1000 x 90

Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled Dec. 2, 2014

Sandra R. Cooper (D. Dec. 2, 2014) 

Cooper
Cooper

Mrs. Sandra “Sandy” Rominger Cooper, 75 of Banner Elk, and formerly of Winston Salem, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. She was a member of Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church where she was very active in the choir and mission work. Sandy was a 1957 graduate of Cranberry High and a member of the Championship Square Dancing Team.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Delia Smith Rominger, and a granddaughter, Abigail Cooper.

She is survived by her husband, Francis Edwin “Ed” Cooper, one son, Michael Cooper and wife Beth of Chesapeake, Va., one daughter, Lisa Cockman and husband Jim of Winston Salem, three brothers, Randy Rominger and wife Barbara of Ohio, Sherrill Rominger and wife Nancy of Banner Elk, and Dana Rominger and wife Sally of Banner Elk. Four grandchildren also survive.

Graveside services for Mrs. Sandra “Sandy” Rominger Cooper will be conducted Thursday, 11 a.m. in the Matney-Liberty Community Cemetery with the Rev. Tee Gatewood officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Matney-Liberty Community Cemetery, c/o Vanessa Ruppard, 1078 Upper Crab Orchard Rd., Banner Elk, N.C. 28604. Online condolences may be shared with the Cooper family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Frances Potter Searfoss (Oct. 9, 1922 – Dec. 1, 2014) 

Frances Potter Searfoss, 92, of Teaberry Hills Rd. in Boone, passed away Monday afternoon, Dec. 1, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements for Frances Potter Searfoss are incomplete at this time.

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

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

Mahala Embree Booher Porth (May 9, 1940 – Dec. 1, 2014) 

Mahala Embree Booher Porth, 74, of Rambling Road, Blowing Rock, passed away Sunday evening, Dec. 1, 2014, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

Funeral arrangements for Mahala Embree Booher Porth are incomplete at this time.

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

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

Altha A. Vail (July 14, 1934 – Dec. 1, 2014) 

Vail
Vail

Ms. Altha Elaine Andrews Vail, 80, of Boone, passed away Monday morning, Dec. 1, 2014 at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living. Born July 14, 1934 in Catawba County,she was preceded in death by her parents Tyerus and Rebecca Frye Andrews and sister Jeanine DeAngelo.

Altha was a real estate agent, and had also worked for Belk and the Daniel Boone Native Gardens. She loved people, enjoyed working with and arranging flowers and dabbling in art.

She is survived by one daughter, Julia Catrambone, one granddaughter, Christina Dumont, two great grandsons, Kyle and Evan Dumont, one sister, Lynn Andrews Cook and husband Ken, and one brother, Keith Andrews and wife Vicki.

Memorial services for Ms. Altha Elaine Andrews Vail will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100, Boone, NC 28607.

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

Mary Arlene Stout McGlamery (Jan. 7, 1935 – Nov. 30, 2014) 

Mary Arlene Stout McGlamery, 79, of Old U.S. 421 in Zionville, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 30, 2014, at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston Salem.

Mrs. McGlamery was born Jan. 7, 1935 in Johnson County, Tenn., a daughter of the late Floyd Tyler Stout and Essie Chloe Osborne Stout. She was a retired seamstress for Shadowline, Inc.

Mrs. McGlamery is survived by two daughters, Diane Cardwell and husband Larry, and Kathy Eggers, all of Zionville; three granddaughters, Michelle Campbell and husband Adam, Kim Mejia and husband Lee, and Sonya Jones and husband Larry, all of Zionville; two step-grandchildren, Lajonya Hopkins of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Donnie Cardwell of Johnson County; five great-grandchildren, Hannah Dimini and husband Nicholas of New Jersey, Lisandra Mejia, Alyssa Mejia, Isaac Campbell, and Briar Jones, all of Zionville; four step great-grandchildren, Rio Phillips and Leah Phillips, both of Elizabethton, Tennessee, and Donnie Cardwell and Amy Cardwell, both of Mountain City, Tennessee; one sister, Jean Oliver and husband Bill of Zionville, and one sister-in-law, Joan Stout of Illinois. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Butler McGlamery; one brother, Curtis Stout; three sisters-in-law, Emma Jean Mabe, Blanche McGlamery, and Margie McGlamery, and two brothers-in-law, Burl McGlamery and Pete McGlamery.

