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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled April 18, 2013

Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled April 18, 2013

Jerry Phillips, D. April 18, 2013

Jerry Phillips, 62, of Station Road, Lenoir, passed away Thursday morning, April l8, 2013 in Lenoir. Born September 8, 1950 in Watauga County, he was a son of Dayton and Ella Norris Phillips.

Jerry is survived by his twelve brothers and sisters, Beulah Rector of Lenoir, Jean Pharr and husband, Lawrence, of Statesville, Bill Phillips and wife Martha of Zionville, Anne Wood and husband, Carlton, of Harrisburg, Joe Phillips and wife, Fran, of Zionville, Ruby Pennell and husband, Morris, Barbara McCall and husband, Jerry, and Doris Carolyn Phillips, all of Lenoir, Charles Phillips of Granite Falls, Robert Phillips and wife, Etheleen, ‘Twin’ brother, Larry Phillips, and Mike Phillips and wife, Janice, all of Lenoir, and Irene Cummings and husband, Francis, of Morganton. A number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Norris.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 2 o’clock, at the Mountain Dale Baptist Church in the Bethel community, officiated by Rev. Eric Cornett and Rev. Tim Pierce. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at Mountain Dale Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Mountain Dale Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Travis Cornett, 654 White Laurel Lane, Boone, NC 28607, or the Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645.

The family will be at the home of a sister, Carolyn Phillips, 4071 Hartland Road in Lenoir.

Brenda Jestes Ruppard, D. April 16, 2013.

Brenda Jestes Ruppard
Brenda Jestes Ruppard

Brenda Jestes Ruppard, age 65, of 505 Grandfather Road, Banner Elk, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center.

Brenda was born September 23, 1947 in Rowan County, a daughter of the late Ned and Edith Jestes. She is remembered for her selfless and devotion to her family. As a single mother, she gave all of her love, time, and effort to her family, in sacrifice of her own personal pursuits. She worked night shifts, while earning her Certified Nursing Assistant license. Brenda proudly served in her profession for more than 30 years at Cannon Memorial Hospital, Blowing Rock Hospital, and Life Care Center of Banner Elk. Nothing meant more to her than her families health, success, and happiness. They are her life, love, and legacy.

Brenda Ruppard was an angel that flew too close to the ground and is now a saint that continues to keep watch over those she loves.

Brenda is survived by one daughter, Pamela Winkler and husband Doug of the Foscoe Community; three sons, Jack Ruppard and wife Tracy of Boone; James Jestes and wife Sheena of State Road, North Carolina, and Jeff Ruppard of Banner Elk; four granddaughters, Jessica Fields, Gabriella Ruppard, Maggie Cook, and Kerrington Jestes; one grandson, Gabriel Shawn Ruppard, and one sister, Linda Julian of Statesville. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Brenda Jestes Ruppard will be conducted Friday afternoon, April 19, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Reverend Gordon Noble.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service. At other times, friends may call at the residence, 505 Grandfather Road, Banner Elk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Sallie Hicks Presnell, D. April 13, 013

Sally Hicks Presnell
Sally Hicks Presnell

Sallie Hicks Presnell, age 94, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, died Saturday evening, April 13, 2013, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation in Boone.

Mrs. Presnell was born July 6, 1918 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Martin Levi Hicks and Julia Viney Hicks. She was a homemaker and a member of Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church.

Mrs. Presnell is survived by two sisters, Lois Hicks Carswell and husband Roy of Newland, and Linda Hicks Ward and husband Hillard of Sugar Grove, and two brothers, Lee Hicks and wife Wilma of Newland, and Arnold Hicks of Zionville. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Prince Albert Presnell, and five sisters, Hazel Birdsong, Louvenia Humphrey, Ruby Hicks Poarch, Clemmie Hicks Beers, and Lorena Hicks Roberts.

