Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled Nov. 13, 2013
Homer Carter Lentz, D. Nov. 11, 2013
Mr. Homer Carter Lentz, age 88, of Blowing Rock quietly passed away 4:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, at Blowing Rock Extended Care Facility.
Carter was born January 2, 1925 in Watauga County to Eugene and Ruth Lentz.
In addition to his parents, Eugene and Ruth Edmisten Lentz, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lydia Broyhill, and two brothers, Lewis and Guy Lentz.
He is survived by one daughter; Jo Ann Lentz Williams and husband John, of Roanoke, VA, one son, Michael Thomas Lentz and wife Lisa of Ronda, two grandsons, Colon Hunter Williams and wife Stephanie of Suffolk, VA and Joshua Thomas Lentz of Wilmington, and three sisters; Recie Craig, Mary Lentz and Nancy Trexler and husband Earl all of Blowing Rock, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Carter received numerous accolades throughout his life reflecting his high moral character, honesty and his sincere concern for the wellbeing of his students and fellow man. He was always a pleasant and happy man and nothing provided him greater joy than to mentor a young person into becoming successful in life.
A Military and Masonic graveside service for Homer Carter Lentz will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday (November 13, 2013) at Woodlawn Cemetery.
American Legion Post # 130 and Snow Lodge #363 AF & AM will officiate. The family respectfully requests no food, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Snow Lodge #363 AF & AM, PO Box 2672, Boone, NC 28607 or to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund, PO Box 393, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
Celebrating a life well lived, Carter was a gentleman, teacher, coach, Mason and soldier.
Johnny Hicks, D. Nov. 8, 2013
Johnny Delbert Hicks, age 66, of Wilson Hicks Road, Vilas, passed away Friday, November 8th at Watauga Medical Center. Born May 4, 1947 to James Dean and Rita Harmon Hicks, he was an auto mechanic and a member of Willowdale Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Judy Wilson Hicks of the home; two sons: Jimmy Hicks and wife Janet and Steve Hicks, all of Vilas; two grandsons: Dustin & Tyler Hicks and three granddaughters: Sierra, Brandy and Amanda Hicks, all of Vilas; sisters, Shirley LaGow and Sandra Ward and husbnd, Lonnie, all of Banner Elk; and one brother, Timmy Hicks of Banner Elk. A number of nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Dean and Rita Harmon Hicks; son, Joel Hicks; brothers, Bill & Randy Hicks; niece, Jeanette Small and brother-in-law, Ed LaGow.
Services for Johnny Delbert Hicks will be conducted 11:00 AM on Monday,
November 11, 2013, at Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. David Lunsford and Rev. Chad Cole. Burial will follow in the Harmon Family Cemetery, Banner Elk, NC.
The family will receive friends Sunday evening, November 10th, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory, 194 Queen Street, Boone, NC 28607.
Maude Johnson Isaacs, D. Nov. 7, 2013
Maude Johnson Isaacs, age 88, of Smith Isaacs Road, Zionville, passed away Thursday morning, November 7, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.
Mrs. Isaacs is survived by two daughters, Marcia Harmon and husband Bart of Vilas, and Shari Brown and husband Kenneth of Zionville; three sons, A.F. Isaacs and wife Vickey, Larry Isaacs and wife Teresa, and Mike Isaacs and wife Susie, all of Zionville; nine grandchildren, Terry Isaacs and wife April, and Eric Harmon and wife Jessica, all of Vilas, Brad Isaacs and wife Sarah of Zionville, Chad Isaacs and wife Sara of Vilas, Landon Isaacs and wife Candace of Gilbert, Arizona, Jason Brown and wife Casey of Zionville, Vonda Sharp of Tampa, Florida, Kristi Roark and husband Kenny of Zionville, and Heather Rhem and husband Jon of Winston-Salem, and fifteen great-grandchildren, Ashtyn Miller and husband Johnny of Norfolk, Virginia, Matt Church of Zionville, Brandon Mast of Vilas, Robyn Langdon of Zionville, Kelsey Isaacs of Raleigh, Peyton Isaacs, and Jada Isaacs, both of Zionville, Berkley Isaacs of Gilbert, Ariziona, Kayla Harmon, Jacob Harmon, and Kara Harmon, all of Vilas, Avery Rhem, Taylor Rhem, and Alex Rhem, all of Winston-Salem, and Baby Girl Brown of Zionville; one sister, Hazel Cornett of Mountain City, Tennessee, and one sister-in-law, Geneva Johnson of Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnie Franklin Isaacs; her father and mother Carroll and Bertie Norris Johnson; two brothers, Willard and Melvin Johnson, and two sisters, Faye Moody and Nell Pope Brown.
