The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
Vilas Jennings Moretz Jr.
May 2, 1931 ~ July 20, 2026
On July 20, 2026, Vilas Jennings Moretz Jr., affectionately known to many as “Bud” departed this world peacefully at the age of 95. Born on May 2, 1931, in the town of Boone, North Carolina, Bud lived a life brimming with love, adventure, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Bud was the cherished son of Vilas Moretz Sr. and Georgia Brown Moretz. His passion for learning led him to Indiana State University where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education. He furthered his education by earning his master’s degree at University of Georgia and his PHD from Purdue University.
In 1954, Bud answered the call to serve his country during the Korean War, joining the US Army. He was stationed with the 101st Engineer Depot in Yokohama, Japan where he was selected to represent his unit on the US Army softball team.
Bud’s spent decades shaping young minds in School District 228 in the southern suburbs of Chicago. He began teaching Biology and coached several sports at Tinley Park High School in the early 60s. Bud’s passion for education and supervision guided him to roles as assistant principal, assistant superintendent, and eventually acting superintendent. His influence was profound, leaving an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues.
In 1953, Bud married his beloved Betty. Together, they created a life filled with love and laughter, raising their four children. Their Matteson, Illinois home was a haven of warmth and joy until Betty’s passing in 2003. A few years later, Bud attended his high school reunion. As fate would have it, he ran into his high school sweetheart, Estelle. They rekindled their love and soon married, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with more shared adventures.
Bud was a bold traveler, exploring the far reaches of the world. His journeys took him all over the world, but his most memorable was his trek to the North Pole. Yet despite all his grand adventures, his absolute favorite place in the world would be his home and the mountains around Boone. Living here gave him energy beyond his years. He rarely sat still, always having a project and a hammer in his hand. He delighted in simple pleasures, such mowing his land and watching the sunset from his porch surrounded by hummingbirds. His mountain home became a sanctuary where he found peace and contentment.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Alice, and his cherished wife Betty. Bud leaves behind a loving family who will forever hold him in their hearts. His wife, Estelle, his children Mike, Lynn, Barry and Sue, and his grandchildren Shannon, Holly, and Chris will continue to celebrate and honor his legacy. As we reflect on his extraordinary life, we find solace in the countless memories he gifted us and the profound impact he made on our lives.
A family memorial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to Valle Crucis Community Park or Amorem Hospice in Bud’s honor.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Moretz family.
Sarah E. Manning
Dec 4, 1939 — Jul 19, 2026
Sarah E. Manning age 86 of Boone passed away Sunday July 19, 2026, at her residence.
She was born December 4, 1939, in Moultrie, Georgia. The daughter of the late Larry C. and Linda Manning.
Services will be private.
Online condolence may be sent to the Manning family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Barbara Ann Byrd Smith
Feb 21, 1938 — Jul 21, 2026
Barbara Byrd Murray Smith went to her heavenly home on July 21st.
Barbara was born in Valle Crucis, NC on February 19, 1938, to Claude and Edna Byrd. Together the three of them braved the 40-flood camping under a rock cliff. Her adventures continued as a child, and she told many stories of having to walk to the one room schoolhouse in Valle Crucis. She ventured further away and attended high school in Philadelphia, PA. After high school she moved to Burlington, NC where she met her 1st husband, Haywood Murray.
Together the two of them moved to Jacksonville, FL and built a life. There she worked for Carolina Casualty Insurance Company until her retirement. She also co-owned multiple businesses with her husband and both shared a love of helping children, either through Shriners or simply helping the local neighborhood kids.
From motorhomes to cars, she loved a good road trip and always had the itinerary planned down to the minute. She shared this love of travel with her family and traversed both the US and Canada in a mini caravan of motorhomes. Everyone will miss her timed bathroom breaks.
After retiring she split her time between her mountain home and Jacksonville, Fl. After the death of her first husband, she met and married Gary Smith during a destination wedding in Hawaii.
Above it all, Barbara her family and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She read her Bible daily and wanted to share His word with others.
Those left to cherish her memories are her husband Gary Smith and their beloved dog Buddy, her brother Johnny Byrd and wife Mae, one nephew Johnny Byrd Jr, two nieces
Melina Byrd Dollar and husband Ernie, niece Jeana Byrd and husband Tim Racz, two great nephews Zack and Wes Racz, one great niece Abby Highsmith Bertone and husband Joe. One great, great nephew, Justin Bertone, sister-in law Shella Huffman, and brother-in-law David Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents Claude and Edna Byrd, husband Haywood Murray, brother Jack Byrd, sister-in law Thelma Byrd.