Funeral services for Mary Arlene Stout McGlamery will be conducted Thursday afternoon, December 4, 2014, at 2:00 o’clock, at Mabel Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00. Officiating will be Reverend Frank Johnson. Burial will follow in Trade United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service. At other times, friends may call at the McGlamery residence, 8040 Old US Highway 421, Zionville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4600 Park Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28209.

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

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

 

 

Marcelee Thomas Brown (Dec. 1, 1927 – Nov. 30, 2014) 

Marcelee Thomas Brown, 86, of Shuford Farm Rd., Connelly Springs, a native and former resident of Watauga County, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 30, 2014, at her residence.

Mrs. Brown was born Dec. 1, 1927 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late William James “Bill” Thomas and Jennie Reece Thomas. She was a retired seamstress for J.P. Stevens Company in Longview and a member of United Church of God in Hickory.

Mrs. Brown is survived by three daughters, Patsy Conger of Connelly Springs, Kathy Gilbert and husband Timothy, and Sandra Sigmon and husband Ronald, all of Hickory; two sons, Larry R. Brown of Connelly Springs, and Ernest Ross Brown, Jr. and wife Jennie of Claremont; and three sisters, June Eisennman of Valley City, Ohio, Ruth Miller of Rutherfordton, and Ophelia Hardness of Cleveland, Ohio. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to per parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Ross Brown, Sr.; one daughter, Shirley Towery; four sisters, Mae Thomas Baton, Wilmetta Thomas Hampton, Mona Thomas Hodge, and Loye Thomas Shores, and six brothers, Kermit Thomas, Vance Thomas, Lee Thomas, Gene Thomas, and two infant brothers.

Funeral services for Marcelee Thomas Brown will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 3, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1 to 2 p.m. Officiating will be Pastor Ron Kelley. Burial will follow in the Reece Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the funeral home, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, North Carolina, 28690.

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

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

 

 

Martha Elizabeth Fox Pope (May 27, 1941 – Nov. 30, 2014)

Pope
Pope

Martha Elizabeth Fox Pope, 73, of Ronnie Pope Road in Vilas, went home to be with Jesus, whom she loved dearly, Sunday morning, Nov. 30, 2014 at her residence.

Martha was born May 27, 1941 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Paul J. Fox and Wilma Essie Harmon Fox. She was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse, having worked in the Birthing Center of Watauga Medical Center for many years. She was a member of Mountain Dale Baptist Church.

Martha worked for over 33 years at Watauga Medical Center in the Nursery. “Granny sure loved all her babies. She loved to sew and make quilts for her grandkids and for “special friends” who were having a baby. One special friend recently told the family that her quilt inspired her to take up sewing.

Martha is survived by two daughters, Hazel Stout and husband Allen, and Ruth Fields, all of Vilas; two sons, Ernest Pope and wife Karen, and Dennis Pope, all of Vilas; three brothers, Joseph Fox and wife Beverly of San Antonio, Texas, Frank Fox of Banner Elk, and Don Fox and wife Sue of Banner Elk; four sisters, Florence Shanko and husband Felix of Silver Spring, Maryland, Jennie Moody and husband, Dean, Patsy Moody and husband, Ray, and Pansy Moody and husband A.R., all of Vilas; four grandsons, Michael Ferguson, and wife Jessica of Mountain City, Bradley Fields, of Mountain City, Matthew Fields and girlfriend Kari of Prestonsburg, Kentucky and Jordan Pope of Vilas; three granddaughters, April Gunter and husband Calvin of Mountain City, Casey Moretz and husband Shane of Deep Gap, and Amanda Fields of Vilas; seven great-grandchildren, Nathan, Bailey, Shannon, Amy, Aaron, Daniel and Kadyn; and one aunt, Birdie Townsend and husband Adam of Banner Elk. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Claude Pope, and a brother, Freddie A. Fox.

