September 9, 2005

Nell Wilson Ball

Mrs. Nell Wilson Ball, 90, of Miami Lakes, Fla., wife of the late Thomas Edward Ball, died Thursday morning, Sept. 8, 2005, at Glenbridge Health Care.

She was born June 8, 1915, in Winder, Barrow County, Georgia, to the late Benjamin Lee and Elizabeth Norris Wilson.

Mrs. Ball was a homemaker and a member of New Testament Baptist Church in Miami Lakes.

Survivors include three daughters, Charlotte Gatch and husband, Tommy, of Miami Lakes; Elizabeth Wills and husband, Larry, of Mauldin, S.C. and Ginny Gaddy and husband, Bud, of Franklin, Tenn.; two granddaughters, Cyndi Ziegler and husband, Larry, of Boone and Jill Caldwell and husband, Chris, of Knoxville, Tenn.; five grandsons, Steve Gatch of Mountain City, Tenn.; Michael Wills and wife, Shirleen, Mark Wills and wife, Robin, and Kenneth Wills and wife, Meri, all of Greenville, S.C. and Gregg McNey of Franklin, Tenn. She is also survived by two nieces.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Keitha Gatch; three sisters and one brother.

Services were conducted this afternoon (Friday) at 2 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Bud Russell. Burial will be in Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Edward Spencer “E.S.” Blackburn, Jr.

Mr. Edward Spencer “E.S.” Blackburn, Jr., died Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 6, 2005, at Johnson City Medical Center.

He was born in Avery County, Dec. 22, 1934, a son of the late Edward Spencer Blackburn, Sr. and Oma Owens Blackburn.

Mr. Blackburn was a heavy equipment operator, having worked for Green and Taylor Nursery. He was a member of the Newland Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include one daughter, Theresa Arney and husband, George, of Conover; one son, John Blackurn of Hickory; his loving companion, Paulette Begley of Newland; one brother, Bobby Joe Blackburn and wife, Barbara, of Charlotte; one sister-in-law, Sandy Blackburn of Newland; and a number of nieces and nephews,

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Keith Allen Blackburn; and one brother, Harry Lee Blackburn.

Memorial services will be conducted Saturday afternoon at his residence, 1477 Miller’s Gap Highway in Newland. Burial will follow in the Johnson-Owens Cemetery.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Blackburn family.

Minnie Jeanette Coffey

Mrs. Minnie Jeanette Coffey served her Lord for over 50 years. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005 Minnie was called to her Heavenly Home. She lead a Christian life by example to her family and friends, telling the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone.

 She was born June 23, 1935 in  Caldwell  County to the late James Ark Curtis and Ola Maggie Crisp Curtis.

Mrs. Coffey was an active member of West  Lenoir Baptist Church. She and her husband were the previous owner operators of Blue Star Service Station. She was employed with Thomasville Furniture where she retired. She also served as a CNC employee, giving herself as a servant to the community.

Survivors include three sons, J.D. Coffey and wife, Chistine, of Lenoir, Joel Coffey and wife, Lisa, of Lenoir, Jeff Coffey and wife, Ginger, of Lenoir; one daughter, Patricia Coffey Minton and husband, William, of Lenoir; two brothers, Doug Curtis and Jack Curtis, both of Greensboro; two sisters, Wilda Keever and Annie Enloe, both of Lenoir; five grandchildren, Tina Coffey Wiles, Derrrick Harrison, Nathan Minton, Jessica Coffey, Travis Coffey; one great-grandchild, Hannah Nicole Gurley.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Junior Partee Coffey.

Services will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the West Lenoir  Baptist Church with the Rev. James Lockee, the Rev. Charles Keever, and the Rev. Gary Teague officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Mt. View Baptist  Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Mrs. Coffey’s honor to  Caldwell County Soup Kitchen, 1113 College Ave. SW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645; American Red Cross, P.O. Box 774, Lenoir, N.C. 28645, or American Diabetes Association,  P.O. Box 18333,  Marrifield, Va. 22114.

Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Iva Lee Hicks DeVore

Mrs. Iva Lee Hicks DeVore, 73, of  Grindstone Lane, Granite Falls, N.C., died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005 at Valdese Hospital.

 She was born April 10, 1932 in  Watauga  County, to the late Floyd Hicks and Bonnie Harris Hicks.

Mrs. DeVore was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include a son, Claude Andrew Presnell Jr. of Granite Falls; five daughters, I. Alvirta Presnell Massagee of Hudson, Alice Presnell Seagle of Granite Falls, Kay Presnell Lawson of Lenoir, Kathy Presnell Kiziah of Granite Falls, Sharon Presnell Massagee of Hudson; three brothers, William “Buck” Hicks , Raymond Hicks, and Doyle Hicks, all of Boone; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Claude Andrew Presnell; and her second husband, David DeVore.

Services were conducted Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Pendry’s Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Daniel Buchanan officiating. Burial followed in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Bette Jane Harpster

Mrs. Bette Jane Harpster, 66, of Gainesville, Fla., died Sept. 7, 2005, at her residence, under the care of Hospice, of natural causes.

She was a  local resident since 2004, when she moved to Gainesville, Fla. from Blowing Rock, N.C.

Ms. Harpster was born in Belle Glade, Fla. and lived most of her life in the Palm Beach area before moving to North Carolina. She was a retired nurse in a doctor’s office and she was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include a daughter, Wendy Harpster of Gainesville, Fla.; two sons, Denis Harrelle of Tallahassee, Fla. and William Harpster Jr. of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Harpster Sr. in 2004; and two sons, Max Harrelle in 1985 and Stanley Harpster in 2002.

Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, Fla., are in charge of the arrangements.

N. Richard “Dick” Seifreit

Mr. N. Richard “Dick” Seifreit, 84, of 163 Shadowline Drive, Appalachian Brian Estates, died Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 6, 2005, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born in Erie, Pa., Dec. 14, 1920, a son of the late Norman and Ethel Mae Zeigler Seifreit.

Mr. Seifreit was a Senior Account Agent with Allstate Insurance Company in Broward County, Fla., for 30 years. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Berean Sunday School Class.

Survivors include one daughter, Patty Taylor and husband, Jeff, of Boone; one son, Larry Seifreit and wife, Sandi, of Plantation, Fla.; five granddaughters, Diana Seifreit of Asheville, Lea-Ann Sobolewski and husband, Kevin, of Plantation, Fla., Angel Vannoy and husband, Johnny, of Charlotte, Noel Ann Tinsley and husband, Joe, of Plantation, Fla., and  Crystal Brooks and husband, Eric, of Boone; six great-grandchildren, Katie, Stephanie, Bailey and Kaden Sobolewski, Colton Tinsley and Barrett Vannoy; and one sister-in-law, Lillian Seifreit of Erie, Pa.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel Lee Seifreit; and a brother, Maurice Seifreit.

Graveside services and burial will be conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Ft. Pierece, Fla., with Ed Glancy, a long time family friend, officiating.

A memorial service will be conducted Thursday evening, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. at Appalachian Brian Estates, with Dr. Dan Meyer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Seifreit family.

Norman Alexander Sigmon

Mr. Norman Alexander Sigmon, 92, of Chigger Ridge Road, Taylorsville, the Bethlehem community, died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, at Catawba Valley Medical Center, following an illness of three weeks.

He was born May 3, 1913 in Catawba County, son of the late Raymond Elmore Sigmon and Mildred Propst Sigmon.

Mr. Sigmon was retired from H & S Plastering Company and also Full Fashion Hosiery. He was a member of Shiloh Lutheran Church for 47 years where he had served on various committees. He was a member of Bethlehem Lions Club for 40 years, was a long-time Lion Tamer, had delivered Meals on Wheels and had been a flea market enthusiast for years.

