Archived

Daisy Lena Hartley Aiken
Mrs. Daisy Lena Hartley Aiken, 85, of Brevard, N.C., died Dec. 29, 2007.
She was the daughter of the late Ronda and Leona Young Hartley.
Mrs. Aiken will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, a wonderful grandmother and “Granny D.” She was a feisty, small woman who loved the Lord, her children and cooking.
She was a member of Cathy’s Creek Baptist Church and she also attended Old Toxaway Baptist Church. She faced failing health with the grace God provided.
Survivors include her husband of more than 65 years, Arthur William Aiken, Sr.; and three children, Arthur William Aiken, Jr., Christine Aiken Fisher and Joyce Aiken Greene, all of Brevard. Ten grandchildren were blessed to have her as a grandmother and they include: Teresa Finney of Des Moines, IA, Kathy Dill of Rosman, Brett Aiken of Tempe, AZ, Holly Aiken of Lubbock, TX, Mark Bryson of Brevard, Nancy Bryson Mahlum of Brevard, Melissa Aiken McIntyre of Mills River, and Sherri Sanders Burton of Jacksonville, N.C. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by several brothers and sisters, Irene Ford of Blowing Rock, Clara Phillips of Boone, Iva Lee Brewer of Boone, Frank Hartley of Arlington, Va., Ron Hartley of Myrtle Beach, Rudy Hartley of Boone and Gwyn Hartley of Blowing Rock.
She was preceded in death by two additional children, Jean Aiken Crane and Harold Edward Aiken; three siblings, Edgar Hartley, Dorothy Hartley Cody and Carolyn Hartley Bolick.
A graveside memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Old Toxaway Baptist Church cemetery.

Raymond Vaughn Elliott
Mr. Raymond Vaughn Elliott, 86, of West Jefferson, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, after a brief but courageously fought illness.
He was known for his sincere love and concern for everyone he met and for his special ability to make others laugh. He especially loved his church family and lived his Christian life so as to inspire someone else's life.
Mr. Elliott received a bronze star from proudly serving his country in World War II during which time he spent ten months in a military hospital in the Pacific Islands, due to injuries from heavy artillery. Afterwards he returned to Ashe County where he had the honor of working with Dr. R.C. Ray, Sr., country doctor and friend. Mr. Elliott was employed at Ray Drug Store for 43 years. Affectionately known as “Doc,” customers regularly sought his advice, enjoyed the old-time cherry cokes and milkshakes he made, and humbly accepted his offer to pay for medicine for their little ones when they couldn't afford it. He truly had a heart of gold, and especially when it came to kids.
During his life, Mr. Elliott enjoyed woodworking in the family's cabinet shop. Additionally, he shared many special friendships through his love of playing a good game of checkers, bowling a good game, and listening to beagles run a good rabbit race.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gwendolyn Gentry Elliott; a son, Tommy Elliott and wife, Jeannie, of Boone; a daughter, Diane Elliott Parsons and husband, Frank, of West Jefferson; four grandchildren, Shane Elliott and wife, Kelly, and daughter Katie of Jefferson; Kristy Elliott and daughter Sierra of Wilmington, and Zane and Jena Parsons of West Jefferson; two sisters, Winfred Rash of Lansing and Ruth Huffman of Crumpler; one sister-in-law, Lessie Elliott of Smethport; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Elliott was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Flora Elliott; and a close brother, Bluford Elliott, of Smethport.
Mr. Elliott's family will receive friends at Boone Family Funeral Home in West Jefferson on Sunday from 6:00-8:00 pm. A celebration of his life will be held at Mission Home Baptist Church in Fleetwood on Monday, Dec. 31, at 2:00 p.m. with officiating ministers, Jack Miller of West Jefferson, Tom Vestal of Mouth of Wilson, Va, and David Wellborn of Wilkesboro. Burial will follow in the Ashelawn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson with military rites conducted by members of the county's VFW and Jr. ROTC of Ashe County High School.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mission Home Baptist Church, c/o Mr. Raymond Brown, 171 Big Flatts Road, Fleetwood, N.C. 28626.
The family expresses their deep gratitude to Dr. Robert Griffith, Watauga Internal Medicine, Dr. Flint Gray, Seby Jones Regional Cancer Center, and to the extraordinary second floor nurses and staff, the physical therapists department and first floor cafeteria workers at Watauga Medical Center whose kindness made Mr. Elliott's time there so comfortable. Thank you; too, for the kindness of the many friends he so loved.
Boone Family Funeral Home in West Jefferson is in charge of the arrangements.

