The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
Martha Jane (Norris) Parker
June 18, 1944 ~ March 8, 2026
Martha Jane Parker (Jane), age 81, of Kimberly Lane, Boone, passed away March 8, 2026, at her home. Born June 18,1944, in Watauga County, she was the daughter of David and Grace Hollars Norris.
Mrs. Parker is survived by her husband, Joseph K. Parker (Butch); daughter, Kimberly Parker and partner, Ellen Dunn, of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, John Parker and wife, Gayle of Greensboro; and sisters-in-law Kathleen Norris of Van Couver, WA and Helen Gebhardt of Jamestown, NC.
Jane worked as a bookkeeper and kept books for a number of different companies: Beach and Adams Builders, Cook and Hodges Builders, and Watauga Opportunities to name a few. She was a woman of detail, keeping precise records and notes on most everything.
Jane was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was an avid sports fan as Kimberly played most every sport possible growing up. She could be seen on the sideline of every home and away game.. Jane and Butch enjoyed their retirement days, traveling to see Kimberly and Ellen and visiting various antique stores and flea markets. They were also faithful members of the High Country Classics Car Club. They enjoyed the Friday night cruise-ins with other members. Jane loved to collect different types of items, reading, crosstitching, doing puzzles, decorating for the different holidays, and tending to their many orchid plants.
Celebration of Life services for Martha Jane Parker will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Boone, officiated by Pastor Jeff Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church of Boone, N.C.
Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbamesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Parker family.
Barbara Jean (Binghamd) Townsend
September 10, 1937 ~ March 11, 2026
Barbara (Bobbie) Bingham Townsend, 88, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on March 11, 2026.
A lifelong resident of Watauga County, Bobbie was born in the Vilas community to a large, loving family of 11 brothers and sisters. Bobbie married the love of her life, Ted Townsend, in 1955. Bobbie and Ted recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just before Christmas in 2025. Bobbie and Ted loved to travel, especially after they both retired from Appalachian State University. Bobbie was always concerned with how others felt and she had a gift for making sure that everyone around her felt loved and included. She and Ted adopted numerous App State students through their church over the years providing mentorship and a home away from home. Bobbie was the quintessential hostess and her beautiful home was the site of countless family dinners and celebrations for family, friends and church family over the years. The last three months of Bobbie’s life was a testament to a life well lived as her home was constantly filled with family and friends who cared for and made final, special memories with her.
Bobbie is survived by her husband, Ted Townsend, a daughter, Kathy Townsend Scroggs and son-in-law, Eddie Scroggs, and one granddaughter, Kelly Scroggs Jones. She is also survived by one sister, Mary Jo Pritchard, and two brothers, Dwight Bingham and Danny Bingham, as well as a large number of nieces and nephews. Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents, McCoy and Kenova Morrell Bingham, an infant son, Thomas Townsend, granddaughter, Kristi Scroggs, and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Our sadness at her loss is tempered by the knowledge that she is rejoicing in heaven with the Lord and celebrating with beloved family that passed on before her.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amorem Hospice, especially Allie, Thea, Evelyn and Tina.
Services for Barbara Townsend will be conducted Sunday March 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Perkinsville Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Seth Norris and Pastor Toby Oliver. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until3:00 PM prior to services. Graveside services will follow at White Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Townsend family.
Arthur Blaine Ward
September 28, 1948 ~ March 13, 2026
Arthur Blaine Ward passed away on 13 March 2026, surrounded by those who loved him. He was born on the 28 th of September 1948 to Martha and Blaine Ward of Sugar Grove NC.
Arthur was a simple man who loved the lord and was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where he enjoyed services and fellowship. He was a master carpenter for 35 years completing many projects in Watauga County and the surrounding area. Through Ward Construction he touched so many lives and left a legacy that will stand the test of time. Arthur loved his family and spending time with them. He could always be seen happy around his family and playing jokes on them. He enjoyed working on and building tractors that he liked to bring to surrounding tractor shows. He also enjoyed a good, sweet snack on the couch watching crime or car shows, sometimes taking a small nap. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, His former wife and friend Alice Ward, an infant daughter Diana Ward, and stepson Michael Frederick.
