Leonard John James Jr., 75, passed away at his Copperhill, Tenn., home on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, after a courageous fight with cancer and other ailments.
    Despite recent medical conditions, he did so much with his time on earth while cherishing his wonderful life, family and friends.
    Len was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., and graduated from Kenmore High School. He was proud to attend Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., on a scholarship from General Electric Corp.
    While at Union College, he was introduced to Carol A. James on the “best blind date ever.” In 1961, Len and Carol were married in Binghamton, N.Y. Len credited his life’s happiness and successes to the unwavering love and support he received from Carol. Len and Carol were happily married for 55 years.
    Len earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1964 from Union College. He was an electrical engineer for General Electric Corp. and then entered the G.E. Management Apprenticeship Program.
    After his active involvement in the Jaycees, Len changed careers, working for the Schenectady (N.Y.) Chamber of Commerce. He became the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Fulton County, Johnstown, N.Y., and went on to become the executive vice president of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, Glens Falls, N.Y. From 1986-96, he held the position of the president of the Broome County Chamber of Commerce, Binghamton, N.Y. Len positively affected the business climates and organizations in every community he touched. He was a skilled leader who used his talents to inspire and change communities, making lifelong friends along the way.
    In 1996, Len and Carol moved to the Copper Basin of Tennessee. They enjoyed their careers as small business owners, as they owned and operated the Stateline Village Store on U.S. 64 in Copperhill, Tenn. After nearly 18 years, they retired in 2013.
    Len enjoyed so many things, including music, history, travel and his lifelong hobby of model railroading. He was an active member of the Tri-State Model Railroaders Inc., as well as the immediate past president. He appreciated the fellowship and good working relationships he developed there while furthering a love for model railroading.
    Len also was a proud Buffalo Bills fan. Whether at home or on the road, he would not miss an opportunity to cheer on his hometown’s team.
    Len also was a man of faith. He and Carol attended St. Catherine’s Laboure Church in Copperhill, Tenn., when they were able.
    Len was a lover of life, laughter, family and friends. His sharp wit and sense of humor will be remembered by all. Whether he was camping in the Adirondack Mountains, picnicking on the Ocoee River, fishing in Florida, visiting grandchildren or on a cruise for the couple’s 50th anniversary, he thoroughly enjoyed being with the family and friends he loved.
    Len is survived by his devoted wife, Carol A. James, of Copperhill, Tenn.; son, Michael D. James of Leesburg, Va.; daughter, Cheryl A. Foster (Michael Cade Foster) of Sweetwater, Texas; and grandchildren, Jordan, Nicole, Tyler, Wyatt, John (Jack) and Emily. Len is also survived by his loving siblings, his brother, Karl James (Penny) of Darien Center, N.Y.; and his sister, Ellen Kusel (Robert) of Spokane Valley, Wash.; as well as many treasured nieces and nephews.
    Len was predeceased by his parents, Leonard John James Sr. and Mary Ann James; and by his sister, Kathryn Louise Sommers.
    A Celebration of Life service will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home, 1478 Blue Ridge Drive, McCaysville, Ga. Father Tom Moser will offer a prayer at 3 p.m.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Len’s memory be directed to Tri-State Model Railroaders Inc., 6311 Lakeview Terrace, Douglasville, GA 30135, or via PayPal gift to n.wtrainstsmri@gmail.com.
    Arrangements are entrusted to Cochran Finch Funeral Home of McCaysville, Ga.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Lori Ann Bourscheid, 53, of Andrews, passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was raised in Citrus County, Fla., and later moved to Cherokee County in 2001.
    Lori was a phenomenal teacher. She had received her bachelor’s degree in primary education from Saint Lee College. She also earned her master’s degree from the University of South Florida.
    Lori was a National Board Certified Educator. She taught locally at Hiwassee Dam Elementary School. Lori taught for 27 years until her retirement.
    She was a member of Saint William Catholic Church. Lori enjoyed spending time with family, outdoor photography, kayaking and playing with her grandpups.
    She was the daughter of Jeannine Gibbs Hodgdon and the late Richard E. Gibbs.
