Ken McClure, 74, of Sparta, Ga., died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018.
    A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, in the Loganville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home.
    Mr. McClure served in the United States Army and was retired from the Georgia Power Co.
    Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Ina McClure of Murphy.
    He is survived by his wife, Phyllis McClure, Sparta, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Tony Heard, Loganville, Ga.; grandchildren, Blake Heard and Kennedy Heard, Loganville, Ga.; brother and sister-in-law, Garry and Sue McClure, Murphy; brother-in-law Mike Bryant, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Pam and Tommy Jordan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Keith and Becky Bryant, all of Blairsville, Ga.; several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
    In lieu of flowers, the family ask that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 in memory of Ken McClure.
    The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 670 Tom Brewer Road Loganville, GA 30052. 770-466-1544.
    Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.

    Eleanor Allen Hemming, 84, of Farner, Tenn., passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in a Polk County, Tenn., care facility.
    Eleanor was a native of Cherokee County, but lived most of her life in Farner, Tenn.
    She worked at Coats America for 15 years.
    Eleanor was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Martha Chapter No. 246, and Turtletown Baptist Church. She loved bluegrass music, played the guitar and played with Coker Creek Grass.
    She was the daughter of the late Gilbert Oscar and Martha Powell Hickey, and wife of the late J.D. Allen, who died April 21, 1986, and James W. Hemming, who died May 14, 2018.
    Surviving are several step sisters and brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Ray Harper and Luke Hall officiating. Interment will be in River Hill Cemetery. Nephews will serve as pallbearers, and nieces will serve as honorary pallbearers.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    The family requests memorial be made in memory of Eleanor Allen Hemming to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Mary Pendergrass Hartness Wright, 91, of Murphy, went to be with Jesus on Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, at Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing.
    She was the daughter of the late Floyd Pendergrass and Mary W. Pendergrass. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Vernie Long Hartness Jr., and second husband, Tom Wright; brothers, Howard (Pete) Pendergrass, Hubert Pendergrass and Charles Pendergrass; and her sister, Martha Julia Pendergrass.
    Mary was a homemaker and member of Snow Hill Baptist Church.
    She is survived by her three children, Tex Hartness and wife Cheryl, Louise Gunter and Mike Hartness of the home; five grandchildren, Tiffany Hickson, Trisha Hartness, Jeremy Gunter, Tia Ayers and Joe Gunter; and six great-grandchildren.
    A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Aquone Cemetery in the Nantahala community.
    You may send tributes to the Wright family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Thomas “Tom” James Perry, 77, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, in an Atlanta, Ga., hospital.
    He grew up in Lake Orion, Mich.
    Tom served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran.
    He later moved to South Florida, where he had worked for South Florida Mack Truck for 17 years. Tom retired to Murphy in 1997, and worked for Pro Flame locally.
    He was a member of the Masons, Eastern Star and Shriners organizations. He also was a member of the VFW Post 10222, Murphy.
    Tom was an avid motorcycle rider and belonged to the Mustang Motorcycle Club in Miami, Fla.
    He was the son of the late William Perry and Thelma Stickel Perry Butler. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Judy Bowman.
    Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Dixie Perry; a daughter, Tamia Perry Van Nest and husband Clint of Kissimee, Fla.; a granddaughter, Brette Van Nest Burgos and husband Ron of Corpus Christi, Texas; a stepson, John W. Dennis and wife Jennine of Bowie, Md.; two step-grandchildren, Trisha Snowden and husband Matt of Bowie, Md., and William D. Dennis of Birmingham, Ala.; two step-great-grandchildren, Hailey and Gavin Snowden; a sister, Carolyn Gerber and husband Larry of Redding, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
    The interment will be at a later date in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Georgetown, Del.
    The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Thomas “Tom” James Perry to the Shriners Hospital, c/o Chuck VanGorder, P.O. Box 307, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Mary Pendergrass Hartness Wright, 91, of Murphy, went to be with Jesus on Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018, at Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing.
    She was the daughter of the late Floyd Pendergrass and Mary W. Pendergrass.
    She was preceded in death by her first husband, Vernie Long Hartness Jr., and second husband, Tom Wright; brothers, Howard (Pete) Pendergrass, Hubert Pendergrass and Charles Pendergrass; and her sister, Martha Julia Pendergrass.
