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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – Sept. 6, 2017

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. Send obituary notices to jesse@highcountrypress.com.


Lorraine Therese St. Pierre Baron (Aug. 7, 1930 – Sept. 5, 2017)

Baron

Lorraine Therese Marie St.Pierre Baron, 87, of Boone and Sanford, Maine, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2017, after a short illness.

Lorraine was born in Sanford, Maine on August 7, 1930 to Maurice and Albertine LaRose St.Pierre. She was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School. She met her future husband at the wedding of her cousin and his sister. Two weeks later, they were engaged prior to his deployment in the Army during the Korean War, and married two years later after the war ended.

Lorraine was a stay-at-home Mom when her children were young, then went to work at the Sears store in Sanford, then spent most of her career at Sanford Bank &Trust/Northeast/Fleet Bank in the Trust Dept. After taking early retirement, she then worked at a credit union then at an attorney’s office. She and her husband then moved to Vero Beach, Florida for ten years, then moved again to Boone in North Carolina’s High Country. She also worked part-time in a gift shop and her daughter’s boutique store.

In her younger days, Lorraine liked to try her hand at learning new things – she learned to play a musical instrument, knit all her kids’ mittens, crocheted afghans, did some sewing and other crafts. She loved to read and take walks, and kept a spotless house! She loved to go shopping and was always very stylish in her attire. She loved babies, small children and animals, most especially Linda and David’s dogs.

Lorraine is pre-deceased by her parents, brothers Robert and Gerard St.Pierre and grandson Christopher Devoe. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lionel “Lefty” Baron of Boone NC, three daughters and their spouses, Linda and David Liddle of Valle Crucis, NC, Anita and Gary Barros of Derry, NH, Janet and William Devoe of Cumberland, ME, and granddaughter Samantha Barros.

Her family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the staff at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living Facility and Medi Home Hospice in Boone, NC for their loving and compassionate care of Lorraine, as well as for their many kindnesses to her family.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 14th at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Boone, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorraine’s memory to Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suites 100B & 102, Boone, NC 28607, or to Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607.

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

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


Merritt H. Ford (Jan. 13, 1944 – Sept. 3, 2017) 

Ford

Merritt Howard Ford, age 73, of Newland, passed away Sunday morning in Banner Elk. He was a native of Watauga County.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Allen and Mary Helen Young Ford, brothers Allen and Max Ford, sisters Doris Norris, Sudie Lunsford, Glannie Lunsford and Bertha Jestes, and 2 infants.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Christine Rupard Ford, three sons, Tim Ford and wife Kelley of Winston Salem, and their children, Heather, Brittany and granddaughter, Audrey Landis, Chuck Ford and wife Natalie of Wilkesboro, and their children, Sam and wife Lindsay, Chase and Cameron, Tracy Ford and wife Suheyla of Charleston, S.C and their children, Aliyah, Sabastian and Kaleb. He is also survived by seven sisters, Mavis Story of Lenoir, Christine Moretz of Lenoir, Marie Jones of Boone, Charlotte Isaacs of Lenoir, Mariam Pitts of Morganton, Sally Taylor of Foscoe and Sylvia Burns of Boone. One brother Ed Ford of Lenoir. 

A Celebration of Life service for Merritt Ford will be conducted Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock. The family will receive friends prior to the service from noon until 1:30 at the church.

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


James Robert Moody (Sept. 18, 1942 – Sept. 3, 2017)

Mr. James Robert Moody, 74, of 247 Edgewood Path, Blowing Rock, passed away, Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Moody

Mr. Moody is survived by his wife, Marie Montgomery Moody of the home; one daughter, Nicole Moody Barker and husband “Buddy” Fitzhugh, III of Blowing Rock; three granddaughters, Katelyn Marie Callahan, Haylee Elizabeth Barker, and Katherine Nicole “Katy” Barker, all of Blowing Rock; one grandson, Fitzhugh Lee “James” Barker, IV, of Blowing Rock, and one brother, Mike Moody and wife Angela of Whispering Pines. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ernest Andrew Moody and Annie Cuddy Moody, and by two sisters, Geraldine Limbacher, and a infant sister, Leta Kay Moody.