Funeral services for Sallie Hicks Presnell will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, April 17, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Elder Bobby Absher. Burial will follow in the Presnell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

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

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

Lacey Dannette Campbell, D. April 13, 2013

Lacey Dannette Campbell
Lacey Dannette Campbell

Lacey Dannette Campbell, age 34, of 282 Wallace Lane, Banner Elk, died Saturday, April 13th, at her home.

Lacey was born July 6, 1978 in Watauga County, a daughter of Mitchell and Debra Rominger Campbell. She was a member of Liberty United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, Lacey is survived by one daughter, Shaelee Sue Campbell of the home; one sister, Amy Campbell Spicola and husband Joey of Banner Elk, and two nieces, Ashton Spicola and Josephine Spicola, both of Banner Elk. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services for Lacey Dannette Campbell will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, April 16, 2013, at 3:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 2:00 until 3:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Mike McElhaney and Reverend Charles McKinney. Graveside services and burial will be conducted Wednesday morning, at 11:00 o’clock, at Matney-Liberty Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon, from 2:00 until 3:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Matney-Liberty Cemetery Fund, in care of Vanessa Rupard, 1078 Upper Crab Orchard Road, Banner Elk, North Carolina, 28604.

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

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

Caroll Lance Farthing, D. April 12, 2013

Carroll Lance Farthing, 68, of 115 Edinburgh Lane, passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Boone, NC, a son of Edmund and Hazel Cable Farthing of Vilas NC, Mr. Farthing retired as a driver with Roadway Express where he received the three million mile safe driving award. He was a member of Truth Missionary Baptist Church for seventeen years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served with the US Marines.

In addition to his parents, surviving are his wife, Shirly Finley Farthing of the home; a son, David Lance Farthing, who is serving with the US Air Force; a brother, Len Farthing of Boone, NC; and two sisters, Debbie Farthing and Patti Hensley, both of Boone, NC.

Mr. Farthing was preceded in death by a brother, Byron Farthing.

Funeral services will be at 4:00 PM Monday at Truth Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Sammy Kay, Sr., Rev. Sammy Kay, Jr., and Rev. Dr. Scott Dean officiating.

Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 PM Monday at the church, prior to the service.

Military graveside rites and burial, provided by American Legion Post 130, will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday at the Farthing Family Cemetery in Vilas.

Online condolences may be sent to the Farthing family at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com.

Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, in Easley, South Carolina, is in charge of the arrangements.

William ‘Goob’ Francey, D. April 10, 2013

William 'Goob' Francey
William ‘Goob’ Francey

William Carlton “Goob” Francey, age 25, of 377 Rominger Road, Banner Elk, passed away Wednesday morning, April 10, 2013.

William was born December 31, 1987 in Watauga County, the son of Rebecca Anne Francey. He was a 2006 graduate of Watauga High School and was owner/operator of Francey’s Painting Company, employed by several companies throughout the county. William loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He loved life, valued people, and most importantly, was a follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. William looked for an opportunity in every situation to serve others wholeheartedly. He loved his family and friends more than anything, and will forever be cherished by his sweetheart and love of his life. William was a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church and attended Vanderpool Baptist Church.

William is survived by his mother, Rebecca Anne Francey of Banner Elk; his grandmother, Marilyn B. Welch of Valle Crucis; his grandfather, William E. “Bill” Welch of Valle Crucis; his fiancee, Sarah Beth Fishel of Ashe County; one uncle, Robert W. Francey of California, and one cousin, Zack Francey of California.

Funeral services for William Carlton “Goob” Francey will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 13, 2013, at 4:00 o’clock, at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. Officiating will be Father Allan McCaslin and Reverend Andy Watson. Private graveside services and burial will follow in the Baird Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 1:00 until 3:30 PM, in the Skiles Hall at Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross/St. Johns Church, in care of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, PO Box 645, Valle Crucis, North Carolina, 28691.

