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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – June 19, 2018

The following are recent obituary notices from Austin & Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

 

Anna S. Barry 
(July 16, 1933 – June 7, 2018) 

    Anna Stout Barry, 84, died Thursday, June 7, 2018 after a short illness. During her last days she was at her home in Valle Crucis, surrounded by family.
    
    Anna was born on July 16, 1933 in Greenville, Mississippi, to the late Wilfred F. Stout and Mary L. Stout. She grew up in Scott, Mississippi, and attended Mississippi State College for Women and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
    
    Anna married Thomas M. Barry of Benoit, Mississippi, on January 22, 1956. After Toms career in the U.S. Navy, with various postings in the U.S. and abroad, the couple settled in Valle Crucis. 
    
    With most of Annas many descendants living within walking distance, her home was a busy crossroads, a place of lively conversation, laughter and music. There were vigorously contested games of Scrabble and Rook, and typically cookies and ice cream. She had a passion for literature and for sharing good books with others. She taught music to grandchildren (especially piano and dulcimer), and compiled two collections of original arrangements for the dulcimer.
    
    Anna poured great energy into correspondence, both handwritten letters and email, with friends and family far and wide. She closely followed the doings of all her grandchildren as they grew up. She enthusiastically supported, promoted and prayed for the work of Christian missionaries. 
    
    Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas M. Barry. She is survived by four sons: Peter (Elizabeth) of Pittsburgh, Pa., Frank (Catherine) of Vilas, John (Molly) of Valle Crucis, and Michael (Rebecca) of Valle Crucis; 28 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren
    
    A memorial service to celebrate the life of Anna Barry is planned for 2 p.m., Saturday at Alliance Bible Fellowship, 105 Bypass, Boone.
    
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Christ the King Anglican Church, Missions Fund.
    
    Online condolences may be shared with the Barry family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
    
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Barry family.

 

Laura Kimberly Gillikin Keller 
(July 28, 1967 – June 13, 2018) 

    Laura Kimberly Gillikin Keller, age 50, of Clay Hodges Road, Boone, passed away Wednesday evening, June 13, 2018 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Hudson. Laura loved to raise and release Monarch butterflies. 
    She is survived by her husband, Eric Keller; daughter, Anne Gross Davenport, and husband, Bryan, and son, Dustin Edward Holsenback, all of Durham; step-daughters, Brittany Keller and friend, Cory, of Waynesville, and Alisha Ann Keller of Taylorsville; her father, Benjamin M. Gillikin and wife, Deborah, of Princeville, Hawaii; sister, Michelle Geiser and husband, Kevin, of Fletcher; brothers, Benjamin Gillikin, Jr. and wife, Jeannine, of Piedmont, CA and Timothy Michael Gillikin of Rutherfordton; step-brother, Christopher J. Johnston and wife, Joanna, of Hanapepe, Hawaii; and nine nieces and nephews. Laura was preceded in death by her mother, Judith Burns. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Mary Moore Lyons of Boone; brother-in-law, Randy Earl Keller and wife, Kathy, of Deep Gap; and father-in-law, Earl Ronda Keller and wife, Jane, of Mt. Airy. She was also preceded in death by father-in-law, D. Ned Lyons. 
    Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, June 16th at 3 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Cindy Banks. The family will greet friends following services. 
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Laura Kimberly Gillikin Keller Foundation, CCC & TI Foundation for Nursing Scholarships, PO Box 600, Lenoir, NC 28645. 
    Online condolences can be shared at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Keller family.

 

James Blake (Jim) Smith 
(November 08, 1942 – June 13, 2018) 

    James Blake (JIM) Smith, Sr., age 75, formerly of Greer Lane, Vilas, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 13, 2018 at The Foley Center in Blowing Rock.
    
    Jim grew up in the Greenville and LaGrange, NC area where he met his wife, Mary Alice. He was a member of the Greenville Police Department until December 1, 1966 when he was sworn in as a member of the North Carolina Highway Patrol and graduated from Patrol School March 15, 1967.
    
