Rama Harris Whisnant, 63, of Harris Whisnant Rd. in Morganton, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, February 2, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born September 20, 1942 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of Mary Jo Crump Harris of Morganton, and the late Rev. Robert Lee Harris. Rama was a graduate of Oak Hill High School, and was a lifelong member of Grandview Baptist Church where she was the church secretary for over 45 years. She was employed as a clerk at the News Herald, and worked for many years as the office manager of Grand Piano Mfg., Kincaid Furniture Co, and Mallonee Surveying. Rama was co-owner of Rivercraft, Inc. in Vale, NC. She was a “giver” and an ardent humanitarian.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by daughters, Janice Whisnant Diab of Morganton, and Jerri Whisnant Cook and husband, Joe of Nashville, TN; a brother, Wayne Harris of Morganton; a sister, Betty Jo Whisnant and husband, John of Morganton; a grandson, Evan Diab; her beloved friend, Joe Kincaid; and nephews, Rev. John L. Whisnant, Jr., Jeff Whisnant, and Rob Harris.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2006 at Grandview Baptist Church with Rev. John L. Whisnant, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 1478 Harris Whisnant Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Baptist Church Building Fund, 1290 Harris Whisnant Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Oscar Boyd McCall, 90, of Abbie Lane, Lenoir, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 4, 2006 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care following a period of declining health. He was born in Transylvania County, NC on April 22, 1915 and was a son of the late Rev. S. B. McCall and Amy Crouse McCall. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Lorena Hilburn McCall; great-grandchildren, Timothy Cresawn and Christopher Swink; a brother, J. C. McCall; and sisters, Slate Thomas and Louise Case. Mr. McCall was a charter member of Hartland Baptist Church where he had been a deacon, served as the Sunday School director; and was a former member of the choir. Mr. McCall was a graduate of the old Rutherford College and was a retired employee of Henredon Furniture. Mr. McCall was a loving husband, son, father, and grandfather.

Surviving are a son and his wife, Dennis B. and Sandy McCall, of Lenoir; daughters and their husbands, Elaine M. and Ernest Blankenship of Lenoir and Genise M. and Rev. Barry Mock of Morganton; grandchildren, David Swink, Sharon Cresawn, Darrell McCall, DeAnna Mock, and Chris Mock; and great-grandchildren, Randall Swink, Jordan Swink, Robert Cresawn, Hunter McCall, and Jazlyn Bryant.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at Hartland Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Steve Parker, Rev. J. B. Crouse and B.R. Whisnant officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. At other times the family will be at the home of Elaine and Ernest Blankenship, 3010 Abbie Lane, Lenoir. Memorial contributions may be made to Hartland Baptist Church Building Fund, 3730 Hartland Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Dr. Lenoir, NC 28645. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Carl W. Powell, 66, of Old NC 18, was called home to be with the Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at the V.A. Medical Center in Asheville, NC following a period of declining health. Born January 18, 1940 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of Wilson Powell and the late Essie Hudson. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Hudson and his daughter, Lynn Lee Powell. Carl was a veteran of the US Air Force. He was a member and a deacon of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Carl was a board member of the Mull Athletic Foundation and loved to umpire and coach baseball games. He was a retired employee of Southern Devices.

A loving son, husband, father, and grandfather, Carl is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sadie Butler Powell of the home; sons, Norman Powell and Darrell Powell and wife, Windy, all of Morganton; a grandson, Tesz Powell of Morganton; a step-grandchild, Elizabeth Anderson; his father, Wilson Powell of Valdese, NC; a brother, Harold Hudson of Connelly Springs, NC; and a sister, Lucille Swink of Connelly Springs.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverends Doug Price and Charles Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m., where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.

