James Crandall Moffitt, 84, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019, in a Chattanooga, Tenn., hospital.
    He was a native of Clay County and had lived locally throughout his life. Crandall taught at Nantahala, Ranger and Peachtree, but spent the majority of his career at Martins Creek Elementary as both teacher and principal. Crandall inspired a love of reading and learning in his students.
    He enjoyed gardening and was well known for his tomatoes, a trait that his son carries on. Crandall loved trading guns and knives, and he also enjoyed playing checkers and listening to bluegrass music.
    Crandall had a contagious sense of humor and loved to tell a good joke. You never saw him without a smile on his face.
    He was a devoted husband and father.
    He was the son of the late Fred Charles and Eula Blanche Eller Moffitt. He was also preceded in death by a young brother, Javana Moffitt.
    Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Joann Cross Moffitt; a daughter, Suzann Ledford and husband David of Hayesville; a son, Kent Moffitt and wife Jackie of Murphy; a sister, Minnette Moore and husband Gene of Hayesville; and a grandson, Justin Moffitt of Murphy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 3, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, with the Rev. Johnny Foster officiating. Music was provided
by Rebecca White and the Pressley Girls. The interment was in Bethel Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 5-6:45 p.m. Monday, June 3, at Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, prior to the service.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of James Crandall Moffitt to: Kids Food Bag Ministry, Attention: Dorcas Brooks, P.O. Box 427, Andrews, NC  28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Pauline “Polly” Josephine Pack Farmer, 90, of Marble, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019, in a Murphy care facility.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    Polly was a loving mama, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. She was a caregiver to many of her family members and “Granny” to many other children of the community throughout the years.
    She was of the Baptist faith.
    She was the daughter of the late John Harley and Miza Elvira Ledford Pack, and wife of the late Robert Lee Farmer, who died April 25, 1978. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Gene and Lonnie Farmer; four sisters, Joy Hicks, Dorothy Dockery, Mildred Pack and Irene Pack; and four brothers, Cecil, Edward, Junior and Dennis Pack.
    Left to carry her legacy are children and their spouses, Linda and Tommy Curtis of Beech Island, S.C., Brenda and Don Goff of North Augusta, S.C., Paul and Shelley Farmer of Murphy, Brian and Debbie Farmer of Marble, and Mark and Tammy Farmer of Murphy; daughter-in-law, Donna Sue Farmer of Beech Island, S.C.; three siblings, Ralph Pack of Youngstown, Ohio, Clarence Pack of Andrews, and Kenny Pack of Ranlo, N.C.; and many grandchildren.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 1, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Revs. Blake Ritz and Randall Moss officiating. The interment was in Maltby Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dusty Farmer, Justin and Austin Haffly, Dustin Phillips, Eric Goff and Cruz Ledford. Honorary pallbearers were Clayton and Dewayne Trantham, and William Phillips.
    The family received friends from 1-2:45 p.m. Saturday at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Pauline “Polly” Josephine Pack Farmer to Gideons International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Kenneth Paul Deese of Crossville, Tenn., born in Miami, Fla., on June 2, 1962, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019.
    He was a disabled veteran of the U.S. Army. He was loved so much by his family and friends, a quiet, gentle man.
    Survivors are his mother, Judith Firley of Crossville, Tenn.; father, Kenneth Earl Deese of Murphy; his brother, Thomas E. Deese of Crossville; stepfather, James Firley of Crossville; grandmother, Marie Norton of Cortland, N.Y.; stepbrothers, Scott Firley of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Sean Firley of Boca Raton, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.
    He will sorely be missed.

    David Burgess Avery, 96, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019, at his residence.
    He was a native of Winthrop, Mass.
    David served in the United States Navy and was a World War II veteran.
    He later attended college followed by law school. David practiced law in Boston and Plymouth, Mass., for more than 30 years.
    He moved to Cherokee County in the 1970s.
    David was called into the ministry and continued preaching at various times throughout his life. David enjoyed working outside and wasn’t afraid of a hard day’s work.
    He was the son of the late Herbert Spaulding and Alma Anderson Avery. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Sturgiss and Polly Bechard; and two brothers, Richard and Alden Avery.
    Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Shelby Eller Avery; two daughters, Faith Anne Avery of Schaumburg, Ill., and Allison Avery of Plymouth, Mass.; a son, Jonathan Avery of Murphy; two sisters, Dale Benson and Connie Mix, both of Virginia Beach, Va.; a granddaughter, Taylor Avery; and several nieces and nephews.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Donald Ray Palmer, 63, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    Mr. Palmer was born June 6, 1955, in Murphy to the late Lewis Palmer and the late Alice Jane Dockery Palmer.
    Donald attended First Freewill Baptist Church in Hayesville.
    He was owner/operator of Palmer Monument and Construction. He was a very hard working man and enjoyed his work.
    He also loved spending time with his family.
    Survivors include his loving wife, Tracy Radford Palmer; three sons, Darren (Shannon) Palmer, Shannon (Becky) Palmer, and Gabriel Palmer; one daughter, Alyson Palmer of the home; sister, Nancy (Terry) Stroud; brother, Tommy (Frances) Palmer; six grandchildren, Natalee, Cruz, Payton, Isaiah, Caleb and Emma; two great-grandchildren, Nora and Roman; and his best little buddy, Mason Radford. Also several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Cochran Funeral Home with the Rev. Chris Rumfelt officiating. Music will be provided by Cruz Palmer, and Chris Rumfelt and the Rumfelt Family Singers. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers include Ben McNabb, Billy McNabb, William Abernathy, Matthew Kelley, Steve Smith, Barry Anderson, Brent McNabb and Evan McNabb. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Gooch, Todd Hicks, Jonathan Wells, Hubert Wells, Brian Wells, Bill Dahdah, Vinson Sims and Mark Gacchina.
    The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send flowers or you can choose to make a donation in Donald’s name to First Freewill Baptist Church (http://hayesvillefreewill.org/online-giving/).
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Dr. Lok King Kong, 81, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at his residence.
    Dr. Kong was born in Malaysia of Chinese heritage.
    He met and married his wife, Ai Choo Kong on July 14, 1967.
    Dr. Kong received his medical training at National Taiwan University and finished in New York City before moving to Murphy in 1978. He was the first OBGYN in the area and began at Providence Hospital. He designed and established the OBGYN suite at the new Murphy Medical Center. Dr. Kong also volunteered at the local Cherokee County Health Department.
    He had a big heart and truly cared for his patients, having practiced medicine for more than 30 years.
    Dr. Kong introduced the area to Chinese cuisine upon the opening of his motel and restaurant “The Dragon Palace.”
    He enjoyed watching American westerns and especially John Wayne.
    Dr. Kong was a loving and dedicated family man who raised three successful children.
    He was the son of the late Luk and Kwee Chun Teoh Kong. He was also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.
    Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Ai Choo Kong; a daughter, Lin Min Kong and husband Talley Sherwood of Los Angeles, Calif.,; two sons, Li Sheng Kong and wife Lana Shiu-Kong of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Li Kuo Kong and wife Xiaoli Qin of San Mateo, Calif.; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Patrick Garrett officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Li Sheng Kong, Li Kuo Kong, Tom Sui, David Karvela, Hua Ying Ling and Gary Gong.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dr. Lok King Kong to Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 U.S. 64 W., Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Dr. Lok King Kong, 81, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at his residence.
    Dr. Kong was born in Malaysia of Chinese heritage.
    He met and married his wife, Ai Choo Kong on July 14, 1967.
    Dr. Kong received his medical training at National Taiwan University and finished in New York City before moving to Murphy in 1978. He was the first OBGYN in the area and began at Providence Hospital. He designed and established the OBGYN suite at the new Murphy Medical Center. Dr. Kong also volunteered at the local Cherokee County Health Department.
    He had a big heart and truly cared for his patients, having practiced medicine for more than 30 years.
    Dr. Kong introduced the area to Chinese cuisine upon the opening of his motel and restaurant “The Dragon Palace.”
    He enjoyed watching American westerns and especially John Wayne.
    Dr. Kong was a loving and dedicated family man who raised three successful children.
    He was the son of the late Luk and Kwee Chun Teoh Kong. He was also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.
    Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Ai Choo Kong; a daughter, Lin Min Kong and husband Talley Sherwood of Los Angeles, Calif.,; two sons, Li Sheng Kong and wife Lana Shiu-Kong of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Li Kuo Kong and wife Xiaoli Qin of San Mateo, Calif.; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Patrick Garrett officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Li Sheng Kong, Li Kuo Kong, Tom Sui, David Karvela, Hua Ying Ling and Gary Gong.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dr. Lok King Kong to Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 U.S. 64 W., Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Betty Pearson Westmoreland, 89, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at Murphy Rehab & Nursing.
    She was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., to the late Walter and Blanche Henderson Pearson.
    Betty graduated from Central High School. She retired from the Cherokee County School System. Betty was a member of First United Methodist Church of Murphy, Murphy Methodist Women’s Circle and the Garden Club.
    She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Betty was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, George.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Westmoreland, and one brother, Jim Pearson.
    She is survived by three sons, Gary Westmoreland and wife Jan, Larry Westmoreland and wife Kevennie and Ronnie Westmoreland and wife Sharon; one sister, Jo Swann; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
    A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixon, Tenn. The Rev. Wil Posey will officiate. Pallbearers will be Johnny Swann, Tony Sutter, Alvin Sutter, Larry Kernea, Barry Westmoreland and  Dexter Hubbard. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Hughes and Morris Graves.
    The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Murphy, P.O. Box 86, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Westmoreland at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Brookley Capers, 53, of Murphy, passed away Friday, June 7, 2019, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Powell Allen.
    Brookley was a secretary.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Brian Allen and Bently Damon Allen.
    She is survived by two sisters, Beverly Allen, and Brenda Allen Lloyd and husband Greg of Murphy.
    No services are planned at this time.
    You may send tributes to the Capers family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Virginia Clay Harper of Oak Dale, Calif., passed away Monday, March 25, 2019.
    Her parents were Sidney G. Clay and Etta Mae Lovingood Clay of Murphy.
    She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Dale Harper; two sons, James Sidney Harper of Jacksonville, Ill., and Jeffry Dale Harper of Redwood City, Calif.; two granddaughters and several great-grandchildre; and a sister, Betty Clay Self of Murphy.
    Virginia graduated from Murphy High School and worked in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., for a while, then moved to California with her husband, who was employed with United Air Lines.
    She retired from Stanford University with 21 years of service. She also traveled to many countries in her lifetime.
    Virginia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be sadly missed by family and friends.

    Betty Pearson Westmoreland, 89, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at Murphy Rehab & Nursing.
    She was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., to the late Walter and Blanche Henderson Pearson.
    Betty graduated from Central High School. She retired from the Cherokee County School System. Betty was a member of First United Methodist Church of Murphy, Murphy Methodist Women’s Circle and the Garden Club.
    She was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Betty was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, George.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Westmoreland, and one brother, Jim Pearson.
    She is survived by three sons, Gary Westmoreland and wife Jan, Larry Westmoreland and wife Kevennie, and Ronnie Westmoreland and wife Sharon; one sister, Jo Swann; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
    A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Hixon, Tenn. The Rev. Wil Posey officiated. Pallbearers were Johnny Swann, Tony Sutter, Alvin Sutter, Larry Kernea, Barry Westmoreland and  Dexter Hubbard. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Hughes and Morris Graves.
    The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Murphy, P.O. Box 86, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Westmoreland family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Virginia Dair Curtis, 81, of Hayesville, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in Hamilton County, Tenn.
    She was a native of Clay County, and the daughter of the late John Wesley and Charlotte May Palmer Curtis.
    Virginia had worked in the electronic component industry. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing and quilting.
    Virginia was a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, William H. Curtis and Robert H. Curtis.
    She is survived by her niece, Casandra Rich; nephews, Bobby Curtis and Quinton Curtis; and special cousins, Rudy Curtis and wife Nancy Curtis, and Alan Curtis.
    A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Hayesville. The Rev. Hoyt Brown will officiate.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Autism Society of America, 4340 E. W. Highway Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814.
    You may send tributes to the Curtis family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Susan Dockery, 61, of Andrews, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    She was born in Macon County to Ruth Pendergrass Orr of Andrews and the late Sterling Bateman.
