August 26, 2005

Ella Mae Walls Earp

Mrs. Ella Mae Walls Earp, 94, of 1781 Baird’s Creek Road, Vilas, died Thursday afternoon, August 25, 2005, at her home.

She was born Dec. 10, 1910, in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Edward and Emma Storie Walls.

Mrs. Earp was a member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church and was retired from housekeeping at Hound Ears Resort.

Survivors include one son, Ralph Earp; one daughter, Rebecca Earp, both of Vilas; three grandsons, Charlie Earp and wife, Kim, and David Earp, all of Vilas, and Kris Earp and wife, Amy, of Greensboro; one granddaughter, Michelle Von Hoene and husband, Alex, of Raleigh; five great-grandsons, Andrew Earp, Jeremy Earp, Jacob Earp, all of Vilas, and Shane Earp and Ryan Earp, both of Greensboro; two sisters, Ruby Greene of Deep Gap and Pearl Coffey and husband, Paul, of Hickory. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Coy R. Earp; two sons, Charles Earp and an infant, Lewis Edward Earp; one brother, Horace Walls; and her father and mother, Edward and Emma Storie Walls.

Services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Wynn Greer, the Rev. Carl Wilson and the Rev. Burl Greer. Burial will follow in the Danner Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7-8:30 at Hampton Funeral Service.

Flowers are appreciated  or memorial contributions may be made to the Danner Cemetery Fund, in care of David Hodges, 1075 Laurel Fork Road, Vilas, N.C. 28692.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Steven Ray Howser

Mr. Steven Ray Howser, 49, of 117 Highland Park Lane, Boone, N.C., died Wednesday morning, August 24, 2005, at Lake James.

He worked a number of years for Enterline & Russell Builders as a brick mason, carpenter, wood worker and painter. He loved hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his daughter, Keely Howser of Wilmington, N.C.; his mother, June B. Howser of Boone; one sister, Maxie Hester of Boone; two brothers, John Howser and wife, Leslie, of Boone, and Lee Howser and wife, Linda, of Limestone, Tenn.; four nephews, Ben, Blake and Brooks Howser of Boone and J.P. Hester of Shelby, N.C.

Memorial services will be conducted Sunday, August 28, at 2 p.m. at Boone United Methodist Church, officiated by Dr. George Naff. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers. However, memorials may be made to the Boone United Methodist Church Building Fund, 471 New Market Boulevard, Boone, N.C. 28607 or Hospice of McDowell County, 218 Logan Street, Marion, N.C. 28752.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Howser family.

August 24, 2005

Maurice Robert “Finch” Fincher

Mr. Maurice Robert “Finch” Fincher, 86, of Charlotte, N.C., died Saturday, August 20, 2005, at Stewart Health Center in Charlotte.

He was born in Breckenridge, Tex., on Sept. 15, 1918, the son of Marcelle and Bert Fincher.

Mr. Fincher graduated with highest honors from the University of Texas, earning both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees.  He was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma.

He began employment with the Aetna Life Insurance Company.  Then, during World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew 30 combat missions as a bombardier in Europe.  After his military service, he resumed his career with Aetna’s Employee Benefits Division.  His re-employment began in Atlanta, Ga.  After two years, he was appointed Manager of the Aetna Employee Benefits offices in the Carolinas.  His career extended more than 45 years.

An avid tennis player, who also enjoyed golf immensely, he was a member of both the Charlotte Country Club and Blowing Rock Country Club for many years.

Survivors include his daughter, Justine F. Melvin and her husband, Larry, of Monroe, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Justine Jones Fincher, and his two sons, Maurice Robert Fincher, Jr. and Peter Hunt Fincher. 

Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, in Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte.

