The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland
Betty Belle (Perry) Boyd
December 12, 1938 ~ May 16, 2026
On December 12, 1938, a baby girl was born at Grace Hospital in Morganton, NC to Clay and Bessie Marie Perry of Zionville. Initially unable to care for the baby girl due to her illness and subsequent death, the sweet baby girl, Betty Belle Perry, was lovingly cared for by the nurses at Grace Hospital and then taken by her father to be reared by his beloved sister and her husband, Emory and Margaret Mitchell and their mother, Rosa Belle Perry. Her Mother and Daddy lovingly took her in and gave her a wonderful life after an unsure start. While she was raised as Betty Belle Mitchell, her birth name was never legally changed. “Daddy Perry” as she always knew and referred to him as, continued to be a part of her life as well as her older brothers and sisters and his wife, Ola along with the eight half-siblings from their union.
In her Christian upbringing, she attended and was a life-long member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and was baptized in His name. She recently told her 8-year-old great-grandson, Brantley that his decision to be saved and baptized last summer was “the best decision he’d ever make in his life”. She was a wonderful piano player and had a beautiful singing voice and used her God-given talents both in church as a choir director at Pleasant Grove and in public services.
She attended Mabel Elementary School and then graduated from Cove Creek High School, a year earlier than her class of 1956, by attending summer school. There, she was a cheerleader for her beloved Red Raiders including the state championship boys’ basketball team. Emory and Margaret instilled a strong work ethic in her and her first public job as a teenager was at the Crest Five and Dime Store in downtown Boone as well as helping her Daddy and Mother who ran the Coble Dairy in Cove Creek. She went on after high school to attend trade school at the IBM School of Business. As a young bride and mother, she worked as a church secretary in Rutherfordton and then back in Boone at Grace Luthern Church. In the early 1960’s, she was hired by Dr. John Martin, the only veterinarian in Boone, to be his office manager and vet assistant. Here, her love for animals was cultivated, bringing home numerous abandoned pets including cats, dogs, and a parakeet which added joy to the lives of her four young children. After leaving Dr. Martin, she began working night shift at IRC/TRW but was quickly transferred to become an administrative /executive secretary to Johnny Austin. She also filled in at Watauga General Hospital (now Watauga Medical Center) as switchboard operator in the early 1970’s. In 1974, she met a widower named Wilbur Boyd and they married on April 6, 1975. After marriage, they moved to Albuquerque, NM, where she began her career as office manager at Albuquerque Orthopedics which later would become New Mexico Orthopedic Association due to their growth and expansion to numerous offices. Even after her retirement in 1998, she remained as a consultant for them to assist in a smooth transition. She and Wil returned to her beloved home in the NC mountains in 1999 and made their home in Mountain City, TN. She quickly became involved with Cove Creek Preservation and Development, joining the Board of Directors as treasurer for over 20 years. Along with a few others who had the same love for the building and its meaning, they worked together to ensure it became placed on the National Register of Historical Places. Seeing her beloved alma matter preserved was very important to her and she worked tirelessly along with the other board members by helping to start bringing in business occupants to include the Sugar Grove Day School, Jung Tao School of Chinese medicine, the Doc & Merle Watson Museum and preserve the old cafeteria to be used for community events. She assisted in the fund-raising efforts both with meticulous detail and her Red Raider spirit, working hard to recruit others to have interest in the beautiful building. She freely gave thousands of hours to the Doc Watson Appreciation Day (now Doc and Rosa Lee Music Fest in Sugar Grove) Farm Heritage Days, as well as numerous other fundraising events and seeking out private donations. During her involvement with the Music Fest, she made numerous friendships with both artists and attendees. Her duties for many years were assisting with the artist bookings and their hotel needs and gate packets, ticket and reserved seating sales (which she hand drew out seating grids and assigned and mailed the tickets to each and every pre-purchased ticketholder), lining up the vendors and assigning their perfect spots, working with the companies who managed the main tent/stage set-up, and the merchandise tent. Her unique yearly festival logo designs were lovingly hand-drawn for several years to send to the screen printers that would become the annual poster and t-shirt. She was very detail oriented and if people weren’t happy with their seat location, she would do whatever she could to ensure their seats were made better and everyone’s festival experience was enjoyable. She maintained the list of the people who had their “preferred seats” and if she hadn’t heard from them (by phone before online ordering became available), by a certain date after the sales were advertised, she would “reserve” them anyway and place a call to see if they were coming. Each year, these people would make sure to stop in and give her a hug and often bring her flowers or other treats. One such frequent attender, lovingly referrers to her as “Triple B”. She was sad when due to a traumatic accident in 2014, she had to relinquish her major role in Music Fest. She did however continue with the Board of Directors as long as she could and until her caregiving was needed to her beloved Mother Margaret and then to Wil, as his dementia progressed. She wanted to make sure CCP&D continued and the building, a Works Parks Administration Building, was preserved to be a use to the community for generations to come.
