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Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled May 13, 2013

Watauga County Obituaries – Compiled May 13, 2013

Max Fox, D. May 11, 2013

Max Fox
Max Fox

Max A. Fox, 82, of Winston-Salem, and a native and former resident of Vilas, passed away Saturday. May, 11, 2013, at the Kate Reynolds Hospice & Palliative Care Center.

Born March 8, l93l, he was a son of E. B. Fox, Sr. and Texie Adams Fox. Max served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Essex and the USS Salisbury Sound. He was co-founder and co-owner of Fox Brothers Storage and Moving Company in Boone and served as a former Boone Police Officer. As a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Boone, Max served as an usher and church bus driver, after helping develop the transportation committee. Max was an active member of the Men’s Sunday School Class and was involved in the Prison Ministry program.

Mr. Fox was one of the original members of the Boone Civitan Club.

Family was his priority. One of his greatest loves was watching his grandchildren participate in sports and athletic activities. He faithfully attended football games at Ragsdale High School and Rockingham County High School in his final years.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Rebecca Ann Trammel Fox; son, Buford Fox and wife, Andrea, of Reidsville; daughter, Johnna Black and husband, Chuck, of Florence, SC; grandsons, Zachary and Brock Fox of Reidsville, and Stephen Black of Florence, SC, and granddaughters, Amber Fox of High Point and Mallory Fox of UNCG and Reidsville; brother, Ben Fox, Sr. and wife Shirley, of Vilas; sisters-in-law, Faye Fox of Johnson City, TN., and Eula Mae Fox of Boone. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, E. B. Fox, Jr. and Eugene Fox.

Funeral services for Max Fox will be conducted Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 1 PM at the First Baptist Church of Boone, officiated by Rev. Roy Dobyns and Rev. Dwight Hobbs. Burial, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 130, will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday from 6 to 8 PM at Austin & Barnes.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Youth and Transportation, 375 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607, to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Lillie Townsend, D. May 10, 2013

Lillie Townsend
Lillie Townsend

Lillie T. Townsend, 94, of Valle Crucis, passed away Friday, May 10, 2013. Born July 17, 1918 in Watauga County, she was a daughter of Andrew Lewis and Polly Mae Townsend. Mrs. Townsend was a life member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church. She was employed at Valle Crucis Elementary School for a number of years. Lillie’s love in life was devotion to her family and her favorite past time was tending her vegetable and flower gardens.

Mrs. Townsend is survived by her daughter, Marie Miller and husband, Pat, and three sons, J. B. Townsend and wife Pat, Homer Townsend and wife Geri, and Hubert Townsend and wife, Frankie, all of Boone; five granddaughters, Anita Eller of Boone, Michelle Curd and husband, Rick, of Mountain City, Melody Yates and husband Wesley, of Boone, Paula Townsend of Deep Gap, and Melinda Farmer of Vilas; five grandsons, Eric Townsend and wife, Holly, of Deep Gap, Michael Miller of Seattle, Washington, Daniel Miller of Boone, Gerald Townsend and wife, Crystal, of Banner Elk, and Randall Townsend and wife Sarah, of Deep Gap; 20 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Lucy Alexander and husband, Gene, of Hickory, Alice Daniels and Viola Daniels and husband, Earl, all of Newland, and Daisy Johnson of Banner Elk; one brother, Adam Townsend and wife Birdie, of Boone; and special caretakers, Pansy and Wilson Blevins and Sarah; and Albert and Marie Calloway.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie Edgar Townsend; sisters, Nellie Townsend and Pearl Stafford; brother, Larkin Townsend; two infant brothers, one infant sister; great-granddaughter, Peyton Townsend; and her parents.

Funeral services for Lillie Townsend will be conducted Monday, May 13, 2013, at 2 o’clock at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, officiated by Rev. Dr. David Mielke. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family respectfully requests no food and suggests memorials to the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Building Fund, in care of Ralph Daughtry, 346 Dutch Creek Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 at Austin & Barnes.

