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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – May 15, 2018

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

 

Dr. James B. Graham
(March 11, 1930 – May 10, 2018) 

    Dr. James B. Graham, Sr. 88 of Boone passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday evening, May 10, 2018.
    Born in Todd on March 11, 1930, to the late David Worth Graham and Ethel Stanberry Graham, Dr. Graham attended Appalachian High School and Appalachian State Teachers College where he graduated with a BS and MS in Biology. After college, he began teaching high school Science at East Mecklenburg High School until being drafted into the Army where he served in the Counter Intelligence Corps. After leaving the Army, he applied to work with the Navy, which took him to Norfolk then Richmond Virginia, and it is there he decided to pursue Dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia.
    Dr. Graham first opened his dental practice in Sparta in 1960. He moved his office to Boone in 1962 and practiced until his retirement in 2000.
    Dr. Graham was a 32nd Degree Mason, served as past master of Snow Lodge #363, a member of the Scottish Rite, and a Shriner with the Oasis Temple in Charlotte. He was also a member of the American Legion Gun Corps. 
    In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mary Austin Graham; two brothers, L.D. Graham, and John Graham, and two sisters, Jewel Graham Church, and Violet Graham Sams.
    He is survived by his two sons, Dr. James B. Graham, Jr. and wife Karen of Blowing Rock, and Geoffrey Graham and wife Kathy of Boone; his two grandsons, Austin Robert Graham, and Alan James Graham. He is also survived by his sister, Ila Graham Stallings, sister-in-law, Martha Haas, brother and sister-in-law Bob and Minnie Snead, and brother and sister-in-law Bill and Peggy Austin. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
    The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 15 at Boone United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jeff McClain officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Mt. Lawn Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Post 90, and Masonic rites by Snow Lodge #363.
    The family requests memorials be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of Randy Vines, 1005 George Wilson Road, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Graham family

 

Nancy S. Hutcheson 
(August 17, 1938 – May 10, 2018) 

    Nancy Sanders Hutcheson, age 79, of Sugar Mountain, NC passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk (Banner Elk, NC).
    Born August 17, 1938, in Long Meadow, MA to Ethel Dulaney and Franklin Sanders, she moved at a young age to Wellesley, MA. She graduated from Goucher College in 1960.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Dulaney and Franklin Sanders and brother, John Sanders.
    She is survived by the love of her life, Dr. J. Sterling Hutcheson, married for 56 years; daughters Anne McCausland of Harleysville, PA and husband, Dan and grandchildren, Karen and Will; Betsy Harvey of Narberth, PA, and her husband Terry and grandchildren Atlee and Jack; by brother, Franklin (Sandy) Sanders of Asheville, NC and sister Susan Sanders of Richmond, NH.
    Nancy assisted in church libraries and Charlotte Country Day School, enjoyed being in choir at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Charlotte, NC, and after she and husband Sterling retired to the High Country of NC, she was very active in church happenings at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Parish in Blowing Rock, NC; she enjoyed Gods gift of nature and association with friends and family; she was also involved in the Charlotte – Mecklenburg Medical Society Auxiliary.
    Services for Nancy Sanders Hutcheson will be conducted at 2:00 PM in St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, Blowing Rock, NC on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
    In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to: Choir Fund, St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Parish, PO Box 14, Blowing Rock NC 28605, or Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
    Online condolences may be shared with Nancys family at www.austinandbarnesfunerlahome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hutcheson family.

 

Victoria Ward Harmon
(September 12, 1931 – May 10, 2018) 

