Archived
James Emerson Crompton
Mr. James Emerson Crompton, 75, of Newland, N.C., esteemed artist and teacher, died on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
Born in New Jersey, Jim made his home in the High Country, and his many beautiful landscape paintings reflect his deep feelings for the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to being a talented artist who could paint any subject matter, Jim was a considerate, generous, and enthusiastic teacher to his many students.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Patricia Crompton of Miami, Fla.; a nephew, three nieces, and their families.
A memorial service is planned for a later date in Boone, N.C.
Online condolences may be sent to austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Crompton Family.


Marta Johnson Greene
Marta Winslow Johnson Greene, born Feb. 3, 1936 to the late Bruce and Helena Johnson, went on to be with her Lord, Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
She was a faithful member and Sunday School teacher of Highland View Baptist Church of Deep Gap. Marta retired from First Union National Bank, North Wilkesboro, after many years of dedicated service and recently retired from AF Bank of West Jefferson. Co-workers and customers alike will miss her.
Marta supported her late husband in his ministry at many churches. She was happiest in serving the Lord. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss the happy times at her home. She leaves a legacy of service to others above self.
Her husband, the Rev. John Greene, preceded Marta in death on July 23, 1999.
Survivors include three brothers, Cris Johnson and wife, Beryl, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Dean Johnson and wife, Lillie, of Granite Falls; Michael Johnson and wife, Rose Mary, of Charlotte; and a sister, Judith Swiger and husband, Dave, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Also surviving are her children, Melanie Regina and husband, Larry Brooks, of Vilas; Angela Darlene Greene of Morgantown, WV; Melisa Darda and husband, Ronnie Jessup, of Westfield; Bart Grayson Greene and wife, Linda, of Deep Gap; Marta Susanne and husband, Charles Jordan, of Max Meadows, Va.; and Nan Rene´ and husband, James Lacy, of Hickory. Marta was especially proud of her grandchildren, Jason Brooks and wife, Laura, Justin Brooks and wife, Marta, all of Vilas; Sebron Jessup of Westfield, Deana and husband, Kevin Harrison, of Pilot Mountain, April and husband, Kelvin Locklear, of Florence, S.C., Tasha and husband, Travis Chrisawn, of Grassy Creek, Collin and Devin Riley Brogan of Hickory; and her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Charlie, Kameron, Ezekiel, Kate, Truett, Jacob, and Kara. She looked forward to the blessing of a 9th great-grandchild in November.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to her special friend, Dr. Charles Ford of Boone, and his staff; Dr. John Davis, Dr. Charles Davant III, Dr. Glen Liesegang and the staff of Blowing Rock Hospital; the staff of ICU Respiratory Unit 6C and Palliative Care of Baptist Hospital. We sincerely thank family and friends for the prayers and love in support of our mother.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. Herbert Parunak, the Rev. Dana Williams, and the Rev. Sherrill Wellborn on Sunday, June 28, at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with graveside services following at Highland View Baptist Church in Deep Gap.
The family will receive friends at Hampton Funeral Service in Boone from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 27.
Flower memorials are acceptable or donations may be made to the ministry of Rev. Dana and Esther Williams, PO Box 141, Wedowee, AL 36278; Bro. Raymond and Deborah Johnson, PO Box 562, Talihina, OK 74571 or Highland View Baptist Church, c/o Tim Greene, 1372 Linville Creek Rd, Vilas, NC 28692.
Online condolences may be sent to the Greene family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Nancy H. Huipe
Mrs. Nancy H. Huipe, 42, of 152 Martin Lane Extension, Boone, died Saturday, June 20, 2009, at her residence.
She was born July 28, 1966 in Wilkes County, a daughter of the late Dean and Elizabeth Spicer Holbrook.
Survivors include two sons, Dakota J. Canter and wife, Latasha, and Shane Trevor Holbrook, all of Boone; one daughter, Tamara Kelsey Horton of Boone; two granddaughters, Tianna Leigh Canter and Kyla Louise Canter, both of Boone; and two brothers, Craig Holbrook of Thurmond, N.C., and Doug Holbrook of Elkin.