Catherine Manion Griffin
Mrs. Catherine Manion Griffin, 100, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and a seasonal resident of Bamboo Road, Boone, died Monday morning, Dec. 31, 2007 at Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation in Boone.
She was born March 20, 1907 in Pittsburg, Pa., a daughter Martin and Katherine Lennox Manion.
Mrs. Griffin was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, Fla. and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Boone.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Muscarella and husband, Joseph, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Boone; one niece, Catherine Jobes of East Pittsburg, Pa.; and two nephews, Edward Doran and wife, Harriet, of Pinellas Park, Fla. and John Griffin and wife, Jackie, of Weirton, West Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen J. Griffin; and one sister, Lillian Doran.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, officiated by Father Joe Mulligan. Graveside services and burial will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 1 o’clock at All Saints Braddock Catholic Cemetery in Pittsburg, Pa.
On line condolences may be made to the family at austinandbarnesfunrealhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory in Boone and Maurice Knee Funeral Home in Pittsburg, Pa. is serving the Griffin family.

Marjorie Kime
Mrs. Marjorie Kime, 85, of 673 Main Street, Blowing Rock, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at Blowing Rock Hospital.
She was born March 5, 1922 in Evanston, Ill., a daughter of the late Gladstone Blaine and Nell McKee Niles.
Mrs. Kime was a homemaker and attended Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Valerie Kime of Lafayette, Colo.; one son, Clay Kime and wife, Kathie, of Fairfax, Va.; two granddaughters, Stacey Kime and Kelley Kime, both of Fairfax; and three grandsons, Bob Kime, III of Fairfax, Tyler Hall and Arthur Hall, both of Lafayette, Colo.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Kime.
Services were conducted Wednesday morning, Jan. 2, 2008, at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock. Officiating was the Rev. Richard Holshouser. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1218 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605.
Online condolences may be sent to the Kime family at www.hamptonfuneralserivce.com
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

Evelyn Greever Walsh
Mrs. Evelyn Greever Walsh, 89, passed away Jan. 1, 2008, after a brief illness.
A native and life-long resident of Mountain City, Tenn., she was born Nov. 14, 1918 to the late James T. Greever, a former Johnson County Sheriff, and Mattie Barry Greever.
Mrs. Walsh operated Greever and Walsh Clothing Store in Mountain City for 52 years before retiring at age 80. She and her husband, Tom, were involved in related businesses of Greever and Walsh Wholesale, Walsh and Walsh Textile Printing, and Rainbow Paper Company. During her years in business in downtown Mountain City she was very active in promoting community spirit in her efforts to beautify the town.
She enjoyed fishing, world traveling, sewing, and was an avid golfer. She was always happiest when surrounded by her beloved family. She is remembered by her family and friends as caring and loving and always there for them. Mrs. Walsh was the oldest member of the Johnson County Democratic Women. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mountain City and looked forward to seeing her church family each week and attending the Short Term Journeys Sunday School class.
Survivors include one brother, Stedman Greever of Mountain City; two sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas W. Walsh, Jr. of Foscoe, and Ann Walsh of Mountain City, and Richard H. Walsh and Judy Walsh of Mountain City; five grandchildren, Stephanie Walsh Albeid and husband, Henry; Sharon Walsh Reece and husband, Noah; Susan Walsh and Eli Betancourt; Katherine Walsh and William J. Lukatos; and Carol Greer Stoltzfus and husband, Kenneth; nine great-grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as “Great-Mother”, Mattie Reece, Samantha Cornette, Aisia Robbins, Cassidy Lakatos, Ivy Lakatos, Anna Stoltzfus, Carly Stoltzfus, Neil Stoltzfus, and Reid Stoltzfus. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Thomas W. Walsh; and one brother, Clarence Greever.
Services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, Jan. 5, 2008, at 2 p.m. from the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Larry Rye officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow services in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. prior to the services in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. At other times, friends may call at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mountain City First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 128 N. Church Street, Mountain City, Tenn. 37683.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the website www.hux-lipford.com.
Arrangements for the Walsh family are in the care of Hux-Lipford Funeral Home.