    Susan was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe and Benny Bateman.
    She is survived by one niece, Amber Bateman, and her children, Nathan, Arian, Andrea and Areya; and nephews, Tyler and Justin Bateman.
    Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Rev. Jeremiah Wyke will officiate. Burial was in Valleytown Cemetery.
    The family receive friends from 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Dockery family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Donald Ray Palmer, 63, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019, at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
    Mr. Palmer was born June 6, 1955, in Murphy to the late Lewis Palmer and the late Alice Jane Dockery Palmer.
    Donald attended First Freewill Baptist Church in Hayesville.
    He was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
    He was owner/operator of Palmer Monument and Construction. He was a very hard working man and enjoyed his work.
    He also loved spending time with his family.
    Survivors include his loving wife, Tracy Radford Palmer; three sons, Darren (Shannon) Palmer, Shannon (Becky) Palmer, and Gabriel Palmer; one daughter, Alyson Palmer of the home; sister, Nancy (Terry) Stroud; brother, Tommy (Frances) Palmer; six grandchildren, Natalee, Cruz, Payton, Isaiah, Caleb and Emma; two great-grandchildren, Nora and Roman; and his best little buddy, Mason Radford. Also several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Cochran Funeral Home with the Rev. Chris Rumfelt officiating. Music was provided by Cruz Palmer, and Chris Rumfelt and the Rumfelt Family Singers. Interment followed in Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers included Ben McNabb, Billy McNabb, William Abernathy, Matthew Kelley, Steve Smith, Barry Anderson, Brent McNabb and Evan McNabb. Honorary pallbearers were Jeff Gooch, Todd Hicks, Jonathan Wells, Hubert Wells, Brian Wells, Bill Dahdah, Vinson Sims and Mark Gacchina.
    The family received friends from 1-3 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send flowers or you can choose to make a donation in Donald’s name to First Freewill Baptist Church (http://hayesvillefreewill.org/online-giving/).
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Dr. Lok King Kong, 81, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at his residence.
    Dr. Kong was born in Malaysia of Chinese heritage.
    He met and married his wife, Ai Choo Kong, on July 14, 1967.
    Dr. Kong received his medical training at National Taiwan University and finished in New York City before moving to Murphy in 1978. He was the first OBGYN in the area and began at Providence Hospital. He designed and established the OBGYN suite at the new Murphy Medical Center. Dr. Kong also volunteered at the Cherokee County Health Department.
    He had a big heart and truly cared for his patients, having practiced medicine for more than 30 years.
    Dr. Kong introduced the area to Chinese cuisine upon the opening of his motel and restaurant The Dragon Palace.
    He enjoyed watching American Westerns and especially John Wayne.
    Dr. Kong was a loving and dedicated family man who raised three successful children.
    He was the son of the late Luk and Kwee Chun Teoh Kong. He was also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.
    Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Ai Choo Kong; a daughter, Lin Min Kong and husband Talley Sherwood of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sons, Li Sheng Kong and wife Lana Shiu-Kong of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Li Kuo Kong and wife Xiaoli Qin of San Mateo, Calif.; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Patrick Garrett officiating.
    The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Li Sheng Kong, Li Kuo Kong, Tom Sui, Shane Hurto, Hua Ying Ling and Gary Gong.
    The family received friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dr. Lok King Kong to Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 U.S. 64 W., Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    David Burgess Avery, 96, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019, at his residence.
    He was a native of Winthrop, Mass.
    David served in the United States Navy and was a World War II veteran.
    He later attended college followed by law school. David practiced law in Boston and Plymouth, Mass., for more than 30 years.
    He moved to Cherokee County in the 1970s.
    David was called into the ministry and continued preaching at various times throughout his life. David enjoyed working outside and wasn’t afraid of a hard day’s work.
    He was the son of the late Herbert Spaulding and Alma Anderson Avery. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Sturgiss and Polly Bechard; and two brothers, Richard and Alden Avery.
    Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Shelby Eller Avery; two daughters, Faith Anne Avery of Schaumburg, Ill., and Allison Avery of Plymouth, Mass.; a son, Jonathan Avery of Murphy; two sisters, Dale Benson and Connie Mix, both of Virginia Beach, Va.; a granddaughter, Taylor Avery; and several nieces and nephews.