Curtis “Butch” Brackett, 55, of Morganton, NC died Sunday, February 5, 2006 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born December 29, 1950 in Rutherford County, NC. He was a son of Jessie Mae Lane Brackett, formerly of Golden Valley and now residing in Shelby, NC, and the late Curtis Hoover Brackett, Sr. Butch attended Smart’s Grove Baptist Church. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and helping others. Curtis was an avid sports fan with a special interest in racing.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Brenda Cook Brackett of the home; children, Adam Smith and wife, Emily of Connelly Springs, NC, Cindy Blayock and husband, Jack of Marion, NC, Tammy Causby and husband, Chuck of Morganton; six grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Brackett and wife, Dianne of Shelby, NC; sisters, Ethel Brackett of Morganton, Patsy Bryan and husband, Mike of Apex, NC, Janie Sanders and husband, Jerry of Forest City, NC; and many more special friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Fulbright, Rev. Charles Lewis, and Mr. Tim Bell officiating. Burial will follow at Olive Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawndale, NC. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of a brother-in-law, Bobby Cook, 6928 Casar Rd. in Lawndale.

Frank Ivan, 88, of the Kingston Residence of Hickory, died Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, NC following a brief illness. He was born April 3, 1917 in Czechoslovakia, and was the son of the late John and Mary Palko Ivan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Schramck Ivan. Frank was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and served in the US Navy during World War II.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Francis “Jim” and Ruth Ivan of Morganton; a daughter, Mildred Piasck of Ohio; a sister of Margaret Hoprich of Ohio; and three grandchildren, Monica Ivan Travis and husband, Michael, Eddie Piasck, and Jamie Piasck.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2006 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Rev. Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Leona H. Kanzleiter, 88, of Grace Heights in Morganton died Monday, February 6, 2006 at the nursing home following a period of declining health. She was born November 14, 1917 in Allegheny County, PA, and was a daughter of the late John Fromherz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Kanzleiter. Leona was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Barbara Kanzleiter of Morganton; grandchildren, Kim Kanzleiter Beck and husband, Keith, Kenny Kanzleiter, Jr. and wife, Jenny, all of Morganton; great grandchildren, Caitlin Beck, Kevin Beck, Olivia Kanzleiter, and Van Kanzleiter, all of Morganton.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Rev. Kenneth Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:30 until 1:00 pm at the church. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Pittsburgh, PA. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the local arrangements.

Earl Ray Watts, 74, of Holly Hills Avenue, Morganton, NC died Thursday, February 9, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born August 30, 1931 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Willie Jasper Watts and Zulie Ruth Chapman Watts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelia Langley; and sisters, Elvie Roy and Alyce Kachelriess. Earl served with the US Army in Germany. He was employed for many years with Fruehauf Trailer Mfg. in Ohio and California. He was a retired tool and die maker with Lynch Brothers Manufacturing in Phoenix, AZ, and lived many years in Mesa, AZ. Earl was an avid traveler and loved to “tinker” with cars.

He is survived by a brother, Glenn Watts of Hobart, IN; sisters, Magdelene Watts Lane of Morganton, and Effie Watts Beavers of Olin, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2006 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church following the committal service. Mr. Watts will lie in state Monday from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Magdelene Lane, 2545 Holly Hills Ave., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5612 John Watts Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert Rassie Ross, Jr., 71, of Baker Street, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, February 11, 2006 at College Pines Nursing Home in Rutherford College, NC. Born in Wilmington, NC on September 20, 1934, he was a son of the late Robert Rassie Ross, Sr., and Vera Day Ross. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Chapman Ross. Robert was a US Army veteran of both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He retired from Drexel Heritage and was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church.

Mr. Ross is survived by three sons, Terry Lee Ross and fiancé, Marnie Blystone, Robert Keith Ross and wife, Rhonda, and Sandy Ray Ross, and wife, Wanda, all of Morganton; a daughter, Pamela Ross Freeman and husband, Gary, of McCurtain, OK; three grandsons, Robbie Ross, David Ross, and Zachary Ross; and a granddaughter, Megan Krisher.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at Solid Rock Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Land officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with graveside rites to be performed by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Monday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m., where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.

