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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 15, 2013

Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled March 15, 2013

Paul Boger, D. March 14, 2013

Paul G. Boger, age 89, of Boone, a longtime resident of Charlotte, passed away Thursday evening, March 14, 2013, at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living in Boone.

Funeral services for Paul G. Boger will be conducted Monday afternoon, March 18, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at McEwen-Pineville Chapel in Charlotte. Officiating will be his son-in-law, Don Holder. Burial will follow in Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte.

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

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service and McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel are in charge of the arrangements.

Marshall Docteroff, D. March 14, 2013

Marshall Docteroff
Marshall Docteroff

Marshall Docteroff 74 years old, died peacefully at his home in Valle Crucis, NC on March 14,2013. Born in Brooklyn, NY to Pincus and Anne Docteroff, Marshall graduated from High School 1957, and then served in the US Army. He married Toby Applebaum in 1960 and had two daughters Jamie Schaefer and Sherri Jaquays. Married Nancy Meehan in the mid 1970’s and had two sons Michael and Patrick Docteroff. In 1986 he married the love of his life, Linda, and acquired two step children Robert Youngs and Elizabeth Stunkel.

Marshall left this world leaving behind his loving and devoted wife of 27 years Linda Docteroff, six beautiful and devoted children, his older brother and 8 precious grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Linda Docteroff, his brother Norman Docteroff and his wife Corina of Ft. Lauderdale. Marshall’s children, Jamie and Bonnie Schaefer of Boca Raton and Blowing Rock, Sherri Jaquays and her husband Rusty and their children Anna and Lauren of Blowing Rock. Marshall’s sons Michael Docteroff of Boone, NC and Patrick and Elizabeth Brumet Docteroff, and their children, Marisa, Matthew and Christopher from Pembroke Pines. Marshall’s Stepchildren Elizabeth and Bob Stunkel and their children, Bo, Ryan and Sally from The Village of Golf. Neices and nephews to include, Jeffery and Harriett Docteroff, Scott Docteroff, Paul and Diana Docteroff, and David Bergal, Cousins to include, Lloyd and Diane Doctoroff, Helene Doctoroff Erb, Elaine Doctoroff Bazini, Fred and Marilyn Simon, Judy and Gene Kessler, Howard Berke, Judie Fienberg and her sister Sonny Harris of Boone NC. Linda’s 5 sisters are among the bereaved, Betsie and Jimmy Kubsch, Mary and Eric Douglas, Jane McCabe, Sue and Rick Cosmas, Annie Reeves and their families. Marshall drew people to him because of his humor and forthrightness, kindness and discipline, making many life long friends along the way.

Marshall was born and grew up in Brooklyn New York. He moved to South Florida in the late 60’s and started a repping company, Palm Tree Industries. In 1987 he started “The Pool People”, the largest pool company in Florida. Marshall retired in 2000. His employees considered him “The best boss ever”. All those in the pool business regarded Marshall as a fair and very honest employer, friend, and competitor”.

He started his retirement from a dream of purchasing a 40′ motor home and traveling with his wife Linda all over the US. In 2003 he relocated to Valle Crucis in the NC mountains where he built the home of his dreams residing there until his death. Marshall loved to live life, he enjoyed traveling, dancing, fly fishing, Dewar’s 20 year old scotch, sky diving, hiking, enjoying Chinese cuisine to name a few. He always wanted to try something new, challenging and exciting. He was a recognized member of the Kiwanis Club of Boone, helping all the local children in Watauga County. Marshall will be remembered for his sense of humor, wit, his love of the Miami Dolphins, the Marlins and later in life Appalachian University Mountaineers. He enjoyed entertaining and travel and spending time with good friends and relatives.

Funeral services for Marshall Docteroff will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, March 20, 2013, at 1:30 PM, at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, 333 SW 4th Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida, 33432. Officiating will be Rabbi Daniel Levin. Burial will follow in Star of David Memorial Garden, 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, Florida, 33068. A memorial service will be held at The Temple of the High Country, in Boone, NC, in the spring.

The Docteroff Family is forever thankful for the compassion and outstanding support and love and care from his caretakers, Dana Cabanas, Alan Wagner, and Joyce Forsyth and the staff at Medi Home Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please gift donations to Temple of the High Country Rabbinical Fund, PO Box 2895, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, Kiwanis Club of Boone, 2036 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657-1357.

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

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

Teresa Ann Dandy, D. March 13, 2013

Teresa Ann Dandy
Teresa Ann Dandy

Teresa Ann Dandy, age 55, of 183 Graggville Road, Boone, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at Frye Regional Medical in Hickory.

