The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
James Phillip Smalling
August 20, 1942 ~ May 2, 2026
James Phillip Smalling (Phil) passed away May 2, 2026 at the age of 83. Phil will be remembered for his great smile, love of horses and yodeling cowboys. He served in the Air Force and worked in the Watauga County Schools maintenance department. He also served as a Watauga County commissioner.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Denny and Mary Belle Smalling, his brother, Tom Smalling and a grandson, Jeffrey Cooper Smalling.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Paula: his sons Curtis and wife Mary, Greg and wife Stacie and daughter Tamara; his sister, Sharon Simpson and husband, Clarence; his brother, John Mark Smalling; and sister-in-law, Gay Smalling; grandsons, Kyle and wife Laura , Seth and wife Miranda, and his granddaughters Eve and Hanna, and 5 great grandchildren, Annabelle, Abel, Griffin, Cooper, and Elowen.
The family invites friends to join them in a Celebration of Life at Green Valley Community Park on June 19 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM to honor and remember Phil. Friends may bring a potluck to share and spend time together.
The family gives special thanks to Home Instead, Deerfield Memory Care and Amorem Hospice and Palliative Care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes is serving the Smalling family
Winston Jaheel Poe
August 11, 2003 ~ May 5, 2026
Mr. Winston Jahleel Poe, age 22, of North Wilkesboro passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Deep Gap with Pastor Eric Proffit and Rev. Roy Smith officiating. Burial will be in Stony Fork Baptist Church Cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM prior to the service at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church.
Winston was born on August 11, 2003, in Wilkes County to Mark Irwin Poe and Dorenda Kay Greene. He was a proud CNA II at Ridge Valley Center for Nursing. Winston was also a student at Appalachian State University and Wilkes Community College. He was 22, full of energy and passion for life, a big heart and a smile that would light up the room. Winston was happiest spending time with his family and friends by his side. Whether he was at the beach, on a skateboard, or carving through the snow on his snowboard, shooting basketball or making his music he did all these things with enthusiasm. He was fiercely loyal and loving. Winston never met a stranger. To know him was to love him. Winston’s vibrant spirit and kindness was infectious and simply unforgettable. He was a hard worker and loved caring for his patients he adored and loved them beyond measure. He was adored and loved by his family and friends. He will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Alberta Lee Poe “Polly”.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Dorenda Kay Greene of Millers Creek; father, Mark Irwin Poe of Jefferson; grandparents; Rex and Christine Greene of Deep Gap; his girlfriend, Hailey Roach of North Wilkesboro and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the Wilkes Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Winston Poe, PO Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home is serving the Poe Family.
Lois Mildred (Snyder) Strickland
December 5, 1928 ~ May 5, 2026
Lois Mildred Snyder Strickland, age 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 5, 1928, to Kenneth Eugene Snyder and Elma Bernice Johnson Snyder, Lois lived a life devoted to helping others. From an early age, she showed a servant’s heart that would guide her throughout her life and career.
Lois pursued her education at Gardner-Webb University, Wake Forest University, and later earned her master’s degree from Appalachian State University. She dedicated many years to education, beginning as a kindergarten teacher before advancing to serve as assistant principal at Bethel Elementary School. Her impact on generations of students, families, and fellow educators will long be remembered.
Faith and service were central to Lois’s life. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught the Contemporary Ladies Class until her health declined and chose retirement in 2025. She also enjoyed participating in the Retired Teachers Association and the Red Hat Society.
In her quieter moments, Lois found joy in quilting and working jigsaw puzzles, hobbies that reflected both her patience and creativity.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Ben F. Strickland; her brother, Richard Snyder; and her granddaughter, Alyson Hennessee.
She is survived by her brother, Ray Snyder; cousin, Don Snyder; children, Angie Phillips, Cherri Crabtree, Daphne Byrd, and Elena Hackney; Ben Strickland and his wife Wynne who became Lois’ 5th daughter; grandchildren, Ben Strickland, Eric Strickland Juliana Noble, Grant Phillips, Leslie Byrd, Thomas Byrd, Holly Hackney, Matthew Hackney; and great-grandchildren, Alicia Cornett, Tripp Noble, Kate Noble, Eleanor Noble, Brayden Byrd, and Kyomi Royal.
