Archived

August 9, 2007

Marian Coe

Marian Coe, of Banner Elk, N.C., passed peacefully Monday afternoon, August 6, 2007 at the Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital, in Linville, N.C., after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
She was a social reporter and feature writer for the St. Petersburg Times and earlier the Evening Independent.
She and her husband of 23 years, Paul Zipperlin, an artist who illustrated her books, lived in Banner Elk, N.C.; but spent the winters in Dunedin, Fla. Born in Birmingham, Ala., she was a reporter for the Alabama Journal in Montgomery before moving to St. Petersburg in 1958.
After her retirement from the Times in 1983, she began a second career as a novelist, writing nine books. Except for her first novel, “Legacy”, a mystery set in 1945 in the Pinellas beaches and her last book, “Rachel’s Story”, set in Boston, all took place in her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains. Her books won several awards from southern organizations including a first place from the State of Florida Writers Association. She was active in writers groups in both Florida and North Carolina.
Until her health deteriorated in recent months, she spent most days writing at her computer, leaving a tenth book unfinished.
Besides her husband, Paul Zipperlin, she is survived by her daughter, Carol Coe, a Ph. D. Candidate at Cambridge University in England. Her son, David McLean Coe, is a custom designer of doors and hardware in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 4 o’clock at the Corner Palate, 115 Shawneehaw Avenue, Banner Elk, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Watauga County Library, 140 Queen Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Coe family.

George Brian Wagner

Mr. George Brian Wagner, 45, of Akron, Ohio, went to be with the Lord, August 6, 2007, at his residence.
He was born April 16, 1962, in Banner Elk, to the late Herbert and Ruby Wagner.
Mr. Wagner was a gospel performer.
Survivors include one son, Josh Wagner of Boone; and three brothers, Mike, Terry and Richard Wagner, all of Boone; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Wagner.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Warren Funeral Home in Trumball County, Ohio, are in charge of the arrangements.

August 7, 2007

Martha Gail Bentley

Mrs. Martha Gail Bentley, 65, died August 3, 2007, in Vero Beach, Fla.
She was born in Watauga County, July 30, 1942.

Mrs. Bentley was employed by Piper Aircraft for 33 years as an Electronics & Avionics technician.

Survivors include her son, Scott Sanders of Vero Beach, Fla.; daughter, Lisa Roll of Sebastian, Fla.; brothers, Harley Bentley of Vero Beach, John Bentley of Ft. Pierce, Rhea Bentley of Morganton, N.C., and Bryon Bentley of Rockledge, Fla.; sisters, Shirley Shook Thomas of Boone, N.C., Barbara Hollers of Vero Beach, and Mertis Auton of Palm Bay; grandchildren, Ryan Sanders, Michelle Meeks, Adam Roll, Christian Roll, Brittany Roll and Bethany Roll.

A private service will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, P.O. Box 29119, Phoenix, Arizona 85038-9119.

Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Fla.

William “Bill” Davis

Mr. William “Bill” Davis, 70, of William Townsend Road, Banner Elk, died Saturday July 28, 2007 at Carolina’s Medical Center in Charlotte.

He was born Oct. 7, 1936 in Watauga County, a son of the late Willard and Callie Davis.

Mr. Davis was a retired truck driver.
Surviving are one daughter, Cheryl Curtiss and husband, Joseph, of Baltimore, Md.; one half sister, Debra Davis of Maryland; two half brothers, Johnny and Dale Davis of Maryland; one uncle, Hildreth L. Davis and wife, Etta of Valle Crucis; and five cousins, Larry Townsend, Brenda Davis, Patricia Miller, all of Valle Crucis; Carolyn Triplet of Vilas, and Maxine Woods of Monterey, Tenn.
Graveside services were conducted Tuesday evening at 6 o’clock at the Matney Liberty Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Ray Teaster.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Davis family.

Donald D. McGuire

Mr. Donald D. McGuire, 83, died Saturday, August 4, 2007, in Campbellsville, Ky.
He was born May 11, 1924 to the late Cecil McGuire and Elgie Davis McGuire.
Mr. McGuire professed faith in Christ and was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, having served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force.

He was a cartographer for the United States Department of Defense for some 24 years and designed the maps for the first lunar landing by United States Astronauts.

Mr. McGuire attended the University of Louisville, the University of Texas and graduated from the University of Kentucky.
He and his wife, Laura McGuire, retired to Boone, N.C., and three and a half years ago moved to Campbellsville at the suggestion of their good friends, Dick and Joan Kirzsinger.
He united in marriage to Laura Francis McCawley, May 31, 1958, in Louisville, who survives.

