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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 20, 2014

Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 20, 2014

Blanche Wellborne, D. March 19, 2014

Wellborn
Wellborn

Mrs. Blanche Greene Wellborn, age 94 of Wilkesboro and a former resident of the Stony Fork Community passed away Wednesday afternoon at the Villages of Wilkes. 

She is survived by two sons; Rev. Sherrill Wellborn and wife Mary of Wilkesboro and Jerry Wellborn and wife Paula of Deep Gap, three grandchildren; Rev. David Wellborn and wife Chasidi of Wilkesboro, Donna Wellborn of Boone, and Ben Wellborn and wife Whitney of Columbia, SC, four great grandchildren; McKeena and Nathaniel Wellborn of Wilkesboro and Allie and Mia Wellborn of Columbia, SC, one brother, Johnny Greene and wife Juanita of Deep Gap and one sister, Elsie Vankeuren and husband Jerry of Wilkesboro and by a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern & Etta Greene, her husband, John D. Wellborn, one daughter, Martha Jean Wellborn Ward, one granddaughter, Carol Ann Ward, one grandson, Bobby Wellborn, two sisters, Beulah Miller and Reba Moorehouse and two brothers, Burl Greene and Vern Lee Greene.

Funeral services for Mrs. Blanche Greene Wellborn will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Stony Fork Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Homer Greene and Rev. David Vannoy. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday prior to the service from noon until 2 o’clock at Stony Fork Baptist Church. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Stony fork Baptist Church cemetery Fund, c/o Dennis Winebarger, PO Box 508, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared with the Wellborn family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Wellborn family. 

Barbara Yates, D. March 17, 2014

Barbara J. Yates, age 60, of Liberty Grove Church Road, Fleetwood, passed away Monday morning, March 17, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Barbara is survived by an uncle, Rufus Gwyn Yates and wife Anita of West Jefferson, and a number of first cousins.

Private memorial services for Barbara J. Yates will be held a later date.

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

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

Jean Baird Michael, D. March 17, 2014

Baird-Michael
Baird-Michael

Jean Baird Michael, age 85, of Hudson and Woodbridge, Virginia, a native and former resident of the Matney Community, passed away Monday morning, March 17, 2014, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Hudson.

Jean was born October 8, 1928 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Stanley and Zenia Baird. She was secretary for her late husband’s company, Dale Michael’s Construction in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Jean is survived by her niece and special caregivers, Jennie Williams and husband J.B., and Virginia Yates and husband Andrew, and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Clay (Frances) Baird of Gainsville, Florida. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Michael; two sisters, Dessie Ward and her husband Lee, and Okie Rominger and her husband Fred; two brothers, Mitchel Baird and Clay Baird; three half-brothers, Earnest Baird, Dexter Baird, and Floyd Baird; three half-sisters, Florence Phillips, Alice Townsend, and Virginia Dare Cannon; one infant brother, and one infant sister.

Funeral services for Jean Baird Michael will be conducted Thursday morning, March 20, 2014, at 11:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Harvey Presnell, Reverend Joel Cook, and Reverend Michael Falkner. Entombment will follow in the Michael Family Mausoleum in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Thursday morning, from 10:00 until 11:00 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 Michael family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

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

Mike Convery, D. March 16, 2014

Convery
Convery

Mike Convery, age 55, of Highway 194, Vilas, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2014.

Mike was born January 12, 1959 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Richard James Convery, Sr. and Estelle Bouchard Convery.

Mike is survived by his step-son, Ross Luffey of Baltimore, Maryland; two brothers, Richard Convery, Jr. and Paul Convery, both of Boone, and three sisters, Janet Norris of Hoover, Alabama, Susan Nasoulis of Dacula, Georgia, and Barbara Martin of Tampa, Florida. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet L. Convery.

Memorial serivces for Mike Convery will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, March 19, 2014, 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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in care of Brian Barker, 441 Daniel Drive, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Jay Younce, D. March 15, 2014

Younce
Younce

Jay Younce of Blowing Rock and Pinehurst passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Life Care Center in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

He was born on May 2, 1934 in Ashe County, soon moved with his family to Lenoir, and later resided in Blowing Rock.