A service celebrating Lois’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Graveside services will be private.
Lois’s kindness, wisdom, and servant’s heart touched countless lives. Her legacy of faith, education, and compassion will continue through all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made out to First Baptist Church of Boone at 375 W King St, Boone, NC 28607.
Online Condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Strickland family
Judith Sue (Coffey) Wesson
February 19, 1945 ~ January 20, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judith Sue Coffey Wesson, affectionately known as “Meamzer,” who left this world on January 20, 2026, in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Born on February 19, 1945, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, Judith lived a life rich in love, service, and dedication to others.
Judith was predeceased by her beloved family members: Beulah Coffey, Hardin Coffey, Joseph David Coffey, Samuel Coffey, Richard Coffey, Evelyn Hollars, Joseph Merritt Coffey, Sue Coffey, and Joseph Coffey. Their memories remained cherished in her heart throughout her life.
Judith’s legacy lives on through her loving family, including her son Jason Wesson, her granddaughter Kaya Mae Wesson, and her close family- Cathy Coffey and JoAnna Coffey. Judith was a shining light in their lives, known for her warmth, kindness, and her unwavering support. Meamzer’s remarkable strength helped her through joint replacements, heart attack, and many emotional challenges in her life, including her difficult decision to leave her hometown of Blowing Rock, NC, to be closer to her beloved family.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Appalachian State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the span of three decades, Judith dedicated her life to helping others through her work at the Department of Social Services, where she served in Child Protective and Adult Protective Services. Her commitment to social work continued as she shared her knowledge and passion as a Professor at Appalachian State University, and as a Clinical Social Worker for a state-licensed residential facility, as well as two medical centers in North Carolina.
Judith had an array of interests that added joy to her life. She loved to cook, knit, and immerse herself in art and music. The beach held a special place in her heart, and her love for animals was evident- especially her dogs, Sissy and Dusty Rose. She touched the lives of many, never meeting a stranger and demonstrating thoughtfulness and humility in all her interactions. Judith was known for her infectious laughter and her deep love for her family and friends, as well as for the countless individuals she helped throughout her career.
In Judith’s own words, she often expressed gratitude for the wonderful people who surrounded her. So many individuals played a vital role in her life, including Kaya, Tina, Kathy, Allison, and family friends and caregivers. She was deeply appreciative of those who provided her with care and companionship, from the medical professionals like Dr. Holm, Dr. Talbert, Dr. Dean, and Dr. Mumpower, to the staff at UNC Hospice and Piedmont Vet, all of whom honored her life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice of North Carolina, ensuring that Judith’s spirit of compassion and care for others continues to live on.
A Celebration to honor Judith’s extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 1:00 PM at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home with Mike Townsend officiating.
Judith Sue Coffey Wesson will forever be remembered for her boundless love, her unwavering dedication to helping others, and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. Meamzer was love, and she was so loved in return by everyone she met and everyone she helped along her journey. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
Online condolences may be shared wit the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin and Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Wesson family.
Lisa Lynn Church
September 3, 1965 ~ May 8, 2026
Lisa Lynn Church, age 60, of Boone, passed away Friday May 8, 2026 at Watauga Medical Center. she was born in September 3,1965 in Watauga County. Lisa loved her cats, Rosie and Tigger. Her favorite activities were creating diamond arts, shopping at Walmart and watching the Golden Girls on TV.
Lisa is survived by uncles, Jim Moretz and wife, Becky and Roy Moretz and wife, Jill and aunt, Martha Deal, all of Zionville. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Moretz Sylvia and grandparents, Clint and Gertha Moretz.
Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday morning, May 12 at 11 o’clock at Mabel Methodist Church Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Derick Wilson.
The family respectfully requests no food and suggests memorials to Mabel Methodist Church Cemetery fund, in care of J.C. Winebarger, 4166 Old US Highway 421, Zionville, NC 28698 or to the Watauga Humane Society, Post Office Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Church family.