    While serving with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, he attended schools in Caldwell, Durham, Vance, Wake and Chapel Hill. He was first assigned to Lincoln County and in August of 1972, was transferred to Watauga County where he served until his retirement in 1983.
    
    Jim was an active member of Clarks Creek Baptist Church. He also participated actively in the Skills USA and Pioneer Academy at Watauga High School as well as volunteered for many years at Valle Crucis Elementary School with the Third Grade Class and for the 8th Grade Class Fund Raisers in October along with Diane Wilcox, a teacher and very special friend.
    
    Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Mary Alice, one daughter, Amy Leigh, two sons James B. Jr. and Patrick, all of Vilas. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Susan Lucas and husband, Wayne, of Nashville, NC; Van Delia Reese and husband, Steve, of Catawba, NC, and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by two half-brothers, Bill Ipock and wife, Susan of Chesapeake, VA, Bobby Ipock and wife, Judy of Greenville, NC, and half-sister, Susan Hall and husband, Byron of Greensboro, NC along with a number of nieces and nephews.
    
    Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Jim and Sallie Colie of LaGrange, NC; Father and mother-in-law, F.A. and Myrtle Hedgepeth; Mother, Margie Ipock, stepfather, W. H. Ipock, Sr. and one half-sister, Betty Lou Ipock of Farmville, NC.
    
    The family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to The Foley Center and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care for the wonderful, loving care you gave. Each of you are very special to all of us, especially to Jim.
    
    Funeral services for Jim Smith will be conducted Tuesday morning, June 19th, at 11 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Mike Townsend and Rev. Burl Greer. Graveside services will follow in the Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
    
    The family will receive friends Monday evening, June 18th, from 6 until 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes. At other times, friends may call at the home of his daughter, Amy Smith, 655 Greer Lane, in Vilas.
    
    Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 68, Sugar Grove, NC 28679.
    
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Smith family.

 

James C. Berry 
(May 14, 1939 – June 15, 2018) 

    James Cecil Berry, age 79, passed away Friday evening June 15, 2018 at his home. 
    James was born May 14, 1939 in Watauga County, he was the son of Granville and Mae Berry. 
    James had been a painter for 35 years and owned Berry Painting Company. His favorite things were working with his sons on cars, fishing, gardening, and visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was proud to be a veteran, serving in the United States Army and Army reserves.
    
    Mr. Berry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy Ashley Berry; and five Children; daughter, Robin Triplett and husband James of Banner Elk; daughter, Janet Berry of Boone; son, Douglas Berry and wife Billana of Triplett; son, Jeffery Berry and wife Beth of Boone; daughter Amy Yates and husband Jamey of Fleetwood.
    
    He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Brandy Baird, Tracie Presnell, Keri Triplett/Presnell, Creston Triplett, Steven Hatley, Stacia Hatley, Joseph Strickland, Tierra Stark, Terran Berry, Kevin Roark, Carson Oxentine, Erica Rattler, Jessica Greene, and Samantha Earp, Dustin Parlier, and 32 great-grandchildren; and his brother, George Berry and wife, Pauline of Florida; sister, Martha Jane Edmisten and husband Ted of Sugar Grove. He was preceded in death by his parents Granville and Mae Berry; an infant daughter Anita Jean Berry; a sister, Louise Cline; a sister, Frances Payne; a sister, Mary Ellen Hartley; and a sister Inez Storie.
    
    Graveside services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, June 20th at 3 o’clock at Middle 
    Fork Baptist Church cemetery, located at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. The funeral will be officiated by Rev. Burl Greer. 
    The family respectfully requests no flowers and suggests memorial donations be made to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory in Boone, NC to help with funeral expenses. 
    Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Berry family.