    Mrs. Victoria Ward Harmon, age 86, of Blowing Rock, and formerly of Zionville, passed away Thursday morning, May 10, 2018 at the Foley Center in Blowing Rock. Victoria walked into glory to be welcomed by her Beloved Savior, and her son, husband, parents, and others. Being the ultimate mom, her family was the joy of her life. 
    Martha Victoria was born September 12, 1931 in the Matney community of Watauga County to Joe and Vertie Harmon Ward. She was one of the original members of Vilas Valley Baptist Church and for a number of years, was an employee of Shadowline in Boone. 
    Mrs. Harmon is survived by her children, Rev. Randy Harmon and wife, Ruth, of Hayes, Linda Farthing and husband, Dewey, of Banner Elk, Ron Harmon and wife, Sarah, of Asheville, Ricky Harmon of Lancaster, SC, and Karen Adams and husband, Bill, of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Terry, Kevin and Keith, Leslie, Amy and Erica, Adam and Tori, and Chris and Josh; eighteen great-grandchildren; brother, Gilbert Ward; and sisters-in-law, Dare Ward, Ann Wells, Helen Harmon and Lucille Harmon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Smith Adam Harmon, son, Leslie Harmon; brothers, Baxter and Basil Ward and Pete Tester; and great-granddaughter, Tara Guy. 
    
    Funeral services for Victoria Ward Harmon will be conducted Sunday afternoon, May 13th, at 3 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Randy Harmon and Pastor Steve Ward. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow in the Danner Cemetery. 
    
    The family suggests memorials to The Foley Center, Activity Fund, 612 Chestnut Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. 
    
    Victoria will be lovingly remembered by her friends and family at the Foley Center. We would like to especially thank Lorraine Miller, Amy Townsend and Marie Tourakis for all you gave Mom over the years. 
    Condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Harmon family.

 

Thelma Taylor Winebarger 
(June 01, 1930 – May 13, 2018) 

    Mrs. Thelma Lodema Taylor Winebarger, age 87, former of Zionville, passed away Sunday evening, May 13, 2018 at the Foley Center in Blowing Rock. Born June 1, 1930 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of William and Rose Edna Reece Taylor. Thelma enjoyed doll making and assembling mountain crafts for resale. She loved participating in activities at the Cove Creek Senior Center as long as her health allowed. As her health declined, she enjoyed keeping up with local events by telephone contacts and personal visits by her friends. 
    Mrs. Winebarger is survived by her son, Jerry Taylor and wife, Diane, of Mountain City, Tennessee; two granddaughters, Jennifer and Crystal Taylor; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Winebarger; and sisters, Margaret Bingham, Lucy Taylor and Mary Alice Taylor. 
    Funeral services for Thelma Taylor Winebarger will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, May l6th at 2 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Virginia Peurifoy. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow in the Taylor-Mast Cemetery.
    Flowers are appreciated or the family suggests memorials to the Patient Activity Fund at The Foley Center, 612 Chestnut Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 or to Medi Home Health and Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607.
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com 
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Winebarger family.

 

Faye Rayfield Goodnite
January 09, 1923 – May 07, 2018

Faye Rayfield Goodnite, age 95, of Boone, passed away Monday morning, May 7, 2018, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation in Boone.

Faye was born January 9, 1923 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late George and Ada Rose Miller Rayfield. She was a retired beautician. 

Faye is survived by two brothers, Dean Rayfield of Boone, and Gene Rayfield of Sugar Grove, and one sister, Nancy L. Rayfield Mcleod of Boone.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cleve Goodnite; four brothers, James, Don, Albert, and Johnny Rayfield, and one sister, Ruby Greene.

Funeral services for Faye Rayfield Goodnite will be conducted Thursday afternoon, May 10, 2018, at 1:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 1:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Gordon Noble. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 12:30 until 1:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

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

 

Arthur Dean Miller
December 30, 1945 – May 12, 2018

Arthur Dean Miller, age 72, of Valley View Drive, Big Stone Gap, VA passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018.

Arthur is survived by one brother and one sister, Harold G. Miller and wife Vickie of Boone, and Donna Hodges and husband Willard of Deep Gap; one half-brother, Jonathan Miller; three nieces, Christy Church, Stacey Tester, and Indi Holt, all of Boone; one nephew, Johnny Miller of Boone, and a special aunt, Betty Greer of Deep Gap.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Grant U. Miller and Lucille Wheeler Miller, on sister, Nancy Geneva Miller and one half-brother, Joseph Miller. 

