Archived

Neal Ford

Mr. Neal Ford, 78, of 4708 Bills Lane, Lenoir, died Tuesday morning, August 4, 2009, at Blowing Rock Hospital.
He was born March 26, 1931 in Caldwell County, a son of the late Comodore Darius and Mary Jane Lowe Ford.
Mr. Ford was a retired caretaker of The Blowing Rock Attraction, and a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church.
Survivors include two brothers, Thurman Ford and wife, Imajean, of Mouth of Wilson, Va., and C.D. Ford of Lenoir; one nephew, Ronnie Ford and wife, Terri, of Grassy Creek; and one niece, Janet Craig and husband, Pete, of Deep Gap. He is also survived by a number of cousins.
Services were conducted Thursday afternoon, August 6, 2009, at 3:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Marvin Ford. Burial will followed in the Bolick Family Cemetery.
The family received friends Thursday afternoon, from 2:00 until 3:00 o’clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
Online condolences may be sent to the Ford family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Lottie Langley Giallanza

Mrs. Lottie Giallanza, of 1818 Deerfield Road, Boone, N.C., died peacefully at home early Monday morning, August 3, 2009.
She was born in Atlanta, Ga., on July 22, 1919, to Henry Langley and Minnie May Ogles.
A resident of Boone since 1990, she was affectionately known as Miss Lottie. In the 1940s she became the first female manager of the PX at Fort Jackson, S.C. She spent much of her life in New Orleans, working as a sales manager in the retail clothing industry. She and Sal were members of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge for over 50 years, both attaining high degrees in the organization. She would say that her most important contribution to the world, however, is the loving family that she leaves behind.
Lottie touched many lives through her generosity and caring spirit. She was a beloved member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, serving as a beacon of encouragement to many through her card ministry. She is remembered for her love of all animals, but especially dogs, and was a long-time member and supporter of the Watauga Humane Society. A treasured wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Lottie was loved by all who knew her.
She enjoyed a Thursday tradition of going to the beauty parlor followed by lunch with her daughter and granddaughter, often at Red Onion, where the staff adapted several of their dishes to accommodate her love of shrimp.
Mrs. Giallanza is survived by daughter, Patricia Joynes and husband, Monty, of Boone, and son, Edouard Quatrevaux and wife, Karen, of Metairie, La. She was the adored grandmother of Pamela Brown and husband, Tracy, and great-grandmother of Rachel Tilghman and Lily Brown, all of Boone. She is also “Nana” to Annalisa Assaadi and husband, Nacir, of McLean, Va., and Danielle Joynes of Wheaton, Ill., and their children. She is also survived by nieces and great-nephews in Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Salvador Giallanza; her parents; brother, Herbert Langley; and her beloved sister, Katherine Duncan.
A funeral service will be held at Mount Vernon Baptist Church on Sunday, August 9, 2009, at 5 p.m. officiated by the Rev. Allan Blume with the Rev. Bud Russell assisting. Interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 4 p.m. at the church the afternoon of the service.
Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Building Fund, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C. 28607, or to the Watauga Humane Society Dog Park, 200 Casey Lane, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Judy Russell Roberson

Ms. Judy Russell Roberson, 68, of Ivy Terrace, Boone, died Tuesday morning, August 4, 2009, at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born Feb. 14, 1941 in Charlotte, a daughter of the late Jessie James and Nellie Ann Whitesides Russell.
Judy was a homemaker and an in home caregiver for the Project on Aging.
Surviving are three daughters, Christy Bryant and husband, Tom, of Boone, Jane Blalock of Lincolnton, and Kathy Nahidh and husband, Abdullah, of Saudi Arabia; two sons, Jimmy Roberson and wife, Sam, of Charlotte, and Michael Roberson and wife, Vicky, of Winston-Salem; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Ballard and husband, Tom, of Lincolnton; one brother, Kenny Russell of Charlotte; and her precious beloved dog “Princess”.
She was preceded in death by one son, Dougie Roberson.
Memorial services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Ben Cox. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made the Roberson family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Roberson family.

