Lu Stiles Kilpatrick, 82, of Murphy, died Sunday, April 9, 2017, in a Clay County care facility.
    She was a native of Cherokee County, but lived most of her life in Muhlenberg County, Ky., before moving back to Cherokee County in 1988.
    She was the first female union coal miner working for Peabody Coal Co. She was a staunch Democrat and an avid reader and gardener.
    Lu also was a strong Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan.
    She was the daughter of the late Pearl H. and Hattie Mashburn Stiles. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Keith Kilpatrick; and a brother, Luther Stiles.
    Surviving are a daughter, Terri Kilpatrick Perry and husband Mel of Tampa, Fla.; a son, Todd Kilpatrick and wife, Laura of Cartersville, Ga.; a sister, Julia Witt of Hayesville; four grandchildren, Jim Ross, Synaca Norman, and Dillon and Erin Kilpatrick; and two great-grandchildren, William and Thomas Ross.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Tim Lee officiating. The interment will be in the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Terri and Mel Perry, Todd and Dillon Kilpatrick, and Kurt and Phil Stiles. Donna Weiner will serve as honorary pallbearer.
    The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lu Stiles Kilpatrick to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building 1, Asheville, NC 28801.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Wanda Gay Roberson Chastain, 57, of Jackson, S.C., and Murphy, passed away Friday, April 7,  2017.
    She was the daughter of William and Doris Hedrick Roberson.
    Wanda was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
    Wanda was of the Baptist faith, loved to fish, enjoyed gardening, playing golf and enjoyed her grandchildren.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jay Roberson.
    She is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Gerald Chastain; daughter, Melissa Creason and husband Preston, and their children, Madyson, Natalie, Chase and C.J.; son, Jeremy Chastain and wife Ashley, and their children, Brynsley and Jadon; brother, Michael Roberson; and sister, Kathy Cameron.
    Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Monday, April 10, at New Martins Creek Baptist Church. The Revs. Hoyt Brown and Paul Ray Morgan officiated. Burial was in New Martins Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 2-4 p.m. Monday, April 10, at New Martins Creek Baptist Church.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Everett E. “Dick” Smith, 87, of Marble, died Monday, April 10, 2017, in an Andrews care facility.
    He was a native of Scioto County, Ohio, and lived in Saint Petersburg, Fla., before moving to Marble in 1995.
    He had served in the U.S. Navy. Dick was a watchmaker working 16 years for Bruce Watters Jewelers in Saint Petersburg. He then worked for nine years for Honeywell Aerospace, retiring in 1995.
    Dick was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church.
    He was the son of the late Owen and Ella May Montgomery Smith, and husband of the late Norma Joy Barrick Smith, who died March 31, 2014.
    Surviving are two daughters, Cheryl Lipscomb and husband Al of Seminole, Fla., and Sandra Clowser of Marble; two sons, Mark Smith and wife Lee of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Stephen Smith and wife Alisha of Seminole, Fla.; two sisters, Eloise McClung and Levina Swords, both of Ohio; four brothers, Owen Smith Jr., Arnold Smith, Jonas Smith and John Smith, all of Ohio; and seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, April 14, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. David Hina officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
    The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Friday, April 14, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Everett E. “Dick” Smith to Providence Presbyterian Church, 2252 Harshaw Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Dottie L. Howard, 79, of Murphy, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
    Dottie and her husband, Bill, owned Vista Plumbing in Orlando, Fla., selling the business and retiring to Murphy in 1983.
    She loved the Lord, candles, flowers and making desserts.
    She attended Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Louise Buzzaird of Indiana; a brother, Fred Buzzaird Jr.; and her first husband, Carl Davis.
    Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years, Bill Howard; a daughter, Denise Mallin of Washington, D.C.; two grandsons, Jacob and Jeremy Mallin; and stepson, Randy Howard of California.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 17, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Harold Stiles officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Phil Evans, Mike Stevenson, Fred Carson, Warren Woodard, Donnie Rhodes and John Mattox.
