David Ronald Rourk, 78, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019, at his residence.
    He was born July 3, 1940, in Charleston, S.C., to Clarence H. and Mary P. Rourk.
    There he grew up, attending St. Andrews area schools and joining the United States Air Force at age 18. After four years of service, he returned to Charleston, working civil service for the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years both at the Naval Supply Center and Naval Electronics Engineering Systems. David also worked for State Printing Company in Columbia, S.C., for 12 years. 
    In the summer of 1969, he met his future wife at choir practice at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Charleston, where they were married the following November. After she graduated from seminary, David and Maggie settled where she served: Columbia, S.C.; Fairfax, Virginia; Portland, Ore.; and since, 2017 in Murphy.
    David was without fail a loving husband, son, father and grandfather. He cherished his friends, and always shared his joyful sense of humor and his solid faith that the gift of this life is all grace.
    In addition to his wife, the Rev. Dr. Marguerite M. Rourk, David is survived by his sons, David Edwin (Beth) of Portland, Ore., and Daniel Matthew (April) of Asheville; two grandchildren, Tiernan and Santana; his brother, Clarence H. Jr. of Charleston; and a host of precious friends near and far.
    A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, in The Episcopal Church of the Messiah with the Rev. Dr. William Breedlove officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of David Ronald Rourk to The Episcopal Church of the Messiah, P.O. Box 67, Murphy, NC 28906; or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 72123; or Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King St., Charleston, SC 29405; or to the charity of your choice.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Patricia Ann Moody, 80, of Hayesville, formerly of Robbinsville and Andrews, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019, in a Gainesville, Ga., hospital.
    She was a native of Graham County, where she lived most of her life. For many years, she worked as a ward clerk for District Memorial Hospital. Patricia was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church in Robbinsville.
    She was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Phillips Nichols.
    Surviving are two daughters, Denise Roach Lunsford and husband Barry of Hayesville, and Stephanie Roach Thacker and husband Chris of Cleveland, Tenn.; two sons, Greg Roach and wife Barbara of Toccoa, Ga., and Stephen Roach of Young Harris, Ga.; a sister, Peggy Phillips Sutton and husband Jack of Elizabethton, Tenn.; eight grandchildren, Bryan Lunsford and wife Jamie, Michelle Lunsford Young and husband Jeff, Kyle Lunsford, Lauren and Max Thacker, and Emily, Natalie and Abby Roach; and five great-grandchildren, Jenna, Taylyn and Mason Young, and Elin and Dylan Lunsford.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, with the Revs. Jeff Young and Johnny Foster officiating. The interment will be in Bear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Young, Barry, Bryan and Kyle Lunsford, Chris Thacker and Chris Britt.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Thursday, June 20,  at Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Patricia Ann Moody to Clay County Care Center Resident Project Account, 86 Valley Hideaway Drive, Hayesville, NC 28904.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Delmont Gerald Light, 86, of Marble, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his residence.
    He was the son of the late Earl Sylvestor Light and Hattie Mae Hartung Light.
    Delmont was an active member of St. William Catholic Church for many years. He was a past Eucharistic minister and an usher. Delmont was also a board member representative for Desoto Square.
    He was a loving husband and father. Delmont was a U.S. Army veteran.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters.
    He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rosemary Light; two sons, Jeffery Light of Edison, N.J., and Donald Light of Pottsville, Ark.; two daughters, Linda Light of Glen Gardner, N.J., and Susan Foti of Bridgewater, N.J.; one sister, June; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 28, at St. William Catholic Church. Deacon Carl will officiate.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in memory of Delmont Light to St. William Catholic Church, 765 Andrews Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
    You may send tributes to the Light family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Betty Ruth McCombs, 81, of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019, at Erlanger Medical Center.
    Betty was a lifetime resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Luther and Edith Fair Allen.
