1000 x 90

Watauga, Avery Obituaries – July 6, 2016

George D. Willis (Feb. 8, 1948 – July 5, 2016)

George David Bucky Willis, 68, of Ridge Road, Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, July 5, 2016 at Levine Dickson Hospice in Charlotte. Born Feb. 8, 1948 in Austin, Texas, he was a son of Lowell Henry and Hazel Avis Wylie Willis. Bucky attended South Fork Baptist Church. He retired as a long distance driver for Randall Miller Trucking and drove mission trucks for Rescue America Baptist Missions. Always on the go, Bucky was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed travel in his RV, riding motorcycles and boating, but mostly, he loved dinner and movies with family, especially his grandchildren.

Mr. Willis is survived by two daughters, Calista Willis Giles and husband, Roger, of Boone and Natalie Sanmiguel and husband, Marco, of Columbia SC; his son, David Wayne Willis of Wilmington; three grandchildren, Corinne, Faith and Eli Giles; and his sister, Dawn Hewitt of Showlow, Arizona. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Gordon; and brothers, Dean and Ronald Willis.

Memorial services for Bucky Willis will be conducted Friday afternoon, July 8th, at 3 oclock at South Fork Baptist Church in Todd with Preacher David Cooper officiating. A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will be Saturday afternoon, July 9th at 3 oclock at the Green Valley Community Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to a Hospice facility of the donors choice.

Susan P. Ware (June 2, 1952 – July 2, 2016)

Susan P. Ware, age 64, of Newland passed away on July 2, 2016 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville, NC.

Ware
Ware

A native of Newland, NC, she was born June 2, 1952 the daughter of the late Leonard McKee and Beulah Platt.

She was a loving and caring person and enjoyed spending time with her family. She was the Agency Director for High Country Home Care and was also the Vice President of Mountain Heritage Systems. She attended Newland Methodist Church. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them more than anything else. She also loved to travel and see new places every chance she got.

Along with her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her: son, Aaron Ware and her brother Roger Platt.

Susan has left to cherish her memory her husband of 46 years, George Ware; her three children: Josh Ware and wife Amanda of Charlotte, NC, Lance Ware and wife Lauren of Jonas Ridge, NC, and daughter Sara Ware of Durham, NC; three sisters: Nancy Hovis and husband Johnny of Titusville, FL, Martha Tennant of Holden Beach, NC, and Jane Moore and husband Gary of Jonas Ridge, NC; four grandchildren: Charlotte, Cecily, Stella, and Liam Ware.

The family will receive friends from 6-9 PM on Thursday, July 7th at Mountain Glenn Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Crossnore School. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 249 Crossnore, NC 28616

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

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

Yvonne M. Moody (April 22, 1931 – July 1, 2016)

Yvonne Main Moody, age 85, of Locust Gap Road, Vilas, passed away at her home, Friday, July 1, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Charles Cline Moody. She was also preceded in death by her son, Terry Moody, and a daughter Darlene Moody. Also preceded by a grandson, Brandon Moody.

She is survived by four daughters, Marlene Moody of Vilas, Debra Howell of Wilkesboro, Jacqueline Moody of the home, and Nicole Yates of Tennessee. Surviving are three sons, Charles Edgar Moody, Douglas Wayne Moody and wife Angelia, and William Keith Moody and wife Phyllis all of Lenoir. She is also survived by one sister, Geneva York of Morganton, and 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Yvonne will be private.

Online condolences may be shared with family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Janet Thompson Burleson (Nov. 9, 1931 – July 1, 2016)

Janet Burleson, age 84, of Newland passed away peacefully on July 1, 2016 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

A native of Newland, NC, she was born November 9, 1931 to the late Curtis and Elva Light Weatherman.

She was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, gardening, and cooking.

Along with her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her husband; Guy Burleson; sons: Kenny, Dennis, and Larry Thompson and sister Josephine Godwin.