Alfred Parks Watson

Mr. Alfred Parks Watson, 86, of Coshocton, Ohio, formerly of Deep Gap, died Monday, August 3, 2009, at Coshocton County Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 30, 1923 in Deep Gap, N.C., a son of the late Jerry and Myrtle Miller Watson.
Mr. Watson served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and later was employed at Peabody Coal Company for over 26 years. He was the oldest member of Coshocton Baptist Church, and was a member of VFW Post #2040.
Survivors include his daughter, Phyllis Cox and husband, Dan, of Pickerington, Ohio; two grandsons, A. Todd Cox of Cleveland, Ohio, and his friend, Barb Jackson of Coshocton, and Brian Cox and wife, Amanda, of Stockport, Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Allison, Catelyn and Abby Cox; and locally by a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Greene Watson; one daughter, Frances Watson; one son, C. David Watson; and brothers and sisters, Zella Garcia, Ella Greer, Annie Idol, Joe Watson, Max Watson, Ted Watson, Mary Reed, and Josie Callahan.
Services will be conducted Friday, August 7, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., At Coshocton Baptist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Paul Schwab. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in South Lawn Cemetery.
The family received friends Thursday afternoon, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., at Given Dawson Funeral in Coshocton, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to Coshocton Baptist Church, or to Hospice of Coshocton.
Online condolences may be made to the Watson family at www.given-dawsonfuneralhome.com.
Given Dawson Funeral Home, in Choshocton, Ohio is in charge of the arrangements.

Frances Wilson

Mrs. Frances Wilson, 75, of 287 Bamboo Road, Boone, died Saturday, August 1, 2009, at Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living.
She was born July 23, 1934 in Cleveland County, a daughter of the late Henry J. and Vernie Hamrick Bolton.
Mrs. Wilson was a nurse for more than 20 years at Kings Mountain Hospital and then worked for 20 more years at Grandfield Manor.
Survivors include her son, Tab Bridges and wife, Jackie, of Boone; her daughter, Debbie Bridges and husband, Richard Dalessandro, of Cherryville; one brother, Don Bolton and wife, Melvin, of Shelby; one granddaughter, Tabitha Sermersheim of Dallas, N.C.; and one grandson, Trevor Dalessandro of Bessemer City.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her parents, Henry J. and Vernie Hamrick Bolton; and two brothers, J.B. Bolton and Clinton “Clint” Bolton.
A private family memorial service will be conducted at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home Chapel in Shelby. Officiting will be the Rev. Walter Griggs.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in care of Glenda Hodges, 810 Parkcrest Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Wilson family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service and Clay Barnette Funeral Home, in Shelby, are in charge of the arrangements.

Gaynelle Banner Wilson

Mrs. Gaynelle Banner Wilson, 74, of 2210 Mast Gap Road, Sugar Grove, died Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at Blowing Rock Hospital.
She was born Oct. 3, 1934 in Avery County, a daughter of Beatrice Teague Banner and the late Robert Martin Banner.
Mrs. Wilson was a retired music educator for the Watauga County School System, where she worked for 30 years.
In addition to her mother, Mrs. Wilson is survived by one son, Derek Martin Wilson and his friend, Donna Francis, of Vilas; one daughter, Heather Wilson Wingler and husband, Eddie, of Banner Elk; one grandson, Brandon Mast Combs of Sugar Grove; one granddaughter, Haley Eden Wingler of Banner Elk. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, one niece, and cousins.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Teague Banner.
Services will be conducted Sunday afternoon, August 9, 2009, at 2:00 o’clock, at Henson Chapel United Methodist Church. The body will lie in state, at the church, from 1:00 until 2:00 o’clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Judy Eurey and the Rev. Richard Moore. Burial will follow in Newland City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, in care of Glenda Hodges, 810 Parkcrest Drive, Boone, N.C. 28607, or to Henson Chapel United Methodist Church, in care of Donna Francis, 381 Laurel Branch Drive, Vilas, N.C. 28692.
Online condolences may be sent to the Wilson family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Dr. Pamela Sale Cromer

Dr. Pamelia Sale Cromer, a loving parent and grandparent, a gifted teacher, educational leader and school administrator, died Friday, July 31, 2009, at her son’s home in Jacksonville, Ark., after a long illness. She was 77.

Beloved by her family and friends, Dr. Cromer was a gracious, generous woman with a natural gift for the sciences, a passion for travel, enthusiasm for new experiences and people, and a deep love for her church, music, and the arts. She lived in Boone and Hot Springs Village, Ark., after retiring from her work as an educator.

Born in Lexington, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Dove Boles and Harold R. Sale, Sr. of Lexington. Her only sibling, U.S. Air Force pilot Major Harold Sale, Jr. was lost during the Vietnam War in 1967 and remains unaccounted for. Dr. Cromer was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, M. Perry Cromer of Lexington.

Dr. Cromer married in 1950. She graduated in 1952 summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia College in Columbia, S.C. She was class valedictorian, a member of Chi Beta Phi, recognized in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and the recipient of the Sylvan Award.
She earned her Masters in secondary education from the University of South Carolina in 1972 and her Doctorate in educational administration from Nova Southeastern University in 1985.