    She was a member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Annie Mae Allen; her husbands, Neil Colbert and Furman McCombs; son, Nicholos Colbert; brothers, Chester, Walter, Edward and Frank Allen, Steve Owens; and sister, Evelyn Colbert.
    She is survived by her sons, Gregory and Pernell Colbert; daughters, Edith Lloyd of Murphy, Betty Torrence and husband Victor of Charlotte and Charlene Davis and husband Patrick of Murphy; brothers, Johnny Allen and wife Shirley of Andrews, Charles Allen and wife Barbara of Las Vegas, Oscar Allen of Murphy, Preston Allen and wife Missy of Murphy and Martin Allen of Murphy; sisters, Margaret Moore of California, Judy Colbert and husband Jeff, Selma Jackson, Ruby Allen, Yvonne Allen, Zulia Allen and Mattie Ann Brown and husband Ervin, all of Murphy; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
      Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Murphy. The Revs. John Paul Webb and Louis Grant officiated. Pallbearers were Kagney Colbert Carr, Jonathan (Vin) Allen, Robert Earl McCollough, Jack Jackson, Keenan Colbert, Scott Allen and Kevin Allen.
    The family received friends from 6-7:30 pm, Friday, June 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.
    You may send tributes to the Colbert/McCombs family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Mary Catherine “Katie” Clevenger Hardin, 95, formerly of Andrews, died Monday, May 6, 2019, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro.
    Katie was the oldest of 12 siblings born to Ricky and Alma Reed Clevenger.
    She lived in Salem, Ohio, for several years and in 1989 married Paul Hardin. They made their home in Andrews. After her husband passed away in North Carolina, Dr. Larry Ackerman and Patricia were very supportive and helpful for Mary, and she was so grateful and loved them both dearly. In 2016, she moved to Statesboro to be closer to her family.
    Katie loved people and always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed going to flea markets and yard sales. She was a member of Valleytown Baptist Church in Andrews.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and 11 siblings.
    Surviving are her stepson and his wife, Ricky and Patricia Hardin of Statesboro; four grandchildren, Scott Hardin of Pittsburgh, Pa., Lisa (Rich) Kesseg of Homeworth, Ohio, Karen (Billy) Mills of Metter, Ga., and Kevin Hickman of Bothell, W.Va.; eight great-grandchildren, Courtney, Alex and Chloe Hardin, Julianna, Wesley, and Leann Kesseg, Dakota Brown and Hannah Mills; and her beloved dog, Sofie.
    A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, in Valleytown Cemetery with the Rev. Eric Byrd officiating.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Mary Catherine “Katie” Clevenger Hardin to Valleytown Cemetery Fund, c/o Andrews Town Hall, 1101 Main Street, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of local arrangements.

    James Harold Annis, 83, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at his residence.
    He was born in Madison County to the late Oscar Annis and Lorene McDaris Ricker.
    James was a U.S. Navy veteran. He worked for Southern Railroad. James enjoyed watching Westerns, fishing and shooting guns.
    He was a member of South End Baptist Church.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Deborah Annis, and one granddaughter, Misty.
    He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Annis; two sons, James Harold Annis Jr. and wife Melinda, and Harold Landon Annis and wife Summer; one daughter, Melissa Yonce and husband James; one stepbrother, Joseph Ricker Jr; and six grandchildren, Ryan, Shay, Kellie, Savanna, Joseph and Jadeyn.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Steve Sneed officiated. Burial was in Hampton Memorial Cemetery, with military graveside rites being conducted by American Legion Post 96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, and the Marine Corp League in Marble. Pallbearers were Ryan and Joseph Annis, Joseph Ricker, Barry, Johnathon and Jarrod Pack. Honorary pallbearers were Freddie Lochaby and Richard Mathis.
    The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Annis family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    James Marvin Cook, 90, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home.
    Mr. Cook was born Sept. 9, 1928, on the family farm in the Wolf Creek section of Cherokee County to the late John Calvin Cook and the late Carrie Ellen Postelle Cook.
    He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War from 1952-54.
