Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled July 17, 2012
Leo Mast, D. July 16, 2012
Mr. Everett Leo Mast, age 84, of Sugar Grove passed away Sunday evening, July 15, 2012. Born February 8, 1928 in Sugar Grove, he was a son of the late Vardry Ben and Dora Schell Mast. Leo was a retired attorney and a US Army Veteran.
He is survived by his wife; Anne Burgess, two daughters; Barbara Mast James and husband Scott of Rock Hill, South Carolina and Lara Mast of Phoenix, Arizona, three grandchildren; Lauren James and William James of Jackson, Wyoming and Michael James of Greenville, South Carolina, and one brother; Ben Mast and wife Ingrid of Washington, DC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister; Dorothy Harrigan and two brothers; Harold and John Mast.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Leo Mast are incomplete. Online condolences may be sent to the Mast family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin and Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Mast family.
Charles Langdon, D. July 14, 2012
Charles Ray “Charlie” Langdon age 54 of 1231 Fairway Drive in Boone died Saturday, July 14, 2012 at W. G. Hefner Veterans Hospital in Salisbury, NC.
Survivors include his mother Peggy Langdon of the home, a brother Bobby Langdon and wife Terri of Boone, a sister Theresa Mosteller and husband Bobby of Vilas, a brother Donny Langdon and wife Ay of Palm Beach, FL; a uncle Chuck Eason and cousins Jeff and Greg Eason and Ricky Ruckert; nieces Alicia Reynolds, Olivia Langdon, Tara Langdon and Kim Underwood; Nephews Jason Langdon, Brandon Langdon, Chris Mosteller and Robert Langdon; special friend Dawn Broyhill.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert G. Langdon, a sister Regina “Poogie” Langdon and a brother Jessie Langdon.
There will be a gathering for family and friends at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel Tuesday, July 17 from 7 – 9 PM. A private burial service will be held at Mt. Lawn Memorial Park in Boone.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Langdon family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
In lieu of flowers memorials in Charlie’s honor may be made to the Watauga Humane Society PO Box 1835 Boone, NC 28607.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
Jane Vick Robinson, D. July 12, 2012
On July 12, Jane Hayes Vick Robinson, age 76 of Durham, NC, joined her loved ones in heaven and found peace with the Lord. She departed this life with Bob and Marya at her side, and was comforted on her journey by visits with her sister, Susan, and dear local friends, and by phone visits with her son David and her grandchildren Ivan and Lucinda. She was a fine mother, sister, grandmother and daughter, brought out the best in everyone, a friend to all.
Jane was born Aug. 22, 1935, in Raleigh, NC, to Thomas B. Vick, Jr., owner of Ideal Paint and Wallpaper, master horseshoe slinger, and a baseball enthusiast, and Merle Hayes Vick, registered nurse and a woman of great practical knowledge, crossword skill, and Yahtzee zeal. Jane spent her youth excelling in school and proving her toughness in the sandlot games of her day. She wrung joy and accomplishment from her piano skill, created memories as a camp counselor at Camp Seagull, and relished her summer trips to visit her cousin Nell in Pennsylvania. She accelerated her graduation from Queens College (cum laude) in Charlotte and married Clyde Robinson, Jr., in 1955. Two sons were born in that marriage, which ended in 1970. From there Jane faced the vicissitudes of life with courage and crafted new chapters in a rich and blessed life.
Jane lived life with intrepid gusto, leavened with humor. As a Southerner living in 1950s New York City, she mastered the subway, charmed the locals, and won the confidence of parents who entrusted their kindergartners to her. Divorced in 1970 when divorces were rare, Jane earned her M. Ed., yoked her expertise in early childhood education to entrepreneurship, and opened Laurels Early Learning Center; Laurels quickly became a celebrated institution of pre-school learning in Blowing Rock. Struck down by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm in 1975, Jane conquered the odds and a bad haircut, and after a long recovery, she entered a new stage of robust living. She began her tenure at Appalachian State University, and devoted herself to fledging her sons from the nest and continuing her own higher education. She traveled solo through Europe, where she cultivated friends old and new; she spearheaded the Pairing Project between Boone and Kostroma, Russia, driven by hope for peace. She heroically cared for her mother over the last years of her life, and later made difficult decisions for herself as she aged gracefully. In her last months, her humor and quirkily endearing personality would still shine; when she had broken her hip and was suffering profoundly in the ER, the doc assessed her cognition by inquiring, “What’s your name?” Jane, through gritted teeth: “Puddin’ ‘n’ Tane. Ask me again and I’ll tell you the same!”