Survivors include his daughter, Norma Gail Huffman and husband, Bob, of Taylorsville; a son, Stuart Sigmon and wife, Nancy, of Blowing Rock; a sister, Mary Sigmon Boger of the Lutheran Home, Hickory, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Alice Ledford Sigmon; two daughters, Martha Josephine Sigmon Starnes and Julia Alice Sigmon McLean; brothers, Eliot and Howard Sigmon; and a sister, Margaret Sigmon Huffman.

His grandson, Bobby Huffman and wife, Sandra, have been his wonderful caregivers since his health declined following a heart attack two years ago. They recently enjoyed a week of fishing with Mr. Sigmon at Kure Beach which he loved. The family wishes to thank all the medical personnel at CVMC for their care and especially Pastor Rose Erickson for providing spiritual comfort.

Services will be conducted Friday morning at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Lutheran Church with the Rev. Rosa Erickson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Shiloh Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 1011 Shiloh Church Road, Hickory, N.C. 28601.

Notes of sympathy may be e-mailed to the Sigmon family at adamsfuneralhome@charter.net.

Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

James E. Thomas

Mr. James E. Thomas, 61, of Greendale Home of Abingdon, Va., died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital, in Abingdon, Va.

He was born June 5, 1944 in Banner Elk, N.C. and was raised in Trade, Tenn., where he had made his home for many years.

Survivors include four uncles, Glenn Thomas, Ray Thomas, both of Lenoir, N.C.; Dean Thomas of Trade, Tenn., and Everette Thomas of Zionville, N.C.; two aunts, Marie Castle of Wilmore, Ky. and Sue Reece of Media, Pa. Several cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Ruth Thomas; and his grandparents, Clyde and Nettie Thomas, all of Trade, Tenn.

Services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Hux-Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain City, Tenn., with the Rev. Ray Branch and Mr. Ricky Niece officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, prior to services at the funeral home chapel. Graveside services and interment will follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Zionville, N.C.

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

Hux-Tetrick Funeral Home of Mountain City, Tenn., is serving the Thomas family.

September 7, 2005

Annis Matney Cook

Mrs. Annis Sarah Matney Cook, 101, of 595 Old Hampton Road, Boone, died Monday morning, Sept. 5, 2005, at Glenbridge Health Care.

She was born March 19, 1904, in the Matney community of Watauga County, to the late John Nelson and Julia Baird Matney.

Mrs. Cook was a homemaker and a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church in Boone. She was known for her quilting, crocheting, knitting and a variety of crafts.

Survivors include two daughters, Ms. Kathleen Kerley of Deep Gap and Ms. Marjetta Timm of Lewisville; two sons, Howard Cook and wife, Pauline, of Interlachen, Fla. and Rev. Russell Cook and wife, Irene, of Morganton. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Russell Cook; a son, John Wayne Cook; four brothers, Charlie Matney, Lemmuel Matney, Lonnie Matney and James Matney; eight sisters, Dorsie Hartley, Vickie Storie, Flossie Davis, Bessie Davis, Mirah Watson, Cordelia Dobbins, Margaret Matney and infant Septer Matney.

Services were conducted this morning (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Sonny Younce and the Rev. Vance Triplett. Burial followed in the Liberty-Matney Cemetery in Banner Elk.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church, in care of Sonny Younce, 513 Cardinal Lane, Boone, N.C. 28607 or Trinity Baptist Church in care of Russell Cook, 2963 Playmore Beach Road, Morganton, N.C. 28655.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Una Pierce Crist

Mrs. Una Pierce Crist, 72, died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.

She was born in West Jefferson, N.C., the daughter of the late John Pierce and Clyde Miller Pierce.

