Archived

Madeline L. Clarke
Mrs. Madeline L. Clarke, 93, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away Monday, April 30, 2007.

She was born Nov. 7, 1913 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mrs. Clarke, in her younger years, was a gray lady at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She also was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school classes and served on many committee’s throughout her 67 year membership. She was a loving caregiver for neighbors, friends and family.
She is survived by her son, James G. Clarke, Jr.; daughter, Dr. Judy Clarke; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Her family and friends will miss her sweet smile and loving nature.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Clarke Sr.; father and mother, Charles and Anna McLaughlin; five brothers and sisters; a loving daughter-in-law, Pat Clarke.
Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. followed by services at 1 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, I-435 at Holmes Road. Burial will be in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill Youth Fund.
Mt. Moriah & Freeman Chapel are in charge of arrangements.

Frank Thomas Erardi
Mr. Frank Thomas Erardi of Yadkinville, N.C., died May 1, 2007 at home in his sleep.
He was born in Meriden, Conn. on Oct. 1, 1937.
Mr. Erardi was retired from Appalachain State University in Boone, N.C. and was a faithful member of the Yadkinville Congregation of the Jehovah’s Witness.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Jean Erardi; eight children, Debra Cardini of Ft. Myers, Fla.; Robert Erardi of Foscoe, N.C.; Karen Dipace of Middletown, Conn.; Janie Perrit of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Elizabeth Thompson of Fullerton, Calif.; Amy Czaja of Boone, N.C.; Kathleen Berry of Yadkinville, N.C.; Nicole Crawford of Yadkinville, N.C.; 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Amber, Frank, Jake Erardi; Chris, Amanda, Doug Brockett; Joseph Cardwell; Logan and Megan Czaja; one great-grandchild, Genesis Brockett; a sister, Bobbette Boynton of Meriden, Conn.; and his beloved dog, Smokey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Rocco and Lillian Barbara Dalton Erardi.
His memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday May 5, 2007 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 1624 Union Cross Church Road, Yadkinville, N.C.
Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville, N.C. is serving the Erardi family.

