Archived

Dora Hattie Baker Tate
Mrs. Dora Hattie Baker Tate was born on July 23, 1907 in Collettsville, N.C. and died March 5, 2007 at 7:55 a.m. at Glenbridge Rehabilitation Center, Boone, N.C., after a period of declining health.
She attended grade school in her home community and also in Morganton, N.C. where she graduated from Olive Hill High School. Later she continued her education at North Carolina Central College in Durham, N.C. As a young adult, she worked as a domestic in Blowing Rock’s historic Martin House Inn. She also taught school in Watauga County for a brief period of time.
On Dec. 14,1943, she married the late Samuel Alexander Tate and they settled in New York near her husband’s Merchant Marine Port base. There, the first two of their three sons were born, Samuel Boyd Tate and Oscar David Tate. After moving back to Morganton, their youngest son, Louie Payton Tate, was born. The family lived many years on a farm in the Lake James community and also owned and operated “Tate’s Beach”, a popular location.
Mrs. Tate was a longtime and very active member of Shiloh AME Church in the Lake James Community, where she eventually became the Church Mother. When living with her sons and their families, she attended New Bethel Baptist Church in Morganton, N.C. and the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church in Boone, N.C. where she was also considered the Church Mother.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her three sons and their wives, Samuel Boyd Tate and wife, Audrey Blaylock-Tate of Boone, N.C., Oscar David Tate and wife, Diane Thomas-Tate of Morganton, N.C., and Louie Payton Tate and wife, Kansas Baker-Tate of Greensboro, N.C.
She also leaves seven grandchildren, Alisa D. Tate of Winston-Salem, N.C., Erica D.Tate and Samuel Alexander Tate of Greensboro, N.C., Adam D. Peobles and his wife, Liseth Moreno Peobles,,of Mammoth, Ariz., Richette B. Tate-Gore and her husband, Michael A. Gore, of Kernersville, N.C., Patrick L. Tate and his wife, A’Tonya Lipford Tate, of High Point, N.C.., Kevin Thomas of Fayetteville, N.C.; and step-grandson, David A. Johnson of Greensboro, N.C. Eight great-grandchildren; her beloved uncle, Ralph Perkins of Morganton, N.C., and a host of relatives, and friends .
She was preceded in death by her husband: Samuel A. Tate of Morganton, N.C.; her parents, Edgar Baker and Etta Perkins Baker; her brother, Lee Baker; and her three sisters, Bertha Baker, Lola Baker Avery, and Gladys Baker Michaux.
Receiving will occur Friday, March 9, 2007 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Ebony Funeral Home in Morganton, N.C. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 3 p.m. (viewing at 2 p.m.) at Mrs. Tate’s home church, Shiloh AME Church, 1323 North Powerhouse Road, Morganton, N.C. 28655.
Interment will be in Olive Hill Cemetary, Morganton, N.C.
Repass will be at Shiloh AME Church Fellowship Hall.
Professional services entrusted to Ebony Funeral Services, 220 Avery Avenue, Morganton, N.C.