She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Boone where she was also active in civic and community affairs, serving as: a member of the Kiwanis Club, on the Friends of the Library Board of Directors for Appalachian State University; on the board of directors of Watauga County Community Foundation and as a volunteer for the Appalachian Regional Pain Medication Center and for Meals on Wheels.

She taught at Lexington High School in Lexington and Fulmer Middle School in West Columbia, S.C. She served as State Science Consultant, S.C. Department of Education; as Director and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Clarendon School District Two; and as Science Coordinator and Remedial/Compensatory Coordinator for the Williamsburg County Schools.

Dr. Cromer received many awards, including S.C. State Teacher of the Year in 1972, Lexington School District Two Teacher of the Year in 1972, the President’s Award from Columbia College in 1972 and Outstanding Earth Science Teacher for the Southeastern Region in 1973.

She was very involved in professional organizations and published numerous articles. Her work included serving as secretary of the Clarendon School District One Board of Trustees; as president of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gama; as founding president and member of the S.C. Science Council Board of Directors; on the boards of the Dubose Career Center and the S.C. Hall of Science and Technology and as a member of Phi Delta Kappa, the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Surviving are her daughter, Deborah V. Cromer and husband, John Betton, of La Crosse, WI.; son, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Scott Cromer and wife, Teresa, of Jacksonville, AR; grandchildren, Robin Christopher Betton of La Crosse; Kathryn M. Cromer of Greenbriar, AR; Kelsey Cromer Hall and husband, Mychal, of North Little Rock, AR; Kyle Scott Cromer of Jacksonville; great-grandson, Ryan Andrew Cromer of North Little Rock; Aunt Myra Helms of Ronda, N.C.; and many relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone with a reception to follow and on Saturday, August 8, at 3:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Lexington, S.C. Interment will follow at Zion Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Cromer-Sale Scholarship Fund, Lexington United Methodist Church, 309 East Main St., Lexington, S.C. 29072.
Caughman-Harman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Alvareeta Fox Barrier

Alvareeta Fox Barrier, 73, of Jonas Ridge, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Life Care Center in Banner Elk.
She was born a daughter of the late Roby A. and Ovela Barlowe Fox.
Alvareeta retired from Baxter Health Care. She was a member of Jonas Ridge Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking, listening to gospel music and listening to preaching.
Left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Robert, Greg and Audie, all of Jonas Ridge; her daughter, Teresa Barrier and husband, Randy Lyall, of Nort Cove; sisters, Pansy Aldridge of the Grandfather Community, Sue Gragg and husband, Dayton, of Blowing Rock, Rosemary Stamey and husband, Raymond, of Jonas Ridge; brothers, Wade Fox and wife, Emmie, of Marion, James Fox of the Grandfather Community and Gary Fox and wife, Melissa, also of the Grandfather Community; six grandchildren, Debbie Bowman and husband, Denny, of Altamont, Brian Barrier of Jonas Ridge, Matthew Barrier of Morganton, Misty Barrier of Mooresville, Cory Holland of Canton and Cody Holland, also of Canton; two great-grandchildren, Keilah and Jonas Bowman. A host of nieces and nephews also survive.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William “Reed” Barrier; a son, Tim Barrier; a daughter, Marilyn Barrier; and a brother, Denver Fox.
Services were held on Sunday, August 2 at 4:00 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. The family received friends from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour. Interment followed in the Jonas Ridge Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brian Barrier, Matthew Barrier, Cory Holland, Cody Holland, Denny Bowman, Lee Franklin and Raymond Stamey. Honorary pallbearer was Jonas Bowman.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Avery County at Box 1357 Newland, N.C. 28657.
Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Barrier family.