A memorial service will be conducted Saturday afternoon, June 27, 2009, at 2:00 o'clock, at Center Baptist Church in Thurmond, N.C. Officiating will be the Rev. Marianne Romanat.
A second memorial service will be conducted Saturday afternoon, July 11, 2009, at 4:30, at Blowing Rock Elementary School Auditorium. Officiating will be the Rev. Marianne Romanat.
The family will receive friends following both memorial services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a memorial for the children, in care of Faithbridge United Methodist Church, 194 Aho Road, Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605.
Online condolences may be sent to the Huipe family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Harold ‘Hal’ Claude Mattraw Jr.
Dr. Harold “Hal” C. Mattraw, Jr., 67, of Edora Street, Boone, died Friday, June 19, 2009, while going to cut some pine in his well tended back yard.
He was born in Sheffield, Alabama to Harold C. Mattraw, Sr. and Afra Petrie the eldest of four children.
Hal loved food, enjoyed people and the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. With degrees in oceanography and geology, and a career at the United States Geological Survey (USGS), he could tell you about foraminifera and how the glacial moraine receded but was rarely hemmed in by the facts.
He worked for the USGS for 27 years and Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation for five years. He had many professional opportunities including research studies in the state of Florida and serving in the USGS Director’s office in Reston Virginia. He retired as the District Chief for the State of Tennessee. During his professional life he authored and collaborated on numerous of publications and studies in the areas of water quality, habitat compromise, and geologic integrity. During these years he was greatly supported by his wife of forty-three years, Doris.
The Mattraw’s had retired to Boone in 2004. Hal worked part-time for Mast Store in downtown Boone. He was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He leaves precious and lasting memories to all.
Dr. Mattraw is survived by his wife, Doris Urbanick Mattraw; one daughter, Renee Furman of Boone; one son, Bryan Mattraw and wife, Julie, of Ashburn, Va.; he was known as "Grandpa Hal" to five granddaughters, Carly Lundquist, Mollie Furman, Maggie Furman, and Lily Furman, all of Boone, and Cora Jean Mattraw of Ashburn, Va., and to one grandson, Brad Furman of Boone. He is also survived by one brother, Frank Mattraw and wife, Janet, of Anthem, Ariz.; and one sister, Alice Sachs and husband, Jackie, of Kona, Hawaii. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
A memorial service will be conducted Saturday afternoon, June 27, 2009, at 4:00 o'clock, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Officiating will be the Rev. David A. Elliott, III. A reception will follow the memorial service in the Great Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Children's Council of Watauga County, 225 Birch Street, Suite 3, Boone, N.C. 28607, or to The Thomas H. Furman Memorial Scholarship, Campbell University School of Pharmacy, PO Box 1090, Buies Creek, N.C. 27506. Online condolences may be sent to the Mattraw family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Beulah Louise Wilson Powell
Beulah Louise Wilson Powell passed away Monday, June 22, 2009, in a Longiew, Tex. hospital.
She was born July 16, 1920, to Raleigh and Mary Wilson, the eighth of ten children.
She was born and raised in Watauga County, N.C. After graduating from Bethel High School, she moved to Detroit, Mich. and worked in a factory during World War II. While living in Detroit, she met and married Donald Powell on Oct. 18, 1951. They lived in Dearborn, Mich. until retirement before moving to Longview, Tex., in 1984.
Survivors include one sister, Grace Perry of Hillsborough, N.C.; two brothers, Joe and Rev. Carl Wilson of Watauga County, N.C.; and by many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her daughter, Donna Powell Murrell; two grandsons, Stephen Murrell of Ore City, Tex. and Shawn Murrell of Gladewater, Tex.; and one great-grandson, Matthew Murrell of Gladewater.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, of 48 years; her parents; her brothers, Frank, Dave and Dean; and sisters, Lena, Minnie, and Nettie.
Services were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2009, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Burial followed in Rosewood Park.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com.
Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Tex., are in charge of the arrangements.

