Joseph L. Conine III, 58, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn., after battling a lengthy illness.  
    He is survived by a brother, James H. (Bette) Conine of Kennesaw, Ga.; sister, Judy (Mikey) McDaniel of Warner-Robbins, Ga.; niece, Jamie (Matt) Davis; nephew, Ben (Brittney) Conine; great-nieces, Harper and Hadley Conine and Kinsleigh Davis.
    A private family celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date.
    Memorial donations in memory of Joe may be made to Harris Chapel Church of God, 7 Harris Chapel Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    The Conine family wishes to thank the entire Moog work family for all of the friendship, love and support that they have given to Joseph.
    Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences.
    Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, Chattanooga, Tenn.

    John Russell Rhoat, 87, of Murphy, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center after a long bout with cancer.
    He was born July 21, 1930, in Pennsylvania, son of the late Charles and Verna Rhoat.
    John grew up in Saxton, Pa. He loved bowling, fishing, repairing antique clocks, playing with this grandchildren and casino games.
    John served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Later, he was employed for 30 years at Lockport Felt Co./Niagara Wire/Weavexx as superintendent. He retired in 1992. After retiring, John and his wife owned and operated Stuff-Tiques Antique Mall in Andrews and then in downtown Murphy for a total of 17 years.
    John enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1949 at the tender age of 18. He received his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. He was then stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. When an opportunity arose, he attended radio school at Fort Knox, Ky. He then returned to Fort Hood, Texas, Regular Army Unit.
    The Korean War broke out June 1950, and John was shipped to Korea aboard the General A.W. Brewster. It took seven days to arrive at his destination. He spent 16 months fighting the Korean War. He was in B Company, Sixth Medium Tank Battalion attached to the 24th Infantry Division. He returned to the United States, aboard the Sergeant Joe P. Martinez, a World War II Victory Ship. It took 21 days to return, stormy all the way. He was then stationed at Camp Polk, La. John was honorably discharged, having been awarded five Bronze Stars and the Korean Service Medal. John’s rank upon discharge was corporal.
    Surviving are his beloved wife of 44½ years, Betty Culverwell Rhoat; daughter, Vicki L. (Eric) Loper of Starkville, Miss.; daughter-in-law, Kelly Robertson of The Villages, Fla.; sisters, Betty Weidel of Newfane, N.Y., and Lois Stinson of Pennsylvania; and one brother, Kenneth Rhoat of Cuba, N.Y. He also is survived by eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
    John was preceded in death by his children, John Rhoat Jr., Lisa Rhoat, Charles (Chuck) Rhoat, Ronald (Ron) Rhoat; his stepson, Scott D. Robertson; and also one sister, Joanne Rainey of Colorado.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23058 in memory of Scott D. Robertson, beloved stepson.
     There will be no viewing or visitation at this time.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Joseph L. Conine III, 58, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn., after battling a lengthy illness.  
    He is survived by a brother, James H. (Bette) Conine of Kennesaw, Ga.; sister, Judy (Mikey) McDaniel of Warner-Robbins, Ga.; niece, Jamie (Matt) Davis; nephew, Ben (Brittney) Conine; great-nieces, Harper and Hadley Conine and Kinsleigh Davis.
    A private family celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date.
    Memorial donations in memory of Joe may be made to Harris Chapel Church of God, 7 Harris Chapel Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    The Conine family wishes to thank the entire Moog work family for all of the friendship, love and support that they have given to Joseph.
    Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences.
    Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home, Chattanooga, Tenn.

    John Russell Rhoat, 87, of Murphy, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Murphy Medical Center after a long bout with cancer.
    He was born July 21, 1930, in Pennsylvania, son of the late Charles and Verna Rhoat.
    John grew up in Saxton, Pa. He loved bowling, fishing, repairing antique clocks, playing with this grandchildren and casino games.
    John served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Later, he was employed for 30 years at Lockport Felt Co./Niagara Wire/Weavexx as superintendent. He retired in 1992.