A memorial service for Arthur Dean Miller will be conducted Friday, May 18, 2018 at 2:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Zane Tester will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements

 

Dr. John Baxter Jones
November 21, 1946 – May 14, 2018

Dr. John Baxter Jones, age 71, of Clint Norris Road, Boone, passed away Monday evening, May 14, 2018, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

Dr. Jones is survived by one daughter, Chastiney Jones Elliott and husband Kirk of Fort Worth, Texas, one granddaughter, Clarin Elliott, of Fort Worth, Texas, two sisters, Linda Hodges and husband Finley of Vilas, and Gail Lambert and husband Allen of Boone and one brother, Ben Jones and wife Karen of Vilas, one niece, Becky Yates Baustica and husband Able of Boone, seven nephews, Michael Allen Lambert of Boone, Mark Hodges and wife Terri of Vilas, David Hodges and wife Pam of Vilas, Aaron Hodges and wife Andrea of Bristol, Tennessee, Joseph Hodges of Spartenburg, South Carolina, Jeremy Jones of Vilas and Jacob Jones and wife Katie of Cary, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl Thomas Jones and Ruby Culler Jones, and one sister, Earlene Yates.

A memorial service for Dr. John Baxter Jones will be conducted Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 3:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Wynn Greer will officiate. Military honors, provided by American Legion Post 130 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow the memorial service.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 at the Hampton Funeral Home Chapel, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101 of Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood  Street, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645.

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

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

 

John Boone
August 27, 1944 – May 9, 2018

John Boone, age 73, of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.
He was born on August 27, 1944 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of the late John Boone and the late Mable Cook Boone.
John retired after 30 years of service, from the N.C. Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. He made many friends during his time with the Correctional Institute.
John has served as Mayor of Elk Park since December of 2009. The town of Elk Park was his passion, and he was always working to make it better. He loved his grandchildren, and worked hard to make the Town of Elk Park’s park a safe place for all children to be able to play. 
John was instrumental in bringing karate to this area, and taught so many people the lessons of patience and tolerance. He will be remembered as a loyal friend by many and will be greatly missed by his family and this community.
He attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was a member of Cranberry Lodge and had recently been inducted into the Shrine. John had many interests including softball and NASCAR.
A loving father and grandfather, John leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife of 53 years, Melba Oxendine Boone of Elk Park, NC; Daughter, Tammy (Brad) Benfield of Elk Park, NC, Son, Daniel (Brandy) Boone of Elk Park, NC, Son, Tyler Boone of Elk Park, NC. 
Grandchildren: Faith, Laken, Jesiah, Malachi, Bentley and Braxton
Brother: Jackie Boone of Elk Park, NC
Half Brothers: Jim Boone, Mike Boone, Larry Boone, Steve Boone, Herman Boone and Jeff Boone all of Roan Mountain, Tennessee.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
Service will begin at 5:00PM with Rev. Allen Laws officiating. 
The family will be having a private graveside.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that memorials in John’s memory be made to the Town of Elk Park to be used for the Town Park.
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Boone family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of John and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 
Frederick Douglas Jennings
July 23, 1936 – May 12, 2018

Our Beloved Frederick Douglas Jennings, age 81, of Banner Elk, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 12. He was born July 23, 1936, a son of the late Robert (Ed) and Ruth Banner Jennings. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Katherine J. MacQueen and Mary Evelyn J. Hughes; brothers Robert (Burr) Jennings and James Jennings.

He was a Master Mind & Mechanic; he owned & operated his construction company for over 40 years, where every job was completed to his unique sense of perfection (always done right the 1st time!). He was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of Banner Elk Methodist Church. He served as a Master of Cranberry Lodge 598, Chief of Banner Elk Fire Department, Avery County Commissioner; he was a supportive Shriner and helped with the local Boy Scouts.