Loyd James ‘Junior’ Sluder
Mr. Loyd James “Junior” Sluder, 69, of Mountain City, Tenn., passed away suddenly Monday, June 22, 2009, at the Johnson County Community Hospital.
He was the son of the late Loyd James Sluder, Sr. and Cornie Sweeney Sluder.
Mr. Sluder was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and his hobbies included hunting and fishing.
Survivors include four daughters, Donna McQueen, Wanda Floyd, Sandra Bitter, all of Mountain City, Tenn. and Mary Dowell of Butler, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Kimberly Dowell, Nicole Dowell, Brian Dowell, Gary Dowell, Matthew Osborne, Tyler Sluder, Tony Hannah, David Hannah, Samantha Hannah, Brian McQueen and Tina Lipford; very special uncle, Ab Sluder; ex-wife and friend, Bessie Sluder; special friend, Nancy Hannah; special brother, Bill Icenhour; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a special brother, Bart Morefield; and a son-in-law, Gerald McQueen.
A memorial service was conducted Wednesday evening, June 24, 2009, at 7 p.m. from the East Chapel of Hux-Lipford Funeral Home. Pallbearers were grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were friends. Interment was Thursday morning at 10 a.m., June 24, 2009, in the Johnson Cemetery. The family received friends from 6-7 p.m. prior to the memorial service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed through the website at www.hux-lipford.com
Hux-Lipford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

June 25, 2009
Lola Baird Presnell

Ms. Lola Baird Presnell, 70, of Lenoir, died Saturday evening, June 20, 2009, at her home.
She was born Oct. 28, 1938 in Avery County, to Dexter and Clema Hicks Baird.
Ms. Presnell was a member of the Word and Truth Ministries. She retired from the Sporting Goods Department at Belk.
Survivors include her son, Wayne Presnell and wife, Pam ,of Martinsburg, W. Va.; one granddaughter, Brittaniona of Martinsburg; one sister, Barbara Seatz of Newland; close friends and neighbors, Shirley Craig and Barbara McCall; and by a host of family and friends who were supportive when Lola needed them.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Harleen Ruppard.
Services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Bill Bentley and Preacher Kenneth Banner. The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 1 until 2 o’clock, one hour prior to services, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Baird family cemetery.
The family respectfully requests no food and suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Word and Truth Ministries Church, Post Office Box 1801, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Presnell family.