He is also survived by a sister, Betty M. Rutledge and husband, George Rutledge, of Georgia; three nieces and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Richard L. McGuire.
A memorial service will be conducted Thursday afternoon, August 9, 2007, at 4 p.m., at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Campbellsville with the Rev. Karl Lusk and the Rev. Louise Mann officiating. A reception for the family will follow the service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy should take the form of donations to St. Thomas Church, American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association and may be made at the funeral home.

Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home in Campbellsville, Ky. are in charge of arrangements.

August 6, 2007

Shirley Lou Ellen Brown

Mrs. Shirley Lou Ellen Brown, 64, of Lenoir, died Thursday, August 2, 2007, in her home.
She was born Jan. 3, 1943 in Caldwell County, a daughter of the late Henry Willard and Colene Day Clarke Cassidy.
Mrs. Brown was a member of Lenoir First Free Will Baptist Church and was retired from Thomasville Furniture Company.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Brown; her son, Junior Todd and wife, Bertha, of Lenoir; her daughter, Candy Katherman and husband, Jason, of Granite Falls; two sisters, Caroline Roark and husband, Billy, of Lenoir; Nancy Cassidy of Blowing Rock; two brothers, Kenneth Lee Cassidy and wife, Donna, and Gerald Wayne Cassidy and wife, Reba, all of Lenoir; and two grandchildren, Ciara and Macey Katherman, both of Granite Falls.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Bob, Buck and Richard Cassidy.
A celebration of life was held Saturday evening, August 4, 2007, at 7 p.m. at Lenoir First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Jack Moses and the Rev. Julius Hall officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to the Brown family at www.evansfuneralservice.com.
Evans Funeral Service of Lenoir was in charge of the arrangements.

Lavola Carender

Lavola Carender, age 94, of Banner Elk, died Friday, August 3, 2007 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk.
She was born April 28, 1913, a daughter of Lee R. Carender and Rhoda E. Shook Carender.
Ms. Carender attended Appalachian State Teachers College, was a retired school teacher of 35 years and a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by parents, Lee R. Carender and Rhoda E. Shook Carender; and by her sister, Launa Carender.
Services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Dean Baughn, the Rev. George Wright and the Rev. Don Holder. Burial will follow in the Matney Liberty Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Carender Family.

Ira Lee Clawson

Ms. Ira Lee Clawson, 86, formerly of Clawson Road, Poga community, died Thursday, August 2, 2007, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following a year-long illness.
She was born July 16, 1921 to the late John Fate and Elizabeth Hollifield Clawson.
Ms. Clawson was a life-long member of the Piney Grove Church of Christ, Poga, where she was the Children’s Sunday School teacher at one time.
She was a homemaker and a generous caregiver to others. She enjoyed nature, storytelling and living life to the fullest. She always had a positive attitude and a heart of gold. Ms. Clawson brought happiness to those whose lives she touched. Her great-grandchildren, Taylor and Elijah, were the lights of her life. She will forever be remembered in the hearts of those she knew and loved.
Survivors include a daughter, Gail Harmon of Elizabethton, Tenn.; two granddaughters and one grandson-in-law, Jeannie and Chris Guess of Elizabethton; Joannie Harmon of Omaha, Nebraska; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Elijah; one brother, Tommy Clawson of Mountain City, Tenn.; special nieces, Sue Hicks and Elaine Phillips; and special friends, James Mathis and Buster Mathis.
She was preceded in death by seven brothers, Randolph, Zeke, Monroe, Jessee, Jack, Sam and Brownlow; and three sisters, Anna Mae Morgan, Lucinda Potter and Leitha Clawson.
A celebration of her life and receiving of friends was held Saturday evening, August 4, 2007, from 6-8 p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Home in Elizabethton, Tenn.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, August 5, in the Piney Grove Church of Christ in Poga, with Mr. Dean Estep officiating. Interment followed in the Clawson Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Teresa Clark and the staff of Hillview Health Center and the staff of Johnson City Medical Center Hospital 2nd Floor for all their kindness to Ms. Clawson.
Condolences may be sent to the family by signing the guestbook at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or by fax to 542-9499.
Tetrick Funeral Home in Elizabethton, Tenn. is serving the Clawson family.