Harold Gragg
Mr. Harold Gragg, 75, of Drum Lane, Granite Falls, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.
He was born Oct. 21, 1931 in Caldwell County, to the late William Thurman Gragg and Lydia Coffey Gragg.
Mr. Gragg was a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran and of the Baptist faith. He was an avid bowler and was involved in many leagues over the years.
Survivors include his wife, Hsu Li “Shirley” Gragg; a son, Charles “Chuck” Gragg of Hudson; a daughter, Sandra Coffey and husband, Richard, of Lenoir; three sisters, Nola Couts, Penny Catterton, and Jackie Baucom; three brothers, Richard Gragg of Blowing Rock, Dayton Gragg of Blowing Rock, and Dean Gragg of Biloxi, Miss.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gary Steven Gragg.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007, 2:30 p.m. in the Bass Smith Granite Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ed Warren officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service at Bass Smith Granite Funeral Home.
Entombment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, N.C. 27407.
Bass Smith Granite Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Steven “Bruce” Greene, Sr.
Mr. Steven “Bruce” Greene, Sr. 76, of Circle Drive, Hudson, died Wednesday, May 2, 2007.
He was born Sept. 22, 1930 in Watauga County to the late Steven Collis and Dova Lentz Greene.
Mr. Greene was retired from BellSouth and a member of Hudson United Methodist Church where he was a former Trustee Chairman and President of the men of the church. He was a member of the Hudson Fire Department Board of Directors, past president of BellSouth Pioneers Club and member of the Pioneer Hall of Fame. He was a United States Navy Veteran, a member of Hibriten Masonic Lodge #262 A.F. & A.M., third term Hudson Town Commissioner, a member of Hudson American Legion Post 29, a former Hudson Man of the Year, and a former Chairman of Hudson Town Planning Board, and a life member of Blowing Rock Ruritan Club. He was also a graduate of Blowing Rock High School.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Nell Greene; two sons, Steven Bruce Greene, Jr. and wife, Jeanell, of Woodlawn, Va. and Richard Timothy Greene and wife, Claire, of Chapel Hill; a sister, Mrs. Oma Beasley of Springfield, Tenn.; one grandchild, Linnie Greene of Chapel Hill; five step-grandchildren, Ashley Brooks of Raleigh, Caroline Eppley of Greenville, Alaine Munn, Satie Munn and Hunter Davis, all of Chapel Hill; and one great-grandchild, Christine Raynor of Greenville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Genevieve Greene and Alverta Reid; and a brother Rudolph Greene.
Services will be held Friday, May 4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Hudson United Methodist Church conducted by Dr. Timothy Brittain and the Rev. Joe Parker. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Stewart Rhymer, Randy Rhymer, Mack Jarvis, Vernon Henderson, Peter Loyzelle and Denny Mackie.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Hudson Fire Department.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hudson United Methodist Church, 383 Main St., Hudson, N.C. 28638.
Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Jane Johnson
Mrs. Mary Jane Johnson, 79, of Las Vegas, Nev., died April 29, 2007.
She was born Feb. 12, 1928, in Freehold, N.J., to Howard B. and Lula Mason.
Mrs. Johnson earned a Nursing degree from Duke University and her Master’s degree from UNLV. She was a dedicated school nurse for over 30 years with Clark County School District before retiring in 1992. She was an active member of Shadow Hills Baptist Church. Mrs. Johnson loved to travel and spend time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her sons, Greg Johnson and wife, Robin, of Chicago, Ill., James Johnson and wife, Diane, of Belfair, Wash., and David Johnson and wife, Lori, of Las Vegas, Nev.; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Peggy M. Taylor and spouse, Gail, of Valle Crucis, N.C.; Gertrude Mason Wells and spouse, Art, of Lititz, Pa.; and Susan Mason Kelly and spouse, Harold, of Englishtown, N.J.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold W. Johnson in 1970; her mother and father; and a brother, Tommy.
Services were conducted Wednesday afternoon, May 2, at 12:30 p.m. at Shadow Hills Baptist Church, 7811 Vegas Drive, Las Vegas, Nev. A reception followed the service at the church. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, May 5, at 10 a.m. at Palm Memorial Park-Northwest, 6701 North Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, Nev.
Palm Mortunary was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley L. Main
Mrs. Shirley L. Main, 70, of Mountain City, Tenn., died Sunday, April 29, 2007, at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born May 10, 1936, in Johnson County, to the late Norman and Georgia Smith McElyea.
Mrs. Main liked to travel, her flowers and gardening. She will truly be missed, as she was loved by her family very much. She was a member of Mountaindale Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Thomas Billy Main; one daughter, Cathy Main Denny and Bill of Mountain City, Tenn.; one son, Lowell Thomas Main and wife, April, of Mountain City; sisters, Pat Stout, Lois Miller and husband, John, and Carolyn Worley and husband, Bill, all of Mountain City; two grandchildren, Savannah Denny and Katie Adams; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Jack Stout.
Services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Mountain City Funeral Home with Jim Hutchinson officiating. The committal service and interment followed in Pleasant Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Norman officiating.
Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or Mountain City Care Center, Activity Fund, 919 Medical Park Drive, Mountain City, Tenn. 37683.
Condolences may be made online at www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com.
Mountain City Funeral Home in Mountain City, Tenn., are in charge of the arrangements.

