Archived

Christopher Alan ‘Chris’ Caudill
Mr. Christopher Alan “Chris” Caudill, 48, of Andy Hicks Road, Banner Elk, died Saturday morning at home.
Surviving are his wife, Katheryn Hicks Caudill; his maternal grandfather; C. V. Pilkenton of Granite Falls; and one uncle, Gary Caudill and wife, Mitzi, of Granite Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Van Pilkenton Caudill.
Memorial services were conducted Monday evening at 6 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. The family received friends prior to the service from 4 until 6 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. At other times, friends may call at the home of Len & Annie Hicks, 4911 Andy Hicks Road, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.
Memorials may be made to the family at 4835 Andy Hicks Road, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.
On line condolences may be made to the Caudill family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Caudill family.

Robert Lewis Fultz
Mr. Robert Lewis Fultz, 48, born Feb. 26, 1959, in Charlotte, the son of the late Donald Lewis and Carrie May Fultz, died at his residence, Feb. 23, 2008.
A member of Christ Covenant Church for the past 25 years, he taught Children’s Church for 15 of those years and enjoyed coaching baseball and soccer on the church’s SOAR sports ministry. Mr. Fultz served four years on the Parents Association and another four years on the Covenant Day School’s Board of Directors.
Additionally, Mr. Fultz volunteered for Love in the Name of Christ, a non-profit organization, for whom he cut yards and repaired homes of those in need. He was two times World Power Lifting Champion in the World Natural Power Lifting Federation and used this as a platform, to guest speak to schools and churches about Christ.
Recently, Duke Energy awarded Mr. Fultz a watch and plaque for 30 years of service.
Surviving are his wife of 26 years, Lori Meredith Fultz; and their three children, Sarah Nicole Fultz, 19; Jacob Lewis Fultz, 15; and Carrie Rebekah Fultz, 12. He is also survived by his sisters, Debbie Rucker of Weddington and Karen Criminger of Blowing Rock, Kathy Rucker Grey, Joy and Dana Rucker of Charlotte, Kim Criminger James and Christina Criminger of Blowing Rock, and Makala Meredith.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 1, 2008, from 1-3 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m., at Christ Covenant Church at 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews, N.C.

Elizabeth Russell Horton
Mrs. Elizabeth Russell Horton, died February 21, 2008, in Boone, N.C.
She was a daughter of Stella Huxford Russell and Simon Tyler Russell, born in Russellville, S.C. on Jan. 28, 1920.
Mrs. Horton attended public school and boarding in Macedonia, S.C. near Moncks Corner, S.C. She completed undergraduate work and her Masters Degree in Music at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, N.C. and Columbia College in Columbia, S.C. In 1966 she completed her second Masters Degree in Education at Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C. Elizabeth, a dedicated and talented public school educator and musician taught for 27 years in the South Carolina and North Carolina School Systems. Her South Carolina teaching locations were Liberty Hill, Winnsboro, Greenbrier, Charleston, Bishopville and Columbia.
She was the dedicated wife of Rev. John S. Davis, a member of the United Methodist Conference of South Carolina and a retired educator, Dr. Ben Horton, Dean of the College of Education at Appalachian State University.
In North Carolina she taught in Boone at Hardin Park Elementary, teaching many intern teachers from the University. She received numerous education and music awards as well as being selected as the South Carolina NEA teacher of the Year in 1962.
She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband of 42 years, Dr. Benjamin Horton of Boone, N.C.; two sons, John Davis of Charleston, S.C. and Jim Davis of Fredericksburg, Va.; three grandsons, Christopher, Jimmy and Tommy Davis; and a sister, Norvell Craig of Columbia, S.C.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rev. John S. Davis.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, Feb. 24, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Boone United Methodist Church. Officiating was Dr. George Naff and the Rev. Marianne Romanat.
Memorials may be made to the Boone United Methodist Church, 471 New Market Boulevard, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be made to the Horton Family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Horton family.

