Gail Trahan Charles, 75, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at her residence.
    Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy. The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home prior to the services. Interment will be in Bellview Community Cemetery.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, is in charge of all arrangements.

    Violet Rose Abernathy, 92, of Clinton, S.C., and formerly of Hayesville, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, at her residence.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Burial was in Hayesville First United Methodist Church Cemetery.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Hal Farren lived in Tusquittee in his very own “Tree House” on Julie Mountain.  Early in the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2017, he heard a calling for some music. 
    A “Celebration of Life” event was held Sunday at the Tusquittee Tavern.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Della Mae Taylor Murphy, 87, of Andrews, died Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in an Andrews care center.
    Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, in Valleytown Cemetery.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, was in charge of all arrangements.

    Allison Leigh Kimbrough, born Aug. 7, 1947, in North Carolina, passed away Friday, July 8, 2016, in Hilton Head, S.C.
    She was the daughter of the late Dr. Richard Walter Kimbrough (1925-92) of Marble  and Geraldine Ann Osborne (1925-2014) from New York.
    Leigh retired from the IRS and moved to Hilton Head to take care of her mother.  
    She is survived by her cousins, Lynda J. Wilson of Marietta, Ga., and Dwane Ray Wilson of Augusta, Ga.  
    Leigh was cremated and only God knows where she is.  
    Saul’s Funeral Home in Bluffton, S.C., handled the arrangements.

    Hassel Rudolph McMillan, 84, of Marble, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in Land O’ Lakes, Fla.
    Mr. McMillan was born in Cumberland County on Sept. 20, 1932, the son of late Hassel Roosevelt McMillan and Clara Stacie McCorquodale McMillan.
    He was preceded in death by sons, Alan Raye McMillan and H. Randy McMillan. He also is preceded in death by a brother, Wallace E. McMillan, and sisters Joyce Matthews and Janice McMillan.
    Mr. McMillan was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with the 82nd Airborne.
    He is survived by his wife, Cora T. McMillan of the home; daughters, Sharon Tagliamonte and husband Eric of North Carolina, and Karen Morrow and husband Wayne of Florida. He had 11 grandchildren and 38 great-gandchildren.
    A funeral service was held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Cromartie Miller Funeral Home Chapel in Dunn. Burial was at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at McMillan Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Wade.
    The family received friends from 6-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Cromartie Miller Funeral Home in Dunn one hour prior to the funeral service from 7-8 p.m.
 

    Shirley English Massey, 72, of Ball Ground, Ga., and formerly of Murphy, passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper, Ga.
    Shirley attended Murphy High School and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Murphy. She was a former member of the Murphy Garden Club and Murphy Junior League.
    Shirley was the business owner of The Upstairs Boutique in Murphy.
    Shirley retired from Siemens Energy and Automation and retired from the Cherokee County Commissioners office, Cherokee County, Ga.
    Shirley’s hobbies were reading, gardening, decorating and designing.
    Shirley was the daughter of the late Edward Melvin English and the late Azalee Price English, and wife of the late James (Jimmy) Ellis Massey. She was also preceded in death by a son, Wade Ellis Massey.
    Shirley is survived by her daughter, Dawn Massey Hoard and husband Calvin (Spencer) of Canton, Ga.; granddaughter, Ellen Hoard Floyd and husband David of Cartersville, Ga.; sister, Brenda English Stilwell and husband Robert of Murphy; brother, Jim English and wife Joyce of Murphy; niece, Melissa Stilwell of Murphy; nephews, Caleb English and wife Krysta and daughter Kynadee, Gavin English, and Levi English and wife Hannah and children Abigaile and Asher, all of Murphy; aunts, Aleen Keener of Murphy, Gail Lambert and husband Dean of Salisbury, Angie Kiser and husband Gene of Fortson, Ga., and Linda Kimble and husband Donnie of  Statesville; uncles, Dale Price and wife Betty of Murphy, William Edgar Price Jr. of Wilmington, and Rick Price and wife Carolyn of Midland; special cousins, Debra England and Brandy, Ben, Will and Amelia Joyner, all of Murphy, Harry Lee and Sandy Moore of Orlando, Fla., and Stephen and Julie Moore of Beaufort, S.C.
    A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. John Pope and Timothy Lee officiating. The inurnment was in Sunset Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 1-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Loretta Taylor Graham, 82, of Marietta, Ga., died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the chapel of Marietta Funeral Home with Dr. Wayne Fain officiating.
    The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, prior to the service at the funeral home.
    Interment will be at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.
    Mrs. Graham is survived by her son, Tim (Tina) Graham of Dallas, Ga.; sisters, Ruby Rushing of Charlotte and Lorene Elster of Athens, Ga.; grandson, Cory (Ashley) Wells of Dallas, Ga.; and great-grandchildren, Broc and Brooklyn Wells.
    Online condolences may be expressed at www.mariettafuneralhome.org.