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

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

Rick Conrad, D. May 9, 2013

Richard Conrad
Richard Conrad

Mr. Richard Lee “Rick” Conrad, age 61, of Blowing Rock, pictured here with his nephew, Alec, died Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Rick was born September 5, 1950 in Forsyth County, North Carolina, a son of the late Richard Brown Conrad and Susan Wagner Conrad. He was the night auditor for Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. Rick was a resident of Blowing Rock for 20 years and had a resounding love for the area.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Susan Beard and husband Bryan of Hickory; one brother, Tony Conrad of Kernersville; one sister, Melinda Beauchamp and husband Chris of Davie County, North Carolina; two nephews, Alec and Conrad Beauchamp, both of Davie County, and one niece, Amanda Conrad of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Funeral services for Mr. Richard Lee “Rick” Conrad will be conducted Friday afternoon, May 17, 2013, at 2:30 PM, at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. Officiating will be Dr. Richard Capps. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, PO Box 828, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605.

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

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

Martha Shook Yates, D. May 8, 2013

Martha Shook Yates
Martha Shook Yates

Martha Shook Yates, age 69, of 1685 Idlewild Road in West Jefferson died Wednesday evening May 8, 2013 at her home.

Martha is survived by Bynum L Yates, Sr.; five children including a daughter Teresa R. Yates of Roan Mountain, TN, a daughter Kelly M. Yates and husband Terry Teaster of Foscoe, a son Bynum L. Yates, Jr. and wife Cindy of Newland, a son Jesse J. Yates and wife Lane of Banner Elk, and a son Jason E. Yates and wife Candy of Newland; three sisters, Retha Adams of Granite Falls, Freda Green and husband Jim of Blowing Rock, Wanda Hardy and husband Mike of Foscoe; granddaughter, Christa Rodriguez and husband Chris of Laurel Springs. She also leaves six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren numerous nieces nephews.

Mrs. Yates was preceded in death by her parents Randell Russell Shook and Geneva Fox Shook; two brothers Raymond Shook and Bobby Shook.

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Shook Yates will be conducted Saturday, May 11, 2013, at 12 P.M. at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend R. D. Watson officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 until 12, at the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital c/o St Jude Tribute Program, PO Box 1000 Dept 142 Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or Ashe County Home Health Care, P.O. Box 1263, Jefferson, NC 28640.

On-line condolences may be sent to the Yates family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Edna Ginn, D. May 8, 2013

Edna Ginn
Edna Ginn

Edna Allen Ginn, age 99, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday May 8, 2013. Born January 30, 1914 in Swain County, North Carolina, she was the youngest of four children born to Rev. Lloyd and Caroletta Monteith Allen. Known to those who loved her as “Mama Nee”, she was a loving and faithful wife of over fifty two years to her husband, the Rev. Charles P. Ginn, and a caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Amongst her many great qualities was that of being a fervent prayer warrior for her pastor, church, family, friends and community.

Left to carry on her loving Christian legacy are her sons, the Rev. Loyd Ginn and his wife, the Rev. Jennifer Ginn, of Salisbury, and Judge Phil Ginn and wife, Lynn Robinson Ginn of Boone; as well as four granddaughters, Ashley Ginn of Charlotte, Tracey Amerson and husband, Asheton, of Spartanburg, SC, Julie Garner and husband, Michael, and Jodie Ginn, all of Chapel Hill, NC; and most importantly her great granddaughter, Bailey Lynn Amerson; and great grandson, Tucker Phillip Amerson of Spartanburg, SC; as well as several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her extended family, Jody and Becky Robinson, Judy and Tony Hunter, and Joe, Renee, Maddisen and Makenzie Robinson; and special friends, Judi and Yvonne Folk.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Ginn was preceded in death by an infant son, Steve Ginn; and her siblings, Lawson Allen and wife, Jodie, Leonard Allen and wife, Miriam, and Lela Greene and husband, Dick.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday evening, May 10, 2013, at 7 o’clock, at the First Baptist Church in Boone, officiated by Rev. Roy Dobyns. The family will receive friends Friday from 4:30 until 6:30, prior to services at 7 PM, at the church. At other times the family will be at the home of Phil & Lynn Ginn, 223 Kalmia Lane, Boone, NC.