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

Mary Gladys Munday Shelton, D. April 9, 2013

Mary Munday Shelton
Mary Munday Shelton

Mary Gladys Munday Shelton, age 96, of Shelton Hollow Road, Creston, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the home of her son.

Gladys was born May 19, 1916 in Washington County, Virginia, a daughter of the late Marion Wesley Munday and Fannie Hayworth Munday. She was a retired nurse assistant and a long time member of Elk Knob Baptist Church.

Gladys was a loving and kind person and enjoyed being with her family and friends.

Mrs. Shelton is survived by one son, Allen Shelton and wife Yvonne of Vilas; two daughters, Hearlie Osborne and husband Frank of Oxford, Pennsylvania, and Harlene Bennett and husband Darrell of Nottingham, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Glenda Wallace, Kathy Osborne, and Tommy Bennett, and seven great-grandchildren, Tommy Bennett, Michael Bennett, Emily Wallace, Adam Wallace, Taylor Bennett, Travis Bennett, and Breanne Bennett.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Fred Shelton; one son, Ronald Shelton; three grandsons, Michael Osborne, Douglas Bennett, and Timmy Shelton; three sisters, and seven brothers.

Funeral services for Mary Gladys Munday Shelton will be conducted Thursday evening, April 11, 2013, at 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend J.C. Greene and Reverend Herbert McCoy. Graveside services and burial will be conducted Friday morning, at 11:00 o’clock, at Sutherland Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. At other times friends may call at the home of Allen and Yvonne Shelton, 173 Main Haven Drive, Vilas.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to United Hospice of Wilkes, 902 West D Street, Suite B North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, 28659.

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

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

Pauline Combs Dotson, D. April 7, 2013

Pauline Dotson
Pauline Dotson

Pauline Combs Dotson, age 90, of Poplar Grove Road South, Boone, passed away Sunday April 7, 2013, at her home. Born January 21, l923 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of John P. and Etta Eller Combs. Pauline was a loving wife and mother to her family and a grandmother who adored her grandchildren. She was a long time member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church.

Mrs. Dotson is survived by two sons, Jerry Dotson and wife, Debbie, and Tommy Dotson and wife, Gail, all of Boone; three daughters, Judy Trexler and husband, Eddie, of Boone, Jane Hampton of West Jefferson, and Susan Winkler of Boone; six grandchildren, Katrina Hicks and husband, Mike, Paula Trexler, Brian Hampton and wife, Gillian, Jerry Hampton and wife, Amy, Eric Winkler and wife, Robin, and Stephanie Dalton and husband, Scottie; nine great-grandchildren, Jessica Bolick, Thomas Hicks, Jordan Austin, Norah Hampton, Evan and Christian Winkler, Logan and Nolan Keller, and Gray Dalton; and one great-great grandchild, Bentley Bolick. Also surviving are three sisters, Ruth Blanton of Charlotte, Reba Propst of Zionville, and Betty Norman of Foscoe; and one brother, Jack Combs of Mayo, SC.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Kenneth Dotson; infant daughter, Eleanor Ann; six brothers, Dwight, Worth, Marvin, Fred, Blaine and Bryant Combs; and son-in-law, Steve Hampton.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, April 9th at 2 o’clock, at Poplar Grove Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Herbert McCoy and Rev. Chuck Campbell. The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 until 2 o’clock, prior to services. at Poplar Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Piney Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Poplar Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, in care of JoAnn Townsend, 279 Old Clayton Greene Rd., Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.  

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

Dale ‘Lassie’ Bradshaw, D. April 7, 2013

Dale “Lassie” Bradshaw, age 60, of Meadow Hill Drive, Boone, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013.

No services are planned for Dale “Lassie” Bradshaw at this time.