Teresa is survived by one brother, Willie Dandy and wife Diane of Zionville; one half-brother, Robert Allen Adams, Jr. of Mountain City; one half-sister, Ellen Adams Dotson of Vilas; a special aunt, Frankie Miller and husband Jim of Zionville; three additional aunts, Mary Belle Lawrence and husband Clayton of Zionville, Dorothy Yates and husband Henry of Boone, and Nellie Mitchell and husband Buddy of Zionville, and two uncles, Red Campbell and wife Joan of Zionville, and Blaine Campbell and wife Jean of Sugar Grove. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Ralph Michael Dandy and Gladys Campbell Dandy Adams, one brother-in-law, Keith Dotson, and two uncles, Willard and Tommy Campbell.

Funeral services for Teresa Ann Dandy will be conducted Sunday afternoon, March 17, 2013, at 3:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:30 until 3:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend David Lunceford. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, from 1:30 until 3:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

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

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

Ilene Lowrance, D. March 13, 2013

Ilene Eggers Lowrance
Ilene Eggers Lowrance

Sarah Ilene Eggers Lowrance age 91, of Pine Hill Road, Boone and Mountain Care Facility passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at Watauga Medical Center. Born January 8, 1922 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Tip and Blannie Eggers Eggers. Ilene was a homemaker and a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church.

She is survived by her children; Charles Lowrance and wife Sandra of Moravian Falls, Rosedna “Susie” Auton and husband Jay of Austinville, VA, Lou Ann Church and husband Bruce of Deep Gap, Linda Robbins and husband Roy of Stanley and Roger Lowrance and wife Debbie of Deep Gap, two sisters; Geraldine Matheson and Willeen Albright both of Lenoir, and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Frank Lowrance, one grandson; Tim Lowrance, and three brothers; Stuart, Mack and Carl Eggers.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Ilene Eggers Lowrance will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Poplar Grove Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Chuck Campbell and Rev. Herbert McCoy. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon prior to the service from 1 until 3 o’clock at the church. At other times friends may call at the home of a daughter; Lou Ann Church, Rocky Point Acres Road in Deep Gap. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Poplar Grove Baptist Church, Building Fund, in care of Ann Welch, 214 Old Clayton Greene Road, Boone, NC 28607 or to the American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Suite 336 M, Charlotte, NC 28202. Online condolences may be shared with the Lowrance family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Roland Jones, D. March 12, 2013

Roland Jones
Roland Jones

James Roland Jones, age 68, of NC Hwy l94 North, Boone, the Sands community, passed away Tuesday morning, March 12, 2013, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Roland was born in Watauga County on December 21, 1944 to Raymond and Louise Christian Jones.

He worked for 25 years at the family business, Raymond Jones Heating and A/C, before becoming a Building Inspector for the Town of Boone, where he retired in 2010 after 25 years of service. He was an active member of Howard’s Creek Baptist Church where he and his wife were the Senior Adult (JOY) Group Ministry Coordinators. He participated in numerous mission trips and activities. Roland was a member of the High Country Fly Wheelers Association. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, photography, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandy Brown Jones; three daughters, Tammy McClannon and husband, Terry, Amy Shook and husband, Mark, and Jennifer Kemp and husband, Joe, all of Boone; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Shook, Kiersten and Jonathan McClannon, and Bryce Kemp, all of Boone; three sisters, Rebecca Holloway of Fleetwood, Frances Greene and husband, J.B., and Patricia Greene and husband, Larry, all of Boone; mother-in-law, Helen Brown, sister-in-law, Debbie Greer and husband, Tony, and brother-in-law, Randy Brown and wife, Lisa. A number of nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Jones; sister, Ramona Hardie; and father-in-law, Roby Brown.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, March 15, 2013 at 2 PM at Howard’s Creek Baptist Church, officiated by John Mough and Joe London. Burial will follow in the Sands Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 until 8 PM at Howard’s Creek Baptist Church. At other times, friends may call at the Jones residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Howard’s Creek Baptist Church EKG Building Fund, 240 Howard’s Creek Baptist Church Rd., Boone, NC, or the Sands Cemetery Fund, in care of Debbie Greer, PO Box 2651, Boone, NC 29607.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Grace Barnes, D. March 11, 2013