Funeral services for Mr.James Robert Moody will be conducted Friday, September 8, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock. The body will lie in state, a the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Reverend Rusty Guenther will officiate. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00, at the church, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645.

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

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


Grace Woodring Trivette (Oct. 23, 1930 – Sept. 3, 2017)

Trivette

Grace Woodring Trivette, of Trivettes Drive, Boone, passed away Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at the age of 86. 

Grace was born October 23, 1930 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Charlie Robert and Ethel Moretz Woodring. She was a dedicated employee at IRC/TRW for 26 years and a property owner and rental manager for over 20 years. Grace, however, is most regarded and cherished for being a mother and grandmother to her three girls. 

Mrs. Trivette is survived by her daughter, Betty Trivette Cave and son-in-law, Mark, of Myrtle Beach; granddaughter, Vicky Tolley Gonzales and husband, Tim, of Griffin, Georgia, as well as one great granddaughter, Lincoln Grace Gonzales, also of Griffin, GA. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Tatum Trivette; sister, Verlie Woodring; and brothers, Carl, Henry, Dave, Jake, Gene, Ray, and Bob Woodring. 

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday morning, September 9, at 11 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Charlie Woodring. Burial will follow at Hopewell Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes. At other times, the family will be at the Trivette residence. 

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


Gerald W. “Jerry” Wilson (May 15, 1950 – Sept. 2, 2017)

Gerald “Jerry” Wilson surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, September 2nd at Watauga Medical Center joined our Heavenly Father after a long career of service and blessed life.

Wilson

Born to the late Ray and Delora Wilson of Bakersville, Jerry was the middle child of three. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1972 with a BS Degree in History. He then earned his Law degree from Wake Forest University in 1975 and remained a proud alumnus. 

After law school Jerry studied with Attorney Garrett Dixon “Dick” Bailey his mentor in Burnsville before going into private practice with John Peterson in Bakersville. Jerry served as the Mitchell County attorney prior to being sworn in as Assistant District Attorney in 1983. Jerry was sworn in as District Attorney for the 24th Judicial District on January 1st 2003. He was a member of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys for more than 3 decades. Jerry proudly served the people of Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties for 32 years until his retirement in 2014. 
When not in the courtroom Jerry was an avid fisherman and spent many early mornings on the Elk River pursuing his passion. He also loved deep sea fishing, spent hours reading, tinkering and listening to his vast collection of vinyl records. In retirement he could be found at play with his beloved dogs, Sophie and Mandy.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Karen Edwards Wilson; brother Jim Wilson (Patsy) of Spruce Pine; sister Judy McKinney (Kent) of Gray, TN and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at the Boone United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 7th. Officiating will be Pastor Laura Beach Byrch followed by Austin Eggers.

The family will receive friends from 4-6PM, with service to follow immediately. 

In addition to flowers remembrances are encouraged to the charity of one’s choice or the Watauga Humane Society. 

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

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


Sonny “Buck” Johnson Jr. (July 11, 1961 – Sept. 2, 2017)

Johnson

Sonny “Buck” Johnson, Jr., age 56, of Newland, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 2, 2017.
He was born July 11, 1961 in Banner Elk.

He was preceded in death by a son, Caleb Lance Johnson and his father, Sonny Johnson, Sr.
Mr. Johnson loved spending time with his boys and doing anything outdoors. He worked for many years in Security at Appalachian State University in Boone and also worked with the Maintenance Department at Sugar Top Resort.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Elsie Mae Woody Johnson of Newland; son, Seth Allen Johnson of Foscoe; sisters, Barbara Clark of Spruce Pine and Karen Stevens, and her husband, Harvey, of Roan Mountain, TN; he also leaves behind several cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

Services for Sonny “Buck” Johnson will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Watauga Baptist Church in Foscoe. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until the service hour Tuesday at the church.