After graduation from Oak Hill in Lenoir, Jay enlisted in the Marines, and later became an insurance agent. However, he was most known for his love of golf and was an avid player at Blowing Rock Country Club and also in the Pinehurst area, winning many trophies and events.

Married twice, Jay is survived by his wife Deatra of the home, and also by brothers, sisters, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 Main Street, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605 or to Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 2600, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Fred Owens, D. March 15, 2014

Owens
Owens

Frederick Alan ‘Fred’ Owens, age 53, of Fairfield Lane, Blowing Rock, passed away Saturday, March l5, 2014, at his home. Born March l8, l960 in Winston-Salem, he was a son of Spencer Dale and Geraldine Watson Owens. 

Mr. Owens was a member of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church. Fred received his Masters Degree in Business from ASU and owned National Amusements. His hobbies included operating his business, riding his motorcycle and flying planes. He was a social member of the VFW and the Moose Lodge. 

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, LeeAnn Joyce; four brothers, Steve Pegram and wife Debby, of Walkertown, Bill Owens and wife, Terryn of Lake Gaston, Jerry Pegram and wife, Angela, of Walkertown, and John Pegram and wife Debbie, of Belews Creek; two sisters, Marsha Owens Story and husband, Terry, of Blowing Rock, and Martha Westmoreland, of Winston-Salem; numerous nieces and nephews; his friend and business partner, Janel Pelletier; and his beloved pets L. B. and Randy. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Louise Pegram Owens. 

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March l9, 2014, at 2 PM at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Father Rick Lawler. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 until 2 PM at Austin & Barnes. Burial will follow at the Blue Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery located in Benge Gap near the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

The family respectfully requests no flowers, and suggests memorials to the Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607. 

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

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

Jeanie Ragan, D. March 15, 2014

Jeanie S. Ragan, 60, of 813 S. Alabama Ave. went home to be with the Lord Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Born November 22, 1953 in Boone, NC, she was a daughter of the late James Arlton Ragan and Rose Edna Lewis Ragan. She was a former employee of Eggers Funeral Homes, a member of Green Point Baptist Church and former member of Rich Mountain Baptist Church in Boone, NC. She was avid animal lover, caregiver of her family and enjoyed arranging flowers and decorating.

Surviving is her sister, Betty J. Eggers and husband John of Chesnee and her beloved dogs Charlie Ragan and Lucky Eggers.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by brothers, Johnny A. Ragan and Frank Ragan and sisters, Linda Ragan and Peggy Ragan.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, 2014 at Eggers Funeral Home of Chesnee.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Eggers Funeral Home Chapel of Chesnee with the Dr. David Lancaster and Rev. Bob Buhl officiating. Burial will follow in Good Shepherd Memorial Park in Boiling Springs.

Memorial donations may be made to the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303

The family is at the home of John and Betty Eggers, 996 Nantahala Dr., Chesnee, SC.

Ola Parsons Greene Walker, D. March 14, 2014

Walker
Walker

Ola Parsons Greene Walker, age 93, of Hickory, a native and former resident of Watauga County, went peacefully to meet our precious Lord Friday, March 14, 2014, at Catawba Regional Hospice in Newton, after a brief struggle with pneumonia and leukemia.

Mrs. Walker was born August 2, 1920 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Walter William Parsons and Nellie Miller Parsons. She was a retired housekeeper for a Lutheran Home and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Zionville.

Ola thoroughly enjoyed gospel music and often sang for her friends and family. She was courageous and loved to try new things. One of the favorites of late was helicopter rides through the mountains in Tennessee. She was the kindest, most loving person you could ever know. Our world is dimmer without her smiles and hugs but Heaven has gained a precious soul full of love and light. We celebrate knowing she is sitting at the feet of her Savior.