Barbara Louise Downey Ketchie
February 11, 1930 – May 6, 2026
Barbara Louise Downey Ketchie passed away Wednesday evening, May 6th. She was 96.
Barbara was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 11, 1930. Her father and his twin brother had moved to Detroit, from Tennessee, in search of work during the Great Depression. That’s where Barbara’s father would meet and marry her mother. Barbara would be an only child. After several years in Detroit the family, and her now uncle, relocated back to Tennessee, settling in Nashville. The brothers would find work there in a laundry facility. Times were hard during those years, but for Barbara, she just knew the love of her hard working parents. The family moved within Tennessee a number of times during her early years, making Barbara a perpetual “new kid on the block”, leaving friendships behind, as new opportunities became available for her father as he progressed within the laundry industry. During those same years her uncle had moved to Hickory, North Carolina, beginning his own laundry business there and, after a period of time, Barbara’s father would join his brother to help with his new business, first in Asheville, and then in Lenoir for a couple of years. Barbara and her parents would then finally settle in a home in Hickory just before her high school years began once the Hickory Steam Laundry was established. The laundry handled industrial scale cleaning, along with serving residential clients, and became a well known, very successful business. Now settled in her “forever home” Barbara could finally spread her wings, participating in numerous high school activities, community events and civic opportunities. She became very popular with her many friends and ultimately became President of the Junior Women’s League of Hickory. After finishing up her schooling she found herself working at the laundry helping to run the family business. It was at the laundry that she would meet the love of her life.
A young salesman working for a chemical company in Memphis, Tennessee had just been given an opportunity to take over a sales territory in North Carolina, the state that he grew up in. As he was being introduce to clients in his new territory, he walked through the doors of the Hickory Steam Laundry where he would first see Barbara working away. Apparently, she made quite an impression on him and with Christmas just a few weeks away he manage to get himself invited to the company Christmas party, and then to the New Year’s Eve Party a week later. He tells the story of having quite a few drinks during these parties because he noticed that Barbara always had a drink in her hand. He would find out later it was actually just ginger ale. Within a month, by the end of January 1954, he proposed to Barbara and she said yes to the 25 year old Homer Ketchie. The wedding took place on August 29, 1954.
The young couple set up home in Charlotte where Homer’s office was. A year later they welcomed their first son. Son number two would come two years later, and her family became her abiding love. It was the 1960’s, and raising two boys brought both tears and many smiles. Work was an opportunity back then, one could grow with a company, and fill life with adventures. And Homer took Barbara on many, many adventures. She saw a lot of the United States from a station wagon and a pop up camper; beautiful National Parks and random spots along the roadways. There were company parties and conventions, house parties and neighborhood block parties. And later, they would travel to destinations all around the world.
Barbara loved music and dreamed memories of the big bands and the dancing that went with it. She made CDs of her favorite songs and gave them to her friends. She would quickly say yes to any game of bridge. And she remained devoted to her beloved Church of Christ, hardly missing a Sunday service.
The 70s, 80s, 90s and into a new century, she faced every changing moment with a uniquely positive attitude and a quiet calm. She made it easy for her family to be around her at any time.
Retirement years brought Barbara and Homer to Blowing Rock where she reveled in her love of the mountains, and the small town charm.
In her 90s, she did not slow down much at all. As ever, she found more new friends in a retirement community that seemed like a neighborhood filled with good friends, all sharing stories and adventures.
In 2024 she celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary with Homer in a Blowing Rock Fourth of July Parade float, receiving loud cheers and shout outs from the crowds as they passed by.
Barbara had a good life. And it was wrapped in that pure goodness that her journey came to an end. She had her family by her bedside; there were smiles, stories, reminiscing and silence. She even ate everything on her plate for lunch that day. It was a happy time. She would die a few hours later, peacefully in her sleep.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Mable and Lloyd Downey, and uncle Claude Downey
Barbara is survived by her two sons Ken and Chuck, grandson Jon Taylor and her husband of 72 years, Homer Ketchie
. . . and the memories she has shared with so many people.
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