Jennifer Lynn Martin, 47, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at her home.
    Jennifer was born Nov. 9, 1971, in Andrews to Randall Davidson and Cathy Holloway Davidson.
    A member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church, Jennifer worked as an LPN.
    In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening, hiking and traveling. She was a talented singer and loved to care for others.
    Survivors include her parents, Randall and Cathy Davidson of Murphy; one son, Justin Martin of Murphy; two brothers, Jeffery Martin (wife Tracy) and Joseph Martin (wife Robin); one sister, Jeannie Pumphrey (husband Guy); one nephew, Jonathan Pumphrey; one niece, Sarah Martin; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
    Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. Interment followed in the Holloway Family Cemetery. Pallbearers were Justin Martin, Jonathan Pumphrey, Ray Gutierrez, Matt Gutierrez, Korey Eller and Brian Jackson.
    The family received friends from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at Cochran Funeral Home, Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Logan’s Run or the Valley River Humane Society.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Geraldine Grace Swartz, 91, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at PruittHealth – Town Center in Harrisburg.
    She was born March 26, 1927, in Crow, W.Va., to the late William and Bertha Boley Redden.
    Geraldine was an insurance agent for Independent Life and also worked several years for the Social Security office.
    She was an ordained minister with the Church of the Science of Minds.
    Geraldine traveled extensively. She was a member of Alcohol Anonymous for 47 years and attended the Church of the Science of Minds in Blairsville, Ga.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo W. Swartz; and four brothers and five sisters.
    She is survived by three sons, Jerry Carpenter of Ocala, Fla., Merle Radford of Concord and Franklin Radford of Fort Myers, Fla.; one sister, Marie Oaks of Shady Springs, W.Va.; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
    A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made from the AA members only can be made to: Alcohol Anonymous, 444 Hill St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Lawrence (Larry) Jerome Cannan, 63, of Murphy in Cherokee County, for the past 19 years, passed away Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at his residence.  
    He was born in Rochester, N.Y., on July 14, 1955.  He is the son of the late Sheral Ruth Greenberg Cannan, who passed away June 21, 1994.  
    Larry worked as a police officer for the Broward County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office and Boca Raton (Fla.) Police Department before retiring in 2000.
    He worked as a correction officer, road deputy, motorcycle officer and traffic homicide officer.
    When he moved to Murphy, he worked at Fatback’s Citgo as a manager for 16 years before retiring a year and a half ago.
    Larry loved his family and friends, was an excellent bowler, loved all kinds of sports, riding his Goldwing and camping.
    Surviving are his wife, Theresa Diana Gerhard Cannan of Murphy; a daughter, Jennifer White and husband Thomas of West Palm Beach, Fla.; three sons, Jason Cannan of Reston, Va., Dominick Lanza of Beech Grove, Tenn., and Richard Lanza and wife Jennifer of Naples, Fla.; a sister, Susan Gutterman and husband Paul of Ocala, Fla.; and 12 grandchildren.
    There will be a Celebration of Life from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Also another Celebration of Life at a later date in Florida.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Larry Jerome Cannan to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/north-carolina.html.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Jerome “Jerry” Wolff, 75, of Murphy, relocated to a very upscale neighborhood Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, after a struggle with cancer. He left this world with his cat in his lap and his wife’s hand in his.
    His father, Kenneth, and his mother, Virginia, a/k/a Saint Jenny, arrived before him. Jerry is looking forward to meeting his wife, Kimberly; his children, Michelle (James) Diltz of Marysville, Calif., and David Wolff of Merritt Island, Fla.; his grandchildren, Michael, Kyle and Roxanna; and five great-grandchildren upon their arrival. He’s also paving the way for his four siblings: Ken (Doris) Wolff, Cathy (Gerry) Oesterreich, Jim (Nikki) Wolff, all of Lake Mills, Wis., and JoAnn (Tom) Busse of West Bend, Wis. It’ll be up to them to prepare the way for their numerous children and grandchildren.