Yvonne Inez Marchesseau
Ms. Yvonne Inez Marchesseau, long-time resident of Coconut Grove, Fla. and Boone, N.C., died peacefully at her final residence at Givens Estates in Asheville, N.C., April 13, 2007.
She graduated from the Florida State College for Women in 1940, now known as Florida State University, later earning a Masters’ Degree in teaching from Columbia University. Her entire teaching career was spent at Shenandoah Junior High School in Miami, Fla., beginning as a Physical Education teacher and later teaching Science until her retirement in 1971. She moved to Boone, N.C. in 1973, remaining there until moving to Asheville in the mid-1990s.
She is survived by her life-long friend and companion, Ella Fowinkle, now a resident of Nashville, Tenn., as well as her nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Yvonne Brawn of Miami, Fla., Mary Ann Moore of Jonesboro, Ga., Larry Marchesseau of Covington, Ga., Michael Paris of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Patricia Paris Reed of Damascus, Oregon.
A crypt-side service was held on April 18, 2007 at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Miami, Fla. A memorial service is planned for later this summer. Those wishing further details may contact Elizabeth Brawn at 305/389-4874 or vonnieb7@aol.com.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Doris Lee Wallace Storie
Mrs. Doris Lee Wallace Storie, 63, of 225 Russell Hill Road, Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, April 30, 2007.
She was an active member of East Side Baptist Church where she served on several committees including being a past officer of the finance committee and director of the nursery. Previously she worked at Concord Custom Cleaners, as a seamstress from her home and more recently at Fingerhut. Mrs. Storie was a devoted mother, grandmother and an inspirational sister.
Surviving are one son, Bill R. Storie, Jr. and wife, Melanie Greer Storie, of Elizabethton, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Josh Storie and Emilee Storie of Elizabethton, Tenn.; a special friend, Norman Vines; seven sisters, Audrey Hartley and husband, Neil, of Boone, N.C.; Reba Watson of Matney, N.C.; Reda Ward and husband, Gilbert, of Sugar Grove, N.C.; Faye Eggers and husband, Denver, of Banner Elk, N.C.; Shirley Rash, Trade, Tenn.; Helen Shearer and husband, David, of Warminster, Pa.; Dare Ward of Lexington, N.C.; sisters-in-law, Francis Potter, Dessie Harrison, Kate Harrison and husband, Glenn, all of Buck Mountain, Tenn.; Norma Potter and husband, Albert, of Stafford, Va.; brothers-in-law, Dennis Storie and wife, Reta, and Jim Storie, all of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; Leslie Storie and wife, Kathy, of Jonesborough, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were conducted Wednesday, May 2, at 8 o’clock p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace, Elizabethton, Tenn., with the Rev. Jim Storie officiating. Graveside services and interment was conducted Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock at Happy Valley Memorial Park, Johnson City, Tenn.
Memorial donations may be made to the following: East Side Baptist Church, 1509 Siam Road, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643; Johnson City Hospice Services, Suite 100, 101 Med Tech Parkway, Johnson City, Tenn. 37604; or to the American Cancer Society, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or by fax 423-542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home in Elizabethton, Tenn. is serving the Storie family.

May 2, 2007
Terry Hollar Cluelow
Mrs. Terry Hollar Cluelow, 56, of Peachtree City, Ga., died Saturday, April 28, 2007, at her home.

She was born May 25, 1950 in Watauga County, N.C., the daughter of John Henry and Theresa Payseur Hollar.
Terry was a 1968 graduate of Watauga High School and a 1972 graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. In September 1993 she graduated from Griffm Technical Institute with high honors in radiologic technology. She was employed as a radiologic technician for Dr.Steven Wanderman at Peachtree Orthopedics and Dr. Jack Powell at Georgia Bone and Joint in Newnan, Ga.
Survivors include her husband of 29 years, Jay Maxwell Cluelow; one son, Jayson Maxwell Cluelow and his wife, Amy Westmoreland Cluelow, of Fairburn, Ga.; two grandchildren, Hunter and John Cluelow; two sisters; Hannah Hollar Butler of Greenville, N.C.; and Kari Lynn Hollar of Boone, N.C.; and one step-brother, Chris Rogers of Columbia, S.C.
She was preceded in death by her brother, John Henry Hollar II, of Todd, N.C.
A memorial service will be held at Providence Baptist Church in Palmetto, Ga., on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 135 Bradford Sq., Ste. B, Fayetteville, GA 30215 or Fayette County Humane Society, P. O. Box 244, Fayetteville, GA 30214.
For directions to Providence Baptist Church go to their website: www.pbcrico.org.
Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home, Peachtree City, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.