    Surviving are her husband of 28 years, Daniel Bourscheid; a daughter, Kaitlin Bourscheid and fiance Troy Turner of Murphy; a son, John Bourscheid and wife Kalli of Spartanburg, S.C.; a sister, Sheri Lien and husband Fred of Minot, N.D.; four brothers, Richard Gibbs of Chattanooga, Tenn., Robert Gibbs and wife Paula of White, Ga., Ross Gibbs and wife Pam of Orlando, Fla., and Paul Gibbs and wife Lori of Beverly Hills, Fla.; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
    A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, in St. William Catholic Church with the Rev. George Kloster and Deacon Carl Hubbell officiating. The inurnment will be in St. William Catholic Church Columbarium.
    The family will receive friends from 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lori Ann Bourscheid to the Little Pink Houses of Hope, 2375 Corporation Parkway, Burlington, NC 27215, or Wind River Cancer Retreats and Programs, 430 Larsen Lane, Tryon, NC 28782-6760.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Frances Parker, 91, of Leesburg, Va., formerly of Marble, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, in a Leesburg care facility.
    She was a native of Cherokee County. Frances had served in the U.S. Army Cadet Nurses’ Corps.
    She was a graduate of Erlanger Nursing School in Chattanooga, Tenn. She was a registered nurse and assistant director of nursing services with Fairfax Hospital, retiring in 1986.
    After her retirement, Frances moved back to Andrews and organized the Pink Lady Volunteer Services for District Memorial Hospital. She served on the hospital board as the chairperson.
    Frances was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Murphy.
    She was the daughter of the late William Riley and Alice Sneed Dockery, and wife of the late Rhuell Houston Parker, who died March 11, 2008.
    Surviving are a son, Michael F. Parker of Leesburg, Va.; a sister, Ruth Almond of West Palm Beach, Fla.; four grandchildren, Naomi Susan Parker, Erin Alyse Parker, Rhees Alexander Parker and Nhiya Dey Parker; and a great-granddaughter, Josie M. Outten.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, with Brad Witt officiating. The interment will be in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Eddie, Joe, Robbie and Rhees Parker.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.
    The family requests memorials be made in memory of Frances Parker to the Moss Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 100, Marble, NC 28905.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Billy Calvin West, 82, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.
    He was born in Macon County to the late Pearson and Allie Gregory West.     
    Billy had worked for Mead Packaging in printing maintenance. He was a member of Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church. Billy enjoyed woodworking.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Roger Dale West; three brothers, Herman West, Robert West and Zeb West; one infant sister and sister, Lenna West.
    He is survived by his precious cat, Lucy; his wife, Betty J. Edwards West; one son, Jeff West and wife Kim of Dallas, Ga.; one daughter, Jeannie Rokovitz and husband Russ of Woodstock, Ga.; two brothers, Sherman West of Robbinsville and Norman West of Andrews; one step-grandchild, Corey DeAgro; one great-granddaughter, Emma Marie-Rose DeAgro; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Chris Furl will officiate. Music will be provided by Arnold Matthews. Burial will be in Moss Cemetery in Marble. Pallbearers will be Michael Boyer, Steve Boyer, Caleb Matthews, Ramiro Cambranis, Eddie West and Corey DeArgo.
    The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the West family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Jacob Brian Wheeldon, 12, of Murphy, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at his home.
    Jacob was the son of Kimberly Wheeldon of St. Charles, Mo., and Brian Wheeldon and wife Jamie of Murphy.
    Jacob was a seventh-grade student at Martins Creek School, and he attended Mineral Bluff Baptist Church.
    Jacob liked to ride four-wheelers, play video games, loved playing guitar, practical jokes, scary movies and being outside.
    In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brothers, Zachary and Kaiden Noble and Jeremiah Wheeldon; maternal grandparents, George Noble of St. Charles, Mo., and Phyllis Noble of Hampton, Va.; paternal grandparents, Mike and Kris Coffey of Murphy; several uncles, aunts, cousins and special friend, Michaela Faith Doney of St. Charles, Mo.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Murphy Bible Church in Murphy. The Rev. Randy Hughes officiated. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Murphy Bible Church.
    You may send tributes to the Wheeldon family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Victor Matheson, 53, of Andrews, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, after a long battle with cancer.
