Archived

Irene Burger Eslinger Beasley
Mrs. Irene Burger Eslinger Beasley of Boone, and formerly of Dalton, Ga., died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at Glenbridge Health Care.
She was born Nov. 17, 1931, in Cherokee County, a daughter of the late Truman and Annie Picklesimer Burger.
Survivors include one daughter, Laura Smith and husband, Ralph, of Boone; one granddaughter, Cadiance Smith of Boone; sisters and brother-in-law, Mildred Muse of Resaca, Lucy and Ben Staten of Dalton; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leon Burger of Dallas, Ga., Jerry Burger of New Orleans, La., Jr. and Sharon Burger of Marietta, Grady and Jessie Burger of Calhoun, J.C. and Juanita Burger of Cedartown; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services were held Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, from the Chapel of Shawn Chapman Funeral Home, with the Rev. Billy Nimmons and the Rev. Trammell Campbell officiating. Interment was in Fairy Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Chatsworth, Ga.
Hampton Funeral Service was in charge of local arrangements.

G. Glenn Causey, Jr.
Mr. G. Glenn Causey, Jr., 50, of Arlington, Va., died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, in Alexandria, Va.
He was born July 2, 1958, in Washington, D.C., to the late G. Glenn Causey Sr. (Daniel Boone in Horn in the West), and Mary Causey.
Survivors include a brother, Scott Causey of Arlington, Va.; one nephew, Nate Causey; and one niece, Sofi Causey.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.

Madge Castle Earls
Mrs. Madge Castle Earls, 93, of West Bowlin Green, Port Hueneme, Calif., a native and former resident of Watauga County, died Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at St. John's Hospital in Oxnard, Calif.
She was a remarkable force of nature with intelligence, infectious curiosity, sassy independence, genuine optimism, and a rock-solid faith that she practiced, not just professed. She was a teacher extraordinaire for 29 years and baked the best chocolate chip cookies on earth. The world is a better place because she lived, and a sadder place without her.
Mrs. Earls was born in Mabel, N.C., on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1915, the fourth child of eight, to John and Ella Castle. She was raised there in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her three sisters and four brothers. She was precocious and followed her older sister and brother to school at age four, and graduated high school at age 16. Eager to learn, she was the first in her family to attend college. She graduated in the class of 1937 from Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, N.C. (now Appalachian State University) and corrected anyone who did not pronounce the first letter as a short 'A' as those who live there do.
She took a year off after her junior year to visit her oldest sister in Southern California, a decision that changed her life for she met her future husband, P.W. Earls, a neighbor of her sister's. After returning to finish her degree and teach for two years in Wilkes County, N.C., she married P.W. on June 14th, 1939.
Madge and P.W. lived in California most of the next five decades, first in the San Bernardino area, finally landing in Fallbrook, Calif. in 1947 with their first two daughters, Nancy and JoAnne who had been born in 1944 in Loma Linda, Calif., and 1946 in Boone, N.C., respectively. Their third daughter, Bonnie, was born in Fallbrook on Main St. in 1951. All three Earls girls went from kindergarten through high school in Fallbrook.
Madge began teaching again in 1956 at Mary Faye Pendleton School on Camp Pendleton, then moved to Maie Ellis Primary School in the early 1960s where she taught until her retirement in 1981. She and P.W. then spent much of the next 18 years between Fallbrook and Boone until 1999 when traveling became too difficult. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before P.W.'s death on December 27, 2002. In 2003, Madge returned to California and lived in Port Hueneme, Ventura County, near her daughter Nancy.
Survivors include three daughters, Nancy Malone and husband, Bill, of Port Hueneme, Calif., JoAnne Robbins and husband, Gary Guilbert, of Los Angeles, Calif. and Bonnie Earls-Solari and husband, Pete Yzerman, of San Francisco, Calif.; two grandsons, John Stokes and wife, Kris, of Santa Margarita, Calif.; and Alex Robbins and wife, Lynda Lao, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and two great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Grace Stokes, both of Santa Margarita, Calif.; and three step-grandchildren, Leah, Ian and Aaron Yzerman all of California. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, P.W. "Pete" Earls; three sisters, Blanche Greer, Jean Fenster and Ruth Critcher; and four brothers, Fred Castle, Vernon Castle, Warren Castle, and Clark Castle.
Services will be conducted Thursday afternoon, Nov. 13, 2008 at 2:00 o'clock at Perkinsville Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church from 1:00 until 2:00. Officiating will be the Rev. Harold Bennett and the Rev. Bill Warren. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, Nov. 12, 2008 from 7:00 until 8:30 at Hampton Funeral Service.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Madge to Pacific Coast Ministries, Perkinsville Baptist Church, March of Dimes, Samaritan's Purse in Boone, N.C., or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the Earls family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Melba Sue Deal Hennessee
Mrs. Melba Sue Deal Hennessee, 86, of 773 Greenway Road, Boone, died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at Glenbridge Health Care.
She was born August 28, 1922 in Caldwell County, a daughter of the late Everette P. and Fannie Coffey Deal.
Mrs. Hennessee was a machine operator at I.R.C. in Boone and attended Greenway Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Brenda Hennessee of Greensboro; two sons, Phillip E. Hennessee of Boone, and David L. Hennessee and wife, Geneva, of Deep Gap; two granddaughters, Renee Zieg and husband, Rick, of Greensboro, and Alyson Cornett of Cary; one great-granddaughter, Alicia Cornett of Cary; and two great-grandsons, Tyler Zieg and Parker Zieg, both of Greensboro; one step-daughter, Karen Norris of Fleetwood; one step-son, Richard Watson and wife, Annette, of Deep Gap. She is also survived by two step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Hennessee; one son, Norman K. Hennessee; and one brother, Morris Deal.
Services were conducted Thursday afternoon, Nov. 20, 2008, at 2:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gordon Noble officiating. Burial followed in Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens.
Online condolences may be sent to the Hennessee family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