Betty was blessed with a gifted talent as a seamstress and made many beautiful items, mainly without a store-bought pattern, including her wedding dress, beautiful clothes for herself and her kids and even fashion-forward swimsuits in the late 60’s and early 70’s. She had become an expert quilt designer and maker. Her passion and love were in each stitch she put into all the quilts she lovingly made for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, great nieces and nephews. They are full of vibrant, beautiful colors. They are her own meticulous hand sewn designs and hand stitched with love (never by sewing machine). These quilts are now cherished heirlooms to be passed on from generation to generation. Her most recent project was the quilt she was designing and working on for Nick and Reilly for their wedding guest signatures. She was busy for many hours every day trying to get all the squares designed and made. Most of them were complete and she was preparing to sew them all together to become a beautiful reminder of their special day.
She and Wil loved to travel and took trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Portugal and throughout the US to visit family in Arkansas, North Dakota, Idaho, Colorado and always a trip her “home” in North Carolina. Those trips were mainly by car, motorhome and Wil’s private airplane. One such trip, a fast-moving storm forced him to land his Cessna in a corn field. In her years after Wil’s passing, she enjoyed the yearly annual Family Christmas Gatlinburg trip with Darlene and her family. In April of 2023, she experienced her first ever cruise to the Caribbean with Darlene and Jeff and took one more with them in 2024. Her last trip is the best of all, to her eternal home in Heaven.
In addition to her loving Mother and Daddy, Emory and Margaret Perry Mitchell, birth parents, Clay and Bessie Marie Perry, she was predeceased by her husband, Wil Boyd, full sisters and brothers, Helen Perry Beach, Louise Perry Gragg, and Johnny, Grady and Estele Perry, half-brothers Carlton and Jackie Perry, “bonus son” Barry Boyd and “bonus grandson” Jake Martinez.
Left to cherish her legacy of faith, fervent prayers and deeply miss her, are her son, Ronald Gore (Cindy) of Zionville, daughter, Darlene Greene Caudill (Jeff) of Deep Gap, “bonus children”, Kathy Greene Jones (Phil) of Garner, NC, Karen Greene Lerch (Bert) of Sugar Grove, Roxanne Boyd Martinez of LaRue, Texas, Gary Boyd of her home in Mountain City, TN and Suzanne Boyd Martinez (Tino) of Sterling, Colorado. Additionally, she had four grandchildren, Kelly Gore, Ronnie Gore, Josh McMillan (Akesha) and Nicholas Caudill (Reilly). Great grandchildren, Danielle Gore (Mike Mills), Amelia Gore, Seth and Brayden Sund, Brantley and Declan McMillan and great-great grandchildren, QuennaBelle Margaret Mills and Sunny, Liam, Nova and Theodore Sund. Bonus grandchildren, Bill Jones, Kenny Bowen, Kinsey Bowen de Armas (Asa), Sarah Bennett, Allison Collins, Andy Martinez (Haley), Clarissa Vawter (Monte), Carlos Martinez (Amanda), Rita Martinez (Marc), Eric Martinez (Sara) and Tommy Martinez (Ashley), Jessica Martinez (wife of Jake) and Tiffany Martinez. Bonus great grandchildren, Brooks and Griffin Bowen, Susan Jane, Asa, Ridge and Rafael de Armas, Jaylon Williams, Isaiah and Mary Bennett, Aaron and Luke Martinez, Georgia and Silas Martinez, Loretta, Levi and Jimmy Vawter, Sierra and Alyssa Martinez and Molly Nelson, Saydie Brown, Kyser Martinez, and Caysen, Lauryn and Camdyn Kracht, Sage Lopez, Matt Stanley, Cash Nabb, and Willow Martinez. Cooper and Brooklyn Martinez and bonus great-great grandchildren Elizabeth Williams, Suede Lopez, and Grayson Stanley. Also, beloved nephew, Eric Greene.