Ola has left behind a legacy and so many wonderful memories that live on in her family. She leaves a daughter, Frances Greene Hodges and husband Dennie of Hickory; one granddaughter, Fredia Scruggs and husband Wayne of Hickory; one grandson, Jeff Hodges and wife Donna of Hickory; five great-granddaughters, Tiffany Scruggs, Mindy Scruggs, Makayla Hodges, Mackenzie Hodges, all of Hickory, and Lorrie Walker of Gas City, Indiana; three great-grandsons, Logan Scruggs of Hickory, David Walker and wife Paula of KoKomo, Indiana, and Dale Walker and wife Rose of Fort Wayne, Indiana; she was also blessed to meet and welcome the 5th generation, great great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Andrea Marr last year; two sisters, Ethel Jones of Todd, and Vergie Moretz of Boone, and one brother, James and wife Elree of Lenoir. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Albert Greene; her second husband, Roy A. Walker; an infant son, Cecil Reed Greene; two sisters, Ophelia Watson and Lucille Watson, and three brothers, Howard, Clarence, and Junior Parsons.

Funeral services for Ola Parsons Greene Walker will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2014, 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 Reverend Scott Howard, Reverend Charles Patton, and Reverend Edwin Elmore. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

She loved flowers, but those desiring to make a memorial donation, in her name, may be sent to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, North Carolina, 28658. They were absolutely wonderful with managing her pain and taking wonderful care and concern with her and our family. We will be forever grateful to them.

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

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

Kate Thompson, D. March 13, 2014

Thompson
Thompson

Kate Thompson, 70, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 13th ending her 7 month battle with cancer. 

In her final weeks, Kate was cared for by her adoring family and visited by life-long friends, passing at the end with Art, her beloved husband of 48 years, by her side.

Kate was born in Brooklyn, New York July 2,1943. In childhood, she moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey, and she attended the Academy of Mount St.Vincent’s High School, graduating in 1961. Kate studied psychology at Rosemont College in Pennsylvania, receiving her degree in 1965. An exceptional athlete, Kate was a star player on the women’s basketball teams in both high school and college.

While still at Rosemont, Kate was set up on a blind date with Art, with whom she would spend the next fifty years. Together, Kate and Art built successful careers, traveled widely, enjoyed tennis and golf, and developed treasured friendships in the many places they called home.

From coaching youth basketball and teaching aerobic dancing in Port Washington, New York to serving on the board that built the Patrick Beaver Memorial Library in Hickory, North Carolina, Kate was actively involved in every community in which she lived. She was happiest on a tennis court, reading a good book, or in a garden. 

Kate was blessed with two children, Lauren and David; their spouses, Dennis and Lisa; five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Andrew, Millie, Charlie and Martha; and one utterly cherished cockapoo, Smudge.

A service will be held at St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 am Thursday, March 20th. The church is located at 2085 Highway 105 South, Linville, NC 28646.

We are designing a memorial garden to be dedicated at a service celebrating her life on August 9th. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Medi Home Health and Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone NC 28607. 

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

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Thompson family. 

Joe McGuire, D. March 13, 2014

Joe Allen McGuire 69, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Thursday March 13th after a brief but terminal illness.

McGuire
McGuire

Joe was born November 21, 1944 to Fred and Gladys McGuire. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968.

He will be forever missed by his sons Jeff (Lori) of Kernersville, NC and David (Sherry) of Clemmons, NC, 2 grandsons Matt and Jacob, his sister and best friend Jeanette (Dale) Church of Kernersville, NC, brothers Bill (Francis) McGuire of Kernersville, NC, and Charles (Lorraine) McGuire of Taylorsville, NC and a loving host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Bob McGuire and his wife Pearl Ann Parlier McGuire preceded him in death.

Funeral Services for Joe Allen McGuire will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 15, 2014, at 1:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:00 until 1:00 o’clock. Military graveside rites and burial, provided by VFW Post 4286, will follow at Cook Cemetery in Beech Mountain, NC.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 12:00 until 1:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the Palliative Care Unit and 8th Floor Pulmonary for their exceptional care for the entire family during this difficult time.

Kathryn Stapleton, D. March 12, 2014

Stapleton
Stapleton

Kathryn Millsaps Stapleton, age 76, of New River Hills, Boone, passed away Wednesday morning, March 12, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Kathryn was born May 7, 1937 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Roscoe and Mamie Dishman Millsaps. She was a retired LPN, medical and surgical assistant for Dr. Clayton Dean. Kathryn was also a medical and surgical assistant for the physicians of Blowing Rock Hospital. She was a member of Three Forks Baptist Church.