November 19, 2008

Lewis Warren Harrell
Mr. Lewis Warren Harrell, 85, of Buckeye Road, Sugar Grove, died Sunday morning, Nov. 9, 2008.
He was born May 28, 1923 in Bertie County, a son of the late Louise Carter Harrell Benthall and Atlas C. Harrell and the step-son of the late Ruben A. Benthall, Sr.
Mr. Harrell was an avid fisherman in his younger years, particularly in creeks and rivers of northeastern North Carolina. He spent much of his time in Sugar Grove listening to his radio late at night and early morning when he could hear far-away channels. His wide-range of interests included the latest developments in science, the stock market, spiritualism and good conversation. He enjoyed taking trips to the Outer Banks. Mr. Harrell and his former wife drove to Alaska in the mid-l950’s, often sleeping in the car because there were no motels available along the rough roads. He was mechanically inclined and worked in the computer field and at his step-father’s stockyard outside Rich Square. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and was a graduate of the University of North Carolina.
Survivors include one son, Martin Harrell and wife, Kathryn, of Glenside, Pa.; one daughter, Hannah Louise Mitchell and husband, Edwin, of New Bern; three grandchildren, Hannah Kathryn Mitchell, Mollie Martin Mitchell and Elizabeth Weldon Mitchell; his special friends and caregivers, Jerry and Patsy Greene of Sugar Grove; his former wife, Hilda Ruth Harrell of Rocky Mount; one half-sister, Marie Holoman of Rocky Mount; and two half-brothers, Reuben Benthall of Raleigh and John Benthall of Farmville.
Graveside services and burial will be conducted Monday afternoon, Nov. 24 at 2 o’clock at Parker-Harrell Family Cemetery in Rich Square, N.C.
The family suggests memorials to the American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Suite 336 M, Charlotte, N.C. 28202 or to the Watauga County Library, 140 Queen Street, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be made to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Harrell family.

Dr. Seong Hyong Lee
Dr. Seong Hyong Lee, Professor Emeritus, 67, of Fieldstream Drive, Boone, died Saturday morning, Nov. 15, 2008.
He was born August 15, 1941 in Jichon, Korea to Sang Yoon and Oh Bong Choi Lee.
Dr. Lee was a mass communication professor at Appalachian State University.
Survivors include his wife, Chong Lee, of the home; two sons, Ben Lee of Charlottesville, Va. and Frederick Lee of Manhattan, N.Y.; one sister, Jin Sook Lee of Korea; and five brothers, Wook Hyong Lee, Ki Hyong Lee and Joo Hyong Lee, all of Los Angeles, Calif., and Ji Hyong Lee and Kyung Hyong Lee, both of Korea. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.
Memorial services will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Dr. Barry Nealy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, N.Y. 10305.
Online condolences may be sent to the Lee family at the following: austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Lee family.

Reda Mae Miller Ward
Mrs. Reda Mae Miller Ward, 76, of 864 US Highway 321, Vilas, died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at her home.
She was born Feb. 6, 1932 in Avery County, a daughter of the late Thurston Oliver and Ella Mae Miller.
Mrs. Ward was employed as a cook at Watauga Medical Center for over 15 years. Her favorite things included sewing, needlework, cooking, gardening and flowers. Family was very important to her and she always enjoyed spending time with them, especially caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Ward was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Matney.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, the Rev. Gilbert A. Ward; two sons, Steve Ward of the home, and Larry Ward and wife, Brenda, of Lexington; two daughters, Sherry Brown and husband, Johnny, of Vilas, and Kathy Townsend and husband, Steve, of Mountain City, Tenn.; four grandsons, Thomas Brown and wife, Anna, of Vilas, Larry Ward, Jr., and Shawn Ward and wife, Nicole, all of Lexington, and Matthew Garrison of Vilas; three granddaughters, Tabatha Townsend, and Angie Ward and husband, Mitchell, all of Vilas, and Alisha Ward of Lexington; six sisters, Reba Watson of Matney, Shirley Rash of Trade, Tenn., Helen Shearer and husband, David, of Warminster, Pa., Dare Ward of Lexington, Faye Eggers and husband, Denver, of Banner Elk, and Audrey Hartley and husband, Neil, of Boone. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Reda Gail Brown Garrison; one brother, James Matney; and two sisters, Rachel Ann Wallace and Doris Lee Storie.
Services were conducted Tuesday evening, Nov. 18, 2008, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Andy Watson. Graveside services and burial were conducted Wednesday morning, at Vanderpool Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to High Country Health Care System/Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Ward family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements.