    Mary was a homemaker and member of Snow Hill Baptist Church.
    She is survived by her three children, Tex Hartness and wife Cheryl, Louise Gunter and Mike Hartness of the home; five grandchildren, Tiffany Hickson, Trisha Hartness, Jeremy Gunter, Tia Ayers and Joe Gunter; and six great-grandchildren.
    A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Aquone Cemetery in the Nantahala community.
    You may send tributes to the Wright family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Thomas “Tom” James Perry, 77, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, in an Atlanta, Ga., hospital.
    He grew up in Lake Orion, Mich.
    Tom served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam veteran.
    He later moved to south Florida, where he worked with South Florida Mack Truck for 17 years.
    Tom retired to Murphy in 1997, and worked for Pro Flame locally.
    He was a member of the Masons, Eastern Star and Shriners organizations. He also was a member of VFW Post 10222 in Murphy.
    Tom was an avid motorcycle rider and belonged to the Mustang Motorcycle Club in Miami, Fla.
    He was the son of the late William Perry and Thelma Stickel Perry Butler. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Judy Bowman.
    Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Dixie Perry; a daughter, Tamia Perry Van Nest and husband Clint of Kissimee, Fla.; a granddaughter, Brette Van Nest Burgos and husband Ron of Corpus Christi, Texas; a stepson, John W. Dennis and wife Jennine of Bowie, Md.; two step-grandchildren, Trisha Snowden and husband Matt of Bowie, Md., and William D. Dennis of Birmingham, Ala.; two step-great-grandchildren, Hailey and Gavin Snowden; a sister, Carolyn Gerber and husband Larry of Redding, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
    The interment will be at a later date in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Georgetown, Del.
    The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Thomas “Tom” James Perry to the Shriners Hospital, c/o Chuck VanGorder, P.O. Box 307, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Eleanor Allen Hemming, 84, of Farner, Tenn., passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in a Polk County, Tenn., care facility.
    Eleanor was a native of Cherokee County, but lived most of her life in Farner, Tenn.
    She worked at Coats America for 15 years.
    Eleanor was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Martha Chapter No. 246, and Turtletown Baptist Church.
    She loved bluegrass music, played the guitar and played with Coker Creek Grass.
    She was the daughter of the late Gilbert Oscar and Martha Powell Hickey, and wife of the late J.D. Allen, who died April 21, 1986, and James W. Hemming, who died May 14, 2018.
    Surviving are several stepsisters and brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Ray Harper and Luke Hall officiating.
    Interment was in River Hill Cemetery. Nephews served as pallbearers, and nieces served as honorary pallbearers.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    The family requests memorial be made in memory of Eleanor Allen Hemming to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

Dec. 6, 1944 – Dec. 6, 2018
    Jamie A. Roth passed away on her birthday Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at the VA Hospital in Orlando, Fla.
    She was a native of Williams County, Ohio. She moved to Murphy from Florida 17 years ago.
    Jamie was an administrative assistant and travel coordinator for NASA, prior to working for Walmart in Murphy.
    Jamie loved to spend time with family and friends.
    She attended Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
    She was preceded in death by her mother and father.
    She is survived by her daughters; sons-in-law; and two grandchildren, Tamara Munsey (Russell Munsey), Yolanda Martin (Drew Martin); grandson, Patrick Weatherford; and granddaughter, Alexia Martin.
    A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, 1650 N.C. 141, Murphy. Pastor Chris Furl will officiate.
    The family will celebrate her life in the fellowship hall after the service.
    Please contact the church for any arrangements at 828-835-3154.

    Lillie Mae “Toots” White Goins, 94, of Andrews, passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in a Cleveland, Tenn., hospital.
    She was a native of Andrews, where she lived most of her life. She was a member of Valleytown Baptist Church.
    Lillie Mae enjoyed gardening; her dog, Harley; family; and most especially her grandkids.
    She was the daughter of the late Franklin Hardie and Elizabeth Taylor White, and wife of the late James Goins, who died Sept. 22, 1992. She also was preceded in death by four sisters, Madge Postell, Maggie Hardin, Dixie Parker and Doris Moore; and three brothers, Walter, Claude and Arlin White.