    Marvin was a member of Murphy United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of VFW Murphy Post 10222.
    He began working in funeral service with Dave Townson at Townson Funeral Home, and later becoming a part owner in the 1970s. Marvin worked in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. He served more than 53 years in funeral service.
    During his career, he worked with Townson Funeral Home, Ivie Funeral Home, and retired from Cochran Funeral Home. Marvin always said he had enjoyed being able to help families during a difficult time.
    He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Noah Cook, Cora Ledford, Estia Davis, the Rev. Lester Cook, Bertha Jones, Emile Dickey, the Rev. George Stuart, Kenner Stuart, Elvie Ledford and Hoyt Cook.
    Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Eulala Stiles Cook; special nieces, Lisa (Reggie) Pendley and Hope (Rondal) Phillips; sisters-in-law, Sue Stiles Newton and Deanie Stiles; other nieces and nephews, Terry Scott (Kim) Stiles, Terry (Brenda) Dickey, the Rev. Tim (Lisa ) Dickey, Karen Dickey, Sandra Arp and Jimmy Ledford. Great-nieces and nephews, Megan, Austin, Kayla, Ashley, Lauren and Alyssa.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, with the Revs. Calvin Murphy and Harold Stiles officiating. Music will be provided by Jimmy Wilson and family, and Darren Watkins.
    Graveside services will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Dickey officiating. Full military honors will be presented by the following local veteran organizations: Murphy VFW Post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post 96, DAV Chapter 73 and Clay County VFW Post 6812. Pallbearers will be Reggie Pendley, Rondal Phillips, Terry Scott Stiles, Tim Dickey, Terry Dickey and Jonathan Dickey. Honorary pallbearers will be Clyde Collins, Steve Cochran, Max Cochran, Tom Thomas, David Edson, Richard Newton and David Yonce.
    In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Four Seasons Foundation, the We Honor Veterans Program. fourseasonscfl.org/what-we-offer/veterans-program/.
    Arrangements are entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    R. Maurice Sherrill, 79, of Andrews, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 23, 2019.
    He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He was married on June 24, 1960, to his recently deceased wife, Della Mae Bailey Sherrill, who died March 10, 2019.
    Maurice had worked throughout his life alongside his wife in the family business. He also served on the board of directors of United Community Bank and was a devoted member of Andrews First Baptist Church.
    Maurice enjoyed traveling with his wife and longtime friends. He also enjoyed family reunions, hunting and telling a good story.
    He was the son of the late William Price and Alice Rebecca West Sherrill. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Betty Ann Sherrill Oates.
    Surviving are a niece, Sherrill Oates of Traveler’s Rest, S.C.; two aunts, Barbara West and husband Earl of Andrews and Virginia D. Peterson of Virginia, Minn.; and 22 first cousins.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in Andrews First Baptist Church with Dr. Calvin Bobo officiating. The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mitch Waldroup, Bobby Grindstaff, Troy Crisp, Gary Stroud, Gary Kauffman and Phillip Hodge. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry and Scotty Sherrill, Jeff Blaylock, Earl West, Bill Carver, Donald Hogan, Ian and Mike McQuade, Trevor Waldroup, Britt Gibson and Wade Brooks.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Andrews First Baptist Church prior to the services.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Maurice Sherrill to the Kid’s Food Bags Ministry, c/o Andrews First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 427, Andrews, NC 28901.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Robert “Claude” Stiles, 82, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019, at his residence.
    Claude was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He was a son of the late McKinley and Minnie Hedrick Stiles.
    Claude was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and Montgomery Masonic Lodge No. 426. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Regina Stiles; infant brother; son, Donnie J. Stiles; brothers, Warren, Herman, Homer and Jack Stiles; and sisters, Norma Nix, Vaude King, May Roberts and Oma Taylor.