SYLVA services will be 11:00 AM Saturday morning at Appalachian Funeral Home followed by a visitation until 1:00 PM. Graveside services will follow at Keener Cemetery in Sylva.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360, to First Baptist Church, 375 W. King St., Boone, NC 28607, or to First Baptist Church of Sylva, 669 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Brady Kermit Cheek, D. May 7, 2013

Brady CheekBrady Kermit Cheek, age 93, of Rainbow Trail Road, Boone, passed away Tuesday morning, May 7, 2013. Born January 10, 1920 in Wilkes County, he was a son of the late Clingman and Dova Blackburn Cheek. Brady was a member of Perkinsville Baptist Church. He was an avid gardener and retired farmer.

He is survived by three daughters; Betty Causey of Stokesdale, Lois Finney of Elkin, and Debbie Smith of Hays, two sons; Ronnie Cheek of Kings Mountain and Ricky Cheek of Lexington, one step daughter; Dorothy Horvath of Wilkesboro, and three stepson; J. B. Brown and Carlton Brown both of Hudson and Eddie Brown of Boone. He was preceded in death by his wife; Gladys Brown Cheek and one son; Tommy Cheek.

Funeral services for Mr. Brady Kermit Cheek will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Seth Norris. Burial will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Perkinsville Baptist Church, 274 Jefferson Road, Boone, NC 28607. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 until 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared with the Cheek family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Kaidance Cheville Potter, D. May 6, 2013

Kaidance Cheville Potter, infant daughter of Austin and Danielle Potter, passed away Monday, May 6, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center.

In addition to her parents, Kaidance is survived by her brother, Austin Potter, Jr., and two sisters, Faith and Jewel Matheson, all of Boone.

A memorial service for Kaidance Cheville Potter was conducted Tuesday morning May 7, 2013.

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

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

Marjorie Jones Harmon, D. May 1, 2013

Marjorie Jones Harmon
Marjorie Jones Harmon

Marjorie Jones Harmon, age 87, of 7301 Harmon Lane, Blowing Rock, passed away Wednesday morning, May 1, 2013, at Watauga Medical Center.

Mrs. Harmon was born May 17, 1925 in Gaffney, South Carolina, a daughter of the late Oscar T. Jones and Kate Trout Jones. She was a retired telephone operator for Southern Bell and AT-T, and was a member of Laurel Fork Baptist Church in Boone.

Mrs. Harmon is survived by her husband, Herbert H. Harmon of the home; three sisters, Doris J. Ward of Smithfield, North Carolina, Ruby Ann Harmon and husband Alvin of Concord, North Carolina, and Carolyn Coffey and husband Sidney of Winter Garden, Florida, and one brother, Billy T. Jones and wife Christine of Portsmouth, Virginia. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Joffre Long, and two sisters, Jean Gossett, and Sarah J. Bradley.

Funeral services for Marjorie Jones Harmon will be conducted Saturday afternoon, May 4, 2013, at 3:00 o’clock, at Laurel Fork Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 12:30 until 3:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Dr. Daniel Featherstone. Burial will follow in Bailey’s Camp Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 12:30 until 3:00 o’clock, at the church, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Laurel Fork Baptist Church, 229 Jake Storie Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to Bailey’s Camp Baptist Church, 9195 Blackberry Road, Lenoir, North Carolina, 28645.

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

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

Elizabeth Pitts Greene, D. May 1, 2013

Elizabeth Pitts Greene
Elizabeth Pitts Greene

Elizabeth “Lib” Pitts Greene, age 83, of 215 Greene Street, Blowing Rock, passed away Wednesday morning, May 1, 2013, at Life Care Center in Banner Elk.

Lib was born December 29, 1929 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Johnny and Gracie Greene Pitts. She was a retired Quality Control Engineer for IRC/TRW in Boone, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock. Lib was a former, 2 term, member of the Blowing Rock Town Council, served on the Region D Council of Government, and was a former board member of Blowing Rock Parks and Rec.

Lib is survived by two sons, Jeff Greene and wife Cheryl, and Thomas Greene, Jr. and his partner, Linda Hartley, and her daughter, Amber Fox, all of Boone; three grandsons, Olyn Miller, Chris Greene and wife Tori, and Brad Greene, all of Boone; one granddaughter, Laurel Miller of Boone; two great-grandchildren, Abby and Jordin Greene, both of Boone, and one brother, Fred Pitts and wife Lottie of Blowing Rock. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tom” Greene, and three brothers, Arl Pitts, Carl Pitts, and Edward Pitts.

Funeral services for Elizabeth “Lib” Pitts Greene will be conducted Saturday morning, May 4, 2013, at 10:30 AM, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 9:30 until 10:30 AM. Officiating will be Reverend Gordon Noble and Reverend Rudy Hayes. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM, at Hampton Funeral Service. At other times, friends may call at the residence, 215 Greene Street, Blowing Rock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1820 East 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28204.

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

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

John Mason, D. April 30, 2013

John Mason
John Mason

Dr. John Owen Mason, V.M.D., 86, died peacefully on 30 April 2013 at his home in Boone, NC surrounded by loving family.

He was born on 21 June 1926 in East St. Louis, He was born on 21 June 1926 in East St. Louis, Il, son of Dan Owen Mason and Elizabeth Louise Rusch. In early life the family moved to New Jersey where he went to the local schools. In 1944 he enlisted in the Army and served in Germany until 1946. He was a sergeant in Troop C, 92nd Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized, 12th Armored Division. He was present at the liberation of a train of prisoners from Dachau, Germany. After the war he attended Rutgers University and graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1952 he married June Carol Wardell, his wife of 61 years. After graduation he did his Internship and Residency in large animal surgery at Cornell University, School of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, NY. In 1955 he opened a practice in large and small veterinary medicine in Norwich, NY, retiring in 1988. After retirement they spent their summers in Norwich and winters in Bradenton, FL where he enjoyed sailing before settling in Boone, NC in 2011. He was an accomplished wood worker, wooden sailboat builder and stained glass artisan. He was a voracious reader, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Maude.

Surviving are his wife, June Mason of Boone, NC, his brother Dan Mason of Budd Lake, NJ, as well as sons, Christopher and his wife Christie of Blossvale, NY, David of Freehold, NJ, Andrew and his wife Lynne of Boone, NC, and Phillip and his wife Sharon of Norwich, NY. Surviving also are 6 grandchildren, Carolyn and her husband Richard Ward of Boone, NC, John Paul and his wife Elizabeth of Minneapolis MN, Alexandria of Freehold, NJ, Mairi and Morag of Blossvale, NY, and Bonnie of Norwich, NY and 2 great-grandchildren, Drew and Bennett Ward of Boone, NC.  

The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Medi Home Hospice, especially Daniel and Alice for their loving care of John. 

The family will receive friends at the home of Andrew and Lynne Mason at 692 Market Hills Drive, Boone, NC on Thursday May 2nd, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 PM.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Norwich, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Medi Home Hospice at 136 Furman Rd, Suite 2, Boone, NC 28607, Hospitality House at P.O. Box 309, Boone, NC 28607 or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the Mason family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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

Evelyn Marie Watson, D. April 30, 2013

Evelyn Marie Watson
Evelyn Marie Watson

Evelyn Marie Watson, age 63, of 553 Wildcat Road, Deep Gap, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Eric Hollars and wife Michelle of Boone; two daughters, Regina Pierce and husband Keith of Deep Gap, and Lori Casillas of Boone; four grandsons, Devin Hollars and Brock Hollars, both of Boone, Christian Casillas and Cameron Casillas, both of Greensboro; one granddaughter, Brea Snelling of Myrtle Beach; one brother, James Watson of Deep Gap, and two sisters, Rita McNeill and husband Benny, and Shelia Miller and husband Morris, all of Fleetwood.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Perry and Eula Randall Watson.

A memorial service for Evelyn Marie Watson will be conducted Saturday afternoon, May 11, 2013, at 4:00 o’clock, at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Deep Gap. Reverend Brian Miller will officiate.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evelyn Watson family, in care of Eric Hollars, 446 Liberty Grove Church Road, Fleetwood, North Carolian, 28626.

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

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

Donna Belknap Moore, D. April 27, 2013

Donna Belknap Moore, age 67, of Blackberry Road, Blowing Rock, passed away Saturday evening, April 27, 2013 at home. Born September 28, 1945 in Akron Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Claude O. and Jeanne Belknap. Donna was a loving wife mother and grandmother. She was the owner of American Home Inspections in Blowing Rock.

She is survived by her husband, George Moore, one son; Gregory Moore and wife Satoko of Dallas, Texas, two daughters; Jamie Moore of Morganton, and Sydney Moore Blake and husband Will of Blowing Rock, one granddaughter; Allison “Scoot” Moore of Morganton and two grandsons; Troy and Evan Blake of Blowing Rock, two sisters; Carol Belknap Tonner and husband Rob of Titusville, Florida and Claudia Belknap Maggard and husband Mike of Tallahassee, Florida, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service for Donna Belknap Moore will be conducted Friday evening, May 10th, at 6 o’clock at Happy Apple Farm.

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers and suggests memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

Jane Stephan, D. April 26, 2013

Jane Stephan
Jane Stephan

Jane A. Stephan passed away peacefully Friday, April 26, 2013, at Blowing Rock Extended Care in Blowing Rock, NC, at the age of 91. Her son, Paul, and daughter-in-law, Susan, were at her side. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who cherished all of her family.

Born July 4, 1921, in Pottsville, PA, Jane was the daughter of George Andes and Anna Thomas Andes, who later married Andrew Overpeck after George’s death. She married Paul G. Stephan August 16, 1941. She is survived by a son Paul Stephan, Jr. and wife Susan, a daughter Trudy Bohner and husband Guy, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Paul, and two children, a daughter Ann and a son Chuck.

Jane and her husband lived in various places but spent much of their life in Landenberg, PA, before moving to NC in 1979, where they lived near Linville and then the Asheville area. Jane moved to Boone, NC, in 2010 after the death of her husband. She was a resident at Appalachian/Brian Estates,

The couple was active in churches in each location, most recently in Fletcher Methodist Church, Fletcher, NC. For many years they also enjoyed traveling in their RV all over the country.

Jane’s remains are being cremated. No services are planned, but a small family gathering will take place at a future time.

Memorials in Jane’s name may be made to Medi-Home Hospice, PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657.

The attentive and loving care by both Hospice and Blowing Rock Extended Care are greatly appreciated by Jane’s family, and particularly by her son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Susan Stephan.

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

Joanne Elizabeth Franklin, D. April 26, 2013

Joanne Franklin
Joanne Franklin

Joanne Elizabeth McGhee Franklin, 83, of Banner Elk, passed away Friday, April 26, 2013, in her daughter’s home in York SC.

Joanne was born April 1, 1930, in Marion NC. She graduated from North Cove High School with honors as Valedictorian. Most of her life was spent in Linville Falls NC where she reared a family and was very active in the community. Among her many accomplishments were serving as pianist in Linville Falls Community Church for many years and involvement in the Community Club. Later she moved to Banner Elk where she enjoyed leadership in various organizations including the Banner Elk Garden Club. She worked at Lees-McRae College in Public Relations for many years and enjoyed the camaraderie of her coworkers.

Joanne is survived by daughter, Leigh Ann Greene of York SC, granddaughter, Tesia Nicole Earley, sister, Sydney McGhee Harwood of Swannanoa, daughter-in-law, Kimberly Franklin, two step-grandsons and wives, four great grand children, one niece with husband and children, four nephews with wives and children.

Joanne will be remembered most as a devoted mother and grandmother who loved each of her family members unconditionally, and for her constant selflessness, always putting family and others before her own needs.

Memorial services for Joanne will be conducted May 18, 2013 at 3:00 pm at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home in Boone NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of SC, 1230 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. The love, compassion, and respect from Hospice in her last days are immeasurable. Online condolences may be shared with the Franklin family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Franklin family.

Clara Tester Ray, D. April 24, 2013

Clara Tester Ray
Clara Tester Ray

Clara Belle Tester Ray, age 86, of Boone, died late Wednesday afternoon, April 24, 2013. Born in Blowing Rock, December 3, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Tester and Lula Moore Griffis.

Mrs. Ray was a graduate of Blowing Rock High School, Class of 1944, and was retired from TRW/IRC, where she was a lab technician. She was a devoted leader of Girl Scout Troop 245.

Mrs. Ray is survived by one daughter, Shirley Ray of Clyde, North Carolina; one sister, Anna Lea Helton and husband Lloyd of Lenoir; one brother, Glenn Tester and wife Emma of San Antonio, Texas, and one sister-in-law, Margaret Ray Folger of Lumberton, North Carolina. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.E. Ray, and one sister, Dare Newman.

The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, April 27, 2013, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.

Graveside services and burial for Mrs. Clara Belle Tester Ray will be conducted Saturday afternoon, at 2:30 PM, at the Ray Family Cemetery in Boone. Officiating will be Reverend Burl Greer.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Hunger and Health Coalition, Inc., PO Box 1837, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to the Clara & Shirley Ray New Century Scholarship Fund, payable to the Appalachian State University Foundation, PO Box 32110, Boone, North Carolina, 28608.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements. (828) 264-7100

Roy Berle Combs, D. April 24, 2013

Roy Berle Combs
Roy Berle Combs

Roy “Berle” Combs, age 76, of 53 North Main Street, West Salem, Ohio, a native and former resident of the Beaver Dam Community, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at Hospice of Medina County, in Medina, Ohio.

Mr. Combs is survived by his wife, Marilyn Resecker Combs of the home; one son, Randy H. Combs and wife Lisa of Boone; two daughters, Sandra Combs Craig and husband Nathan of Boone, and Jeanice Combs Dollars and husband John of Sugar Grove; two step-sons, Holly Burkhart and wife Brenda of West Salem, Ohio, and Rick Burkhart of Lodi, Ohio, and two sisters, Mary Alma Combs Trivette of Sugar Grove, and Loy Carolyn “Merle” Combs Guy of Vilas. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Rufus Clyde Combs and Victoria Guy Combs Dishman; and his brothers and sisters, Dolphus Claude Combs, Jesse Alvin Combs, Robert Paul Combs, Henry Earl Combs, Albert Clyde Combs, Raleigh Graydon Combs, Genevie Combs Farthing, Ralph Olus Combs, Hollan Thomas Combs, Willard Raymond Combs, Walter Lee Combs, Dallas Combs, Alice Combs, and Kermit Howard Combs.

Funeral services for Roy “Berle” Combs will be conducted Sunday afternoon, April 28, 2013, at 2:00 o’clock, at Green Valley Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be Reverend Eric Cornett. Masonic graveside rites and burial, provided by Snow Lodge #363, will follow in the Guy-Combs Cemetery in Vilas.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the Guy-Combs Cemetery Fund, in care of Lois Combs, 1066 Moretz Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.

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

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


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