    Jerry grew up in Lake Mills, Wis., and worked throughout his high school years at the Pyramid Cafe.
    Upon graduating, he turned down a college scholarship to join the U.S. Air Force. During his 20 years of service, he visited 18 different countries. In England, he heard The Beatles perform when they were nothing more than a pub’s house band.
    While stateside, he married the mother of his two children, Christina.
    Upon finishing his military career, he returned to Lake Mills to be director of public works. After two years of living in the frozen tundra, they moved to sunny Florida, where they later divorced.
    In 1991, while employed as service and construction manager in mobile home retirement communities, he met the love of his life, Kimberly, and they married in 1993. Having no children of their own, he played the role of second dad and Santa Claus to his two Florida nieces, Kristina and Andrea Post.
    Upon his second retirement at age 62, they moved to Murphy, where he participated in building his wife’s dream home and was a part of the early years of MountainView Church.
    His hobbies were having coffee with his buddies at The Daily Grind and catering to his wife’s every whim.He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and a crossword puzzle buff. His love was his home, his family, the mountains, his cat and his wife, not necessarily in that order.
    Everyone blessed enough to know Jerry will miss his sense of humor, quick wit, cooking skills, compassion and patience.
    A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at MountainView Church, 69 Falls Branch Road in Murphy,
with a private graveside military ceremony following at Ranger United Methodist Church Cemetery in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, please make donations to MountainView Church, missions or youth ministry, 69 Falls Branch Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Wolff family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Robert (Bob) Norbert Costello, 82, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, in the company of his family near his home in Chatsworth, Ga.
    Bob was born Dec. 24, 1936. to Norbert Robert and  Grace Costello in Philadelphia, Pa. He was one of three children – his sisters, Dolores (McGuire) and Helen (Finnegan), have preceded him in passing.
    Bob graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, N.J., and it was in New Jersey that he met his beautiful bride and wife of 62 years, Phyllis A. Costello (Strater).
    He soon after enlisted in the United States Army. After serving proudly and being honorably discharged, he and Phyllis married, and Bob was hired by the General Electric Co., where he began his lifelong career in military and aerospace electrical testing and manufacturing.
    Bob was a member of a small team that built a military “data capsule” satellite, which took the first pictures from space of the curvature of the earth – proof that “the earth is round.” This capsule now resides in the Smithsonian Institute.
    Bob was forever proud his wife, Phyllis; son Robert (Bob) Costello; daughter Lisa (Scott); daughter-in-law Marianne (Hart) Costello; son-in-law Matthew Scott;  grandchildren Rachael Simon (Ciotti), James Simon, Robert and Hannah Costello; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was always quick with a story, which was reflective of his Irish heritage.
    He was also very proud of his service in the U.S. Army, and his career work at GE Re-Entry Systems in Philadelphia, Pa.
    He was able to enjoy a long retirement and moved to the south.
    Military services and interment for Bob will be held at the Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton, Ga. The service will be private.

    O.D. Scott, 97, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in a Blairsville, Ga., care facility.
    He was a native of Washington, D.C., and lived in South Florida for many years before moving to Murphy in 1979.
    O.D. served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked with Southern Bell for 40 years in several capacities, but enjoyed being an installer/repairman the most.
    He was the son of the late Otis Dewey and Pauline Mabel McCauley Scott, and husband of the late Dorothy Wells Scott, who died May 1, 2006. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Maurice (Sonny) Scott.
