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Watauga, Avery Obituaries – March 30, 2016

Shirley Turbyfill (April 7, 1944 – March 28, 2016)

Shirley Turbyfill, age 71, of Elk Park passed away on March 28, 2016.

She was born April 7, 1944 in Carter County, TN a daughter of the late Jerry and Elizabeth Ashley Campbell.

Shirley was a member of Taylors Chapel and enjoyed gardening and sewing.

Along with her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Lillian Turbyfill and brother, Billy Campbell.

A very special lady who loved her family , Shirley has left to cherish her memory her: husband, Charles Turbyfill; daughters, Janice Brown and husband Mike of Elk Park, Joyce Lyons and husband David of Elk Park; grand daughter, Virginia Rose Brown of Banner Elk; grandson Bobby Jason Brown of Jonas Ridge; sisters, Ruby Blevins, Shelby Hitchew, Marie Campbell, Barbara Brewer and husband Harold and Ruth Johnson all of Buck Mountain; brothers, Jerry Campbell and wife Lucy of Buck Mountain, Randy Campbell of Buck Mountain and Kenneth Campbell and wife Carolyn of Bradenton, FL; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Shirley Turbyfill will be conducted on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 8:00 pm in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Lonnie Barnes officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home. Interment will be Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Guinn Cemetery on Elk River.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff of Medi Home Hospice for the love and care they have showed during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi Home Hospice PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657.

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

Annemarie Ohibsky Porch (Feb. 28, 1941
- March 27, 2016)

3640709_wlppAnnemarie Ohibsky Porch, age 75, of Riverbank Cove Road, Boone, passed away Sunday evening, March 27, 2016, at her home.

Annemarie was born February 28, 1941 in Viernheim, Germany, a daughter of the late Alfred Hans Ohibsky and Sabina Magdalena Helbig Ohibsky. She was a homemaker and a member of Foscoe Christian Church.

Annemarie is survived by her husband, Clarence L. Porch, Sr. of the home; two daughters, Patricia Stacy and husband Dr. Steven Dean Stacy, and Diana Calloway and husband Christopher, all of the Foscoe Community; one son, Clarence Porch, Jr. and wife Heather of the Foscoe Community; two granddaughters, Alanna Calloway and fiancé Brandon Stallings of Winston-Salem, and Lauren Greer and husband Tanner of Lenoir; one grandson, Dalton Porch of the Foscoe Community; one sister, Ruth Ellen Jones and husband Phil of Holland, Michigan, and one brother, Rolf Ohibsky of Mannheim, Germany. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Annemarie Ohibsky Porch will be conducted Thursday evening, March 31, 2016, at 7:00 o’clock, at Foscoe Christian Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 5:00 until 7:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Pastor Chris Wilson and Minister Ken Caswell. Graveside services and burial will be conducted Friday morning, at 11:00 o’clock, at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Foscoe Christian Church Building Fund, 8834 NC Highway 105 South, Boone, North Carolina, 28607.


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

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

Katie Glenn Barnes (Nov. 15, 1933 – March 27, 2016)

BigBarnes, KatieKatie Sue Glenn Barnes, 82, of Barnes Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Sunday evening, March 27, 2016 at the Blowing Rock Rehab and Davant Extended Care facility. Born November l5, 1933 in Watauga County, Katie was a daughter of Ernest and Elsie Glenn. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Mrs. Glenn worked as a motel housekeeper in the Blowing Rock and Boone area for many years. She and her husband Earl raised their family on the family farm and supplemented their income by raising tobacco, cabbage and potatoes.

Mrs. Barnes is survived by her children, George Barnes and wife, Julia, of Sugar Grove; Nettie Ira Oaks of Mountain City, TN, and J. C. Barnes of Sugar Grove; sister, Marie Trivette of Banner Elk; and daughter-in-law, Pat Barnes of Sugar Grove. Sixteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Earl Barnes; son, Lester Barnes; sisters, Josephine Greene and Pat Winkler; and brother, Buddy Glenn.

Funeral services for Katie Sue Glenn Barnes will be conducted Thursday afternoon, March 31st, at 2 oclock, at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. David Testerman.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 1 until 2 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow at the Ward-Glenn Cemetery. At other times, friends may call at the home of George Barnes, 141 Barnes Road, Sugar Grove.