    The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Grace Fellowship Baptist Church in Andrews.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Hope Chasity Hohmann, 19, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at her home.
    She was the daughter of Max Edward Lockaby and Patricia Kay Eller Lockaby.
    Hope was a loving wife and dearly loved her precious infant son.
    In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Carl Joseph (C.J.) Hohmann; infant son, Bransan Max Joseph Hohmann; brothers, Roy, Andrew and Bradley Lockaby; sisters, Tasha Eller, Brandy Hardin, April, Heather, Ariel and Alexis Lockaby; paternal grandmother, Judy Lockaby; father and mother-in-law, Carl and Vonda Hohmann; grandmother-in-law, Ruth Ann Ford; and several, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at Old Fashioned Baptist Church. Pastors Hoyt Brown and Billy Rhodes officiated. Pallbearers were Roy Lockaby, Josh Graves, Dakota McCoy, Fred Hohmann, Loren Palmer and Ryan Hamby. Honorary pallbearers were Matt Cook and Andrew Lockaby. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Hohmann family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Leona Mae Graham Hedrick, 91, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at Mission Hospital.
    Leona was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Ernest and Cora Stiles Graham.
    She worked as a bookkeeper for Collins Crain, D.M. Reese Real Estate and Direct Mail & Advertising.
    Leona was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Murphy. She loved to crochet and grow African violets.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Plez Gentry Hedrick; and brothers, Lake, Jack and Herbert Graham.
  She is survived by her daughters, Ann McKeon and husband Pete of Murphy, and children, Nathan Hass, Eric Hass and wife Maria, their children, Cheyanne and Austin Hass, Bryan Keasler and Jacob Crisp; Karen Thompson and husband Steve of Fayetteville, Ga., their children, Dr. Leigh Anna Thompson and husband Dr. Justin Beverly, their children, Noel, Aleah, Jolie; and Steven and Dr. Michelle Thompson, their children, Emma and Will; brothers, Steve Graham of Taylorsville, Ga., and Ken Graham of Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Randy Johnson officiated. Burial was in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy. Pallbearers were Stephen Thompson, Ashley, Andy, Stanley, Tom and Billy Graham.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home 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 over 11 years. At the time of death he was employed by KCI 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 was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at First Baptist Church, 1606 Business Highway 19, in Andrews. The service was  officiated by the Revs. Scott Roper and Daniel Stewart.
    The family received friends from 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday in the church fellowship hall before the memorial service.

    Lori Ann Bourscheid, 53, of Andrews, passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was raised in Citrus County, Fla., and later moved to Cherokee County in 2001.
    Lori was a phenomenal teacher. She had received her bachelor’s degree in primary education from St. Lee College. She also earned her master’s degree from the University of South Florida.
    Lori was a National Board Certified educator. She taught locally at Hiwassee Dam Elementary School. Lori taught for 27 years until her retirement.
    She was a member of St. William Catholic Church. Lori enjoyed spending time with family, outdoor photography, kayaking and playing with her grandpups.
    She was the daughter of Jeannine Gibbs Hodgdon and the late Richard E. Gibbs.
    Surviving, in addition to her mother, are her husband of 28 years, Daniel Bourscheid; a daughter, Kaitlin Bourscheid and fiance Troy Turner of Murphy; a son, John Bourscheid and wife Kalli of Spartanburg, S.C.; a sister, Sheri Lien and husband Fred of Minot, N.D.; four brothers, Richard Gibbs of Chattanooga, Tenn., Robert Gibbs and wife Paula of White, Ga., Ross Gibbs and wife Pam of Orlando, Fla., and Paul Gibbs and wife Lori of Beverly Hills, Fla.; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
    A memorial mass was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, in St. William Catholic Church with the Rev. George Kloster and Deacon Carl Hubbell officiating. The inurnment was in St. William Catholic Church Columbarium.
    The family received friends from 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lori Ann Bourscheid to the Little Pink Houses of Hope, 2375 Corporation Parkway, Burlington, NC 27215, or Wind River Cancer Retreats and Programs, 430 Larsen Lane, Tryon, NC 28782-6760.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.