Funeral services for Martha Elizabeth Fox Pope will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 3, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Mountain Dale Missionary Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1 to 2 p.m. Officiating will be Reverend Eric Cornett, Reverend Ray Greene, and Reverend Burl Greer. Burial will follow in Mountain Dale Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 6 until 8:30 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the Bible Dollar Fund of Mountain Dale Missionary Baptist Church, in care of Travis Cornett, 654 White Laurel Lane, Boone, North Carolina, 28607. Online condolences may be sent to the Pope family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

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

 

 

 

Mrs. Hazel M. Dotson (Jan. 25, 1922 – Nov. 28, 2014)

Dotson
Dotson

Mrs. Hazel Mable Moretz Dotson, 92, of Clemmons, passed away peacefully on Nov. 28, 2014. Mrs. Dotson was born in Watauga County, and was a daughter of the late Sion Gideon Moretz and Virginia Dare Stanberry Moretz. Mrs. Dotson was extremely proud of her heritage. She loved the landscape and the harvest and adventure that it provided.

Mrs. Dotson earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1943 and later her Master’s Degree, both from Appalachian State Teacher’s College, now Appalachian State University. She began her formal teaching profession in a one- room school house in Todd. She taught at Claremont Elementary upon moving to Hickory with her longest stay of 23 years at Long View Elementary in Hickory, where she was chosen “Teacher of the Year” in 1981. She retired in 1985 after 42 years of teaching. Mrs. Dotson was a member of the NC Association of Educators, the National Education Association and The Classroom Teachers Association. She was a Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, Hickory Chapter.

Mrs. Dotson was a woman of great faith and lived every day with conviction that the Lord was her Savior and promised her eternal life. She was a former member of Grace Lutheran in Boone and of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Hickory. Upon moving to Clemmons in 2007, she joined Clemmons United Methodist Church. The Upper Room Sunday School Class, Sister’s In Christ Bible Study, Chancel Choir and her kind and friendly neighbors were especially endearing to her.

Mrs. Dotson was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, James Finley Dotson, a son, James Franklin Dotson, an older sister, Mary Hubbard, and Ola Mae McGowan, one of twins, as well as brothers, Blaine, Arlie, Herman, Avery, and Cecil. She is survived by her son, Samuel Gwyn Dotson and wife Kathy, of Clemmons. Grandchildren, James Bradley Dotson (Christina) of Raleigh and Gena Gwyn Dotson Hargis (Ron) of Whittset. Great granddaughters, Eva Vaughn Hargis, Carrie Cathryn Dotson, Avery Gwyn Hargis, Ellison Ashley Hargis and Mary Bryce Hargis, and sister Ora Moretz Kincaid of Granite Falls. She loved her grandchildren dearly and her great granddaughters were the apple of her eye. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews that were all very special to her.

A celebration of life service for Hazel M. Dotson will be ¬¬held Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 3 pm at Clemmons United Methodist Church, 3700 Clemmons Road in Clemmons, 27012. Family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Commons Area of the Church.

A graveside service and interment will follow on Thursday, December 4, at 2 pm at Mount Lawn Parks and Garden in Boone.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Clemmons United Methodist Church, to the attention of the Sisters in Christ Outreach Missions Fund. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

 

 

 

Mr. James T. Stanberry (Dec. 29, 1928 – Nov. 27, 2014)

Stanberry
Stanberry

Mr. James Thomas Stanberry, 85, of Todd, passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 27, 2014 at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation.

