1000 x 90

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Dec. 19, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Dec. 19, 2012 Harry Horney, D. Dec. 12, 2012 Harry Horney, age 63, of Maiden passed away on December 12, 2012 at Cannon Memorial Hospital. He was born March 9, 1949 the son of H.M. “Junior” and Ellen Dora Ware Horney of Newland. He attended the Conerstone Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed watching NASCAR and playing golf. Harry was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Ansley Claire Horney and Claire Elizabeth Horney. Along with his parents,H.M. Jr and Ellen Dora Horney, Harry, a very loving husband and family man, has left to cherish his memory his: wife, Adesi Horney of the home; sons and daughters-in-law; Martin and Leslie Horney of Newland, Matthew and Amy Horney of Cranberry, Mitchell and Becca Horney of Newland; step sons, Donnie Gilbert of Maiden, Tyler Gilbert of Maiden, Zack Gilbert of Maiden; grandchildren: Harrison, Ethan, Maddie, Ayla, Chandler, and Elli. Funeral services for Harry Horney will be conducted on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 8:00 pm at the Grandfather Chapel with Rev. Jonathan Foster and Rev. Tony Clark officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until the service hour. Family, friends and pallbearers are asked to meet at …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Nov. 30, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Nov. 30, 2012 Vivian Johnson Stamey, D. Nov. 28, 2012 Vivian Johnson Stamey, age 83, of Newland passed away on November 28, 2012 at Roan Highlands Nursing Center. A native of Avery County, she was born April 1, 1929 a daughter of the late Ettle and Rose Biggs Johnson. She was a member of the Avery Revival Center where she was a great help and helped to build the church. She was kind to everyone and was a part of the Friday Lunch Bunch of the Avery County Senior Center. Along with her parents, Vivian was preceded in death by her: husband, Paul Stamey; sisters, Lucille Oakes, Edith Smith, Anna Lee Dean. Florence Vance; brothers, Albert Johnson, Jim Johnson, Jack Taylor; son-in-law, Tony Holden. Vivian has left to cherish her memory her: son, Benny L. Johnson and wife Sherry of Hampton, TN; daughters, Rosetta Russell and husband Steve of Greenville, TN, Sherri Holden of Roan Mountain; sister, Toots Hall of Newland; brother, Joe Johnson of Newland; sisters-in-law, Nell Aldridge of Crossnore, Bonnie Johnson of Newland; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grand children; 1 great-great grandchild. Funeral services for Vivian Johnson Stamey will be conducted on Friday, …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Nov. 13, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Nov. 13, 2012 Ann Bennett Willis, D. Nov. 10, 2012 Ann Bennett Willis, age 88, died peacefully on November 10, 2012 at her home in Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina, after an extended illness. Ann was born November 27, 1923 in Winston-Salem, NC, the daughter of Paul Archer and Vera Early Bennett. As a graduate of Hollins College, Ann received her degree in Greek and Latin studies. Upon graduation, she wrote the society column for the Winston-Salem Centinel called “ABSees”. On April 19, 1947, she married the love of her life, James Perry Willis. In addition to raising four children, Ann was involved in many community charities. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem. After retiring, Ann and Jim continued their interest in supporting their communities, and most importantly, their churches. As a follower of Christ, Ann began a women’s bible study in her home forty years ago, which continues to meet today. She and Jim also started The Chapel in the Woods, presently known as The Chapel by the Lake at Grandfather. Preceded in death by her husband, James Perry Willis and her sister, Mary Archer Bennett. Ann …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Oct. 26, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Oct. 26, 2012 Vernon E. Morris, D. Oct. 24, 2012 Vernon E. Morris, age 95, affectionately known as “Vern”, “Pap”, “Pop” and “Wildman”, of Linville passed away on October 24, 2012 at Cannon Memorial Hospital. Vernon was born September 2, 1917 in Somserset, PA the son of the late Cornie and Rosie Rock Morris. He was a member of Linville Evangelical Methodist Church and enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, telling stories, going to and volunteering at the Avery County Senior Center. Along with his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his: wife Pauline Morris; sons, Gary Wayne Morris and Kevin Allen Morris; daughter, Kay Morris. Vernon has left to cherish his memory his: daughter, Dena Morris of Newland; grandson, Tracy Morris and wife Lindsay of Newland, Micah Rankhorn and wife Arrington of Sugar Mtn. NC, Chris Rankhorn and wife Heidi of Roan Mtn., TN; great grandchildren, Jada Coffey, Dylan Rankhorn, Haley Rankhorn, Jonathan Rankhorn, Trevor Rankhorn. There will be a service celebrating Vern on Saturday, November 3rd