    The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday, April 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dottie L. Howard to Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1650 N.C. 141, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.
 

    Nancy Schubert, 77, of Murphy, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017, at her residence.
    Nancy was a native of St. James, N.Y., and daughter of the late Lawrence and Rita Beck Evans.
    She was of the Catholic faith.
    She was preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel Haftek.
    Surviving are her husband  of 56 years, Robert Schubert; daughters, Patricia Ann Haftek and husband Andy, Michelle Ann Bastis and husband Tommy, and Barbara Ann Schubert; and granddaughter, Jacqueline Nicole Voorman.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale St., Memphis, TN 38105.
    You may send tributes to the Schubert family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Arvel Edward Payne, 75, of Murphy, passed away Monday, April 10, 2017, at his residence.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Authur and Meredith Horton Payne.
    He was a retired police officer for the town of Murphy.
    Arvel was a U.S. Army veteran. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to sharpen knives and hunt arrowheads with Marsha.
    Arvel was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Keith Ramsey Burns; daughter, Hollie Patray Payne; and one sister, Margie Stewart.
    He is survived by his wife, Marsha; two brothers, Melvin Payne and Kent Payne; three sisters, Brenda Jones, Barbara Faye Locklear and Sue Swafford; six grandchildren, Bobby Lee Burns, Heith Ramsey Burns, David Hensley, Tavana Hensley, Brian Carver and A.J. Carver; six great-grandchildren, Johnathan Burns, Gracie Burns, Pierce Burns, Ava Burns, Ryan Hensley and Ty Hensley.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. The Rev. Doug Payne officiated. Burial was in Mount Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites 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. Pallbearers were Murphy Police officers, Howard Coffey, Larry Payne, Steve Forrister and Terry Jones. Honorary pallbearer was Don Revis.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Arvel Payne to Good Shepherd Home Health and Hospice Agency, 125 Medical Park Lane, Suite H, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Payne family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Dottie L. Howard, 79, of Murphy, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
    Dottie and her husband, Bill, owned Vista Plumbing in Orlando, Fla., selling the business and retiring to Murphy in 1983.
    She loved the Lord, candles, flowers and making desserts.
    She attended Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Louise Buzzaird of Indiana; a brother, Fred Buzzaird Jr.; and her first husband, Carl Davis.
    Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years, Bill Howard; a daughter, Denise Mallin of Washington, D.C.; two grandsons, Jacob and Jeremy Mallin; and stepson, Randy Howard of California.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 17, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Harold Stiles officiating. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Phil Evans, Mike Stevenson, Fred Carson, Warren Woodard, Donnie Rhodes and John Mattox.
    The family received friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday, April 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dottie L. Howard to Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1650 N.C. 141, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Linda Kay Gibby, 59, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    Linda was a native of Tampa, Fla., and daughter of the late Arnold and Florence Walker Stephenson.
    She was a U.S. Army veteran and was of the Baptist faith. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Walker.
    Surviving are her daughters, Sherri Rich and husband Jeff and Carlie Graham; sisters, Carolyn Beard, Dora Belcher and Emily Baxter; brothers, Joe Walker, Johnny Stephenson, Ralph Walker and Bobby Doggett; five grandchildren, two great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Townson‑Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. Pastor Steve Ware officiated. Burial was at Bear Paw Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites 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. Pallbearers were Justin Humphries, Austin Rich, Larry Carr, Dillion Holbrooks, Preston Gibby and Christopher Ware.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Townson‑Rose Chapel in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Gibby family at www.townson‑rose.com.
    Townson‑Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Gary E. Bernhardt, 70, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2017, in Jackson County.
    He was born in Rowan County to the late William C. and Bertie Inez Drake Bernhardt.
    He had been an off‑road trucker and retired in 2012 from Cooks Carpet, where he had been an installer and salesman.
    Gary was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam War and receiving the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Citation and Combat Infantry Badge.
    He was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Bernhardt, and sister, Diann Burkett.