Earl Raymond Smitherman
Mr. Earl Raymond Smitherman, 85, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, departed this life at St. Joseph Hospital surrounded by his family, on Father’s Day, June 21, 2009, to be with his Heavenly Father.
He was born Feb. 2, 1924, at Peoria in the Beaver Dam Township of Watauga County, N.C., a son of the late Harve Martin and Burlie L. Millsaps Smitherman, formerly of Sugar Grove, N.C.
Mr. Smitherman retired from the American Viscose with 30 years of service and GE Plastics with 10 years of service. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II having served on the U.S.S. Liddle, a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific. He was a former member of the VFW, the American Legion and the Woodsmen of the World.
He also served as a volunteer fireman at Camden Avenue in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Mr. Smitherman loved life and all of God’s creations; the mountains, rivers, oceans, beaches, all of the outdoors, boating, fishing, hiking and camping. He loved working in the garden and yard with hard working hands now put to rest.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Beulah Wines Smitherman; three sons, Bobby R. (Janet) Smitherman of Gastonia, N.C., Michael D. (Karen) Smitherman of Smith Mountain Lake, Va. and Joseph Mark (Kelta) Smitherman of Belleville, West Virginia; step-children, Butch (Nancy) Brandt of Vincent, Ohio; Charles (Melanie) Brandt of Marietta, Ohio; and Sue (Tom) Eden of Vienna, West Virginia; 19 grandchildren, Randall Smitherman, Michelle Matthews, Kristie McMillen, Courtney McLain, Francie Smitherman, Lisa Perkins, Mick Wenmoth, Todd Wenmoth, Lori Wenmoth, Savannah Abbott, Tom Brandt, Samantha Stealey, Debora Deem, Tonda Deem, Tim Eden, Tom Eden, Charmel Wesel, Christopher Brandt and Chad Brandt; 33 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wiley James Smitherman; and his sister, Margaret Kathleen Childress; and two grandchildren, Shari Smith and William “Buddy” Brandt.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Kimes Funeral Home, 521 5th Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia, with Pastor Ryan Brooks officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens with military rites provided by the American Legion Post #15 of Parkersburg.
Online condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.kimesfh.com.
Kimes Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert M. Tate
Mr. Robert Mallet Tate, 92, of Gateway Drive, Boone, died Friday evening, June 19, 2009 at Glenbridge Health and Rehabilitation.
He was born March 8, 1917 in Rutherford County to James Rueben and Florence T. Tate.
Mr. Tate was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Cleveland County. He was a retired aircraft machinist from Solar Aircraft Corporation in San Diego, Calif.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Emma Jones Tate; two daughters, Tamara Benkosky and husband, Steve, of Boone, and Patricia Nelson and husband, James, of Temecula, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Daniel Nelson and wife, Rosa, of Germany, Kimberly Nelson Buckley and husband, Kelley, of Lakeside, Calif., and Camille Owen and husband, David, of Lafayette, La. Six great-grandchildren also survive.
He was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.
Services for Robert Mallet Tate will be private.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Tate family.

Emily Alice Morris Tye
Emily Alice Morris Tye, a resident of Rocky Mount for 42 years, passed away quietly in her home on Sunday, June 21, 2009, after a brief illness.
She was a long time member of Englewood United Methodist Church and was also a member of Circle #1 and the Garden Club for several years. Her kind heart and endearing spirit cultivated many cherished and long-standing friendships over the years that she was very fond of.
Emily is survived by her daughter, Deborah Holcomb and husband, Billy, of Belmont, N.C.; a son, David Tye and wife, Torrey, of Boone, N.C.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, all in North Carolina. She will also be missed by her loyal dog and companion “Daisy”.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Tye; a son, Ronnie; and her brother, Bud Morris of Indiana.
A gathering with friends and relatives was held from 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. Graveside services will be performed by Dr. Carlton McKita on 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at Rocky Mount Memorial Park and will be the final chapter of a life well lived. All are welcome to attend the tribute to this exceptional woman and her extraordinary life.
Special thanks are given to Eva King, Dr. David Browder, Englewood United Methodist Church and Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance.
On-line condolences may be sent to the Tye family by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com.
Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, N.C.

