November 4, 2005

Constance “Connie” Jackson Gilbert

Mrs. Constance “Connie” Jackson Gilbert, 81, of Strawberry Plains, Tenn., a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Sept. 10, 2005, at home.

She was born August 6, 1924, in the Meadowview community, to the late Thomas J. and Mary Louisa Phillips Jackson.

Mrs. Gilbert owned and operated Connie’s Florist in Strawberry Plains for 39 years and was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Billy Gilbert and Jimmy Gilbert, both of Strawberry Plains; three grandchildren, Crystal Tipton, Mace Boyer and Amber Boyer; four great-grandchildren, Ethan and Matthew Tipton and Tyler and Hunter Boyer; four brothers, Frank Jackson, Edsel Jackson, Charles Jackson and Rev. T.J. Jackson, all of Boone; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Gilbert; and a brother, Kermit Jackson.

Services were conducted September 11 at Fielden Funeral Home Chapel in New Market, Tenn., officiated by the Rev. T.J. Jackson. Burial was in Strawberry Plains Cemetery.

Arrangements by Fielden Funeral Home in New Market, Tenn.

Rev. Grady Gene Moretz, Sr.

Rev. Grady Gene Moretz, Sr., 62, of Olive Hill, Ky., a native and former resident of Watauga County, died September 28, 2005, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 8, 1942, in Boone, to the late William Henry and Myrtle Annie Winebarger Moretz.

Rev. Moretz was owner and operator of B and G Lumber Company for many years. He served as associate pastor of Spirit and Life Bible Church in Elkton, Md., for 12 years and was a member of New Hope Community Church in Olive Hill.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Deserae Bobbitt Moretz; two sons, Grady Gene Moretz, Jr. and wife, Cathy, and Bobby Moretz and wife, Krista; and one daughter, Marsha Lynn Sarver, all of Elkton, Md.; nine grandchildren, Erin Moretz Russell, Erica Moretz, Ashley, Hannah and Christian Sarver, Ethan Leidy, Michael Moretz, Kristie Mikus and Byron Fitzwater; three brothers, Luther Moretz of Elkton, Mack Moretz of Lenoir and Earl Moretz of West Virginia; five sisters, Mrs. Edith Duncan of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Sue Addicott of Brunswick, Ohio; Mrs. Martha Shaffer of Bobtown, Pa.;  Mrs. Roxie Broomwell of Oxford, Pa. and Mrs. Cynthia Austin of Lenoir. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews and a number of cousins, including Milton Moretz, Flavel Eggers and Treva Castle, all of Boone.

Services were conducted Oct. 1 at New Hope Community Church, officiated by Pastor Eddie Porter and Pastor Rudy Reed. Burial followed in Olive Hill Memory Gardens.

Globe Funeral Home in Olive Hill, Ky., was in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Estelle “Maggie” Moretz Tugman

Mrs. Margaret Estelle “Maggie’ Moretz Tugman, 101, of Boone, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 2, 2005 at Glenbridge Health Care in Boone. 

She was born June 14, 1904 in Watauga County,  a daughter of Thomas M. and Florence Davis Moretz. 

Mrs. Tugman graduated from Appalachian Teachers’ High School in 1924 and was one of the first women graduates from Appalachian State Norman School, now Appalachian State University.  She later received her MA from Appalachian State University.  She taught a total of 47 years including Howard’s Creek School,  Green Valley School, Miller School, Miller’s Creek School and Hudson Elementary School.  Howard’s Creek School honored her during their year 2000 reunion.  She was recently recognized as a Watauga Distinguished Citizen by the Region D Council of Governments upon the occasion of her 101st birthday.

“Miss Maggie” was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church in Boone where she made her mark as Financial Secretary for thirty years.  She served the Women’s Missionary Society, or Women of the Church and Luther League; serving every different office, during her lifetime.

For many years she sang alto in the church choir and taught the primary class in Sunday School.  She served her community in many ways, including gate keeper at Daniel Boone Floral Gardens for many of her summers following retirement from education.  She was well known for her teaching at the Mountain Craft House in Boone.  There she taught weaving of bedspreads and rugs on historic looms.

Survivors include her sister, Virginia Moretz Bolick of Hickory; ten nephews, Ned and Archie Lyons and Martin Bolick, all of Boone; David Moretz, Jr. of Cleveland, Ohio, Lowell Moretz and Dr. Ernest “Sonny” Bolick, both of Hickory; Herman Bolick of Beaumont, Mississippi, Harold Bolick of Shelby, Boyce Moretz of Vero Beach, Florida and Aubrey Moretz of Denver, Colorado; and four nieces, Iris Bolick Sechriest of Forest City, Lillie Lyons McConnell of Hickory, LaRita Moretz Schaell of Athens, Georgia and Lynda Lyons of Boone.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Henry Tugman, five brothers, Stuart, Leslie, David, Tommy and Alonzo Moretz; and two sisters, Grace Lyons and Bessie Simms.