    Surviving are three daughters, Carol Scott and partner Marc Dickenson of Weirsdale, Fla., Stephanie James and husband Edwin and Jennifer Phillips and husband Joe, all of Murphy; a son, Wayne Scott of Boca Raton, Fla.; a sister, Lois J. Costanza of Maryville, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Brian Welch, Jessica Scott Fowler and husband Dan, and Jillian and Jordan Phillips; two step-grandchildren, Leslie Echerd and husband Drew, and Blake James and wife Melissa; two great-grandchildren, Brian Welch Jr. and Bryson Welch; five step-great-grandchildren, Eliana and Jaden Echerd, and Charis, Violet, and Phoebe James; and special friend, Jean Shields Raper of Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Dr. Chester Jones officiating. Music will be provided by Jordan Phillips and Betty Sue Cowan. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Marc Dickenson, Edwin James, Joe Phillips, Mark Stalcup, Andrew Wilcher and Grier Ivie.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Robert (Bob) Norbert Costello, 82, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, in the company of his family near his home in Chatsworth, Ga.
    Bob was born Dec. 24, 1936, to Norbert Robert and  Grace Costello in Philadelphia, Pa. He was one of three children – his sisters, Dolores (McGuire) and Helen (Finnegan), have preceded him in passing.
    Bob graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, N.J., and it was in New Jersey that he met his beautiful bride and wife of 62 years, Phyllis A. Costello (Strater).  He soon after enlisted in the United States Army. After serving proudly and being honorably discharged, he and Phyllis married, and Bob was hired by the General Electric Co., where he began his lifelong career in military and aerospace electrical testing and manufacturing.
    Bob was a member of a small team that built a military “data capsule” satellite, which took the first pictures from space of the curvature of the earth – proof that “the earth is round.” This capsule now resides in the Smithsonian Institute.
    Bob was forever proud his wife, Phyllis; son Robert (Bob) Costello; daughter Lisa (Scott); daughter-in-law Marianne (Hart) Costello; son-in-law Matthew Scott;  grandchildren Rachael Simon (Ciotti), James Simon, Robert and Hannah Costello; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was always quick with a story, which was reflective of his Irish heritage.
    He was also very proud of his service in the U.S. Army, and his career work at GE Re-Entry Systems in Philadelphia, Pa.
    He was able to enjoy a long retirement and moved to the south.
    Military services and interment for Bob will be held at the Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton, Ga. The service will be private.

    Jane Wilson, 93, of Marble, passed away Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at her home.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County and the daughter of the late Sidney and Iowa Harbin Pendley.
    Jane worked for Clifton Precision. She loved gardening and canning.
    As well, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
    Jane was a member of Peachtree United Methodist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Wilson, whom she was married to for 57 years; a son, Richard Wilson; and two brothers, James and Bill Pendley.
    Jane is survived by a son, Harold Wilson and wife Carolyn; one sister, Jean Pendley Ingram; four grandchildren, Dwayne Wilson and wife Samantha, Trent Wilson, Kristi Mingus and husband Michael, and Brad Wilson and wife Kimberly.  She also is survived by six great-grandchildren and three great-great grand-children.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Peachtree United Methodist Church. Pastor David Feathers officiated. Burial was in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dwayne Wilson, Trent Wilson, Brad Wilson, Nathanael Wilson, Noah Wilson, Reggie Pendley and Michael Mingus.
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jim Hendrix, 3195 Old Peachtree Road, Murphy, NC 28906 or to The Gideon International for Bibles, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Wilson family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    O.D. Scott, 97, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in a Blairsville, Ga., care facility.
    He was a native of Washington, D.C., and lived in South Florida for many years before moving to Murphy in 1979.
    O.D. served in the United States Army during World War II. He worked with Southern Bell for 40 years in several capacities, but enjoyed being an installer/repairman the most.
    He was the son of the late Otis Dewey and Pauline Mabel McCauley Scott, and husband of the late Dorothy Wells Scott, who died May 1, 2006. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Maurice (Sonny) Scott.