    He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn McDonald Bernhardt; two daughters, Angie Bernhardt Phillips of Hendersonville and Debra Darlene Bernhardt of Murphy; sister, Brenda Bernhardt Lowder and her husband, Johnny of Kannapolis; two grandchildren, Corey Phillips and his wife, Lisa, of Franklin, and Zach Phillips, also of Franklin; three great-grandchildren, Caden, Kyleigh and Kason Phillips, all of Franklin.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 14, at Townson‑Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Ronnie Palmer, Leon McDonald and Chip Gribble officiated. Burial was in Hampton Memorial Cemetery with military graveside rites 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. Pallbearers were Corey Phillips, Zach Phillips, Harold Woody, Tracy Smith, Charlie Bearden and Rex Woody.
    The family received friends from 6‑8 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Townson‑Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Bernhardt family at www.townson‑rose.com.
    Townson‑Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Hazel F. Butterworth, 79, of Murphy, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    She was a native of Wilcox County, Ga., but lived most of her life in Crisp County, Ga., before moving to Cherokee County in 1992.
    Hazel was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
    She was the daughter of the late Charles Willard and Mittie Poss Stanford.
    Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Alvin F. Butterworth; a daughter, Shari Lynn Moss of Murphy; three sons, Johnny Alvin Butterworth of Murphy, James Alan Butterworth of Sylvester, Ga., and Charles Franklin Butterworth of South Point, Ohio; a sister, Charlene Powell of Murphy; a brother, James Willard Stanford of Cordele, Ga.; and six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
    No services are planned.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Rebecca Mary Fuller Barton, 91, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017.
    Mrs. Barton was born Nov. 12, 1925, in Bryson City to the late William Ace and Laura Cochran Fuller.
    She had worked in Fontana on the construction of the dam, where she met and married the love of her life.
    Mrs. Barton had attended Fontana Community Church.
    After moving to Murphy, she attended Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Minnie Ferguson Sunday School Class.
    Rebecca enjoyed cooking, sewing and making visits to the nursing home.
    She was preceded in death by brothers, George Fuller and John Fuller; sisters, Beulah Messer, Emma Barker, and Lexie Denny and husband Vaughn Barton.
    Survivors include her daughter, Brenda (Richard) Parson; sons, Gerald S. (Kathy) Barton and Bobby (Janet) Barton; sister, Jean Moose; grandchildren, Christy (Jody) Parson LeCroy, Bart (Meredith) Parson, Brooke Barton (Jeff) Smith, Debbie (Charlie) Busch, Josh Barton, Jennifer Barton, Kyle King, T.J. King and Chase Busch; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joseph and Talmadge LeCroy and Audrey Parson; and sister by love, Verna Wiggins Kirkland.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, with the Revs. Chris Furl and Chester Jones, and Gigi Turner officiating. Music will be provided by Elizabeth LeCroy.
    Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Eddie Foust, Don Rivenbark, Greg Bradshaw, Jeff Fowler, Joe Phillips, Al Lovingood, Blain Barnett and Greg Moore.
    The family received friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy and from 1-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the church.
    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.

    William Edward “Bill” Haynes, 90, of Monticello, Ga., passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
    Mr. Haynes was born in Arlington, Tenn., and is survived by his loving wife, Susan Coats Haynes; and four sons, William Hugh Haynes (Judy) of Indianapolis, Ind., Michael Scott Haynes (Brenda) of Paducah, Ky., John Mitchell Haynes (Patrick Joseph Hauck) of Philadelphia, Pa., and Joseph Brian Haynes (Jamie) of Murray, Ky. Mr. Haynes is also survived by two stepchildren, Stephanie Crowell (Steve) of Atlanta, Ga., and Col. William Scott Drennon (Ann Marie) of Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
    Mr. Haynes graduated in 1950 from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in civil engineering and worked for J.A. Jones Construction for more than 42 years working on locks, dams and power plants along the Big Walnut Creek River in Ohio, Oologah River in Oklahoma, Ohio River in Smithland, Ky., and in Cannelton, Ind., Richmond, Va., Power Plant and one in Texas. In Ohio, he built an addition to a gasoline refinery. His last assignment was in Augusta, Ga., where he was also preceded in death by his wife, Patti Holcomb Haynes.
