September 16, 2005

Mrs. Roslyn Solomon

Mrs. Roslyn Solomon, 75, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., died Sept. 13, 2005.

Formerly of Silver Spring, Md., she has been a resident of Florida for 30 years.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who was adored by all.  Roslyn was a philanthropist who gave generously to: Temple Bat Yam, the Salvation Army, The Hunger Project, The Kids Ecology Core, Kids in Distress, SOS  Children’s Village of South Florida, The Mayo Clinic, The Jewish Home of Washington, The Israeli Tennis Centers, The University of Maryland, The University of Florida, The University School and many other organizations.

She was an avid tennis player who participated on the Holiday Park tennis team. She was also active in the Florida Tennis Association and ranked junior tennis players for years. Roz loved to play golf and participated in the first Trans-America bike ride to end hunger.

 Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Leonard A. Solomon; her mother, Dora Orenstein; children, Harold Solomon, and wife, Jan; Barbara Liss and husband, Richie; Mark Solomon and wife, Patti; and Shelly Heller and husband, Bill; grandchildren, Rachal, Jesse, Mallory, Ariella, Jared, Jamie, Sarah, Adam, Ashley, Jake and Lexi. Roz’s loving smile will be missed by all.

Services were held Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Star of David Memorial Chapel, 7701 Bailey Road, N. Lauderdale, Fla. 

Donations may be made to The Salvation Army Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

Star of David Cemetery and Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.

Stanley Thomas Potter

Mr. Stanley Thomas Potter, age 89, of Appalachian Brian Estates, 163 Shadowline Drive, Boone, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born march 31, 1916, in Shell Creek, Carter County, Tenn., to the late Solomon and Julia Owens Potter. Mr. Potter was a high school graduate and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a retired electronics technician from the U.S. Government Civil Service.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Colvard (Triplett) Potter, of App. Brian Estates; two daughters, Dee Parks of Boone and Susan Williamson and husband, Gail of Nashville, Tenn.; one granddaughter, Sara Kelley of Nashville and two grandsons, Michael Williamson of Nashville and Casey Parks of Boone; one sister, Mrs. Dorothy Fair and one brother, Van Potter, both of Elizabethton, Tenn.; two stepdaughters, Martha Teague and husband, Jack, of Vilas, and Willa Lea Jackson of Buena Vista, Georgia; one stepson, Billy Triplett of Statesville. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, six step grandchildren, 2 step great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Blackwell Potter; two sisters and three brothers.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Appalachian Brian Estates. Burial will be in Crestview Memorial Gardens in Lexington, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1820 East 7th St., Charlotte, N.C., 28204.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Jessie James Weaver

Mr. Jessie James Weaver, age 85, of 159 Windy Drive, Boone, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at Watauga Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 19, 1920, in White Top, Grayson County, Virginia, to the late Winfield and Polly Ann Goss Weaver. Mr. Weaver was a retired construction worker and was of the Baptist Faith. He was a volunteer with the Hunger Coalition for 12 years and received a citation in 1996 from former governor James B. Hunt, Jr., for his dedicated service.

Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Pat Barni of Alameda, California, and Mrs. Winnie Swingle of Las Vegas, Nevada; one brother, Frank Weaver and wife, Erma, of West Jefferson. He s also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Richardson Weaver and three sisters, Mrs. Martha Farmer, Mrs. Mary Kirschner and Mrs. Wave Farmer.

Funeral services were conducted this morning (Friday) at 11 a.m. at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by pastor Sonny Younce. Burial followed in the Weaver Family Cemetery in White Top, Virginia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 331 Queen Street, Boone N.C., 28607 for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

September 14, 2005

William Frederick Edwards, Jr.

Mr. William Frederick “Bill” Edwards, Jr., of Cow Camp Road, Newland, N.C., died suddenly on Tuesday, August 23, 2005.

He was born in Key West, Fla. to Doris and Fred Edwards on Feb. 10, 1946.

Mr. Edwards graduated from Key West High, attended the University of Florida, then graduated from Appalachian State University with degrees in Economics and Geography. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he returned to reside in the serenity of his beloved mountains where he quietly pursued his lifelong love of learning.

Survivors include his sister, Judy Powers, and brother, Steve, both of Cape Coral, Fla., along with loving nephews Mike and Tom Sweeting, and nieces Susan Mahaffey, Shannon Diehm, Laura and Alison Edwards, as well as four great-nieces and five great-nephews.

Forever in his family’s hearts, Bill was remembered by a gathering of friends and loved ones at a memorial service at Fletcher’s Presbyterian Church in Newland on Wednesday, August 31, 2005.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Avery County Library, P.O. Box 250, Newland, N.C. 28657, and/or to Fletcher’s Presbyterian Church, c/o Tom Wise, 1286 Cow Camp Road, Newland, N.C. 28657.

Matthew “Matt” Douglas Upright

Matthew “Matt” Douglas Upright, 15, of Mountain City, Tenn., died unexpectedly, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005.

