Nancy Bryson Decker, 80, of Sylva, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.
    Nancy was born April 28, 1937, in Sylva. She was the daughter of the late Hugh Bert and Hazel (Turpin) Bryson.
    She was married to her husband, M.G. Decker, for 62 years.
    She is survived by four children, Greg Decker and wife Janet, Mark B. Decker and wife Laura, Melissa Jackson and husband Steve and Deborah Lynn Decker; eight grandchildren, Luke Decker, Laura White, Allison Decker, Kristen Decker, Michelle Decker, Sawyer Jackson, Kandi Cash and Colt Jackson; eight great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Dorthea Coe, Sarah Hall and Dixie Miller.
    She was preceded in death by two brothers, Hugh Bert Bryson Jr. and Michael Bryson; and two sisters, Glenda Crawford and Dorcas Bryson.
    Nancy was a member of Wesleyanna United Methodist Church in Sylva. She retired in 2013 from Blue Ridge Appraisals, and she was licensed by the N.C. Appraisal Board. Nancy was also a licensed real estate agent who served on the Jackson County Board of Realtors, and volunteered her time at community table.
    She had a passion for reading and collecting antiques, and enjoyed spending time with her family.
    A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28, in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with Lay Pastor John Mitchell and the Rev. Dan Stiles officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday prior to the service.
    In lieu of flowers, donations to Wesleyanna United Methodist Church may be made in care of Joe Deitz, 938 Tathams Creek Road, Sylva, NC 28779.
    Appalachian Funeral Services, Sylva, www.appalachianfuneralservices.com, is handling arrangements for the family.

    William Robert McKeon Sr., 63, of Murphy, passed away quietly Sunday, April 22, 2018, at his residence in Peachtree.
    He was born May 21, 1954, in Pautucket, R.I., but lived most of his life in Murphy. He was a devoted father and grandfather to three adult sons and six grandchildren.
    He was the son of Lucy B. McKeon of Murphy, and Peachtree, Ga., and the late Peter J. McKeon of Murphy.
    He was a gifted carpenter by trade and an avid fisherman by design. He never met a trout stream he couldn’t master. But his greatest talent was that of a loving, kind and supportive father and grandfather. He leaves a void that will never be filled.
    Surviving are his son, William Robert McKeon Jr. and daughter-in-law, Irene S. McKeon, son Jonathan Dustin McKeon, all of Alpharetta, Ga., and son Christopher Daniel McKeon and daughter-in-law Cayce Lee McKeon of Knoxville, Tenn.; and grandchildren, Jonathan Theodore, William Robert III, Nora Glenn, Aubrey Lee, Chase Emmett and Bailey Ann McKeon. Also surviving is his faithful partner in life, Donna Hughes, of Peachtree, who remained at his side until the end. He is survived by five siblings, brother Pete McKeon and sister Eloise Hall, both of Murphy, sister Betty McKeon of Peachtree Corners, Ga., sister Mary Ramsey of Grayson, Ga., and sister Joyce Wynia of Raleigh; and many other loving nephews, nieces and family members.
    A public memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Cochran Funeral Home in Peachtree.
    In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation http://ncwf.org/.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    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.

    Frankie Lee Chastain Burnette, 80, of Alabama, passed away April 19, 2018, at home.
    She was born in Murphy to the late Lewis Napoleon “Poley” Chastain and Samantha Ira Stalcup Chastain.
    Frankie is survived by her husband of 63 years, William “Billy” Mark Burnette; one daughter, Letricia Faye Burnette McDaniel; two grandchildren, Charles “Mike” Rolland McDaniel III and Jordan Elizabeth McDaniel; and one sister, Ella Faye Chastain Beavers.
    Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, April 28, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel, 138 Peachtree St., Murphy, with burial at Ivy Log Cemetery, 8801 Murphy Highway, Blairsville, Ga. Pallbearers will be Charles “Mike” McDaniel III, Danny Truett, Cody Truett, Jonah Truett, Felix Passmore and Ronald Harris.
    The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 28, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    Special thanks to Healing Hearts Home Care in Alabama.
    You may send tributes to the Burnette family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Ernest Lloyd Stiles, 85, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in a Murphy care facility.