    Mr. Haynes also served in the United States Navy. Mr. Haynes was a proud descendant of Chang and Ing Bunker of Mount Airy.
    He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Jessica Patterson Haynes; father, William Booker Haynes; sister, Mary Jo Allen; and brother, Charlie Haynes.
    He is survived by two brothers, James Hugh Haynes (Mary Alice), of Brentwood, Tenn., and Maurice Patterson Haynes (Judy) of Jasper, Ga.; brother-in-law, William Holcomb of Mount Airy; and a host of devoted in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and cousins.
    Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Monticello Presbyterian Church 246 E. Washington St., Monticello, Ga.
    The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Monticello Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 308, Monticello, GA 31064.
    Jordan Funeral Home of Monticello, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.  Please visit our website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.

    William (Bill) Lawrence Woods, 74, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at his home.
    He was a native of Hudson County, N.J., and son of the late William and Kathleen Taylor Woods.
    He was a retired auto mechanic for Collier Chrysler in Naples, Fla.
    Bill was a U.S. Army veteran. He came to the Murphy area in 2012 and was a member of St. William Catholic Church.
    He enjoyed fishing and reading, and loved to travel and visit family.
    He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Woods; two daughters, Dawn Chominsky and her husband, Jim, of Pennsylvania, and Gidget Pilarski and her husband Tony of California; one sister, Patricia Woods of Brick, N.J.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Sharon Rose Neubauer, 54, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at her home.
    She was a native of Cherokee County, and the daughter of Bill Rose of the Unaka community and the late Willa Mae Bryson Rose.
    She had worked as a Head Start teacher and enjoyed working with children, in the photography studio at Walmart, and also as a waitress at Waffle King and she loved her customers.
    She loved flowers and working in her flower garden.
    Sharon was a member of Unaka Baptist Church.
    In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Rose.
    In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, Rick Neubauer; daughter, Amber Barber of Murphy; son, Jacob Neubauer of Florida; sister, Debbie Roberts of Murphy; and three grandchildren, Zane, Zoey and Vinny.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Burial will be in Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy. Pastor Harold Stiles will officiate. Music will be provided by Dorothy Roberts. Pallbearers will be Rick Neubauer, Dan Bryson and Denny Morrow, Rick Aiken, Mike Rose and Rick Johnson.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Sharon Neubauer to the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207.
    You may send tributes to the Neubauer family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
 

    Junior Carter, 78, of Murphy, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at his residence with his loving wife, Genoa, by his side.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.
    Junior began working in the sawmill and later worked in the logging and timber business.
    He was the son of the late Thomas Etheridge and Hettie Dockery Carter. He also was preceded in death by three sisters, Maebelle Dockery, Nell McDonald and Mildred Farmer; and a brother, Hubert Carter.
    Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Genoa Coleman Carter; a daughter, Tammy Cox and husband Steve of Hayesville; a sister, Margie Curtis and husband Larry  of Atlanta; two sisters-in-law, Gennell Clayton and Lura Carter, both of Murphy; a brother-in-law, Burt Farmer of Whittier; three grandchildren, Alex, Blake and Rachel Cox; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 28, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Edward Carter and Steve West officiating. The interment will be in Grape Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Blake Cox, Tommy and Steve Curtis, Paul Dockery, Mike Reid and Alvin Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael, Kevin and Charles Carter, Larry Dockery, and Brian and Brandon Thompson.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Junior Carter to the Grape Creek Cemetery Fund, c/o Marvin Shuler, 1340 Grape Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906, or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    William (Bill) Lawrence Woods, 74, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at his home.
    He was a native of Hudson County, N.J., and son of the late William and Kathleen Taylor Woods.
    He was a retired auto mechanic for Collier Chrysler in Naples, Fla.