Yvonne Inez Marchesseau
Ms. Yvonne Inez Marchesseau, long-time resident of Coconut Grove, Fla. and Boone, N.C., died peacefully at her final residence at Givens Estates in Asheville, N.C., April 13, 2007.
She graduated from the Florida State College for Women in 1940, now known as Florida State University, later earning a Masters' Degree in teaching from Columbia University. Her entire teaching career was spent at Shenandoah Junior High School in Miami, Fla., beginning as a Physical Education teacher and later teaching Science until her retirement in 1971. She moved to Boone, N.C. in 1973, remaining there until moving to Asheville in the mid-1990s.
She is survived by her life-long friend and companion, Ella Fowinkle, now a resident of Nashville, Tenn., as well as her nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Yvonne Brawn of Miami, Fla., Mary Ann Moore of Jonesboro, Ga., Larry Marchesseau of Covington, Ga., Michael Paris of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Patricia Paris Reed of Damascus, Oregon.
A crypt-side service was held on April 18, 2007 at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Miami, Fla. A memorial service is planned for later this summer. Those wishing further details may contact Elizabeth Brawn at 305/389-4874 or vonnieb7@aol.com.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation, American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

Eva Ollie Sexton Presnell
Mrs. Eva Ollie Sexton Presnell, 73, of Slabtown Road, Zionville, died Wednesday morning, April 25, 2007 at home.
She was born Sept. 7, 1933, in Johnson County, Tenn., a daughter of the late Paul Sexton and Ruth Arnold.
Mrs. Presnell worked as a waitress and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are one daughter, Betty Morefield; two sons, Jack and Lester Morefield, all of Mountain City, Tenn.; two sisters, Ruby Earp and husband, Johnny, of Lenoir, N.C., Dorothy Reece of Laurel Bloomery, Tenn.; two brothers, Lonnie Arnold of Lenoir, and Connie Arnold of Wartburg, Tenn.; one brother-in-law, Johnny Presnell and wife, Blanche, of Zionville, N.C.; one sister-in-law, Ann Wilson of Lexington, N.C.; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Presnell; a daughter, Nancy Morefield; and one brother, Worley Sexton.
Services were conducted Friday, April 27, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel officiated by the Rev. Ray Slemp. Burial followed at the Wilson Cemetery.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Presnell family.

April 30, 2007
Grace Simpson Beach
Mrs. Grace Simpson Beach, 89, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road and formerly of Wintergreen Lane, Boone, wife of the late Jay Beach, died Thursday morning, April 26, 2007, at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born in Forsyth County, Oct. 1, 1917, a daughter of the late John A. and Julia Stutts Simpson.
Mrs. Beach was a graduate of Appalachian State Teachers College and held a Masters Degree from Appalachian State University. She was an elementary school teacher, having spent most of her career at Blowing Rock Elementary School. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Boone.
She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. George Miles officiating. Entombment followed at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 375 West King Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Beach family.

Billy T. Cannon
Mr. Billy T. Cannon, 69, of Dunwoody, Ga., died April 27, 2007.
He was born in Charlotte, N.C. He served in the U.S. Air Force, on many community service projects and was a retired VP with BellSouth Advertising and Publishing. His unforgettable smile will be deeply missed.
Mr. Cannon was a member of Dunwoody Community Church and a seasonal resident of Blowing Rock, N.C. where he was a member of Faith Bridge UMC. He was a member of Joppa Lodge 530 in Charlotte N.C.
Survivors include his wife, Kaye; daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Tracy Jessup, and grandchildren Anna and Christian; sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Carol and Dick Mudd, Leta and Joe Wood, Kim and Cody Horn and Joanne Cannon; two nieces, Shawna Peterson and Rhonda Hunter; and one nephew, Max Cannon III; and many great-nieces, great-nephews and his German Shepherd companion, Diesel.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Max Cannon, Jr.; and niece, Alexa.
His life will celebrated on Tuesday, May 1, at Dunwoody Community Church. Visitation will be in the Fireside Room at the church from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with a funeral service immediately following with the Rev. Jim Reiter officiating. A graveside service will be held May 2 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock N.C. with the Rev. Sandy Sisson officiating.
Memorial tributes may be posted to Billy and his family by visiting www.mem.com.
In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, Cherokee Animal Shelter or a charity of your choice to honor his memory.
Arrangements by H.M. Patterson & Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, N.E., Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328.