Born in Dec. 29, 1928 in Ashe County, he was a son of the late Hillary and Hazel Miller Stanberry. Mr. Stanberry was a US Army Veteran, having served during the Korean War. James Thomas was a faithful member of South Fork Baptist Church, where he helped usher and visit many of the home bound members. He was the owner and operator of Todd Upholstery.

He is survived by two aunts, Mary June Miller Risk of Boone, and Lucille Wagner of Lake Wales, Florida, and a number of cousins.

Funeral services for Mr. James Thomas Stanberry will be conducted Sunday afternoon, Nov. 30, at 2:30 p.m. at South Fork Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. David Cooper, Rev. Homer Murdock and Rev. Jeff Risk. Burial will follow in the Howell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. at South Fork Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Howell Cemetery Fund, in care of Larry Trivette, 10550 Hwy 194 North, Todd, NC 28684.

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

 

 

Buster Lee Coffey (July 11, 1947 – Nov. 25, 2014) 

Buster Lee Coffey, 67, of Howards Creek Road in Boone, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, at his residence.

Coffey
Coffey

Buster was born July 11, 1947 in Watauga County, a son the late Arlie Clinton Coffey and Ollie Belle Bennett Coffey. He was a retired machine operator from Vermont American and truck driver for GDS. He was a member of Rich Mountain Baptist Church.

Buster is survived by daughter, Tracy Ward of Boone; son, Buster Scott Coffey and wife Cynthia of Boone; daughter, Kathy Ellison and husband Bobby of Boone; daughter, Lisa Cook and husband Jeff of Boone; son, Rodger Coffey of Boone; daughter, Angela Holman and husband Anthony of West Jefferson; daughter, Anna Miller and husband Ronald of West Jefferson; daughter, Annette Miller and husband Dale of Boone; daughter, Mary Pearson and husband Tim of Boone; brother, Clifford Coffey and wife Carolyn of Boone; sister, Sue Fowler of Lenoir; brother, Clinton Coffey of Boone; sister, Hazel Payne and husband Steve of Boone; brother, Kenneth Coffey of Boone; 22 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice Culler Coffey; a granddaughter, Tanya Ward; a sister, Dory Coffey; and two brothers, James and Jesse Coffey.

Funeral services for Buster Lee Coffey will be conducted Sunday afternoon, Nov. 30, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Boone. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the service. Officiating will be Reverend Randy Coffey, Jr., and Reverend Eugene Braswell. Burial will follow in the Jont Brown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, Nov. 29, 2014, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Service.

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

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

 

Bettie Louise Young Norwood (May 23, 1930 – Nov. 24, 2014) 

Bettie Louise Young Norwood, 84, of 55 Paupers Ridge Lane in Banner Elk, passed away Monday morning, Nov. 24, 2014.

Bettie Norwood’s life began May 23, 1930 in Columbia, KY, a daughter of Gerald Paul Young and Eula Virginia Wheeler Young. By the time she had reached the age of 5, Bettie, her mother and her 2 younger sisters moved to Pee Wee Valley, KY near relatives. By age 10, her mother remarried and over the next 10 years of her life, she and her family moved to many different locations but settled on Clarks Creek in the Valle Crucis area. At age 21, she married Roby Norwood and together they made the home and farm she lived on until close to the end of her life.

All that knew her knew that she was a hard working mountain woman that loved the Lord with all her heart, loved her family and her church family, and loved to garden and preserve the fruits of her labor. To say she was a homemaker would depict only a portion of her life. She worked alongside her husband in most everything he did while she caring for their 3 daughters. For many years she had milk cows and sold milk, buttermilk, butter and cottage cheese to many different people in the area. She was also a wonderful bread maker and many will remember the aroma of fresh bread permeating her house. She loved to share her fresh bread and red raspberry jam with many.

In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her husband Roby Norwood, an infant sister Dorothy Young, a sister Pauline Young Gore and a half brother, Danny Johnson. She is survived by 3 daughters that love her deeply and will cherish all of their memories of their mother. They are Tracy Eller and husband Edward of Clemmons, Lori Lane and husband Scott of Banner Elk, Missy Norwood and husband Carter Blair of Elk Park. Also surviving are her sister Patsy Young of Hendersonville, a half-sister Grace Johnson Jenkins of Arden, and a half-brother Sam Johnson of Granite Falls.