Mrs. Crist had been a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She was enthusiastically active in numerous community and civic organizations throughout her life. She owned and operated a shop called Consignment Junction on Lafayette Blvd. in Fredericksburg, VA. She was instrumental in the founding of Mary Washington Hospital Auxiliary, the establishment of many city intermural sports leagues, especially softball, in the Fredericksburg, Va. area. She was named Woman of the Year for the state of Virginia in the late 1970's.

Survivors include her husband of almost 50 years, Eugene C. Crist;  two sons, E. Scott Crist and his wife, Quynh-Thi, of Houston, Tex., and Michael E. Crist of Houston, Tex.; two daughters, Kimberley Crist McLoota and her husband, Chris, of Ocean City and Pamela Jo Haines and her husband, Don, of Berlin, Md.; five grandchildren; her sisters, Ruth Bata of Pasadena, Md., Vada Locklear of Bear, Delaware, Avis Graybeal of Charlotte, N.C.;   brothers, John Henry Pierce and Judge Pierce of Reidsville, N.C., Archie Pierce, Vel Pierce, Howard Pierce, Larry Pierce, all of West Jefferson, N.C., and Zane Pierce of Abingdon, Va. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Hoke Pierce.

Services will be held Wednesday morning at  11 a.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home, 108 William Street, Berlin, Md. Interment will be private.

The family received friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and also will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

 Donations may be made to the American Red Cross, 1505 Emerson Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801.

Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Md., are in charge of the arrangements.

William Scot Jones

Mr. William Scot Jones, 37, of Lafayette, Ga., died unexpectedly, Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005.

He was a native of Boone, N.C.

Mr. Jones was minister of the Lookout Hall Church of Christ, and a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University. He had a Bachelors of Science in Bible, Bachelors of Social Work, and Masters of Science in Counseling.

Survivors include his wife, Christine Jones; his father and step-mother, Clyde and Kathy Jones of Boone, N.C.; two sisters, Robin Price and Crystal Thomas of Boone, N.C.; a brother, Shawn Bare of West Jefferson, N.C.; five nephews and one niece.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Sue Hayes Jones.

Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Lafayette Church of Christ with Bro. Eddie Boggus officiating. The body will lie in state from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.  Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens East.

Online guestbook at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com

Wilson Funeral Home in Lafayette, Ga. are in charge of the arrangements.

Auborn Wiley Trivette

Mr. Auborn Wiley Trivette, 80, of Auborn Trivette Road, Sugar Grove, the Bethel community, died Monday evening, Sept. 5, 2005, at the Life Care Center of Banner Elk.

He was born June 5, 1925 in Watauga County, a son of Andrew and Lizzie Harmon Trivette.

Mr. Trivetee was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church. He was a carpenter, farmer and beekeeper. He was an accomplished Blue Grass musician. He influenced several generations of blue grass musicians in the High Country and passed on his love for music to his family. Mr. Trivette was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II.

Survivors include nine daughters, Audrey Greene and husband, Junior, of Vilas; Mildred Norris and husband, Ronald, of Sugar Grove; Olevia Davis and husband, Larry, of Vilas; Thelma Sue Trivette of Boone; Marilyn Farthing and husband, Victor, of Sugar Grove; Rita Ward and husband, Lester, of Butler, Tenn.; Pam Ward and husband, Lester, of Banner Elk; Connie Norris and husband, Gary, of Sugar Grove; and Elizabeth Harmon of Boone; two sons,, Gary Trivette and wife, Tina, of Vilas and Andy Trivette and wife, Callie, of Lenoir; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Loy Lookadoo and husband, Chancey, of Morganton and Lora Lizzie Roberts and husband, Max, of Lenoir.

He was preceded in death by his wife, America Hazel Presnell Trivette; one brother, Albert Trivette; four sisters, Cazzie Harmon, Lena Dishman, Carrie Greene and Francis Combs; and his parents, Andrew and Lizzie Harmon Trivette.