Marcia Helen Fox Geitner

Mrs. Marcia Helen Fox Geitner, 57, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, N.C., died Thursday evening, August 2, 2007, at Glenbridge.
She was born Nov. 29, 1949, in Watauga County, a daughter of the late Joe V. Fox and Bertha Mae Coffey Fox.
Mrs. Geitner was a homemaker and a member of Foscoe Christian Church.
Surviving are her daughter, Marcia Roberta Coffey Cox and husband, Robert Michael Cox, of Boone, N.C.; three grandchildren, Jeffery Shane Dickens of Key West, Fla., Paul Daniel Dickens and Tiffany Dickens, both of Boone, N.C.; two sisters, Betty Fox Anderson and husband, JC Anderson, of Abingdon, Va.; Maude Ruth Fox Taylor and husband, Creed Taylor, of Boone, N.C.; five nephews, Terry and wife, Judy Taylor; Mark Taylor; David and wife, Mary Taylor, all of Boone; Jeff and wife, Kip Anderson, of Elizabethton, Tenn.; Larry and wife, Marilyn Shipes, of Fresno, Calif.; one niece Jodi Taylor Perry and husband, John, of Thomasville, N.C.; and many other distant relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David R. Geitner of Morganton; her parents, Joe V. Fox and Bertha Mae Coffey Fox; three sisters, Nannie Bell Fox, Mary Francis Fox, and Margaret Fox Pell; two brothers, Sgt. JD Fox and John Lee Fox; and by three nephews, Ned Joe Taylor, Joey Anderson and Ricky Shipes, all of Boone.
Services will be conducted Monday evening at 7:30 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel officiating will be JC Anderson. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Ataxia Foundation, 2600 Fernbrook Lane, Suite 119, Minneapolis, MN 55447.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Geitner Family.

Mariam Cannon Hayes

Mrs. Mariam Cannon Hayes died peacefully at her home in Blowing Rock, N.C., on Saturday evening, August 4, 2007.
She was born in Concord, N.C., on January 22, 1916, the daughter of Charles A. Cannon and Ruth Coltrane Cannon. The second of the Cannon’s four children, Charles, William and Mary Ruth.
Mrs. Hayes was a graduate of Mount Vernon Seminary and attended Queens University at Charlotte and did graduate work at the University of Oklahoma. She served as a trustee of Queens University at Charlotte, Davidson College, Appalachian State University and Blowing Rock Hospital, life member of the Tryon Palace Commission, member of the board of directors of the North Carolina Museum of History, a member of the boards of advisors of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital. She received honorary doctorates from Campbell University, Wingate University and Catawba College. She was honored as Philanthropist of the Year in 2004 by the Charlotte Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Mrs. Hayes met Robert Griffith Hayes of Charlotte and following their marriage in 1936, traveled with her husband throughout the country during his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon returning to civilian life, they established their home in Concord.
Mrs. Hayes devoted herself to philanthropic work, which stretched throughout her life. She was named the president of the board of directors of the Cannon Foundation from 1982-2004 and remained a director until her death. She never missed a board meeting. Mrs. Hayes followed the mission of the Cannon Foundation by supporting health care, education and religious organizations in the community. She was also a trustee and chairperson of the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trusts.
Mrs. Hayes’ personal passion was music education and performance throughout North Carolina. The Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education as well as camps and programs for children of all ages. She was a driving force behind the creation of the Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock. Other colleges and universities to which she devoted her time were the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Wingate University, Lees-McRae College, Catawba College, Barber-Scotia College, Campbell University and Pfeiffer University.
She was a devoted supporter of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte athletic programs, especially the basketball program. She regularly attended men’s and women’s basketball games and traveled to conference and national contests.
Accessible health care was a priority to Mrs. Hayes throughout her life. Mrs. Hayes volunteered at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital (now Carolinas Medical Center – NorthEast), which was established by her father. She also supported the Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville, N.C., and Blowing Rock Hospital.
Mrs. Hayes also had a life-long involvement with Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk, once telling a newspaper reporter that she had 95 children – one at home and 94 at Grandfather. Along with the hospital and college there, the orphanage was then a part of the Edgar Tufts Memorial Association, which was ably chaired in the 1960s by her husband, Robert. She and Mr. Hayes not only provided sustaining support, but also gave generously of their personal time and talents to the children there.
Mrs. Hayes divided her time between her homes in Concord and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Concord and Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church of Blowing Rock.
Mrs. Hayes is survived by her son, Congressman Robert Cannon Hayes (Robin) and his wife, Barbara; grandchildren Winslow Hayes Galloway and her husband, Lonnie, and Robert Cannon Hayes, Jr., and his wife, Heather; as well as four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in November, 1998.
The family will receive friends Tuesday at Mrs.Hayes’ home, 52 Spring St. NW.
A memorial service will be at First Presbyterian Church of Concord at 2 p.m. Wednesday, officiated by the Rev. Todd Hobbie and the Rev. Larry Lyon, with a reception to follow in Davis Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, 813 Rivers St. Boone, N.C. 28608 or the NorthEast Medical Foundation, 920 Church St. N. Concord, N.C. 28025 or a local charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com.
Wilkinson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