    Surviving are his son, Lonnie G. Stiles of Murphy; daughter, Jeanette Loudermilk and husband Russell of Murphy; sisters, Eunice Johnson and Barbara Anderson; six granddaughters, Michelle Hayes and husband Hank, Amy Brendle and husband Matt, Billie Jo Stiles, Nicole Hunt and husband Bill, Brittany Barnes and husband Greg, and Savannah Ware and husband Barrett; 15 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandsons; several nieces and nephews; daughter-in-law, Vicky Stiles Jenkins; and special friend, Winnie Galloway.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Oak Grove Baptist Church. The Revs. Doug Howard, Gerald Derreberry and Ronnie Crisp officiated. Music was provided by Rebecca Mashburn and June Hensley. Burial was in the church cemetery with masonic graveside rites being conducted by the Montgomery Masonic Lodge No. 426. Pallbearers were Chris Johnson, James Johnson, Russell Anderson, Hunter Brendle, Johnny Hamby, Mack Townson, Robbie Stiles and Gage Barnes. Honorary pallbearers were Kane Barnes, Dakota Hunt and the Paradise Hunting Club.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 24, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home. The body lay instate from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Oak Grove Baptist Church.
    You may send tributes to the Stiles family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was charge of all arrangements.

    Ruby L. Pace, 91, of Marble, born April 18, 1928, went home to be with Jesus and loved ones gone before on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
    Ruby was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Dovie Sharp Payne.
    She was a seamstress in the clothing manufacturing.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Glenn Noah Pace, in 1993; one great-grandchild, Leah Brown; and many other family and friends.
    She is survived by five children, Mary Ruth Palmer, Helen Baliles, Marvin Pace (Melinda), Martha Fullbright (Dale) and Robert Pace (Maxine); six grandchildren, Monica Pace, Derrick Ledford, Cheri Collier, Eric Pace, Colleen Fowler(Jeff) and Jamie Bateman; and eight great-grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler and Haley Ledford, Jacob and Jessie Ann Brown, Brennon Collier, Autumn and Sara Beth Fowler, and Lakelyn Gann.
    Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Aud Brown officiated. Burial was in Rowland Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tony Pace, Kyle Ledford, Jacob Brown, Jeff Fowler, Eric Pace and Tony Jones.
    The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Pace family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Marlene Morrow, 88, of Murphy, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing.
    She was the daughter of the late Issac Abraham Russell and Maude Ann Downey Russell.
    Marlene was a member of Second Baptist Church of Murphy and a member of the Eastern Star.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Morrow; nine brothers and four sisters.
     She is survived by her son, Ray Morrow; daughters, Ealane Cole and husband Sonny, Wanda Scroggs, and Sheila Walls and husband Larry; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Revs. Calvin Murphy and Jerry Morrow officiated. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Kane Walls, James Patterson, Scotty Walls, Daelen Mingus, Matthew Edwards, Lewis Barnwell, Mark Grant, Lewis Walls and David Burrell. 
    The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
    In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 31 College Place, Suite Doppler 103, Asheville, NC 28801.
    You may send tributes to the Morrow family at  townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Kela Keolale’a Grotefend, 16, of Murphy, died Wednesday, June 19, 2019, in Swain County as the result of an automobile accident.  
    She was born in Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 5, 2002.
    Kela was an upcoming junior at Hiwassee Dam High School and on the yearbook staff. She enjoyed singing, was a talented writer and editor, and earned her black belt in tae kwon do at age 12. She loved animals, especially cats. She was a natural counselor to many troubled teens online and passionate about helping others. She touched many lives with her light.
    She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William Henry and Lorena Sims Grotefend.
    Surviving are her parents, Donald E. Grotefend and Julie A. Royal-Grotefend of Murphy; a sister, Maya M. Grotefend of the home; and maternal grandparents, Frank Ralph and Elizabeth Margaret Hull of Farmington Hills, Mich.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with Mitchell Prince officiating. The interment will be in the Grotefend Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Hull, Jeff Kane, Gary Easter, Dodge Kenyon, Ed Bloom and Jeff Patterson.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
    Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of all arrangements.