Glenda Dale Sproul Wheeler

Mrs. Glenda Dale Sproul Wheeler, 64, of 167 Hodges Road, Deep Gap, the Triplett Community, died Wednesday morning, March 7, 2007, at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir.
She was born August 1, 1942 in Fayette County, Pa., a daughter of Dorothy Means Sproul Friend and the late Robert Jennings Sproul.
Mrs. Wheeler was a retired administrative assistant for Appalachian State University, and a member, treasurer, Sunday School teacher at Mount Ephriam Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Jerry Wheeler and wife, Sherry; two daughters, Terry Smith and husband, Brad, and Tracey Greene and husband, Lynn, all of Triplett; her mother and step-father, Dorothy and Earl Friend of Ohiopyle, Pa.; two sisters, Gerry Jackson and husband, Charles, of Ohiopyle, Pa., and Roberta Sproul and friend ,Moni Mckenna, of Portland, Ore.; two brothers, Garry Sproul and wife, Bertha, of Ohiopyle, Pa., and Douglas Sproul and wife, Becky, of Smock, Pa.; two granddaughters, Shannon Marsh and husband, J.T., of Fleetwood, and McKayla Wheeler of Triplett; five grandsons, Jonathan Greene and wife, Jessica, of Zionville, Asa Watson and wife, Alexia, and Josh Greene and wife, Amanda, all of Boone, Orrin Wheeler and Ethan Smith, both of Triplett; two great-granddaughters, Shelby Watson of Boone, and Cadence Greene of Zionville, and two great-grandsons, Colton Pardue of Zionville, and Noah Alex Greene of Boone. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Joe Wheeler; and an infant son, Barry Wheeler.
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday morning, March 10, 2007, at 11:00 o'clock, at Mount Ephriam Baptist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Rick Critcher and the Rev. Burl Jones. The family will receive friends Saturday, following the service, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645, or to Mount Ephriam Baptist Church, 3275 Elk Creek Road, Deep Gap, N.C. 28618.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

March 7, 2007
Rev. Billy R. Allen
Rev. Billy R. Allen, 75, of Bluff City, Tenn., died Saturday, March 3, 2007, at Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn.
He was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., the son of the late Rev. James and Josephine Birdwell Allen, and later moved to Boone, N.C.
Rev. Allen served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and moved back to Sullivan County over 20 years ago. He was retired from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Hall Local 538, 121 Spring Street, Johnson City, Tenn. after over 50 years of service, where he was a lifetime member. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his daughter, Sandy Davis and husband, Bill, of Boone, N.C.; sons, Rev. Bill Allen, Jr. and wife, Donna, of Hope Mills, N.C., and Tim Allen and wife, Jana, of Antioch, Tenn.; grandchildren, Madison Allen, Jordan Allen, and Hunter; sisters, Pansy Stremsterfer and husband, Bill, of Blountville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Bacon, Ruby Eggers; and three infant sisters; four brothers, George Allen, James Allen, Robert Allen, and Vernon Allen.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens, Blountville, with the Rev. Bill R. Allen, Jr. officiating. Military rites were conducted by American Legion Hammond Post 3/265 and TN National Guard, with Sgt. Browning, Chaplain.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cartertrent.com.
Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport, Tenn., is serving the Allen family.

William Hugh Craig
Mr. William Hugh Craig, D.D.S., M.S.D., 64, of Wilmington, N.C., passed away March 2, 2007 after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle, Washington. While undergoing treatment, he volunteered for many clinical studies in order to improve future cancer research.
He was born in Indianapolis, Ind., on June 28, 1942, and grew up in Noblesville, Ind., and attended Indiana University. He graduated from Indiana University Dental School and then completed a pediatric residency at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. He later received his degree in orthodontics from Baylor University in Dallas. Mr. Craig was board certified in orthodontics by the American Board of Orthodontics. He was a member of the Tri County Dental Society, North Carolina Association of Orthodontics, Academy of General Dentistry, and was inducted into the American College of Dentists in 2003. He practiced pediatric dentistry for ten years, two of which were in the Navy. He opened his orthodontic practice in Wilmington in l983 and was joined in 2002 by Bobby Campbell. Bobby, his wife Holly, and daughter Sydney became a very important part of his life. His office family was so very special to him.
Mr. Craig was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church, past president and board member of the YMCA, past board member of Cape Fear Country Club, chairman of the board of directors at RBC Centura Bank, and co-chairman of the Blue Tie Golf Tournament which benefited the American Cancer Society.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Kathleen Shelton Craig; and his daughters Katherine Elizabeth Craig Fricke and husband, Mark, of Missoula, Montana; Jennifer Ann Craig Burdette and husband, Kemp, of Wilmington, N.C. He was joyously anticipating the arrival of his grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Annie Cook and husband, Steve, of Noblesville, Indiana; as well as many extended cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his giving spirit, his humility, his kindness and his strong faith.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Duke Medical Center, and Hanover Medical Specialists. Also, special thanks to the management and staff of the Seattle Residence Inn by Marriott.
The family will celebrate Bill’s life with a funeral mass at a date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
Andrews Market Street Chapel in Wilmington, N.C., are in charge of arrangements.