Alverta Winebarger Greene
Mrs. Alverta Winebarger Greene, 75, of Dry Ponds Rd. Granite Falls, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2007 at her residence.
She was born August 20, 1931 in Boone, N.C. to the late Eswa and Ethel Miller Winebager.
Mrs. Greene was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy Cushing of Forest City and Virginia Ann Shuford-Smith of Cary; and is also survived by Elmer Greene’s children, Arlie Greene, Peggy Vines and Judy Warren, all of Lenoir; four brothers, Walter and Odell Winebarger, both of Lenoir, and Richard and David Winebarger, both of Boone; three sisters, Ola Trammel of Black Mountain, Sarah Parlier of Boone and Ann Jarvis, also of Boone, nine grandchildren, Sherry Pearson of Lenoir, Tracy Carter of Cary, Sue Ellen Fankhauser of Burlington, Eddie Price III of Hickory, Todd Greene, Matt Warren, Joe Warren, Leslie Vines and Cindy Greene; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death other than her parents by her first husband, Ernest Philmon Shuford; and her second husband, Elmer Elihu Greene.
Services will be Monday, April 30, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Pendry’s Chapel with the Rev. Rick Crouse officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Barry Story, Mike Bowman, Mike Goldielock, Joe Warren, Bud Huffman, and John Fankhauser.
Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfh.com
Pendry’s Funeral Home & Crematory, Lenoir, N.C. is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edith Wilson Greene
Mrs. Edith Wilson Greene, 87, of Third Street, NE, Conover, died Thursday, April 26, 2007 at Frye Regional Medical Center.
She was born Sept. 17, 1919 in Watauga County, the daughter of the late Leonard Eckales and Effie Cornelius Hartley Wilson.
Of the Baptist faith, she had taught Sunday School for 50 years and had worked in every phase of church work. She was currently a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Newton.
Survivors include a daughter, Lana Greene Lynch of Conover; a granddaughter, Sabrina Tilley Townsend and husband, David A.; grandsons, Kyle Jennings Lynch and Barrett William Lynch; a great-granddaughter, Jessica Rae Townsend; and a special friend, Hemeter Sigmon of Conover.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow J. Greene; a daughter, Jo Greene Crouse; sons Woody J. Greene, Jr. and Tony J. Greene; and a sister, Margaret Wilson Proffitt.
A Service of Remembrance was held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2007 in the Chapel of Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. David Byers and the Rev. Dan Martin officiating. Burial followed in Catawba Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1650 Nathaniel Street, Newton, N.C. 28658 or to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 926, Newton, N.C. 28658 or to American Cancer Society, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, N.C. 28210.
Condolences may be sent to the Greene family at www.willisreynoldsfuneralhome.com
The Greene family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Crematory in Newton, N.C.

