1000 x 90

Watauga, Avery Obituaries – March 29, 2017

Pearle Louise Munn Bishop (July 2, 1920 – March 28, 2017)

Pearle Louise Munn Bishop, 96, of 163 Shadowline Drive, Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, March 28, 2017, at Appalachian Brian Estates in Boone.

Pearle Louise Munn Bishop was a welcoming listener with a quick wit. She grew up in eastern North Carolina’s Bladen County and Rocky Mount. The World War II war effort drew her to Baltimore to work at the Glen L. Martin aircraft plant in 1944 where Pearle met Lyle Bishop who she married within two weeks on Saint Patrick’s Day. Lyle was re-drafted into the U.S. Army then U. S. Air Force and they began years of world travel experiencing other cultures, including England, Germany and Japan. She was a Grey Lady volunteer at hospitals and eventually returned to college earning a License Practical Nurse degree when she was in her 40s.

They moved to Triplett, near Boone, in 1980. Over the next twenty years Pearle volunteered at RAMs Rack Thrift Shop, became a First Responder with the Triplett Fire Department and worked with the pro ski patrol at Sugar Mountain. Always a reader, she was one of the founders of High Country Writers in 1975. She moved to Appalachian Brian Estates in 2010 then learned to play Mah Jongg at age 91. Her novel, Cleo’s Oak, was published in 2013 and she won a Senior Games medal for a short story soon after.

Pearle will be buried in Phillipsville Union Cemetery in Pennsylvania with her husband, Lyle D. Bishop II; her youngest son, Wyatt Alexander Bishop; and her first daughter-in-law, Christa Michaelis Bishop. She is survived by son, Lyle D. Bishop III, and wife, Hildegard Bolsinger Bishop, of Triplett; her son, Alfred Joseph Bishop, of Raleigh; her daughter, Margaret Ellen (Maggie) Bishop, and husband, Robert Gillman, of Boone; and her son, John Sebastian Bishop, and wife, Dr. Jennifer Maranki of Pennsylvania; granddaughter, Cornelia Pearl Bishop; great- granddaughter, Krista Noel Handy, both of Arizona; grandson, Lyle D. Bishop IV, and wife, Janna Martineau Bishop; and great granddaughter, Mia Kai Bishop, of Washington; and three grandchildren, Elden Bishop, and wife, Zsuzsanna Major Bishop, Laura Ellen Bishop and Amber Pearle Bishop of California and grandchildren, Claire Josephine Bishop and Katherine Pearle Bishop of Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to the Watauga County Library, 140 Queen Street, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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


Mary Stevenson Shook (Dec. 10, 1918 – March 25, 2017) 

Mary Stevenson Shook, 98, of Russell Dr., Boone, passed away Saturday morning, March 25, 2017, at her home.

Born December 10, 1918 in Taylorsville, NC, she was the daughter of Robert Lee and Bertha Eliza Sloop Stevenson. Mrs. Shook was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for many years. She retired after 35 years as Director of Nursing at the ASU Infirmary, which she founded and is now named the Mary S. Shook Student Health Services.

After retirement, Mrs. Shook served on various Boards of Directors for area nursing homes and actively delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly in Watauga County. She held membership in many organizations, including the American College of Health Association, American Nurses Association, Southern College Health Association, North Carolina State Nurses Association, Retired Teachers Association, as well at the American Red Cross, and was an honorary member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.

She was the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from ASU, and received the State of NC Governors Award for Excellence from Governor Jim Hunt and the Ollie B. Moten Award from the American College Health Association. 

Mrs. Shook is survived by her daughter, Tanya Shook Wilder of Marietta, Ohio; grandson, Samuel Zeb Wilder of Chicago, IL, and granddaughter, Eliza Caroline Wilder of Cincinnati, Ohio; her daughter, Myra Shook of Richmond, VA, and AFS daughter, Laury Rey of Bogota, Columbia; sister, Hal McNeely of Boone; and numerous nieces, nephews, as well as many extended family members whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Zeb Shook; and two foster daughters, Sara Collins and Mildred Kennedy.

