granddaughter Ella Grace Miller of Boone and Washington, DC, and her Aunt, Donna D. Doty, of Boone. 

A celebration of Vicki’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 11:00 at FaithBridge United Methodist Church. A private interment will follow. 

The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vicki’s memory may be made to FaithBridge United Methodist Church (www.faithbridgeumc.org) or MD Anderson Cancer Center (www.mdanderson.org).

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


Jacquelyn Hughes Coffey (Aug. 27, 1931 – July 7, 2017)

Jacquelyn Hughes Coffey, age 85 of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Friday, July 7, 2017 at Heritage of Sugar Mountain. 

She was born on August 27, 1931 in Avery County, a daughter of Roy and Mary Lou Callahan Hughes
Jacquelyn was a very active lady. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and she served on several boards; Mayland Community College Board of Trustees, N.C. Community College Board of Trustees, Avery County Board of Social Services, Avery County Board of Elections, Avery County Democratic Chair, Vance Memorial United Methodist Women. She was also a member of Vance United Methodist Church. 

She was preceded in death by her Father, Roy Hughes; Mother, Mary Lou Callahan Hughes; Husband; Jack Hundley Coffey; Son John Wesley Coffey; Brother Al Hughes of Licklog.

Jacquelyn leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Son; Rev. David Hobson and Frieda of Vale, NC, Daughter, Mary Blalock and Brad of Montezuma NC, Daughter, Julie Johnson and Allan of Linville, NC, Daughter; Sara Coffey of Land Harbor, NC. Grandchildren; Charity Garrison and Chuck of Helena MT, Harrison Hobson of Virginia Beach, VA, Allyson Long and Aaron of Henson Creek NC. Theron Hartley of Land Harbor, NC and Avery Johnson of Linville, NC.  Five Great-Grandchildren; Marylou, Cora, Fiona, Scarlett and Juniper, Brother; Stokes Hughes of Linville, NC.

Services for Jacquelyn Hughes Coffey will be held on Sunday July 9, 2017 beginning at 3:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Linville with Rev. David Hobson officiating. 

The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 PM on Sunday July 9, 2017 prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge: 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

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


Penny Campbell Stamey (Sept. 8, 1946 – July 6, 2017)

Penny Campbell Stamey, age 70 of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

She was born on September 8, 1946 in Johnson City, Tennessee, a daughter of Robert and Wanda Holtsclaw Campbell 

Penny was a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with their family, playing the piano. Penny was a faithful servant who was away eager to talk about the Lord. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Wanda Holtsclaw Campbell; Sister Frances Mayes; Daughter Rhonda Pickard

Penny leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband Larry Dale Stamey of Elk Park, NC; Son: Michael Stamey; Daughter Traci Burdette and husband Matthew of Sparta TN, Daughter: Cindy Dean and husband Bill of Newland, NC
A Brother: Richard Campbell and wife Gayle of Lakeland, Florida
Six Grandchildren and Two Great-Grandchildren.
Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Services for Penny Campbell Stamey will be held on Sunday July 9, 2017 at 6:00PM in the Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 PM prior to the service. 

Interment will be Monday, July 10, 2017 at 10:45 in the Mountain Home National Cemetery, Johnson City, Tennessee.

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