Ruby Greene Clawson

Mrs. Ruby Greene Clawson passed away on July 31, 2009. She was born on November 11, 1922 in Boone, N.C. to loving parents Velma Carroll Greene and Milton Waitsel Greene.
She graduated from Appalachian High School. She worked in a munitions factory in Maryland during World War II. After the war, she returned to Boone where she worked at Sears with devoted friends Paul Younce, Ruth Dotson, Lola Perry, Joyce Henson, Carolyn Adams, Don Cox, James Cox, and others. After retiring from Sears and with help of her beloved friends Bob and Grace Baird, Ruby operated the mobile home park established by her husband in 1964.
Mrs. Clawson dearly loved to read, and she loved flowers; however her greatest joy was her family. She loved them all unconditionally and unreservedly. She married the love of her life, J.B. Clawson, Jr., on Jan. 10, 1942. The couple had two sons, Wayne and Dana. Grandchildren Amber and Whitley were born to Wayne and his wife Joy. Grandchildren Nathanial and Christopher were born to Dana and his wife Carolyn. Great-grandchildren Max and Isabel, were born to grandson Nathaniel and wife Beth. Each and every member of the family dearly loved the woman everyone came to refer to as “Gran” – the prestigious title bestowed by first grandchild, Nathaniel.
Mrs. Clawson was always appreciative of the love and support she received from her siblings and their spouses; Lois Greene Watson and husband James; M.W. Greene, Jr., and wife Anna; J.B. Greene and wife Frankie; Reba Greene Hamby and husband Earl; and George Greene and wife Marie. Lois Watson was more than Ruby’s sister – she was her soul mate.
Other persons of special importance to the deceased would include the following: Dr. David Cline and his wonderful and capable staff, Robin and Susan; Michael Richardson, who was helpful over the years in ways too numerable to mention; nephew Michael Greene, who visited often with helpful advice; sister-in-law Ethel Clawson who shared visits with son David in San Francisco and Hawaii; hairdresser Carlene Greene and her caring colleagues at Hair Creations who fixed Ruby’s hair and boosted her spirits on a weekly basis; best friend Ruth Dotson and Ruth’s son Bill; and first cousin, Billie Clark.
Ruby Greene Clawson, the precious matriarch of her family, lived a long and fruitful life during what may have been the best time ever to be alive on this planet. She was a kind and generous woman. She was good not in order to gain an after-life reward or to avoid an everlasting torture but just because of an inner “knowing” that it was the best way to be. Her faith was a non-denominational God. Those who knew her and loved her will miss her tremendously.
A celebration of life service for Mrs. Ruby Greene Clawson was conducted Sunday, August 2, 2009, at 6:00 o’clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating were the family. Graveside services and burial will be conducted Monday morning, at 10:00 o’clock, at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family greeted friends, following the celebration of life service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Yosef Club, Owens Field House, Boone, N.C. 28608.
Online condolences may be sent to the Clawson family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Eric Adolph Leighton

Mr. Eric Adolph Leighton, 80, of 162 Tangled Stone Drive, Zionville, died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at his home in Boca Raton, Fla.
He was born Dec. 31, 1928 in Liecester, England, a son of the late Morris and Esther Bagel Leighton.
Mr. Leighton was a retired hospital administrator.
Survivors include his wife, Maureen Campbell of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; three daughters, Marjorie Minter and husband, Peter, of Morganton, Ruth Leighton of Zionville, and Donna Nicastro and husband, Tony, of Zionville; one son, Stephen Leighton of Delray Beach, Fla.; one sister, Irene Greene of Boca Raton; and four grandchildren, Natalie and Ariel Nicastro of Boone, Danielle Minter of Morganton, and Rachel Leighton of Coral Springs, Fla.
Graveside services were conducted Friday afternoon, July 31, 2009, at 1:00 o’clock, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock. Officiating was Charles Lieberman.
Online condolences may be sent to the Leighton family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Jerry Len May

Mr. Jerry Len May, 22, of Trade, Tenn., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 31, 2009.
He was born on Dec. 2, 1986 in Watauga, N.C., to Paul and Dora Perry May of Trade, Tenn.
Jerry enjoyed riding motorcycles, racing motorcross and carpentry. He was a member of Evergreen Baptist Church and occasionally attended Antioch Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Paul and Dora May, Jerry is survived by his fiancé Missy Greever Canter; one brother, Paul ‘PJ’ May of Trade, Tenn.; paternal grandmother, Pearl May of Trade, Tenn; several cousins, aunts, uncles and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jada Marie Pope, who passed away on Jan. 27, 2007; paternal grandfather, Earl May; and maternal grandparents, Clay and Ola Perry.
Services were conducted Sunday, August 2, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Clyde Campbell and the Rev. Eddie Porter officiating. Graveside service and interment followed at the Reece Cemetery in Trade, Tenn. Active Pallbearers were Tommy Eastridge, Brandon May, Tommy May, Jerry Perry, Jason Perry, Michael Greever and Dean Townsend.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fla. 33607.
At other times, friends may call at the residence of Jerry’s parents, 250 Earl May Road, Trade, Tennessee 37691.
Condolences may be made online at www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com
Mountain City Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Oakley Nance