    He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Navy on the USS Stembel (DD644).
    Lloyd worked with Remco for 14 years and the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 20 years, where he retired.
    He was a member and deacon of River Valley Baptist Church.
    He was the son of the late Ernest Clayton and Icey Payne Stiles. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Seabolt; and a brother, Homer Stiles.
    Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Maggie Raper Stiles; a daughter, Sandra Kay Rogers and husband Ronnie of Murphy; a son, Donald Stiles and wife Sharlene of Murphy; four sisters, Alma Ivey of Hixson, Tenn., Thelma “Dean” McDonald of Murphy, Jearlean Holbrooks of Dawsonville, Ga., and Doris Roberson of Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Richard Roberson, Jonathan Ledbetter and Charles Raper officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812 and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers will be Nathan Harbin, Kevin Roberson, Clinton, Matthew and Jeff Raper, and Tim Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Dewayne Plemmons, Marty Jones and Lewis Voyles.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    The family requests memorials be made in memory of Ernest Lloyd Stiles to River Valley Baptist Church, 211 Raper Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Ernest Lloyd Stiles, 85, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in a Murphy care facility.
    He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Navy on the USS Stembel (DD644).
    Lloyd worked with Remco for 14 years and the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 20 years, where he retired.
    He was a member and deacon of River Valley Baptist Church.
    He was the son of the late Ernest Clayton and Icey Payne Stiles. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Seabolt; and a brother, Homer Stiles.
    Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Maggie Raper Stiles; a daughter, Sandra Kay Rogers and husband Ronnie of Murphy; a son, Donald Stiles and wife Sharlene of Murphy; four sisters, Alma Ivey of Hixson, Tenn., Thelma “Dean” McDonald of Murphy, Jearlean Holbrooks of Dawsonville, Ga., and Doris Roberson of Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Richard Roberson, Jonathan Ledbetter and Charles Raper officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812 and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Nathan Harbin, Kevin Roberson, Clinton, Matthew and Jeff Raper, and Tim Davis. Honorary pallbearers were Dewayne Plemmons, Marty Jones and Lewis Voyles.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    The family requests memorials be made in memory of Ernest Lloyd Stiles to River Valley Baptist Church, 211 Raper Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Ruth Tatham Roper, a lifetime resident of Andrews and true historian, passed from this life Saturday, April 28, 2018, at age 90.
    Ruth worked at Nichols Department Store in Andrews for many years.
    She was a member of Andrews First Baptist Church and a very active member in the Sunday School Group as well as the Young at Heart Group until she became unable to participate.
    Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Golmon Roper, who she married on Oct. 2, 1948, and who passed away Nov. 1, 2014. She also was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lillie Hoyle Tatham; brothers, Roland, Steve, Leslie and George Tatham; and sister, Katherine Penland.
    She is survived by her son, Lynn Roper and wife Sandra; one granddaughter, Natalie Jones and husband Kenny; one step grandson, Scott Christopher; one great-granddaughter, Morgan Estell Jones, as well as two step great-grandchildren, Allen and Alexis Christopher. She also is survived by nieces and nephews, Jack Tatham and wife Joyce, Joe Tatham and wife Judy, Jeannette West, Judy Dukes, Jerry Tatham and wife Shirley, Jane Waters and husband Jimmy, Jimmy Penland and Lou, Teresa Tatham, Leon Tatham and wife Treasie, Gary Tatham and wife Margaret, Richard “Dickie” Tatham and wife  Tootie, Robert Roper and wife Marsha, Phyllis Parker and Gary Roper.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Andrews First Baptist Church with Dr. Calvin Bobo and the Rev. Jerry Tatham officiating. The interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Kenneth Cope, Jim Wilson, Lane Raxter, Gary Kauffman, Eddie Wood and Scott Christopher. Honorary pallbearers were Ray Adams, Maurice Sherrill, Virgil Gibson and Donald Hogan.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Andrews First Baptist Church prior to the service.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Andrews First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 427, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Winnie Garrett Moss, 94, of Hayesville, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Murphy Rehab & Nursing.
    Mrs. Moss was the daughter of the late Joseph Talmadge and Ethel Palmer Watts.