 

Jewel Hayes Watson 
(July 11, 1936 – June 15, 2018) 

    Jewel Hayes Watson, age 81, of US Highway 421 North, Vilas, passed away Friday afternoon, June 15, 2018 at Watauga Medical Center. Born July 11, 1936 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Roby and Bessie Trivette Hayes. Jewel was a member of Brushy Fork Baptist Church where she served as the Assistant Director of the Reva WMU Circle. She retired as manager of the Carolina Business Machines in Boone. Her family was the love of her life and her church family was close to her heart. Jewel was always ready to travel with family and friends. 
    Mrs. Watson is survived by her husband, Hobert M. Watson; sons, Mickey Watson and wife, Kelly, of Clearwater, Florida, and Tim Watson and wife, Alisa, of Sugar Grove; sister, Pearl Smith of Winston-Salem; granddaughters, Jenny Peele of Boone and Kristi Ogren and husband, Chris, of Hudson; grandsons, Josh Watson and wife, Emily, of Troutman and William Watson and wife, Daryan, of Mountain City, Tennessee.; six great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Elmo, Baxter and Russell Hayes. 
    Memorial services for Jewel Hayes Watson will be conducted Monday afternoon, June 18th, at 2 o’clock at Brushy Fork Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. John Mark Brown and Rev. Toby Oliver. The family will receive friends from noon until 2 o’clock, prior to services, at the church. 
    The family respectfully requests no food or flowers, and suggests memorials to the Reba WMU Circle at Brushy Fork Baptist Church, 3915 US Hwy 421 North, Vilas, NC 28692, or to Shriner Hospitals for Children, in care of Randy Vines, 1005 George Wilson Road, Boone, NC 28607. 
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Watson family.

 

Norma Jean Rupard Grindstaff Phillips 
(June 15, 1943 – June 15, 2018) 

    Norma Jean Rupard Grindstaff Phillips, age 75, formerly of Bubba Drive, Zionville, passed away Friday morning, June 15, 2018 at The Foley Center in Blowing Rock. Born June 15, 1943 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Carl James and Zada Louise Shook Rupard. Ms. Phillips was of the Baptist faith. Norma Jean was dedicated to her pets and truly enjoyed their companionship. 
    She is survived by her brothers, Dayton Rupard of Elk Park and Larry Ruppard and wife, Gail, of Boone; sisters, Joann Sanders and Shelby Jean Mitchell, both of Zionville; and six grandchildren. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Regina Grindstaff VanKirk and two infant sons; sisters, Claudine Trivette and Ernestine Hollars; and brother, Dale Rupard. 
    Memorial services will be conducted Monday afternoon, June 18th at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Peter Vandenberg. 
    The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at The Foley Center and members of Caldwell Hospice for their compassion and care of Norma Jean. 
    The family respectfully requests no flowers and suggests memorial donations to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. 
    Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
    Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Phillips family.

 

William “Rannie” Ford

April 20, 1948 – June 14, 2018

William “Rannie” Ford, age 70, of Friendship Church Road, Boone, passed away Thursday evening, June 14, 2018, after a brief illness. He was of the Baptist faith.

Rannie spent 40 years as a licensed building contractor. He loved his work and appreciated each customer that became a friend over the years. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the loyal employees, customers, sub-contractors and suppliers that Rannie had the opportunity to work with over the years.

Rannie is survived by his wife, Linda of the home; one son, Billy Ford of Boone; one sister, Margie Mote of Pisgah Forest; two brothers, Joe Ford of Foscoe and Norman Ford of Boone, and his father-in-law, Hill V. Greene of Boone. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law, and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Jane Ford; his father and mother, Ingle and Rhoda Greene Ford, and his mother-in-law, Lois Greene.

Per Rannie’s request, a private graveside service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers or food, memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Men, in care of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, PO Box 1107, Cary, North Carolina, 27512, or to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street N.E. Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.

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

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

 

Natalie Silver Smith

December 19, 1932 – June 15, 2018

Natalie S. Smith, 85, of Boone, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, June 15, 2018 at home with her family by her side.

Natalie was born Dec. 19, 1932 in Kona, NC to Melvin & Mae Silver. After graduating from Bowman High School, she attended the Ferree School of Art in Raleigh, NC from 1950 – 1952.  She married Charles “Chuck” Smith in 1957. 