Janet has left to cherish her memory; her son; Lonnie (Mike) Thompson of Newland, NC; Brothers: Darrell Weatherman and wife Jackie of Morganton, NC, and Kenton Weatherman of Rutherfordton, NC; sister Jean Moore of Greer, SC; four grandchildren: Jeffery Thompson and wife Samantha of Newland, NC; Stephen Thompson of Newland, NC; Michelle Thompson of Lenoir, NC; and Betina Thompson of Lenoir, NC. She also has 7 great-grandchildren left to cherish her memories.

A Celebration of Life Service for Janet Burleson will be conducted on Tuesday, July 5th in the Grandfather Chapel at 2PM. Interment will follow in the Burleson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

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

Jacob D. Davison (Jan. 9, 1998 – June 29, 2016)

Jacob Daniel Davison, 18, of Boone, was called home to be with his heavenly father on June 29, 2016. Jacob was born January 9, 1998 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church and volunteered at the Christian Outreach Center. He was raised in Boone, N.C. where he had become a recent graduate of Watauga High School; an accomplishment he worked very hard for and was proud of.

BigDavison, JacobJacob was looking forward to pursuing a degree in welding and had been accepted into the welding program at the Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio. But because of his love for the beautiful mountains, he decided to stay near home and attend technical school in Elizabethton, TN. Jacob was also excited to be under the mentorship of NASCAR Truck Series Championship crew chief Danny Rollins, at his Hot Rod Shop in Johnson City, Tenn.

Jacob had an amazing, loving relationship with his sister, Maria. They enjoyed playing video games, listening to music, and confiding in each other. Jacob’s love for his family knew no bounds…….that was evident in the time he spent on adventures with his grandparents, going to Tweetsie and having shootouts with the cowboys!

Jacob was so excited to receive a Jeep Cherokee, as a graduation gift from his dad, David, and was looking forward to working together with his dad on fixing it up. Jacob lived his life to the fullest and knew no strangers. He had many friends and enjoyed hanging out, fishing and listening to loud music……making himself and everyone around him laugh and smile.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Ruth Dotson.

He is survived by his parents, David H. and Cindy Jane Lopez Venable. One sister, Maria D. Venable. His Maternal grandparents, William F. and Sheila G. Dotson, his paternal grandmother, Evelyn Venable. His uncles, Eddie Lopez and Will Dotson, his aunts, Dawn Dotson, Daphne Genberg and Heather Lopez, and his great-aunt, Jane Milton. Also surviving are numerous extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Douglas Wayne Hunter (Oct. 19, 1952
- June 29, 2016)

3785321_fbsDouglas Wayne Hunter, 63, of Oak Street, Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday evening, June 29, 2016, at Watauga Medical Center.

Douglas was born October 19, 1952 in Charleston, South Carolina, a son of Mary Elizabeth Harmon Hunter Orander and the late Warren Salvador Hunter. He was a gifted writer, and was a self-employed flooring installer before becoming disabled.

Douglas is survived by his fiancee’ Wanda Jones of Vilas; two daughters, Amanda McKnight and husband Troy of Moncks Corner, South Carolina and Holly Hunter of Canton, Ohio; his mother, Mary Orander of James Island, South Carolina; two granddaughters, Savannah and Sydnee Hutson of Moncks Corner, South Carolina; three grandsons, Connor and Trevor Burbage of Moncks Corner, South Carolina and Hunter Lee Baggett of Canton, Ohio; four sisters, Mary Parslow and husband Ron of Charleston, South Carolina, Martha Craven of Eutawville, South Carolina, Deborah Hunter of James Island, South Carolina and Dianna Rials and husband John of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; one brother, Warren Hunter and wife Cheri of Eutawville, South Carolina; and one aunt, Verna Towler and husband Bill of Sumter, South Carolina. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Salvador Hunter.

Funeral services for Douglas Wayne Hunter will be private.

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

Charles “JC” Hamby (D. June 29, 2016)

Charles Allen “J.C.” Hamby, 72, of Newland passed away on June 29, 2016 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

A native of Avery Co, he was born August 5, 1943 a son of the late John and Hazel Turbyfill Hamby.

Hamby
Hamby

He was a member of Buck Mountain Holliness Church and enjoyed carving walking sticks and playing the guitar.