Funeral services for Maude Johnson Isaacs will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 10, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Herbert McCoy, Reverend Steve Leashomb, and Reverend Allen Perry. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 235 Smith Isaacs Road, Zionville.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Hand-in Hand Building Fund at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, c/o Ann Thomas, 1514 Silverstone Road, Zionville, NC 28698.
Online condolences may be sent to the Isaacs family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Winter H. Fralish, D. Nov. 7, 2013
Walter H. Fralish, age 96, of Ray Brown Road, Boone, passed away Thursday morning, November 7, 2013, at his home.
Mr. Fralish is survived by his wife, Emily Falat of the home; three daughters, Lila Rowles, Pat Palatka, and Elizabeth Matthews, all of Florida, and one son, Curtis Fralish and wife Sarah of Pennsylvania. He is also survived by six grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements for Walter H. Fralish are incomplete at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the Fralish family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Kim Priest Graham, D. Nov. 7, 2013
Kim Priest Graham, age 37, of Banner Elk, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2013.
Our beloved daughter attended Valle Crucis Elementary School, graduated from Watauga High School in 1994, and was a 1998 graduate of Appalachian State University.
Kim is survived by her father and mother, Alfred and Cindy Priest of Banner Elk; two minor children, 8 year old Maddison and 4 year old Adam; one sister, Christina Whilden, and one brother, Daryl Priest.
Funeral services for Kim Priest Graham will be conducted Thursday afternoon, November 14, 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 Pastor Derek Boggs.
The family will receive friends following the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the Priest family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Virgil Worth Greer, D. Nov. 7, 2013
Virgil Worth Greer, age 63, of Church Street, Boone, passed away Thursday evening, November 7th, 2013 at the Caldwell County Hospice in Lenoir. Virgil was born April 14, 1950 in Watauga County. He was a member and served as a deacon of the Mennonite Brethren Church. Virgil loved music and especially performing in the church choir and singing with the Gospel Gems. Virgil was the founder of the Junaluska Heritage Foundation and served as historian for the Junaluska community.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam Era.
Mr. Greer is survived by his son, Miles Greer of Charlotte; mother, Ruth Greer of Banner Elk; and his sister, Alma G. Hatton and husband, Morris, of Boone. He was preceded in death by his father, Winston Greer, and his brother, Chris Greer.
Funeral services for Virgil Greer will be conducted Sunday afternoon, November 10th at 2 o’clock, at the Mennonite Brethren Church. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1 until 2 o’clock, one hour prior to services, at the church.
Burial, with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 130, will follow at Clarissa Hill Cemetery.
At other times, the family will be at the home of his sister, Alma Hatton, 137 North Street in Boone.
The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, in care of Kathy Idol, 8821 Highway 421 South, Deep Gap, NC 286l8.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Greer family.
Mary ‘Bebe’ Bryant, D. Nov. 7, 2013
Mary “Bebe” Bryant was born on January 25, 1932 in Southern Pines, NC, daughter of the late Joe Ellis Maples and Mary Alice Patterson Maples Ladner.