 

    Kristy Michelle Nicholson Shields, 31, of Knoxville, Tenn., and formerly of Turtletown, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at her home.
    She was born March 13, 1985, to Richard Darrell and Betty Ann Postelle Nicholson of Turtletown, Tenn.
    Kristy was attending college. She was of the Baptist faith.
    Kristy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Monk Nicholson and Ruth and Tom Postelle.
    Kristy is survived by her husband of 10 years, Brandon Ryan Shields of Knoxville, Tenn.; parents, Rick and Betty Ann Nicholson of Turtletown, Tenn.; grandmother, Betty Nicholson of Turtletown, Tenn.; sister and brother-in-law, Alicia and Devan Dilbeck of Mineral Bluff, Ga.; nieces and nephews, Halle Dilbeck, Nevaeh Shields and Grant Dilbeck; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joshua and Brandea Shields of McCaysville, Ga., and Cassidy and Noel Shields of Morganton, Ga.; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Tammy Renee and Bobby Joe Shields of Mineral Bluff, Ga.; grandfather-in-law, Charles Hawkins of Mineral Bluff, Ga.; grandparents-in-law, Bobby Joe Shields Sr. and Dottie Shields of Mineral Bluff, Ga.
    Memorial services were conducted at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, from Akins of Copperhill Chapel with the Rev. Denny Hawkins officiating.  Music was by Judy, Laura and Lydia Ogle.
    Memorial contributions may be made to the Fannin County Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 2563, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.
    Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home Inc. of Copperhill, Tenn., was in charge of the arrangements.
 

Sept. 17, 1937 – Sept. 18, 2016
    Lt. Col. Warren R. “Mac” MacDiarmid, U.S. Army (Retired), of Murphy, passed away at hospice on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Lake Worth, Fla. He was 79 years old.
    Born in New York City to Ray and Edna MacDiarmid, he attended Stuyvesant High School in the city, and Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.
    He joined the U.S. Army in 1959, and served for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He was stationed in West Germany, where he witnessed the building of the Berlin Wall. He was a proud infantryman, a member of the 101st Airborne Division, and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam.
    After retiring from the army, he settled in Florida and worked as a defense contractor. Upon retirement, he relocated in the Cherokee National Forest, where he remained active as a substitute teacher, a tutor and a member of the retired officers’ club.
    A lifelong music and arts fan, he learned to play the piano at a young age, and enjoyed attending concerts at Carnegie Hall. He sang in the church choir, performed with local rep theaters, and even played the role of Herr Drosslemeyer in Orlando City Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
    He will be remembered by his family as an enthusiastic people watcher. He loved animals and children, and always knelt down to speak with children from their vantage.  
    Col. MacDiarmid is survived by his wife, Angela MacDiarmid; his son, Steve MacDiarmid (from his first marriage to Doerte MacDiarmid); his daughters and their spouses, Stacy MacDiarmid (John Davidson), and Deidre (Craig) Shannon; and his grandchildren, Alannah, Leonie, Miller, Felix, Wells and Otis.
    His parents, Raymond D. and Edna (Dattwyler) MacDiarmid, and sister, Janet MacDiarmid, preceded him in death.
    The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church, 5151 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park, Fla., with the Rev. Alison Harrity presiding. Following the service, his ashes will be interred with military honors in the memorial garden of the church.
    Remembrances in his honor may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

    Greg J. Kinney, 59, of Matoaka, W.Va., and formerly of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at his residence.
    He was a native of Cherokee County. He was a graduate of Murphy High School and North Carolina State University, where he received a degree in horticulture
    He was a member of Johnston Chapel Baptist Church in Princeton, W.Va.
    Greg enjoyed being in the high school band and also playing basketball.
    He was the son of Marian Jones Kinney of Murphy and the late Wiley Curtis Kinney Jr. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Mike Kinney.
    Surviving, in addition to his mother, are an aunt, Betty Jones of Dalton, Ga.; an uncle, Jim Jones and wife Kaye of Dalton; niece and nephews, Hannah, Aaron and Will Kinney, all of Cleveland, Tenn.; and several cousins.
    Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Chris Furl officiating. The interment will be in Sunset Cemetery.