Along with his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his: brothers and sisters, Christine Hamby, Ruby Clawson, Shirley Bare, Frankie Harmon, Harold Dean Hamby, Robert “RD” Hamby and Kenneth Wayne Hamby

Charles has left to cherish his memory his: sisters and brothers; Barbara Townsend and husband Lee Roy of Banner Elk, Ricky Hamby and wife Wanda of Banner Elk Wanda Hicks and husband Charles of Banner Elk, Dayton Hamby and wife Pansy of Banner Elk, Keith Hamby of Asheville, Buddy Joe Hamby of Elk Park; a very special aunt and uncle, Ralph and Alma Hoilman; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Charles Allen “J.C.” Hamby will be conducted on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 7:00 pm in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Allen Clawson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Family, friends and pallbearers will meet at the funeral home on Friday, July 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. to go in procession to Taylors Chapel Cemetery for Graveside services.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers at CAP: Carolyn Holland, Gail Townsend, the staff of Medi Home Hospice in Avery County and a very special friend and caregiver, Brenda Keen along with all of the nurses and doctors that have taken care of JC over the years.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Mollie Sluder (May 25, 1941 – June 27, 2016)

Mollie Sluder, 75, of Newland passed away on June 27, 2016 at her residence.

Mollie-Sluder-1467211390A native of Avery County, NC, she was born May 25, 1941 a daughter of the late Linney and Della Grindstaff Hopson.

She was a member of the Peoples Church where she taught the youth girls class.

Along with her parents, Mollie was preceded in death by her: husband, Robert Sluder; sisters, Dollie Poore, Deckie Hughes; brothers, Tom Hopson, Rothrock Hopson, Evin Hopson, J.L. Hopson.

Mollie has left to cherish her memory her: sons, Robert Sluder, Jr. and wife Tammy of Marion, NC., Walt Sluder of Marion; sister, Josie Hughes and husband Leonard of Newland, Hamilton Hopson and wife Ester of Newland; grandchildren, Josh Sluder and Amanda Sluder both of Marion; great grandchildren, Kadence and Walynn Sluder of Marion; several special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mollie Sluder will be conducted on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Peoples Church with Tony English officiating. Interment will follow in the Lower Roaring Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Nancy Lou Gilbert (Feb. 6, 1945 – June 27, 2016)

Nancy Lou Gilbert, age 71, of Newland passed away on June 27, 2016 at her residence.

Nancy-Gilbert-1467378955A native of Baltimore, MD, she was born Feb. 6, 1945 a daughter of the late Stewart Edward and Jeanette Myrtle Greene Hunnicutt.

She attended Cranberry Baptist Church and enjoyed shopping, collecting antiques and she was involved with the RAMS Rack and Avery County Senior Center.

Along with her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her: husband, Frank Gilbert; children, Tammy Louanne Kincaid, Johnny Ray Kincaid, Gina Kincaid, Brian Frank Gilbert.

Nancy has left to cherish her memory her: sister, Joanne Bowden of Elk Park; brother, Stewart Hunnicutt, Jr. of Linville; nieces and nephews, Donna Foster Burnop, Doug Foster, Sheila Foster Gray, Mark Foster; a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life Service for Nancy Lou Gilbert will be conducted on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at 4:00 pm at the Cranberry Baptist Church with Rev. David Burnop officiating. Interment will follow in the Tanglewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: RAMS Rack in Newland.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

Lucy Thompson (April 22, 1919 – June 27, 2016)

Lucy Jane Thompson, age 97, of Newland passed away on June 27, 2016 at her residence.

A native of Avery County, NC, she was born April 22, 1919 a daughter of the late Walter and Tempie Reed Banner.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking and sewing.

Lucy-Thompson-1467130073Along with her parents, Lucy was preceded in death by her: husband, Edward James Thompson; son, Jimmy Thompson; sisters, Hazel Pritchard, Helen Turbyfill, Gertrude Clark; brothers, Earl Banner, Tom Banner, Basil Banner, Hobert Banner, Paul Banner; one grandchild; six great grandchildren.