    After retiring, John and his wife owned and operated Stuff-Tiques Antique Mall in Andrews and then in downtown Murphy for a total of 17 years.
    John enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1949 at the tender age of 18. He received his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. He was then stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. When an opportunity arose, he attended radio school at Fort Knox, Ky. He then returned to Fort Hood, Texas, Regular Army Unit.
    The Korean War broke out in June 1950, and John was shipped to Korea aboard the General A.W. Brewster. It took seven days to arrive at his destination. He spent 16 months fighting the Korean War. He was in B Company, Sixth Medium Tank Battalion attached to the 24th Infantry Division. He returned to the United States, aboard the Sergeant Joe P. Martinez, a World War II Victory Ship. It took 21 days to return, stormy all the way. He was then stationed at Camp Polk, La. John was honorably discharged, having been awarded five Bronze Stars and the Korean Service Medal. John’s rank upon discharge was corporal.
    Surviving are his beloved wife of 44½ years, Betty Culverwell Rhoat; daughter, Vicki L. (Eric) Loper of Starkville, Miss.; daughter-in-law, Kelly Robertson of The Villages, Fla.; sisters, Betty Weidel of Newfane, N.Y., and Lois Stinson of Pennsylvania; and one brother, Kenneth Rhoat of Cuba, N.Y. He also is survived by eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
    John was preceded in death by his children, John Rhoat Jr., Lisa Rhoat, Charles (Chuck) Rhoat, Ronald (Ron) Rhoat; his stepson, Scott D. Robertson; and also one sister, Joanne Rainey of Colorado.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23058 in memory of Scott D. Robertson, beloved stepson.
     There will be no viewing or visitation at this time.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Brent Laney, 37, of Copperhill, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017.
    Brent was a member of the East Polk Fire and Rescue, where he served as a firefighter, engineer and secretary for a number of years.  He also was a member of Fannin, Peachtree, Wolf Creek and Hiwassee Dam volunteer fire departments.
    Survivors include his wife Wendy King Laney; son, Reece Campbell; mother and stepfather, Sherry and Dennis Burrell; brothers, David Laney,  Darrell Laney and Steve Laney; sister, Melissa Monkus; fathers-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Nancy Worley and Doug King; nieces and nephews, Paige Monkus, Cheyenne Monkus, Traven Monkus, Toby Foerst, Christin Foerst; and many other cousins and friends.
    Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, from Akins Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Michael Collis officiating. Interment followed in Bellview United Methodist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Chris Monkus, Mikey Worley, Ronald Ware, Ken Wooten, Paul Dubois and George Watson. Serving as honorary pallbearers were members of the East Polk, Peachtree, Wolf Creek and Hiwassee fire and rescue, and Union County Dialysis. A Fireman’s Last Call was provided by the East Polk Fire and Rescue.
    The family has requested  that in lieu of flowers donations be made to help defray final expenses.
    Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.

    Jerry Lewis Lowe, 74, of Marble, passed away Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., hospital.
    He was a native of Graham County, but lived most of his life in Clay and Cherokee counties.
    Jerry completed two tours of duty during the Vietnam War while serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
    Jerry was owner/operator of Cherokee Clearing and Excavating.
    He was a member of American Legion Post 96, Murphy. Jerry also was a member of Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Andrews.
    Jerry was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.
    He was the son of the late Bob and Evelyn Beck Lowe. He also was preceded in death by a brother, William “Bill” Lowe, and infant brother, Bobby Lowe.