Mary H. Pennestri
Mrs. Mary H. Pennestri, 77, of Church Road, Boone, died Sunday morning, Feb. 17, 2008, at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born Nov. 5, 1930, to Clarence Lambert and Flora Albanie Hunter in Giles County, Va.
As an adult, she moved to the Washington, D.C. area where she met and married Sam Pennestri and they had two children, Hope and Andrew (Andy). Sam died in 1972 and after his death Mary remained in the D.C. area to raise her children. She was the legislative assistant law librarian for Southern Railway, a position she held for over 15 years. In 1983 she moved to Boone, N.C., where she attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a Master’s Degree in 1991. Mrs. Pennestri became a substance abuse counselor for New River Mental Health until her retirement. She was a familiar face to many in the community, and was actively involved in AA until her death.
Surviving are one daughter, Hope Anne Pennestri of Annapolis, Md.; one son, Andy Pennestri and wife, Mandy; one grandson, Alex “Charlie” Giammatteo, all of Vilas; two sisters-in-law, Anne Kessinger of West Virginia and Marie Hunter of Kingsport, Tenn.; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by special family friends, Bob and Marnie Werth of the Sleepy Hollow Community.
In addition to her parents, Clarence Lambert and Flora Albanie Hunter, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; four brothers, Howard, Shirley Edward and Curtis, an infant; by two sisters, Elaine Hunter and Beverly Hunter Deck.
Memorial services will be held Friday, Feb. 29 at 8:00 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Minister Alisha Orlando. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 6-8 p.m. at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospitality House of Boone, 302 West King Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Pennestri family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Pennestri family.

Alma Cheek Hinshaw Porter
Mrs. Alma Cheek Hinshaw Porter, 98, of 211 Milton Brown Heirs Road, Boone, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at Glenbridge Health Care.
She was born Nov. 10, 1909 in Wilkes County, a daughter of the late Grant and Mary C. Waddell Cheek.
Mrs. Porter was retired from Chatham Manufacturing Company in Elkin and for several years was a resident of Appalachian Brian Estates Retirement Home in Boone. She was a member of Jonesville United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Gaye Hinshaw of Boone; two grandsons, David Hinshaw and wife, Cindy, of Boone, and Jack Hinshaw and wife, Felecia, of Knoxville, Tenn.; three great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn Hinshaw, and Emily Hinshaw, both of Boone, and Amber Hinshaw of Knoxville; and two great-grandsons, Joey Hinshaw and Hayden Hinshaw, both of Knoxville. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Clyde Hinshaw; her second husband, Norman Porter; one son, Joe S. Hinshaw; two sisters; and three brothers.
Services will be conducted Monday morning, March 3, 2008, at 11:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:30 until 11:00 o'clock. Burial will follow at 3:00 o’clock, in Crestwood Memorial Gardens in Elkin, N.C. Officiating will be the Rev. Jim Sanders.
The family will receive friends Monday morning, from 10:30 until 11:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jonesville United Methodist Church Women, in care of Faye Boles, 144 Park Circle Drive, Jonesville, N.C. 28642.
Online condolences may be sent to the Porter family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com
Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

February 27, 2008
Fay M. Gagne
Mrs. Fay M. Gagne, 76, of Winston-Salem, N.C., formerly of Beech Mountain, passed away Feb. 18, 2008, at Chandler Hall in Newtown, Pa., after fighting a courageous battle with ovarian cancer with grace and dignity for over two years.
She was born in Newark, N.J., and was a resident of Levittown, Pa., for many years and was the first woman Vice President at First Federal Savings and Loan of Bucks County. In Florida Mrs. Gagne worked for Clearwater Federal and Pioneer Federal, where she held the position of Senior Vice President and West Coast Division Manager. In 1981 she was featured in an article in Florida titled “They’re Not Just Tellers Anymore” which focused on the rise of women in the banking industry.
Mrs. Gagne was known to her family and friends as a woman of strong faith and the church was always a central part of her life. She served as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Levittown and was active in other churches in Florida and North Carolina. While residing on Beech Mountain, she was a member of the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.
She was also an accomplished piano player, and enjoyed reading, golf, cooking, and singing in the church choir. She was a role model for friends and family, not only because of her accomplishments but because of her steadfast faith in the face of adversities in her life.
Mrs. Gagne was the beloved wife of the late Harrison L. Gagne of Winston-Salem, N.C., and the late Edward C. Platt of Levittown.
She is survived by her loving son, Gregory W. Platt, of Langhorne, Pa., and wife, Pamela; two grandsons, David and Michael Platt; sisters and brothers, Florence Degregory of Long Island, N.Y., Carolyn Sherman of Clovis, New Mexico, Dianne Breininger of Cherry Hill, N.J., and George Mess of Edgewater Park, N.J.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Banner Elk.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions, may make them payable to the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 158, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.