Lucy has left to cherish her memory her: children, Lois Jones and husband Waites Jones, Maxine Thompson, Linda Ferguson and husband Steve, Sheila McKinney and husband Robert “Pink”, Donna Thompson, Eugene Thompson and wife Daisy Thompson, Paul Thompson, Woody Thompson, Jerry Thompson and wife Debbie Thompson, Larry Thompson and wife Sue Thompson; 21 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; 16 step grandchildren; her kind, loving and helping friends, Mike McKinney.

Funeral services for Lucy Jane Thompson will be conducted on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Turbyfill officiating. Interment will follow in the Thompson-Jones Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

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

Floyd E. Thomas (Jan. 7, 1923
- June 27, 2016)

Mr. Floyd E. Thomas, 93, of North Fork Road, Zionville, passed away Monday evening, June 27, 2016, at his home.

3764141_fbsMr. Thomas was born January 7, 1923 in Zionville, North Carolina, a son of the late Spencer Garrett Thomas and Mae Greene Thomas. He was a retired farmer and farm owner, and a member of Union Baptist Church. He was also an avid fox hunter all of his life.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife of 62 years, Catherine Phillips Thomas of the home; two sons, Dwight Thomas and wife Ann, and David Thomas and wife Pat, all of Zionville; one daughter, Sue Thomas of Zionville; two grandsons, Garrett Thomas and wife Della of the Beaver Dam Community, and Spencer Thomas and wife Julia of Banner Elk; two granddaughters, Lisa Adams and husband David of Wilkesboro, and Angela Bowen and husband Chris of Vilas, and one great-grandson, Parker Adams of Wilkesboro. He is also survived by his extended family of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Spencer and Mae Greene Thomas; one brother, Russell Thomas, and one sister-in-law, Juanita Thomas.

Funeral services for Mr. Floyd E. Thomas will be conducted Thursday afternoon, June 30, 2016 at 2:00 o’clock at Union Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00. Officiating will be Pastor Vernon Eller and Reverend Derick Wilson. Burial will follow in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00, at Hampton Funeral Service. 

At other times, friends may call at the home of daughter, Sue Thomas, 1599 North Fork Road, Zionville, North Carolina.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Union Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Roxanna Miller, 802 North Fork Road, Zionville, North Carolina, 28698, or to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

John E. Preswood (Aug. 7, 1929 – June 27, 2016)

John Emory Preswood, 86, of Banner Elk went to be with his Lord on June 27, 2016 at his residence.

John-Preswood-1467295011A native of Avery County, he was born August 7, 1929 a son of the late Earnest and Della Phillips Preswood.

He was a member of the US Army where he served in Korea.

John was a member of Belview Baptist Church and served as a Deacon for 13 years at Berean Baptist Church in Adrian, Michigan.

Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by his: brothers, Virgil, Glen, Dayton, Darrell; sister, Dorothy.

John has left to cherish his memory his: wife, Gladys Turbyfill Preswood of the home; daughter, Kathy Joan Griffin and husband Jon of Elkin, NC.; sister, Agnes Shook of Lexington, NC.; grandchildren, Joanna Burbett and husband Bobby, Rachel Fletcher and husband Jason, Daniel Griffin; great grandchildren, Hannah, Alyssa, Jordan and Logan Fletcher.

Funeral services for John Emory Preswood will be conducted on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 2:00 pm in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Bare officiating. Interment will follow in the Cranberry Cemetery . The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

The family of John would like to extend a special thank you to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.

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.

Jeanne E. Pauly-Case (Feb. 7, 1943 – June 26, 2016)

Jeanne Pauly-Case, age 73 of Boone, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2016.

Jeanne was an artist, she enjoyed her artwork and meeting friends at church. She had an interest in taking pictures and walking in the mountains. Jeanne also enjoyed spending time at the beach.

She was preceded in death by a son, Dominick Hagen, who lost his fight with Muscular Dystrophy. She is survived by three sons: Jeff Hagen, Steve Hagen and wife Claudia, and Lucas Hagen. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Grant, Caroline, and Lucas Hagen.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 4 p.m. in the Boone United Methodist Church. Rev. Jeff McClain will be officiating.