    Laura Ann Blackwell, 74, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Fred Blackwell and Blanch Sudderth Blackwell.
    Laura enjoyed going to watch the Murphy Bulldogs play football and basketball.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, John Lewis Blackwell, Charles Robert Blackwell and Fred Blackwell Jr.
    She is survived by cousins, Mary Oliver, Louise Powell, Wade Powell, Frank Powell, Connie Powell and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. The Rev. John Webb officiated.
    The family received friends after the service at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Blackwell family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
 

    Helen Chastain Ashe, 76, of Murphy, passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at Clay County Care Center.
    She was a native of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Robert Luther and Ida Mae Morton Chastain.
    Helen had worked for Clifton Precision for several years but her passion was being a home health care giver.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Grover Chastain, Lee Chastain, J.B. Chastain, Billy Chastain, Frank Chastain, Earnest Chastain and L.C. Chastain; sisters, Dixie Chastain Jones, Ruby Chastain Dockery, Willie Payne, Amanda Sosebee and infant sister, Annie Mae Chastain. 
    She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ben Herbert Ashe; one son, Christopher Ben Ashe of Murphy and his children, Sarah, Stephen and Stephinie; one daughter, Melody Elizabeth Alegre and husband David of Prescott, Ariz., and their children, Rebeici, Heather and James; two brothers, Benjamin Chastain and wife Mary Sue of Chatsworth, Ga., and Phillip Chastain and wife Nina of Murphy; one sister, Mary Alice McCoy and J.C. of Murphy; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at New Martins Creek Baptist Church in Murphy. The Revs. Aud Brown and Hoyt Brown officiated. Music was provided by Aud Brown, Donna Crisp and Lamar Chastain. Burial was in the Old Martins Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were James Chastain, Jan McCoy, Larry Sosebee, Travis Chastain, Wendell Chastain and Steve Chastain. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Carringer, Hugh Carringer, Jimmy Carringer, Sandy Parker and nephews.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at New Martins Creek Baptist Church in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Ashe family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Verla Maxine Rose, 84, of Richmond, Ky., and formerly of Lenoir City, Tenn., and Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, in Kentucky.
    Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Burial will be in Unaka Cemetery.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the service.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, is in charge of all arrangements.

    Georgia “Geneva” Patrick 64, of Anderson Road, Andrews, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at her home following a brief illness.
    Geneva was born Nov. 21, 1952, in Marble, to the late Frank and Fannie Raxter Phillips.
    Ms. Patrick had lived in Andrews for the past five years after moving from Zephyrhills, Fla. She loved working crosswords and puzzles, loved animals, especially her cats, and held a deep love for her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her cooking.
    Geneva was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to her husband, Wayne May, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Phillips.
    Surviving Ms. Patrick are one daughter, Nikki Neblett and fiance, Keith Rogers of Hampton, Ga; one son, Scott Patrick of Andrews; six brothers, Ray Phillips, John Phillips, Jerry and Susan Phillips, Larry Phillips, William and Connie Phillips, and Dwayne and Michelle Trantham; four grandchildren, Tessa Neblett, Kayleigh Patrick, Cole Patrick and Wyatt Rogers. A host of other family and friends also survive.
    A memorial service will be announced by the family and held at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers, if you wish, memorial donations may be made to help defray expenses.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements.
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences to the family online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.
 

