Jerry Billy Pressley, 84, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
    He was a native of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Jerry Pressley and Fannie Panther Sutton.
    He worked for Carolina Tire for several years. He loved spending time with his grandkids and fishing.
    He was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Henson Pressley; three sons, Bobby Joe Pressley, Ronnie Pressley and Joe Pressley; one granddaughter, Misty Abernathy; and two sisters, Betty Herman and Susie Calhoun.
    He is survived by his children, Betsy Kilpatrick, Jerry Pressley, Judy Gurley and husband Charles, Jimmy Pressley and wife Dale, Janet Pressley,Timmy Pressley and Frankie Anderson; one brother, Jack Sutton; grandchildren, Cleda, Shankie, Andy, Josh, Bryan, Dustin, Jacob, LeeAnn, Ray, Rebecca, Melissa and Jonie; and 13 great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Harold Stiles will officiate. Burial will be in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bryan Pressley, Dustin Pressley, Jacob Pressley, Ronnie Beaver, Charles Gurley and Levi Murphy. Honorary pallbearer will be Michael Raxter.
    The family will receive friends from 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1650 N.C. 141, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Pressley family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Delois Grant Little, 87, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
    She was born in Gaston County to the late Troy Harrison and Lissie Ann Hughes Grant.
    Delois lived most of her life in Cherokee County. She retired as a quality control analysis inspector for Clifton Precision.
    Delois was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and Martha Chapter No. 246 of the Eastern Star.
    She was a well-known baker. Everyone loved her cakes. Her hobby was reading, and she always had a book in her hand.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence L. (Doc) Little in 2007; one son, Harrison Little; and one grandson, Ryan Little.
    She is survived by one son, Bruce Little and wife Debi of Murphy; her daughters, Sherrill Milne and husband Bill of Murphy, and Dianna Kilpatrick and husband Steve of Edisto, S.C.; a sister, Bobbie Duncan and husband Bobby Joe of Travelers Rest, S.C.; nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren,  two step-grandchildren and five step-great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Amarylis Burns and brother-in-law, John Williams, both of Mississippi; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Macedonia Baptist Church. The Revs. Hoyt Brown and Brian Wilson officiated.  Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Kit Little, Colby Little, Michael Griffith, Eran Kilpatrick, Alan Kilpatrick and David Penland.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Renewed Hope, 1064 U.S. 64 East, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Little family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Ray Dean Morgan, 80, of Andrews, passed away Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
    Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Jerry Lee Tatham, 54, of Sautee Nacoochee, Ga., and formerly of Andrews, died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by family members.
    He is the son of Jeanette Burchfield of Robbinsville and the late Bill Tatham of Andrews. Maternal grandparents are the late Thomas and Lenora Jones, and paternal grandparents are the late John and Myrtle Tatham, all of Andrews.
    Jerry worked in construction for the past 35-plus years, including owning his construction company, Tatham Construction, for more than 11 years. At the time of his death, he was employed by KCJ Technologies Inc. as a senior inspector.
    He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He looked forward to his annual trips to Swan Cabin located in the Nantahala National Forest and the opening of trout season. He was a huge sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the Oakland Raiders, Georgia Bulldogs and North Carolina Tarheels, and liked collecting sports memorabilia.
    Surviving are his loving wife, Carla Crawford Tatham of Sautee Nacoochee, Ga., and formerly of Murphy; his mother, Jeanette Burchfield of Robbinsville; his four brothers, Dana Jones and wife Laurie of Andrews, Mack Tatham of Cleveland, Tenn., John Tatham and wife Cecilia of Marietta, Ga., Jamie Tatham and wife Regina of Warner Robins, Ga.; and sister, Della Tatham of Asheville. He is also survived by several in-laws, including Jack and Judy Crawford of Hayesville, Owen and Fran Howell of Cleveland, Tenn., Diana Crawford of Tellico Plains, Tenn., Gene and Jenny Graves of Lawrenceville, Ga.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at First Baptist Church, 1606 Business Highway 19, in Andrews. The service will be officiated by the Revs. Scott Roper and Daniel Stewart.
    The family will receive friends from 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday in the church fellowship hall before the memorial service.