Miss Maggie was preceded in death by her husband, William Henry Tugman; five brothers, Stuart, Leslie, David, Tommy and Alonzo Moretz; two sisters, Grace M. Lyons and Bessie Moretz Simms; three nephews, T. Maneval Bolick, Gary Moretz and Marion Moretz; and two grand nieces, Charlotta Sechriest and Sybil Sechriest Yount.

Services will be conducted Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at Grace Lutheran Church, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Tim Smith and the Rev. Dr. Ernest Bolick, Jr. 

The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 10 until 11 o’clock, one hour prior to services, at the church.  Burial will follow in the Old Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to the Grace Lutheran Church, 115 East King Street, Boone, or to the Watauga Humane Society, 200 Casey Lane, Boone, N.C.  28607.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Tugman family.

Blonnie Sutton Peacock

Mrs. Blonnie Sutton Peacock, 86, of Kellwood Drive, Boone, died Wednesday morning, Nov. 2, 2005 at Watauga Medical Center. 

She was born in the Red Oak Community of Nash County, Sept.  26, 1919, the daughter of the late James Wiley and Rosa Ellen Sutton. 

Mrs. Peacock was a member of Boone United Methodist Church, and a former member of Arlington Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.  She was retired from Belk-Tyler Department Store in Rocky Mount  where she worked in the credit department. 

Surviving are one son, Kenneth E. Peacock and wife, Rosanne, of Boone; two grandsons, Brian Barkley Peacock and Christopher Edward Peacock, both of Boone; and a number of nieces and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Caswell Peacock. 

Services will be conducted Friday morning at 11 o’clock at Boone United Methodist Church.  Officiating will be Dr. F. Ron Smith, Dr. George Naff and the Rev. A. J. Thomas. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Boone United Methodist Church, TV & Radio Ministry or Landscaping Fund, 471 New Market Boulevard, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to Appalachian State University Foundation, P.O. Box 32064, Boone, N.C. 28608. 

The family received friends Thursday evening from 5-7p.m. at Boone United Methodist Church. 

Graveside services and burial for Mrs. Blonnie Sutton Peacock will be conducted Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount, N.C.  Officiating will be Rev. Bill Tomlinson. 

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Peacock family.

Flora Roussos

Mrs. Flora Roussos passed away at her home, Oct. 30, 2005, after an extended illness.

She was born Oct. 19, 1924, the daughter of the late Demetrios and Eleni Psillou Stavropoulos.

Mrs. Roussos was a native of Tarpon Springs, Fla., but had made Johnson County, Tenn., her home since 1996. 

She was a 1943 graduate of Tarpon Springs High School. She worked as the bookkeeper of Sears in Bradenton, Fla., and also worked for Mathers Furniture as a bookkeeper and had retired from Stauffer Slag Chemical Plant as a bookkeeper in Tarpon Springs, Fla. 

Mrs. Roussos was a member and President of the ABWA (American Business Women’s Association). In her youth she sang in the Greek Choir of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Tarpon Springs for 10 years.

 Survivors include a daughter, Margo Filley of Johnson County, Tenn., and son-in-law, Michael Filley; granddaughter, Renee’ Sousa of Holly Ridge, N.C., and grandson-in-law, Captain Anthony G. Sousa, stationed in Iraq; a brother, Paul Stavropoulos of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; a sister, Maria Kachikis of Tarpon Springs, Fla.;  nephews and niece,   Jimmy and Harry Stavropoulos of Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Elaine Mandalios of Rhodes, Greece. 

The family also wants to recognize Wanda Huskins, as an extended family member because of her unconditional love and extraordinary dedication to Mrs. Roussos during her extended illness.   

She was preceded in death by her beloved Constantine J. Roussos.     

Memorial services will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church on November 05, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. 

Visitation will be held, Friday, Nov. 4, from 6-8 p.m., at Vinson Funeral Home.

Donations may be made in her name to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10001, or by credit card by calling 1-866-232-8484.

Vinson Funeral Home is serving the Roussos family.

November 2, 2005

Scotty Wayne Lambert

Scotty Wayne Lambert, 6, of West Jefferson, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005.

He was born in Watauga County on Friday, April 16, 1999, to Bruce Wayne Lambert II and Lisa Snyder Lambert. He was a student at Westwood Elementary School.