The family will receive friends Thursday at 3 p.m., one our prior to the services in the church.

Burial will follow Tuesday, July 5, 2016 in Drexel Hill, Pa.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1500, Chicago, Ill. 60606.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Ragland Bowers Davis (Nov. 12, 1930 – June 26, 2016)

Nancy Ragland Bowers Davis went to be with her Lord on June 26, 2016. she was the daughter of Karl Douglas Bowers and Lucy Hutter Ragland Bowers of Beckley, WV. Nancy was born Nov. 12, 1930.

Nancy-Raglad-Davis-1467021720She is survived by her: loving husband of 64 years, Richard Kenneth Davis; two children, Douglas French Davis and Susan Bowers Davis Dixon; five grandchildren, Sarah Bowers Davis Dixon, Daniel Benton Dixon, Haley Morgan Davis, Mariah Faith Davis, Nathan Pierce Davis; five great grandchildren, Anna Esther Young, Judah Adoniram Young, Avery Marie Dixon, Maeve Grace Young, Clay Nelson Dixon; many loving nieces and nephews; one sister, Phyllis Workman as well as numerous friends.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Lucy Sue “Sookie” Wilson and Karl Douglas Bowers, Jr.

Nancy graduated from Woodrow Wilson H.S. in Beckley, WV and West Virginia University where she made and kept like long friends and sorority sisters from Kappa Kappa Gamma. She met Richard in the seventh grade and fell in love with him as a senior in college. They were later married, lived in Clarksburg, WV for a time and then moved to Ft. Pierce, Fl. to build their lives and raise their family.

Nancy enjoyed flowers and birds and was a member of the Ft. Pierce Poinsiana Garden Club. She was also a member of Indian River Presbyterian Church and later Westside Baptist Church. She studied the Bible and enjoyed leading ladies’ Bible Studies for friends and neighbors. At one time, she earned her pilot license and flew her family on vacations and delivered home made bread and cake to Douglas in Gainesville, Fl. while he was in college.

Her family remembers her as always having a smile, never meeting a stranger and her positive attitude toward life – always content in her circumstances. She had a good sense of humor and when greeted with a compliment would frequently reply, “Some things are true.” She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest a donation to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657 or to the charity of choice

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.

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

Patricia Curtis Presnell (April 13, 1926
- June 26, 2016)

Mrs. Patricia Curtis Presnell, 90, of 400 Sherwood Road, Vilas, died Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Glenbridge Health and Rehab.

3762988_fbsMrs. Presnell was born April 13, 1929 in Caldwell County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Samuel Luther Curtis and Mary Richard Curtis. She was a retired convenience store owner and operator, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Newton, North Carolina.

Mrs. Presnell is survived by two granddaughters, Roberta “Bobbie” Garrett of Vilas, and Theresa Andrews of Longview, North Carolina; three great-grandsons, Wesley Ryder and wife Madi and Johnny Reese, all of Hickory, and Tommy Garrett of Vilas; two great-granddaughters, Aleta Reese of Candler, North Carolina and Krystal Reese of Zionville; two great-great-grandsons, Naylen and Kale Ryder and one great-great-granddaughter, C.J. Ryder, all of Hickory. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Presnell, her father and mother, Samuel Luther Curtis and Mary Richard Curtis, a daughter Sharon Nichols, a grandson Boyd Reece, Jr., two brothers, Harry and Banks Curtis, and two sisters, Virginia Suddreth and Mary Brown.

Funeral services for Mrs. Patricia Curtis Presnell will be conducted Friday afternoon, July 1, 2016 at 1:30 at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 1:30. Officiating will be Bobbie Garrett. Burial will follow in the Presnell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon, from 12:30 until 1:30 at Hampton Funeral Service, one hour prior to the service.

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

Frances Presnell Hicks (Aug. 18, 1941 – June 24, 2016)

Frances Presnell Hicks, 74, of Lexington, North Carolina, a former resident of the Beech Creek Community, passed away Friday morning, June 24, 2016 at the Brian Center in Lexington.