Juanita P. Keller
Mrs. Juanita P. Keller, 72, of 478 Roby Greene Road, Boone, died Sunday evening, Feb. 24, 2008, at Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem.
She was born March 28, 1935 in Caldwell County, a daughter of the late Floyd and Cora Simmons Payne.
Mrs. Keller was a member of New Life Fellowship Seventh Day Adventist Church in Boone where she served as the church treasurer for 11 years. She loved her Lord.
Mrs. Keller is survived by the love of her life of 42 years, Earl Keller; six sons, Allen Smith and fiance', Janice Hopper, Charles Smith and wife, Vicki, Michael Smith, Roger Smith and wife, Brenda, all of Lenior, Randy Keller and wife, Cathy, and Eric Keller, all Boone; one daughter, Debra Pease and husband, Thomas, of Conover; one brother, Thomas Deal of Taylors, S.C.; and one sister, Ruth Payne of Clairmont. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Floyd and Cora Simmons Payne.
Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 27, 2008, at 2:00 o'clock, at New Life Fellowship Seven Day Adventist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o'clock. Officiating will be Charles Hindman, Mark Heisey, and Robert Collins. Entombment will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Mausoleum.
The family received friends Tuesday evening from 7:00 until 8:30, at Hampton Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Life Fellowship Seven Day Adventist Church Building Fund, 1197 Old Highway 421 South, Boone, N.C. 28607. Online coldolences may be sent to the Keller family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com Hampton Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy Mae Lawson Mustard
Mrs. Dorothy Mae Lawson Mustard, 82, of 204 Sargeant Pardue Circle in Zionville, N.C., passed away Saturday morning, Feb. 23, 2008, at Blowing Rock Hospital, after suffering from a lengthy illness.
She was born in Eckman, West Virginia, to the late Isam Payton “Dutch” Lawson and Dollie Mae Scott Lawson.
Mrs. Mustard graduated from Elkhorn High School in McDowell County, and married the late Gratton Floyd “G.F.” Mustard, Jr. After a fire destroyed their home and business in Pocahontas, Va., they moved to Florida where she had a daughter, Karen Mustard. They later returned to West Virginia where she resided most of her life. She was a homemaker after retiring from retail sales and had primarily attended Church of God and Methodist churches.
In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Karen Mustard Kanagy, she is survived by her son-in-law, James R. Kanagy; four grandchildren, Katherine Mae Kanagy, Khristina Marie Kanagy, Kimberly Melissa Kanagy, and James Gregory Kanagy, all of North Carolina; two sisters, Mrs. Nancy Johnston and husband, Oakley, of Cleveland, Ohio and Mrs. Norma Hall and husband, Jim, of Burdine, Ky.; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Juanita Blankenship, Mrs. Dollie Whitlow and Mrs. Polly Lawson; numerous nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Isam and Dollie Lawson; and her husband, Grat Mustard, Jr., she was preceded in death by six brothers, Alex Lawson, Dallas Lawson, Claude Lawson, James Lawson, Daniel Lawson and Jack Lawson; one sister, Beulah Hodge; four sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be conducted Wednesday morning, Feb. 27, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Craven-Shires Funeral Home in Bluefield, West Virginia, with graveside rites to follow at Monte Vista Cemetery in Bluefield. Officiating will be the Rev. Scott Andrews, pastor of Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Avery County.
Condolences may be sent to her family at P.O. Box 175, Vilas, N.C. 28692.

February 25, 2008
Milton B. Barden
Mr. Milton B. Barden, 71, of 131 N. Randolph Ave., Asheboro, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, at Randolph Hospital.
He was a native of Greenville, N.C., and was a member of Central United Methodist Church.
Mr. Barden was a former teacher and coach in Delaware, Bryson City and at Eastern Randolph High School and was retired from Walker Shoe Company.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Rose Hanson Barden; a daughter, Elizabeth Rose Taylor of the home; a son, Steve B. Barden of Benson, N.C.; three grandchildren; a brother, Rev. Lawrence E. Barden of Kannapolis, N.C.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 300 South Main Street, Asheboro, with Dr. Mark J. Key officiating. Burial was held on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 at the Barden Family Farm in Farmville, N.C.
Memorials may be made to The Barden Scholarship Fund, c/o The United Methodist Foundation, P.O. Box 18005, Charlotte, N.C. 28218.
Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com
Arrangements by Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro.

Beverly Rose Kimberlin Forbis
Mrs. Beverly Rose Kimberlin Forbis, 43, of West Jefferson, N.C., died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 at North Carolina Baptist Hospital.
She was born Dec. 8, 1964 in Thomasville, N.C., to Willie and Bertha Taylor Kimberlin.
She was a loving wife and proud mother.
Survivors include her husband, Jason Forbis; one son, William Forbis of the home; her mother, Bertha Kimberlin of Crumpler, N.C.; one sister, Teresa Martin and husband, Andy, of Greensboro, N.C.; one niece, Britany Martin of Greensboro, N.C.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins
She was preceded in death by her father; and her brother, Richard Kimberlin.
Family graveside services were held on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., at Beaver Creek Christian Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family to help defray medical expenses and for her son, William’s college career, to Jason Forbis, 107 Long St., West Jefferson, NC 28694
You may email your condolences to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.
Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with these arrangements.

James Russell Perkins
Mr. James Russell Perkins, 85, of Winter Haven, Fla., formerly of Danville, Va., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008 at Winter Haven Hospital, due to complications from Parkinson Disease.
He was born to James Wiley and Elizabeth Shelton Perkins, Feb. 24, 1922 in Danville, Va.
Mr. Perkins moved to Winter Haven in 1996 after retiring from Mutual Savings Bank in Danville as the President and Chairman of the Board of the Bank. While in Danville, he was a long term member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven; was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater.
He was a graduate of Virginia Tech; Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Virginia Savings and Loan League from June 1977 thru July 1978; served on the Board of Mutual Saving Bank; Mutual Mortgage of the Piedmont , Inc.; The Salvation Army Advisory Board; Board of Directors for the United States League of Savings Institutions; President for the Board of Directors Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew from 1967-1968 and 1977; member of Board of Directors for the Virginia College Fund 1972-1976; a member of the Virginia Tech Alumni Century Club; Long Standing Member of the Kiwanis Club International; served as Director of the Soaring Society of America, Region 4; and holder of the Diamond Badge Achievement Award in the Soaring Society of America.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Newton Perkins; two daughters, Elizabeth Perkins Hall of Danville, Va. and Claire Perkins Wilkie of Boone, N.C.; a sister, Lenora Perkins Fowler of Richmond, Va.; and four grandchildren, Richard Murdock Wilkie, Jr., Emily Russell Hall, Sarah Bruce Hall and Lauren Elise Hobgood.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Nancy Herndon Perkins in 1991.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Winter Haven, Fla.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Perkins name to the American Parkinson Disease Association at www.apdaparkinson.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.
Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven, Fla., were in charge of the arrangements.

Renee Crooke Wiseman
Mrs. Renee Crooke Wiseman, 86, of Eastridge Avenue, Boone, died Friday afternoon, Feb. 22, 2008 at her home.
She was born July 10, 1921 in Wake County to Harrell and Sadie Kittrell Crooke.
Mrs. Wiseman was of the Baptist faith and attended Mount Vernon Baptist Church. She was a retired public school teacher.
Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Kenny and husband, Tom, of Boone, Linda Morse and husband, Hal, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Cristina Helmer and husband, Tom, of Marshalltown, Iowa. Ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren also survive.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hilton Wiseman; and one sister.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be made to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Wiseman family.