    Surviving are three daughters, Carol Scott and partner Marc Dickenson of Weirsdale, Fla., Stephanie James and husband Edwin and Jennifer Phillips and husband Joe, all of Murphy; a son, Wayne Scott of Boca Raton, Fla.; a sister, Lois J. Costanza of Maryville, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Brian Welch, Jessica Scott Fowler and husband Dan, and Jillian and Jordan Phillips; two step-grandchildren, Leslie Echerd and husband Drew, and Blake James and wife Melissa; two great-grandchildren, Brian Welch Jr. and Bryson Welch; five step-great-grandchildren, Eliana and Jaden Echerd, and Charis, Violet, and Phoebe James; and special friend, Jean Shields Raper of Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Dr. Chester Jones officiating. Music was provided by Jordan Phillips and Betty Sue Cowan. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Marc Dickenson, Edwin James, Joe Phillips, Mark Stalcup, Andrew Wilcher and Grier Ivie.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Martha Ann Whitener, 68, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at her residence.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Murphy, where she had lived for more than 42 years at her home on Reservoir Road.
    Martha loved her Lord and Savior, and showed that same love to her children and grandchildren.  
    She was the daughter of the late Stanley and Eunaiviee Clark Whitener. She was also preceded in death by a son, Edward Lynn Johnson Jr.; two sisters, Wilma York Whitener and Joy Faye Whitener; and a brother, James Ted Whitener.
    Surviving are a daughter, Eunaiviee Raper and husband Jeff of Murphy; a son, Stanley Johnson of Murphy; a brother, Tex S. Whitener
of Blue Ridge, Ga.; five grandchildren, Jesse James, Jordan and Alyssa Johnson, Tara and Tasha Raper; her special nieces and nephews, James Ted Whitener Jr.,
Gloria Whitener Lewis and her three children, Steven, Matthew and Anna Lewis, Rodella Sunshine Patterson and her two children, Kayla and Dusty Patterson, William Howard Ledford Jr.; and is also survived by several other nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Doyle Lloyd officiating. Music was provided by Erica Tague, Frankie Sneed, the Rev. Doyle Lloyd and his family.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Eunice Aileen Ledford, 85, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Murphy.
    Eunice was well known for her employment at the local Levi Strauss and Co., where she had retired as an assistant plant manager after 34 years.
    In her youth, Eunice was an avid lake enthusiast, particularly for skiing and camping. Eunice loved cooking, gardening and working in her flowers around her home.
    She was a member of Murphy First Baptist Church.
    She was the daughter of the late Robert and Belle Carringer Henry. She was also preceded in death by five brothers, Herbert, Pless and John Henry, and Harold and Woodford “Jr.” Johnson.
    Surviving are a daughter, Sandy Forrister and husband Steve of Murphy; a son, Paul “P.A.” Ledford of Murphy; a stepdaughter, Debbie Jones of Annapolis, Md.; two stepsons, Kyle Ingram of Navarre Beach, Fla., and Tot Ingram of Gainesville, Ga.; a brother, Jack Henry of Hamtranck, Mich.; a special sister, Billie Simonds, formerly of Copperhill, Tenn., now of Yorktown, Va.; five grandchildren, Chris Ledford of Murphy, Brittney Forrister of Nashville, Tenn., Jordan Winston and husband Dave of Tampa, Fla., Abigail Williams and husband Adam of Charlotte, and Hudson Forrister and fiancee Jillian Moorhouse of Maryville, Tenn.; two great-grandchildren, Sadie Winston and Clare Williams; special friend and caregiver, Barbara Rhodes; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Aud Brown, and Jimmy Tanner officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Carringer, Max O’Dell, Larry Henry, Harold Wilson, Donnie Wayman, Junior Graves, Jerry Johnson, Franklin Barnett and Ronnie Clayton.
    The family received friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Food Bank at Murphy First Baptist Church, 517 Hiwassee St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Deborah “Debbie” Elaine Tanner, 58, of Tanner Drive in Murphy, passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at her home following a brief illness.
    Mrs. Tanner was born Jan. 18, 1961, in Niles, Ohio, the daughter of Arlene Hughes Reid and the late Alvin Reid.