Hal L. Mabry Sr.
Mr. Hal L. Mabry, Sr., 78, of 2152 George Hayes Road, Boone, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008.
He was the son of the late Claude Lee Mabry and Vangie Wortman Mabry.
Mr. Mabry graduated from Shelby High School in 1947, and graduated from Gardner Webb College and from Wake Forest University in 1951, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran having served in the Korean War. He was retired from Appalachian State University after 20 years working as a Systems Analyst and a Computer Programmer. Mr. Mabry enjoyed volunteering in little league baseball while living in Greensboro and Boone.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Mary Frances Mitchell Mabry; two daughters, Cheryl M. Anderson of Banner Elk, Joan Ward and husband, Doyle, of Sugar Grove; a son, H. Lee Mabry, Jr. and wife, Sidney, of Raleigh; three granddaughters, Ashley Ward and Haley Ward, both of Sugar Grove; and Mary Frances Mitchell Mabry of Raleigh; one grandson, Joseph Mabry of Raleigh; two sisters, Norma M. Sorgee of Rock Hill, S.C., and Carol M. Shook and husband. Tom. of Clemmons, N.C. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Services will be conducted Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. The body will lie in state from 10:00 until 11:00. The Rev. Allan Blume and the Rev. Bud Russell will officiate. Entombment will follow at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum.
The family received friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Building Fund, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Hampton Funeral service is in charge of the arrangements.

J. Ralph Wilson
Mr. James Ralph Wilson, 86, of Asheboro, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007 at Randolph Hospital.
Mr. Wilson was a native of Stokes County and a member of Whispering Pines Presbyterian Church. He was employed with Acme-McCrary for 25 years and General Electric\Black and Decker for 25 years. Mr. Wilson had a love of the outdoors, hunting, farming and loved telling tales.
Survivors include four daughters, Patty Dampier and husband, Bobby, of Hanson, Ky.; Susan McKay of Boone, N.C.; Beverly Culbertson and her husband, Jim, of Liberty, N.C.; Cathy Cheek and husband, Dave, of Chesterfield, Va.; one son, J. Ralph Wilson Jr. and wife, Donna Mae, of Cebu, Phillipines; grandchildren, Celeste Loucks of Bon Aqua, Tenn.; Will Hanner of Franklinton, N.C.; Sara Hanner of Haines, AK; Bo Kime of Greensboro, N.C.; Sagen Kime of Climax, N.C.; J. R. Wilson, III of Cuenca, Equador; Brad Wilson of Kansas; Wes Lunsford of Austin, Texas; Christy Lunsford of Bristol, Va.; Patrick Cheek of Morgantown, WV; and a sister, Beulah Davis of Asheboro, N.C.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Trogdon Wilson.
Services were held Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home Chapel, in Asheboro, with the Rev. Nellie Bescher and the Rev. Tim Fonner officiating. Burial followed in Randolph Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Community Home Care & Hospice, 1213 Shana Lane, Asheboro, N.C. 27205 or Randolph County Senior Adults Association, Meals on Wheels, 133 W. Wainman Ave., Asheboro, N.C. 27203 or Russell's Grove Baptist Church Family Life Center, 5118 U.S. Hwy 220 Bus. South, Asheboro, N.C. 27203.
The family would like to express special thanks to Community Home Care and Hospice with a special appreciation to Belinda Hightower and Deborah Carr and to Amy Moon of Dr. Sidney Blake’s office.
Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, N.C., was in charge of the arrangements