June 22, 2009
Mary Ann Coffey

Mary Ann Coffey, 57, of 1363 Big Hill Road, Boone, died Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Watauga Medical Center.
She was born Sept. 13, 1951 in Watauga County, a daughter of the late H.L. and Gladys Moretz Coffey. She was a counselor for Crossroads Counseling Center in Hickory and a member of Bethany Lutheran Church.
Survivors include two brothers, Jon Coffey and wife, Aubrey, of Winston Salem, and Leroy Coffey and wife, Angela, of Concord; one niece, Vickie Riley and husband, Paul, of Lexington; two nephews, Michael Coffey and wife, Melissa, of Wilkesboro, and Andrew Coffey of Durham; one great-nephew, Peyton Coffey of Wilkesboro; two uncles, H.C. Moretz, Jr. and wife, Phyllis, of Boone, and John W. Moretz and wife, Barbara, of Boone; and two aunts, Pearl Moretz of Boone, and Betty S. Moretz of Boone. She is also survived by a number of cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a number of aunts and uncles.
A celebration of the life of Mary Ann Coffey was conducted Sunday, June 21, 2009, at 3:30 o'clock, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Officiating was Pastor Harwood Smith, Pastor Tom Hehenberger and Pastor John Bollinger. Burial followed in Old Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
The family received friends Saturday evening, from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church World Hunger Fund or the Bethany Lutheran Church Music Program, c/o Bethany Lutheran Church, 1030 Big Hill Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.
The family respectfully requests no food and would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Seby Jones Regional Cancer Center and Watauga Medical Center.
Online condolences will be sent to the Coffey family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Rosemary Delores Bevans Doran
Mrs. Rosemary Delores Bevans Doran, 78, of Cody Lane, Vilas, died Wednesday afternoon, June 17, 2009, at home.
She was born June 22, 1930 in New York, N.Y., a daughter of the late James and Marie Brown Bevans.
Mrs. Doran was a former resident of Lake Worth, Fla. and was a bakery assistant. She was of the Catholic faith.
Surviving are her children, James Doran and wife, Lisa, of Lake Worth, Fla.; Phillip Doran of Watertown, Conn.; Susan Strobino and husband, Jay, of Kent, Conn.; Stephen Doran and wife, Kimberly, of Loxahatchee, Fla.; Nancy Paliwoda and husband, Alan, of Thomaston, Conn.; and Tracy Taylor and husband, Scott, of Vilas; one daughter-in-law, Leslie Doran of Loxahatchee, Fla.; 15 grandchildren, Shannon Doran-Swanson, John Dorn, III, Brittany Doran, Nicole Doran, Devin Doran, Chelsea Doran, Jay Strobino, Courtney Strobino, Matthew Paliwoda, Brian Paliwoda, Kelly Doran, Kaylin Doran, Emily Saffer, Charles Saffer, III, and Landon Taylor; and one great granddaughter, Audrey Doran.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Doran, Sr.; and one son, John Doran, Jr.
A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Rosemary Delores Bevans Doran was held Saturday afternoon from 4 o’clock until 6 o’clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. A reception for family and friends followed at the Holiday Inn Express, 1943 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, N.C.
Memorials may be made to the Seby B. Jones Cancer Center, in care of Watauga Medical Center, PO Box 2570, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to the Watauga Humane Society, 200 Casey Lane, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the Doran family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Doran family.

Robert Lawson Isaacs
Mr. Robert Lawson Isaacs, 73, passed away May 28, 2009, in Royal Oak, Mich., after a 19-month illness.
He was born in the Cove Creek Township of Watauga County and spent most of his life in Michigan.
Survivors include his former wife, Donna; a son, Bobby Joe Isaacs; two daughters, Sherrie Osborne and Natalie Parks; seven grandchildren; sisters, Mary Lee Davidson of Royal Oak, Mich., Jeanne Isaacs of Smyrna, Ga., and Judy Witten of Paintsville, Ky. His four paternal aunts who survive are Blanche Rominger and DellRae McGuire of Vilas, N.C.; Ruth Parks of Roanoke, Va.; and Edith Arnold of Mountain City, Tenn. His two maternal aunts who survive are Helen W.K. Orr of Gun Lake, Mich. and Shirley W. Potter of Piney Flats, Tenn. Several first and second cousins also survive, one of whom was a best friend and first cousin, Russell Isaacs of Athens, Ohio.
Predeceasing Mr. Isaacs in death were a son, John Isaacs; his parents, Lawson Lee and Delia Alice Williams Isaacs; his maternal grandparents, Claud and Dessie Eller Williams; and paternal grandparents, Noah and Callie Stout Isaacs.
A memorial service was held in Royal Oak on May 31, 2009 in remembrance of Mr. Isaacs.
William Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors of Royal Oak, served the family.