Christopher Garrett Hodges
Christopher Garrett Hodges, 19, of 632 North Pine Run Road, Boone, died Thursday, April 26, 2007, at Watauga Medical Center.
He was born July 31, 1987, in Watauga County, a son of Chris E. and Amy Groce Hodges. He was a member of Rutherwood Baptist Church.
Survivors include his father and mother, Chris E. and Amy Groce Hodges; one sister, Staci Hodges Norris and husband, Seth; and one brother, Spencer William Hdges, all of Boone; his maternal grandparents, Jack and Jenny Groce of Boone; his paternal grandparents, Edsel and Shirley Hodges of Boone; one aunt, Mitzi Wallace of Boone; three uncles, Doug Groce of Charlotte, Jack Groce, II, of Asheville and Doug Wallace of Boone; and two cousins, Andrew and Landon Wallace of Boone.
A celebration of life was conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Rutherwood Baptist Church with the Rev. Gary Lawrence, Mr. Brian Smith and Mr. Tim Moretz officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rutherwood Baptist Church Building Fund, 142 Don Hayes Road, Boone, N.C. 28607 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, Va. 23058.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Editor’s Note: The following is from Christopher Hodges’ family.
If you will for a moment conjure in your mind the person in your life who has shaped your heart. I don’t mean the person who has inspired you, or the one who has pushed you to be better. And I don’t mean the one who has taught you the meaning of love, understanding, or hope. The keyword here is “or.” You see there are not many people in this world who are capable of shaping a heart completely. It’s just not everyday you find someone who can sum up the meaning of life just by being, being a friend, being a hand to hold… simply being.
Christopher Garrett Hodges was born on July 31, 1987. I was four. And although my mind does not recall the details or the events of the day, I can imagine the sun shone a little brighter. I only wish I could sit here and tell you all my stories about how my life began when a little angel was born that day. This angel was born with clipped wings but they were so strong they would fly him to the highest points of blessing. Blessing me, blessing you, even if you never knew him. He was born with the ability to bring you from your lowest point up to the mountaintop, simply with the slight upturn of his lips.
Younger years certainly brought some trips to the wing doctor. But he grew, learning to fly just a little later than the rest, but then rising above the rest when he did. There were days of endless Wizard of Oz watching, “scooting” as everyone who knew him like to call it, and of course playing dress up whenever he had the chance. That UPS man will never be the same after seeing my brother in that pink tutu of mine.
And as the years pressed on Christopher’s wings grew and grew and grew. He acquired a taste for popsicles before bedtime, chocolate breakfast bars, and Barney. He was a normal kid loving normal kid things, but facing obstacles I could never imagine facing in my lifetime. But he pressed on, learning and loving and laughing. His days added to his testimony. No sense of time ever entered his mind; the simple gifts in life such as a movie or video game would keep him satisfied forever if they had to. Fortunately we were part of a family who gave him more than he could have ever asked for and he was spoiled. He deserved it.
With only four years difference you would think I could remember more of our childhood, but I sit here in a blur of memories and moments. His spirit that is with me moves me. I can’t think of another way to tell you about his life other than that it was the simple things that satisfied his sweet soul. He loved orange; Sunkist drinks, The Dukes of Hazzard and the General Lee, even Cheetos.
He loved movies and I Love Lucy shows. Urkel, Full House and Spiderman were must haves in our house. He loved video games, and he was good at them, which is a lot more than most boys can say. He loved pranks, and jokes and being the center of attention. He loved Jesus, who was most certainly the center of his heart. He just loved life and cherished everyday with no worry about tomorrow. Although he never was able to read much he knew more about the Bible’s teaching than I will ever learn. He was born with a meek spirit, and kind heart. He will inherit the earth. And his crown is overflowing with treasures and jewels. I just hope it had a few surprises on it and that Santa drops by a few more in heaven this year.
At this moment my heart is heavy, weighed down by memories that make me miss my brother more than I ever thought possible. But my heart also rejoices for him. Right now he is winning a game of football on the best Playstation 3 he could ever own. And he’s having cold Sunkist while having someone rub his feet. He’s running; something I always knew he wanted to do. The lights are on, there is no thunder or lightening, and his cell phone is ringing off the hook. Most of all he’s flying, perfect wings this time, no longer clipped. But in my mind he was always perfect. He truly shaped my heart.
Shaping a heart isn’t easy and it takes deep, unconditional love to do it. But Christopher did that. He loved you and he never knew you probably. He loved me. He’s reading this I hope. And buddy, if you are, I love you. I want you to keep running, and keep playing and keep smiling. Keep loving me, keep loving all of us. We need you. You went far sooner than seemed fair, but for the time you were here you touched us just by being. I am grateful. Thank you for shaping my heart. Thank you for giving me my wings to fly.
By Staci Hodges Norris
April 29, 2007