Memorials may be made to the Barnes family in care of Austin & Barnes Funeral Home, earmarked Katie Barnes.

The family wishes extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Blowing Rock Rehab for their love and care. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

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

Calvin Hughes (Dec. 10, 1925 – March 27, 2016)

Calvin-Hughes-1459175966Calvin Hughes, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2016 at Cannon Memorial Hospital .

A son of the late David and Lula Hughes, he was a direct descendant of Jeremiah Hughes, founder of Roaring Creek. He was born on Roaring Creek December 10, 1925, one of 5 children who spent their lives there.

Calvin was preceded in death by: the love of his life, his wife, Deckie Hopson Hughes; 1 daughter, Rita Diane; 1 brother, Colonel Hughes; 2 sisters, Vernal and Rita Hughes and 5 grandchildren, Dennis Hughes, Shawn Ollis, Jimmy Joe Dellinger, Meloney Bowers and Robert Cook.

Left to cherish his memory are his: sons, Chubby Hughes and wife Liz of Roaring Creek, Joe Hughes and wife Tammy of Powdermill; daughters, Juanita Wise of Johnson City, Rebecca Wise and husband Kenny of Burnsville, Carron Putman and husband Gene of Roan Mountain, Sharon Hughes Carswell of Powdermill and a granddaughter he raised Nichole Gilpin and husband Matthew of Gragg Hollow Lane; 1 sister, Rachael Webb of Roaring Creek; 23 grandchildren; 54 great grandchildren; 20 great-great grandchildren.

Calvin loved God, his wife, his family, gospel and blue grass music, hard work, travel and his riding lawn mower. He was honest, generous, friendly, helpful and cheerful.

He had many different jobs through out his life, but was a carpenter by trade. He retired from Henredon Furniture on 1980 then traveled with is wife to all of the 48 Continental United States and Canada.

He lived a good, long, life and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Funeral services for Calvin Hughes will be conducted on Wednesday, March 30th at 4:00 p.m. at the Peoples Church with Rev. John Vance, Pastor Chris Nance and Pastor Daniel Nance officiating. Interment will follow in the Hughes Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour at the church.

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

Margaret Hendrix Arnette (Nov. 29, 1930 – March 26, 2016)

BigArnette, MargaretMargaret Hendrix Arnette, age 85, of State Farm Road, Boone, passed away Saturday morning, March 26, 2016 at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation.

Born November 29, 1930 in Watauga County, she was the daughter of Rev. Raymond and Blanche Shores Hendrix. Mrs. Arnette was a member of Greenway Baptist Church. After retiring from Watauga Medical Center as a LPN, Margaret was able to devote most of her time to family. Her entire family was her passion. She will be dearly missed.

Mrs. Arnette is survived by her husband of 69 years, Homer Arnette; daughter, Sandra Arnette Kirven and husband, John, of Matthews; son, David Arnette and wife, Laura, of Esom Hills, Alabama; granddaughter, Cynthia Rogers and husband, Joe, of Dalton, Ga. and grandson, David Arnette of Birmingham, Ala.; great-grandchildren, Austin and Anna Grace Rogers and Taylor and Brady Arnette and sisters-in-law, Mildred Bunten and husband, Fred, of Elk Park, Carolyn Jones and husband, Randy, of Boone, and Irene Nichols and husband, Don, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday evening, March 28, 2016, at 6 oclock at the Austin and Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Harold Bennett and Rev. Darrell Hobbs. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5 until 6 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes.

Graveside services will be conducted at a later date at Mount Lawn Memorial Park.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Greenway Early Development Center, in care of Greenway Baptist Church, 880 Greenway Road, Boone, NC 28607.

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

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

Mr. Hoyt W. Combs (Aug. 25, 1940 – March 25, 2016)

Mr. Hoyt W. Combs, age 75, of Howard Edmisten Road, Sugar Grove, passed away Friday afternoon, March 25, 2016.

BigCombs, Hoyt - 1Born August 25, 1940 in Watauga County, he was a son of the late Albert Clyde and Frances Trivette Combs. Hoyt was a member of Willow Valley Baptist Church. He was a member of Snow Lodge # 363 AF & AM since April 19, 1971, where was also a Past Master. An accomplished musician, Hoyt was a member of several bands, from his first, Valley Mountain Travelers to his last, Leftover Bluegrass, he enjoyed playing music. He started the music sessions at the Mast General Store. He also played in churches and at various community events including Doc Watson Days.