She is survived by her husband Chuck and her three children, Terry Smith of Spruce Pine, Vanessa Smith of Morganton, and Mitchell Smith and his wife April of Boone, NC. Natalie was blessed with four remarkable grandchildren, Austin Smith of Carrboro, NC, Bridget Ray of Morganton, NC, Kelly Brannigan of Boone, NC and Alyssa Miska of Osnabruck, Germany. Natalie is also survived by one brother, Jimmy Silver and his wife Brenda, and two sisters, Marylee Bailey and Betty Young.  Natalie was preceded in death by one brother, Melvin Jr.

Natalie was a devoted mother and grandmother who deeply loved her family and friends. She was an avid painter for most of her life. She was always an independent spirit and after marrying Chuck became an entrepreneur as well. Together they developed Deer Park Lake Estates, Natalie’s Bootery and Scotchman Homes in Spruce Pine, NC.  After retiring and moving to Boone, Natalie enjoyed being close to her family, extended visits from her grandkids, tending to her flowers and watching wildlife.

There will be no service per Natalie’s wishes. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Natalie will be tremendously missed by many friends and her family but we celebrate that she is now at peace with her heavenly father.

And when she shall die,

Take her and cut her out into little stars,

And she will make the face of heaven so fine

That all the world will be in love with night

And pay no worship to the sun

                                              William Shakespeare

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

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

 

Susan Horton

November 16, 1957 – June 15, 2018

Susan Horton, age 60, of 1259 Bel Air Drive, Santa Barbara, California, passed away Friday, June 15, 2018, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara.

Susan is survived by her father, David F. Horton, Sr. and wife Cathie, and her son, Michael Knapp; her mother, Mary Sue Walsh Horton; her brother David “Butch” Horton, all of Santa Barbara; one sister, Mary Harmon and husband Tommy of Vilas, and one nephew, Matthew David Harmon of Vilas.

Funeral arrangements for Susan Horton are incomplete at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 14 West Valerio Street, Santa Barbara, California, 93101.

Online condolences may be sent to the Horton family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Robert Marsh Harvey
May 18, 1926 – June 8, 2018

Robert Marsh Harvey of Newland, North Carolina, died Friday, June 8, 2018. Bob was born May 18, 1926 in Danville, Virginia to LeRoy George and Gladys Marsh Harvey.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mabel Marie Stout Harvey, sister Margaret (Peggy) Hudson of Danville, VA, daughters Gwendolyn Boesch of White Lake, MI and Gaylene and husband David Petcu of Newland, NC. Bob also leaves behind two grandchildren, Matthew and wife Raeyanna Boesch of Highland, MI and Lisa Wiley and husband Jeffrey of Milford, MI, along with three great-grandchildren, Lilah Boesch, Landyn and Ava Wiley, as well as many nieces and nephews.

After serving as a radio technician in San Diego, CA during World War II, Bob returned to civilian life and a career in radio and television. As he mentioned in his memoirs, he found Mabel waiting for him on top of Table Rock Mountain in North Carolina. He relocated with her to St. Louis, MO to begin their married life and raise a family. For many years he was devoted to service and advocacy for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) clearing trails, “bashing” briars on the mountain balds, leading hikes and creating an informational tailgate display at Carver’s Gap on Roan Mountain. Bob was grateful to twice receive SAHC’s Volunteer of the Year award. Upon retiring, Bob found volunteer opportunities both in St. Louis and Avery County, North Carolina where he and Mabel moved in 2003. He worked with children in Mabel’s first grade classroom and served as sound technician at Walnut Grove Church.

Bob’s interests through the years included a lifelong love of bluegrass music, especially any version of “Lee Highway Blues”, all things related to geology, trains, the Brown Mountain Lights, photography, coin and stamp collecting, Scrabble and more.