Survivors include his parents, Wayne Lambert and Lisa Lambert of West Jefferson; his maternal grandparents, Darrell and Josephine Snyder of Creston; paternal grandparents, Bruce and Karen Lambert of Crumpler; a sister, Sarah Greer of West Jefferson; an uncle, Colby Lambert; an aunt, Evelyn Howell; and several cousins.

Services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kent Eller officiating. Burial followed in the Scottsville Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of the arrangements.

Nicole Shirley Lewis

Ms. Nicole Shirley Lewis, 33, of Frank Lewis Road, Boone, died Monday morning, Oct. 31, 2005. 

She was born June 5, l972 in Watauga County.

Ms. Lewis was a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church.  She was a l990 graduate of Watauga High School and received an associate degree from Caldwell Community College.  She was a paralegal and a former administrative assistant at ASU’s Broyhill Inn for 10 years.  Nicole had a deep affection for all God’s creatures but especially loved cats.  She enjoyed making jewelry and painting on glass.

Survivors include her parents Claude and Angelina Hollifield Lewis of Boone; two sisters, Claudine Lewis of Blowing Rock and Gina Brookshire and husband, Pat, of Cleveland, Tenn.; two nephews; one niece; five aunts; two uncles and her fiancé Milton Greene of Boone.

Services will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Herbert McCoy.  Burial will follow in the Piney Grove Cemetery.

 Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to the Watauga Humane Society, 200 Casey Lane, Boone N.C.  28607.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Lewis family.

Sarah Roena Widner Wolfe

Mrs. Sarah Roena Widner Wolfe, 74, of 1124 Isaacs Branch Road, Sugar Grove, died Saturday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2005, at Watauga Medical Center.

Survivors include three daughters, Margaret Ann Townsend and friend, James Malaha, of Sugar Grove; Cathy Wilson and husband, Skip, of Purlear; Judy Milan and husband, Jimmy, of Creston; three sons, Freddy Wolfe and wife, Kathy, of Vilas; Terry Wolfe and wife, Debbie, of Sugar Grove; and Gary Wolfe and wife, Tammy, of Valle Crucis; two sisters, Charlotte Roberts and Mary Agnes Widner, both of Glade Springs, Va.; and one brother, Herbert Widner and wife, Georgia, of Bristol, Tenn. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Garnet C. Wolfe; one daughter, Lois Greer; three sisters, Lura Gentry, Beatrice Montgomery and Opal Thomas; and two brothers, James Widner and Charles Widner.

Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Damascus, Va. The body will lie in state at the church from 1-2 p.m. Officiating will be the Rev. T.J. Jackson, the Rev. Mike Bowers and the Rev. Rector Henson. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The family received friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at  Farris Funeral Home in Abingdon, Va.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Watauga County, 136 Furman Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

October 31, 2005

Mrs. Mary Agnes Joyner Blair

Mrs. Mary Agnes Joyner Blair, a resident of Thomasville, N.C., died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, following a lengthy illness.

She was born in Nash County, N.C., a daughter of John Edgar and Mamie Forbes Joyner.

Mrs. Blair, along with her husband, Bill, owned and operated Bill Blair TV for over 40 years. She was always a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was loved and admired by everyone who knew her. She blessed everyone with many precious memories to cherish.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Bill H. Blair; sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Janice Blair of Boone, N.C. and Scott and Pam Blair of Thomasville, N.C.; grandchildren, Jeff Blair of Memphis, Tenn., Beth Loflin and husband, Steve, of Valle Crucis, N.C., Jason Blair of Thomasville, N.C. and Allison Blair of Thomasville, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Carter Blair of Raleigh, N.C., Ryan Loflin and Thomas Loflin of Valle Crucis, N.C., Emma Rose Blair and Ava Marie Blair of Memphis, Tenn.; and granddaughters-in-law, Amie Williams Blair of Memphis, Tenn. and Leila Willis of Raleigh, N.C.; a sister, Estelle Forbes of Newport News, Va.; and brothers, J.E. Joyner, Jr. of Tarboro, N.C. and Harvey R. Joyner of Cary, N.C.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Alvis Joyner and Ervin Joyner; and a sister, Lucille Joyner Sexton.

A graveside service was held Saturday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. at Fair Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery

Memorials may be made to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103.

J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home in Thomasville, N.C. was in charge of the arrangements.

Paul Andrew Chapman Sr.

Mr. Paul Andrew Chapman, Sr., 70, of Red Maple Lane, Boone, died Sunday morning, Oct. 30, 2005, at his home.  