Though she always said she would never live to see grandchildren, she was blessed with five that brought much joy to her heart. Tyler and Trevor Eller, Lexi and McKenzie Lane and Betsy Norwood. Bettie was a member of the Banner Elk Seventh-day Adventist Church and faithfully attended for almost 60 years. She loved to sing and oftentimes one could hear her making a joyful noise unto the Lord, singing old hymns she so loved, whether at church or during her daily toile.

Over the years, she kept many children in her home. Most young ones that visited or spent their days with her knew exactly where the toys were kept, long after her own children were grown. Each one of them remained dear to her heart.

At age 84, Bettie passed into heaven’s sleep Monday, Nov. 24. 2014 at her daughter Tracy’s home where she had lived the last year and a half of her life.

Funeral services for Bettie will be conducted Tuesday evening, Nov. 25, 2014, at 7 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 6 to 7 p.m. Officiating will be Elder Jerry Mobley and Pastor Bob Grant.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home prior to the service. There will be a graveside service, where she will be laid to rest, at the Byrd Cemetery on Clarks Creek Road Wednesday morning at 11 p.m. Friends are welcome to visit her home where her family will gather, 55 Paupers Ridge Lane, Banner Elk.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Adventist Development and Relief Agency, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20904, or to Three Angels Broadcasting Network, PO Box 220, West Frankfort, Illinois, 62896.

Online condolences may be sent to the Norwood Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

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

 

 

 

 

Mary I. Hunt (March 27, 1928 – Nov. 24, 2014)

Hunt
Hunt

Mary “Dolly” Hunt passed from this world on Nov. 24, 2014 surrounded by family.

She was born on March 27, 1928 in Coral Gables, Florida to Albert and Agnes Isaac. The life Dolly lived was defined by her love for the Lord, her family, friends and learning. She attendedThe College of William and Mary and the University of Miami where she received her Bachelor Degree and received her Master Degree from Appalachian State University.

She started her career on TV as ‘Miss Dolly’ of Romper Room where she poured her love of learning into the young people watching her show. She continued that educational mission by teaching in the public schools in Miami as a classroom teacher then as a reading specialist until her retirement at age 50. Retirement was just the beginning of her adventures. After retirement She moved to Boone where she and her family had summered since the 1930s and instantly began investing in the community. She was a Girl Scout leader for 15 years where she influenced an entire generation of young girls giving them the gift of hope and belief in themselves. She was a founding member of the Foscoe Lions Club, she became a member of the Foscoe Christian Church, she tutored and taught school as a substitute teacher, and she was the Queen and founder of the BooneDollies Red Hat Club. Then there was the traveling- she and her husband Budd traveled all throughout North America camping their way across the U.S. and Canada. Later she discovered cruising and began taking cruises with her children visiting Norway, Alaska, Mexico, England, Ireland, the Bahamas, the Dominican, and Hawaii- all of this after the age of 70!! Dolly’s love for others, especially her family guided her every move in life. The influence of her presence on the lives of others is incalculable and she will never be forgotten by those who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her children Gary Brannon of Boone; Jeff Brannon (Jackie) of Charleston, S.C.; Brian Willis (Laura) of Black Mountain; and Kristin Harmon (Mike) of Sugar Grove. Stepchildren Jack Hunt (Jackie) of Yacht Barbara Ann; Jenny Byrnes (John) of Pahrump, Nev.; and Julie Hunt of Pahrump, Nev. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family. She was pre-deceased by her Prince Charming, Budd Hunt; her parents; sisters Evelyn Webb and Frances Roman and one brother Albert “Bud” Isaac.

A celebration of Dolly’s life will be Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home in Boone. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to MediHome Hospice or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hunt family.