Services will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Zion Hill Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. James Hagaman, the Rev. Quincy Norris and the Rev. Carl Johnson. The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow at the Presnell Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the home of a daughter, Mildred and Ronald Norris, 144 Mill Farm Road in Sugar Grove, the Bethel community.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Trivette family.

Wayne Paul Ward

Mr. Wayne Paul Ward, 69, of Highland Hall Road, Boone, died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005 at Highland Hall Adult Care.

He was born May 22, 1936 in Watauga County, a son of Marcus Arnold and Lula Grace Harmon Ward.

Mr. Ward was a farmer.

Survivors include one sister, Martha Presnell and her husband, Roy, of Sugar Grove; and two brothers, Warren and Jimmy Ward, both of Boone. A number of cousins also survive.

Graveside services will be conducted Thursday morning at 11 o’clock at the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. James D. Hagaman.

The family will receive friends Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wayne Paul Ward family.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Ward family.

Ann Danielian Wheeler

Mrs. Ann Danielian Wheeler, 82, of  Oakwood Rd., Taylorsville, N.C.,  died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005 at  Frye  Regional Medical Center.

 She was born May 22, 1923 in  Providence, Rhode Island to the late Dan Danielian and Agnes T. Danielian.

Mrs. Wheeler was a retired mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.

Survivors include four sons, Richard C. Wheeler, Robert L. Wheeler, Daniel T. Wheeler and Gregory A. Wheeler, all of Taylorsville, N.C.; one daughter, Janet R. Wheeler of Taylorsville, N.C.; and two grandchildren.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Commie D. Wheeler, and one brother, Leo Danielian.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Sept. 9, at 11:00 a.m. in the Blue Ridge Memorial Park,  Lenoir, N.C.

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

Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Gail Watson Wilder

Mrs. Gail Watson Wilder, 57, of Vancouver, Washington, a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, in Vancouver.

She was born May 23, 1948, in Boone, to G. David Watson and the late Betty Jo Hampton Watson.

Mrs. Wilder graduated from high school in Cleveland, Ohio and was a homemaker. She was a former member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Isaac Junior Wilder; one daughter, Lisa Gail Murdock and husband, Gannon; two sons, Brandon Wilder and Aaron Wilder and wife, Christine, all of Vancouver; one grandson, Isaac J. Wilder, II; and two granddaughters, Amber Gail Wilder and Emmaline Wilder, all of Vancouver; her father, G. David Watson of Boone; and one brother, Dale Watson and wife, Ann, of Carthage.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Cindy and Wade Hampton; and her paternal grandparents, Nanny and G.D. Watson.

Graveside services will be conducted Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Gary Watson officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Service.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

September 5, 2005

Jackie Clay

Mrs. Jackie Clay, 80, of Aberdeen, died Friday, Sept. 2, 2005 at her home. 

A native of Boone, Mrs. Clay was the daughter of the late Dan and Bertha Cook of the Sands community in Watauga County.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Edd Clay of Aberdeen N.C.; her sons, Wayne E. Clay and his wife, Gail, of Aberdeen and Joseph D. Clay and his wife, Lisa, of Acworth, Georgia; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a brother, J.D. Cook of Boone; and a sister, Wilma Hartley of Bristol, Tennessee.

A private memorial service will be held in West Jefferson at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to B.R.O.C., a charitable organization that helps the needy in Ashe County, at  B.R.O.C., P.O. Box 255, Warrensville, N.C. 28693.   Jackie was a supporter and volunteer with B.R.O.C. for many years.

Annis Matney Cook

Mrs. Annis Matney Cook, 101, of 311 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, a former resident of 395 Old Hampton Road, died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, at Glenbridge Health Care Center.

She was born March 19, 1904 in the Matney community, and a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church.

Survivors include  two daughters, Kathleen Kerley of Deep Gap, and Marjetta Timm of Lewisville; two sons, Howard Cook and wife Pauline of Interlaken, Fla. and Reverend Russell Cook and wife Irene of Morganton. Sixteen grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Russell Cook; one son, John Wayne Cook; her father and mother, John and Julia Baird Matney; and eleven brothers and sisters.

