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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – March 22, 2017

Virginia Wilson (Nov. 7, 1930 – March 22, 2017)

Virginia Wilson, age 86, of Clay Wilson Road, Zionville, passed away Wednesday morning, March 22, 2017, at her home.

Virginia was born November 7, 1930 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Calvin Ray Wilson and Myrtle Barlow Wilson. She was a retired employee of IRC/TRW, with over 30 years of service, and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Clay Wilson of the home; three granddaughters, Regina Graham and husband David of Zionville, Janna Lyons and husband Brent of Todd, and Emily Sheffield and husband Adam of Banner Elk; eight great-grandchildren, Evan, Abby, and Alyssa Graham, Eli Lyons, Rayley and Carson Moretz, and Lucy and Rory Sheffield; two sisters, Phyllis Moretz and husband H.C., and Sandy Wicker and husband Chip, all of Boone, and one brother, Calvin Wilson and wife Winnie of Boone. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, James Ray “Butch” Wilson; one brother, Gene Wilson, and one sister, Peggy Johnson.

Funeral services for Virginia Wilson will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 25, 2017, 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 Allan Perry. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Hand-In-Hand Fund, in care of Ann Thomas, 1564 Silverstone Road, Zionville, North Carolina, 29698, or to Medi Home Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 102, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.

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

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


Calvin H. “Cal” Miller (Feb. 7, 1920 – March 21, 2017)

Calvin H. “Cal” Miller, 97, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Watauga Medical Center.

Cal is survived by a special friend, Burger Steele of Boone; two step-sons, Gary Hanes and Ron Hanes of Idaho; seven nephews, Roger Besst of Ohio, Thomas Miller and wife Debbie of Boone, Pat Miller and wife Marie of Boone, Leonard Greer and wife Marney of Clayton, North Carolina, Kenneth Greer and wife Ethel of Morganton, Elton Greer of Lenoir, and Johnny Greer and wife Doris of Boone, and two nieces, Lena Norris of Mountain City, Tennessee, and Gail Hayes and husband David of Fries, Virginia. He is also survived by a number of great and great-great nieces and nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, LeVerne Bates Miller; his father and mother, Jonathan and Hattie Mae Phillyaw Miller; four sisters, Lois Greer, Blanche Miller, Lillian Miller, and Carolyn Miller Best, and four brothers, Dave, Blaine, Charlie, and Jake Miller.

Military graveside rites and burial, provided by the American Legion Post 130, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will be conducted Saturday morning, March 25, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. Officiating will be Pastor Gordon Noble.

Friends may pay their respects, at Hampton Funeral Service, at any time.


Gary Len Ray (July 22, 1947 – March 20, 2017)

Gary Len Ray, 69, of Stanley Miller Road, Deep Gap, passed away Monday morning, March 20, 2017.

Gary was born July 22, 1947 in Watauga County, a son of Grace Payne Ray and the late Clyde C. Ray, Jr. He was a retired, self-employed builder and carpenter, and a member of Laurel Springs Baptist Church. Gary was a board member of the Deep Gap Fire Department of 9 years.

Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara Hash Ray of the home; one son, Ben Ray of Deep Gap; his mother, Grace Payne Ray of Blowing Rock; one sister Susan Clements and husband James of Bartow, Florida; one brother, Joe Ray of Deep Gap; one sister-in-law, Janet Elliott and husband Blake of Mooresville, North Carolina; one nephew, James Clements of Bartow, Florida; one niece, Krista Britt and husband Terrell of Robbins, North Carolina, and two great-nephews, Tristin and Jacob Britt.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one son, Gary Len Ray, Jr.

Funeral services for Gary Len Ray will be conducted Friday morning, March 24, 2017, at 11:00 o’clock, at Laurel Springs Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Gordon Noble and Pastor Travis Suits. Burial will follow in Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Deep Gap Fire Department, 6583 Old US Highway 421 South, Deep Gap, North Carolina, 28618

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


Sasha Marie (1997-2017)

Sasha Marie, a cat of the Sorensen family, passed away at age 20 on Saturday, March 19. 

She was a wonderful friend, loyal companion and she will be missed by her mother Jonell Sorensen, father Blake Sorensen, sisters Lilly and Marmmy and brother Kobi.