Those left to cherish Arthur’s memory include his wife of 20 years Debbie, daughter Pamela Stout (Perry), son Eddie Ward (Amber), daughter Stephanie Ward, stepchildren, Samantha Lipford (Blaine) and Matthew Fredrick (Jessica), brothers Hubert Ward, James Ward (Linda), Tommy Ward, and Richard Ward (Kat), sisters Sandra Ward, Caroline Ward, and Tina Ward. 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and several beloved nieces and nephews.
Arthur’s family will be receiving friends on Saturday 21 st of March 2026 from 1pm to 3pm, then a funeral service at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home to be followed by a graveside internment in the family cemetery in Sugar Grove. Pallbearers will be Richard Ward, Eddie Ward, William Greene, Matthew Frederick, Abel Frederick, Laythan McClure, Tim Miller and Perry Stout. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Ward, Brian Presnell, Hunter Shook, Griffin Brown, and Tommy Ward.
Special thanks to Dr. Vaidya, Dr. Seegars, Dr. Satterfield-Mercer, Dr. Harrison, and the ICU care team at Winston Baptist Hospital for their extraordinary service to Arthur and the family during this most difficult time.
In lieu of flowers friends may help with the final expenses. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ward family.
Virginia Dare (Harmon) Ward
April 10, 1947 ~ March 13, 2026
Mrs. Virginia “Dare” Ward, 78, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loving family.
Dare was born April 10, 1947, in Banner Elk, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Adie and Glady Harmon.
Dare was a devoted wife and the foundation of a family built on love. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a fierce and unconditional love that knew no limits. Being their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was her greatest pride and greatest blessing.
She had an infectious kindness and a servant’s heart, always putting others before herself. Dare spent many of her days reading her Bible and enjoying her favorite shows on television. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she carried a quiet strength and gentle peace that touched everyone around her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Allen Ward; her son, Jimmy Allen Ward Jr.; and her brothers, Grady Harmon, Ernest Harmon, Benny Harmon, Houston Harmon, and Marshall Harmon.
She is survived by her siblings, Sue Ward, Linda Kelly, and Lee Harmon and wife Betty.
Her children, Ricky Ward and his wife Heather, Mae Pope and her husband Junior Pope, and Adam Ward and his wife Ida.
Her grandchildren, Jessica Marsh and her husband Caleb, Tiffany Luna and her husband Nick, Hank Pope and his wife Kelsey, Vanessa Greer and her fiancé Cory Tremain, Justin Pope and his fiancé Miranda Hundley, Alexus Stevens and her husband Andrew, Nathaniel Bowman and his wife Sara, Sabrina Ward, Jordan Dula, and Brittney Dula.
She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
Her love and gentle spirit leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will continue to live on through the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2026 at Sandy Flat Baptist Church from 12:30-2:00 PM. Funeral at 2:00 PM with burial following at the Matney Liberty Church Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ward family.
Virginia Dare (Harmon) Ward
April 10, 1947 ~ March 13, 2026
Mrs. Virginia “Dare” Ward, 78, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loving family.
Dare was born April 10, 1947, in Banner Elk, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Adie and Glady Harmon.
Dare was a devoted wife and the foundation of a family built on love. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with a fierce and unconditional love that knew no limits. Being their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was her greatest pride and greatest blessing.
She had an infectious kindness and a servant’s heart, always putting others before herself. Dare spent many of her days reading her Bible and enjoying her favorite shows on television. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she carried a quiet strength and gentle peace that touched everyone around her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Allen Ward; her son, Jimmy Allen Ward Jr.; and her brothers, Grady Harmon, Ernest Harmon, Benny Harmon, Houston Harmon, and Marshall Harmon.
She is survived by her siblings, Sue Ward, Linda Kelly, and Lee Harmon and wife Betty.
Her children, Ricky Ward and his wife Heather, Mae Pope and her husband Junior Pope, and Adam Ward and his wife Ida.
Her grandchildren, Jessica Marsh and her husband Caleb, Tiffany Luna and her husband Nick, Hank Pope and his wife Kelsey, Vanessa Greer and her fiancé Cory Tremain, Justin Pope and his fiancé Miranda Hundley, Alexus Stevens and her husband Andrew, Nathaniel Bowman and his wife Sara, Sabrina Ward, Jordan Dula, and Brittney Dula.