Rev. Jay Jones
Rev. Jay Jones, 84, of 804 Greenway Road, Boone, died Saturday, April 28, 2007, at Glenbridge Health Care Center.
He was born June 27, 1922 in Mecklenburg County, a son of the late James Clarence and Cleo Thomas Jones.
Rev. Jones married his teenage sweetheart and was married for 64 years. He graduated from Mars Hill College, where he played football. He also graduated from Queens College in Charlotte with a B.S. degree, and completed his education with four years at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. A biblical scholar in Greek and Hebrew languages, he was also a historical storyteller. Rev. Jones began his ministry at Bethel Baptist Chapel in Charlotte, and continued his ministry at First Baptist Church in Creedmore, Whitehurst Road Baptist Church in Plant City, Fla., Green Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte. He completed his ministry at Greenway Baptist Church in Boone, for 12 years, where he also continued as a member.
Rev. Jones served with the United States Air Force during World War II. Prior to becoming a minister, he was a conductor for Southern Railroad, and was known for remembering everyone’s name.
Survivors include his wife, Polly McGraw Jones; one son, Peter Jones and wife, Janice Bauguess-Jones of Blowing Rock; two daughters, Deborah Jones of Mill Valley, Calif., and Tessa Vilardebo and husband, Bob, of Tampa ,Fla.; four grandsons, Matthew Vilardebo and wife, Elida, of Brandon, Fla., Nathan Vilardebo and wife, Melissa, of Apollo Beach, Fla., Dylan Taube and Tyja Taube, both of Truckee, Calif.; one great-grandson, Clark Vilardebo, and one great-granddaughter, Rylee Vilardebo, both of Brandon, Fla. He is also survived by five nieces and one nephew.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Eunice Deaton Jones; one sister, Margaret Jones Daughtry; and one brother, Earl Jones.
Services will be conducted Thursday morning, May 3, 2007, at 11:00 o'clock, at Greenway Baptist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Charles Hughes, the Rev. Harold Bennett, and the Rev. Allen Higginbotham. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the High Country Health Care System/Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Eva Ollie Sexton Presnell
Mrs. Eva Ollie Sexton Presnell, 73, of Slabtown Road, Zionville, died Wednesday morning, April 25, 2007 at home.
She was born Sept. 7, 1933, in Johnson County, Tenn., a daughter of the late Paul Sexton and Ruth Arnold Sexton.
Mrs. Presnell worked as a waitress and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are one daughter, Betty Morefield; two sons, Jack and Lester Morefield, all of Mountain City, Tenn.; two sisters, Ruby Earp and husband, Johnny, of Lenoir, N.C., Dorothy Reece of Mountain City, Tenn.; one brother, Lonnie Arnold of Mountain City, Tenn.; one brother-in-law, Johnny Presnell and wife, Blanche, of Zionville, N.C.; one sister-in-law, Ann Wilson of Lexington, N.C.; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Presnell; a daughter, Nancy Morefield; and one brother, Worley Sexton.
Services were conducted Friday, April 27, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel officiated by the Rev. Ray Slemp.
The family received friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service, at Austin & Barnes. Burial followed at the Wilson Cemetery.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Presnell family.

Colene Killian Westover
Mrs. Colene Killian Westover, 70, of Boone, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2007 at Watauga Medical Center after a long illness.
She was born June 26, 1936 in Caldwell County to the late Joseph and Julia Bradshaw Killian.
Mrs. Westover was a member of East Hudson Baptist Church.
She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her husband, Lewis Alfred Westover Jr. of Mountain City, Tenn.; a son, Lewis Westover III of Hudson; three daughters, Colanne Johnson and husband, Ronald, of the home; Laura Westover and Willa Kyle, both of Hudson; three brothers, Bob Killian of Granite Falls, Jerry Killian of Granite Falls, and Raymond Killian of Morganton; six sisters, Mary Ellen Foster of Lenoir, Rosalee Presnell of Hudson, Dorothy Tilley of Asheville, Linda Church of Hudson, Norma Jean Johnson of Lenoir and Edith Brown, also of Lenoir; and 12 grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Killian; and a daughter, Judith Morrow.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, April 29, 2007, at 2:00 at Pendry’s Chapel, with the Rev. Jim Greene and the Rev. Eric Proffit officiating. Burial followed in East Hudson Baptist Church Cemetery.
Condolences may be placed online at www.pendrysfh.com Pendry’s Funeral Home & Crematory, Lenoir, N.C. is assisting the family with arrangements.