He was born in Russell County, Virginia,  a son of the late Jacob and Edith Bishop Chapman.  Mr. Chapman was a carpenter. 

Surviving include his wife, Nora Wishon Chapman; six children, Janet Justice and husband, Charles, of Mountain City, Tenn., Roger Chapman and wife, Sherry, of San Antonio, Texas, Betty Welch and husband, Eddie, of Foscoe, Alice Campbell and husband, Don, of Kentucky, Paul Andrew Chapman, Jr. and wife, Lana, of Swords Creek, Virgina, and Steve Chapman and wife, Judy, of Boone. Seventeen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Steve Chapman, Jr.

Memorial services will be conducted Tuesday evening at 7 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. T. J. Jackson.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 7 o’clock, one hour prior to services, at the chapel.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Chapman family.

Mary Magdalene Ill

Ms. Mary Magdalene Ill, 86, a resident of Treasure Island, Fla., and a seasonal resident of Blowing Rock for 12 years, died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2005, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, N.C.

Survivors include her companion, Janet Rose Reed, of the home; one brother, Paul Ill of Viera, Fla.; one sister, Barbara Ann Stralec of St. Pete Beach, Fla.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be conducted at a later date in Florida.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Ill family.

Dillon Andrew Price

Mr. Dillon Andrew Price, 18, of Silverstone Road, Zionville, died Tuesday morning, Oct. 25, 2005.

He was born in Watauga County, Nov. 17, 1986, a son of Marie Lewis Price and Jeff Price.

Dillon was a member of Westside Baptist Church and attended Shulls Mill Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Watauga High School, worked at Wendy’s restaurant, and was a member of the North Carolina National Guard.

Survivors include his mother, Marie Lewis Price of Zionville; his father and step-mother, Jeff and Cindy Price of Trade, Tenn.; one step-brother, Ethan Lipford; three step-sisters, Bell, Beth and Katie Lipford, all of Trade, Tenn.; his maternal grandparents, Isaac and Virginia Lewis of Zionville; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Andy and Madge Price.

Services were conducted Thursday evening at 8 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Tim Coffey. The family received friends Thursday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Graveside services and burial were conducted Friday morning at 11 o’clock, at the Wilson Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Gene Pierce, Charles Lewis, Donnie Lewis, Cody Bryant, Randy Jennings, and Ethan Lipford.

Memorials may be made to the Shulls Mill Baptist Church, 283 Shulls Mill Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Price family.

Toney Santomasso

Mr. Toney Santomasso, 77, of Valle Crucis, N.C., died Oct. 24, 2005, at his home.

He was born August 31, 1928 in Hartford, Conn., to the late Louis and Angela Maria La Morte Santomasso.

Mr. Santomasso was retired from the United States Marine Corp, with 24 years of service and a member of Southside Baptist Church and life member of DAV Chapter #27 and N.R.A.

Survivors include his wife, Lula Hatley Santomasso; two daughters, Maria S. Hyde and husband, Lee, of Valle Crucis, N.C. and Carla Stegall Day and husband, Roy, of Lake Wales, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Rosemary Spradley of Villa Rica, Ga.; two sisters, Mildred Gondek and Thresa Santomasso, both of Connecticut; one brother, John Santomasso of Connecticut; two grandchildren, Bryan Stegall and Mary Almond; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jackie Theodore Spradley.

Services were conducted Monday morning at 11 a.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Robert Leonard officiating. Burial followed at West Concord Memorial Cemetery with full military rites performed by the U.S. Marine Corp.

Memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 561 Union Cemetery Road, Concord, N.C. 28027.

Condolences may be made at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com

Wilkinson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the Santomasso family.

Violet Wilson

Mrs. Violet Wanakaha Yount Parker Wilson of Myrtle Beach, S.C., formerly of Hickory and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., died Oct. 29, 2005 at the Conway, S.C. Medical Center.

She was born Oct. 21, 1924 and was a homemaker, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Thomas Anderson Wilson; two sons, Dr. Clinton Parker and his wife, Darlene, of Boone, Charles A. (Tony) Yount and his wife, Kay, of Lake James; and one daughter, Sandra MacFarlane and her husband, John, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; ten grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Starnes of Bethlehem and Mrs. Jo Cline of Jacksonville, Fla.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Raymond and Mrs. Ruth Starnes Yount; one son, Raymond Emanuel Wilson; and one grandchild.

Services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Catawba Funerals and Cremations Chapel. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family will gather at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Starnes of Bethlehem.

Friends may send flowers or make memorials to the American Heart Association.

Goldfinch Funeral Home of Myrtle Beach and Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations of Hickory are in charge of the arrangements.