    Debbie worked at Georgia Boot for several years, and at the time of her death was employed with MGM Brakes for more than 16 years.
    She loved riding motorcycles and riding horses. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren with all of her heart.
    She was preceded in death by her father and also a brother, Mark Reid.
    Debbie was of the Baptist faith.
    Surviving Debbie are her loving husband and best friend of 19 years, Rodney Tanner of Murphy; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Yung Ouyang of Portland, Ore., Cassie and Michael Ledford of Hayesville; her mother, Arlene Reid of Calhoun, Ga.; eight brothers and sisters, Arlene Fisk of Houston, Texas, Bill (Rose) Reid, Richard (Vada) Reid and Roger Reid, all of Niles, Ohio, John Reid and Mary Reid, both of Calhoun, Ga., Charlene Reid of Green Mountain, Alvin Reid of Culver City, Calif.; three grandchildren, Aaliyah Young, Thomas Rowe and Alice Ledford; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends also survive.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, from the Mountain View Chapel with the Revs. Lee Tanner and Hoyt Brown officiating. The family met with friends at the funeral home from noon-2 p.m. Monday.
    Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga., was in charge of the arrangements.
    You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

    Sylvania “Boots” Daniel, 83, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019.
    She was born May 3, 1935, in Madison County to the late Milton Edd and Johnnie Ballard English.
    Sylvania worked for Outboard Marine Co. as a gear matcher. She loved line dancing and was of the Methodist faith.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles English.
    She is survived by one son, David Stiles and wife Donna; one daughter, Marian Murphy and husband Bill; five grandchildren, Hannah Talon Stiles, Micah Murphy, Jason Murphy, Daniel Murphy; and three great-grandchildren, Sarah Murphy, Jacob Murphy and Hadalie Murphy.
    Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Lawrence English officiated. A private family graveside service was held in the Stiles Family Cemetery. Pallbearers were Micah, Jason, Daniel and Jacob Murphy, Cody Moore, Benjamin English and Trevor Grant.
    The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Daniel family at www.townson-rose.com.
     Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Jack Joseph Rhodes, 92, of Murphy, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
    Mr. Rhodes was born Nov. 12, 1926. in Lake Charles, La., to Earl Rhodes and Vera Sue Jackson.  
    Jack served in the United States Marine Corps in the Fourth Marine Division. He was a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima.  
    After the military, he worked as an engineer for Stubbs Overbeck & Associates of Amarillo, Texas.
    Jack moved to Cherokee County in 1996 where he was very active in the community. He served in the Marine Corps League Cherokee Detachment No. 1011 and volunteered his time with Cherokee County Toys for Tots and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
    He spent a lifetime traveling, hunting, camping, and racing cars and motorcycles. He was a lover of all things nature and raised up several orphaned animals such as a skunk, owl, pig and his favorite, a wolf.  
    Jack is survived by a daughter, Beckie Pacetti of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; a son, Tommy Rhodes of Murphy; two grandchildren, Jedidiah Merritt of Destin, Fla., and Amanda Merritt of Canada; and a cousin, Ruth Marie Bauer of Kerrville, Texas.
    Jack will be missed by all who knew him. He was a kind and loving man who maintained a positive outlook on life.
    A memorial service is being planned by the Marine Corps League.

    Jamie Beth Bryant, 43, of Murphy, was called home by her Lord and Savior on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019.
    Jamie was born Jan. 12, 1976, in Marietta, Ga., but was raised in Murphy from the age of 2. She was a 1994 graduate of Murphy High School. She attended Young Harris College and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
    Jamie worked for Randstad as a human resource manager for the past 15 years.
    She was exceptional at drawing, enjoyed music, and was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. Jamie loved her family very much.
    She was the daughter of James L. and Barbara Verner Bryant of Murphy.
    Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her fiance, Eddie Temple; a daughter, Harper Madeline Temple of the home; a stepson, Isaiah Temple of the home; a sister, Heather Lepper and husband,Cory of Excelsior, Minn.; a niece, Hutton Hadley Lepper; a nephew, Asher Alexander Lepper; a favorite aunt, Linda Ledford; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
    Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Jerry Helton officiating.
    The family will receive friends from 5-6:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made payable to Harper Madeline Temple and taken to any State Employees’ Credit Union or mailed to the Murphy branch at P.O. Box 1038, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Sylvia Mae Williamson Whitfield, of Aiken, S.C., lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease and passed into paradise Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019.
    Mrs. Whitfield was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Bryson City. She grew up in the Murphy area, and attended Hiwassee Dam School, where she was valedictorian of the class of 1955.
    Following graduation, Mrs. Whitfield moved to Atlanta, Ga., where she worked for Bell Telephone Co., married and had two children.
    In 1964 the family moved to Michigan, where Mrs. Whitfield was a homemaker and volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, PTA, a room mother and an athletic booster.
    Mrs. Whitfield worked for the National Bank of Detroit. She continued her education, studying accounting at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Mich.
    In 1981, Mrs. Whitfield returned to the southeast, living in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Augusta, Ga., before retiring to Murphy, where she cared for her mother, who also suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
    Mrs. Whitfield enjoyed life with friends and her church, Reid’s Chapel.
    A lifelong Democrat, she also worked with the Cherokee County Board of Elections.
    Mrs. Whitfield was an avid reader, supporting local libraries most of her life. She also enjoyed gardening, especially growing flowers.
    In 2014, a year and a half after her Alzheimer’s diagnoses, Mrs. Whitfield chose to move to Aiken, S.C., where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law, who, with the assistance of their family, provided her long-term care.
    A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Reid’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Murphy. The Rev. Mark Handy will officiate.
    Mrs. Whitfield is survived by her son, David Whitfield and Em Forbes of Hayesville; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Douglas Edwards of Aiken, S.C.; four grandchildren, Aaron and Crissie Edwards of Aiken, S.C., Bethany and John Ross of Graniteville, S.C., Ian Edwards of Atlanta, Ga., and Carter Whitfield of Hayesville; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Lowell and Nancy Williamson of Murphy; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Williamson of Murphy; her nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Mrs. Whitfield was predeceased by her parents, Eugene Beecher Williamson and Nola Baines Williamson; and her brother, Robert Eugene Williamson.
    Memorial donations may be made to Reid’s Chapel, Murphy, NC; or the Alzheimer’s Association.
    George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803-649-6234).

    Lorraine McDonnell DeRosa, 96, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, in a Murphy hospital.
    She was a native of Nutley, N.J., but lived in Cherokee County since 2001.
    She worked for more than 30 years for Hoffman LaRoche until her retirement.
    Lorraine was a member of St. William Catholic Church.
    She enjoyed traveling, holidays with family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    She was the daughter of the late William Joseph and Edna Mae Bennett McDonnell, and wife of the late James V. DeRosa, who died April 21, 2015, after 74 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Chimento.
    Surviving are two sons, Anthony J. DeRosa and wife Frances of Sidney, Australia, and James V. DeRosa and wife Iris of Murphy; five grandchildren, Ellen DeRosa, Todd DeRosa, Anthony P. DeRosa and wife Corrine, William J. DeRosa and wife Samantha, and James G. DeRosa and wife Amy; eight great-grandchildren, Ashley O’Connell, Amber Miranda and husband Raphael, Jesse DeRosa, Danny DeRosa, Josephine DeRosa, Eva Marie DeRosa, Aubrie DeRosa, and Anthony C. DeRosa; cherished nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Lucille Albanese of Bloomfield, N.J.
    A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7, in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Nutley, N.J. The interment will be in Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield, N.J.