Services will be held at Hampton Funeral Home on Saturday July 25th. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am. The funeral will follow at 11 with Paster Derick Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at the Byrd Cemetery on Justus Road in Valle Crucis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Samaritans Purse, Boone, NC.
Online condolence may be sent to the Smith family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Mary Ruth Hicks Hoper
Aug 31, 1951 — Jul 21, 2026
In Loving Memory of Mary Ruth Hicks Hoper.
Our beloved mother, Mary, age 74, passed away peacefully in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Mary was born in Boone, North Carolina, on August 31, 1951, to Mack and Ruth Hicks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Hoper; her parents, Mack and Ruth Hicks; and her brothers, Dusty and Rusty Hicks.
Mary is survived by her brother, Edward Hicks and his wife, Pat, of South Carolina; daughter, Tracy McKenzie and her husband, Harry, of Maryland; son, William Simmons and his wife, Allison, of North Carolina; daughter, Terry Simmons Page and her husband, Steve, of Florida; and son, James Craven, of Florida. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grand dogs.
Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren: Anlara, Orlagh, Calum, Mackenzie, and Vincent, and her precious great-granddaughter, Clara.
Mary spent the last wonderful years of her life surrounded by the people she loved most, making memories with family and enjoying the magic of Disney. Those years were filled with laughter, love, treasured moments, and the comfort of being close to those who meant the most to her.
Mary will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and in the countless memories she leaves behind.
A graveside service celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11:00am, at Mount Lawn Cemetery in Boone, North Carolina.
Because of her love of animals, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Carolina Equine Rescue and Assistance (CERA) in care of Darlene Kindle.1123 W Sandy Ridge Road Monroe, NC 28112. (704) 219-3559
We will miss your endless stories, your laughter, your quirky sayings, and all the little things that made you uniquely you. We love you always.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
John Stevenson Smith
December 10, 1946 – July 22, 2026
Mr. John “Johnnie” Stevenson Smith, age 79, of 117 Pro Street, Todd, NC (Meat Camp), entered his heavenly home on the evening of July 22, 2026.
Mr. Smith was born December 10, 1946, in Watauga County, a son the late Veo Greene Smith and George T. Smith, Sr. John served in the United States Army, he was employed by Shadowline for 20 years and drove a truck for Hollar & Greene Produce for 20 years. He was a member of Proffits Grove Baptist church.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanne Smith of the home; two brothers-in-law, Oral and Mark Miller (Jon Logan) of Todd; five sisters-in-law, Evonne Settle, of Boone; Imogene Braswell of Todd; Trudy Thompson (Bob Elliott) of Vilas; Rickie Jane Smith of Deep Gap; and Janet Wellborn Smith of Deep Gap. He is also survived by two nieces, two great-nieces, and two great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Tom Smith, Jerry Smith, and Jim Smith; his mother and father-in-law Ann Miller and Albert Miller, Sr.; brothers-in-law Albert Miller, Jr., Farrell Settle, Larry Braswell Sr., and Joe Thompson; and a sisters-in-law, Sheryl Wineberg Smith and Barbara Taylor Miller.
The family will have a private service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center, at 184 Virginia Lane, Boone, NC 28607, Amorem Hospice and Palliative Care 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645or to the Pleasant Valley Community Church Cemetery Fund in care of: Len Moretz 215 Len Moretz Road, Boone, NC 28607.
The family respectfully requests their privacy, no flowers or food.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
The family extends tremendous gratitude the Amorem team, too many to name individually, for all their support.
Online condolences may be sent to the Smith family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Linda Lois Blackburn
May 9, 1949 — Jun 12, 2026
With one last breath, she left this Earth at 7:24 pm on Friday, 12 June 2026.
Linda Lois Blackburn, born 9 May 1949 in Boone, North Carolina, went home.
A lifelong resident of Boone, Ms. Blackburn attended Poplar Grove Baptist Church and Boone Baptist. For almost 20 years, she was employed at TRW, where she held multiple positions, concluding in the Accounting Department. Following the buyout of TRW by IRC, she was able to retire and begin her second career as Deputy Tax Collector for Watauga County, which lasted 28 years. At the tax office, she was in her element, being social and assisting the public. So many friendships were made and maintained during this time. There was hardly a place she could go without someone saying hello. With retirement, Ms. Blackburn moved to the Foley Center, where yet again, “Ms. Social” was reborn among other residents and staff.