Clara Walton Winebarger (Dec. 22, 1949 – March 18, 2017)

Clara Walton Winebarger, 67, of Hardin Road, Boone, passed away Saturday morning, March 18, 2017, at her home.

Clara was born December 22, 1949 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Henry Monroe Walton and Frances Richardson Walton. She was a homemaker and a member of Hardin Road Baptist Church.

Clara is survived by one daughter, Lisa Baity and husband Steve of Indian Land, South Carolina; one son, Nick Winebarger and wife Kay of the Bethel Community; three brothers, Thomas Walton and wife Juanita of North Wilkesboro, David Walton and wife Janie of West Jefferson, and Dale Walton of Jefferson; five sisters, Wanda Sue Holman of West Jefferson, Kathy Watson and husband Ronda of Boone, and Betty Greer and husband Roger, Joy Walton, and Pam Blankenship and husband Gary, all of Todd, and a special friend, Johnny Phillips of Boone. She is also survived by five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arlie Junior Winebarger, and one daughter, Melinda Rhymer.

Funeral for Clara Walton Winebarger will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, March 21, 2017, 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 J.D. Walton and Reverend Guy Testerman. Burial will follow in the Pilot Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

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


Berniece Helen Brewer (Dec. 27, 1933 – March 17, 2017)

Berniece Helen Brewer, 83, of West Jefferson, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017 at Watauga Medical Center.

Berniece is survived by one sister, Margaret Hodge of Elizabethton, Tennessee, and Linda Foster, who was like a daughter to her.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Dale, Warren, Owen, and Wilbur Brewer, and two sisters, Vera Brewer and Emily Woods

A private entombment will be held for Berniece Helen Brewer at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashe Assisted Living Center, 182 Chatty Rob Lane, West Jefferson, North Carolina, 28694.

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

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


Mr. Bobby G. Presnell (Oct. 18, 1969 – March 15, 2017)

Mr. Bobby Glen Presnell, 47, of Boone, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at his home. Born October 18, 1969 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Barbara Church Presnell and Floyd Presnell. Bobby worked doing landscaping and construction.

He is survived by his wife, Renee Arnette, two sons, Dylan Wagner and Zachary Presnell both of Boone, one daughter, Sage Arnette of Boone, his father, Floyd Presnell of Granite Falls, two sisters, Kathy Pennell and husband Rick of Fleetwood, and Sandra Moretz of Boone, and three brothers, David Presnell of Boone, Chris Presnell and wife Santana of West Jefferson and Steve Presnell of West Jefferson.

Memorial services for Mr. Bobby Presnell will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 oclock until 2 oclock at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Austin & Barnes Funeral Home to help offset funeral expenses.

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


Lawrence R. Dean (Aug. 19, 1948 – March 14, 2017) 

Lawrence Randolph Dean aka Randy, 68, passed away peacefully at home in Fleetwood, NC on March 14, 2017.

Born August 19, 1948 in Greenwood, South Carolina. Randy was a loving devoted father and grandfather. Randy served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was a proud veteran and patriot. He was a proud graduate of Wilkes Community College where he earned an Associates degree. Anyone that had the privilege of meeting and being around Randy immediately felt his warmth and loving ways.

Randy was known as a jokester. Anytime he was asked how he was feeling, he would reply with my hands. He had a way to make people smile and laugh. He had a passion for reading. He loved being taken away into a new place with each book he read. He was very knowledgeable about everything and anything; always quizzing the family with different random facts. He was an avid fisherman and would spend hours out on the river or a lake on one of his many boats.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Surber Dean; his son Shannon Dean and daughter-in-law Christina Dean of Fleetwood, NC; his granddaughter Kierra Whitaker of Jefferson, NC; two furry grandchildren, Fenton and Paisley; two brothers and three sisters as well as several nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded by his son Shaun Dean, his parents as well as one brother and one sister.

There will be a military honors graveside service at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Fleetwood, NC on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for funeral costs or Medi Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640.