Joan (Joann) Borton

March 3, 1937 – June 12, 2018

Joan (Joann) Borton, age 81, of Dade City, Florida passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, TN.

She was born on March 3, 1937 in Clay County, Iowa, to the late Kenneth Ellis and Anne Cair Ellis.

She was preceded in death by her Parents: 3 Brothers; Jim Hickman, Ron Ellis, and Larry Ellis.

Joann was an Associate Member of Mountainside Lutheran Church in Linville, NC and a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Dade City, FL. She enjoyed Golfing and Boating. She was a member of the Ladies Golf Association of the Landings Club in Savannah, GA. She was also a member of Sisters on a Mission at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Dade City, FL, Lake Jovita Ladies Golf Association, and Lake Jovita Women’s Club. She was a wonderful Mother and Grandmother to her family. She enjoyed listening to Christian Music and Easy Listening Music. She was a Registered Nurse where she worked as a Surgical Nurse, an Office Nurse with 3 Pediatricians, and a School Nurse with the Lake County School District from which she retired.

Joann leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Husband of 58 years, Ed Borton; 3 Sons; Scott (Lisa) Borton of Naperville, IL; Todd (Katherine) Borton of Winston Salem, NC; Marc (Bree) Borton of Rogers, AR; Sister: Sandra (Phil) Jones of Gibsonburg, OH; 8 Grandchildren: Haley Borton, Sarah Borton, Sam Borton, Michael Borton, Chandler (Matt) Wagner, Riley Borton, Brianna Borton, and Brock Borton along with multiple nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Joann Borton will be held on June 24, 2018 at 1:00 PM at Mountainside Lutheran Church with Rev. Dennis Quakenboss officiating. The Inurnment in the Columbarium at Mountainside Lutheran Church will take place after the Memorial Service.
A Second Memorial Service will be held in Dade City, Florida at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Mountainside Lutheran Church; 1308 Linville Falls Highway Linville, NC 28646 (www.mountainsidelutheran.org) and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church; 37015 Orange Valley Lane Dade City, FL 33525 (www.shephillslc.org).

Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Borton family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net

The care of Joan and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.

 
Effie Anthony
February 25, 1930 – June 18, 2018

Effie Davis Anthony, age 88, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk, North Carolina
She was born on February 25, 1930 in Yadkin County, North Carolina, a daughter of William Albert Davis and Lottie Wolfe Davis.
Effie attended New Life Baptist Church. She was a sweet little lady that will be missed by her family and this community.
Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her Husband, A. Anthony; Brothers; Paul Davis and Wade Davis; Daughter-in-laws; Louise Anthony and Faye Anthony
Effie leaves behind to cherish her memory: Sons; Dennis Anthony of Pineola, NC. David Anthony of Newland, NC Grandson; Brian Anthony of Raleigh, NC; Granddaughter: Myra (Chris) Carberry Of Fayetteville, NC; Great-Granddaughter: Allisa Madison Carberry; Sisters; Beulah Atkins, of Dobson, NC, Annie Lou McCormick of Rockford NC, Nell Lowe of Dobson, NC; Brother; Joe Davis of Winston- Salem, NC; Sister-in-law: Annie Laura Arant of Winston-Salem, NC; A host of Nieces and Nephews
Services for Effie Davis Anthony will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018 beginning at 2:00 PM from the Grandfather Chapel.
The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 PM on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home
Interment will be in the Calloway Cemetery
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff of Medi-Home Hospice for the sweet loving care they provided to Effie and her family. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi Home Hospice; P.O. Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657
Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Anthony family by visiting our websitewww.rsfh.net
The care of Effie and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.
 Funeral arrangements are private. Memorials in Bob’s name to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) or Walnut Grove Church are most appreciated.

 
Cheryl Lynn Ollis
January 27, 1954 – June 17, 2018
Cheryl Lynn Ollis, of Elk River Rd., Elk Park, NC, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at the Life Care Center in Banner Elk.
She leaves behind her children, Katherine, Cytina, Jessica, Jason, and Amanda.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.