    Surviving are his wife, Eva Nell Lowe of Marble; two daughters, Angela Marie Keiser and husband William Dean of Lula, Ga., and April Lowe Chastain and husband John of Marble; two sons, Robert Lewis Lowe and wife Cesiah of Warne, and Jerry Andrew Lowe and wife Tracey of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a brother, John Lowe of Conover; eight grandchildren, Paloma and Elijah Antonio Lowe, Brandon and Nicholas Lowe, Madison Dalrymple Chastain and Caeden Chastain, and Allea and Terina Keiser; and four great-grandsons. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with Revs. Harold Stiles and Eddie Hardin officiating. The interment will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Meadow Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Hayesville, with military graveside rites conducted by Hayesville American Legion Post 532, VFW Post 6812, Murphy DAV Chapter 73 and American Legion Post 96. Pallbearers will be Will Lowe, Mitchell Newton, Randall Newton, Nick Newton, Johnny Hopkins and Sammy Berrong. Honorary pallbearers will be Nicholas Lowe and Timmy Hopkins.
    The family received friends from 5-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the service.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.
 

    David Edward Alverson, 73, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017.
    He was native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He was the son of the late Clovis Lee “Bud” and Bess Callahan Alverson. David was a U.S. Marine veteran.
    He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Carolina University.
    David was owner and operator of Smoky Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning Co. Inc.
    He was a member of Murphy First United Methodist Church. He also was a past president of Murphy Lions Club.
    David was an avid sports fan and supported many of the local youth sporting programs, including the Murphy Swim Team. He loved football and enjoyed watching the Murphy High School Bulldogs throughout the years. He spent most of his leisure time on Lake Hiwassee with his family and friends boating and telling tall tales.
    David is survived by his wife, Josephine “Jodi” Taylor Alverson; three daughters, Kathryn “Kitten” Elizabeth Alverson Moses (Todd), Jennifer Leigh Alverson Lesser (Steve), and Julia Anne Alverson Hubbard (Tre’); one son, David Joseph (D.J.) Alverson; and four grandchildren, Logan Cate Lesser, Elizabeth Leighanne Moses, Emily Lauren Moses and James David (J.D.) Hubbard IV. He also has a special first cousin, Mary Anne Alverson Houseknecht.
    The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Rob Rollins will officiate.
    The burial service will be at Sunset Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post 96, DAV Chapter 73, American Legion Post 532  and VFW Post 6812.
    Pallbearers will be D.J. Alverson, Todd Moses, Steve Lesser, Tre’ Hubbard, Loren Dockery, John Snow, Jim Sherrill, Johnny Hatchett, David Sumpter and Bill Dyer.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Murphy First United Methodist Church, 73 Valley River Avenue, Murphy, NC 28906, (www.murphyfirstumc.org), or to the charity of your choice.
    You may send tributes to the Alverson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Neva Whitener Ellison, 51, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, at her residence.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.
    Neva Sue was a 1984 graduate of Murphy High School. She had worked for the United States Postal Service.
    Neva Sue played the piano at Ogreeta Baptist Church for 45 years. She was a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church. Neva Sue loved the Lord, her family and her church family.
    She was the daughter of Neva Jean Bates Whitener of Murphy and the late Robert Elee Whitener. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Robert William “Bobby” Whitener.
    Surviving, in addition to her mother, are her husband of 23 years, Michael Ellison; three daughters, Porschia Mathis and husband Bobby of Murphy, Lexus Stewart and husband Willie of Warne, and Madison Ellison of the home; a sister, Nancy Golden and husband Ned of Murphy; four grandchildren, Hailey Mathis, Hope Mathis, Caleb Grizzle and Charlie Mathis; her best friend, Courtney Callihan; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment will be in Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Derik Messer, Cody Messer, Jimmy Wright, Jordan Messer, Cody Golden and Bobby Mathis. Honorary pallbearers will be Willie Stewart and Paul Worley.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Marcus Sparks, 82, of Topton, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.
    A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at Church of Christ in Andrews, followed by a military service. The family will receive friends from noon-1 p.m. Saturday at the church.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, is in charge of all arrangements.

    Joy Schuck Nickerson, 75, of Andrews, passed away Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., hospital.
    A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, in United Methodist Church, Andrews.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com, was in charge of all arrangements.
 

    Charlotte Ann Slinger, 79, passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, in Murphy.
    Charlotte was born July 25, 1938, in Batavia, Ill., to Earl and Ethel Lundborg.