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


Travis Eairon Odom (July 24, 1976 – March 12, 2017)

Travis Eairon Odom, 40, of Willow Street, Lenoir, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Travis is survived by his mother, Delores Brown of Lenoir; one sister, Dawn Laws and husband Keith of Fleetwood; three nieces, Chelsea Taylor and husband Reverend Christopher Taylor of West Jefferson, Meagan Watkins and husband Bruce of Wilkesboro, and Emily Laws of Fleetwood; two nephews, Evan Laws and Cameron Laws, both of Fleetwood; his maternal grandparents, “J.B.” and Doris Taylor of Beaufort, South Carolina, and his aunts and uncles, Brenda and Jeff Taylor, and Linda and Charles Barnard, all of Beaufort, South Carolina. He is also survived by a number cousins.

Memorial services for Travis Eairon Odom will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 18, 2017, at 2:00 o’clock, at Blair’s Fork Baptist Church in Lenoir. Officiating will be Pastor Michael Greene.

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

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


Jimmie Woodie (July 14, 1949 – March 22, 2017)

Jimmie C. Woodie, 67, of Newland, the Pyatte Community, passed away on March 22, 2017 at his residence.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Sherry Woodie; daughters, Chrystal King, and her boyfriend, William Daniels, Angela Woodie, and her boyfriend, Kenny Clark; grandchildren, Stephanie King and Kenneth Clark; a sister, Loretta Gail Puckett. 

At this time arrangements are incomplete. Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.


Martha McGuire Cooke (June 3, 1939 – March 18, 2017)

Martha McGuire Cooke, 77, native and resident of Linville, went to her heavenly home and into the presence of Almighty God, on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Martha was born in Banner Elk, June 3, 1939 to Theodore D. McGuire and Maxine McGuire of Linville. 

She leaves, in her legacy of love and faith, her husband of 56 years, George A. Cooke, daughters Donna Luttrell of Linville, Laura Padgett (and husband Donald) of Linville, granddaughter Madison Hollar (and husband Wesley) of Linville, grandson Coston Padgett of Linville, brother Steve McGuire (and wife Judy) of Albemarle, niece Christy Holtsclaw of Linville Falls (and husband Dewayne, daughters Adrienne and Ava), nephew Christopher McGuire (and wife Brittany, children Courtlyn, Jacxie, Camden, Piper), niece Stephanie McGuire of Charlotte, nephew Jason Gray of Charleston, brother-in-law David Cooke (and wife Ramona) of Newland, sister-in-law Mamie Luther (and husband Tony) of Linville, sister-in-law Janice Payne of Weaverville, sister-in-law Peggy Sherwood of Newaygo, Michigan, and sister-in-law Linda Pittman (and husband Charles) of Pineola in addition of many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. 

Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her life and legacy of love and faith at Linville United Methodist Church on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 1:00 – 2:00 (visit with family) and Celebration of Life Service from 2:00 – 3:00. A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Linville United Methodist Church. Donations may be sent to Linville UMC, PO Box 94, Linville, NC 28646. 

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.


Norma Johnson Daniels (May 25, 1922 – March 18, 2017)

Norma Johnson Daniels, 94, of Newland passed away on March 18, 2017 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

A native of Newland, she was born May 25, 1922 to the late Orville and Dorothy Greene Johnson.

She was a member of Elk Mountain Baptist Church, and enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning and cooking. Those that knew Norma loved her and she was also a great mother to 9 children.

Along with her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her: husband, Arnold Daniels, Brother; Frank Johnson, Sisters: Francis Woodruff and Esther Wise, daughters: Katherine Wise and infant daughter Rebecca Daniels, grandchildren: Randy Wise, and David Grindstaff.

Norma has left to cherish her memory her: Daughters: Connie McCoury of Newland, Peggy Grindstaff of Minneapolis, Sharon Rash and husband Gary of Newland, Robin Burleson and husband Gary of Spruce Pine, Sons: Carroll Daniels and wife Linda of Morganton, Douglas Daniels of Newland, Dale Daniels of Newland, sister; Ardric Gaddy of Newland, 15 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.

Funeral services for Norma Daniels will be conducted on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 7 PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Hoilman officiating. Interment will be in the Elk Mountain Cemetery on Tuesday at 1 PM. The family will receive friends from 5 PM up until the service hour.

The Family would like to think the nursing staff at Cannon Memorial Hospital for their valiant work with Norma.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.