Betty Rae Oakley Nance, 83, a native of Alamance County, died peacefully at home on July 28, 2009 with her family by her side. She had been on home dialysis for 10 years, but suffered from declining health since a motor vehicle accident in 2006.
Born to Annon Louise Hanford Oakley and Charlie Henry Oakley, she lived all her life in Burlington and was treasurer and co-valedictorian of the Burlington High School Class of 1942.
She cherished her classmates, and each year was an integral part of the functions they planned. She later attended Burlington Business College and worked as a secretary at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce for many years.
She and her husband, Horace Nance, owned and operated Shamrock Picture Frames for over 25 years. She always enjoyed the business and her customers, many of whom became dear friends.
Betty attended Burlington Assembly of God church for more than 32 years. She was a devout Christian and always exhibited the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. She was truly a “Proverbs 31” kind of woman.
She loved to laugh and enjoyed being silly. Rarely inhibited, she was always ready to dress up in a costume, get in on a joke, climb on a horse, take part in a family skit, or just jitterbug in the kitchen with her daughter.
She seemed to know the lyrics to every song from the 1940’s and pretended to swoon at the words “Perry Como.”
MASH episodes were a family ritual, and late in life she became an avid Atlanta Braves fan, reciting statistics ad lib.
Her most requested performances were her recitations of “Casey at the Bat” and “Paul Revere’s Ride.”
With all her fun-loving character, though, she could still command a room from a microphone with articulate professionalism and decorum.
Of all her accomplishments, though, the greatest was being a full time wife and mother. No value can be placed on the love, presence, devotion, time, support, care, provision, nurturing, interest, example, and consistency she showed her four children. She literally dedicated her life to them.
Sometimes a person’s greatest impact comes in the form of small, seemingly unimportant details, but that is often what motherhood is made of. She gave her children millions of details to store in technicolor memory.
Betty had one brother, Charles Grant Oakley, who lives in Whitsett.
Her husband of 61 years, Horace Lee Nance, died this past March. Her children are Carmen Nance Sanders of Solomons, Md., Debbie Nance Wilson (Gerry) of Burlington, Scott Nance of Burlington, and Amy Nance Nelson (Kirby) of Boone.
She had two grandchildren, Samantha Wilson and Asa Nelson, and four step-grandchildren, all of whom were a joy to her.
The funeral service was conducted at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Burlington on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. by the Rev. Howard Thompson.
The family received friends at the Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Saturday from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice of Alamance-Caswell for their support, care, and friendship. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to this worthy organization.
Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.

Heinz Peter Harmon
Mr. Heinz Peter Harmon, 59, of Farnam, NE, and formerly of Boone, died Friday afternoon, July 24, 2009.
He was born March 15, 1950 in Hickory, a son of the late Floyd David and Elsie Hahnemann Harmon.
Mr. Harmon was a truck driver and a Vietnam Veteran who served two separate tours.
Surviving are one daughter, Angela Harmon Wilkerson of Rock Hill, S.C.; one son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Christy Harmon, of North Wilkesboro; four grandchildren, Tyler, Josh, and Lora Harmon, and Hailey Wilkerson; one sister, Lillian Dianna Harmon Ketron of Kingsport, Tenn.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Ray Harmon.
Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, August 8, at 4 o’clock at Baptist Home Baptist Church, 2367 Sparta Road, North Wilkesboro, N.C., with the Rev. Jeff Blackburn officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon prior to the service from 3 until 4 o’clock.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or Foundation of Hope, 9401 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. 27617.