He was born Nov. 9, 1989, in Hickory, N.C. to Jerry and Judi Upright of Mountain City, Tenn.

Matthew was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing, hunting and sports, as well as construction work. He was a Greenbay Packers fan, also. His most inspiring love was his desire to tell others of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He attended Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by four brothers, Joshua, Jared, Joseph and Jeremy Upright, all of the home; two sisters, Emilee and Mollie Upright, also of the home; maternal grandparents, Jack and Betty Norris of Boone, N.C. and paternal grandmother, Marjorie Upright of Liberty, N.C.; two uncles, Scott Norris and wife, Felecia, of Vilas, N.C. and Kenneth Upright and wife, Connie, of Richmond, Va.; two aunts, Jama Halvorsen and husband, Erik, of Boone, N.C. and Jackie Norris of Hickory, N.C.; and one great-great uncle, Jack Norris of Boone, N.C. Numerous cousins, family members and friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Fred H. Upright.

Services will be conducted Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve McCready and Pastor Bill Morefield officiating. Graveside services and interment will be conducted Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 5:30-6:30 p.m., prior to the services, at the church. At other times, friends may call at the residence, 2464 Waters Branch Road, Mountain City, Tennessee.

Flowers are appreciated or contributions may be made to the Matthew Upright Memorial Fund, Farmers State Bank, c/o Patsy Galliher, P.O. Box 9, Mountain City, Tenn. 37683.

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

Hux-Tetrick Funeral Home is serving the Upright family.

Robert Vance “Bobby” Watson

Mr. Robert Vance “Bobby” Watson, 75, of Watauga Village Apts., 165 Robin Lane, Boone, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 4, 1930, in Boone, Watauga County, to the late Charlie and Bernice Coffey Watson.

Mr. Watson was a retired heavy equipment operator.

Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Muriel Warren of Hiddenite and Carmalee Wellborn and husband, Bill, of Deep Gap; two brothers, Clemon Watson and wife, Beulah, of Boone and Harold Watson of Elkin. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mrs. Mary Helen Church, Mrs. Kathleen Payne and Miss Marlene Watson.

Graveside services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Hampton-Brown Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Kenny Newberry.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

September 12, 2005

Margaret Elizabeth “Libba” Taylor Boyd

Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth “Libba” Taylor Boyd, 84, of 1531 Old Boone Road, Blowing Rock, wife of the late James Reed Boyd, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at Carillon of Cramer Mountain in Cramerton.

She was born Nov. 30, 1920, in Lowesville, Gaston County, to the late Benjamine Cicero Taylor and Margaretta Ann Gambill Taylor.

Mrs. Boyd graduated from Mount Holly High School and attended Queens College in Charlotte where she was a member of Kappa Delta and received a degree in Teacher Education. In 1948, she was married to James Reed Boyd. They lived in Columbia, S.C. where she taught first grade. In the early 1960’s, they moved to Charlotte, where she taught at  Cotswalt Elementary School. During this time, she was active in Delta Kappa Gamma and was named North Carolina “Teacher of the Year.” After retiring in 1981, she and her husband moved to Blowing Rock where they were active members of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. Following his death in 1983, Mrs. Boyd volunteered her time to teach bridge at the Blowing Rock Library and worked at the Blowing Rock Hospital Thrift Shop.

Survivors include two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Sadie Miller Taylor, wife of the late B.C. Taylor and Jennie Linn Wright Taylor, college roommate of Mrs. Boyd, wife of the late George Bower Taylor. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and cousins and a multitude of loving friends.

In addition to her husband and father and mother, she was preceded in death by a sister, Bula Vista Taylor Elmore and four brothers, James Taylor, Benjamin Cicero “B.C.” Taylor, Dr. Preston Taylor and George Taylor.

Services were conducted this morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, officiated by the Rev. Larry Lyon. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1219 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605.

Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Service.

Mattie Bell Watson Dollar

Mrs. Mattie Bell Watson Dollar, 85, wife of Paul Dollar, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at Avante at Wilkesboro.

She was born Dec. 9, 1919 in Watauga County, to John and Rosie Watson Watson.

Mrs. Dollar was a member of Peace Haven Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Dollar of Avante; four sons, Bob Watson of Lenoir, David Lee Dollar of Lillington, Daniel Lee Dollar of Aberdeen, Donald Joseph Dollar of North Wilkesboro; one daughter, Dorothy Dollar Penwell of Aberdeen; one sister, Masie Watson James of Inwood, West Virginia; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be conducted this afternoon (Monday) at Peace Haven Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Pruitt and the Rev. Michael Minton officiating. Burial will follow in Mountlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Activities Department, Avante at Wilkesboro, 1000 College Street, Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Mabel Jean Minton

Mrs. Mabel Jean Minton of West Jeffereson, died Sept. 9, 2005, at Watauga Medical Center, following a courageous battle against breast cancer.

She was born Nov. 3, 1933 to the late Clyde and Virgie Moody Danner.