    Winnie graduated high school in the 11th grade. She worked at Wood Hardware in Andrews for more than 30 years and the Older American Program in the U.S. Forest Service.
    Winnie attended Marble Springs Baptist Church until her marriage to Everett Moss, then attended Downings Creek Baptist Church until her health declined.
    Winnie loved writing poetry, reading, gardening, flowers, holidays, going to the beach and, most of all, she loved her family.
    In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, John H. Garrett; brothers, Fred and Vincent Watts; and sisters, Lillian Coffey (James), Marie Mintz (Jack), Janice Mintz (Wayne) and Edith, Mildred and Lucille Watts, who died in infancy.
    She is survived by her husband, Everett Moss of Hayesville; daughter, Leah Montez Sistrunk (Robert) of Young Harris, Ga., and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. The Rev. Zachary Orton officiated. Pallbearers were Nathan McLean, Kirk Mintz, John Mintz, Rick Moss, Peter Cook and Steve Orton.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.
    You may send tributes to the Moss family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Kenneth James Laney, 55, of Marble, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018, at his residence.
    He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.  Kenneth had worked at Lee’s for 17 years and later worked with his brother at Laney’s Lawn Service, until he was injured in a motor vehicle accident.
    He was a member of Old Fashioned Baptist Church.
    Kenneth enjoyed hunting and boating.
    He was the son of Fred Laney of Murphy and the late Millie Craig Laney. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Laney; his maternal grandparents, Ned and Estia Henson Craig; and paternal grandparents, Will and Verdie Bivens Laney.
    Surviving in addition to his father are a son, Kevin Laney of Brasstown; a sister, Jean Laney Evans of Murphy; two brothers, David Laney and wife Teresa and Harold Laney and wife Lori, all of Brassstown; a granddaughter, Morgan Laney; an aunt, Bertha McHan of Andrews; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Aud Brown and Eddie Cook officiating. The interment will be in Little Brasstown Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Gibson, Arvil Chastain, Tripp Ledford, Robby Evans, Isaac Rhodes and Steve Laney.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    The family requests memorials be made in memory of Kenneth James Laney to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Jerry Hudson, 80, of Andrews, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018, at his residence.
    He was the son of the late Rollie Raymond and Vera Marshall Hudson.
    He was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church of Andrews and attended mass at Prince of Peace in Robbinsville.
    Jerry was a U.S. Air Force veteran, and he was involved in the space program in Florida.
    After moving to Andrews, he worked at Magnavox and Baker Furniture. After his retirement, he took great pleasure in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Jerry enjoyed being outdoors in the summer, building fires, playing trivia with his friends, taking trips and family get-togethers.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Hudson Prather; sisters, Aggie, Maureen and Shelia; and son-in-law, Robert Simpson.
    He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally Hudson of Andrews; daughters, Linda Simpson of Andrews and Julie Norcross and husband John of Robbinsville; son, Dan Hudson and wife Susan of Robbinsville; brothers, Ray Hudson of Colorado and Lowell Hudson of Alabama; brother-in-law, Gary Fox of Kansas; sisters-in-law, Sonya Moore and Priscilla Baker of Wyoming; grandchildren, Drew Norcross of Robbinsville, Chad Prather and wife Holly and Shay Simpson, all of Andrews; great-grandchildren, Maleia and Kellan; and several nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Andrews. Father George Byers will officiate.
    The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andrews Food Bank, P.O. Box 843, Andrews NC 28901.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
    You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com.

    Alan Dockery, 65, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Asheville.
     He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the son of Ruby Dockery of Murphy.
    Alan was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
    In addition to his mother he is survived by one son, Timothy Dockery; one daughter, Amanda Morrow; seven grandchildren and two great-grandkids.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 30, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Aud Brown officiated. Burial was in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites will be 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.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Monday, April 30, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Dockery family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Ronald Edward Collins, 74, of Marble, passed away Monday, April 24, 2018, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    He was born in Cherokee County, the son of the late Lee and Laura Truitt Collins.
    Ronald went into the U.S. Air Force in May 1969. He worked with the U.S. Secret Service as a White House policeman serving under President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford.
    He retired from the U.S. Customs after more than 20 years.
    Ronald moved back home in 1999, built a garage and started working on boats and anything else that was broken. He never met a stranger and was an animal lover. Ronald was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray and Bill Collins; and one sister, Mary Jo Kilpatrick.
    He is survived by his companion of 17 years, Shirley Roberson; one son, Allen Collins and wife Jackie; one daughter, Jeanette Collins; four grandsons, one granddaughter and one great-granddaughter.
    A memorial service were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Marble Springs Baptist Church. Military rites were conducted by 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.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ASPCA for animals, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929 or to your local veterans organization.
    You may send tributes to the Collins family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Eloise Sutton Caldwell, 86, of Marble, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Murphy Medical Center.  
    Mrs. Caldwell was born June 6, 1931, in Murphy to the late Leaman Sutton and Ora Gibson Sutton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Caldwell; and her brother and sisters, Wilma Palmer, Kathleen Heltzel, Ruth West, JoAnn Cook and Adam Sutton.
    In her spare time, Eloise enjoyed gardening, reading and, most of all, spending time with her grandson and daughter.
    Survivors include her daughter, Renee Caldwell; grandson, Colby Pace; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
    Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy with the Revs. Aud Brown and Donald Cook officiating. Interment followed in Scroggs Family Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Johnny Sutton, Scott Sutton, Jimmy Cook, Dustin McKee, Tim Brown and Roy Lee.
    The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Friday, April 27, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphybefore the service. Flowers will be accepted or you may make a donation to help with funeral expenses.
    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.

    Brenda Sue Hughes, 56, of Black Jack Road, Blairsville, Ga., passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at home following an extended illness.
    Mrs. Hughes was born Sept. 27, 1961, in Murphy,  the daughter of James Kenneth Rogers and Murrial Kate Brown Rogers.
    She was a lifelong resident of Union County, Ga. She was employed as a teacher with the Union County School system. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother.
    She was preceded in death by a grandson, Juda Ellington in 2013; and a brother, Charles Rogers in 1999.
    Brenda was a member of Nottley Baptist Church.
    Surviving Brenda are her loving husband and best friend of 38 years, Kenny Hughes of Blairsville; her parents, Kenneth and Murrial Rogers of Murphy; one daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Matthew Ellington of Valdosta, Ga.; one son, Josh Hughes of Blairsville; one sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Chris Johnson of Murphy; three grandchildren, Stella, Jovie and Mila Kate Ellington; and many other relatives and friends also survive.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday May 4, from Mountain View Chapel with the Revs. Hoyt Brown and Harrison Bradley officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers: Brent Kelley, Matt Ellington, Chris Johnson, Marty Payne, Chris Ballew, Justin Jarrett, Tim Odom and James Bradley. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Deana Stevenson, Holly Cook, Pam Abernathy, Wendy Abercrombie, Brooke Sosensky, Sherrie Stover and Alicia Cox. Interment will follow in Bellview Community Cemetery.
    In lieu of flowers, if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to help defray expenses in Brenda’s memory.
    The family will meet with friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at the funeral home.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of arrangements.
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

    Dec. 4, 1935-April 30, 2018
    Bennie O. Glenn Jr. of Murphy passed away Monday, April 30, 2018.
    Bennie enjoyed going to church, visiting with his friends at church, and loved ringing the church bell.
    He is survived by his beautiful wife, Hilda Glenn, to whom he was married for 61 years; and his three children and their families.
    A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at Murphy First Baptist Church.
    Life is not always easy, but with God, we can overcome all problems.
    Bennie will be missed by all who knew him, but was welcomed into heaven with open arms and a big celebration, another angel has come home.

    Margie Payne, 84, of Brasstown, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 3, 2018, at her residence surrounded by her three devoted daughters.
    Margie was a native and lifetime resident of the Brasstown community.
    Margie worked numerous years for Four Square Community Action in Clay County before beginning a successful career in real estate. She also was instrumental in the founding of the Brasstown Volunteer Fire Department.
    Margie was an active member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
    Margie enjoyed quilting, gardening, water skiing, camping, and playing cards with friends and family. She was a great friend throughout her life to all she met.
    She was the daughter of the late Lela Groves Sparks and wife of the late Max Payne, who died March 9, 2018. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Mease; two sisters, Stella Sparks and Ann Stephens; and a brother, Jim Sparks.