    She came to Murphy late in life after raising her family and enjoying work as a CPA in Illinois and Florida. She felt very welcome in her adopted town of Murphy and met so many warm people. Once she arrived in Murphy, she quickly found a community at the Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Slinger, with whom she shared 26 joyous years, including living for a lengthy time in a rustic cabin along the cypress-lined Withlacoochee River and escaping the Florida heat to Gloucester, Mass., and other favorite destinations.
    She is survived by her two daughters, Beth Brown and Laura LaChance; her son, Craig Brown; seven grandchildren; and her dear friend, Richard Brenner, who filled her days in Murphy with love and laughter.
    In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to the Hiwassee Valley Recreation Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 1311, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Neva Whitener Ellison, 51, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, at her residence.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County.
    Neva Sue was a 1984 graduate of Murphy High School. She had worked for the U.S. Postal Service.
    Neva Sue played the piano at Ogreeta Baptist Church for 45 years. She was a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church. Neva Sue loved the Lord, her family and her church family.
    She was the daughter of Neva Jean Bates Whitener of Murphy and the late Robert Elee Whitener. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Robert William “Bobby” Whitener.
    Surviving, in addition to her mother, are her husband of 23 years, Michael Ellison; three daughters, Porschia Mathis and husband Bobby of Murphy, Lexus Stewart and husband Willie of Warne, and Madison Ellison of the home; a sister, Nancy Golden and husband Ned of Murphy; four grandchildren, Hailey Mathis, Hope Mathis, Caleb Grizzle and Charlie Mathis; her best friend, Courtney Callihan; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment was in Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Derik Messer, Cody Messer, Jimmy Wright, Jordan Messer, Cody Golden and Bobby Mathis. Honorary pallbearers will be Willie Stewart and Paul Worley.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Carl Douglas Speigel Jr. passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, in Murphy. The cause of death was cardiac arrest.
    Carl is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Marie Dalhover Speigel; his mother, Kathryn R. Speigel of Concord, Calif.;  his brother, Dennis L. Speigel of Cincinnati, Ohio; and his sister, Margie Mentz, also of Concord, Calif.
    Carl also is survived by his children, Carl Douglas Speigel III, Christa Dee Falbo and Jeffrey Donald Speigel, as well as stepdaughters Michelle Marie (Thies) Bolke and Melanie Lee Thies. Carl adored his 12 grandchildren: Ryan, Niki, Cole, Lexi, Dylan, Chase, Tiffany, Stephanie, Zachary, Elizabeth, Katie and Taylor; and two great-grandchildren, Malia and Aulani.
    Carl was born Dec. 21, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He attended Amelia High School, where he played on Amelia’s first football team, playing quarterback.
    Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a corporal. Upon completing his Marine Corps assignment, Carl attended Morehead State University,  Kentucky, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree.
    After graduation, Carl applied to the U.S. Secret Service and was accepted.  He served as an agent in Cincinnati, Ohio, and also in Washington, D.C., where he attended President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Later resigning from the Secret Service, Carl worked in private security and sales.  
    He was a Guardian ad Litem of Cherokee County. He was an active member of the Marine Corps League – Cherokee Detachment No. 1101 in Murphy.
    A military memorial service is being planned for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018,  at Shepherd of the Mountains Church, 25 Providence Lane, Murphy, NC 28906.
 

    Jack Douglas Pope, 66, passed Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, at his home in Othello, Wash.
    A graveside service and graveside military honors were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Moss Cemetery in Marble.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home, www.townson-rose.com, was in charge of local arrangements.

    Jerry Lewis Lowe, 74, of Marble, passed away Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., hospital.
    He was a native of Graham County, but lived most of his life in Clay and Cherokee counties.
    Jerry completed two tours of duty during the Vietnam War while serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.
    Jerry was owner/operator of Cherokee Clearing & Excavating.
    He was a member of American Legion Post 96, Murphy.  Jerry also was a member of Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Andrews.
    Jerry was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.