Mrs. Hicks was born August 18, 1941 in the Beech Creek Community of Watauga County, a daughter of the late George Washington Presnell and Susie Ann Guy Presnell. She was a homemaker.

3760840_wlppMrs. Hicks is survived by two daughters, Carol Grubbs and husband Larry of Linwood, North Carolina and Betty Hicks VanHoy and husband Clay of Lexington, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Susan Ann Hicks and husband Billy of Hickory, Daniel Hicks and wife Brandy of Woodleaf, Wayne Grubbs and wife Tiffany of Linwood, and Jacob, Andrew and Matthew VanHoy all of Lexington; three great-grandsons, Colton Grubb, Nicholas Smith and Dennis Hicks; and three great-granddaughters, Daisy Grubb, Madison Smith and Bella Hicks. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Dennis Hicks, Sr., and her father and mother, George Washington Presnell and Susan Ann Guy Presnell.

Funeral services for Frances Presnell Hicks will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, June 28, 2016 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. Officiating will be Pastor Gordon Noble. Burial will follow in the Beech Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00, at Hampton Funeral Service, one hour prior to the service.

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

L.C. Trivette (July 10, 1944
- June 24, 2016)

L.C. Trivette of Hickory, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 24, 2016, at his residence. He was born July 10, 1944 in Watauga County to the late Ray Trivette and Ossie Proffitt Trivette.

3764117_fbsLC was blessed with the gift of music and he used that gift to minister to others by playing his dobro and singing his favorite gospel songs on the “Good News” gospel show and at area nursing homes. He also played at Bethlehem General Store on Thursday evenings. He was also a member of the Catawba Bluegrass Band. He was happiest when he was playing his instruments and singing to an audience. It is said if you had an instrument, LC had a pick in his pocket and was ready to play.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Blanche Pennell Trivette, and his second wife Sue Trivette; two brothers, Dean Trivette and Buddy Trivette; and one sister, Judy Miller.

Mr. Trivette is survived by one daughter, Sheila Archambault and husband, Roger of Statesville; seven sisters, Eleen Hodges of Morganton, Evelyn Hicks of Boone, Doris Greer and husband Johnny of Boone; Juanita Miller of Boone; Marilyn Watson and husband Scotty of Boone; June Weaver and husband Joel of Jefferson, Barbara Ashley and husband Buddy of Boone; also one brother, Grayson Trivette of Boone.

Mr. Trivette is also survived by a special friend, Ethel Alexander of Lenoir and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Oakwood Baptist Church from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jermy Bumgarner officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to WHKY TV, PO Box 1059, Hickory, NC 28603 (in memo line put Good News Program) or Oakwood Baptist Church, 57 Oakwood Drive, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Mackie-High Funeral Home, in Granite Falls, is in charge of the arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service.

Dare Wilson Harrison (June 19, 1931
- June 23, 2016)

Dare Wilson Harrison, age 85, of Highland Drive, Boone, passed away Thursday morning, June 23, 2016, at Watauga Medical Center.

3760139_fbsDare was born June 19, 1931 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Luther Alexander Wilson and Ina Grace Eggers Wilson.

She was a retired Director of Nursing at Watauga Medical Center and a member of Greenway Baptist Church.

Dare Harrison, known by all who loved her as “Mammy” was a devoted wife of 49 years, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She devoted her life to serving the Lord Jesus Christ through her 40+ years in nursing.

Her favorite past times were gardening and spending time with her family. Her desire was to see all who knew her come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Dare is survived by one son, Luther Harrison and wife Michelle of Boone; one daughter, Diane Watson of Boone; one grandson, Josh Watson and wife Emily of Troutman; three granddaughters, Jenny Peele and husband Shawn of Boone, Kristin Ek of Iowa City, Iowa, and Hollie Harrison of Knoxville, Tennessee; two great-grandsons, Aiden Watson and Reid Watson, both of Troutman; two great-granddaughters, Haileigh Peele of Boone, and Malory Cook of Troutman, and six sisters, Ella Mae Tester of Greensboro, Martha Moody and husband Joe of Boone, Betty James and husband Doyle of Vilas, Mary Lou Hodges and husband Jack of Mountain City, Tennessee, Ruth Frye and husband Don of Buffalo, New York, and Jean Collins and husband Bob 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 husband, Jerry Harrison, and one brother, James Wilson.