The residents and staff where she lived late in life raved about Jane’s spirit, humor, and grace. The coffee club women at Lakeside Gardens cracked up when they gleefully told Bob, on his farewell visit, “If you need me, we’ll call you,” adapting Jane’s signature quip. Thus Jane not only navigated through her single life with humor, but she collected friends wherever she went. Once, she arranged to meet Bob at a bus stop on Duke’s campus and arrived there first. When Bob showed up, Jane introduced him to a very tall, athletic African-American young man, saying, “Bob, do you know my friend, Robert Brickey?” No, Bob hadn’t met one of the star members of Duke’s highly ranked basketball team. Likewise, on a long plane trip she struck up a conversation with a young scholar from Romania. Their connection was so rich that they communicated by letter from that point, and later mom attended his wedding in Colorado! Her Christmas card practice documents her friend practice; stacks and stacks would leave and come through the slot annually. And for many years, she hosted a Breakfast at Wimbledon party with champagne and strawb’ries ‘n’ cream; days before she passed, Bob, Marya, Susan and she watched Federer, her favorite, win his 7th title.
We called her mom, we called her Jane, she was called Sis, Miss Jane, and Oma. Knowing no strangers, her most excellent knack was with young children. She shared her delight for and wisdom about children in a series of columns published in the Blowing Rocket, “On Childhood,” in 1975. Erma Bombeck would’ve chuckled over Jane’s observations, like the following: “Wait and think. It’s not the end of the world. A two-year old does not really control your life. He only wants some juice. Will he get that or a dose of guilt and humiliation, not to mention indigestion?” In the ‘80s, Jane began to make her name locally as a writer and storyteller, delighting audiences with “Breakfast on Horses,” which documents the early dining preferences of her first son. It was often said that if you sent a toddler into a room of 100 grannies, it would end up in Jane’s lap. She set a high bar as the Fantasy Grandma who would organize a Tweetsie trip, take grandkids to kick the soccer ball up at the ASU stadium; who would make “Sound of Music” a touchstone event of childhood, and who knew and cherished her grandchildren dearly.
Jane cultivated her spirituality and her origins because she knew that happiness lay in connection and salvation resided in her faith. For many years, she made Sparta, NC, an annual pilgrimage so that she could tend her roots in the web of relatives who still live in the place where her family originally settled; visits to Massachussets renewed and refreshed her sisterly bonds with Susan, established strong bonds with her sister-in-law, Kate, and wove her into the warm extended Hogan/Lozada clan. In Alaska and Durham she worked her mad grandmotherly skills, making memories that now sustain us. She was also an integral member of St. Luke’s Episcopal in Boone, where she conducted classes in spirituality, read scripture during service, developed church membership, took care of children, provided meals to the needy, was a steadfast friend. At home she would light her prayer candle for those in need.
She is survived by her sister, Susan Vick, and her partner, State Representative Kate Hogan, of Stow, MA; her son, David Robinson, of Juneau, AK; her son, Bob Robinson and his spouse, Marya McNeish, of Durham, NC; one grandson, Ivan Robinson, of Durham; three granddaughters, Lucinda Robinson, of Durham, Leila Lombardo Robinson, and Julia Robinson, both of Juneau, AK; and one niece, Katherine Hayes, in Arlington, TX, and many relatives and innumerable friends.
A funeral service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone on Sunday, July 22, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception hosted by the congregation. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock. That evening, per Jane’s explicit instructions, we will host a party to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, you may make a tribute to Jane with a donation to the Hospitality House of Boone, at hospitalityhouseofboone.org.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Robinson Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Local arrangements are by Burthey Funeral Service, and in Boone, by Hampton Funeral Service
Mary Elizabeth Watson Brown, D. July 12, 2012
Mary Elizabeth Watson Brown, age 74, of 126 Chapel Hills Road, Boone, died Thursday morning, July 12, 2012, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.
Mrs. Brown is survived by her husband, Luther Brown of the home; three sons, Johnny Brown and wife Kelly of Foxfire Village, North Carolina, Eric Brown and wife Barbara of Blowing Rock, and Phillip Brown and wife Melissa of Banner Elk; three sisters, Alice Greene of Winston-Salem, Adelene Whitman and husband Johnny of King, and Hilda Mabe and husband Woodie of Walkertown; four brothers, Willie Watson and wife Jo of Sugar Grove, Kenny Watson and wife Gloria of Deep Gap, Keith Watson and wife Sally of Lewisville, and Kerry Watson of Deep Gap, and eight grandchildren, Katie Brown, Matthew Brown, Jeffrey Brown, Josh Brown, Hannah Brown, Dustin Miller, Catie Brown, and Lauren Brown; two step grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Guy and Louise Bledsoe Watson, and one brother, Charlie Watson.
Funeral services for Mary Elizabeth Watson Brown will be conducted Sunday afternoon, July 15, 2012, at 4:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel from 2:00 until 4:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Rusty Guenther and Reverend T. J. Jackson. Burial will follow at Browns Chapel Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 til 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home, prior to the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the Brown family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Jaden Nicole Jarrett, D. July 11, 2012
Jaden Nicole Jarrett, infant daughter of William Ashley and Angela Estep Jarrett, of Flat Springs Road, Elk Park, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Watauga Medical Center.