Frederick will be remembered as a loving, devoted, dedicated family man and a loyal, honest, dependable friend. He will be greatly missed by those left behind to cherish his memory: Wife of 59 years, Jeanne Pittman Jennings; Daughter Fredda (Brian) Blalock; Son, Doug (Sharon) Jennings; Son, David Jennings. His grandchildren, Crissy Blalock (Chris Rickman), Drew Jennings (Danielle), Hope (Dale) Parker, Joy Jennings, Preston (Megan) Jennings, Samson Jennings, Faith (Dustin) Smith. His great grandchildren, Blaze, Liz, Jewlz, Drake, Holden, Ainsley, Noraena and one on the way; Brother, William Jennings.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the graveside (casual attire) on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at 4:00 PM at the Claude & Eula Pittman Family Cemetery (1549 North Hwy 19-E Newland, NC 28657), with Rev. Wally Wise officiating. Music provided by the children of Charles & Linda Pittman – Karen P. Robinson, Janet P. Nelson & Charles Pittman Jr.

Pallbearers will be Drew Jennings, Preston Jennings, Samson Jennings, Blaze VanDyke, Bob Jennings, Chris Rickman, and Honorary Pallbearer David Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials in his memory be made to Medi Home Hospice (P.O. Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657). A note of heartfelt appreciation is sent out to the incredible, caring staff of Life Care, Banner Elk, Medi Home Hospice of Avery County, Cannon Memorial Hospital, Linville and the Men’s Prayer Group of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Banner Elk.

Words of Comfort & Memories may be shared by visiting the website www.rsfh.net

The Care of Frederick and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 
Jane Ruppard Arnette
June 12, 1944 – May 13, 2018

Jane Ruppard Arnette, of Banner Elk, went home to be with the Lord on May 13, 2018 after an accident at her home and a brief stay at Johnson City Medical Center. She was born and raised in Banner Elk North Carolina. She was a member of Banner Elk Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was proceeded in death by mother and father Clay and Mildred “Toots” Ruppard of Banner Elk. 
She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, mamaw, sister, great grandmother, and friend of everyone she touched. She loved giving, sewing, making quilts, crafts. She loved cooking, baking, shopping, and coloring adult coloring books, but most of all she loved her family. She never met a stranger, she would give you her last dollar. 
She is survived by her husband of the home Buster Arnette and daughters Ruthy Harmon and husband Terry of Elk Park, Linda Hamby and husband Jay of Hampton TN, Gail Townsend and husband Terry of Banner Elk, Susie Hoilman of Banner Elk, and Angie Woodard and husband Kevin of Ashe county. She is also survived by grandsons Hunter Harmon, Josh Horney, Jonah Horney and wife Nicole, Hooch “Jacob” Horney and girlfriend Stephanie King, Brian Hoilman and wife Heather, Joseph Townsend and wife Brittany. Granddaughters, Lynn “Sissy” Wright and husband Leroy, Charity Woodard and boyfriend Norman McFadden, Beth Puckett and husband Ike. She is also survived by great grandchildren, Emsley, McKenna, Easton, Dustin, Thomas, Maverick, and EmelieBlu. And also surviving is her sisters, Brenda Ruppard of Morganton, Phyllis Eggers Rappleyea of Johnson city, and brother Larry Ruppard and wife Barbra of Banner Elk. Special lifelong friends Lois Ann Phillips, Mary Pope, and Wanda King.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 16, 2018, from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.
Funeral service will follow the visitation. 
Internment will be Thursday, May 17, 2018 in the Davis Cemetery. 

 
Clara Sue Sparks
September 24, 1946 – May 15, 2018

Clara Sue Sparks, age 71, of Elk Park, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Life Care Center of Banner Elk in Banner Elk, NC.
She was born on September 24, 1946 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Frank Anton Zwifka and the late Okie Laws Zwifka. She was a member of the Curtis Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Clara Sue will be remembered for the many years she spent working in the Snack Bar at Lees-McRae College. She was always ready with a kind word and a joking spirit for the students.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Husband, Robert Leroy Sparks.
Clara leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Daughters, Karen (Gene) Carver of Elk Park, NC, Carolyn (Dale) Arnett-Kirkup of Banner Elk, NC, Susan (Traley) Clawson of Elk Park, NC, Twelve Grandchildren, Ten Great-Grandchildren.
Graveside services for Clara Sue Sparks will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in the Rilda Laws Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Ronald McDonald House 506 Alexander Ave, Durham, NC 27705
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Sparks family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Clara Sue and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.