    No services are planned at this time.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Belinda Smith Walker, 65, of Brasstown, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019, in a Gainesville, Ga., hospital.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    Belinda was employed by Carolina Farm Credit, retiring with 20 years of service.
    She was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
    Belinda liked to do crafts and loved helping people. Her passion was to make blankets for needy children and turbans for cancer patients.
    She was the daughter of the late Douglas Holmes and Blanche Scroggs Smith.
    Surviving are her husband, William Earl Walker; a daughter, Melanie Estes and fiance Mike Hayes of Brasstown; a son, Terry Laney and wife Tiffany of Charlotte; two step daughters, Cortney Walker Giles and husband Brandon of Auburndale, Fla., and Alicia Lewis and husband Craig of Murphy; a grandson, Nathan Laney; and four step grandsons, Drake, Brayden, and Zeke Lewis, and Jrue Giles.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Nathan Laney, Scott Helton, Tim Brown, Justin Scroggs, Alan Mauney and Robert Caldwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Carringer, Clay and Mike Logan, Ralph Myers, Danny Wilson and Tim Timpson.
    The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Belinda Smith Walker to Meals on Wheels, Attention: Peggy Graham, 69 Alpine St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Belinda Smith Walker, 65, of Brasstown, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019, in a Gainesville, Ga., hospital.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
    Belinda was employed by Carolina Farm Credit, retiring with 20 years of service.
    She was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
    Belinda liked to do crafts and loved helping people. Her passion was to make blankets for needy children and turbans for cancer patients.
    She was the daughter of the late Douglas Holmes and Blanche Scroggs Smith.
    Surviving are her husband, William Earl Walker; a daughter, Melanie Estes and fiance Mike Hayes of Brasstown; a son, Terry Laney and wife Tiffany of Charlotte; two stepdaughters, Cortney Walker Giles and husband Brandon of Auburndale, Fla., and Alicia Lewis and husband Craig of Murphy; a grandson, Nathan Laney; and four step grandsons, Drake, Brayden, and Zeke Lewis, and Jrue Giles.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Nathan Laney, Scott Helton, Tim Brown, Justin Scroggs, Alan Mauney and Robert Caldwell. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Carringer, Clay and Mike Logan, Ralph Myers, Danny Wilson and Tim Timpson.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Belinda Smith Walker to Meals on Wheels, Attention: Peggy Graham, 69 Alpine St., Murphy, NC 28906.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    As she enters His gates, she is greeted by her past, knowing that she is loved by the present, then she turns to await the future, and as you walk towards the light, we thank Him for your life. May you rest forever in His peace.
    Darlene Alice Schorik, 76, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at her residence.
    She was born in Chicago, Ill., and was the daughter of the late Albert and Alice McNally Diederich.
    Darlene retired from MGM Brakes.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Schorik.
    She is survived by three sons, Richard Schorik and Rose Edwards, Gary Starnes and Angela Beaver, and Dale Schorik; one brother, William Diederich; one sister, MaryAnn Fiorelli; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
    No services are planned at this time.
    You may send tributes to the Schorik family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    KathyJo Denison Roper, 60, of Andrews, passed away Friday,  June 14, 2019, at her residence.
    She was a native of Hiawatha, Kan., and daughter of the late James Mylon Denison and Rosalie Maxine Kline Denison of Andrews.
    KathyJo was the former owner and operator of Ropers Store. They moved from Columbia, S.C., to the Andrews area in 1987.
    KathyJo was of the Baptist faith.
    In addition to her father she was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Joe Crawford and Robert Dewight Martin.
    She is survived by her husband, Billy Ray Roper; two sons, Justin Christopher Horton and his wife, Tiffany, and Daniel Lee Vaughn and his wife, Cortny, all of Andrews; a brother, Henry Bruce Denison of Shreveport, La.: two sisters, Jackie Rene Mills of Rockledge, Fla., and Tookea Trudy Mane Lynn of Morrill, Kan.; one grandson, James Edward Tate Horton; and granddaughter, Kathrina Joetta Horton.
    A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
    You may send tributes to the Roper family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.