She was art director at WECT – TV in the early 60’s, long before computer graphics. Bebe completed all artistic functions by hand, from station cards, show set design, backgrounds for all TV commercials and logos. Known by WECT viewers as Bebe the Weather Girl, she also appeared on early TV shows such as The Jim Burns Show, The Ben McDonald Show, and Carolina in the Morning shows. Her creative visions were also displayed in artwork and sets for the Azalea Festival Grand Coronation Ceremonies at Brogden Hall.
Following Bebe’s TV achievements, she carried on her love and talent for art in numerous private ventures. She launched The Workshop, an original beach wear and crafts store in Wrightsville Beach. Expanding on the successful concept, she later opened a ski wear and mountain crafts in Blowing Rock and Boone, NC. Some might have remembered her from the old Northwestern Bank and the Boone Golf Club.
Her beautiful oil paintings, water color prints, charcoal drawings and inspirational quotes were in demand at large craft shows in the Eastern Carolina’s, such as the annual Myrtle Beach Christmas Craft Show. Her talents and creativity were endless and admired by countless numbers of fans. Bebe appreciated the praise-saying, My greatest satisfaction is knowing that something I have done is treasured.”
Her kind heart, quick wit, and “larger than life” personality made her a cherished friend to anyone she met. She was loved and admired by her large and close-knit family, especially her best friend and husband, Johnnie.
She is survived by husband Johnnie Bryant, Jr. in Wilmington, sons Matt Bryant of Wilmington and Brian and wife Teresa Bryant of Winnabow, NC; daughters Debbie and husband Bill Hartley of Boone, NC and Traci and husband Ben Lewis of Grantham, NC; brother Joe and wife Judy Maples of Wilkesboro, NC, and sister Ross and husband Allan Haedrich of Myrtle Beach, SC. In addition she was a proud “Grand Bebe” to 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Andrews Mortuary at 17th and Market in Wilmington, NC. Graveside services will be at 3:00 PM Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington.
Special thanks are extended to all the nurses, doctors and staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Davis Communities Rehab Pavilion, Coastal Rehab at NHRMC, and the New Hanover County EMS attendants.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bebe’s memory to the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association would be sincerely appreciated.
Patsey Kendrick Eller, D. Nov. 6, 2013
Patsey Ruth Kendrick Eller, age 85, of 625 Jordan Cook Road, Boone, passed away Wednesday evening, November 6, 2013, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation in Boone.
Mrs. Eller was born March 8, 1928 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Quay and Ollie Johnson Kendrick. She was a homemaker and baker, and also a member of Middle Fork Baptist Church in Blowing Rock.
Pat, mom, and mammaw was devoted to her family and friends. She experienced no greater joy than to prepare meals for anyone who came her way. After being widowed in in 1979, her energies turned to caring for her three grandsons. She was energetic, whether playing softball with the boys, having a large garden until recent years, or baking cakes for many friends in Boone. Always optimistic to the end, she refused to despair or give up. She never shed a tear about her dire condition, a strong testimony to her faith. We are fully confident that her belief is now a reality because she is in the presence and rest of her Lord Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Eller is survived by one son, Joedy Eller and wife Peggy of Boone; three grandsons, Pastor Josh Eller and wife Melissa of McLeansville, North Carolina, Daniel Eller and wife Ashley of Charlotte, and Michael Eller and wife Sarah of Charleston, South Carolina; four great-grandsons, Jaxon Eller, Graham Eller, and Hunter Eller, all of McLeansville, and Luke Eller of Charlotte, and a special caregiver, Candi Black of Fleetwood. She is also survived by two nieces, and a number of great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Alvin Gwyn Eller, and one brother, Carl Kendrick.
Funeral services for Patsey Ruth Kendrick Eller will be conducted Saturday afternoon, November 9, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Middle Fork Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Jim Potts, Pastor Josh Eller, and Reverend Bud Russell. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at Middle Fork Baptist Church.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the Middle Fork Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, PO Box 743, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605.
Online condolences may be sent to the Eller family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
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