November 17, 2008

Tommy Earl Church
Mr. Tommy Earl Church, 65, of Vilas, N.C., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008 in Johnson City Medical Center.
He was born Feb. 19, 1943 in Watauga County, to the late John and Rosa Dyer Church.
Mr. Church was a carpenter and liked building and was a happy worker. He liked farming, cattle and putting up hay. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and will truly be missed. Mr. Church was of the Baptist Faith.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Peggy Kimberlin Church; daughters, Kimberly Aldridge and husband, Eddie, and Jennifer Greer and husband, Eric, both of Boone; son, Jeff Church of Vilas; grandchildren, Jacob Greer, Hunter Greer and Ethan Aldridge; sisters, Kathy Lettieri and husband, Mario, of Schaumburg, Ill., Ruby Walters of Mountain City, Tenn.; and Sheila Thomas and husband, Norman, of Trade, Tenn.; brothers, Johnny Church and wife, Dorothy, of Vilas and Freddie Church of Mountain City; sister-in-law, Eleanor Church and husband, Robert, of Zionville; brother-in-law, James Kimberlin and wife, Jeanette, of Jarratt, Va.; several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Rebecca Jane Church, a brother, Perry Jack Church and an infant brother, James McDonald Church.
Services were conducted Friday evening, Nov. 14, 2008, at 8 p.m. at Mountain City Funeral Home with Bro. Eric Cornette and Bro. Jack Bradley officiating. The committal service and interment followed at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, in the Bradley Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Phil Presnell, James Henson, Jerry Stanbery, Kenneth Church, Junior Potter, Jerry Wayne Houck, Kenny Greer and Eric Clifton. Honorary pallbearers were Russell Beach, Beach Eggers, Perry Adams, Perry Adams, Jr. and Richard Cox.
Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Bradley Cemetery, c/o Juanita Wilson, 137 Arrow Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Condolences may be made online at www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com. Mountain City Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Renée Elizabeth Guinn
Renée Elizabeth Guinn, 21, of Carolina Beach, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
She was born March 31, 1987, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Renée graduated from Ashley High School in 2005 with honors. She earned two varsity letters from the Ashley softball team and was a member of the Beta Club and the Latin Club. Her passion lies with her family, friends and her dog, Linus. Renée will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched.
She is survived by her parents, John M. McIntosh, Sr. and Elizabeth Marden McIntosh; two sisters, Danielle Marie Guinn of Carolina Beach, and Marianne McIntosh of Wendell, N.C.; a brother, John McIntosh, Jr. of Greensboro, N.C.; fiancé, Brian Edwin Lee of Dana Point, Calif.; three aunts, Jaime McIntosh of Dennisport, MA, Lauren McIntosh of Danbury, Conn., Cynthia Marden of Henderson Fla.; grandfather, William McIntosh and wife, Judy, of Austin, Tex.; grandmother, Lori Marden of Greenwich, Conn.; and four cousins, Robert McIntosh, Jr. and wife, Diana, from Morris, Conn., Jaime McIntosh and wife, Kim, Amy McIntosh, and Sean McIntosh.
Her grandfather, John Newcomb Marden; grandmother, Jeanne McIntosh; two uncles, Robert McIntosh, Sr., and William McIntosh, Jr.; and an aunt, Karen McIntosh, preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 at Andrews Valley Chapel with Pastor Graf officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday evening, at the funeral home, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hanover Humane Society, 2405 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington, N.C. 28401.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
Andrews Mortuary, Valley Chapel, are in charge of the arrangements.

Vernon Shelton
Mr. Vernon Shelton, 81, of 500 Henson Branch Road, Vilas, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008.
He was born July 1, 1927 in Watauga County, a son of the late Harrison and Mary Dancy Shelton.
Mr. Shelton was a retired custodian at Cove Creek Elementary School, and a member and former deacon of Mabel Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Geneva Shores Shelton; three daughters, Evelyn Shelton, Kathy Burkett and husband, Frank, and Carolyn Greene and husband, Rick; one son, Ken Shelton; two grandsons, Garrett Burkett, and Scott Garlock; four granddaughters, Kelly Burkett, Kindsay Greene, Morgann Greene and Christie Garlock; and two great-grandsons, Chase Otto, and Aiden Watson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Maggie Miller, Minnie Ellison, Ada Potter, Gladys Roark, and Jean Cable; and one brother, Hayes Shelton.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, Nov. 16, 2008, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Carl Johnson. Burial followed in the Burkett/Lewis Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Madge Reese Scholarship Fund, in care of Amy Trivette, 183 Jim Burkett Road, Zionville, N.C. 28698.
Online condolences may be sent to the Shelton family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements.