Mary Lou Brown Graves, 77, of Murphy, passed away Friday, April 6, 2018, in Murphy Rehab & Nursing.
    She was a native of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late James Clayton and Adell Harris Brown. Mary was a homemaker.
    She was a member of Bates Creek Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Jim, Keith and Sonny Brown; and sisters, Frances Walters and Alice Mason.
    She is survived by her husband of 63 years, William Roy Graves; sons, Danny Graves and Carolyn of Murphy and Jeff Graves and Autumn of Murphy; daughters, Hilda King and W.C. of Murphy and Melissa Graves of Murphy; sisters, Shirley Ghant of Gastonia, Margaret Brown of Gastonia, Pat Capps of Gastonia, and Madelyn Rose of Murphy; grandchildren, Jonathan King, Brian King, Angela Graves, Hannah Graves, Tyler Graves, Kailey Graves, Charlie Graves and Samantha Laney; great-grandchildren, Madelyn King, Foster King, Reagan King, Riley King, Kierstan McCorkel, Kinley McCorkel, John Lee McCorkel, Joey McCorkel, Gianna Maynor and Keython Allen.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 9, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. The Rev. Harold Stiles officiated. Music was provided by Grape Creek Baptist Church. Burial was in the Grape Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jonathan King, Brian King, Tyler Graves, Charlie Graves, Micheal Rose, Danny Carroll, James Robinson and C.H. Moore.
    The family received friends from 5-9 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grape Creek Baptist Church, 5485 Joe Brown Highway, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Graves family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Shirley Dillard Starks, 63, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at her residence.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren and was proud to have spoiled each one of them. She loved reading and doing crossword puzzles while eating popcorn.
    She was the daughter of the late Jack and Onabe Coleman Dillard. She also was preceded in death by a sister, Dale Dillard, and a brother, Larry Dillard.
    Surviving are her husband, Arnold “Boo” Starks; a daughter, Tonda Starks of Murphy; two sons, Chris Starks and wife Misty, and Jeremy Starks and wife Becca, all of Murphy; a brother, Michael Dillard and wife Martha of Blairsville, Ga.; six grandchildren, Madison and Silas Starks, Chole, Brittany and Kennedy Starks, and Chandler Starks; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
    A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Dr. Terrence B. Doan of Young Harris, Ga., peacefully passed away at his home Thursday, April 5, 2018, after a long struggle with leukemia.
    Terry was born June 13, 1945, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Harold H. and Jane (Littleton) Doan.  Terry grew up in Little Silver, N.J., and graduated from Red Bank High School.  He graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, with a Mechanical Engineering Degree. Then, Terry attended University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, in Dallas, where he obtained his medical doctor degree. He did his surgical internship and residency at University of Tennessee in Memphis, Tenn., where he was chief resident of surgery.
    This also is where he met and married his bride of 40 years, Sherry (Novak) Doan.  From July 1978 to June 1995, Terry had a general surgery private practice at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. In 1995, with a yearning for simpler living, Terry moved his family to their beloved Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, where he practiced general surgery until he “retired” in January 2011.
    Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold H. Doan and Jane Littleton Doan Akkala.  
    He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry (Novak) Doan; his beloved children, Evan M. Doan, Callie (A.J.) Gordon, and Jessica C. Doan; and his treasured granddaughter, Lily Gordon. Terry also is survived by his brother, Father Andrew S. Doan; and his three sisters, Judy (Jose Uzcategui) Doan, Sharon (John) Henderson and Rachel (Jeff) Byrd; his sister-in-law, Judy (Max) Younger; and many precious nieces and nephews.
    Terry’s greatest passions, other than his family and friends, were operating on and caring for his many patients over the years, and studying the Holy Scriptures and sharing with others in Bible Studies and Sunday Schools. He possibly saved as many people through his faith in Jesus the Messiah as he saved with his gifted surgeon’s hands.
    The Celebration of Life for Terry will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Christ the King Anglican Church in Hiawassee, Ga., with Father Don O’Malley officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to one of the following:  Oasis of Love Restoration Center, Tampa, Fla., 813-767-5505; Hope of the World Ministries (Jonathon Cahn), Wayne, N.J., 973-872-5377; Paul Wilbur Ministries, Jacksonville, Fla., 904-565-9909; or Be the Match (blood cancers), 888-999-6743.

    James Roy Barnett, 83, of Andrews, passed away Friday, April 6, 2018, at his home.
    He was a native of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Arthur and Nettie Queen Barnett.
    He had worked for American Thread as a fixer. He enjoyed eating good food, was very active at the senior center, and enjoyed trout fishing and flowers. Roy was a United States Army veteran.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Juanita Coleman; brothers, Ralph and Joe Lee Barnett; and sisters, Burnis Huskins, Kate McClure and Lillie Mae Wilson.
    He is survied by his children, Jimmy Barnett and Sherry of Murphy, Blaine Barnett and Estelle of Murphy, Rex Barnett and Pat of Blairsville, Ga., and Jan Barnett of Murphy; daughter, Roz Barnett of Marble; brother, Kendel Barnett; sister Ellen Palmer; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Ronnie Palmer and Aud Brown will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 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 will be Nathan, Barron and Josh Barnett, George Rogers, grandsons and nephews.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 16, at Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Barnett family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Leonard Amos, 68, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, in a Murphy care facility.
    He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He attended Murphy High School.
    Leonard worked for many years as a stock clerk at both Ingles and Walmart.
    He was a member of Grape Creek Baptist Church.
    Leonard enjoyed working outside in his garden and helping others in need.
    He was the son of the late Claude and Ruby Hughes Amos. He also was preceded in death by an infant son, Samuel; a sister, Linda Amos; and two brothers, Floyd and Walter Amos.
    Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Kay Amos; a daughter, Michelle Amos of Murphy; a son, Marc Amos of Canton; two stepdaughters, Sharon Vespasian and Laurie Radford, both of Murphy; a sister, Lucille Amos of Murphy; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Steve West officiating. Music was provided by Steve Coleman and Grape Creek Baptist Choir. The interment was in Grape Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeremiah Barnard, William Vespasian III, Keith and Mark Johnson, and Dewayne and Eric Hogsed.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Leonard Amos to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attention: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or Grape Creek Cemetery Fund, c/o Marvin Shuler, 1340 Grape Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Edward Lynn Johnson, 70, of Madisonville, Tenn., passed away at 3:56 p.m. Sunday, April 8, 2018, at Erlanger Hospital.
    He retired from Levi Strauss and was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Akins Johnson and Lena Mae Dockery Johnson; son, Edward Lynn Johnson Jr.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Imogene “Jean” Johnson Lyle Smith, Minis Lucille Campbell and Alvin Campbell, Deloris Ann Mashburn, Ted Whitener; brothers and sisters-in-law, Clifford Clinton Johnson, Leroy and Thelma Ruth Johnson, Earl Junior Johnson and Barbara Sue Johnson, and Joyce Johnson; one infant brother; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Erskine and Helen Frye Bookout.
    Survivors are his wife, Georgia Lynn Bookout Johnson; children, Stanley Akins Johnson and wife Kathy, Eunaiviee Ann Raper and husband Jeff, all of Murphy; grandchildren, Jesse James, Tara Raper, Tasha Raper, Jordan Johnson, Alyssa Johnson; sisters, Elizabeth Sue Whitener, Mary Catherine Burger and husband Charles Leland Burger; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randall Lamar Johnson and wife Mescal, Kenneth Maurice Johnson, Ernest Bilton and wife Amanda, Frankie Johnson Sneed; several nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Mitch and Katie Anderson, of Sweetwater, Tenn., and Webster Bookout of Englewood, Tenn.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Biereley-Hale Chapel in Madisonville with the Revs. David Watson and Doyle Lloyd officiating. Interment will be in New Bethel Cemetery with military honors by VFW Goldstar Post 5156, DAV Chapter 93 and American Legion Post 106.
    The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home in Madisonville prior to the services.

    Shannon Sudderth, 46, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2018, in an Asheville hospital.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. She had worked for Phoenix Supportive Living and Murphy Medical Center.
    Shannon was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church and sang with the Messengers for Christ.
    She was the daughter of Janet Herron Sudderth of Murphy and the late Bill Sudderth. She also was preceded in death by an infant son, Braxton Melike Sudderth; and a sister, Vanessa Patterson.
    Surviving, in addition to her mother, are two brothers, Jermale Sudderth of Murphy and Jonathan Moreland of Hayesville; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
    Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. John P. Webb and Javan Harper, and Minister Jackie Sullivan officiating. The interment will be in Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Reggie Cox, Reggie Cain, Craig Daniel, Eddie Eller, Chris Lloyd and Brandon Oliver. Honorary pallbearers will be Scotty McDonald, Ervin Brown, Martin Allen, Kevin Nicely and Scott Grant.
    The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Shannon Sudderth, 46, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2018, in an Asheville hospital.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. She had worked for Phoenix Supportive Living and Murphy Medical Center.
    Shannon was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church and sang with the Messengers for Christ.
    She was the daughter of Janet Herron Sudderth of Murphy and the late Bill Sudderth. She also was preceded in death by an infant son, Braxton Melike Sudderth; and a sister, Vanessa Patterson.
    Surviving, in addition to her mother, are two brothers, Jermale Sudderth of Murphy and Jonathan Moreland of Hayesville; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
    Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. John P. Webb and Javan Harper, and Minister Jackie Sullivan officiating. The interment will be in Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Reggie Cox, Reggie Cain, Craig Daniel, Eddie Eller, Chris Lloyd and Brandon Oliver. Honorary pallbearers will be Scotty McDonald, Ervin Brown, Martin Allen, Kevin Nicely and Scott Grant.
    The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Larry Shumway, 68, of Marble, died Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Murphy Rehab & Nursing following a three-year battle with cancer.
    A native of Minford, Ohio, Larry lived in Texas and Florida before retiring in Marble.
    He worked as an IT technician for the Volusia County, Fla., school system. He was an avid amateur radio operator since his teen years and most recently belonged to the Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society and Amateur Radio Emergency Services.
    Larry was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Katie Shumway of Minford, Ohio.
    He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Patricia Golden Shumway; his sons, David and Neal, and grandson Andrew, all of Ohio; his brother, Joe (Amy) of Colorado; his beautiful step-nieces, Kelly and Tracy, and their children Emma, Liam and MacKenzie, all of Florida. Also missing their “Papa” is the feline branch of the family, Tess, Chissie, Sammie and Rocky.
    In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Brasstown Fire Department, P.O. Box 55, Brasstown, NC  28902 for their building fund, or to Guardian Angel Acres, 525 Pisgah Road, Warne, NC 28909 for their ongoing animal rescue efforts.
    A celebration of life will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at the Brasstown Community Civic Center, 255 Settawig Road, Brasstown, NC 28902. Please bring memories to share.

    The Rev. William Vance Reynolds, 77, of McCaysville, Ga., passed away Friday, April 13, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family.
    Rev. Reynolds was born Nov. 13, 1940, in Surrency, Ga., to the late John Henry Reynolds and Lois Johnson Reynolds.
    He was a Southern Baptist and a member of First Baptist Church McCaysville/Copperhill, active in the Baptist Men and on the committee for the Golden Nuggets senior ministry.
    Rev. Reynolds had the opportunity to participate in mission work on the Navaho Reservation at Four Corners, N.M., Jamaica and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. For the past 25 years, he had the opportunity through ChildFund International to sponsor two children, Carlos Reyes and Brayan Josue Perdomo Villanueva, who lived in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
    He was a retired school teacher in Georgia, author of several historical books set in the south, a Southern Baptist minister and a faithful contributing writer of the “Reel Memories” column in the Fannin Sentinel for almost 10 years.
    He enjoyed part-time truck driving with his brother during the summers and Christmas vacations, and helped finance his college education working at night as a movie projectionist.
    Rev. Reynolds was an avid fisherman, read his Bible regularly, enjoyed research and leisure reading. He enjoyed watching old Westerns on television. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with his family.
    Rev. Reynolds received his Associate in Science degree from South Georgia College, Douglas, Ga; Bachelor of Science and Masters in Education from Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Ga., and an education specialist degree from the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John Reynolds and Loy Reynolds;  and sister, Annie Reynolds.
    He is survived by his wife, Joyce Sellers Reynolds of McCaysville, Ga.; daughters, Pamela Reynolds Williamson and husband Bruce Williamson of Marietta, Ga., and Eva Marie Reynolds of Marietta, Ga.; granddaughter, Joy Williamson of Portland, Ore.; grandson, Robby Williamson of Bismarck, N.D.; uncle, David L. Thomas of Baxley, Ga.; aunt, Mary Leggett of Baxley, Ga.; sisters-in-law, Sally Reynolds of Baxley, Ga., Kathryn Walton of Pooler, Ga., and Shirley Sellers and brother-in-law, Emory Sellers of Baxley, Ga.; one niece and five nephews also survive.
    Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, April 16, at First Baptist Church McCaysville/Copperhill with the Revs. Matthew McDaniel and G.W. Mathis officiating. Eulogies were given by Bruce Williamson and Pamela Reynolds Williamson. Music was provided by Clarence Burlingame, Ryan Norton, and Ed Vest. Interment followed in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ernie Walton, Joey Milam, Larry Dilbeck, David Ballew, Donald Walton, David Brooks, Leroy Rigdon and Jerry Pack. Honorary pallbearers were members of First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill Baptist Men and Men’s Friendship Sunday School Class.
    The family visited with friends at the funeral home from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, April 15.
    Flowers were permitted but the family prefers that you send memorials in lieu of flowers. Memorials may be made to Child Fund International, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294, www.ChildFund.org, First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill-Capital Improvement Fund, P.O. Box 867, McCaysville, GA 30555, or a local charity of your choice.
    Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
    Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements.

    Edward Lynn Johnson, 70, of Madisonville, Tenn., passed away at 3:56 p.m. Sunday, April 8, 2018, at Erlanger Hospital.
    He retired from Levi Strauss and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Vietnam.
    Preceded in death by parents, Ernest Akins Johnson and Lena Mae Dockery Johnson; son, Edward Lynn Johnson Jr.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Imogene “Jean” Johnson Lyle Smith, Minis Lucille Campbell and Alvin Campbell, Deloris Ann Mashburn, Ted Whitener; brothers and sisters-in-law, Clifford Clinton Johnson, Leroy and Thelma Ruth Johnson, Earl Junior Johnson and Barbara Sue Johnson, and Joyce Johnson; one infant brother; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Erskine and Helen Frye Bookout.
    Survivors include his wife, Georgia Lynn Bookout Johnson; children, Stanley Akins Johnson and wife Kathy, Eunaiviee Ann Raper and husband Jeff, all of Murphy; grandchildren, Jesse James, Tara Raper, Tasha Raper, Jordan Johnson, Alyssa Johnson; sisters, Elizabeth Sue Whitener, Mary Catherine Burger and husband Charles Leland Burger; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randall Lamar Johnson and wife Mescal, Kenneth Maurice Johnson; Ernest Bilton and wife Amanda, Art and Frankie Johnson Sneed, and Ed Huggins; several nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Mitch and Katie Anderson of Sweetwater, Tenn., and Webster Bookout, of Englewood, Tenn.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Biereley-Hale Chapel , in Madisonville, with the Revs. David Watson and Doyle Lloyd officiating. Interment will be in New Bethel Cemetery with military honors by VFW Goldstar Post 5156, DAV Chapter 93 and American Legion Post 106.
    The family will receive friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville, Tenn., prior to the services.

    Larry Harold Ledford, 71, of Toney, Ala., died Thursday, April 3, 2018, at his residence.
    Born Thursday, Aug. 15, 1946, and a native of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late Winford H. Ledford and Maunda Ledford.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Anthony Ledford; and sisters, Marlene Loudermilk and Portia West.
    He was owner of Ledford Plumbing for more than 40 years. He loved playing the guitar and swapping jokes.
    He is survived by his wife, Chiya Shin of Toney, Ala.; son, Eric Ledford; brother, Gary Ledford; and sister, Patricia Jenkins; and grandchildren, Taylor and Grace Ledford of Murphy.
    A quiet graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Liberty Baptist Church cemetery for family and friends.
    In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 624, Murphy, NC 28906.

    Virginia E. Erickson, 93, of Hayesville, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was a native of Concordia, Kan., and lived most of her life in Stromsburg, Neb., before moving to Fort Pierce, Fla., and then to Hayesville in 1990.
    Virginia was a retired first-grade teacher having worked for 20 years. She was a member of Marble Springs Baptist Church.
    She was the daughter of the late Rev. Walfred Gustaf and Ruth Elizabeth Carlson Holmberg, and wife of the late Alfred Lloyd Erickson, who died Dec. 27, 1998. She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Sherill Ruth Conrad, who died Nov. 10, 2000.
    Surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Garrett of Hayesville; three sons, Dr. Charles Arthur Erickson of Aberdeen, Idaho, Curtis Lloyd Erickson of Pisgah Forest, and Jay Lloyd Erickson and wife Adrienne of Andrews; four grandchildren, Justin Garrett and wife Robin, Travis Garrett and wife Shawna, and Matthew and Caleb Erickson; and five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Nickolas Dixson, Kaylie and Mattie Garrett, and Emmalee Erickson.
    A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, in Marble Springs Baptist Church with the Revs. John Bailey and Jimmy Tanner officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Virginia E. Erickson to Marble Springs Baptist Church, P.O. Box 264, Marble, NC 28905.              
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Justin Alan Jensen, 33, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
    He was born in Tampa, Fla., to Deborah Jensen of Florida and the late Bruce Jensen.
    Justin retired as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marines. During his time in the Marines, he was in a documentary at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, “Battle of the Belleau Wood” in Triangle, Va. Justin received several medals during his career: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Kuwait/Iraq), Iraq Campaign Medal (W/I Star) and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He was a member of Journey Fellowship.
    In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Dorothy Chaney Jensen; children, Tony, Isaac, Joseph, Isabella, Elizabeth, Janessa and Adaline, all of the home; and one sister, Kyra Jensen.
    A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Patrick Garrett will officiate.
    The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, please make donations for the Jensen children at the PNC Bank, 50 Peachtree St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Jensen family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Barbara Jane Husband, 79, of Murphy, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018, in a Blairsville, Ga., hospital.
    She was a native of Youngstown, Ohio, but lived most of her life in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., before moving to Cherokee County in the 1990s. She was a talented artist and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was of the Catholic faith.
    She was the daughter of the late Stanley John and Florence Burscky Rosko. She also was preceded in death by a son, Douglas John Husband.
    Surviving are her husband, Joseph E. “Bud” Husband; five daughters, Kimberlee Mastronardi of Murphy, Lori Chevy of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Barbara Ellen Boudrot of Murphy, Kristin Sullivan of Orlando, Fla., and Jenny Marie Dalton of Murphy; two sons, Daniel J. Husband of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and John Joseph Hart of Detroit, Mich.; a sister, Judith Rosko of Ohio; three brothers, Stanley, Richard and Tom Rosko, all of Ohio; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
    A private family memorial service will be held.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Kenneth Coffey, 83, of Marble, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Erlanger Murphy Medical Center.
    He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and son of the late William Edgar and Lucy Ashe.
    Kenneth was a crew foreman for the N.C. Department of Transportation. He was an avid reader and loved Bible study. Kenneth enjoyed rabbit hunting.
    He loved his family, granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
    Kenneth was a member of Valleytown Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Roddie Coffey; brothers, Gain, Harold, Carl, Wade, James, Marvin and Charles Coffey; and one sister, Ora Belle Coffey Anderson.
    He is survived by his wife, Virginia Coffey; one granddaughter, Ashley Coffey Howard and husband Richard; one great-granddaughter, Serenity Faith Howard; and sisters, Lenora Garren, Dorothy Mae Riggins and Josephine Preston.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Aud Brown officiated. Burial was in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers were Vernon Howard, John Coffey, Larry Crisp, Ben Crisp, Daniel Webster and Beau Webster.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Moss Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 100, Marble, NC 28905.
    You may send tributes to the Coffey family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Maudine Gaynell Martin, 87, of Murphy, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018, at the Valley View Care & Rehab Center in Andrews. When the time of her departure was at hand, she finished her course and kept her faith.
    She was a native of Polk County, Tenn., and the daughter of the late George Alton and Maude Edith Price
Martin.
    Ms. Martin was a graduate of Murphy High School.
    She played the organ and piano for 32 years at Notla Baptist Church and at many other churches. Through the years, she was sought as a pianist and on many occasions to play for schools and community affairs.
    In years gone by, she was affiliated with the North Carolina Music Teachers Association and taught many students the art of music.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by six brothers, Sewell, Robert, J.G., Wallace, Frank and Junior Martin; and three sisters, Ruth Martin Smith, Evelyn Martin Hembree and Reba Martin Brockett.
    She is survived by a brother-in-law, Art Brockett.
    Per her request, there will be a family inurnment at a later date at Notla Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. James Martin will officiate, and a eulogy will be given by Rick Martin.
    You may send tributes to the Martin family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    James Robert Sneed, 77, of Tunnel Hill, Ga., departed this life Friday morning, April 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
    Robert was born Dec. 28, 1940, in Murphy, a son of the late William Phares and Edna Maggie Kephart Sneed. He also was preceded in death by his brothers, Vernon Sneed and Clyde Sneed; and sisters, Ruby Dockery, Dora Cantrell, Lucy Davis and Grace Goforth.
    He was retired from Burlington Industries and was a member of Pine Hill Baptist Church in Catoosa County, Ga.
    Robert was a wonderful banjo player, loved hiking and making a garden. He never met a stranger and loved making people laugh. He loved life, loved God and loved his family. His family was his life.
    He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Martha Bunch Sneed of the residence; daughters and son-in-law, Regina and Craig Shaver, Rhonda Lee Hall; son and daughter-in-law, Tracy and Cheryl Sneed, all of Tunnel Hill, Ga.; brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Mary Sneed Jr. of Dalton, Ga., Odis and Glenda Sneed of Murphy; grandchildren, Heather and Chris Humble, Craig and Jessi Shaver, Haley and Justin Walraven, Brett Sneed and Kristin Wood, Logan Sneed and Brylee Hall; great-grandchildren, Chase Humble, Camryn Humble, Gracie Shaver, Renly Pass and Jasper Walraven; several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
    Services to celebrate the life of James Robert Sneed were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Tracy Sneed and the Rev. Ed Parsons officiating. He was laid to rest at Dunagan Cemetery in Rocky Face, Ga., with Craig Shaver, Chris Humble, Chase Humble, Brett Sneed, Logan Sneed and Spencer Smith serving as pallbearers.
    The family would like to give a special thanks to Hamilton Hospice and Hamilton Healthcare for the love and care they provided.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or to your favorite charity.
    The family received friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 11 a.m. until the service hour Sunday, April 22.
    Arrangements were by Ponders Melrose Chapel and Ponders Dalton Crematory, Dalton, Ga., 706-226-4002, www.pondersfuneralhome.com.

    Steven Soffer passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home Thursday, April 19, 2018. He lived an amazing 66 years enjoying life to the fullest.
    Originally from Queens, N.Y., Steven moved to South Florida to raise his family and eventually settled in Murphy  to fulfill his dream of living in the mountains.
    Steven was a best friend to many. His upbeat personality, positive outlook and sense of humor brightened up many lives, especially those of his family.
    He will be remembered by his wife, Lorie; his children, Aron (Heather), Jesse (Amanda); his grandchildren, Mayah, Sophia, Owen and Marek; and extended family and dear friends. “Forever and For Always.”
    You may send tributes to the Soffer family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Mary Frances Millsaps, 82, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 23, 2018, at Murphy Rehab & Nursing.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late James and Hazel Forrister Crisp.
    Frances loved to embroider and spend time with her family. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Murphy.
    In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her two brothers, James and Franklin Crisp; and son-in-law, Ralph Hughes.
    Frances is survived by her husband, Billy Millsaps; one daughter, Brenda Garrett and husband Johnny; one granddaughter, Kimberly Worley and husband Greg and one great-grandson, John Anthony Worley; brothers, Howell Crisp, Jerrel Crisp and Julious Crisp; sister, Barbara Crisp; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Dallas Crowder and Charlie Stalcup will officiate. Music will be provided by Clara Reid. Burial will be in Mount Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sonny Cole, David Cole, Leroy Whitener, Greg Worley, Johnny Garrett and Roger Garrett. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Day, Ray Hughes and Vaxter Taylor.
    The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Millsaps family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.