    The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, at S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Nutley, N.J.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of local arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Marcia Campbell, 72, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at her residence.
    She was born in St. Louis, Mo., and lived in Durango, Colo., most of her adult life, where she worked as an executive assistant for Fort Lewis College. She later moved to Sarasota, Fla., where she also worked as an executive assistant for Sarasota County. She moved to Murphy in 2010.
    Marcia was a Master Gardener.
    She was the daughter of the late Francis Leroy and Olive Berniece Robinson Reeve. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Darrell Allison Reeve and Wesley F. Reeve.
    Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Dee Campbell; a son, Mark D. Campbell and wife Sharon of Sarasota, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Leigh Ellen Bane of Cortez, Colo.; two grandchildren, Megan Campbell and Emily Campbell; and two great grandchildren, Aubrey Schurr and Sydney Schurr.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    James “Jimmy” Harvey Russell went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at the VA Medical Center in Asheville after a long period of declining health. 
    Jimmy was born in Clarksville, Ark., on Nov. 14, 1951, the son of Carlos and Miriam Russell, who moved the family to Hiawassee, Ga., when he was still quite young.
    Jimmy worked for DuPont, both in Atlanta and Brevard, for years and was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict having served in the Air Force. 
    He attended Tri-County Community College.
    He was an avid hunter, fisherman, musician and storyteller. When he was unable to walk or drive, he had many friends who would pick him up and take him on hunting and fishing excursions.
    Jimmy loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and the mountains, and lived life to the fullest every single day. His last week was spent telling all those he loved goodbye and having a Jesus centered party. He had visitors from multiple states arriving to pray and sing with him and surround him with love.
    A special thanks to Chris Rumfelt and the First Free Will Baptist Church family for the love and compassion both Jimmy and his family were honored with during his last illness. You were truly special to him and to us.
    Surviving Jimmy are three children, son Aaron Russell (Emily) of Hoschton, Ga.; daughter Gentry Hunt (Stovall) of Braselton, Ga.; and stepdaughter, Nikki Anderson of Andrews; sister, Diann Nichols (Dennis) of Hiawassee, Ga.; nephew, Wade Nichols (Debbie) of Young Harris, Ga.; niece, Katie Bowman of Hiawassee, Ga.; great-nieces, Valerie Nichols and Juliana Bowman; and great-nephew, Arthur Bowman; and five grandsons who truly adored their “Pa,” Culum Henry, Coleman Evans, Ren Henry, Kennen Hunt and Bayne Russell. Also surviving are special friends, Ronnie and Dena Westbrooks of Hayesville, who cherish the memories we made over the years as a united family.
    Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at First Free Will Baptist Church in Hayesville, with the Rev. Chris Rumfelt officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Masters of Men program at First Free Will Baptist Church, 259 Tusquittee St., Hayesville, NC 28904.
    Banister Funeral Home in Hiawassee, Ga. is assisting in our time of bereavement, www.banisterfuneral.com.

    Cindra Suetta, 63, of Murphy, was laid to rest Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Newnan, Ga.
    Cindra was born in California and moved to Murphy in 2005.
    She was a member of Culberson Baptist Church.
    Cindra was preceded by her lost loved ones, husband Micheal Suetta, mother Joan Earle, father Steve Earle, brother Richard Earle, and Cowboy, her beloved dog.
    Cindra’s lived life is cherished by her living family, brother, Christopher Earle; sons, Steven Butler, Duane Butler and Danial Suetta; her companion, Richard Jackson; and four-legged companions, Buster, Sassy and Socks.
    You will be forever loved and now forever mourned. We promise to not let the tears mar the smiles you gave us when we remember so dearly the undeniable compassion and understanding you taught us. It will not be easy to look and not see you. The love a mother has for her sons lives on in their hearts forever. That is where we shall see you now until our last days on earth.
    Cindra’s wishes are to have her cremains spread in the same place as her late husband’s, Micheal Suetta.