Peter ‘Pete’ L’Heureux
Mr. Peter "Pete" L'Heureux, 47, of 339 Bishop Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, died Friday, June 19, 2009.
He was born July 18, 1961, in Central Valley, N.Y., a son of Marie Frauson L'Heureux and the late John Mabon L'Heureux.
Mr. L’Heureux was a carpenter with McNamera Construction Company in Blowing Rock.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Josephine Scarcella L'Heureux of the home; two sons, John L'Heureux of Boone, and Marco L'Heureux of the home; and one sister, Sarah Roper of Cornwall, N.Y.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one brother, David L'Heureux.
Services will be conducted Wednesday morning, June 24, 2009, at 11:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 10:00 until 11:00 o'clock. Officiating will be the Rev. Jonathan Yarborough.
The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon, from 12:00 until 2:00 o'clock, and Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Service.
Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to Two Rivers Community School, 1018 Archie Carroll Road, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the L'Heureux family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Reggie McCreary
Mr. Reggie McCreary, 56, of Crest Drive, Boone, died Monday, June 15, 2009, at home.
He was born May 30, 1953, in Catawba County, a son of the late A. E. “Mac” and Mary Alexander McCreary.
Mr. McCreary was a former Deputy Sheriff in Tampa, Fla.
Reggie is survived by a number of family members and friends.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens Mausoleum. Officiating was the Rev. Gordon Noble.
Memorials may be made to the Watauga Medical Center, Post Office Box 2600, Boone, N.C. 28607.
Online condolences may be sent to the McCreary family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the McCreary family.

Ruth Michael Shook
Mrs. Ruth Michael Shook, 107, of 2160 Pigeon Roost Road, Banner Elk, died Thursday, June 18, 2009, at her home.
She was born Jan. 29, 1902 in the Matney Community, a daughter of the late Greene and Etta Baird Michael.
Mrs. Shook was a homemaker and a member of White Rock Baptist Church.
Survivors include five daughters, Ada Mildred Smith and husband, Hade, of Banner Elk, Pauline North of College Park, Ga., and Audrey Rominger of Boone, Belinda Orr and husband, Ken, of Charlotte, and Joyce Wilson and husband, Ken, of Silver Spring, Md.; three sons; Rhonda Shook and wife, Gertrude, of Millersville, Md., Bradley Shook and wife, Mabel, of Banner Elk, and Errol Shook and wife, Patsy, of Boone; one daughter-in-law, Mary Shook of Boone. She was also survived by 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 29 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyle H. Shook; two sons, Larry and Zeb Shook; two sons-in-law, Gentry North and Bill Rominger; one sister, Ada Shook, and one brother, Grady Michael.
Services were conducted Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2009, at 2:00 o'clock, at White Rock Baptist Church on Pigeon Roost Road, Banner Elk. Officiating were the Rev. Earl Carver, Jr. and the Rev. Donald Smith. Burial followed in White Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the White Rock Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Mildred Smith, 179 Hade Smith Drive, Banner Elk, N.C. 28604.
Online condolences may be sent to the Shook family at www.hamptonfuneralservice.com.
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

James Marvin ‘Junior’ Warren
Mr. James Marvin “Junior” Warren, 77, of Mountain Dale Road, Vilas, died Friday morning, June 19, 2009 at Watauga Medical Center.
He was born April 22, 1932 in Watauga County to Marvin and Lottie W. Warren.
Mr. Warren was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in the Bethel Community and was a retired turn machinist from Vermont American. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy McGuire Warren; two step-daughters, Frankie Bragg and husband, Skip, of Sugar Grove, and Shirley Glenn and husband, Hubert, of Mountain City, Tenn.; one step-son, Eugene McGuire and wife, Elaine, of Vilas; two sisters, Marie Beashear and friend, Gilbert Fraiser, of Millers Creek and Margaret Martin and husband, Reid, of North Wilkesboro; three brothers, Kyle Warren and wife, Sunny, of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Arland and Howard Cardwell, both of North Wilkesboro. Four step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Arnette Warren; and one sister, Hattie Wolf.
Services were conducted Sunday evening at 8 o’clock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Carl Johnson and the Rev. Quincy Norris. The family received friends Sunday evening prior to services, at the funeral home
Graveside services and burial were conducted Monday morning in the Lower Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Warren family in care of Austin & Barnes.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Warren family.