from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the residence of his daughter Dena at 160 Watauga St. Newland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Avery …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Oct. 17, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Oct. 17, 2012 Andrew Barrier, D. Oct. 11, 2012 Andrew Barrier, age 92, of Newland passed away on October 11, 2012 at his residence. He was born December 21, 1919 in Jonas Ridge, a son of the late Alex and Fleety Rose Barrier. He was a member of the Pineola Church of God where he served as Sunday School Superintendent for 17 years. Andrew was a member of the Ruritan Club, a founding member of the Jonas Ridge Fire Department and enjoyed woodworking, feeding birds and fishing. He was a WWII veteran and received two Bronze Stars, the Philippines Liberation Medal, Victory Medal and the Purple Heart. Along with his parents, Andrew was preceded in death by: five brothers, two sisters. Andrew has left to cherish his memory his: wife, Myrtle Barrier of the home; daughters, Jean Williams of Morganton, Della Wright and husband Bob of Hickory, Nancy Dellinger of Newland, Jewel Barrier of Morganton; son, Avery Barrier and wife Cindy of Jonas Ridge; sister, Edith Singleton of Hickory; nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, many, many friends. Funeral services for Andrew Barrier will be conducted on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Oct. 9, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Oct. 9, 2012 Vivian Davenport McKinney, D. Oct. 5, 2012 Vivian Davenport McKinney, 86, of Newland, passed away on Friday, October 5, 2012. A native of Avery County, she was a daughter of the late Gordon and Essie Dellinger Davenport. Vivian was a graduate of the Crossnore High School and operated the Parkway Junction Store in Linville Falls for many years. She enjoyed her store and seeing her customers year after year, touching many lives as the neighborhood counselor. After she retired she was a volunteer for Resort Area Ministries RAMS Rack in Newland and the Parkway Visitor Center in Linville Falls. She enjoyed collecting, reading, and using cookbooks. Vivian was a member of the Pisgah Methodist Church and attended the First Baptist Church Newland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Herald and Archie Davenport. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her son, Gerald McKinney, and his wife, Donetta, of Newland; grandchildren, Adam McKinney of Sanford, NC, Erin Kimmel, and her husband, Steve, of Chapel Hill, NC, Melanie Whitehead, and her husband, Jeff, of Newland, Brach Jarrett, and his wife, Jennie, of Roan Mountain, TN; great grandchildren, …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Sept. 25, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Sept. 25, 2012 Marlyn Deaton Greene, D. Sept. 20, 2012 Marlyn Deaton Greene, 88, of Newland passed away on September 20, 2012 after declining health for several years. Daughter of the late Nellie Shirley and step-father Edgar Shirley, she was born August 22, 1924 in Avery County. She was the wife of the late Robert F. Greene, Jr. She was a graduate of Newland High School and until she became disabled she was a telephone operator in Newland for Southern Bell. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two sisters, Wilma Knudsen and Kathleen Robbins. Left to cherish her memory are: a son, Michael Greene and wife Kaye of Newland; two grand-daughters, Meredith Bradshaw and husband Kevin, Amanda Lail and husband James, all of Taylorsville, NC; seven great-grandchildren, Michael Bradshaw of Hickory, NC, Kyle Bradshaw of Charlotte, NC, Beau, Aaron and Spencer Bradshaw, Kayla and Brandon Lail all of Taylorsville and one great-great grandchild, Kaden Bradshaw of Hickory, NC. Also surviving her are a brother, Lee Shirley of Newland; special sister-in-law Nancy Dolan of Montezuma and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Marlyn L. Greene will be conducted on Sunday, …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Sept. 18, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Sept. 18, 2012 Charles Timothy Sutphin, D. Sept. 16, 2012 Charles Timothy Sutphin, age 65, of Boone passed away on September 16, 2012 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk. A native of Avery County, he was born May 9, 1947 a son of the late Eugene Hubert and Helen Reece Sudderth Sutphin. He worked for Tweetsie Railroad as Treasurer for 20 years. Tim was of the Christian faith and enjoyed computers and working crossword puzzles. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jason Sutphin. Tim has left to cherish his memory his: brothers, Jim Sutphin of Newland, Joe Sutphin and wife Bobbie of Gray, TN; niece, Meredith Susan Sutphin Hayes; nephew, David Sutphin. Funeral services for Charles Timothy Supthin will be conducted on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 3:00 pm at the Grandfather Chapel. Inurnment will follow in the Montezuma Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the American Cancer Society at 120 Executive Park Bldg 1 Asheville, NC 28801. Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Aug. 22, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Aug. 22, 2012 Lewis Clay Benfield, Jr., D. Aug. 20, 2012 Lewis Clay Benfield Jr., age 55, of Pyatte, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 20, 2012. A native of Plumtree Creek, he was the husband of Debbie Benfield of Pyatte. He was proceeded in death by his first wife, Glenda Phillips Benfield and his father Lewis Clay Benfield Sr. Mr. Benfield was an active member of the local community where he hosted an annual Fourth-of-July Celebration for friends and family. He retired as an employee of Baxter Corporation and was currently employed by Grandfather Home for Children. Survivors include his wife Debbie, mother Martha Sue Benfield, two sons, Shannon Benfield and wife Jamie, and Jeffery Benfield and Shala Smith, step daughters, Sonia Polechio and husband Randy and Becky Burleson and husband Ray. He is also survived by one sister Velvia Carpenter and husband Harold, one brother Dewey Benfield and wife LIsa. Grandchildren include Garren Benfield, Justin Benfield, Maekayla Burleson, Kimberly Burleson, Josh Burleson, Patrick Burleson, William Polechio, and Brendon Polechio. Nieces include: Misty McGraw, Heather Bernard, and Bridgette Benfield. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Avery …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Aug. 1, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled Aug. 1, 2012 William Gilbert McGuire, D. July 27, 2012 William Gilbert McGuire, 74, of Edgemont Rd., Collettsville, NC, the Careys Flat Community, passed away on the morning of Friday, July 27, 2012 at his residence. A native of Watauga County, NC, he was born on March 20, 1938, a son of the late Colfax Millard McGuire and Mae Belle Ward McGuire. He was a retired truck driver and avid outdoorsman. Gilbert was a charter member of the Careys Flat Hunting Club and a member of the New Hopewell Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing his banjo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Irene Gragg McGuire of the home; daughters, Elizabeth and Steve Smith of Careys Flat, Lisa and Lewis Hollars of Careys Flat, Kim and Bart Farmer of Wingate, NC; son, Ricky Lee McGuire of Careys Flat; sister, Lindy Lou Price of Zionville, NC; brother, Jack Otis McGuire of Lenoir, NC; seven grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. Funeral services for Gilbert McGuire will be held on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at the New Hopewell Baptist Church, …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled July 17, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled July 17, 2012 Margo Braswell, D. July 14, 2012 Margo Braswell, age 88, of Newland passed away on Saturday July 14, 2012 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk. A native of Denton County, TX, she was born March 11, 1924 a daughter of the late E. Fred and Annie Minton Stover. She was a very active member of Aaron Baptist Church in Montezuma where she played the piano. Margo was the first Librarian for Avery County where she worked for 34 years, drove the Book Mobile and was Mrs. Santa Clause. Along with her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her: husband, Judge Ray Braswell; sisters, Francis Riney, Louise Cottle. Margo has left to cherish her memory her: daughter, Olivia B. Tate of Spencer, NC; son, Edward F. Braswell of Montezuma, NC; granddaughters, Tiffany A. Braswell of Greensboro, NC, Melissa A. Parker of Jacksonville, FL., Angela Ray Tuck of Beech Mountain, NC; great grandchildren, Cambell Tuck, Madison Parker, Avery Parker; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Margo Braswell will be conducted on Wednesday, July 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Aaron Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Aldridge officiating. Interment will follow in the …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled July 10, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled July 10, 2012 Mary Shell, D. July 6, 2012 Mary Leigh Allgood Shell, 71, passed away peacefully on Friday morning July 6, 2012. She was predeceased by her husband James Edgar Shell Jr., father Hubert Eugene Allgood and mother Allene King Allgood. Mary Leigh is survived by sons Corbin Shell from Oxford, GA and Jon Shell (Heather) from Denver, NC; grandsons James Jon Shell and Jackson Jerome Shell; her brother Hubert E. Allgood Jr.; sister Joann Neal both from Winston Salem, NC and many friends made throughout the years. Mary Leigh spent much of her life traveling around the world with her husband James as an Army wife. Their travels were extensive: Tennessee, California and Germany as well as visits to many European countries and places of interest throughout the US and Europe. Mary Leigh became a professional beautician early in life. She started cutting hair at the ripe age of 16 with her mother in Winston Salem. Sometime later, she built a beautiful salon in Southern Pines, NC named Leigh Shell Hair Studio. Mary Leigh and James eventually retired to Shallotte, NC to be on the river. During their retirement years, they enjoyed spending …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled July 5, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled July 5, 2012 Werdna Rouse, D. July 4, 2012 Werdna Joan (Jo) Ollis Rouse, 64, of the Stameytown Community entered into eternal rest on the morning of July 4, 2012 at the Johnson City Medical Center after a long illness. She was born on January 9, 1948 to L. Guy and Beverly Gragg Ollis in Avery County, North Carolina. Jo was a graduate of Crossnore High School and Mayland Community College. She had been a long time employee of Avery County until her retirement due to disability. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her daughters Sylvia and Cynthia and a brother, Thomas Lloyd Ollis. Surviving Jo are her husband Donald (Don) E. Rouse of the home, daughters Raquel Dionne Rouse and husband Patrick Lyvers of Bardstown, Kentucky, and Shelley Patricia Rouse Helms of Newland, North Carolina; sons Eric Burton Rouse and wife Sandi of Yadkinville, North Carolina, and Aaron Christopher Rouse of Newland; sister Beverly Ann Ollis Smith and husband Gene of Shallotte, North Carolina; brothers Clay Mitchell Ollis of McDowell County, North Carolina, and Doyle Baxter Ollis and wife Carol of Telford, Tennessee; grandchildren Andrew Lyvers-Rouse and Selena Lyvers-Rouse of Bardstown, Kentucky, …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled June 12, 2012

Paul R. Holden, D. June 2, 2012 Paul Rhonder Holden, age 94, of Newland, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Mountain Home VA Medical center in Johnson City, TN. He was the son of the late Mal and Etta Norman Holden. Paul served his country during World War II in the US Army Air Corps in the Pacific. He retired as a carpenter and nurseryman. He was a loving husband, father, and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Newland. He was preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters, and a grandson. Paul leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 71 years, Ruth Carolina Braswell Holden; sons, Gary Holden, Wayne and Molly Holden, Ralph Holden, all of Newland. Sisters, Nell Biggs of Claremont, NC, Faye Shook of Walhalah, SC, brother, Willis Holden of Newton, NC; grandchildren: Jeremy and Melissa Holden of Myrtle Beach, SC, Gretchen and Danny Blackburn of Newland, Carolina and Taylor Hartman of Nagshead, NC, Teresa and Allen Storie of Pineola, NC, Brandy Ross of Newland; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Paul Holden will be held at 2:00 …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled June 1, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled June 1, 2012 Christopher McCoy, D. May 30, 2012. Christopher Thomas McCoy, age 39, of Newland passed away on Wednesday May 30, 2012 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was of the Baptist Faith. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and even though he lived in the mountains, he loved the beach. Christopher has left to cherish his memory his: grandparents, Florence and Paul Farthing of Barnwell, SC.; daughter, Jaci McCoy; father, Frank T. McCoy and wife Linda of Barnwell, SC.; brother, Ryne McCoy of Chandler, AZ. Funeral services for Christopher McCoy will be conducted on Friday, June 1st 2:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Greene officiating. Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net. Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the McCoy family. Doris Hampton, D. May 29, 2012 Doris Lee Lambert Hampton, age 97, passed away on Tuesday May 29, 2012 at Christian Care Center of Johnson City. A native of Avery County, she was born May 11, 1915 a daughter of the late Eston and Carmie Sturgill Lambert. She was a member of the First Nazarene Church in …

Read More

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled May 7, 2012

Avery County Obituaries – Compiled May 7, 2012 Clayton L. “C.L.” Young, D. May 6, 2012 Clayton L. Young (C.L.), age 79 , of Minneapolis passed away on Sunday May 6, 2012 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born may 21, 1932 a son of the late Fred and Susie F. Young of Minneapolis NC. A loving Father and Paw-Paw, C.L. enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family after he retired from NCDOC. Along with his parents, Clayton was preceded in death by his daughter, Toni Young Vess. He is survived by his; wife, Patricia Troutman Young; daughter, Deelea Young Hollifield and husband Joe Hollifield; granddaughters, Kaylee Hollifield and Mollie Vess; grandson, Clayton Vess. Funeral services for Clayton Young will be conducted on Wednesday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Methodist Church with Rev. Preston Thomas and Rev. David Hobson officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until the service hour. Interment will be Thursday, May 10th 11:00 a.m. in the Minneapolis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Minneapolis Methodist Church. Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net. Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home …

Read More