Any memorials may be sent to The Peter Hunt Fincher Scholarship Fund, c/o The Foundation for the Carolinas, 217 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202; ASPCA, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, N.Y. 10128; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mr. Finch’s family is being served by the Wilson Chapel of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, on-line at hankinsandwhittingtonwilsonchapel.com

Johnny Floyd Hayes

Mr. Johnny Floyd Hayes, 59, of Rural Retreat, Lenoir, died Sunday, August 21, 2005, at Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 12, 1946 in Caldwell County to the late Floyd Elmo Hayes and Helen Davis Hayes Keller.

Mr. Hayes was of the Baptist faith and was a truck driver for Henredon Furniture.

Survivors include his wife, Johnsie Naomi “Chee” Hayes; one son, Mark Sean Hayes and his wife, Angela, of Morganton, N.C.; a daughter, Jennifer Hayes Shatley and her husband, Jeff, of Lenoir; four brothers, Benny Hayes of Conover, Danny Hayes of Lenoir, Floyd Hayes Jr. and Scotty Hayes, both of Hickory; six sisters, Betty Widener of Conover, Patricia Johnson of Icard, Susan Brittan of Hudson, Jill Mann of Hudson, Sandra Cleary and Sherry Damron, both of Hickory; his step-mother, Beulah Hayes of Hickory; his step-father, George Keller of Hudson; three grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the Pendry’s Chapel with the Rev. Jesse Stines officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Pendry’s Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent online at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Hayes family with arrangements.

David Orin Lesslie

Mr. David Orin Lesslie, 76, of Russelton Road, Boone, died Monday afternoon, August 22, 2005, at home.

He was born in Utica, New York, August 5, 1929, a son of the late Charles M. Tyler Lesslie and Edna Robbins Lesslie.

Mr. Lesslie was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in Korea. He was a member of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, and was retired as a sales manager for the Volvo Automotive Corporation.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Lesslie; one daughter, Laura Biddle and husband, Roger, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; two sons, Heath Lesslie of Brockport, N.Y., and Tyler Lesslie and wife, Nancy, of Flowery Branch, Ga.; one step-son, Russell Robinson and wife, Carolyn, of Tampa, Fla.; one sister, Alta Davidson of Omaha, Nebraska; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Alexandria, Trevor and Samantha Lesslie; three step-grandchildren, Josh, Lauren, and Rodes Robinson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be conducted Thursday morning at 11 o’clock at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock, officiated by Father Rick Lawler.

The family suggests memorials to St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 14, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605 or to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Lesslie family.

Roger Keith Oliver

Mr. Roger Keith Oliver, 50, of Jimmy Hollow Road, Butler, Tenn., died suddenly at his residence on Wednesday, August 17, 2005.

He was born Feb. 25, 1955 in Jacksonville, Fla. to James and Geneva Davis Oliver, of Banner Elk, N.C.

Mr. Oliver was a former employee of NASA. He enjoyed computers, wood working, cooking and boating. He was a former member of the United States Marine Corps. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Frances Fowler Oliver; one daughter, Holly Marie Oliver of Pasadena, Md.; one step-daughter, Allyson Ricci and husband, Shawn, of Gaffney, S.C.; one son, Jason James Oliver of Pasadena, Md.; two brothers, Ron Oliver of Merritt Island, Fla. and Richard D. Olvier of Lyndon, N.C.; two step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Hux-Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain City. The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 1:30-2 p.m., prior to services, at the chapel.

At other times, friends may call at the Oliver residence, 239 Jimmy Hollow Road, Butler, Tenn.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hux-tetrick.com.

Hux-Tetrick Funeral Home is serving the Oliver family.

August 22, 2005

Dr. Joseph Woodrow Baggett

Dr. Joseph Woodrow Baggett, 88, a resident of 365 Valley Road, Fayetteville, N.C., died Saturday, August 20, 2005, at his residence.