    Jerry Billy Pressley, 84, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
    He was a native of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Jerry Pressley and Fannie Panther Sutton.
    He worked for Carolina Tire for several years. He loved spending time with his grandkids and fishing.
    He was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Henson Pressley; three sons, Bobby Joe Pressley, Ronnie Pressley and Joe Pressley; one granddaughter, Misty Abernathy; and two sisters, Betty Herman and Susie Calhoun.
    He is survived by his children, Betsy Kilpatrick, Jerry Pressley, Judy Gurley and husband Charles, Jimmy Pressley and wife Dale, Janet Pressley,Timmy Pressley and Frankie Anderson; one brother, Jack Sutton; grandchildren, Cleda, Shankie, Andy, Josh, Bryan, Dustin, Jacob, LeeAnn, Ray, Rebecca, Melissa and Jonie; and 13 great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Harold Stiles officiated. Burial was in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bryan Pressley, Dustin Pressley, Jacob Pressley, Ronnie Beaver, Charles Gurley and Levi Murphy. Honorary pallbearer was Michael Raxter.
    The family received friends from 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1650 N.C. 141, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Pressley family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Delois Grant Little, 87, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
    She was born in Gaston County to the late Troy Harrison and Lissie Ann Hughes Grant.
    Delois lived most of her life in Cherokee County. She retired as a quality control analysis inspector for Clifton Precision.
    Delois was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and Martha Chapter No. 246 of the Eastern Star.
    She was a well-known baker. Everyone loved her cakes. Her hobby was reading, and she always had a book in her hand.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence L. (Doc) Little in 2007; one son, Harrison Little; and one grandson, Ryan Little.
    She is survived by one son,  Bruce Little and wife Debi of Murphy; her daughters, Sherrill Milne and husband Bill of Murphy, and Dianna Kilpatrick and husband Steve of Edisto, S.C.; a sister, Bobbie Duncan and husband Bobby Joe of Travelers Rest, S.C.; nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren,  two step-grandchildren and five step-great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Amarylis Burns and brother-in-law, John Williams, both of Mississippi; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at Macedonia Baptist Church. The Revs. Hoyt Brown and Brian Wilson officiated.  Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Kit Little, Colby Little, Michael Griffith, Eran Kilpatrick, Alan Kilpatrick and David Penland.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Renewed Hope, 1064 U.S. 64 East, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Little family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Kurt William Jensen, 60, passed peacefully Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at his Serenity cabin in Murphy.
    His love for music, laughter and the Lord was celebrated at a 1 p.m. service Saturday, Sept. 10, at Church of the Cross, 5051 26th St. W., in Bradenton, Fla.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Mark Edward Farmer passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, at Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Ga.
    Born June 25, 1950, in Murphy, he was the son of George Glen and Betty Garrett Farmer of Murphy. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Betty Sue Watkins of Pulaski, Tenn.
    Mark had an unwavering love for God and his family. He truly made everyone around him a better person. He always had a smile on his face and never met a stranger. He embodied the spirit of generosity and always had a kind word for others.
    He loved to work, loved the mountains and sitting on the back porch just taking in what God had blessed him with. He was surrounded by God’s beauty and never took it for granted. Simply put, he loved his life.
    In his last days, Mark got up and sang “Precious Memories” and wanted to talk with Jesus.
     Mark retired from General Motors, and also owned and operated Farmer’s Roofing.
    He was a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church.
     Surviving are his wife, Sandy James Farmer; daughters, Greta Farmer and Melissa Belcher and husband Mark Belcher; sons, Gage Farmer and Joshua Farmer and wife Brandy Farmer; sister, Glenda Crowe and husband Glenn Crowe; brother, Jerald McMillan; grandchildren, Kayla, Cory, Kiersten and Dalton Farmer, and Mason and Grace Belcher.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Eddis Dockery officiated. Burial was in Unaka Cemetery. Pallbearers were John and Jason Crowe, Caleb and Eli Corwin, Joel Irwin, Larry Montgomery, Terry “Huck” Stewart and Bobby Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers were Pat McMillan and Jack Elder.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cherokee County Foster Care Fund, 4800 U.S. 64 W., Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Farmer family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Charles Henry “C.H” Adams, 74, of Chuckey, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. in the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, at Townson Rose Chapel in Andrews. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Murielle Blackburn, 88, of Andrews, passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, at her residence.
    A memorial mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at a later date.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, is in charge of arrangements.