    Surviving are three daughters, Debi Mease and husband Gary of Hayesville, and Linda McKeever and husband Bill and Diana Brown and husband Andrew, all of Brasstown; five sisters, Bernice Henderson, Frances Sparks, Marilyn Ivester, Laura Stamey and Patsy Harper, all of Young Harris, Ga.; seven grandchildren, Nathan Mease, Emily Price, Lindsey Strong, and Lilly, Asher, Will and Ellie Brown; three great-grandchildren, Hayden and Lyla Price, and Mitchell Strong; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 7, in Little Brasstown Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Byron and Brock Harper, Heath Henderson, Jeff Stamey, and Brad and Curtis Stephens.
    The family will receive friends from 3-4:45 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Margie Payne to Brasstown Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 55, Brasstown, NC 28902.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Walter Edward Puett, 61, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2018.
    He was a native of Murphy, but lived in Stone Mountain, Ga., for 12 years, where he worked for Shepherd Construction as a silk screener for highway signs. Ed moved back to Murphy in 1995.
    Ed loved playing the guitar, and enjoyed the outdoors and walking.
    He was the son of the late Walter Ray and Moselle Moore Puett.
    Surviving are a sister, Terelle Harr and husband Bruce of Murphy; a brother, Terry E. Puett of Murphy; two nieces, Tiffany Puett and Katy Beaver Butterworth and husband Craig, all of Boone.
    A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, May 25, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Denny Smith officiating. A private inurnment will be in Sunset Cemetery.
    The family will receive friends from 3-3:50 p.m. Friday, May 25, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Walter Edward Puett to the Hurlburt-Johnson Homeless Shelter, 119 Peachtree St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Margie Payne, 84, of Brasstown, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 3, 2018, at her residence surrounded by her three devoted daughters.
    Margie was a native and lifetime resident of the Brasstown community.
    Margie worked numerous years for Four Square Community Action in Clay County before beginning a successful career in real estate.
    She also was instrumental in the founding of the Brasstown Volunteer Fire Department.
    Margie was an active member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
    Margie enjoyed quilting, gardening, water skiing, camping, and playing cards with friends and family. She was a great friend throughout her life to all she met.
    She was the daughter of the late Lela Groves Sparks and wife of the late Max Payne, who died March 9, 2018. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Mease; two sisters, Stella Sparks and Ann Stephens; and a brother, Jim Sparks.
    Surviving are three daughters, Debi Mease and husband Gary of Hayesville, and Linda McKeever and husband Bill and Diana Brown and husband Andrew, all of Brasstown; five sisters, Bernice Henderson, Frances Sparks, Marilyn Ivester, Laura Stamey and Patsy Harper, all of Young Harris, Ga.; seven grandchildren, Nathan Mease, Emily Price, Lindsey Strong, and Lilly, Asher, Will and Ellie Brown; three great-grandchildren, Hayden and Lyla Price, and Mitchell Strong; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 7, in Little Brasstown Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Byron and Brock Harper, Heath Henderson, Jeff Stamey, and Brad and Curtis Stephens.
    The family will receive friends from 3-4:45 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Margie Payne to Brasstown Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 55, Brasstown, NC 28902.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Christopher Lynn Payne Mosteller, 48, of Marble, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018, at his home.
    Christopher was born on Aug. 10, 1969, in Andrews to LeRoy Payne and the late Mary Sharon Bradley Messer. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his adopted father, Claude Mosteller; brother, Elie Payne Sutton; and sister, Amy Ruth Mosteller.
    Christopher was Baptist in faith and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and reading. He also loved spending time with his family and friends.
    Survivors include his sons, Josh Twiggs and Christopher Mosteller; sister, Helga Payne Calloway; sister, Kimberly Payne Wackenhut; sister, Lori Payne Moore; brother, James Matthew Mosteller; sister, Angel Payne Kisselburg; sister, Amanda Payne; seven grandchildren, Grace and Trace Twiggs, Carter Israel, Jaydin Lee Mosteller, Rebecca Mosteller, Elle Mosteller, and Sylas Mosteller; and several nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Cochran Funeral Home.
    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.