Her sister, Louise Mitchell Goad (Landon) of Naperville, Ill, Perry half-siblings, Bob Perry (Pat), Jerry Perry, Allen Perry (Kay), Larry Perry (Sherry), Peggy Jean Perry Hagaman (Mark), and Dora Dean Perry Mays as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Zionville, NC on Saturday, May 30th with family visitation 12:00-1:00 pm and celebration of life to follow at 1:00 pm with officiant Pastor Steve Liashomb. Interment will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Gardens in Boone.
While she loved the beautiful flowers of God’s creation, her desire for her vision and the continued work to keep the Historic Cove Creek High School useful, donations would be greatly appreciated to help with its maintenance and upkeep. Please send to: Cove Creek Preservation & Development, PO Box 344, Sugar Grove, NC 28679 or online to www.docwatsonmusicfest.org/donate.
Online condolences may be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Boyd family.
Gary Lewis Jordan
April 13, 1945 ~ May 17, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Lewis Jordan to be with his Lord
and Savior on May 17th, 2026.
Gary was born on April 13th,1945, in Johnston County, NC, to the late Lloyd Marcel Jordan and Lottie Mae Jordan. Gary was raised in Suffolk, VA, and attended Holland High School, where he excelled in sports and singing. He also met the love of his life there, Linda Carr, and graduated in 1964. He attended Elon University and played football on a full scholarship. He graduated in 1968 and signed with the Cleveland Browns. He began a
career that encompassed many jobs, but is probably best known for being the Founder and Administrator of the former Suffolk Christian Schools in Suffolk, VA. He loved coaching all sports and mentoring young people. He was also an amazing athlete. He continued to be very competitive playing softball, flag football, and golf into his adult years. He was on the 1971 Pile
Drivers that won the softball Open World Championship in Detroit, MI.
Gary thrived in any social environment, whether it was speaking to a large crowd or just one
person. He was fun, energetic, and truly just great to be around. He loved sports, politics, and
coming up with a new business idea. He loved his family and would do anything for them. He
was truly a one-of-a-kind person.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and
taught Sunday School. He loved the Lord and was always looking for ways to better serve Him.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 43 years, Linda Carr Jordan, one son-in-law,
and two brothers-in-law.
He is survived by his five children, Tammy, Robin(Joey), Krista(Steve), Matt(Amy), and
Liz(David), nine grandchildren, Lindsay(Tyler), Jordan(Kayla), Katelyn(Emmett),
Rylan(Emily), Simon(Maya), Olivia, Maddy, Kinley, and Aiden, one great-grandchild, Jordan, and
one more on the way, Abigail, his two sisters, Avis(Phil) and Iris(Betty),
one brother-in-law, Chuck(Kay), and two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Jackie. He also had numerous nieces,
nephews, and close friends who will dearly miss him.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to The Foley Center in Blowing Rock,
NC, where he spent his final years surrounded by compassion and care. The staff treated him
with genuine love and kindness, and he formed meaningful connections with many of the
residents. They often stopped by his room to share a laugh over one of his stories or to confide
in him and ask for his prayers, drawn to his warmth, wisdom, and comforting spirit.
The funeral service will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, Main St. in
Suffolk, VA. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 am. Graveside services will be private.
Edna (Russell) Santana
October 31, 1948 ~ May 17, 2026
Edna Russell Santana, 77, of West Jefferson, NC passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 17th, 2026.