Keeping her memory alive are her daughter, Karen Blackburn of Boone, and her beloved grandson, Clay Campbell of Fort Mill, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Eula Blackburn, and siblings William (Bill), Eugene (Gene), Betty, David, and Peggy. Surviving along with Karen and Clay, her sister Mary (John) Pendill of Manteo, North Carolina, and brother Roy (Margaret) Blackburn of Boone. Many special nieces and nephews held places in her heart, along with a myriad of others she adopted as children/family along the way.
A celebration of life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00, prior to the service.
The family respectfully request no flowers and any donation to be made to Mecklenburg County Young Marines 8600 Hayden’s Way
Concord NC 28025.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in charge of the arrangements.
Barbara Ann King
June 24, 1945 – July 9, 2026
arbara Ann Heaton King, 81, of Elk Park, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on June 24, 1945, Barbara was the daughter of the late Allison and Wilma Eller Heaton. She was a lifelong member of Heaton Christian Church.
Barbara carried both great joy and profound heartache. She was preceded in death by her father, Allison Heaton, who was tragically killed in an accident when she was a teenager, as well as her mother, Wilma Eller Heaton; her sister, Carolyn Blevins; her former husband, Bruce King; and her beloved son, Brad King, whose loss to cancer at age 12, has remained in her heart every day for the past forty-three years.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Bruce King and wife, Sherry, and Brian King and wife, Theresa; her brother, Mike Heaton and wife, Beth; her adopted brother, Daniel Baldwin; her granddaughter, Kelly Heaton and husband, Kyle; her grandson, Jared King and wife, Megan; her treasured great-granddaughters, Peyton Rae King, Millie Mae King, Kayler Heaton, and Kestyn Heaton; along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, Ann Keener and Sharon Banner. She will also be greatly missed by her sweet dog, Buddy.
Barbara dedicated many years to public service, serving as an officer with both the Avery County Sheriff’s Department and the Beech Mountain Police Department. She took great pride in her work and earned the respect of her colleagues and community through her outstanding work ethic, dependability, and commitment to serving well.
Following her retirement from the Beech Mountain Police Department, Barbara embraced life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending Saturday’s thrift shopping with her cousin, Pat, searching for hidden treasures. Her passion for thrifting inspired her to open and operate her own store, Barbara’s Re-Runs, where she enjoyed providing the community with an opportunity to purchase once-loved items at an affordable price.
Family was the center of Barbara’s life. She especially looked forward each year to the annual gathering of her “Heaton” cousins, a treasured tradition that brought family members back home to reconnect and celebrate their shared heritage. Throughout the year, she also cherished spending time with her “Eller” family and cousins at holiday meals and special occasions. The lifelong friendships she shared with her cousins were among her greatest blessings.
Barbara was an excellent cook who found great joy in preparing special dishes for her family and for family gatherings. She loved taking trips with family and friends to the beach, Florida and out west. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family.
Although Barbara’s family grieves her passing, they find comfort in knowing that her courageous battle with cancer has ended and that she has been welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The promise of eternal life and the hope found in their faith brings peace to those who loved her.
Nancy Irene Woodie
April 9, 1937 – July 17, 2026
Nancy Irene Coffey Woodie, 89, of Jonas Ridge, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Life Care Center in Banner Elk.
A native of Avery County, she was a daughter of the late Daniel and Jodie Beard Coffey. She was a member of the Long Ridge Baptist Church and had retired from the Avery County School System where she had worked as a cook.
Irene was a loving and gentle soul who always had a smile and kind word for everyone she met. A person always left feeling better after visiting with her. In her younger years, she and her husband, Roy, sang with the Long Ridge Quartet.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Woodie Buchanan; her husband, Roy Woodie; siblings, Lester Coffey, Alma Hollander, Lloyd Coffey, Coleman Coffey, Orvil Coffey, Dorothy Coffey, Lewis Coffey, Herman Coffey, Howard Coffey and Margie Gragg.
Nanny, as her family knew her, leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sons, Ronnie (Jeannie) Woodie of Jonas Ridge, Dwight (Tammy) Woodie of Newland; grandchildren, Alisha Woodie, Kristen Woodie, Jeremy Thomas and Ben Woodie; a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Nancy Irene Woodie will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm in the Long Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Glen officiating. Interment will follow in the Calloway Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm on Wednesday at the church.
The family would like to express their thanks and sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff with Life Care Center and Amorem Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amorem Hospice 902 Kirkwood St NW Lenoir, NC 28645.