He is survived by three sons, Gerald Combs and wife Marsha of Sugar Grove, Scott Combs of Sugar Grove, and Jeff Combs of Lenoir, two grandchildren, Julie Gilliard and husband Chris of Sugar Grove, Deidre Earp and husband Matt of Mountain City, three great grandchildren, Dale Holman, Gracie Holman and Emalee Gilliard, and one sister, Melissa Jackson and husband Lee of Boone. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Tester Combs, his parents, Albert Clyde and Frances Trivette Combs, and one sister, Rachel Ellen Combs.

Funeral services for Mr. Hoyt Combs will be conducted Monday afternoon March 28 at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Ray Greene and Rev. Derick Wilson. Masonic graveside services will follow at Zionhill Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Willow Valley Baptist Church, in care of Brandon Greer, 436 Clark Swift Road, Vilas, NC 28692 or to Snow Lodge # 363 AF & AM, Local Charities, PO Box 2672, Boone, NC 28607 or to Timbered Ridge Baptist Church, 163 Timbered Ridge Road, Sugar Grove, NC 28679.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6 o’clock until 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

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

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

James “Jimmy” Brown, III (May 21, 1954
- March 24, 2016)

Mr. James “Jimmy” Brown, III, age 61, of Cross Creek Trail, Banner Elk, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2016 at his residence, after a brief battle with cancer.

3639173_wlppMr. Brown was born May 21, 1954 in Carrollton, Georgia, the only son of James Jackson Brown, II and Marjorie Shedd Brown. Jimmy was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. He was especially proud of his two sons, and adored his only granddaughter, Emma. Jimmy was the owner of Mountain Exteriors Construction and had previously worked at the family-owned business, BrownShedd Men’s Store in Hickory for 36 years. He was an avid skier and loved the mountains. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hickory.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Sheree Wyatt Brown, of the home; two sons, Michael W. Brown and wife Sonya of Taylorsville and Alan “A.J.” Brown of Boone; one granddaughter, Emma Grace Brown of Taylorsville; and his father and mother, Jim J. Brown, II and Marjorie Shedd Brown of Banner Elk.

Funeral services for Mr. Jimmy Brown, III will be conducted Monday afternoon, March 28, 2016, at 2:00 o’clock at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 2:00. Officiating will be Pastor Doug Price. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Green Mountain, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2:00 o’clock, prior to the service, at Hampton Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to State Employees Credit Union Family Housing, 1970 Baldwin Lane, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27103.

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

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

Mary Kathryn “Kate” Arnette Johnson (Nov. 28, 1922
- March 24, 2016)

Mary Kathryn “Kate” Arnette Johnson of 163 Shadowline Drive, Boone, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon March 24, 2016, at Watauga Medical Center surrounded by family and friends.

3638351_wlppMrs. Johnson was born on November 28, 1922 and was the daughter of Thomas M. Arnette and Grace Tester Arnette.

In 1967, Kate graduated from New Vogue Beauty Academy in Ellicott City, Maryland and for the next 20 years owned and operated Katie’s Beauty Shop in the Beaver Dam Community. Kate was an accomplished artist, seamstress, and enjoyed her family, garden and flowers. Kate was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church for over 80 years, where she taught the Junior Sunday School class. In later years she joined the congregation of Brushy Fork Baptist Church, where she remained a member until her death.

Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Danny Johnson of Boone and Dale Johnson and wife Sandra of Vilas; two grandsons, Michael Johnson of Vilas and Jeremy Johnson of Chicago, Illinois; three sisters, Irene Nichols and husband Don of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Carolyn Jones and husband Randy of Boone and Mildred Bunten and husband Fred of Elk Park; and one brother Homer Arnette and wife Margaret of Boone. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Preceding Kate in death was her husband of 64 years, Abner Parks Johnson, her father and mother Thomas M. Arnette and Grace Tester Arnette, and four sisters, Jessie Storie, Georgia Tester, Myra Combs, and Susan Warren.