Celebration of life services for Mary Stevenson Shook will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, March 29th at 2 oclock at the First Presbyterian Church in Boone, officiated by Pastor Jeff Smith and Rev. Bud Russell. A reception will follow services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zeb V. and Mary S. Shook Scholarship Fund, Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc., PO Box 32156, Boone, NC 28608.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 oclock at Austin & Barnes.

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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


Dorothy Smith Ramsey (D. March 25, 2017)

Dorothy Smith Ramsey, age 84, of Chime Hill Lane, Banner Elk, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the home of her daughter.

Dorothy was born January 22, 1933 in Carter, Tennessee, a daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Campbell Smith. She was a retired pharmacy assistant at Banner Elk Pharmacy, and a member of Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church.

Dorothy is survived by one daughter, Diann Ramsey Godley of Raleigh; one son, Floyd Scott Ramsey and wife Barbett of Raleigh; five grandchildren, Laura Elizabeth Godley, Brittany Alexandra Godley Dinh and husband Dao, William Alphus Godley, III, all of Raleigh and Evie Grace Ramsey and Ayla Blake Ramsey, both of Wake Forest, and two brothers, George and Gene Smith, both of Hampton, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Ramsey; one sister, Tafada Payne, and one brother, J. Smith.

Funeral services for Dorothy Smith Ramsey will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 1, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church in Banner Elk. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Thomas Gatewood. Burial will follow in the Smith Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

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


John “Chub” Pittman (March 22, 1930 – March 25, 2017)

John Edward “Chub” Pittman, age 87, of Newland, North Carolina passed away into the arms of his Savior on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Pittman, his mother, Hope Loven Greene, his step-father, Newland E. Greene, grandchildren, Rick Daniels and Nickie Winkler. Chub spent the early part of his life in the place he loved the most, Wyoming. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He owned and operated the “Newland Food Center” for many years and was a wonderful friend and employer to many. After retiring, Chub enjoyed his time traveling. He spent most of it in Wyoming and Montana, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his two daughters, Brenda Pittman and Susie Pittman Daniels. Two grandchildren, David Winkler and Tammie Daniels. 12 great grandchildren: Trevor, Hunter and Suzi Shields, Katie Winkler, Colton Anderson, Patrick, Grace, and Avery Winkler, Mikaela, Rick, Zoe and Cody Daniels.

Services for John Edward “Chub” Pittman will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 beginning at 2:00 pm from the First Baptist Church Newland with Dr. Bill Jones officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Wednesday at First Baptist Church Newland. Interment will be in the Tanglewood Cemetery.

The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation and thanks to the Nurses and staff of Medi Home Hospice for the care and support. “God Bless You! We could not have made it with out you.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi Home Hospice of Avery County PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657.


Barbara A. Harrell (January 08, 1946 – March 22, 2017) 

Barbara Ann Harrell, age 71, of Sugar Grove, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

She is survived by her sister Betty Harrell of Sugar Grove, brothers Edward Harrell of Vilas and David Harrell and his wife Wanda of Zionville. Two nephews, Avery and Adam Harrell of Zionville.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel.

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

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


Larry Eugene Braswell, Sr. (Aug. 8, 1943 – March 24, 2017)

Larry Eugene Braswell, Sr., 73, of 119 Pro Street, Todd, passed away Friday morning, March 24, 2017, at his home.

Larry was born August 8, 1943 in Caldwell County, a son of the late Ray and Dorothy Phillips Braswell. He was a retired receiving clerk of Lowes Home Improvement and a member of Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church. Larry served in the United States Army and was a member of American Legion Post 130.