    Surviving are a son, James Terry Goins of Georgetown, Tenn.; two sisters, Emma Hogan and Iris Plemmons, both of Andrews; three grandchildren, Dawn Bradshaw and husband Brian of Sugar Grove, Ohio, James Terry “Buzz” Goins II of Georgetown, Tenn., and Tera Lyda and husband Kenny of Hixson, Tenn.; a step-granddaughter, Holly Swan and husband Glen of Georgetown, Tenn.; seven great-grandchildren, Brittney Headrick and husband Justin, Taylor Lunsford and husband Zachery, Avery Bradshaw and wife, Lisa, Casey Goins, Savannah Goins, Lilly Graham and Kenlee Lyda; two step-great-grandchildren, Lauren and Trey Swan; four great-great-grandchildren, Hunter and Ryland Lunsford, and Franklyn and Lavada Headrick; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, in Valleytown Baptist Church with the Rev. Marlon Blaylock and John Cook officiating. The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brian and Avery Bradshaw, Justin Headrick, Zachery Lunsford, and Eddie and Joe Parker.
    The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Valleytown Baptist Church prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lillie Mae “Toots” White Goins to Valleytown Baptist Church, P.O. Box 640, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Thomas “Tommy” Manuel Wayne Queen, 37, of Clyde, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018.
    Tommy was born in Murphy on April 21, 1981, into a loving family that will forever remember the roles he played in their lives, whether it was husband, son, uncle or brother. But importantly, Tommy will be cherished for the way he fulfilled those roles. He did so with unparalleled wit, zeal, humor, compassion and depth.
    A graduate of a personalized and rigorous homeschool program, The Queen Academy, where the concepts of continuing education and self-improvement were instilled.
    Tommy was a modern-day renaissance man. He was a perfectionist and mastered everything he attempted. A talented musician, photographer, naturalist and outdoorsman. He was also a skilled cook and electrician. Whether it was these skills or his deft use with a needle for sewing and crocheting, Tommy was always there to offer his services to those many people whom he loved. 
    Though rigorous with those pursuits, not to mention his passionate, often endearingly quirky, love of team sports and pop culture (Alex Trebek has yet to ask a question that Tommy couldn’t answer. Magnum P.I. will never touch Tommy’s swagger).
    Tommy was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is this fact that directed and arched over his entire life. His membership in this faith was the root of all that he was, all that he accomplished.
    He was preceded in death by his cousin, Andrea Debaun Duncan.
    Surviving are his loving wife, Jennifer Letize Queen; his parents, John Queen and Susan Franza Queen of Canton; siblings, Justina Goodman and her husband J.J. of Canton, Kendra Queen-Taylor and her husband Ben of Asheville, John Michael Queen and his wife Victoria of Roan Mountain; and a host of cousins, in-laws and friends.
    He continues to be the loved and loving uncle “Tido” to his nephews Tré, Wolfgang, and Jagyr; and his niece, Roqi.
    A memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at the Colonial Theater, 53 Park St., Canton, NC 28716. Brandon Firestine officiated the service. A reception for family and friends followed at the Colonial Annex.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Locks of Love at 234 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405.
    Crawford/Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Canton, was honored to be caring for the Queen family.
    Words of comfort may be shared at www.CrawfordRay.com.

Dec. 6, 1944 – Dec. 6, 2018
    Jamie A. Roth passed away on her birthday Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at the VA Hospital in Orlando, Fla.
    She was a native of Williams County, Ohio. She moved to Murphy from Florida 17 years ago.
    Jamie was an administrative assistant and travel coordinator for NASA, prior to working for Walmart in Murphy.
    Jamie loved to spend time with family and friends.
    She attended Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.
    She was preceded in death by her mother and father.
    She is survived by her daughters; sons-in-law; and two grandchildren, Tamara Munsey (Russell Munsey), Yolanda Martin (Drew Martin); grandson, Patrick Weatherford; and granddaughter, Alexia Martin.
    A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at Peachtree
Memorial Baptist Church, 1650 N.C. 141 in Murphy. Pastor Chris Furl will officiate.
    The family will celebrate her life in the fellowship hall after the service.
    Please contact the church for any arrangements at 828-835-3154.

    Tony Coffey, 56, of Hayesville, passed away Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, at the Clay County Care Center.