A celebration of Kate’s life will be held Saturday morning, March 26, 2016 at 11:00 o’clock at Brushy Fork Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Bud Russell. Burial will follow at Lower Beaver Dam Cemetery.

A second celebration and reception will be held at 3:00 o’clock Saturday afternoon at Appalachian Brian Estates, 163 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times, friends may call the home of her son, Danny Johnson, 268 Chase Hill Drive, Boone, North Carolina.

In celebration of her new life with our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, Kate made the request that friends and family who attend the memorial service to wear bright spring colors, especially her favorite red, in her memory. 

The family wishes to thank our extended family at Appalachian Brian Estates, the staff at Gentiva Home Care, and the staff of Intensive Care and IMCU at Watauga Medical Center for the amazing care given Kate and her family in her final days.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Resident Activity Fund of Appalachian Brian Estates, 163 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

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

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

Roy “Drum” Cornett (Feb. 10, 1939 – March 23, 2016)

Roy “Drum” Cornett, age 77, of Newland passed away on March 23, 2016 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

A native of Avery County, he was born February 10, 1939 a son of the late Lewis and Irene Ellis Cornett.

Roy-Drum-Cornett-1458894834He was retired from the North Carolina DOT and had worked as a roofer. Drum loved to be in the outdoors and especially bear hunting with his friends and family.

Along with his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his: brothers, Bill, Paul, Johnny and Robert; sisters, Edith, Mary, Mildred, and Maude; grandson, C.J. Poore.

Roy has left to cherish his memory his: wife, Yvonne Clark Cornett of the home; son, Shaun Cornett of Charlotte; daughters, Darlene Poore, and her husband, Chuck, of Jonas Ridge, Lisa Stamey of Jonas Ridge; grandchildren, Kayla Cornett, Ethan Cornett, Shane Poore, and Melinda Poore; sisters, Margaret Norman, Betty Buchanan; brother, Jim Cornett.

Funeral services for Roy “Drum” Cornett will be conducted on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Studivant Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Beach officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until the service hour, Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Medi Home Hospice PO Box 1357 Newland, NC 28657

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

Billy R. Vance (April 13, 1942 – March 23, 2016)

Mr. Billy Ray Vance, age 74 of Zionville, passed away at his home Wednesday evening, March 23, 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma K. Vance, three sons, Richard Vance of Inman, S.C., Robert Vance of Zionville, and Randall Vance of Bluefield, W.Va.

He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and many brothers and sisters in West Virginia.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 26, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Graveside services, conducted by Pastor David Ward, will follow the visitation in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

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

Jean Marie Long White (May 3, 1920
- March 22, 2016)

Mrs. Jean Marie Long White, age 95, of Boone, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, March 22, 2016.

3637263_wlppMrs. White was born May 3, 1920 in Loris, South Carolina, a daughter of the late Vander Long and Viola Cook Long. She served as a Wave in the US Navy in Naval Communications in Washington, D.C., was a hairdresser for many years, and retired from Sears in Miami, Florida. Mrs. White was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina.

She loved children, painting art, and gardening.

Mrs. White is survived by her nieces and nephews, Floyd Greene and wife Jane, Bobby Greene and wife Evelyn, Buddy Adisey and wife Norma, Marie Ward and husband Steve, and Sylvia Sue Greene, all of Boone, Jeannie Dickens and husband Ron of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Dianne Daughn and husband Bob of Chula Vista, California. She is also survived by one step-daughter, Madeline Parrish of Wilmington, North Carolina; two step-granddaughters, Paula Rizenbark and Donna Gore, both of Wilmington, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul White, her sisters, Doreatha Greene, Alma Schmitt, and Bertha Mae Tabor, brothers-in-law, John F. Greene, Sr. and Richard Schmitt.

Funeral services for Jean Marie Long White will be conducted Friday afternoon, March 25, 2016, at 4:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 3:00 until 4:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Dr. David Luster. Military rites, provided by the United States Navy, American Legion Post 130, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, will follow the funeral service. Burial will be held at a later date at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Friday afternoon, from 3:00 until 4:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. At other times, friends may call at the home of Buddy Adisey, 1319 Soc Houck Road, Boone.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donors choice.

Special thanks to her caregiver Pansey Blevins and to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care for their excellent care.

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