Grace Barnes
Grace Barnes

Grace Norris Barnes, 96, of Gilbert Barnes Rd., Boone, and Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation, passed away Monday, March 11, 2013. Born September l8, 1916 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Bynum and Sarah Ragan Norris. Mrs. Barnes was a long time member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, a housewife and homemaker. Grace was devoted to her family, and her passions included quilting, cooking and tending her flower gardens. She spent the last eleven years at Glenbridge where she stayed busy hand stitching and sewing hundreds of pot holders to give to family, friends and visitors. Mrs. Barnes is survived by her children, Gilbert ‘Sonny’ Barnes, Jr. , and Frankie Bodenhamer and husband, John, all of Boone, and Jane Cornett and husband, Eddie, of Vilas; seven grandchildren, Kim Earp of Lenoir, Paul Barnes of Banner Elk, Jamie Barnes and wife, Amy, of Virginia, Julie Cornett of Boone, William Cornett of Wilmington, and Tabitha Taylor and husband, Brantley, and David Bodenhamer and wife, Brenda, all of Boone; eleven great-grandchildren, Matthew Barnes, Kaycee Gore, Wesley Farthing, Kortney and Wesley Bodenhamer, Daniel and Hannah Taylor, Kolby, Kolton and Kaylin Barnes, and Dalton Hicks; three great-great grandchildren; Gracie, Jessica and Sofia; four sisters, Bertha, Millie, Betty , Patsy and husband, George; and three brothers, Ronda, Frank and J.B.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Gilbert W. Barnes, Sr.; grandson, Chris Barnes; special sister-in-law, Betty Lou Norris; sisters, Reda and Verna; and brothers, Lon and Henry.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday morning, March 14, 2013, at 11 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Gary Lawrence. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 o’clock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Burial will follow at Mt. Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.

The family respectfully requests no food and suggests memorials to the Gideon International, Boone Camp, PO Box 3602, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Sharon Koontz Gragg, D. March 11, 2013

Sharon Gragg
Sharon Gragg

Sharon Koontz Gragg, age 56, of Knollwood Drive, Boone, passed away Monday evening, March 11, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

Sharon was born June 7, 1956 in Watauga County, a daughter of Betty Greene Koontz and the late Jim Koontz. She was co-owner and administrator at Mountain Care Facilities in Boone. Sharon was a member and Sunday School teacher at Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Known as ‘NaNa’ by her beloved grandchildren, she embraced the titles of Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, caregiver and friend. She loved others more than herself and served them selflessly. Never one to be flashy or seeking the spotlight, she preferred to blend into the background and allow others to receive the credit. Throughout her life, you could find supporting her children and grandchildren at a swimming pool, a ball field, or a dance performance regardless of time or location. She was able to find a way to love unconditionally and passed that love on to all those she dealt with daily. Leaving this world earlier than we wanted, her Savior has greeted her with ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Paul T. Gragg of the home; one daughter, Jodi Stines and husband Justin of Boone; three sons, David Gragg, Chris Gragg and wife Carolynn, and Pastor Michael Gragg and wife Casey, all of Boone; three granddaughters, Lainey Gragg, Tatym Gragg, and Josie Stines, all of Boone; one grandson, Trathan Gragg of Boone; two sisters, Susan Herman and husband Martin of Vilas, and Jane Howell and husband Kenny of Fleetwood, and her father-in-law, Cabell Gragg of Boone. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Sharon Koontz Gragg will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 16, 2013, at 1:00 o’clock, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:00 until 1:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Bud Russell, Reverend Harold Bennett, and her son, Pastor Michael Gragg. Entombment will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. At other times, friends may call at the home of the daughter, Jodi, 128 Lotacare Lane, Boone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon K. Gragg Grandchildren Scholarship Fund, in care of BB&T Bank, 2458 Highway 105 S, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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

Mary Pitts, D. March 10, 2013

Mary Pitts
Mary Pitts

Mary Kathleen Teague Pitts age 77, of Blowing Rock passed away Sunday night at Blowing Rock Hospital. Born March 22, 1935 in Watauga County, she was the daughter of the late Fred Alton Teague, Sr., and Novella Auton Teague. Mrs. Pitts was a retired Supervisor from Shadowline where she worked for 32 years. She was a former member of the Blowing Rock Church of God and a current member of New Covenant Church of God. Kathleen enjoyed baking cakes and sharing them with her many friends.

She is survived by one daughter; Lynda Norris and husband Don of Todd, two sons; Rev. Dennis Pitts and wife Melody of Hickory and Kenneth Pitts and wife Hope of Washington, NC, two brothers; Billy A. Teague and wife Juanita and Thomas Boyd Teague all of Lenoir; her grandchildren; Crystal Shelton and husband Eddie of Statesville, Carrie Dietrich and husband Matthew of Hickory, Mark Norris and wife Karen of Valdese, Dennis Pitts, Jr. of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and Dustin Pitts and fiancé’ Lauren Davis of Hickory, eleven great grandchildren and a special friend, Steve Ford. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Clarence “Shorty” Pitts, four brothers; Fred Teague, Jr. Malcolm Teague, Charles Teague and J. D. Teague, and one half brother; Dale Auton.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Kathleen Teague Pitts will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Norris and Rev. Gary Shew. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to The Church of God Children’s Home, 3485 Orphanage Circle, Concord, NC 28027. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the Pitts family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Roy Rees, D. March 10, 2013