Larry is survived by his wife, Imogene Miller Braswell of the home; two sons, Pastor Eugene Braswell, Jr. and wife Wendy of Todd, and Pastor Stephen Wayne Braswell and wife Stacie of Kershaw, South Carolina; one granddaughter, Tabitha Elliott and husband Nathan of Vilas; two grandsons, Joshua Braswell and Noah Braswell, both of Kershaw, South Carolina; one great-granddaughter, Millie Ann Elliott of Vilas; three brothers, Paul Braswell and wife Ruth of Vilas, Gerald Braswell of Lenoir, and Jackie Braswell and wife Kathy of Butler, Tennessee; four sisters-in-law, Bernice Braswell, Evonne Settle, Trudy Thompson, and Joanne Smith and husband Johnny, and three brothers-in-law, Albert “Junior” Miller, Oral Miller, and Mark Miller. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, J.R. Braswell and his wife Mary Ann, Dean Braswell, Bobby Braswell, and Robert Braswell.

Funeral services for Larry Eugene Braswell, Sr. will be conducted Monday afternoon, March 27, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Delmar James. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow in Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends, Sunday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Proffit’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Jeanette Huff, 279 Henry Winebarger Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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


Irene Jeanette Alverson Brown (Dec. 12, 1950 – March 24, 2017)

Irene Jeanette Alverson Brown, 66, of Taylor Road, Newland, passed away Friday morning, March 24, 2017, at her home.

Irene is survived by her husband, Stewart Brown of the home, and one niece, Vania Postma of North Dakota.

Memorial services for Irene Jeanette Alverson Brown will be conducted in North Dakota, at a later date.

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

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

Jimmie Woodie (July 14, 1949 – March 22, 2017

Jimmie Woodie (July 14, 1949 – March 22, 2017)

Jimmie C. Woodie, age 67, of Newland, the Pyatte Community, passed away on March 22, 2017 at his residence.

A native of Burke County, he was born July 14, 1949 in Mitchell County, a son of the late Lloyd and Pauline Clark Woodie. Jim had worked for 28 years at Henredon Furniture and most recently had served as the Lead Salesman for tools at Lowes Home Improvement Center in Banner Elk. He was a member of Big Meadows Baptist Church, where he had at one time been very active, having served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher, and had served as the Choir Director. Jim was an avid nature photographer. He would sit by his window, camera in hand, just waiting on the perfect opportunity to photograph God’s creations.

A loving and kind husband, father, and grandfather, he leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Sherry Woodie; daughters, Chrystal Woodie King, and her friend, William Daniels, Angela Woodie, and her fiancé’, Kenny Clark; granddaughter, Stephanie King, and her friend, Jacob Horney; great grandson, Kenneth Clark; a sister, Loretta Gail Puckett. 

Funeral services for Jimmie Woodie will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with the Rev. Joshua Calvert officiating. Interment will follow in the Big Meadows Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 noon on Saturday at the funeral home.
Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.


Norma Johnson Daniels (May 25, 1922 – March 18, 2017)

Norma Johnson Daniels, age 94, of Newland passed away on March 18, 2017 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

A native of Newland, she was born May 25, 1922 to the late Orville and Dorothy Greene Johnson.

She was a member of Elk Mountain Baptist Church, and enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning and cooking. Those that knew Norma loved her and she was also a great mother to 9 children.

Along with her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her: husband, Arnold Daniels, Brother; Frank Johnson, Sisters: Francis Woodruff and Esther Wise, daughters: Katherine Wise and infant daughter Rebecca Daniels, grandchildren: Randy Wise, and David Grindstaff.

Norma has left to cherish her memory her: Daughters: Connie McCoury of Newland, Peggy Grindstaff of Minneapolis, Sharon Rash and husband Gary of Newland, Robin Burleson and husband Gary of Spruce Pine, Sons: Carroll Daniels and wife Linda of Morganton, Douglas Daniels of Newland, Dale Daniels of Newland, sister; Ardric Gaddy of Newland, 15 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.

Funeral services for Norma Daniels will be conducted on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 7 PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Hoilman officiating. Interment will be in the Elk Mountain Cemetery on Tuesday at 1 PM. The family will receive friends from 5 PM up until the service hour.

The Family would like to think the nursing staff at Cannon Memorial Hospital for their valiant work with Norma.

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

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