Dora Baker Tate
Mrs. Dora Baker Tate, 99, of 211 Milton Heirs Road, Boone, N.C., went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 5, 2007 while at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation.
Service arrangements are incomplete.
Ebony Funeral Services of Morganton is assisting the Tate family with arrangements.

March 5, 2007
Mrs. Nancy Parks Brown
Mrs. Nancy Parks Brown, 71, of 1670 Poplar Grove Road, Boone, died Thursday evening, March 1, 2007, at her residence.
She was born Jan. 8, 1936 in Saltville, Va., a daughter of the late James R. and Nina Tester Parks.
Mrs. Brown was a homemaker and a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, James H. Brown; two sons, Jeffrey Brown, and Wayne Brown, both of Boone; three sisters, Bessie Parks Younce of Boone, Georgia Parks Harmon and husband, Roy, of Vilas, and Billie Parks Stines and husband, James, of Sugar Grove, and one brother David Parks of Sugar Grove. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Shelby Harmon and husband, Billy, and a special nephew, Robert Kaczmarczyk and wife, Lisa, of Foscoe.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Bertha Parks Shew; and one brother, James E. Parks.
Services were conducted Monday morning, March 5, 2007, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Donald Critcher. Burial followed in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to High Country Health Care System/Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Austin Miller
Mr. Austin Miller, 75, of 1801 North Sharon Amity, Charlotte, a native and former resident of Boone, died Saturday, March 3, 2007, at Carolina's Medical Center- Mercy Hospital in Charlotte.
He was born Dec. 10, 1931, a son of the late Jason and Margaret Beach Miller.
Mr. Miller was a retired custodian for Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church in Charlotte and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Henson Chapel United Methodist Church in Sugar Grove.
Survivors include his former wife, Ruth Thomas of Rutherfordton; three daughters, Loretta Moore of Forest City, Leslie Dotson and husband, Wayman, of Rutherfordton, and Jeannette Bailey and husband, Chuck, of Forest City; four sons, David Miller and wife, Lucy, of Rutherfordton, Keith Miller of Shelby, Donald Miller of Rutherfordton, and Paul Miller and wife, Melody, of Ellenboro, N.C.; two sisters, Ann Miller of Todd, the Meat Camp Community, and Mary Hodges of Charlotte. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Jason Miller, Jr.
Services will be conducted Monday afternoon, March 5, 2007, at 2:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state from 1:00 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be Pastor Fred Killman, the Rev. Eugene Braswell, and the Rev. Steven Braswell. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. At other times, the family will be at the home of a sister, Ann Miller, Pro Street, Todd, in the Meat Camp Community.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Minnie Marie Eldreth Miller Moore
Mrs. Minnie Marie Eldreth Miller Moore, 88, of Lansing, died Tuesday night, Feb. 27, 2007 at Ashe Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Ashe County on Saturday, April 6, 1918 to the late Grover Cleveland Eldreth and the late Ellen Woodards Eldreth.
Mrs. Moore worked as an assembly worker in electrical manufacturing.
Survivors include two daughters, Clara Jones of Jefferson and Pat Grubb of Boone; two grandsons, Randy Jones of West Jefferson and Jeff Jones of Tampa, Fla.; and a great-grandson, Aaron Jones of West Jefferson.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 17 years, Lester Ray Moore; two brothers, Roscoe Eldreth and Wayne Eldreth; and five sisters, Reba Moore, Alysia Pennington, Lessie Ham, Mae Blevins and Faye Miller.
Services were conducted Friday, March 2, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Danny Miller and the Rev. Tommy Dollar officiating. A private burial followed Saturday, March 3, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Gideon’s, PO Box 993, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694 or to Ashe Services for the Aging, PO Box 9, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694. Condolences may be sent to the Moore family at the website www.boonefuneralhome.com. Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charg