Services will be conducted Wednesday morning  at 11:00 o'clock at Faith Baptist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Sonny Younce and Reverend Vance Triplett. Burial will follow in the Liberty-Matney Community Cemetery.

The family will recieve friends Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Home.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church, c/o Sonny Younce, 513 Cardinal Lane, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to Trinity Baptist Church, c/o Russell Cook, 2963 Playmore Beach Road, Morganton, N.C.  28655.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Gene Angelo Fleri

Mr. Gene Angelo Fleri, 72, of 965 Devils Lake Drive, Banner Elk, died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, at W.F.U. Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

He was born August 6, 1933, in Bronx, New York, to the late Angelo and Emmanuela Pizzone Fleri.

Mr. Fleri was a professional pianist and composer, and an accomplished artist. He attended Fredonia State Teachers College, City College and High School of Music and Art in New York City and graduated cum laude from Appalachian State University in 1981 with a B.A. degree in Fine and Applied Arts. Mr. Fleri was Entertainer Director for Elk River Corporation in Banner Elk and Hound Ears Lodge and Club in Blowing Rock from 1973 to present. He composed and directed original musical scores for stage shows with organization of orchestras, rehearsals and recording of musical entertainment for the Hound Ears Players, the Dan Fitzgerald Fashion Show (live and television coverage) and the Morning Show in Miami, Fla. and the Lighthouse Theater and Lester Lannon Orchestra in New York City. His resume includes performances with Sammy Davis, Jr., Jackie Gleason, Beverly Sills, Eddie Fisher and command performances for former president Richard Nixon.

He taught piano and organ to private students and classes in Florida, New York and North Carolina. Mr. Fleri was art director at Burnside-Ott Aviation ad agency in Miami, Fla. His original art is displayed at Blue Ridge Art Gallery in Boone and Faculty Hall at A.S.U. Among his many accomplishments in commercial art, he illustrated three books for William H. Crouse Publishing Company, freelanced for the Watauga Democrat and did architectural drawings and house plans for private clients. He taught Italian, Spanish and French languages to Art Department students in summer school at A.S.U.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Margaret Woodall Fleri; a daughter, Liz Potter of Lenoir; a son, Jim Fleri of Boone; and a granddaughter, Abigail Sophia Fleri of Wilmington. He is also survived by a number of cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceeded in death by a brother, George Fleri.

A funeral Mass was conducted this morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Linville, officiated by Father Christopher Gover. Burial followed in the Holy Communion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Valle Crucis.

Memorial contributions may be made to Appalachian State University Foundation, Inc., A.S.U. Box 32014, Boone, N.C. 28608-2014, for a Scholarship Fund for a Jazz piano student.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Lucille Holtsclaw

Mrs. Lucille Holtsclaw, 64, of Pineola, died Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, at her residence. 

She was the daughter of the late John and Stella Mae Turbyfill Potter.

Mrs. Holtsclaw was a member of the  Taylors Chapel Church. Known as the “Paper Lady”, Lucille worked as a paper carrier for the Watauga Democrat, Asheville Citizen and the Charlotte Observer.  

Survivors include her husband, Royce Holtsclaw; daughters Reba Harmon of Bakersville and Rhonda Burleson of Newland; son, Doyle Clawson of Hickory, N.C.; sisters, Hazel Carpenter and Choy Davis, both of Elk Park and Ruth Ann Hansen of Chicago, Ill.; and brothers Jay, Jerry and Plez Potter, all of Elk Park.  She is also survived by granddaughters Naomi McClellan of Spruce Pine and Linda Clawson of Maiden;  grandsons Jerry Burleson of Frank, William Gale of Burnsville and Tim Clawson of Cranberry; and great-grandchildren Samuel, Trey and Anthony.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her  sisters, Lillie Belle Clawson and Cassie Bruton; and her first husband, Hobert Buchanan.