Interment will follow in the Cranberry Cemetery. To leave condolences and share memories with the family, please visit our website www.rsfh.net. The care of Buck and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.


Mrs. Loy Greene Edmisten (April 8, 1921 – Sept. 1, 2017)

Loy Greene Edmisten of Sugar Grove, 96, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 1, 2017. She was born on April 8, 1921 on the Watauga River and grew up in the Willow Valley community. She was the daughter of the late Dillard and Pearl Tester Greene. 

Edmisten

Loy was a longtime resident of the Bethel community and she was a caring and loving friend to all who knew her. She served her friends and family her entire lifetime. Loy was an accomplished seamstress who sewed for her family along with others in the community. She made beautiful quilts that are cherished by her family. Loy grew the most wonderful vegetables every year and canned them for her children and grandchildren and family. In addition, she made bread, cakes, pies, and many other sweets. Loy also loved tending her flower gardens and frequently created flower arrangements for her church. Loy and George were founding members of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and were active members their entire lives. 
    
The family would like to thank the staff at Deerfield and Medi Home Hospice for their loving care and assistance during Loy’s time with them. She truly loved the staff and was very appreciative for all their kindness and special care they gave her.
    
Loy is survived by two daughters, Elaine Pritchard (Charlie) of Hickory, Sandra Bryan( G.C. ‘George’) of Sugar Grove, one grandson, Scott Pritchard (Debbie Donahoo) of Louisburg, one granddaughter, Kim Story (Warren) of Alpharetta, Georgia, one great-grandson Ben Story (Nancy) of Dawsonville, Georgia, and one great-granddaughter, Bethany Story of Alpharetta, Georgia. In addition, she is survived by three step-grandchildren Jana Brown (Mark), Randy Bryan, Steve Bryan (Toni), nine step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved her very much; three sisters, Ruth Swift of Liberty, Lora Hollar of Boone, and Belva McCuiston of High Point, one brother, Howard Greene and wife Pat, and one sister in law, Leta Mae Edmisten of Sugar Grove.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Edmisten; sisters, Mamie Vines and Texie Glenn; and brothers, Clyde, Fred, Roby, Floyd and Frank Greene.
    
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, September 4th at 1 o’clock at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Sugar Grove. The family will receive friends at Loy’s home on Sunday, September 3 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and on Monday, September 4 at 12:00 pm at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Ray Green, and Rev. Jeremy Hull. Graveside services will follow at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. 
    
Flowers will be appreciated or a donation to the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Building Fund, in care of Tommy Lawrence, 774 John Shell Road, Sugar Grove, NC 28679 or to Medi Home Health & Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607.
    
Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com


Eula Martha Cook Jones (Jan. 4, 1927 – Sept. 1, 2017)

Eula Martha Cook Jones, 90, peacefully went to her Heavenly home on Friday, September 1, 2017 surrounded by her family.

Jones

Eula was born on January 4, 1927 to Dennis Conrad and Ollie Stansberry Cook. She was a lifelong resident of the Fall Creek Community on Old Beech Mountain and a faithful member of Fall Creek Baptist Church. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Finley Jones and her daughter Tonnie Ann Jones Ragsdale. 

She is survived by her treasured family, including her daughters, Judy Jones Ward (Dean) of Beech Creek, Kathy Jones Ellis (David) of Elk Park, and son, Allen Jones (Angela) of Lawrenceville, Georgia. She took immense pride in her grandchildren Melanie Lowrance (Chris), Luke Tatum (Jennifer), Renee Ward, Molly Nelson (Zach), Sarah Braswell (Frankie), Annie Howard (Blake), Katie Cooper (Jesse), Nathan Jones, and Natalie Jones, who called her Mawmaw. She also dearly loved her great grandchildren, Ethan Branton; Haley, Alex, Adam, and Madelyn Lowrance; Stacie, Hazel, Taylor, Hannah, and Finley Braswell; McKinnon and Allie Tatum; and Gracie, Tatum, Ellie, Lainey, and Evie Nelson, in addition to several nieces and nephews. 