Funeral services for Dare Harrison will be conducted Saturday afternoon, June 25, 2016, at 1:00 o’clock, at Greenway Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:00 until 1:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Harold Bennett, Reverend Gordon Noble, and Reverend Darrell Hobbs. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

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 the Appalachian State University Dare Harrison Nursing Scholarship c/o the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Foundation, PO Box 2600, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Grace Lorraine Gordon Kluth (Jan. 2, 1924
- June 23, 2016)

Grace entered ‘His garden’ peacefully surrounded by family at Watauga Medical Center on June 23rd, 2016.

She was born on January 2, 1924 to the late Virginia (Ketler) and George Gordon of Cleveland, Ohio.

3760527_fbsGrace was proceeded in death by her mother (at an early age), father, brother, Wallace Gordon of CA, step-mother, Louise Gordon and son-in-law, Larry Hughes of NC.

She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Kenneth. Also, survived by step brother, Roger Asplin and step sister, Dorothy Hughes. Beloved mother to children, Kent (Ingrid) of St. Augustine, FL and Laurel Fork, VA, Karen Shields of Boone, NC, Kim Hughes of Advance, NC and Kurt (Heather) of Pickerington, Ohio.

Grandma to 16 treasured grandchildren and grand-ma-ma to 16 great-grandchildren. Aunt to several nieces and nephews. 2nd Mom and ‘Grandma Grace’ to many.

Grace graduated from North Olmsted High School in 1942 and was married on October 23, 1943 during WWII while Kenny was serving as a staff sergeant in the US Army Air Corps and home on furlough. She worked at the bomber plant (B-29’s) in Brookpark, Ohio during WWII. They lived in North Olmsted and Chatham, Ohio until they moved to Boone, NC in 1991.

Grace retired from the North Olmsted Schools Career Education program and also worked at Fairview Park Hospital as a nurse’s aide for many years. After relocating to Boone, she worked many years at The Chalet and Appalachian Theatres. She retired from there at the age of 81.

She was a member of Boone Advent Christian Church in Boone, NC.

Anyone who knew Grace also knew her passion for her family, her friends and zest for life. Never met a stranger she didn’t love talking to. She had the gift of gab, loved dancing, playing cards and adored her many pets over the years.

A memorial/celebration of life service will be held at Boone Advent Christian Church, 220 West King Street, Boone, NC on Saturday, June 25 at 4:00 o’clock with Pastor Gordon Noble officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. 

Friends are invited to gather and visit with family after burial at Boone Advent Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

Many thanks to Watauga Medical Center and the amazing ICU and 2nd floor nurses and staff. Also to Caldwell Hospice/Linda, Jessica and Darby.

All true angels on earth. Additional thanks to Gordon Noble, friends and family for your love, support and many prayers. We are truly blessed and grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The LVH ALS Foundation, PO BOX 2036, Advance, NC 27006 or The MS Foundation, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 17457.

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

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

Aaron Ross Shapiro (March 3, 1987
- June 22, 2016)

3760154_fbsAaron Ross Shapiro, age 29, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at his residence in Atlanta.

Aaron is survived by his father and mother, David and Laurie Shapiro of Big Canoe, Georgia and Banner Elk; one brother, Joshua Shapiro of Roswell, Georgia; one sister, Ashley Shapiro of Charlotte, and his grandmother, Carol Rascoe of Gainesville, Georgia.

A Celebration of the Life of Aaron will be conducted Wednesday morning, July 6, 2016, at 10:30 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 10:30 o’clock. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

A second Celebration of Life will be conducted Sunday, July 10, 2016, in Alpharetta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Aaron’s name to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to support their Plymouth Center for Youth and Families, Attn: Treasury Services RW7, PO Box 11, Center City, MN 55012, or online at www.hazeldenbettyford.org/giving. Please include Aaron’s name in the memo field of the check or add it to the tribute section of the online giving page.

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