    Jack R. Craig, 66, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at his residence.  
    He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    Jack was a Vietnam War era veteran serving in the United States Marine Corps.
    He was owner and operator of Craig Construction and also worked at Advance Auto Parts.
    He was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church but had been attending Ogreeta Baptist Church.
    He was the son of the late Jack Russell and Ruby Craig.
    Surviving are his wife, Sharon Crain Craig; a daughter, Andrea Curtis and husband  Jeff of Andrews; four sons, Mark Craig, Michael Craig, Corey Hall and wife Kim, and Kevin Hall and wife Misty, all of Murphy; a brother, David Craig of West Palm Beach, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; and his mother-in-law, whom he loved dearly, Jane Kidd and husband David.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Eddie Cook officiating. The interment was in Sunset Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Marine Corps League Cherokee Detachment 1011, Murphy American Legion Post 96 and DAV Chapter 73, and Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol) and American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Jake Neal, Jonah Craig, Jesse Curtis, John Crain, Patrick Crain, Jeff Crain, William Head and Jason Palmer.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    The family requests memorials be made in memory of Jack R. Craig to J. Robert Penland Senior Center, Attention: Peggy Graham, 69 Alpine St., Murphy, NC  28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Claude Jackson Monteith, 88, of the Jackson Line community in Swain County, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016.
    A native of Gaston County and longtime resident of Swain County, he was the son of the late J.H. and Isabell Christopher Monteith.
    In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by a grandson, David M. Monteith Jr.
    He was a faithful member of Bryson City First Baptist Church.
    Claude is survived by his wife, Katharyn Howell Monteith; one son, David M. Monteith and wife Mary of Scranton, Pa.; one daughter, Mary M. Greene of Taylorsville; three grandchildren, Rachel Lamb of Hickory, Morgan Monteith of Tunkhannock, Pa., and Sarah Greene of Charlotte; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Shytle of Shelby; and one brother, Ray Monteith and wife Ann of LaGrange, Ga.
    Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel in Bryson City. The Revs. John Tagliarini and Ted Duncan will officiate. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, in the Conover Cemetery in Conover.
    The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the funeral home.
    Crisp Funeral Home, Bryson City, crispfuneralhome.org, is in charge of arrangements.

    Barbara Alice Farmer McCoy, 77, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at her residence.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Robert and Braska Allen Farmer.
    Barbara had worked for Levi’s.
    She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Chris McCoy; three brothers, Archie Farmer, Mike Farmer and Roger Farmer; and three sisters, Virginia Radford, Vivian Craig and Ellen Bryant.
    She is survived by her husband, Tim McCoy; one son, Jeff McCoy and wife Trish; two daughters, Felicia Maney and Tammy Hardin and husband Tracey; one sister, Vickie Skaggs; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Matt Mull will officiate Burial will be in Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff McCoy, Timothy McCoy, Ethan McCoy, Don Farmer, Matthew Roper and Tracey Hardin.
    The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the McCoy family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Emma Jean Parker Voiles, 79, of Broussard, La., formerly of Andrews, passed away Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016.  
    Funeral services were held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, was in charge of arrangements.

    Eulene McClure, 84, of Hayesville, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at Clay County Care Center.
    Funeral services were held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Moss Memorial Baptist Church in Hayesville. Burial was in the church cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of arrangements.

    Ottie Faye Nelson Ashe, 91, of Hayesville, passed away Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home.
    Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Hayesville Church of God.  Burial was in the Union Hill Cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of arrangements.