A service to celebrate her life will be conducted on Monday, September 4, 2017 at Fall Creek Church at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM – 3:00PM before the service at the church. The graveside will follow at Fall Creek Baptist Cemetery. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and great grandchildren as honorary pallbearers. 

The family is so grateful to Carol Smith and the staff of both Medi Home Hospice of Avery County and Cannon Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to Medi Home Hospice at P.O. Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657.

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Jones family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net
The care of Eula and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland. 


 William Ross Wheeler (Jan 25, 1937 – Aug. 29, 2017)

William Ross Wheeler, 80, of Elk Park, NC passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at the Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

A native of Chester, South Carolina he was a proud US Navy Veteran having served aboard the USS Bexar.
He will be interred at the Mountain Home National Cemetery. Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is honored to provide services for Mr. Wheeler. 


Jean B. Rogers (March 12, 1925 – Aug. 29, 2017)

Jean Frances Brothers Rogers, 92, passed away peacefully at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living in Boone, NC on August 29, 2017. Jean was born March 12, 1925 to parents Elmer Earl and Evie Parker Brother in Elizabeth City, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings Herbert Brothers, William (Bill) Brothers, and Elmer Brothers, Jr. 

She is survived by her daughter Rebecca Rogers Moore (Bill Moore) of Boone, NC, son Marion Joseph Rogers, Jr. (Karen Rogers) of Raleigh, NC, son Scott Parker Rogers, grandchildren Anna Reid Harvin (Santiago Davila) of Arlington, VA, Kevin Rogers and Kelly Rogers of Raleigh, NC and great granddaughter Isabella Reid Davila and her beloved companion of 30 years, Margaret Ann Eakin now of Murfreesboro, TN.

Jean was a graduate of Elizabeth City High School and Meredith College. She retired from the NC Department of Social Services in 1983 after a long career that included serving as a child services case worker, county director and eventually as a regional supervisor for the Medicaid/Food Stamp Program with the State Division of Social Services.

Jean loved life, family and her many friends. She and Margaret loved the arts and traveled all over the world but their favorite spot was sitting under a large umbrella at North 38th Street in Myrtle Beach. Jean loved music, (especially opera), cooking, reading, her weekly bridge game and entertaining. Her door was always open. She was known for her quick wit and perennial sense of humor.

The family is ever grateful for the loving care and generosity of spirit of those who took care of Jean during her time with Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living and Medi Home Health and Hospice of Boone. 

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Myrtle Beach. Details will be posted on this website. Memorial donations may be made to the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Meredith College in Raleigh or the Salvation Army.

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


Anderson Greene (Sept. 4, 1931 – Aug. 29, 2017)

Anderson Greene, 85, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at his home. 
He was born on September 4, 1931 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of Kelly L Greene and Jennie Gray Greene. 

Greene

Anderson served his country as Corporal in the Army, military police. Later he served as Administrator for Life Care Center in Banner Elk for several years. He also served as a Director of Crossnore School. 
Anderson served as Director of Civil Defense in Mountain City, TN. 

He was a member of Newland Presbyterian Church and a former member and elder at Hughes Presbyterian Church. Early on in his life he enjoyed camping and fishing, more recently he enjoyed golfing. 

He was preceded in death by his Father, Kelly L Greene; Mother, Jennie Gray Greene; Brother, David Gray;
Anderson leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife ;Elizabeth Hughes Greene of Newland, NC; Sons; Paul and wife Joy Greene of Bel Air, MD, Russ and wife Heidi Greene of Plainfield IN, Charles and wife Valerie Greene of Katy, TX. Nine Grandchildren, Eight Great-Grandchildren and Two Great-Great Grandchildren.

Services for Anderson Greene will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. from the Newland Presbyterian Church with Rev. Michael McKee officiating. Interment will be private.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to; Hospice of the Blue Ridge, Tina Trivette, Kim Cuthbertson, Mary Lou Banner, Susie Trivette, Gerald Aldridge and so many others family and friends. 

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Greene family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net. The care of Anderson and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.