Kathryn was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, caregiver and friend to all.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, Claude Stapleton of the home; two sons, Mike Stapleton and wife Pam, and David Stapleton and wife Shannon, all of Boone; two grandsons, Jacob Stapleton and wife Carrie of Charlotte, and Daniel Stapleton and wife Stephanie of Boone; three granddaughters, Kristen McGinnis and husband Aaron of Vilas, Victoria Stapleton and Katherine Stapleton, both of Boone; five great-grandsons, Smith Stapleton, Zack Stapleton, Mason McGinnis, Graham Stapleton, Ethan Perry, and Ayla Perry; two sisters, Julia Parks and Betty Younce, both of Toledo, Ohio, and two brothers, Arvel Millsaps and wife Pauline, and Allen Millsaps and wife Gail, all of the Bethel Community. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by one son, Jeff Stapleton; one granddaughter, Jacqueline Stapleton; one daughter-in-law, Carolyn Stapleton, and her father and mother, Roscoe and Mamie Dishman Millsaps, and a sister Rachel Millsaps Arnette.

Funeral services for Kathryn Millsaps Stapleton will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2014, at 2:00 o’clock, at Three Forks Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend David Ricker, Reverend Ray Greene,  Reverend Lynn Powers and Reverend Seth Norris. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Three Forks Baptist Church.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Three Forks Baptist Church, 1922 US Highway 421 South, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

The family respectfully requests no food.

Bobby Langdon, D. March 12, 2014

Langdon
Langdon

Robert Graham “Bobby” Langdon, age 60, of Mustard Field Road, Boone, passed away Wednesday morning, March 12, 2014, at Watauga Medical Center.

Bobby was born March 30, 1953 in Portsmouth, Virginia, a son of the late Robert G. Langdon and Norma Jean “Peggy” Robbins Langdon. He was owner and operator of Farmer’s Hardware in Boone.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Terri Greene Langdon of the home; two sons, Brandon Langdon and wife Allison of West Jefferson, and Jason Langdon of Boone; three grandsons, Graham Case Langdon and John Henry Langdon, both of Boone, and Harrison Langdon of West Jefferson; one granddaughter, Hattie Leigh Langdon of West Jefferson; one sister, Theresa Mosteller and husband Bobby of Vilas; one brother, Don Langdon and wife Ay of Palm Beach, Florida, and his father and mother-in-law, Cecil and Hazel Holcombe Greene. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesse Mitchell and Charlie Langdon, and one sister, Regina “Poogie” Langdon.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014, from 5:00 until 7:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to a charity of the donors choice.

Margaret Eggers Perry, D. March 12, 2014

Perry
Perry

Mrs. Margaret Eggers Perry, age 86, of US Highway 421 North, Boone, passed away Wednesday morning, March 12, 2014 at Watauga Medical Center. Born August 15, 1927 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late S. C. Eggers, Sr., and Nora South Eggers. Margaret was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church.

Mrs. Perry is survived by her brother, Stacy C. Eggers, Jr. of Boone; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, including Judy Church of Tabernacle, NJ, Rebecca Eggers-Gryder and husband, Kelvin, of Boone, Marianna Isaacs and husband, Tom, of Vilas, and Margaret Eggers of Boone; sister-in-law, Mickie Holland and husband, Paul, of Benson; and special friends, Dr. George Miles and wife, Ida, Beth Jones, Yvonne Walker, and her cat, Mrs. Kitty. 

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan G. Perry; son, Dr. Ronald M. Perry; three sisters, infant Laura Eggers, Beulah Jean Eggers and Christine Simons; brother, Morris Emsley Eggers.

Funeral services for Margaret Eggers Perry will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the First Baptist Church of Boone, officiated by Pastor Roy Dobyns. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 1 until 2 o’clock, one hour prior to services, at the Church. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church Rise Up Campaign, 375 West King St., Boone, 28607. 

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

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