She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
Her love and gentle spirit leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will continue to live on through the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2026 at Sandy Flat Baptist Church from 12:30-2:00 PM. Funeral at 2:00 PM with burial following at the Matney Liberty Church Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ward family.
George Wright, Jr.
March 30, 1943 – February 26, 2026
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of George W. Wright Jr., who peacefully departed this life, in the comfort of his home, on Feb. 26th, at the age of 83. A beloved member of the Foscoe community and many others throughout his life, George is survived by his wife Kathy and son David.
George will be fondly remembered for his unwavering support for those around him, and the joy he brought into every room he entered. George’s legacy of compassion and dedication will live on in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A service to honor his life will be held on Saturday March 14th at Holy Communion Lutheran Church of Banner Elk at 12:00pm, with a viewing starting at 11:00am. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well-lived.
He will always be loved, deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Online condolences may be sent to the Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Holly Ann McCrimmon
March 10, 2026
Holly Ann McCrimmon passed away on March 10, 2026, at High Point Medical Center in High Point, North Carolina. Holly was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to Myrtle and Mitchell Jon.
She was a graduate of Fitzgerald High School and spent most of her life in Fitzgerald before later relocating to Boone, North Carolina.
Holly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and will be remembered for the love she shared with those closest to her. Her favorite was I can’t help falling in love with you by Elvis Presley
She is survived by her mother, Myrtle Jones of Fitzgerald, Georgia; her brothers, Ronald Jones of Fitzgerald and Michael Jones of Atlanta, Georgia; her son, David Hutchinson and wife Amy of Fitzgerald, Georgia; and her daughter, Star McCrimmon of Boone, North Carolina.
Holly was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Jayson Hutchinson, Hope Hutchinson, Arraya Mounts, Mitchell Mounts, Aubree Danner, and Kyleigh Danner. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Jayden Hutchinson and Alex Hutchinson.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mitchell Jones, and her brother, Darien Jones.
The family will hold a graveside celebration of life at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in charge of the arrangements.
Lisa “Nina” Renee Corbitt
June 16, 1970 – March 3, 2026
In Loving Memory of “Nina” Lisa Renee Corbitt
“Nina” Lisa Renee Corbitt, of Boone, passed away on March 3, 2026. Born on June 16, 1970, in Atlanta, Georgia, Lisa was the daughter of the late James and Dorothy (Sheriff) Corbitt. She is survived by her sisters, Donna (Corbitt) Beeton and brother-in-law, Kevin Beeton, Debbie (Corbitt) Herrington, and brother-in-law, Brad Herrington, nephews Nicholas and Nathan Waltrip, whom she adored and loved dearly, and they loved and adored her, and great nieces, as well as her close cousins, family and friends.
Nina will be remembered for her kind heart, warm spirit, and the love she shared with those around her. She brought light and laughter to her family and friends, and her presence made even ordinary moments feel special.
Nina LOVED her fur baby, Addi and cherished time with the people she loved most. Her caring nature, gentle smile, and generous soul left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Though she is no longer with us, the memories Lisa created and the love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A service of remembrance will be held on June 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Highland United Methodist Church, 2009 Old Atlanta Road, Griffin, Georgia 30223.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Kimberly “Kim” Lynn Greene
December 29, 1978 – March 12, 2026
Kimberly Lynn “Kim” Greene, 47, of Blowing Rock, passed away in the early hours of March 12, 2026. Born on December 29, 1978, to the late Raymond and Cleta Buckner, Kim was a near-lifelong resident of Watauga County.
Kim’s kind heart and desire to help others was evident to all who knew her. Her passion for helping others was most apparent in her career as a CNA. She took great pride in helping the elderly and caring for her family. Her contagious laugh and incredible sense of humor lit up every room she walked into. She loved The Super Mario Bros, an ice-cold Mountain Dew, and 1980s Pizzarias chips. Among all else, though, she loved her family more than anything.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jason Buckner. She is survived by her husband, Mark, two sons, Gage (Hayley, fiancé) and Gavin, daughter, Gemma, two brothers, Lloyd (Pat) Buckner and Doug (Betty) Buckner, her lifelong best friend, Jenny Thompson, several nieces and nephews, and many friends she loved like family.
The family will receive family and friends on March 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Hampton Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hampton Funeral Home to help with expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the Greene Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral & Cremation Service of Boone is in charge of the arrangements.
You must be logged in to post a comment.