Edna was born in Ybor City, Florida on October 31st, 1948. She spent her early life in Florida, between the Tampa-area, Miami, and the majority in Key West. She moved to Ashe County, North Carolina where the family vacationed for the holidays in 2006.
Her faith was always a strong influence in her life. She grew up Catholic and attended Mary Immaculate and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Schools. In later years she joined Bethany United Methodist Church and was a devoted and loved member.
She attended high school at Key West High School, where she met her husband of 57 years, George Santana. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on June 22nd of this year.
Edna lived for her family and took a lot of pride in sharing as much time with them and creating as many memories as possible. She enjoyed cooking and baking, spending countless hours in the kitchen preparing meals with love. Edna appreciated the outdoors and found beauty in everything, every sunset, bird, and flower.
She was affectionately known as “Mum” by her family, especially her grandchildren and even some of their friends. She was the family’s anchor, always offering a listening ear or a laugh to help ease any frustrations, tears, or challenges they faced. She made every holiday and aspects of everyday life special.
She has been a faithful donor to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital since 1998 and over the years also volunteered her services at Westwood Elementary School and Ashe County Sharing Center.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents Clement Russell and Martha Fernandez Russell and sisters Theresa and Angela. She is survived by her husband George Santana of the home, their two children Tricia (George) Little of West Jefferson, Vincent Santana (Dan Towns) of Sydney, Australia, sister Vickie Pazo of Tampa, FL, grandchildren Bailey and Bryce Little of West Jefferson, brother-in-law Jerry Abreu of West Jefferson, NC, nieces and nephews Aaron Abreu of Charlotte, John “JJ” Eller of Key West, Tanya (James) Prosser of Norfolk, VA, Lauren Pazo of Tampa, FL, Brittany (George) Serrano of Brandon, FL, and Adrienne Abreu of Liverpool, UK, and her beloved dog Buddy Russell.
Funeral Services will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church on Friday, May 22nd at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Nikki Raye Rice presiding. There will be a reception to follow with light refreshments in the Bethany UMC Fellowship Hall. (Address: 495 NC-194, West Jefferson, NC 28694). Memorial contributions may be made to: Bethany United Methodist Church or to Edna’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
The family would like to thank and express their gratitude to Medi Home Hospice and nurses Angela, Terry, Lisa, and Sherry for the love, compassion, and excellent care they showed Edna throughout her illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Melinda Wonsick, who was Edna’s longtime physician and was with her throughout her courageous journey battling Pancreatic Cancer. The family also expresses gratitude to the Ashe Memorial Oncology staff that provided genuine care, attention, and support to Edna.
Edna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to those in life and her legacy will live on forever in our hearts.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Santana family.
Martha Haas
August 29, 1930 ~ May 17, 2026
Martha Austin Haas, 95, of Boone, North Carolina, passed away on May 17, 2026, in the home she had lived in for sixty years. If you are reading this, there is a good chance you knew her — as a teacher at Parkway Elementary School, or as a counselor at Green Valley or the old Watauga High School, or as a fellow member at First Baptist Church of Boone or Boone United Methodist. Or perhaps you simply knew her as a fixture at the Harris-Teeter on Shadowline, where she was a near-daily presence and where the pursuit of an exceptional bargain was, for Martha, something close to a calling.
Born on August 29, 1930, in Bertie County, North Carolina, to Collis Monroe Austin and Roxie McNeil Austin, Martha grew up in Boone, where the mountains would hold her for the rest of her long life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics and science at Appalachian State Teachers College — spending her junior year at Women’s College, now UNC-Greensboro — and went on to serve as the home extension agent for Caldwell County in Lenoir. It was there that she met her future husband: Robert Presnell Haas (Bob to his friends and family). In 1955 they married, and the two of them returned to Boone in 1965, where they would remain for the rest of their lives.
Martha spent nearly thirty years in Watauga County schools — first as a teacher at Parkway Elementary, then as a guidance counselor at Green Valley School and Watauga High School — after earning her master’s degree in counseling from Appalachian State University in 1971. She had an instinct for teaching and an enthusiasm for young people, coupled with a patience that never seemed to run low. The students who passed through her care were fortunate, and many of them knew it.
Outside of school, Martha was a woman in constant, productive motion. She was an avid gardener and served as president of the Boone Garden Club. She was a gifted seamstress — among her finest achievements, the dinner jacket she made for her husband to wear at the inauguration dinner of Governor James Holshouser in 1973. She always had something going, usually several things at once, and she was never happier than when that energy could be turned to serve the people she loved.
Faith was a quiet and constant presence in Martha’s life. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Boone and, for the last twenty-five years, a devoted attendee of Boone United Methodist Church. In her later years, some of her best days were the ones she spent with her granddaughters Madison and Piper — serving as their nanny, nanna and tutor following their days in grade school.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, who died in 2001; her eldest sister, Betty; her twin sister, Mary; and her twin brothers, Collis Austin Jr. and Clyde Austin.
Martha is survived by her two sons, Robert Austin Haas of High Point, a faculty member at High Point University, and John David Haas of Boone, recently retired from a career in information technology at Appalachian State University; her granddaughters, Madison Haas, 23, and Piper Haas, 18, daughters of John; and her siblings, Bill Austin and Minnie Snead.
Her family counts itself among the lucky ones — to have had so many years with her, to have been the recipients of so much of her care and attention and love. A private graveside service will take place Wednesday morning, and then the family will celebrate her life at her home beginning at one o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Friends should come by for food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Daniel Boone Gardens or a charity of your choice in Martha’s memory.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:00am at Mount Lawn Cemetery.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Haas family.
Patricia Howell
October 28, 1941 ~ May 18, 2026
atricia Howell, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026.
Born on October 28, 1941, to Walter Reilly and Louise Baity, Patricia’s warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Christina Howell, and her two adoring granddaughters, Isabel and Abigail St Germaine.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Louise Reilly, and her son, James Howell.
Pat found immense joy in spending time with her family and friends. She created lasting memories filled with laughter, love, and connection. Her generosity of heart and devotion to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
At this time services will be private.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Howell family.
Linda Ann Herman
August 29, 1963 ~ May 19, 2026
inda Ann Herman, age 62, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026.
Born on August 29, 1963, to Mary Ann Pennell, Linda’s life was defined by compassion, kindness, and devotion to others.
For over 20 years, Linda nurtured and cared for children as a caregiver at a local daycare, a role that perfectly reflected her boundless love and patience. Her warmth, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication left a lasting impact on the countless families and children she touched throughout her career.
Beyond her work, Linda had a passion for collecting baby dolls and expressing her creativity through crochet, crafting each piece with the same love and care she brought to every part of her life.
Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ann, and her husband, Junior. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for her generosity, kindness, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. Her legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
She is survived by her brother, Wayne (Donna) Pennell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Linda is also survived by her beloved pets, Little Bit and Oreo, and her cherished sister-in-law, Vivian Woodard.
At this time services will be private.
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Pennell family
Jimmy Grant Watson
September 4, 1939 ~ May 21, 2026
immy Grant Watson, known to friends as “Buddy,” age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Jimmy was the son of the late Theodore and Jennie Hartley Watson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Bessie Jean Watson; his brother, Rev. Gene Watson (Pansy); and his sisters, Paralee Green (Ronald) and Mevolene Watson.
Jimmy enjoyed reminiscing about his life and all of his adventures. From the time he was a child, he always looked forward to time spent with his best friends, Joe Greer and the late Sid Watson.
He was always completing projects around his house, putting his carpentry, rockwork, and masonry skills to good use, his trips to Lowe’s Hardware and Sam’s Club never seemed to end.
He started and ended every day watching the sunrise and sunset, cherishing the time spent with his wife, family, and grandchildren.
He was a true and faithful servant of the Lord, attending Calvary Church of God in Boone, NC, where he found great comfort and strength in his faith.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnne Barbour Watson; daughters Donna Catone (Joe) and Sharon Greene (Stacey); stepsons Joseph Barbour, Stephen Barbour (Amanda), and Samuel Barbour (Molly); grandchildren Justin Duthie, Amy McGinn (John), Abigail Catone, Brandy Greene, Trathen Greene (Jessica), Jakob Greene, and Jenna Hefti (Ryan); step grandchildren Micaela, Amanda, Olivia, Katlyn, Jennifer, and Tyler. He was also blessed with 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Jimmy will be conducted on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm with services following at 2:00 pm. Graveside services will follow at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Reverend Timothy Shuping will be officiating.
Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes is serving the Watson family
Johnny Jesse Taylor
December 9, 1942 – May 18, 2026
Johnny Jesse Taylor was born on December 9, 1942 and graduated to Heaven on May 18, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, D.K. Taylor and Lizzie Ann Taylor and five brothers and one sister.
Johnny, who was affectionately known as, Jonathan Andrew was survived by his wife of 60 years, Recia Whitson Taylor and one sister Loretta Strahan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Cove Creek High School and went into the military for four years and served in Korea. He went to East Tennessee for two years. He was a certified auto technician and worked with Tree Tire Service Centers within the Tri-Cities. He was service manager, setting up the new Goodyear store in Kingsport. He retired in 2005 and resided in Mount Carmel.
Funeral Services will be conducted 2:00 PM Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Cool Springs Baptist Church with Reverend Burl Greer officiating. Burial will follow in the Cook Cemetery in Boone. The family will receive friends on Saturday prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 at the Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the Taylor Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of the arrangements.
Holden Reign Lane
May 19, 2026 – May 19, 2026
Caitlin Wingler and Jonathan Lane sadly announce the passing of their beloved son, Holden Reign Lane. He was born on May 19, 2026, and passed away on May 19, 2026. In his short life he proved he was a fighter and leaves behind many people who love and cherish him. Many tears have been shed, but the family has unshakable faith that they will be reunited with Holden and other beloved loved ones in heaven one day.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by maternal grandmother Teresa Kay Wingler, aunt Courtney Wingler, uncle Ethan Adams, cousins Kaeton Adams and Addison Adams, uncle Justus Wingler, aunt Chelsea Wingler, uncle Andrew Howell, aunt Cadence Wingler, aunt Olivia Sheets, paternal grandparents Robert and Maureen Lane, aunt Rebekah Lane, great grandmother Mary Thomson, great uncle Lawrence Lane, and great aunt Pamela Lane.
He is preceded in death by maternal great grandparents Darell Wingler and Ida “Susie” Wingler, paternal great-great-grandfather James “Bud” Edwards, great grandmother Gina Lane, and great grandfather Ehrlich Thomson.
A butterfly pauses, bringing color and joy to our world, if only for a moment, leaving us with a story to share of its beauty. We Love You Holden!
Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 PM Monday May 25, 2026, at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church. Pastor Seth Norris will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 prior to the service.
Interment will be private.
The family respectfully request that black not be worn.
Lawrence Milton Bushnell
June 11, 1926 – May 17, 2026
Lawrence Milton Bushnell, age 99, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the Foley Center in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Born on June 11, 1926, Larry was the fourth of 8 children born to Ray and Dorothy Bushnell of Platteville, Wisconsin. During high school, Larry helped his father deliver milk door to door before school every morning. After graduating from high school, Larry joined the Army Air Force and served until the end of WWII. He graduated from Greenville College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1951, he married Patricia Perry of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Larry worked as a schoolteacher, teaching History, Civics and Music including chorus, orchestra and band. He is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Guyer of Willisburg, Kentucky; his daughters, Rebekah Woodward (David) of Charlotte; Elisabeth Caskey (Mike) of Matthews; Joy Whitlatch (Bobby) of Boone; and his son’s wife, LeAnne Bushnell. He was predeceased by his son, Steve Bushnell of Lincolnton. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A service to honor his life is being planned for August in Platteville, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom Farm Ministries at https://freedomfarmministries.org/
Online condolences may be sent to the Bushnell Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of the arrangements.
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