    An online guest register is available at iviefuneralhomeinc.com.

    Irene “Cricket” Grindstaff, 95, of Andrews, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019.
    She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Jess Porter and Anna Drake Collett.
    Cricket loved to work in her flowers and enjoyed sewing, cooking and canning.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Gene, Cecil and Garry Collett, and Odell Roper.
    She is survived by one son, Dexter Grindstaff and wife Lindy of Canton, Ga.; one daughter, Shela Seay and husband John of Andrews; two brothers, Ned Collett of Andrews and Joe Collett of Jonesboro, Ga.; two sisters, Fern Pritchett of Ellijay, Ga., and Maxine Gragg of Candler; four grandchildren, Travis, Matthew, Megan and Jacob; two great-grandchildren, Zoe and Taylor; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Valleytown Baptist Church. Pastor Eric Byrd and the Rev. Marlon Blaylock will officiate. A eulogy will be given by John Cook. Burial will be in Valleytown Cemetery in Andrews. Pallbearers will be Walter Raxter, Larry Rogers, Larry Dailey, Philip Hodge, Steve Johnson and Bobby Grindstaff.
    The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Valleytown Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valleytown Baptist Church, 360 Wakefield Road, Andrews, NC 28901 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
    You may send tributes to the Grindstaff family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    James Marvin Cook, 90, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home.
    Mr. Cook was born Sept. 9, 1928, on the family farm in the Wolf Creek section of Cherokee County to the late John Calvin Cook and the late Carrie Ellen Postelle Cook.
    He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War from 1952-54.
    Marvin was a member of Murphy United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of VFW Murphy Post 10222.
    He began working in funeral service with Dave Townson at Townson Funeral Home, and later becoming a part owner in the 1970s. Marvin worked in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. He served more than 53 years in funeral service.
    During his career, he worked with Townson Funeral Home, Ivie Funeral Home and retired from Cochran Funeral Home. Marvin always said he had enjoyed being able to help families during a difficult time.
    He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Noah Cook, Cora Ledford, Estia Davis, the Rev. Lester Cook, Bertha Jones, Emile Dickey, the Rev. George Stuart, Kenner Stuart, Elvie Ledford and Hoyt Cook.
    Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Eulala Stiles Cook; special nieces, Lisa (Reggie) Pendley and Hope (Rondal) Phillips; sisters-in-law, Sue Stiles Newton and Deanie Stiles; other nieces and nephews, Terry Scott (Kim) Stiles, Terry (Brenda) Dickey, the Rev. Tim (Lisa ) Dickey, Karen Dickey, Sandra Arp and Jimmy Ledford. Great-nieces and nephews, Megan, Austin, Kayla, Ashley, Lauren and Alyssa.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, with the Revs. Calvin Murphy and Harold Stiles officiating. Music was provided by Jimmy Wilson and family, and Darren Watkins.
    Graveside services followed at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Dickey officiating. Full military honors were presented by the following local veteran organizations: Murphy VFW Post 10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post 96, DAV Chapter 73 and Clay County VFW Post 6812. Pallbearers were Reggie Pendley, Rondal Phillips, Terry Scott Stiles, Tim Dickey, Terry Dickey and Jonathan Dickey. Honorary pallbearers were Clyde Collins, Steve Cochran, Max Cochran, Tom Thomas, David Edson, Richard Newton and David Yonce.
    In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Four Seasons Foundation, the We Honor Veterans Program. fourseasonscfl.org/what-we-offer/veterans-program/.
    Arrangements were entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home.
    You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at cochranfuneralhomes.com.

    Harley “Ervin” Golden, 90, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Life Care Center in Ducktown, Tenn.
    He was born Aug. 20, 1928, in Cherokee County to the late Dr. Thomas M. Golden and Bessie Mundy Golden Amburn.
    Ervin was an avid outdoors person. He loved to hunt in his younger days.