Services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4 in the Taylors Chapel Church with the Rev. Skip Davis officiating. 

Condolences may be made by visiting www.reinssturdivantfuneralhome.com

 Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Holtsclaw family.

Dorothy Noel Lindeman

Mrs. Dorothy Noel Lindeman, 84, a former resident of Chestnut Grove Road, Boone, wife of the late Elzo Lindeman, died Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, at Blowing Rock Hospital Extended Care.

She was born Jan. 23, 1921, in Weiser, Washington County, Idaho, to the late Guy David and Dorothy Hardesty Noel.

Mrs. Lindeman was a homemaker and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Boone.

Survivors include two daughters, Ms. Darius Vandrhys of Hayesville and Ms. Judith Paxton of Kissimmee, Fla.; one granddaughter, Jessica Dean Lindeman of Kissimmee; two sisters, Mrs. Marion Shaffer of Fort White, Fla. and Mrs. Jean Mosher of North Miami, Fla. 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 brother, David Noel.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 663 Howard Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Denise Marie McDonnell Mack

Ms. Denise Marie McDonnell Mack, 50, of 4092 Highway 105 South, Boone, died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, at W.F.U. Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

She was born August 3, 1955, in Newport, Rhode Island, to William Irvin and Jacqueline Queriot McDonnell.

Ms. Mack was a homemaker and attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Boone.

Survivors include two sons, Eric Pertee and wife, Tanya, of Orlando, Fla. and Brent Partee of Boone; her father and mother, William and Jacqueline McDonnell of Boone; a sister, Michele McDonnell of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; and a niece, Nicole Dent of Detroit, Mich.

A memorial service was conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, officiated by the Rev. Robert A. Wolfe.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Richard Michael O’Connell

Mr. Richard Michael O’Connell, 54, of Baird’s Creek Road, Vilas, died Friday morning, Sept. 2, 2005, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 18, 1951 in Fall River, Mass.

Mr. O’Connell received a soccer scholarship to attend Hartwick College in New York where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics. He was a Behavioral Health Assistant at the Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk. Before moving to Watauga County, he was employed by U.S. Air in Charlotte. Mr. O’Connell was a member of Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church in Banner Elk.

Survivors include his wife, Tiare Sheets O’Connell; one daughter, Rebecca O’Connell of Raleigh; one son, Sean O’Connell of Charlotte; his father and step-mother, John and Virginia Kane O’Connell of Charlotte; three step-daughters, Kiana Ready and Malia Carey, both of Beaufort, S.C., and Jennifer Nicholson of Burnsville; his former wife, Diane O’Connell of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Sierra Rose and Wyatt Chance Michael Ready and Madison Grace Oogle and Tamara Michelle Ready; and one brother, Dennis O’Connell of Myrtle Beach, S.C. His second best friend, Sam, also survives.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Madeline Louise Atkinson O’Connell.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church, 6619 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the O’Connell family.

Dr. Elizabeth Craver Adams Pryor

Dr. Elizabeth Craver (Adams) Pryor, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., noted physician, beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior surrounded by family and friends at her home in Johnson City, Tenn., Monday afternoon, August 29, 2005. 

Dr. Pryor, assistant professor of Ob/Gyn at ETSU had battled pancreatic cancer since March 2005. She will be well remembered for her warmth and tenacity, her effusive energy, her abiding love and respect for friends, patients and colleagues, her superior clinical, research and teaching skills, her terrific sense of humor and her easy laugh, her beauty and wit, her grace, charm, and style. Anyone lucky enough to receive her friendship or nurturing care knew they were protected by a strong, smart mama lioness.  She enjoyed her family, travel, skiing, tennis, camping, snorkeling and listening to good music including James Taylor, Tracy Chapman, Phil Collins, Phantom and Les Mis. She was funny, smart, hard working, and one of God's finer gifts to the world.  She was 43 years old.