    Bobby Joe Clayton, 58, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center.
    He was born in Gaston County to Effie Marie Stiles Clayton of Murphy and the late Harold B. Clayton.
    Bobby had worked for Baker Furniture as an assembler/inspector. He enjoyed fishing and firefighting with the Bellview Volunteer Fire Department. Bobby was a family man, a loving husband and father.
    In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlene Henderson.
    In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandy Stalcup Clayton; two sons, Danny Clayton and Barry Clayton and wife Kayla, all of Murphy.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Donald Coleman officiated. Burial was in the Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe Mariano, Brian King, Johnathan King, Darrell Decker, Jason Stalcup, Lonnie Stalcup, Cody Golden and Bobby Blair. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Bellview Volunteer Fire Department and the Thursday fishing partners.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
    You may send tributes to the Clayton family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Roland Jackson Garrett of Marble passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home.
    Born Nov. 11, 1922, Roland was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He was the son of the late Emory and Bessie Roberts Garrett from the Unaka community.
    In addition to his parents, Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Wilson Garrett. They had been married 43 years. Also preceding him in death were five brothers,  Clyde, Otis, Frank, Carl and Earl Garrett; and five sisters, Edna Brown, Pauline Floyd, Irene Rhodes, Edith Keenum and Ellen Croft.
    He is survived by two sisters, Susan Duncan of Hendersonville, and Lela King of Rock Hill, S.C. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, two sisters-in-law and a host of longtime friends.
    For nearly 80 years, Rowland was a faithful member of Marble Springs Baptist Church, where he served in numerous roles as deacon, Junior Boys Sunday school teacher, music director, bus driver, sound system operator, chairman of the buildings and grounds committee and church custodian.
    As a master automotive technician, Roland worked for 30 years at E.C. Moore Dodge Dealership in Murphy, and then later for Burch Motors Ford Dealership. He closed out his work career by serving 14 years as custodian at Marble Elementary School.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Marble Springs Baptist Church.The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. The Revs. Bernie Dixon, Lloyd Fish, Fred Lunsford and John Bailey officiated. The Marble Springs Quartet provided music. Burial was in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dick Brown, Mike Erwin, Jeff Rowland, Wendell Hedden, Howard Coffey and Mose Mays.
    You may send tributes to the Garrett family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Opal Yates Luther, 88, of Andrews, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at her home.
    She was the daughter of Hester Brendle Yates Waldroup and her husband, Walt, of Andrews, and Bennie Yates of Hayesville.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Opal was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved flowers, quilting, shopping at thrift stores, cleaning house and keeping her family straight.
    Opal was a member of Valley River Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gaines Luther; brother, Jack Yates; granddaughter, Misty Gunnels; and stepbrother, Fred Waldroup of Kansas City, Kan.
    She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Gunnels and husband Alvin; sons, Ronald Luther and wife Betty, and Donald Ray Luther and wife Dana; grandchildren, Donna Hass, Teresa Mock, Christel Clark, Michell Higdon and Scott Gunnels;  great-grandchildren, Brittney Luther, Drew Dehart, D.J. Mock, Mackenzie Higdon, Issac Mock, Alexis Hass, Kaden Clark, Carley Clark and Addison Higdon; great- great-grandchildren, Ansley Luther, Azlyn DeHart, Chevy Luther and Brylon DeHart; one niece, Lisa Yates; one nephew, Jeff Yates; stepsister, Elizabeth Masters and husband Bill of Cummings, Ga.; stepbrother, Joe Waldroup of Knoxville, Tenn.; and one sister-in-law, Bobbie Yates.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. The Rev. Bo Phillips officated. Pallbearers were Dr. David Mock, Michael Higdon, Kenney Clark, Lynn Hass, Derek Luther and Cody Luther. Honorary pallbearers were Lucas Luther, Bryan Luther, David Williams, Allen Williams, Drew DeHart, Kaden Clark, D.J. Mock, Issac Mock, Scott Wyke and James Young. Burial was in the Valley River Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, prior to the service.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock NC 28731.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Mark M. Cole, 75, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.
    Mark was a 1960 graduate of Murphy High School.
    He had worked for Townson Lumber Co. before becoming superintendent of public works for the Town of Murphy, where he retired in 1993.
    Mark was a member of Cherokee Masonic Lodge No. 146 and Murphy Second Baptist Church.
    Mark liked antique cars, racing, hunting, fishing, and loved his kids and grandkids.
    He was the son of the late Clyde Asbury and Deener Geneva Teague Cole. He also was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Cole.
    Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Shirley Wilcox Cole; two daughters, Deborah Cole Murphy, and Dianna Cole Roper and husband Timothy, all of Murphy; a son, Dwayne Cole and wife Becky of Murphy; two sisters, Margaret Lunsford and husband Hoyt of Marble, and Katherine Dailey of Murphy; four grandchildren, Brodie Murphy, Braley Murphy, Mikala Roper and Mia Cole; a great-granddaughter, Taylor Burt: and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Scott Cole officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Worley, Ethan Banner, Ian Hedrick, Braden Hedrick, Kevin Roper and Jeff Bond.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Bobby Joe Clayton, 58, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center.
    He was born in Gaston County to Effie Marie Stiles Clayton of Murphy and the late Harold B. Clayton.
    Bobby had worked for Baker Furniture as an assembler/inspector. He enjoyed fishing and firefighting with the Bellview Volunteer Fire Department. Bobby was a family man, a loving husband and father.
    In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlene Henderson.
    In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandy Stalcup Clayton; two sons, Danny Clayton and Barry Clayton and wife Kayla, all of Murphy.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Donald Coleman officiated. Burial was in the Snow Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe Mariano, Brian King, Johnathan King, Darrell Decker, Jason Stalcup, Lonnie Stalcup, Cody Golden and Bobby Blair. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Bellview Volunteer Fire Department and the Thursday fishing partners.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
    You may send tributes to the Clayton family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Fredrick Lynwood Anderson, 77, of Brasstown, passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, at his home.
    He was born in Haywood County but lived most of his life in Brasstown. He was the son of the late Ray Mercer and Mallie Wooten Anderson.
    He was retired as a postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service.
    He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, working on things, square dancing and woodworking.
    He was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Jude Anderson, Ray Mercer Anderson Jr. and Kenneth Anderson; and sister Brenda Anderson Teems.
    He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Knight Anderson; son, Harold Ray and his wife, Marcella Anderson, of Hiram, Ga.; daughter, Julie Anderson Walton of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brothers, Lane Anderson, Tommy Anderson, Neal Anderson, Terry Anderson and Robert Anderson; sisters, Joan Anderson Proksch and Peggy Anderson Henson; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan.15, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church. The Rev. Aud Brown officiated.
    The family received friends from 2:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Lynwood Anderson to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation: NPCF P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502 or www.npcf.us/donate.
    You may send tributes to the Anderson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Glenda Faye Kirkland, 60, of Murphy, died Sunday,  Jan. 15, 2017.
    There are no services planned at this time.
    Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, is in charge of arrangements.

    Garland Edwin “Junior” White, 75, of Hayesville, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., hospital.
    A memorial service was held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, was in charge of all arrangements.