    Ervin spent his entire life in the timber business and was a hard worker. When he retired from the timber business, he enjoyed gardening.
    Ervin was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church. He and Christine served as church janitors for many years.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Townsend Golden; one son, Tommy Golden; brothers, Mitchell, Otto and Eddie Golden; and sisters, Esma Viitala, Mae Vance, Mary Bailey and Helen Kearley.
    He is survived by two daughters, Linda Ware and husband Etheridge of Mineral Bluff, Ga., and Ann Price and husband Paul of Hayesville; one son, Tim Golden and wife Mary  of Murphy; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Desma Upton of Michigan; two brothers, Johnny Golden of Murphy and Curt Golden of Michigan; and several nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.
    Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Mount Moriah Baptist Church. The Rev. Ronnie Crisp officiated. Music was provided by Selina Davis and the Golden Family. Burial was in the church cemetery by his beloved wife, Christine. Pallbearers were grandsons, Scott Price, Kevin Ware, Clay Ware, Brian Ledford, Lee Golden and nephew Mitchell Golden.
    The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
    You may send tributes to the Golden family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Judith Elaine Allen Wright, 71, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2019, in Valley View Care Center, and is now in the presence of the Lord rejoicing with her family gone before her.
    She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Grady and Louella Killian Allen.
    Judith was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed singing with her church. She enjoyed shopping, especially buying shoes.
    Judith loved her family, which included her two dogs, Pick and Rockie. She was kindhearted and a true friend to her neighbors.
    In addition she was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Mike Wright, and one brother, Calvin Allen.
    She is survived by two sons, Chris Wright and partner Travis Silvers of Covington, Ga., and Darryl Wright and wife Shannon of Murphy; one brother, Sam Allen and wife Yvonne of Lawrenceville, Ga.; two sisters, Jean “Jit” Cole and husband Jimmy of Buford, Ga., and Vicki Allen and husband Boyd of Sarasota, Fla.; four grandchildren, Chandice Rogers, Desiree Sneed, Jessica Schlienz and Gavin Picklesimer; three great-grandchildren, Kadence Sneed, and Gabriella and Ariana Rogers, and one on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews.
    A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date.
    You may send tributes to the Wright family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

    Mrs. Betty Ellington Wilson, 80, of 804 College St., Clinton, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Kitty Askins Hospice House in Goldsboro.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, at Royal-Hall Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Keith Hatcher officiating. Burial followed in the Clinton Cemetery.
    Born in Granville County on Nov. 9, 1938, Betty was the daughter of the late Sherman Beetle and Nora Lee Roberts Ellington.
    Betty was an employee at the Dialysis Center and attended Providence Baptist Church in Oxford.
    She loved life and cherished her family dearly.
    Betty is survived by her husband, Vergle Wilson of the home; two daughters, Tammy Carrothers of Clinton and Rhonda Herring of Pikeville; one son, Danny Wilson and wife Melinda of Turkey; four sisters, Rebecca Strickland of Oxford, Sarah Barbour of Oxford, Shirley Adams of Durham and Julia Riddle of Virginia Beach, Va.; four brothers, Pete Eillington of Oxford, Butch Ellington of Oxford, Ronnie Ellington of Kerr Lake and Mike Ellington of Oxford; two grandchildren, Jay Wilson and wife Jessie and Lindsay Hatcher and husband Christian; four great-grandchildren, Jerrahd, Jayhdon, Jazmhyn and Jayhce Wilson.
    In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Ellington, and one son, Warren J. Wilson.
    The family received friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. and other times at the home of her daughter, Tammy Carrothers, 113 B 4th, St. Clinton, N.C.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty’s memory by donating to the Kidney Dialysis Foundation online by visiting kdf.org.
    Condolences may be sent by visiting royalhallfuneralhome.com.
    Royal-Hall Funeral Home was honored to serve the Wilson family.