Mrs. Minton was a faithful and devoted follower of Christ. She died with confidence in His promises and provisions for her.

She graduated from Cove Creek High School. She also attended East Cleveland School of Business.

Mrs. Minton loved her Lord, His church, her family, the Atlanta Braves, and Tar Heel basketball. She didn’t care much for snakes. She loved working in her flower beds. Roses, lilies, and Black-Eyed Susans were among her favorite. As cancer survivors, the Mintons participated annually in the Relay for Life.

Survivors include her husband, the Rev. A. Ray Minton; three daughters, Debbie Danner and husband, Doug, of Huntersville, N.C., Jeana Furches and husband, Dwight, of West Jefferson, N.C., and Kristy Aldridge and husband, Kevin, of Todd, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Whitney Triplett and husband, Adam, Daniel Furches, Jesse Danner, Amy Furches, Andrew Danner, Katie Furches, Lynsey and Abby Aldridge; one sister, Bina Marsh and husband, Roy, of Hickory, N.C.; and one brother, Robert Danner and wife, Nadine, of Winterpark, Fla.

In addition to her parents, Clyde and Virgie Danner, and her stepfather, Mr. Stewart Hayes, ten brothers and sisters preceded her in death.

Services were held at Boone Family Funeral Home in West Jefferson on Sunday, at 4 p.m. Family visitation immediately followed the memorial service. A private graveside service was held on Sunday morning for the immediate family.

Memorials may be made to the Adams Cemetery Fund, in care of Mr. Clay Verne Greene, 312 Ward Greene Road, Vilas, N.C. 28692 or to Mr. Ray Minton, 192 Cottontail Trail, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Boone Family Funeral Home are serving the Minton family.

Albert Eugene Presnell

Mr. Albert Eugene Presnell, 62, of Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, Ky., and a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005 at the Green View Hospital in Bowling Green.

He was born July 30, 1943 in Watauga County, a son of Ruby Hicks Presnell and the late Rev. Spencer Presnell.

Mr. Presnell was a member of West View Baptist Church in Boone. He was a chef and owned and operated restaurants in Boone and Bristol. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Survivors include one daughter, Tammy Wilson and husband, Mike, and three grandchildren, Tyler, Lauren and Cassie Presnell, all of Bowling Green, Ky.; his mother, Ruby Hicks Presnell of Deep Gap; two sisters, Jean Canter and Rita Jones and husband, Gary, all of Boone; and one brother, Danny Presnell and his wife, Darlene, of Deep Gap.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Sue Canter Presnell; his son, Jeff Alan Presnell; a brother, Chris Presnell; and his father, Spencer Presnell.

Graveside services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Westview Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Mike Townsend.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Presnell family.

Ernest Michael Shomaker

Mr. Ernest Michael Shomaker, 49, of Balm Highway, Banner Elk, died Friday morning, Sept. 9, 2005, at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville.

He was born March 4, 1956 in Avery County. Mr. Shomaker was a diagnostic imaging technician for 24 years at Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital. He was a former member of the Avery County Rescue Squad and former Hospice volunteer. Mr. Shomaker was a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk.

Survivors include one daughter, Laura Marie Shomaker of Wilmington; one son, Brett Shomaker of Banner Elk; his father, James V. Shomaker of Banner Elk; one sister, Sharon Kaiser and her husband, Bob, of Linville Falls; one brother, James W. Shomaker and his wife, Susan, of Oak Island, N.C.; his former wife, Judy Laws Shomaker of Banner Elk; and one aunt, Carolyn Ollis of Banner Elk. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lois Riddle Shomaker.

Services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk, officiated by the Rev. George Wright, the Rev. Bud Russell and Scott Huskins. Burial followed in the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Youth Program, 1161 Balm Highway, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home in Boone is serving the Shomaker family.

James Raymond Slate

Mr. James Raymond Slate, 63, of 230 Adams Lane, Boone, died Thursday evening, Sept. 8, 2005, at Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Danbury.

He was born Jan. 4, 1942, in Stokes County, to the late James and Gladys Mabe Slate.

Mr. Slate graduated from Appalachian State University and retired in 1998 after a long career as Director of Special Funds. After retirement, he continued to work for the University in various capacities.

Survivors include one son, Jamison Ray Slate and his mother, Kimberly Sutherland Slate, both of Boone; one daughter, Dr. Erica Young and husband, Captain Wes Young, of West Point, New York; one sister, Iva Jean Bowman and husband, Barlow, of Germanton; and one brother, Russell Slate and wife, Joan, of Danbury. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews and a special friend, Joe Ford, of Boone.

A memorial service was conducted Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. George Berry.

Graveside services were conducted Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. George Berry.

Graveside services and burial were conducted this morning (Monday) at 10 a.m. at the Slate Family Cemetery in Asbury.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Slate Family Cemetery Fund, in care of Russell Slate, P.O. Box 122, Lawsonville, N.C. 27022.

Arrangements by Slate Funeral Home and Hampton Funeral Service.