William “Bill” Hurst Hayes

Mr. William “Bill” Hurst Hayes, 67, of Conover, passed away August 5, 2007 at his residence.
He was born Feb. 5, 1940 in Watauga County, to Dwight William and Dixie Hodges Hayes.
Mr. Hayes was a member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Vilas, N.C. and attended Starmount Baptist Church in Newton, N.C. He was retired from the United States Air Force, and from Appalachian State University as a warehouse manager. He had many CB radio friends that he enjoyed talking with.
In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Lillie Hayes; sons, Richard Hayes of Startown, Lloyd Foster and his wife, VaKisha, of Catawba, Jimmy Foster of Newton; daughters, Dixanna Howell and husband, David, of Maiden, Linda Foster of the home, Jenny Foster of Newton, Ginger Caldwell and husband, Darrell, of Conover; a brother, James Hayes and wife, Julie, of Vilas; a sister, Linda Gragg of Boone; grandchildren, Aaron Howell, Tyler Bean, Logan Foster, Colby Burgy, Daniel Caldwell, Christopher Caldwell, Austin Foster, Aleshia Foster, Bridget Yoak; and a great-granddaughter, Skylar Yoak.
The family will receive friends Monday, August 6, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at Catawba Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Catawba Funeral Home with Pastor J.D. Grasty officiating.
Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com
Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations are providing professional services to the Hayes Family.

Hurley Greer Main Sr.

Mr. Hurley Greer Main Sr., 88, of McCall Road, Lenoir, died Saturday, August 4, 2007, at Shaire Center Nursing Center. He was born Sept. 8, 1918 in Watauga County to the late Ira Hamilton and Georgia Harmon Main.
Mr. Main was a retired carpenter with Wilkie Construction Co. and a member of East Flat Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ward Main; three sons, Hurley Main Jr. and wife, Jean, of Lenoir, Dana Ray Main and wife, Linda, of Lenoir, and Tony Lynn Main and wife, Joan, of Hudson; four daughters, Mrs. Peggy Jean Bryant and husband, Ervin, of Lenoir, Mrs. Barbara Ann Earp and husband, Benny, of Hudson, Mrs. Linda Orr and husband, Richard, of Lenoir, and Mrs. Georgia Lowe and husband, Bob, of Lenoir; two sisters, Mrs. Vonnie Moody of Tennessee and Mrs. Geneva York of Morganton; 31 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Lee Roy Main; six brothers, Earl, Ira, Carson, Hubert, Zane and Boyd Main; and one sister, Flora Phillips.
Services will be conducted Monday evening at 6 p.m., August 6, 2007, at East Flat Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. Claude B. Suddreth. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Online condolences may be made at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Franklin Lenoir Mast

Mr. Franklin Lenoir Mast., 82, of Lookout Lane, Patterson, N.C., died Saturday, August 4, 2007 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care.
He was born Dec. 13, 1924 in Darlington, Maryland to the late Claude and Grace Moore Mast.
Mr. Mast was a long time resident of Patterson, and he retired from Singer Furniture Co. and was a member of Green Mountain Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Lou Ellen Braswell Mast; one son; Larry Joe Mast and his wife, Debbie; one daughter, Mrs. Linda Mast Church and husband, Donnie; one sister, Ms. Mary Moore Mast, all of Patterson; two grandchildren, Tracy Church and wife, Emily Walsh Church, of Bethlehem and Zebulon Church and wife, Emily Thompson Church, of Lenoir; three great-grandchildren Zachary, Anna and Lauren Church, all of Bethlehem.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one daughter,Sarah Mast Cornell; two brothers, James F. Mast and Claude David Mast; and one sister, Lillie Josephine Mast.
Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Charles Keever and the Rev. Donnie Church. Interment will follow in the Green Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers arrangements will be appreciated or contributions may be made to: Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