    Dallas Patterson, 84, of Covington, Ga., and formerly of Murphy, passed away Friday, June 21, 2019, in Covington.
    Dallas was a native of Cherokee, County. He was a son of the late Robert and Zana Shackleford Patterson.
    He attended Unaka Baptist Church before moving to Loganville, Ga., in the 1970s.
    Dallas loved the outdoors and riding horses.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Dale, Winford, Rual, Kenneth, Troy, Robert Jr. and Harold Patterson; and sisters, June Maney, Violet Stiles and Bernice Palmer.
    Surviving are his sons, Dennis Patterson, Ricky Patterson and William Patterson; brother, Melvin Patterson; sisters, Geraldine Lewis and Linda Johnson; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were held at noon Thursday, June 27, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Justin Adam officiated. Burial was in Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery.
    The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.
    You may send tributes to the Patterson family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.

    Terry Slagle West May passed away unexpectedly at her home Friday, June 21, 2019, in Horse Shoe.
    Terry was born in Franklin to the late John Robert Slagle Sr. and Alice Davis Slagle. She also was preceded in death by a brother, David Slagle. 
    Terry lived with her family at the Nantahala Powerhouse Village, where her father worked as chief operator in the powerhouse for 42 years, except for the war years, when he served in the Navy in the Pacific.
    She moved with her family to Andrews when she was a young teenager, later graduating from Andrews High School. Terry graduated magna cum laude with a BSBA from Western Carolina University and then earned an MBA from Western Carolina University.
    During her life, Terry enjoyed playing Bunco with friends and gardening. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting family dinners.
    Terry was also a talented seamstress and loved making baby blankets for friends and family. She was an avid historian, especially with respect to World War II. She passed this love of history on to her grandchildren.
    Terry is survived by her beloved husband, Douglas J. May; her children, Elaine Blackman and her husband, Dr. Trent Blackman, Mark West and his wife, Kathy West, Sharon Haire and her husband, Scott Haire, Allen West and Lannette West; her brother, Robert “Bob” Slagle. She was Nana to 12 grandchildren, Jonathan, Alexander, Caroline, Charlie, Tyler, Evan, Autumn, Chelsea, Allen, Jared, Sheldon and Grace. She will be missed by her many cousins, nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service for Terry will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at Andrews Presbyterian Church, 215 Cherry St., Andrews, with the Rev. Larry Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends and loved ones after the service in the church’s fellowship hall. A private family graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Slagle family plot in Valleytown Cemetery.
    In lieu for flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Terry’s memory to Safelight Family Organization, a non-profit in Hendersonville, offering support and comprehensive programs for victims of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. This cause was very near and dear to Terry. Contributions can be made online at https://www.safelightfamily.org/donate.htm or via mail to: Safelight, Inc., 133 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
    An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting thosshepherd.com.
    Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

    Wanda Jean Taylor Byers, 79, of Warne, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019, in Hall County, Ga.
    She was born in Bell County, Texas, to the late Millard and Geraldine Garner Taylor.
    She was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Hayesville.
    Wanda loved her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    She enjoyed her work at Country Cottage, where she made many acquaintances and friends during her time at the restaurant.
    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Millard Dean Taylor; and four sisters, Geneva Taylor, Joanne Nalley, Margie Sharp and Aletta White.
    She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Fred Byers; three sons, Danny Byers of Wellington, Fla., Benny Byers of Belton, Texas, and Mike Byers of Warne; one daughter, Sheryl Miller and husband Steve of Warne; one brother, Jimmy Taylor of Corsicana, Texas; one sister, Janet Leigh Fitzgerald of Belton, Texas; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service was held at noon Saturday, June 29, at First Free Will Baptist Church. The Revs. Chris Rumfelt, Johnny Foster and Billy Stiles officiated.
    The family received friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 29, at First Free Will Baptist Church.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Free Will Baptist Church, 259 Tusquittee St., Hayesville, NC 28904.
    You may send tributes to the Byers family at townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.