    He was the son of the late Bob and Evelyn Beck Lowe. He also was preceded in death by a brother, William “Bill” Lowe, and infant brother, Bobby Lowe.
    Surviving are his wife, Eva Nell Lowe of Marble; two daughters, Angela Marie Keiser and husband William Dean of Lula, Ga., and April Lowe Chastain and husband John of Marble; two sons, Robert Lewis Lowe and wife Cesiah of Warne, and Jerry Andrew Lowe and wife Tracey of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a brother, John Lowe of Conover; eight grandchildren, Paloma and Elijah Antonio Lowe, Brandon and Nicholas Lowe, Madison Dalrymple Chastain and Caeden Chastain, and Allea and Terina Keiser; and four great-grandsons. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Harold Stiles and Eddie Hardin officiating. The interment was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Meadow Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Hayesville, with military graveside rites conducted by Hayesville American Legion Post 532, VFW Post 6812, Murphy DAV Chapter 73 and American Legion Post 96. Pallbearers were Will Lowe, Jonathan Newton, Randall Newton, Nick Newton, Johnny Hopkins and Sammy Berrong. Honorary pallbearers were Nicholas Lowe and Timmy Hopkins.
    The family received friends from 5-6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the service.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    David Edward Alverson, 73, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017.
    He was native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He was the son of the late Clovis Lee “Bud” and Bess Callahan Alverson. David was a U.S. Marine veteran.
    He received a bachelor of science degree from Western Carolina University.
    David was owner and operator of Smoky Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning Co. Inc.
    He was a member of Murphy First United Methodist Church. He also was a past president of the Murphy Lions Club.
    David was an avid sports fan and supported many of the local youth sporting programs, including the Murphy Swim Team. He loved football and enjoyed watching the Murphy High School Bulldogs throughout the years. He spent most of his leisure time on Lake Hiwassee with his family and friends, boating and telling tall tales.
    David is survived by his wife, Josephine “Jodi” Taylor Alverson; three daughters, Kathryn “Kitten” Elizabeth Alverson Moses (Todd), Jennifer Leigh Alverson Lesser (Steve), and Julia Anne Alverson Hubbard (Tre’); one son, David Joseph (D.J.) Alverson; and four grandchildren, Logan Cate Lesser, Elizabeth Leighanne Moses, Emily Lauren Moses and James David (J.D.) Hubbard IV. He also has a special first cousin, Mary Anne Alverson Houseknecht.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    Funeral services followed at 2 p.m. Pastor Rob Rollins will officiate.
    The burial service was held at Sunset Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post 96, DAV Chapter 73, American Legion Post 532 and VFW Post 6812.
    Pallbearers were D.J. Alverson, Todd Moses, Steve Lesser, Tre’ Hubbard, Loren Dockery, John Snow, Jim Sherrill, Johnny Hatchett, David Sumpter and Bill Dyer.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Murphy First United Methodist Church, 73 Valley River Avenue, Murphy, NC 28906, (www.murphyfirstumc.org), or to the charity of your choice.
    You may send tributes to the Alverson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Brent Laney, 37, of Copperhill, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017.
    Brent was a member of the East Polk Fire & Rescue, where he served as a firefighter, engineer and secretary for a number of years.  He also was a member of the Fannin, Peachtree, Wolf Creek and Hiwassee Dam volunteer fire departments.
    Survivors include his wife, Wendy King Laney; son, Reece Campbell; mother and stepfather, Sherry and Dennis Burrell; brothers, David Laney,  Darrell Laney and Steve Laney; sister, Melissa Monkus; fathers-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Nancy Worley and Doug King; nieces and nephews, Paige Monkus, Cheyenne Monkus, Traven Monkus, Toby Foerst, Christin Foerst; and many other cousins and friends.
    Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, from Akins Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Michael Collis officiating. Interment followed in Bellview United Methodist Church Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Chris Monkus, Mikey Worley, Ronald Ware, Ken Wooten, Paul Dubois and George Watson. Serving as honorary pallbearers were members of the East Polk, Peachtree, Wolf Creek and Hiwassee fire and rescue, and Union County Dialysis. A Fireman’s Last Call was provided by the East Polk Fire & Rescue.