He completed his medical training at the University of North Carolina and the University of Maryland. He was founding partner of the Highland OB/GYN Clinic. Dr. Baggett was a founder of the American Cancer Society Fayetteville Chapter. He was an active member of the South Atlantic Association of OB/GYN, Southern Medical Association, North Carolina State and Cumberland County Medical Societies. He was a board member of the North Carolina Medical Foundation, Tri-County Community Health Center and Cumberland County Mental Health Association. He was also a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American College of Surgeons. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Dr. Baggett established the Wellness Institute at Campbell University, which provides educational opportunities for youth, consumer and health care professionals in southeastern North Caroilina. Dr. Baggett also established a professorship at the University of North Carolina to further research for the treatment and cure of Parkinson’s disease.

Survivors include one daughter, Mary Baggett Martin and husband, Wayne, of Wrightsville Beach, N.C.; and three sons, William Joseph Baggett and wife, Dorothy, Joseph Woodrow Baggett Jr. and wife, Margaret, and their children Joseph Woodrow Baggett III and Polk Morton Baggett and Benjamin Huske Baggett, all of Wrightsville Beach, N.C.; one sister, Edna Baggett Crook of Lillington, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Hannah Oliver Huske Baggett of Fayetteville.

Memorial services will be conducted Tuesday morning at 11 a.m., at the St. John’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. LouAnne Loch officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence at 365 Valley Road from 5-7 p.m. Monday evening. The family will host a luncheon in the Kyle House at St. Johns Episcopal Church at the conclusion of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Joseph and Hannah Baggett Distinguished Professorship in Neurology c/o Anne Longo, Department of Neurology, 3114 Vioinformatics Building CB #7025, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-7025 or The Wellness Institute of Campbell University, P.O. Box 116, Buies Creek, N.C. 27506.

Rogers and Breece Funeral Home in Fayetteville, are in charge of the arrangements.

Sarah Edna Faris Barber

Mrs. Sarah Edna Faris Barber (Edna), died in Princeton, Indiana at Saturday, August 13, 2005 at the age of 88.

She was born March 21, 1917 in Lawrence County, Indiana.

Mrs. Barber was married for 65 years to Clarence William Barber, who preceded her in death on October 25, 2004.

She was a retired teacher, having taught in Indiana public schools for 50 years. Her teaching experience included three years teaching all eight grades in a one-room school, 15 years with four grades in a one-room school, and 12 years with first and second grades in the same room.  She completed her teaching career as a first-grade teacher.  She taught Sunday School for more than 60 years.

Mrs. Barber was a graduate of Indiana State Teacher’s College and also of Oakland City University.  She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church of Washington, Indiana, Women’s Society of Christian Service, Indiana Retired Teachers’ Association, and Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by one brother, one sister, two children, seven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Watauga County survivors include her son Dr. Bill Barber; daughter-in-law Dianne Barber; grandson Anthony Long; granddaughters Glenda Cobb and Rebecca Long; and great-grandsons Daniel Schoenfield, Orville Schoenfield IV, and Josh Schoenfield. She is also survived by her first great-great-granddaughter, Kahlan Burbage, who was born less than 2 hours after Edna died.

She was buried at the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Washington, Indiana on August 17.

Cleata Jones Harmon

Mrs. Cleata Jones Harmon, 99, of 1258 Ray Brown Road, Boone, wife of the late Dr. Raymond H. Harmon, died Saturday night, August 20, 2005, at The McDowell Hospital in Marion.

She was born Feb. 5, 1906, in Maiden, Catawba County, to the late Henry and Georgia Hamilton Jones.

Mrs. Harmon was a graduate of Sherrills Ford High School. She received a degree in Home Economics from UNC-Greensboro and completed graduate work at Appalachian State Teachers College, after which she taught school in Gaston, Cabarrus, Craven and Watauga counties. In 1935, the Extension Department of N.C. State College sent her to introduce the Home Demonstration program in Watauga and Avery counties. After one year, both counties appropriated funds for a full-time program. She elected to stay in Watauga County and in 1937 married her late husband, who was associated with Dr. H.P. Perry, M.D.