Roy Adams Houston
Mr. Roy Adams Houston, 67, of Kenansville, N.C., died Saturday, July 25, 2009, at his home.
Survivors include his wife, Anne Barbee Houston of Kenansville, N.C.; sons, Jeff Adams Houston of New Bern, N.C. and Trace A. Houston of Boone, N.C.; brothers, Foy Lee Houston and Dwight Houston, both of Richlands, N.C.; and four grandchildren.
Services were conducted Thursday, July 30, 2009, at 11 a.m., at Kenansville Baptist Church. Burial followed in Golden Grove in Kenansville, N.C. The family received friends Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kenansville Baptist Church, 114 Routledge Street, Kenansville, N.C., in memory of Roy Adams Houston.
Community Funeral Home of Beulaville, are in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Oakley Nance
Betty Rae Oakley Nance, 83, a native of Alamance County, died peacefully at home on July 28, 2009 with her family by her side. She had been on home dialysis for 10 years, but suffered from declining health since a motor vehicle accident in 2006.
Born to Annon Louise Hanford Oakley and Charlie Henry Oakley, she lived all her life in Burlington and was treasurer and co-valedictorian of the Burlington High School Class of 1942. She cherished her classmates, and each year was an integral part of the functions they planned. She later attended Burlington Business College and worked as a secretary at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce for many years.
She and her husband, Horace Nance, owned and operated Shamrock Picture Frames for over 25 years. She always enjoyed the business and her customers, many of whom became dear friends.
Betty attended Burlington Assembly of God church for more than 32 years. She was a devout Christian and always exhibited the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. She was truly a “Proverbs 31” kind of woman.
She loved to laugh and enjoyed being silly. Rarely inhibited, she was always ready to dress up in a costume, get in on a joke, climb on a horse, take part in a family skit, or just jitterbug in the kitchen with her daughter. She seemed to know the lyrics to every song from the 1940’s and pretended to swoon at the words “Perry Como.” MASH episodes were a family ritual, and late in life she became an avid Atlanta Braves fan, reciting statistics ad lib. Her most requested performances were her recitations of “Casey at the Bat” and “Paul Revere’s Ride.” With all her fun-loving character, though, she could still command a room from a microphone with articulate professionalism and decorum.
Of all her accomplishments, though, the greatest was being a full time wife and mother. No value can be placed on the love, presence, devotion, time, support, care, provision, nurturing, interest, example, and consistency she showed her four children. She literally dedicated her life to them. Sometimes a person’s greatest impact comes in the form of small, seemingly unimportant details, but that is often what motherhood is made of. She gave her children millions of details to store in technicolor memory.
Betty had one brother, Charles Grant Oakley, who lives in Whitsett. Her husband of 61 years, Horace Lee Nance, died this past March. Her children are Carmen Nance Sanders of Solomons, Md., Debbie Nance Wilson (Gerry) of Burlington, Scott Nance of Burlington, and Amy Nance Nelson (Kirby) of Boone. She had two grandchildren, Samantha Wilson and Asa Nelson, and four step-grandchildren, all of whom were a joy to her.
The funeral service will be conducted at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Burlington on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. by the Rev. Howard Thompson.
The family will receive friends at the Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington on Saturday from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice of Alamance-Caswell for their support, care, and friendship. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to this worthy organization.
Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com.

Elizabeth Mercer Randall
Mrs. Elizabeth Mercer Randall, of 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, N.C., died peacefully in her sleep July 21, 2009, at age 93.
Mrs. Randall was a teacher of 40 years, serving school systems in Columbus, Mecklenburg, Robeson, and Watauga counties. She was a supervising teacher for Appalachian State University student teachers for over 15 years while teaching in Boone, N.C.
A native of Robeson County, she was the daughter of Nash Adams Mercer and Mary Lillian Young. She was an active member of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Charlotte and of Boone United Methodist Church. She earned degrees from Pineland Junior College, East Carolina University, and Appalachian State University.
Mrs. Randall is survived by two loving children: a son, Dr. Bill Randall, and wife, Judy, of Mooresville, N.C.; and a daughter, Dr. Betsy Randall-Schadel, and husband, Bill Schadel, of Raleigh, N.C. She has four grandchildren: Virginia Randall of Philadelphia, Pa.; Katherine Schadel of Buffalo, N.Y; David Schadel of Raleigh, N.C.; and Lisa Alford and husband, John, of Clover, S.C. Her great-grandchildren are: Amber Watson of Media, Pa.; Tom Watson of West Chester, Pa.; and Elise Griffin, Justice Alford, and Jake Alford of Clover, S.C.
Surviving brothers and sisters are Dr. Charles Mercer and wife, Florrie, of Durham, N.C.; Mary Lois Baxter of Fayetteville, N.C.; Ruth Musselwhite, Edwin Mercer, Eugene Mercer and wife, Alease, of Lumberton, N.C.; and Robert Mercer and wife, Ruth, of Saint Augustine, Fla. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Dr. Frank Randall and wife, Lera, of Boone, N.C.; sister-in-law, Mildred Mercer of Albemarle, N.C.; daughter-in-law, Imogene Randall of Jonesborough, Tenn.; and 31 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert L. Randall, former professor at Appalachian State University; and by her son, Robert L. Randall, Jr., formerly of Jonesborough, Tenn.
A memorial service will be held August 3 (the 69th anniversary of her marriage to Robert Randall) at 10:30 a.m. at the Aldersgate Chapel, 3800 Shamrock Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28215.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Memorial Scholarship Fund, Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C. 28608, or to the charity of your choice.
Wilson Funeral Service of Charlotte is serving the family of Mrs. Randall.

