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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Nov. 28, 2017

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


Helen Pearson Coffey (April 8, 1943 – Nov. 26, 2017)

Mrs. Helen Pearson Coffey, 74, of Hudson, passed away. Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir.

Mrs. Coffey is survived by three daughters, Barbara McCoy and husband Randy of Hudson, Wanda Brown and Trenton Hood of Lenoir and Angela Dellinger of Hudson, three sons, Allen Coffey and wife Misty, Albert Coffey and wife Patty and Wayne Coffey all of Hudson, five brothers, Bill Pearson and wife Georgia, of Blowing Rock, Tom Pearson and wife Delana of Blowing Rock, Robert Pearson of Lenoir, James Pearson and wife Annette of Lenoir and Mitchell Coffey and wife Shelby of Hudson, five sisters, Sue Harrison and husband Donald and Judy Harrison and husband Scott all of Blowing Rock, Doris Hamby and Husband Ransom of Ferguson, Bertha Denny and Carolyn Wood and husband Hamp all of Wilmington, North Carolina, nineteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a long time friend Paula Calloway.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Bruce Coffey, her father and mother, Herman James and Nancy Coffey Pearson, and one daughter, Gloria Creasy.

Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Pearson Coffey will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 at 2:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Dewey Bristol will officiate. The body will in state from 12:30 until 2:00 at the chapel. Interment will follow in Boone Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 until 2:00 at the chapel prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hampton Funeral service to help with funeral expenses. 

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Services in charge of the arrangements.

Gertrude M. Norris (Aug. 21, 1921 – Nov. 24, 2017) 

Gertrude Mae Norris, age 96 of Boone, passed away Friday morning, November 24, 2017 at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation. Born August 21, 1921 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Claude and Hollie Proffitt Norris. Ms. Norris was of the Baptist faith. Gertrude loved cooking for family and friends. She enjoyed staying busy tending her vegetable and flower gardens, quilting, embroidering and sewing. 

Ms. Norris is survived by her son, Garry Norris and wife, Carolyn, of Boone; two grandsons, Kevin and Jeff Norris and his wife, Carrie, all of Boone, and great-grandson, Mac Norris; sister, Geneva Hayes of Blowing Rock; son-in-law, Jearl Norris, and sister-in-law, Ann Norris, both of Boone; a number of nieces and nephews; and special friend, Kelly Lincoln. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Betty and Sylvia Norris; six brothers, Audna, Jeff, Hubert, Glenn, Cecil and Elmer Norris; three sisters, Lola Greene and Mary and Laura Norris; sister-in-law, Chloe Norris; and two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Hayes and George Greene. 

Private funeral services for Ms. Gertrude Norris will be conducted Monday afternoon, November 27th at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Virginia Peurifoy. The family will receive friends Monday from 1 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow in the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery. The family respectfully requests no food. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Patient Activity Fund at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation, 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, NC 28607. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Norris family.

Rosa Mitchell Bunton (Oct. 31, 1920 – Nov. 23, 2017)

Rosa Mitchell Bunton, 97, passed away, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 at the home of her daughter.

She is survived by one daughter, Mary Faye Henson and Arlie of Sugar Grove, one granddaughter, Janice Harmon and husband Jack of Sugar Grove, one grandson, Johnny Bunton and fiancee’ Lindsay of Elk Park, one daughter-in-law, Linda Bunton of Elk Park, one brother, Dee Mitchell and wife Bernice of Elk Park, four great-granddaughters, Hiliary Finley and husband Chession, Tori Johnson and husband Josh, Paige Bunton and Andrea Millsaps and husband Roscoe, five great-great-grandsons, Michael, Noah, Gabriel, Finley and Austin Phillips, one great-granddaughter, Ava Millsaps, one sister-in-law, Maude Mitchell and a host of nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas Bunton, her father and mother, George and Mary Jane Love Mitchell, one son, George Bunton, one grandson, Larry Henson, one sister, Fay Trivette and husband Omer and two brothers, Will and Spurgeon Mitchell.

Funeral services for Mrs. Rosa Mitchell Bunton will be conducted Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 1:30 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Derick Wilson, Reverend Lynn Hicks and Reverend Quincy Norris will officiate. The body will lieu in state from 12:30 until 1:30 at the chapel.

Interment will follow in Mount Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery.
At other times the family will be at the home of the daughter, Mary Fay Henson, 484 Smith Henson Road, Sugar Grove, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery in care of Darryel Reece 3041 Flat Springs Road, Elk Park, North Carolina 28622 or Hospice and Palliative Care of The Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, North Carolina 28777.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Megan Chandler, Wanda Knecht and Carol Harmon nurses for Hospice of Spruce Pines.

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

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

Elsie Mae Greene Tucker (May 26, 1939 – Nov. 23, 2017)

Elsie Mae Greene Tucker, 78, of Boone, passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 23, 2017 at The Foley Center in Blowing Rock. Born May 26, 1939 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Clayton Carrol and Rosa Adeline Bryan Greene. Ms. Tucker was a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church. She loved working with her hands, and especially producing crafts such as ceramics, crocheting and needle working. 

Ms. Tucker is survived by her sister, Carolyn Greene Snyder and husband, Carol, of Zionville; sister-in-law, Viola Greene of Boone; and a number of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Hoover Clayton Tucker; brothers, Arvil and Raymond Greene; sister, Edith Elliott; sister-in-law, Barbara Townsend Greene; and brother-in-law, Don Elliott. 

Funeral services for Elsie Mae Greene Tucker will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 26, 2017 at 3oclock at Poplar Grove Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Roger Greene. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 oclock, prior to services, at the church. 

The family suggests memorials to the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Barry Greene, 527 Jack Hayes Road, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Tucker family.

James M. Heaton Jr. (March 20, 1923 – Nov. 20, 2017)

James M. Heaton Jr., 94, a native of Avery County, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord, on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017. 

He was born on March 20, 1923 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of James M. Heaton Sr. and Lou Gwyn Heaton.
Along with his parents James is preceded in death by his; Grandson; Jonathan Heaton, Brothers: Allison Heaton, Paul Heaton, Hazen Heaton, Sisters; Clarice Bailiff, Edna Shook. 

Left to cherish his memories , his Wife of 69 years Annie Greer Heaton, Sons; James M. Heaton III ( Doris), Gregory Heaton (Linda), Grandsons; James M. Heaton IV (Debbie), Matthew Heaton ( Miranda), Gregory Heaton (Jessica), Granddaughter; Christie Eldridge (Alac); Great Grandsons; Gregory Martin (Amanda), Jacob Heaton., Kyle Heaton, Great-Granddaughters; Cheynne Rupard (Clay), Montana Underwood, Elizabeth Heaton, Sarah McGill, Amy Heaton, Madison Heaton, Audi Cait Heaton, Great-Great Granddaughters; Chloe Ruppard, Great-Great Grandson Logan Martin.

Jim was a World War II Veteran – Army Air-Corps, A magistrate for Avery County. He was a self-proprietor of Heaton Grocery Goods and Skating Rink. All the children were greeted with a smile and hug and given candy. The skating rink was about the only entertainment in Avery County for many years. A safe place for children, where no drinking was allowed. 

He was a Member, Elder, Worship Leader, and Teacher of many mountain Christian Churches. His desire was to help build up and support all the churches. He was a great influence and witness for Jesus Christ. He was known for singing special music throughout the mountains. 

Services for Jim Heaton will be held on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 beginning at 7:00PM from the Grandfather Chapel with James M. Heaton III, officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in the Heaton Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Heaton Cemetery Fund, 1520 Curtis Creek Road, Elk Park, NC. 28622
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Heaton family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net.

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

Beulah Staton (Oct. 24, 1947 – Nov. 19, 2017)

Beulah Greene Staton, age 70, of Mountain View Road in Spruce Pine died Sunday, November 19, 2017 at her home.

Born on October 24, 1947 in Avery County, she was the daughter of the late James T. and Sabie Clark Greene. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Greene and her sisters; Frances Gragg, Hazel Hoschar, and Carrie Hicks.

Beulah was a member of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and her church family. She will be remembered as a quiet and peaceful person with a beautiful smile. She also dearly loved her grandchildren and great granddaughter. She enjoyed taking care of her family, cooking and going out to eat and sight seeing.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband of fifty-two years; Marshall Staton of the home; her sons; Brian Staton of Spruce Pine and Richard Staton and wife, Donna of Spruce Pine; her grandchildren; Stephanie Staton of Spruce Pine and Rachel Staton of Nashville, TN; her great granddaughter; Jade Buchanan of Spruce Pine and her sister; Brownie Burleson of Newland.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence at the memorial service celebrating the life of Beulah Staton on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Webb Funeral Home with Dr. Darrin Waldroup officiating.

Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to our website; www.webbfh.com., selecting Beulah Staton’s name and then you may sign her guestbook. Webb Funeral Home of Spruce Pine is honored to be assisting the Staton family. Mrs. Staton’s obituary has also been posted on Facebook for viewing.

Dr. Edgar Ole Larson (April 13, 1921 – Nov. 18, 2017) 

Dr. Edgar Ole Larson, 96, died peacefully at his home in Boone on Saturday, November 18th. He was attended in his final days by his sons and family friends.

Mr. Larson was born April 13, 1921 to Oscar W. and Clara Weik Larson of Wausau, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Gardia Louise (Nelson) Larson and three older brothers, Oscar, Robert and Roger. He is survived by sons Stephen and special friend Celia; Erik and his two companions, Zeppo and Chico; and Chris and wife Meliss Garramcne. There are also numerous extended family members.

A memorial service will be held for Dr. Larson at 1:00 p.m. on December 9th at Grace Lutheran Church where he was a long time member. A reception to receive friends will be held by the family immediately following the service from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Mr. Larson received his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He went to receive a masters degree from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon.

His undergraduate days were interrupted by four years service during WWII from 1942 until 1946. Mr. Larson was a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. Hiws three brothers also served in WWII.

Always an accomplished and championship level athlete, Mr. Larson pursued this in his educational, professional and personal life. He was a professor/coach at Northern Montana State College in Havre, Montana. He was a professor/swimming coach at Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Dr. Larson became a member of the Appalachian State University family upon moving to Boone in 1968. He came to ASU as a professor/mens swimming coach. He retired from the University in 1985 as Chair of the Health and Physical Sciences Department.

Retirement brought opportunities for Ole and Gardia to travel extensively in their 5th wheeler with a trip to Alaska being one especially memorable experience. Ole had a motto when travelling-pay attention, be astonished and talk about it.

Retirement also ushered in an amazing 30-year competitive swimming journey. Mr. Larson trained tirelessly for Masters swimming and Senior Olympic events at the state and national levels. He was five times the U.S. Masters All American and five times the N.C. Masters Swimmer of the Year. He is the holder of dozens of records in various age groups, swimming strokes and distances and his family has more medals than they can count.

Mr. Larson was the first to coach the Watauga County swim team helping many young people enjoy the sport.

Two of Coach Larsons proudest achievements were his induction into the Appalachian State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Huntsman World Games Hall of Fame in 2016. Mr. Larson made 17 consecutive appearances at the Huntsman Games in Saint George, Utah.

Mr. Larson was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed by his family and those whose lives he touched during his lifetime.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran World Relief Fund, 700 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230.

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

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