Dr. Pryor (Ellie) was born to Betty Jean (Craver) Adams and John Adams in Daytona Beach, Fla.  She grew up there and in Winston-Salem, N.C.  As a young child she decided she wanted to be a doctor who catches babies. That dream became a guiding, driving force which helped her to overcome numerous challenges, including financial and personal hardships which would have broken or prevented lesser mortals.  Growing up in a family full of love she graduated valedictorian from Parkland High School in Winston-Salem in 1980. Earning her Phi Beta Kappa key along the way, Ellie completed her B.S. in Zoology at UNC on full academic scholarship in three years, graduating with highest honors.  Following a year of post-graduate research she received three scholarships to attend UNC Medical School from which she graduated in 1988.  Dr. Pryor completed her residency in Ob/Gyn at U. of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital where she served as chief resident.  She began private practice in Miami in 1992 and continued in Eden and Greensboro, N.C.  After rekindling a high school flame, she was married in 1994. 

In 1998 she began a post-doctoral fellowship in maternal/fetal medicine at Wake Forest University, Bowman-Gray School of Medicine.  In 2001 Dr. Pryor completed her fellowship and joined the faculty of the ETSU James H. Quillen College of Medicine where in just four short years she rose to national prominence as a professor, researcher and academician of excellence.  In her short career she delivered well over 4,000 children.  She has done extensive research in the area of fetal Hypoxia, co-authored 15 technical papers and is the soon to be published author of a study on medical education regarding the instruction of repair of 4th degree lacerations.  Dr. Pryor was an APGO/Solvay scholar and received many awards for academic and teaching excellence including the Dean's Distinguished Teaching Award in Clinical Sciences, and held membership in Alpha Omega Alpha, the most prestigious medical honor society.  She has mentored and inspired numerous young physicians.  Her advice to students and colleagues alike was "read the chart, listen to your patient."  She was a faithful member of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem and volunteered countless hours of her time to the Sunnyside Ministry in Winston-Salem and the Keystone Clinic in Johnson City.

Survivors include  her husband, Brett; daughter, Emmaline; mother, Betty Adams of Winston-Salem; sisters, Amanda Adams of Winston-Salem and Meredith Boggs of Lexington, N.C.; brother, John Adams of Port Orange, Fla.; her aunt, cousins, nephews and nieces. 

She was preceded in death by her father, John W. Adams; brother,  Steve Adams; and grandmother, Johnsie Craver.

The family extends their most sincere and grateful thanks to everyone who held on during the storm, who prayed for us and supported us throughout this very sad challenging time.  It felt like being pulled into a life raft when we thought we were drowning.  Being on the receiving end of that kind of love is wonderfully overwhelming.

The family received friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 31 in the Sunset Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City and from 5 - 5:45 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1 in the Carnegie Library on the Veterans Administration campus in Johnson City and from 5-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 at Vogler Funeral Home in downtown Winston-Salem, N.C. 

A memorial service was conducted at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1 in the VA Theatre on the Veterans Administration campus with the Rev. John Gullett officiating.  The eulogy was delivered by Dr. Phil Bagnell. The funeral service in Winston-Salem, N.C. was conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 3 at Trinity Moravian Church with Dr. Henry May and the Rev. John Jackman officiating.  Interment followed at God's Acre in Old Salem.

Memorials may be made in Ellie's name to Sunnyside Ministry, 319 Haled Street, Winston-Salem, N.C 27127.

A biography about Dr. Pryor is being planned and the author would appreciate any stories or reminiscences be sent to HYPERLINK mailto:docpryorbio@bellsouth.net  Friends have established a website, ElliesWish.org, to support research and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Words of condolence may be sent to the family via e-mail at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com

Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, in Johnson City, Tenn.,   were in charge of the arrangements.