    He was born in Cherokee County to the late Luther Dale and Beverly Iris Brown Coffey.
    Tony was a salesman.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Steve Coffey.
    He is survived by two brothers, Brian Coffey and wife Kimberly, and Tim Coffey; five nieces, one great-niece, five great-nephews; and several aunts and uncles.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Speakers were Ed Callais, Johnny Moore and Tim Coffey. Burial was in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jody Moncrief, John Rast, Allan Whisler, Ed Callais, Gerry Molineaux and Johnny Moore.
    The family received friends from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Coffey family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Richard Postell, 63, of Murphy, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at his residence.
    Richard was born July 6, 1955, in Andrews, the son of Juanita Hicks Postell and the late Rev. Ralph Dee.
    In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by brothers Morris Postell, Norris Postell and Mike Postell; and a sister, Marilyn Amos.
    He was a loving and caring son, husband, father, brother and friend.
    Richard was a member and deacon of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Murphy. He previously served as deacon at Ranger Baptist Church.
    Richard had a true servant heart. He constantly looked for ways to help other people and would give you the shirt off his back. He was affectionately known as the “Candy Man” because he gave away candy everywhere he went.
    He was a hardworking man who spent his life doing mostly telephone construction. He had been owner/operator of Postell Telephone Construction until retiring in 2008. He loved working with his hands and could do just about anything. He also loved hunting, fishing and riding his Harley.
    Survivors include his mother, Juanita Hicks Postell of Andrews; wife of 45 years, Evelyn Potts Postell; son, Travis Richard Postell; sisters, Barbara Baine (Wayne) of Murphy and Rebecca Campbell (Vader) of Robbinsville; brothers, Alan Postell (Rosalee) and Jim Postell (Cyndi) of Andrews; several nieces, nephews; and many other relatives and friends also survive.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Red Marble Baptist Church in Andrews. The Revs. Gerald Derreberry and Zach Orton will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews and great-nephews.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy and will also receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Red Marble Baptist Church in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Postell family at www.townson-rose.com.
     Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Jorden Edward Lanphere, 76, of Murphy, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019.
    He was born in Ripley, N.Y., to the late Harvey and Alice Lorraine Manning Lanphere.
    Jorden worked for Jiffy Foods. He was a member of the Moose Lodge No. 2199 in Cape Coral, Fla., and an honorary VFW member in North East, PA.
    Jorden enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, snow sledding and his church family. He was a member of Junaluska Baptist Church for 24 years.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harvey Lanphere Jr. and Royal Lanphere; and one sister, Norriel Near.
    He is survived by his loving wife, Marshan Katherine Culver Lanphere; one son, Joseph Lanphere and wife Pamela; one daughter, Wanda Hoyt and husband Brian; four grandchildren, Brittany Hoyt, Dominick Hoyt, Andrew Lanphere and wife Courtney, and Elizabeth Lanphere; two great-grandchildren, Jensen Hoyt and Isabella Lanphere; three brothers, Bernard Lanphere, Paul Lanphere and wife Sandra, and Gary Lanphere; three sisters, Rita Bennett, Sharrie Greene and Lana Bowman and husband Elwood; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Culver.
    Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Junaluska Baptist Church in Andrews. Pastor Tully Griggs and Brother Travis Freeman officiate. Music was provided by Junaluska Baptist Church Choir. Pallbearers were Dominick Hoyt, Andrew Lanphere, Brian McCoy, Brian Rose, Jason Rowland and Melvin Hicks. Honorary pallbearers were Randy West, Bryan McClure and men of Junaluska Baptist Church. A graveside service was held at noon Monday, Jan. 7, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Murphy. The Rev. Patrick O’Dell conducted the graveside service.
    The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Junaluska Baptist Church in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Lanphere family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Lillie Mae “Toots” White Goins, 94, of Andrews, passed away Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in a Cleveland, Tenn., hospital.
    She was a native of Andrews, where she lived most of her life. She was a member of Valleytown Baptist Church.
    Lillie Mae enjoyed gardening; her dog, Harley; family; and most especially her grandkids.
    She was the daughter of the late Franklin Hardie and Elizabeth Taylor White, and wife of the late James Goins, who died Sept. 22, 1992. She also was preceded in death by four sisters, Madge Postell, Maggie Hardin, Dixie Parker and Doris Moore; and three brothers, Walter, Claude and Arlin White.