Roy Rees
Roy Rees

Roy H. Rees, age 88, of Blowing Rock, went to the arms of Jesus Sunday afternoon at Life Care Center of Banner Elk with his wife Lynne by his side. Born October 19, 1924 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he was a son of the late Arthur and Maude Howard Rees. Roy was a WWII Army Veteran; and recipient of a Bronze Star Medal. He served in the Army Reserve for a number of years attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Following the war Roy graduated from Denver University. He spent the majority of his life in Dallas Texas where he worked as an Internal Auditor for the IRS. Roy was an avid golfer and member of Brookhaven Golf Club in Dallas. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, traveling and spending time with his family.

Roy is survived by his wife; Lynne Rees, daughter; Sandra Rees Hatch and husband Fred, step-daughters; Susan Johnson, Annette J. Beeler and husband Jim, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one daughter; Shelia Rees Vossler.

A Celebration of Life service for Roy Rees will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Bud Russell and Dr. Greg Heisler. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared with the Rees family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Robert England, D. March 9, 2013

Robert Louis England, Sr., age 80, of Old Bristol Road, Boone, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2013, at his home.

He was born April 1, 1932, in Catawba County to the late Clyde and Ida Ramseur England. He was a member of Intercontinental Church of God. He retired from Null Industrial and was employed part time by Boone Industries.

He leaves to cherish loving memories his wife Kedith Lovett England of the home, two sons, Robert L. England Jr. of Gaithersburg, Maryland and Thomas Dale(Kyla) Muhamed of Charlotte, two step-daughters, Ingrid (Joseph) Welgen of San Antonio, Texas and Kury Cobham of Washington, D.C., one sister Tommie (Eddie) Washington of Oxon Hill, Maryland, and one brother Joe (Brenda) England of Maiden, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Lather Sanders England, three brothers, Ramson England, George England, and Harvey England, and one sister Hattie Coffee.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church with the Rev. Michael Hester and Elder Jim Pinniz officiating. Burial will follow at Maiden Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 15, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Barney Hampton Funeral Home in Boone, and one hour prior to the funeral service at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Maiden, NC.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service, and Allen Mitchell Funeral Home, in Hickory, are in charge of the arrangements.

Don Natel, D. March 8, 2013

Don N. Natel ‘Shat’, Left the earthly home he loved so much on March 8, 2013.

Born in Oneonta, New York, Don moved to Avery County in 1989 where he fell in love with the people. He was married to Judith Witte for 19 years who Don referred to as his ‘backbone’ up to the day of his death. A passionate skier and golfer, he worked with the French-Ski College for Two decades while serving as golf director at the Willow Creek G.C in the 1990’s. He would later run golf shop operations at Linville Land Harbor, the community he called home. He was a fixture at The Sugar Mountain Golf Club and Mountain Glen where he could be found carrying his golf bag most afternoons during the golf season. He will be missed at both Courses.

In addition to his wife, Judy, Don leaves behind ‘a wonderful son, Eric Natel of Rochester, NY.

His prayer is that all the wonderful people he came to know just ‘celebrate life’ everyday.

No memorial services are planned at this time.

The family asks that memorials be sent to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, North Carolina, 28657.

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

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

Brenna Currie, D. March 8, 2013

Brenna Currie
Brenna Currie

The beautiful spirit of Brenna Marie Currie, age 22 of Ambling Way, Boone, left this world on Friday March the 8th 2013.

Born August 13, 1990 in Greensboro, NC, she was the daughter of Larry and Jo Ann Tennyson Currie. Brenna was a student at Appalachian State University, and was pursuing a career as a Music Therapist.

She is survived by her parents; Larry and Jo Ann Tennyson Currie of Jamestown; one brother; Benjamin Currie of Greensboro, her maternal grandparents; Aileen and Charles Tennyson, of Greensboro, her paternal grandmother and step-grandfather; Betty and Wilton Wood of Pinehurst, her aunts and uncles; Teresa and Peter Jacobs, Joe and Janet Tennyson, Kevin and Paula Tennyson, Brian and Sandy Tennyson, Keith and Becky Currie and Marcia Currie, and her cousins; Michael, Nicole, Christopher, Caroline, Sydney, Julian, and Natasha Tennyson and Michael Currie. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather; Roland Eugene Currie and one cousin; Melanie Tennyson.

The celebration of the life of Brenna Marie Currie will be conducted Friday morning March 15th at 11:00 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd, Greensboro, NC. Brightly colored attire is encouraged. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. A reception for all will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Voices Together, PO Box 16721, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Please indicate the memorial is in Brenna’s honor. Online condolences may be shared with the Currie family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Currie 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