    Claude Jackson Monteith, 88, of the Jackson Line community in Swain County, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016.
    A native of Gaston County and longtime resident of Swain County, he was the son of the late J.H. and Isabell Christopher Monteith.
    In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by a grandson, David M. Monteith Jr.
    He was a faithful member of Bryson City First Baptist Church.
    Claude is survived by his wife, Katharyn Howell Monteith; one son, David M. Monteith and wife Mary of Scranton, Pa.; one daughter, Mary M. Greene of Taylorsville; three grandchildren, Rachel Lamb of Hickory, Morgan Monteith of Tunkhannock, Pa., and Sarah Greene of Charlotte; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Shytle of Shelby; and one brother, Ray Monteith and wife Ann of LaGrange, Ga.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel in Bryson City. The Revs. John Tagliarini and Ted Duncan officiated. Burial was at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, in the Conover Cemetery in Conover.
    The family received friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the funeral home.
    Crisp Funeral Home, Bryson City, crispfuneralhome.org, was in charge of arrangements.

    Agnes Rinaudo, 100, a resident of Culberson since 1958, passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, in Gulf Shores, Ala.
    Born Dec. 1, 1915, in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of the late August and Martha Rhode Burke.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Rinaudo, on Jan. 29, 2005. They were married in 1945 in Chicago, Ill.
    She also was preceded in death by her sister, Martha Nicolai; brother, Leo Burke; and sister, Wanda Lortentz.
    She was a member of St. William Catholic Church in Murphy.
    She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James and Joyce Rinaudo; grandson, J.R. Rinaudo; grandaughter, Jennifer L. Nabors; and two great-grandchildren.
    Memorial services are incomplete and will be announced.

    Hildred Jean Lunsford of Andrews died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, in Blairsville, Ga., following an extended illness.
    She was a native of Cherokee County but lived a significant part of her life at Maryville, Tenn.  
    She was the widow of Cecil Lunsford, and daughter of the late Elbert and Verdia Hardin Jones. She was preceded in death by a son, Dale; and by siblings, Lyle, Wenona, Marie, Juanita, Floyd and Virginia.
    Hildred attended schools at Blount County, Tenn.
    She was a member of Beaver Creek Freewill Baptist Church of Andrews, where seven generations of her family have attended, including charter members of the church.  
    She was retired from the manufacturing industry and enjoyed time with her family and friends.
    Survivors include two daughters, Naomi and Julie and husband Johnny Yonce  of Andrews; a son, Eddie Lunsford of Andrews and Sylva; grandchildren, Leslie, Lee, Amanda, Jason and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Georgia, Seth, Julius and Clover. She is also survived by siblings J.C., Lucille and Eugene of Maryville, Tenn. A number of special in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors also survive.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, with the Rev. Eric Jones officiating. The interment will be at Valleytown Cemetery, Andrews. Pallbearers will be Allen Wheeler, Seth Wheeler, Lee Tatham, Tyler Lunsford, Jason Yonce and George Eddie Lunsford.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.
    Cemetery flowers are a welcome memorial.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Beaver Creek Freewill Baptist Church, 853 Beaver Creek Road, Andrews, NC  28901; or to Cherokee County Senior Citizen’s Center, c/o Denise Cross, 54 Park St., Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Barbara Alice Farmer McCoy, 77, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at her residence.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Robert and Braska Allen Farmer.
    Barbara had worked for Levi’s.
    She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Chris McCoy; three brothers, Archie Farmer, Mike Farmer and Roger Farmer; and three sisters, Virginia Radford, Vivian Craig and Ellen Bryant.
    She is survived by her husband, Tim McCoy; one son, Jeff McCoy and wife Trish; two daughters, Felicia Maney and Tammy Hardin and husband Tracey; one sister, Vickie Skaggs; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Matt Mull officiated. Burial was in Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeff McCoy, Timothy McCoy, Ethan McCoy, Don Farmer, Matthew Roper and Tracey Hardin.
    The family received friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the McCoy family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.