    Surviving are a son, James Terry Goins of Georgetown, Tenn.; two sisters, Emma Hogan and Iris Plemmons, both of Andrews; three grandchildren, Dawn Bradshaw and husband Brian of Sugar Grove, Ohio, James Terry “Buzz” Goins II of Georgetown, Tenn., and Tera Lyda and husband Kenny of Hixson, Tenn.; a step-granddaughter, Holly Swan and husband Glen of Georgetown, Tenn.; seven great-grandchildren, Brittney Headrick and husband Justin, Taylor Lunsford and husband Zachery, Avery Bradshaw and wife, Lisa, Casey Goins, Savannah Goins, Lilly Graham and Kenlee Lyda; two step-great-grandchildren, Lauren and Trey Swan; four great-great-grandchildren, Hunter and Ryland Lunsford, and Franklyn and Lavada Headrick; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, in Valleytown Baptist Church with the Rev. Marlon Blaylock and John Cook officiating. The interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brian and Avery Bradshaw, Justin Headrick, Zachery Lunsford, and Eddie and Joe Parker.
    The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Valleytown Baptist Church prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lillie Mae “Toots” White Goins to Valleytown Baptist Church, P.O. Box 640, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Thomas “Tommy” Manuel Wayne Queen, 37, of Clyde, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018.
    Tommy was born in Murphy on April 21, 1981, into a loving family that will forever remember the roles he played in their lives, whether it was husband, son, uncle or brother. But importantly, Tommy will be cherished for the way he fulfilled those roles. He did so with unparalleled wit, zeal, humor, compassion and depth.
    A graduate of a personalized and rigorous homeschool program, The Queen Academy, where the concepts of continuing education and self-improvement were instilled.
    Tommy was a modern-day renaissance man. He was a perfectionist and mastered everything he attempted. A talented musician, photographer, naturalist and outdoorsman. He was also a skilled cook and electrician. Whether it was these skills or his deft use with a needle for sewing and crocheting, Tommy was always there to offer his services to those many people whom he loved. 
    Though rigorous with those pursuits, not to mention his passionate, often endearingly quirky, love of team sports and pop culture (Alex Trebek has yet to ask a question that Tommy couldn’t answer. Magnum P.I. will never touch Tommy’s swagger).
    Tommy was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is this fact that directed and arched over his entire life. His membership in this faith was the root of all that he was, all that he accomplished.
    He was preceded in death by his cousin, Andrea Debaun Duncan.
    Surviving are his loving wife, Jennifer Letize Queen; his parents, John Queen and Susan Franza Queen of Canton; siblings, Justina Goodman and her husband J.J. of Canton, Kendra Queen-Taylor and her husband Ben of Asheville, John Michael Queen and his wife Victoria of Roan Mountain; and a host of cousins, in-laws and friends.
    He continues to be the loved and loving uncle “Tido” to his nephews Tré, Wolfgang and Jagyr; and his niece, Roqi.
    A memorial service was held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at the Colonial Theater, 53 Park St., Canton, NC 28716. Brandon Firestine officiated the service. A reception for family and friends followed at the Colonial Annex.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Locks of Love at 234 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405.
    Crawford/Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Canton, was honored to be caring for the Queen family.
    Words of comfort may be shared at www.CrawfordRay.com.

    Mary Lou Mills Chambers, 92, of Cornelia, Ga., and formerly of Murphy, passed away Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at Fannin Regional Hospital in Blue Ridge, Ga.
    She was a native of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Dewey and Hattie Killian Mills.
    She was retired from Johnson & Johnson as a quality assurance controller.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Kenneth Mills and Claude Mills; and sisters, Ruby Sims and Edith Mills.
    She is survived by her husband, Irvin J. Chambers; nieces, Phoebe Hedden, Margaret Hurlburt, Amy Hughes, Helen Hamilton, Shirley Robinson; nephew, Vinson Sims; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
    Funeral services were held at noon Friday, Jan, 4, 2019, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Dr. Eddis Dockery officiated. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Bradley Hurlburt, Millard Hurlburt, Jason Hughes, Ethan Hughes, Justin Hedden and Tanner Creelman.
    The family received friends from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 4, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 871 Weigarber Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.