August 3, 2007

Haywood Franklin Murray
Mr. Haywood Franklin Murray, 72, of 6847 Bakersfield Drive, Jacksonville, Fla. and Clarks Creek, N.C., died Sunday, July 29, 2007, at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville.
He was born May 3, 1935 in Alamance County, a son of the late Ernest Leeway Murray and Hattie Clapp Murray.
Mr. Murray was a Mason and Shriner. He owned three businesses in Jacksonville before retiring in 1996. He then joined the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department as a Certified trainer for School Crossing Guards.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Barbara Byrd Murray; his beloved dachshund, Sweetie; one brother, Ernest Leeway Murray, Jr. of Burlington; and two brothers-in-law, Johnny Byrd and wife, Mae, and Jack and Thelma Byrd, all of Banner Elk. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Mozell Page, Dorothy Mosley Mitchum, Lucille Daniels, and Florence Woods.
Services will be conducted Saturday, August 4, 2007, at 2:30, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 1:00 until 2:30. Masonic graveside rites and burial will follow in the Byrd Family Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon, from 1:00 until 2:30, at the funeral home, prior to the service. At other times, friends may call at the home of Johnnie Byrd, 311 Justice Road, Banner Elk, N.C.
Flowers are appreciated or, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fla. 33607.
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

July 30, 2007

Homer R. Bumgarner
Mr. Homer R. Bumgarner, 73, of 725 Brooks Shell Road, Elk Park, died Friday, July 27, 2007, at his residence.
He was born July 6, 1934 in Avery County, a son of the late Ray and Lorena Warner Bumgarner.
Mr. Bumgarner was a retired general contractor, and served in the United States Army. He was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk.
Survivors include two sons, Chris Bumgarner and wif,e Jane, of Elk Park, and David Bumgarner and wife, Mary, of Banner Elk; three granddaughters, Cassie Bumgarner of Elk Park, and Millie Bumgarner and Baker Bumgarner, both of Banner Elk; one grandson, Carter Bumgarner of Elk Park; and four sisters, Helen McRae and husband, Douglas, of Bristol, Tenn., Sue Crawford and husband, Albin, of Charlotte, Carolyn Harris of Granite Falls, and Lois Buck and husband, Harvey, of Roan Mountain, Tenn.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Storie Bumgarner; one brother, Jerry Bumgarner; and one sister, June Trivette.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, July 29, 2007, at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Officiating was the the Rev. George Wright. Burial followed in the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Avery County, PO Box 1357, Newland, N.C. 28657.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Beau Bryson Hicks
Beau Bryson Hicks, infant son of Bobby Gilbert Hicks and Nina Rena Cloud Hicks of Banner Elk, N.C., was laid to rest in a private service Thursday, July 26, 2007.
Surviving are his parents, Bobby Gilbert Hicks and Nina Rena Cloud Hicks; two brothers, Bobby Dustin Hicks and Chad Austin Hicks; his maternal grandfather, Mickey Bagley of Bristol, Tenn.; his paternal grandmother, Wilma Hicks of Banner Elk; his paternal great-grandparents, Charlie and Minnie Alice Hicks of Banner Elk; four aunts, Rosa Hicks of Banner Elk, Peggy Hicks of Ashe County, Sonya Johnson of Bristol, Tenn., Selena Phillips and husband, Boyd, of Meat Camp,; Nora Bagley of Bristol, Tenn.; one uncle, Nickey Bagley of Bristol Tenn.; and one cousin, Jonathan Worley of Ashe County.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Hicks family.