    The family has requested  that in lieu of flowers donations be made to help defray final expenses.
    Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.

    Mary Johnson Ashley, 69, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at her residence.
    She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and educator.
    She retired from Cherokee County Schools in 2008 after 35 years of service educating children, promoting Battle of the Books, and fighting for teacher’s rights.
    In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her dear friend, Beth Stiles, from north to Alaska, south to Key West, east to New York City and west to Hawaii. She delighted in the exploits of her grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments, from Emilia’s gymnastics’ medals, both girls’ dance recitals, Riley’s swim meet, Josh’s band concerts and so many ball games.
    As a single mother, she was determined her kids wouldn’t be a statistic, and was proud to see them each finish college.
    She was a devoted Christian and served faithfully as a member in more churches than most will ever attend.  She was currently an active member at Murphy First Baptist for the last 30 years and devoted numerous hours to the WMU, Shoe Boxes, children’s ministry and the church library.
    She was active in many civic groups including Delta Kappa Gamma and Eastern Star.
    She was the daughter of the late Forest Bernard and Alice Evangeline Shields Johnson. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Alan Johnson.
    Surviving are a daughter, Stephanie Ashley of Hickory; a son, Phillip Ashley and wife LeAnn of Harrisburg; two sisters, Phyllis Bradford of Gainesville, Ga., and Pamela DeDea and husband Steve of St. Petersburg, Fla.; a brother, Forest B. Johnson II and wife Elizabeth of Murphy; three grandchildren, Emilia Ashley, and Josh and Riley Ashley; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Murphy First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Tanner officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Colby Stanton, Jeremy Thompson, Matthew Johnson, Josh Ashley, Jacob Bradford and Reid Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Forest Johnson II, Forest Johnson III, Andrew Bradford, Eric Bradford and Blake Stooksbury.
    The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, where the body will be until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Mary Johnson Ashley to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering through Murphy First Baptist Church, 517 Hiwassee St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Joanne Lawson Siebert, 79, of Murphy, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, after a short illness.
    Joanne was born Aug. 18, 1938, in Mechanicsburg, Pa., the daughter of the late John and Erma (Hertzler) Lawson.
    She is survived by her husband, George H. Siebert; her two sons, Steve (Ann) and Gary (Dave); and three grandchildren Thomas, Maggie and John Siebert.
    A celebration of her life was held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Shepherd of the Mountains Church, 68 Fairfax Drive, Murphy. Al Beck officiated.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joanne may be made to the American Heart Association, www.donatenow.heart.org.
    You may send tributes to the Siebert family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Maxine “Max” Clara Mettier, 81, of Blairsville, Ga., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Brazelton, Ga., following an extended illness.
    Mrs. Mettier was born Feb. 11, 1936 in Blairsville, Ga., the daughter of the late Luther Mood Smith and Ira Florence Botts.
    Max worked for United Community Bank for a number of years. Max loved being “Grammie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was a domino champion. Mrs. Mettier was of the Baptist faith.
    Preceding Mrs. Mettier in death are brother Aster Wayne Smith, brother Arthur Smith, sister Edna Sanders, sister Abby Little, sister Madeline Mahone and sister Evelyn Hogsed.
    Surviving Mrs. Mettier are her husband of four years, Henry K. Mettier; daughter and son-in-law, Pamela Ann and Ted Riggs of Newburn, the Sanders family; grandchildren, Christian Matthew Bowie, Andy and Michelle Bowie; great-grandchildren, Dezi, Evie, Olivia and Willie; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and many other friends and relatives.
    A memorial service celebrating the life of Mrs. Mettier was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, in Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel in Blairsville, Ga. Special music was provided by Charlotte Anderson.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to the American Lung Association in memory of Mrs. Mettier.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
    You may sign the family’s guestbook and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.