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

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

Geneva Marie Anderson Bentley, D. April 6, 2013

Geneva Bentley
Geneva Bentley

Geneva Marie Anderson Bentley, 78, of NC Hwy 105 South, Vilas, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013 at home. Born February 14, 1935 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Bynum and Lucy Hayes Anderson. Mrs. Bentley was a member of Shull’s Mills Baptist Church, where she served as church treasurer for 25 years. Geneva’s love in life was her family, and her enjoyments included gardening, canning and preserving her bounty by the signs, and quilting.

Mrs. Bentley is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert R. Bentley; daughter, Debra Aldridge and husband, Chip, of the Foscoe community; son, Dexter Bentley and wife, Glenda, of Vilas; sisters, Ella Mae Trivette of Vilas, and Judy Greene and husband, J. B., of Collettsville; brother, J. C. Anderson and wife, Betty, of Abington, Va.; sisters-in-law, Katie Shore and husband, Joe, of Boone, and Brenda Cornett and husband, R. A., of Vilas; brothers-in-law, Sam Bentley and wife, Betty, and Bill Bentley and wife Helen, all of Vilas, and Ned Bentley and wife, Wanda, of Boone. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her church family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Verlee Cole; and brother, Billy Anderson.

Funeral services for Geneva Anderson Bentley will be conducted Wednesday April 10, 2013, at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Tim Coffey, Rev. Burl Greer, and Mr. J. C. Anderson. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:30 until 2 o’clock, prior to the service, at Austin & Barnes. Burial will follow in the Shull Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Medi-Home Hospice, 136 Furman Rd., Suite 2, Boone, NC 28607.

Special thanks to the nursing staff at Glenbridge Health Care, Fresenius Dialysis Center of Boone, Piedmont Dialysis, Medi-Home Hospice and Drs. Qualheim, Benson and Whitlock.

Annie Oakes, D. April 6, 2013

Annie Oakes
Annie Oakes

On April 6, 2013, our mother, Annie Laura Hagaman Oakes, age 90, of Vilas, left this earth peacefully to go be with the Lord.

Born April 21, 1922, in the Sugar Grove area of Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Ella Harmon Hagaman and Harden Hagaman.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She found great joy in her family and traveled the world with her husband and children. She loved gardening, canning, cooking for family events, fishing, and animal adoption. She was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and loved her church family. We have all been blessed to have known her on this earth, as she truly made a difference in many lives. Her love leaves an imprint in our memories that even in death will not be lost.

She is survived by two children: one daughter, Loretta Oakes Harmon and friend George Ennis of Vilas; one son Rickey Lee Oakes and wife Kathy of Sugar Grove; one brother, Lowell Hagaman of Blowing Rock; four grandchildren, Lisa Bingham and husband Tommy of Zionville; Dallas Oakes and wife Jessica of Sugar Grove; Brian Oakes of Boone; Crystal Ward and husband Jared of Boone; and two great-grandchildren, Aura and Ryle Ward both of Boone.

Annie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Dewey Lee Oakes, one son, Cecil Fredrick Oakes of Vilas; one son-in-law, Lloyd (Jimmy) Raines of Vilas; one daughter-in-law, Hilda Bumgarner Oakes of Boone; two sisters, Rosie and Ethel Ward all of Sugar Grove; five brothers, John (Brownie) Hagaman, Robert Hagaman, Lawrence Hagaman, Gilbert Hagaman, and Gradon Hagaman all of Sugar Grove.

Funeral services for Annie Laura Hagaman Oakes will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Herbert McCoy and Pastor David Isenhour. Burial will follow at the Mount Lawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 o’clock until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. The family respectfully requests no food. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family wishes to express our thanks for the excellent care given to our mother by Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation nursing and support.

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

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


Check out more obituaries in the High Country – Ashe, Avery and Watauga – at https://www.hcpress.com/obituaries.


Listings of Funeral Homes in Watauga County:

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory
194 Queen Street
Boone, NC 28607
828-264-8888
www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Hampton Funeral Service
683 Blowing Rock Road
Boone, NC 28607
828-264-7100
www.hamptonfuneralnc.com