The care of Irene and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland
Julia Taylor Morton
January 3, 1926 – July 20, 2026
Julia Taylor Morton, 100, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk, NC. The daughter of the late Dr. Wesley and Catherine Basson Taylor of Greensboro, Julia was born on January 3, 1926, at her home on Justamere Farm.
Morton attended Greensboro public schools until entering college preparatory school at Chatham Hall in Chatham, Virginia. In 1942 she started Greensboro’s Woman’s College, where she graduated in just three years and earned membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.
Later that same summer, her college roommate, Agnes Morton Woodruff, introduced her to her brother, Hugh MacRae Morton. The two were married on Dec. 8, 1945, and together raised four children: Julia (Judy) MacRae, Hugh MacRae Jr., James (Jim) McKay and Catherine Walker.
Hugh Morton was an accomplished photographer, and his beautiful bride was his favorite model. Over the years, photographs of Julia ended up on magazine covers and souvenir post cards. For 60 years, Julia’s role as Mrs. Hugh Morton afforded her countless interesting life experiences such as attending NCAA Basketball National Championship games, welcoming celebrities like Johnny & June Carter Cash and Walter & Betsy Cronkite into her home, dining with a future King, and bottle-feeding baby bears.
Julia had a passion for teaching. She volunteered with the Avery Literacy Council as a reading teacher and GED tutor. With deep knowledge of the Bible, Mrs. Morton also led Bible study classes at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Valle Crucis, NC.
In 1972, Julia was elected to the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina. She spent 16 years on that prestigious Board, serving as Vice Chairman for three years that included her leadership of the search committee that found a replacement for President Bill Friday upon his retirement.
In the 21st Century, Julia led her family toward the creation of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Combining Hugh’s vision for the public to enjoy safe access to the high peaks of Grandfather Mountain with the family’s vision that Grandfather be a place where people learn to preserve and protect the gifts that are entrusted to them, the organization Julia co-founded is committed to inspiring stewardship though education, exploration and example.
Julia Morton was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Morton, and two sons, Hugh Morton Jr. and James McKay Morton. She is survived by her two daughters, Judy Morton and Catherine Morton; a daughter-in-law, Pansy McGee Morton; her two grandsons and their wives, Crae Morton (Mamie Morton) and Jack Morton (Adrienne Morton); and her three great-grandchildren, Clyde, Margaret and James.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Julia Taylor Morton to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation at P.O. Box 129, Linville, N.C., 28646, to Amorem Hospice at 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645, or to Holy Cross Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 645, Valle Crucis, NC 28691.
Services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 1:00 pm from the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 111 Skiles Way, Banner Elk, NC 28604. The family will gather with friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.
The care of Julia and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
Mary Gail Draughon
June 7, 1946 – July 24, 2026
Mary Gail Draughon, of Banner Elk, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, July 24th, 2026. Born on June 7, 1946, she leaves behind a distinguished career as a public school educator and years of committed service to her community.
Gail was a gifted teacher. Her classroom was creative and beautiful – filled with color, art, and the sounds of children engaged in learning. She spent thirty-three years as a teacher at Banner Elk Elementary, followed by eleven years of tutoring at Grandfather Academy. Her exceptional commitment to her craft was recognized when she was honored as the North Carolina Teacher of the Year for the Western region—one of many awards she received throughout her career.
Gail was a dedicated, long-time member of the Banner Elk United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international honor society promoting excellence and scholarship in female educators.
Outside of school, Gail was a deeply engaged citizen who cared profoundly for the future and heritage of her town. She served on the Banner Elk Town Council, where she worked diligently to represent her neighbors. She was a long-time, active member of the Banner Elk Historical Society. Nowhere was her reverence for the past more evident than in her own home—proudly recognized as the oldest in Banner Elk— which she loved and preserved with great pride. Her home showcased a collection of art, quilts, and antiques she carefully cultivated over the years, and it was always surrounded by beautiful flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty Vance Draughon and Larry Draughon of Banner Elk.
Gail is survived by her sister, Peggy Draughon Harris of Banner Elk; her niece, Holly Draughon Cattanach and husband Bart Cattanach of Asheville; and her beloved great-nephews, Lewis Draughon Cattanach and Finn Lawrence Cattanach, also of Asheville.
Gail will be remembered as a beloved teacher, sister, aunt, and friend whose gifts enriched the lives of hundreds of students in Avery County.
The family would like to thank the staff of Life Care Center and Amorem Hospice for their loving care.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 28 at 1:00pm at Banner Elk United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Feeding Avery Families.
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