Dorothy 'Dot' Teague Koontz
Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Teague Koontz, 93, a resident of Pine Ridge Road, Lexington, died Friday, July 27, 2007, at Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation in Lexington.
She was born in Watauga County, August 17, 1913, to the late John and Mary Walser Teague.
Mrs. Koontz was a retired employee of Bullock Hosiery Mill and was a member of the Welcome Home Extension Club. At her church, she had served as president of the Women of the Church, as a Deacon and served as a Sunday school teacher, for the Women’s Bible Class. During the summer, she grew flowers to decorate the church.
Survivors include her daughter, Toni Leonard and husband, Thomas, of Lexington; two granddaughters, Melanie Beeson and husband, Joel, of Arcadia, and Marlin Bradberry and husband, Tim, of Fort Mill, S.C.; five great-grandchildren, Seth, Ryan, and Lauryn Beeson, Nikalas and Adam Bradberry; two special sisters, Justina Temple and husband, Charlie, of Lexington, and Beatrice Pankey and husband, Raymond, of Lexington; one brother, Allsion Teague and wife, Colleen, of Belmont, N.C.; two special nephews, Jerry Temple of Lexington, and Dan Hartness and wife, Mary, of Mt. Holly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gray Koontz; two sisters, Edna Holler and Velma Cagle; and two brothers, Eubert Teague and Norman Teague.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon, July 29, 2007, at 4 p.m. at Beulah United Church of Christ, where she was a member, with the Rev. E. Benn Fleming officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Beulah United Church of Christ, 2828 Arnold Road, Lexington, N.C. 27295.
Online condolences may be made at www.piedmontfuneralhome.com.
Piedmont Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Robin Kathy McLeod
Ms. Robin Kathy McLeod, 48, of 468 Hight Williams Road, Zionville, died Thursday, July 26, 2007, at her residence.
She was born Nov. 6, 1958 in Erwin, N.C., a daughter of Fern Griffiths McLeod and the late Frank McLeod.
Ms. McLeod was a pharmacy cashier at Boone Drug Company, employed by Appalachian Energy, and a member of Howards Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Melinda Greene and husband, Daniel, of Boone, and Jamie Trivette of Winston-Salem; one granddaughter, Makahyla Archie of Winston-Salem; five grandsons, Devon Trivette, Dustin Trivette, Frankie Greene, and Dalton Greene, all of Boone, and Jeremiah Archie of Winston-Salem; her mother, Fern McLeod of Zionville; two sisters, Sharon McLeod, and Melanie Eggers and husband, Ronald, all of Zionville; two brothers, Jimmy McLeod of Mockesville, and Jeff McLeod and wife, Sherree, of Warrensville. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon, July 28, 2007, at Howards Creek Baptist Church. Officiating were the Rev. Mark Chaney and the Rev. Joe London. Burial followed in Cove Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Colleen Russell Tucker
Colleen Russell Tucker, 25, of Gastonia and Boone, died Tuesday, July 24, 2007 in Asheville, N.C.
She was a native of Tampa, Fla., and was the daughter of Caren Hobbs Tucker and the late Hugh Wayne Tucker.
Ms. Tucker was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. She graduated from Forestview High School, class of 2000, and was a member of the Choral Club. She attended Appalachian State University and had a love for animals and enjoyed life to its fullest.
Survivors include her mother, Caren Hobbs Tucker; a brother, Darren Tucker, of the home; aunts, Wanda Kenworthy and husband, Edwin, of Hickory, Connie Drews and husband, Al, of Fairview Park, Ohio; uncles, Charles Reid and wife, Pat, of Granite Falls, Myron "Sonny" Tucker of Granite Falls; and a number of cousins.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clinton and Lucille Hobbs and Blanche and Myron Tucker, Sr.
Services were conducted Saturday morning at 11 a.m., July 28, 2007, at Founders Chapel, McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia. Officiating was Pastor Brian Cornell.
Memorials may be made to Watauga Humane Society, 200 Casey Lane, Boone, N.C. 28607; or Christ United Methodist Church, 3415 Union Road, Gastonia, N.C. 28056.
Condolences may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia were in charge of the arrangements.

Marie J. Wilson
Marie J. Wilson died Wednesday, July 25, 2007.
She was born in Trade, Tenn., and was a long time resident of Lake Clarke Shores.
Marie’s enthusiasm for life, family, friends, dining out and shopping, made her the colorful woman she will be remembered and treasured for, by all who knew her. She believed in enjoying life to the fullest.
She had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. She was a member of Palm Beach Worship Center, where she was a joy and inspiration to all.
Survivors include her loving husband of 57 years, Butler Eugene Wilson; daughters, Brenda Schuler and husband, George; Rene’ Bingham and husband, Michael; and Chere’ Wilson; a brother, David Bumgardner and wife, Fifi; her grandchildren, Jessica McCabe and husband, Chris, Jenny Crouch and husband, Greg; and Paul and James Bingham; great-grandchildren, Brian, Erika, Solomon, Malachi and Cali Grace; nieces and nephews, David, Jr., Sophia, Tim and wife, Natalie; Samuel, Jonathan and Daniel; and her great-nieces and nephews, T.J., Tiara, Shekinah, Brooke, Brittney, and Travis.
Services were held Saturday afternoon, July 28, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 1201 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, with interment immediately following at Hillcrest Memorial Park, West Palm Beach.
Quattlebaum Funeral & Cremation Services in West Palm Beach, Fla., were in charge of the arrangements.