    You may send tributes to the Chambers family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Joanne H. Newman Johnson, born Sept. 13, 1936, departed this life on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. She resided in Lawrenceville, Ga.
    The daughter of Joe and Polly Hawkins, Joanne was born and grew up in Murphy. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, Ga., and former member of Shady Grove Baptist Church of Murphy.
    Joanne retired after more than 40 years with The Coca Cola Co. She was active in the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Coca Cola board of directors for the Coca Cola alumni association, Business, Professional Women and First United Methodist Women and Genealogy, and a very active member in First United Methodist Joy class.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Johnson; her parents, Polly and Joe Hawkins; sister, Frances Price; brothers, J.C Hawkins, Howard Hawkins and Johnny Hawkins; and son, Jeff Johnson.
    She is survived by her children, Lisa Murchison, Jean and Keith Young, Sandy and Steve Morris, Judy Bell, and Steve and Kristen Johnson; grandchildren, Jamie and Kristi Murchison, Brad Murchison, Robert and William Johnson, Caroline Young, LeeAnn Morris, Ashleigh Morris, Brennan Morris, Rachael Bell, Carmen and Ryan Johnson; and great-grandson, Doyle Murchison; brother, Joe Hawkins; sisters-in-law, Gail and Kay Hawkins; and special nieces and nephews.
    In lieu of flowers, Joanne asked for donations to be made to either The First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, Ga., or Shady Grove Cemetery in Murphy.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at The First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville located at 395 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA 30046.  
    Any additional service announcements can be found at the Wages & Sons website link: https://www.wagesandsons.com/obit/joanne-newman-johnson/.

    Dorothy “Dot” McMahan Owenby, 94, of Andrews, passed away Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in a Murphy care facility.
    Dorothy was a native of Nantahala, but lived in Andrews most of her life. Dot worked at Berkshire Mills and Lay’s 5 & 10 throughout her life.
    She was a member of Faith Baptist Tabernacle, where she volunteered with “The Golden Girls” serving families in need.
    She was the daughter of the late Horace Judson and Esther Mashburn McMahan, and wife of the late David Lee “D.L.” Owenby Jr. She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Mantolene Ivester and an infant sister, Pauline McMahan; two brothers, J.D. McMahan and an infant brother, Kenneth McMahan; two sisters-in-law, Martha McMahan and Margie McMahan; and a brother-in-law, J.V. Ivester.
    Surviving are a son, Dick Lee Owenby and wife Shirley of Dillon, Mont.; a grandson, David Lee Owenby and wife Kelley of Erie, Colo.; a sister, Janet Cearley and husband Joe of Chatsworth, Ga.; four brothers, Manuel McMahan and Doyle McMahan, both of High Point, Dillard McMahan and wife Hildred of Topton, and James McMahan and wife Vivian of Andrews; a sister-in-law, Wanda McMahan of High Point; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Faith Baptist Tabernacle with the Revs. Wayne Morgan and Eddie Hardin officiating. The interment will be in Briartown Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gary McMahan, John Kilpatrick, J.D. Queen, Pearly Owenby, Kenny McMahan and Mitchell Hughes.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, 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 Dorothy “Dot” McMahan Owenby to Briartown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Sidney May, 877 Briartown Church Road, Topton, NC 28781.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Fern Dennis, 69, of Cape Coral, Fla., and Murphy, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019.
    She was born June 19, 1949, in Trenton, N.J., to Frank and Pearl Pagliaro.
    Fern began her career as a radiology technician at Helene Fuld Hospital in Trenton, N.J. Upon moving to Lee County in 1975, she continued her career in radiology and managed the Women’s Breast Center for several years. She spent her adult life educating and creating awareness regarding breast cancer. Fern retired from Lee Health in 2011 as director of ambulatory services.
    She enjoyed spending her time volunteering and boating with her husband, Denny.
    Fern will be greatly missed by her husband of 49 years, Denny; son, Gregory W. Dennis; sister, Lynne (Ben) Bell; brother, Guy (LeeAnn) Pagliaro; as well as several nieces and nephews.
    There will be a private Celebration of Life held for the family at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society of Fort Myers.
    To express condolences to the family, please visit
www.LTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guest book.
    Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services in Punta Gorda, Fla.