July 29, 2009
Rev. Charles Alvan Blackwell
Rev. Charles Alvan Blackwell, 66, of Hwy 321 North, Sugar Grove, died Friday, July 24, 2009.
He was born June 19, 1943 in Richmond County, Ga. to the late William Vernon and Evelyn Wilson Blackwell.
Mr. Blackwell was a minister at Freedom Farms in Sugar Grove. He was a member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church and retired Eagle Scout Troop 94, Augusta, Georgia. In 1993, he was asked to join the staff at Bethel Colony of Mercy, where he preached, taught and counseled for 11 years. In 2003 he served as a missionary in Sao-Paulo, Brazil.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Pearl S. Blackwell of the home; one son, Charles Dustin Blackwell and wife, Dara, of Lillington, N.C.; one daughter, Mrs. Kristin Leigh Blue and husband, Brian, of Carthage; one stepson, Eddie Moore of Hickory; three step-daughters, Mrs. Cathy Brock and husband, Alwyn, of Hickory, Mrs. Carolyn Walker and husband, Jeff, of Hudson and Ms. Pamela Bowen of Granite Falls; two brothers, Bill Blackwell and wife, Marlene, of Augusta, Ga. and Vernon Blackwell and wife, Joann, of Asheville; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Bethel Colony of Mercy conducted by Rev. Paul Pruitt and Dr. Clifton Black.
The family will receive friends at the home of Amanda Wallace, 3333 Ryans Way, Lenoir at any time.
Memorial contributions may be made to; Bethel Colony of Mercy, 1675 Bethel Colony Rd., 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.

Dorothy E. Gregory
Mrs. Dorothy E. Gregory, 80, of 194 Summer Drive, Boone, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at her home.
She was born May 25, 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y., a daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Taylor Steiger.
Mrs. Gregory was a homemaker and attended St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Boone.
Survivors include three daughters, Dorothy Atkinson of Boone, Marie Rivera and husband, Jimmy, of Greensboro, and Theresa Wunsch of Todd; one son, Thomas Gregory of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sisters, Peggy Steiger, Teresa Amato, and Florence Steiger, all of Brooklyn; one brother, Robert Steiger of Brooklyn; six granddaughters, Tammy Porter, Krista Rafulowitz, Lisa Miller, Melissa Rivera, Nicole Michel, and Jessica Wunsch; and two grandsons, David Wunsch and Michael Wunsch. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles William Gregory, Sr.; and one son, Charles Gregory, Jr.
Services will be conducted Thursday evening, July 30, 2009, at 7:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 2:00 until 7:00 o'clock.
The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, from 2:00 until 7:00 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service.
Flowers are appreciated, or 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 Gregory family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

July 27, 2009

Mary Byrd Johnson ‘Tink’ Altvater
Mrs. Mary Byrd Johnson “Tink” Altvater passed away peacefully at Sharon Towers in the early morning hours of July 22, 2009.
She was born in Harnett County, N.C., on November 1, 1926, the youngest child of the late Mary Avery and Alton Glenn Johnson, and was the beloved wife of her late husband of 57 years, Hugh Altvater.
She spent a happy childhood on the family farm near Buies Creek, N.C. and graduated from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, now UNC-G. It was there that she met her husband, Hugh, the love of her life.
Tink was a beautiful, intelligent woman who possessed a strong spirit and an incredible work ethic. It was her hard work and perseverance that supported her husband’s years through medical school and residency. After Hugh began practicing medicine, Tink was able to devote herself to the two most important things in her life, home and family.
She is survived by a daughter, Mary Glenn Granger and husband, Will, of Charlotte; her son, Bill and wife, Gina, of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Caroline Granger of Charlotte; Juliett Granger Maher and husband, Sean, of Sewall’s Point, Fla.; Bryson Altvater and Siena Altvater of Nashville, Tenn.; a brother, W.A. Johnson of Lillington, N.C.; and a sister, Anne Byrd of Greensboro, N.C.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a sister, Betty Green Johnson Cheek.
A memorial service to celebrate Tink’s life were held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte, with the Rev. Tim Smith officiating. The family received friends following the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region; Christine Olangi; and to the staff in the Health Care unit at Sharon Towers, particularly Julie and Marva.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region; or to the Residents’ Assistance Fund at Sharon Towers.
Harry & Bryant Company is serving the family.