Mrs. Harmon was a member of Boone United Methodist Church where she served on the official board and was active in many church activities. Other memberships included the Watauga Medical Society Auxiliary and the N.C. Association of Case Workers, serving as district president for both. She was a charter member and past president of the Blue Ridge Garden Club. She judged many flower shows in western North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia and earned a life time certificate from National Flower Show Judges.

Mrs. Harmon was employed by the Watauga County Welfare Department as a supervisor of rest homes. She served on the Board of Directors for the Watauga County Public Library and was a member of the Boone Worthwhile Women’s Club. Her faithful service to Watauga County is legendary.

Survivors include two sons, Robert H. “Bob” Harmon and wife, Joann, and Charles Harmon, all of Boone; one grandson, Bradford H. Harmon and wife, Phyllis; and two great-grandsons, Christopher Harmon and Patrick Harmon, all of Marion; one brother, Leonard Jones and wife, Rosemary, of Sherrills Ford; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Evelyn Jones and Mrs. Dorothy Jones, both of Charlotte and Mrs. Lula Jones of Valdese. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Pansy Reid; and six brothers, Clarence Jones, Foy Jones, Howard Jones, Joe Jones, Edwin Jones and Thad Jones.

Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Boone United Methodist Church. The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. Marianne Romanat. Burial will follow in the Jont Brown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 1--2 p.m. at the church, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Watauga Medical Center Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2600, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Roger Keith Oliver

Mr. Roger Keith Oliver, 50, of Jimmy Hollow Road, Butler, Tenn., died suddenly at his residence on Wednesday, August 17, 2005.

He was born Feb. 25, 1955 in Jacksonville, Fla. to James and Geneva Davis Oliver, of Banner Elk, N.C.

Mr. Oliver was a former employee of NASA. He enjoyed computers, wood working, cooking and boating. He was a former member of the United States Marine Corps. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Frances Fowler Oliver; one daughter, Holly Marie Oliver of Pasadena, Md.; one step-daughter, Allyson Ricci and husband, Shawn, of Gaffney, S.C.; one son, Jason James Oliver of Pasadena, Md.; two brothers, Ron Oliver of Merritt Island, Fla. and Richard D. Olvier of Lyndon, N.C.; two step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date by the Hux-Tetrick Funeral Home.

At other times, friends may call at the residence, 239 Jimmy Hollow Road, Butler, Tenn. 37640.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the website at www.hux-tetrick.com.

Hux-Tetrick Funeral Home is serving the Oliver family.

William Dale Tester

Mr. William Dale Tester, 66, of Orchard Road, Deep Gap, died Friday afternoon, August 19, 2005, at the Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation in Boone.

He was born June 7, 1939, in Watauga County, a son of Henry Clay and Vertie Alice Warren Tester.

Mr. Tester was a member of Shelter Rock Ministries. He retired with 35 years service as a cook from Appalachian State University Food Services and for the past 11 years was employed by Coffey House in West Jefferson.

Survivors include one son, Jackie Lynn Tester of Boone; two daughters, Laura Elaine Coffey and husband, Harley, and April Diane Tester and friend, Mauricio Martinez, all of Boone; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; five brothers, Herman Clay Tester and wife, Myrtle, Bill Tester and wife, Audrey, and Lowell Thomas Tester and wife, Beulah, all of Lenoir; Harold Dean Tester of Wisconsin, and Bob Tester and wife, Janice, of Stony Fork; and four sisters, Glenda Sue Woodring and husband, Larry, of Boone, Dorothy Lavonda Hicks of Sugar Grove, Janis Rae Crepps and husband, Dale, of Jefferson, and Judy Ann Tester and husband, John, of Lenoir; his special friend, Kathy Johnson of Taylorsville; and his sister-in-law, Shelby Jean Mitchell of Zionville.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ernestine Ruppard Tester; his parents, Henry Clay and Vertie Alice Warren Tester; and one brother, Ricky Lee Tester.

Services were conducted Sunday afternoon at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Steven Reece. The family received friends prior to the services, at the chapel. Burial followed in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Tester family.