    Bill was a U.S. Army veteran. He came to the Murphy area in 2012 and was a member of St. William Catholic Church.
    He enjoyed fishing and reading, and loved to travel and visit family.
    He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Woods; two daughters, Dawn Chominsky and her husband, Jim, of Pennsylvania, and Gidget Pilarski and her husband Tony of California; one sister, Patricia Woods of Brick, N.J.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Rebecca Mary Fuller Barton, 91, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017.
    Mrs. Barton was born Nov. 12, 1925, in Bryson City to the late William Ace and Laura Cochran Fuller.
    She had worked in Fontana on the construction of the dam, where she met and married the love of her life.
    Mrs. Barton had attended Fontana Community Church.
    After moving to Murphy, she attended Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Minnie Ferguson Sunday School Class.
    Rebecca enjoyed cooking, sewing and making visits to the nursing home.
    She was preceded in death by brothers, George Fuller and John Fuller; sisters, Beulah Messer, Emma Barker, and Lexie Denny and husband Vaughn Barton.
    Survivors include her daughter, Brenda (Richard) Parson; sons, Gerald S. (Kathy) Barton and Bobby (Janet) Barton; sister, Jean Moose; grandchildren, Christy (Jody) Parson LeCroy, Bart (Meredith) Parson, Brooke Barton (Jeff) Smith, Debbie (Charlie) Busch, Josh Barton, Jennifer Barton, Kyle King, T.J. King and Chase Busch; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joseph and Talmadge LeCroy and Audrey Parson; and sister by love, Verna Wiggins Kirkland.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, with the Revs. Chris Furl and Chester Jones, and Gigi Turner officiating. Music was provided by Elizabeth LeCroy.
    Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Eddie Foust, Don Rivenbark, Greg Bradshaw, Jeff Fowler, Joe Phillips, Al Lovingood, Blain Barnett and Greg Moore.
    The family received friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy and from 1-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the church.
    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.

    Christine “Chris” Branch, 65, of Topton, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017, at her residence.
    She was a native of Monroe County, N.Y., and the daughter of the late Leon P. and Laura Wawro Root.
    Chris had been a teacher at the University of Central Florida. She loved teaching, flowers, the beach, her cats  and all animals.
    Chris was a Good Samaritan to everyone.
    She is survived by her husband, Mark Branch; one son, Daniel Terrace Young of Asheville; two sisters, Jacqueline McClure of Topton, and Marcia Niccarry of Greenville, N.H.; and one grandchild, Elizabeth DeLuca of Asheville.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Daniel “Cricket” Booth, 3-2-54 to 4-19-2017.
    Husband, stepfather, a Harley brother, never meet a stranger, loved by many, loved to cook and ride his Harley.
    Survived by the love of his life of 34 years, a stepdaughter and son-in-law, and two step grandchildren.

    Wayne Wilson, 85, of Buford, Ga., passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017.
    He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Sarean Thomas Wilson; and great-grandson, Drake Allbright.
    He is survived by his daughter, Pattsie and Steve Allbright, Flowery Branch, Ga.; grandchildren, Chris and Melissa Allbright, Commerce, Ga., Craig and Dawn Allbright, Buford, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Blake Allbright, Kristin Allbright, Deanna Allbright, Zachary Allbright and Alyssa Allbright; sister, Florence King, Buford, Ga.; great-great-grandchildren, Isabel Allbright, Blakley Allbright and Gracelyn Allbright; sister-in-law, Barbara and Donald Coggins, Buford, Ga.; brother-in-law, Jimmy King, Buford, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Marlain Thomas, Braselton, Ga., Marcelle and Wesly Smith, Dacula, Ga., Wanda and Jim Kirby, Snellville, Ga.
    Mr. Wilson was born Sept. 15, 1931, in Murphy. He was a retired logger in the wood industry, and a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Marble.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, in the chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford, Ga., with the Rev. Joel Shadburn officiating. Interment will follow at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, Ga. The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the funeral home.
    To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.
    Arrangements are by Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, Ga., 770-932-1133.