Byron Franklin ‘Big Joe’ Clontz
Mr. Byron Franklin “Big Joe” Clontz, 66, of 275 Ridgewood Drive, Boone, died Friday morning, July 24, 2009, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.
He was born July 8, 1943 in Rutherford County, a son of Matilda Leonhardt Clontz and the late Oscar Russell Clontz.
Mr. Clontz was a truck driver for Anderson Truck Lines in Lenoir, and attended Boone Advent Christian Church.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Clontz is survived by his wife, Jean Payne Clontz; one son, James Clontz of Boone; one daughter, Carla Estep and husband, Brad, of Boone; one granddaughter, Katie Scarlett Bradley of Boone; three sisters, Carol Hamby of Granite Falls, Aleta Blevins and husband, Gary, of Richmond, Ky., and Toni Vance and husband, Carol, of Hildebran; three brothers, Bobby Clontz and wife, Sharon, of Hickory, Daniel Clontz and wife, Angel, and Phillip Clontz, all of Rhodhiss; two sisters-in-law, Judy Tolbert and husband, Owen, of Blowing Rock, and Joyce Payne of Elkin; and a brother-in-law, H.T. Rogers of Boone. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, and three precious great-nephews and one precious niece.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Wayne Hamby.
Services were conducted Sunday afternoon, July 26, 2009, at 2:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating was the Rev. Gordon Noble. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.
Memorial contributions may be made to WFUHS Leukemia Research Fund, Attn: Development and Alumni Affairs Office, Wake Forest University Health and Science, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27157.
Online condolences may be sent to the Clontz family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Ernest Lewis Jones
Mr. Ernest Lewis Jones, 82, of Appalachian Drive, Boone, died Thursday morning, July 23, 2009 at his home.
He was born June 18, 1927 in Winona, West Virginia to Lewis and Neva Goode Jones.
Mr. Jones received his Masters from Marshall University. He served as Director of the Appalachian State University Computer Center from 1979-1993. Under his leadership, the campus grew with newer technologies by implementing enterprise administrative systems to run campus operations, primarily for finance, payroll and student records. He started the first email and word processing systems and began offering services to support academic computing. In the mid-eighties, personal computers, on-line processing, computer networks and the web started a new revolution in computing.
In l981, Ernie was honored with the national Frank Martin award as an outstanding individual for exemplary service to the college and university information technology community.
Prior to his employment at ASU, he served in other technology positions at Marshall University, as the Director of Data Systems and Services at Indiana University from 1968-l979 and as Director of Computer Center at West Virginia University from l966-l968.
Ernie was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. During retirement, he served on the Board of Directors, and was an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanities, volunteered at the Watauga Medical Centers Pharmacy Department for the past 10 years, and participated with the Baptist Men’s Relief Organization, responding to disasters by serving food to those in need.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Lee Jones; three daughters, Barbara C. Jones of Oxford, Ohio, Deborah A. Jones of Hustonville, Ky., and Sandra L. Thompson and husband, Brad, of Crystal Lake, Ill. Also surviving are Mary Lee’s children, Karen and Winston Petrey, Kris and Marshall Croom, and Bill Hartley, Jr.; three grandchildren, John, Allison and Margaret; ten step-grandchildren; and five step- great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Jones; and three sisters, Helen Booher, Imo Carson and Virginia Martinson.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon, July 25, 2009, at 2 o’clock at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, officiated by Father Joe Mulligan. Burial followed at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family suggests memorials to the Rev. Francis Connolly Endowment for St. Elizabeth, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28203, to High Country Health Care Systems Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive, Suite 100-B, Boone, or to Habitat for Humanity, Post Office Box 33, Down Town Station, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Jones family.

Shirley Ann Miller
Mrs. Shirley Ann Miller, 68, of Fleetwood, a native and former resident of Boone, the Meat Camp community, died Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Margate Nursing Care in Jefferson.
She was born Dec. 21, 1940 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late James Virgil and Thelma Woodring Miller.
Mrs. Miller was a homemaker and a member of Proffitt's Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include four sisters, Faye Ford and husband, Pete, of Boone; Hazel M. Wilson and husband, Jack, of Conover; Helen Parlier and husband, Floyd, of Moravian Falls and Carolyn Miller of Conover; one brother, Grady Miller of Conover; her best friends and caregiver, Barbara and Robert Miller of Fleetwood. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, R.C. and Glendon Miller.
Services will be conducted Monday afternoon, at 3:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 2:00 until 3:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. J.D. Walton and the Rev. Delmar James. Burial will follow in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday afternoon, from 2:00 till 3:00 p.m., at Hampton Funeral Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the Miller family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.