In addition to her parents, Jaden is survived by one brother, Connor Jarrett; maternal grandparents, Evelyn and Dean Estep of Elk Park; paternal grandmother, Dolly Jarrett of Thomasville; maternal great-grandmother, Ruth Estep of Elk Park; aunt, Melanie McLeod and husband Scott, of Elk Park; and three uncles, Adam Estep and wife, Tonya, of Elk Park, and Travis Jarrett and wife Sharon, Scott Jarrett and wife, Cheryl, and Clint Jarrett, all of Thomasville. A number of cousins also survive.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Causey Jarrett and an uncle, Kenny Jarrett.
Graveside services for Jaden Nicole Jarrett will be conducted Sunday afternoon, July l5, 2012, at 2 o’clock at the Flat Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Bryan Miller.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Jarrett family.
John Greene, D. July 5, 2012
John Thomas Greene, age 76 of 2447 Kingtown Road, Lenoir, a beloved husband, father, and brother, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 5, 2012.
Mr. Greene was born May 26, 1936 in Caldwell County, a son of the late Robert C. Greene and Bessie Mae Greene. He was a retired machine room manager for Broyhill Furniture, employed for 50 years, and served in the United States Army.
Mr. Greene is survived by two step-daughters, Karen Bentley and husband Eddie of Granite Falls, and Mary Teague and husband Brian of Lenoir; one sister, Corrine Ford of Lenoir, and one half-brother, Clyde Greene of Tennessee. He is also survived by seven step-grandchildren, 17 step-great grandchildren, and five nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elba Cable Greene; a step-daughter Susan Keith; a sister Nell Rhoten; one nephew; his mother-in-law Belva Cable Wheeling, and a brother-in-law Warren Ford.
Funeral services for Mr. John T. Greene will be conducted Saturday afternoon, July 7, 2012, at 2:00 o’clock, at Willow Valley Baptist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Ray Greene and Reverend Lester Honson. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in Willow Valley Baptist Church Cemetery, provided by American Legion Post 130 of Boone.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.
Online condolences to the Greene family may be expressed at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Willow Valley Baptist Church, PO Box 277, Vilas, NC 28692 or Sleepy Hollow Baptist Church, 1062 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
Eldred Harris, D. July 5, 2012
Mr. Eldred Harris, 94, of 163 Shadowline Drive, Apartment 112, Boone, died Thursday morning, July 5, 2012, at Watauga Medical Center.
He was born March 19, 1918, in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, to the late Edgar Lindsay and Ida Mae (Gassaway) Harris.
He was married to Carrie Mae Chronister, daughter of L.M. and Eva (Williams) Chronister on May 7, 1941 at Poteau, Oklahoma Mr. Harris was a World War II veteran. He served in Panama Canal Zone, completed Field Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and then served in the Tank Destroyer School at Fort Hood, Texas, and with the 16th Corps Artillery, 9th Army, in France, the Netherlands, and Germany. He rose to the rank of Captain during his time of service. Mr. Harris received his undergraduate degree from Panhandle A & M College, Goodwell, Oklahoma, and did graduate work at Southwestern State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma. He taught History, Science, and Government, briefly, in 1940 at the high school in Custer City, Oklahoma, prior to being called to active duty with the 45th Infantry Division, Oklahoma National Guard. Following his military service he completed a double major Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education and Animal Nutrition at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. He taught high school vocational agriculture for nine years in Nowata, Oklahoma, and for 27 years, until his retirement, in Coffeyville, Kansas. In 1983, he was awarded the Honorary State Farmer Degree by the Kansas State Future Farmers of America Association. He and his wife moved to Watauga County in 1993 to be near his elder son.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie, his parents, a brother, Edgar Lindsay Harris Jr., and a sister, Jerolyn (Harris) Dawson.
He is survived by two sons, Dr. Timothy B. Harris and wife, Shirley, of Boone, North Carolina and Joel Chronister Harris and wife, Margaret of Brooklyn, New York, and a daughter, Susan (Harris) Salmans and husband, Terry, of Willard, Missouri. Also surviving are one granddaughter, Carrie Ruth (Harris) Phillips and husband, Scott of Singapore, three grandsons, Michael Salmans and wife, Debra, of Willard, Missouri, Brett Harris and wife, Elizabeth, of Leland, Mississippi, and Lion Summerbell, of Brooklyn, New York, and four great granddaughters, Clara Phillips, Nora Phillips, Zahara Phillips, and Fares Phillips of Singapore.
A memorial service for Eldred Harris will be conducted at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Watauga County Public Library or an organization of the donor’s choice.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Harris family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.
Hampton funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
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
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