    The family will receive friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Greg J. Kinney to Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1650 N.C. 141, Murphy, NC 28906, or Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Brenda Faye Brown Robinson, 51, of Murphy, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. 
    Brenda was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of Tommy and Lucille Garland Brown of Murphy.
    She worked as a mammography tech at Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Ga. Brenda was a loving wife and mother with a kind and sweet soul.
    She was a member of Hanging Dog Baptist Church. Brenda loved participating in 5K races with her sister, Joanne.  She was an avid hiker and loved playing with her grandson, Tatum.
    In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Ralph Robinson; daughters, Katie Robinson of Murphy and Kimberly Rhodes and husband Isaac of St. Marys, Ga.; grandson, Tatum Rhodes; brother, Ricky Brown and wife Terri, their daughter, Richele of Turtletown, Tenn.; sister, Debra Sutton and husband Bruce, their children, Brandi, Dana, Daniel and his daughters, Dalanee and Dalila, and Brandon and his wife, Amanda, and their daughters, SaraBeth and Abbygail; sister, Joanne Macaluso and husband Pete, their children, Joey and Chad and his fiance, Sam; sister, Patty Derreberry and husband Keith of Bryson City.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Kenneth Payne officiated. Pallbearers were Ricky Brown, Joey Macaluso, Chad Macaluso, Brandon Sutton, Pete Macaluso, Bruce Sutton and Keith Derreberry. Burial was in Bell Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Robinson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Marion R. Gray, 95, of Andrews, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, in a Robbinsville nursing home.
    She was the daughter of the late Lucille J. and Dennis B. Rawls. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Robert “Bob” Gray; a son-in-law, John Revezzo; and a grandson, Joseph Revezzo.
    Born Jan. 22, 1921 in Tampa, Fla., she was a graduate of H.B. Plant High School,  Gordon Keller School of Nursing and the University of Alabama.
    She was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II.
    She worked for many years as a registered nurse at Tampa General Hospital and other local medical facilities before earning her teacher’s license and concluding her employment as a high school health occupations teacher at Robinson High School, Tampa.
    She was a faithful follower of Jesus throughout her adult life, and always affiliated with a local church wherever she lived. In North Carolina, she was active in Andrews United Methodist Church andChrist Community Church, Andrews. In Tampa, she was a longtime member of Bayshore Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and assisted in writing the church history book.
    She also was an avid writer of poetry and historical articles for newspapers and magazines, and completed one novel before her death.
    She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Revezzo of Dunedin, Fla., and a son, Robert “Bo” Gray (wife Debbie) of Andrews. Her grandchildren include Julianne Draper (Paul), Jesus Revezzo, Elizabeth Gray, Andrew Gray (Pam), Charissa Gray,  Lydia Butner (Glenn), Priscilla Gray and Sarah Gray. She also had six great-grandchildren.
    Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Garden of Memories Chapel in Tampa, with interment to immediately follow at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Don Grantham will officiate.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be sent in her memory to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.

    Beloved son Grantlon “Grantt” Richard Gibson, 20, of Hayesville, passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, in a Gainesville, Ga. hospital.
    He was a 2014 graduate of Hayesville High School. Grantt was a member of Meadow Grove Baptist Church. He was currently attending Tri-County Community College.
    Grantt will be remembered for his vibrant personality, his wonderful smile and the forever friend that he has always been to those lucky enough to have known him.
    He was the son of Jonathan R. “Rich” and Cynthia “Cyndi” G. Helton Gibson of Hayesville. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John R. “Robbie” Gibson; and an uncle, Gregory E. “Gregg” Moore.
    Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Owen Connor Gibson and Meade Parker Gibson, both of the home; a brother and sister by heart, Vance and Shannon Rhyne; maternal grandparents are Harold E. and Gaynell Helton of Murphy; paternal grandmother, Margaret Bailey Gibson of Franklin; grandfather, Donald E. Moore and wife Linda Kinsland Moore of Franklin; four aunts, Shonda Moore Potgieter and husband Pieter, of Inman, S.C.; Destiney Moore of Franklin; Holly Moore of Franklin, and Stacy Humphrey Moore of Inman, S.C.; two uncles, Ryan P. Helton of Murphy and Michael W. Gibson and wife Heather Raby Gibson of Franklin; cousins, Clay, Blake and Lexy Gibson, Maddelyn and Brayden Helton, Gracie and Adam Moore, Blayze Moore Schutzman and Cameron Ruke.
    A celebration of Grantt’s life was held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Meadow Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Israel Rogers, the Rev. Turner Guidry and Owen Gibson officiating. Pallbearers were Jordan Jacobs, Vance Rhyne, Joe Barnes, Justin Flanagan, Alex Kendall, Adam Jarrett, Steve Blair and C.J. Genarie.
    The family received friends from 2-4:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Meadow Grove Baptist Church prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the GROWME3, LLC savings account at any United Community Bank.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Richard Patrick “Pat”  Baudin, 80, of Hayesville and formerly of Cook County, Ill., passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at Clay County Care Center.
    A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, is in charge of all arrangements.

    Barbara Katherine Bracken, 91, of Hayesville, passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Clay County, and the daughter of the late Benjamin and Goldie Spurr Brown.
    Barbara was a general practice nurse and homemaker.
    She attended Tri-County Community College later in life, where took classes to earn her GED. Barbara enjoyed art, upholstery, gardening and her grandchildren.
    She was a member of Sweetwater Methodist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three daughters, Patti B. Bracken, Pamela A. Bracken and Cathy V. Johnson; one brother, Ben A. Brown and; one sister, Dorothy P. Lundvall; one grandson, Jonathan Z. Bracken; and one great-grandson, Quinton G. Bracken.
    She is survived by four sons, Harold R. Bracken and wife Cheryl of Martinez, Ga., Cary V. Bracken, Harry R. Bracken and wife Amy, and Johnny J. Bracken and wife Tammy, all of Hayesville; one daughter, Jeanie B. Madison and husband Larry of Blairsville, Ga.; two brothers, Bud L. Brown and wife Betty of Murphy and James J. Brown and wife Frances of Georgetown, Tenn.; one sister-in-law, Lee Brown of Hayesville; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    A private service will be held at a later date.
    You may send tributes to the Bracken family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Henry Otis David, 83, of Murphy, passed away Friday, Oct. 21, 2016.
    Mr. David was born Oct. 24, 1932, in Atlanta, Ga., to the late Henry H. and Myrtice Poole David.
    He is survived by his wife, Elaine Boynton David; daughters, Susan David and her fiance, Martin Stratis of Albany, Ga., Nancy David and her partner, Laurin Stroud of Winston-Salem and Becky Salsbury and her husband, Kyle, of Campbellsville, Ky.; son, Greg David of Murphy; one granddaughter, Lainey McCorvey and her fiance, Brandon Underwood of Richmond, Ky.; one grandson, Parker McCorvey and his fiancee, Rosemary Flores of Campbellsville, Ky.; one brother, Tom David and his wife, Elaine of Dallas, Ga.; sisters, Helen Allen and her husband, Emmett of Fayetteville, Ga., and Mary Mason and her husband, Phil of Blairsville, Ga.; also several nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Jake David “J.D.” Mann, 72, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016.
    He was born Aug. 8, 1944, to the late Glenn and Ella McClure Mann.
    He was a member of Mount Liberty Baptist Church and a Vietnam War veteran (1965-67).
    He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Marie Mann; sisters, Francis Radford and Linda McDonald and brothers, Rex Mann, Jerry Mann and Junior Mann.
    He is survived by his wife, Stella Stiles Mann; son, Jason David Mann of the home; sisters, Shirley Patterson of Cumming, Ga.; Betty Mann of Hayesville, and Carolyn Mintz of Murphy; brothers; Clay Mann of Hayesville and Larry Calvin (L.C.) Mann of Soddy-Daisy, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The service was conducted by his nephew, Chris Green of Greenville, S.C.
    Burial was in the Swanson Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the VFW Post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post 96 and DAV Chapter 73 and American Legion Post 532 of Hayesville and VFW Post 6812 Hayesville. Pallbearers were Larry Mintz, Travis Decker, Bob Hamby, Kenneth Dockery, Russ Atkins and Richard Peterson.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Mann family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.