Debra Bass Edwards, 34, of Hwy 601, Mocksville, NC died Saturday, February 11, 2006 in Randolph County as a result of an auto accident. She was born December 20, 1971 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of James Thomas Bass and his wife, Cathy of Asheville, NC, and Belinda Walker DeLoach of Morganton, NC. Debra was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Fannie Fox Bass. She was a former employee of Dollar General in Kernersville, NC.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband,, Todd Edwards, children, Coty, Allyson, and Jessica Edwards, all of the home; brother, Staff Sergeant Bryan T. Bass of Germany; a sister, Melody Suzan Bass of Rich Square, NC; paternal grandfather, James E. Bass and wife, Margaret of Drexel, NC; maternal grandparents, Bulo and Rudell Burgin of Morganton; two nephews and one niece; five aunts and three uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Gouge officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 until 9 pm at the funeral home.

Richard Lee Walker, 58, of Bob Farr Dr., Morganton, NC died Sunday February 12, 2006 at Duke Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born in Burke County, NC on August 8, 1947 and was a son of Robert Lee Walker of Morganton and the late Gladys Mae Williams Walker. In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Walker. Mr. Walker was owner and operator of Richards Auto for 25 years and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of Faith Freewill Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his father are his wife, Becky Brewer Walker, of the home and his son, Timothy Walker, of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at Faith Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Rocky Reese and Rev. Julius Hall officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by Valdese American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence, 5158 Bob Farr Dr., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Lee Walker Fund, C/O Faith Freewill Baptist church, 1308 Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Ralph Owen Miller, 77, of Benfield Landing Rd., Nebo, NC, the Lake James Community, died Monday, February 13, 2006 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born December 17, 1928 in Burke County, NC and was a son of the late William Cameron Miller and Etta Benfield Miller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Albert, Andrew, Mike, Ray, and Carrie Miller; and sisters, Gladys Whisnant, Pauline Whisnant, and Gwendolyn Pitts. Ralph was a US Army veteran of the Korean War, and a lifetime member of the DAV and VFW Post 5362.

Surviving are his wife, Nina Carpenter Miller, of the home; a son and his wife, Cameron and Amy Miller of the Lake James community; daughters, June Miller Brown of Hattiesburg, MS, Janet Miller Pollard and her husband, Samuel, of Morganton, and Joan Miller Arrowood, of Sparta, NC; a brother and his wife, Robert E. and Charlie Miller, of Morganton; a sister, Emma Sue Copeland, of Drexel, NC; 6 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00 until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home, 5962 Benfield Landing Rd., Nebo. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Beatrice Robbins Poteat, 90, of Apartment Street, Drexel, NC, died Monday, February 13, 2006 at the Burke Hospice Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC following a serious illness of three weeks.

The oldest of 13 children, she was born in Rutherford County on September 6, 1915 and was a daughter of the late Hoyle and Rilla Robbins. She grew up on her parents’ farm before moving to Drexel in the early 1930s where she met her husband of 52 years, the late Charlie E. “Pat” Poteat.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Poteat was preceded in death by three brothers, Lawrence, Harrill, and Davis; and four sisters, Edith, Polly, Mattie, and Bruna.

Beatrice devoted much of her life to spreading the gospel of Christ through her work in Drexel First Baptist Church, where she was a member for more than 60 years. She was a long-time Sunday school teacher in the Nursery Department, and a Sunbeam leader. She was active in the Women’s Missionary Union, in a Bible study circle group, in the church’s audio and video tape ministry, and in a host of other local mission activities. In addition, she was a dedicated volunteer at Autumn Care of Drexel for many years.

Surviving Mrs. Poteat are: three sons and their wives, Robert and Becky Poteat and Johnny and Jane Poteat, all of Drexel, and Bill and Dinah Poteat of Valdese; three brothers, Horace Robbins of Lawrenceville, GA, Ernest Robbins of Hickory, NC, and Allen Robbins of Forest City, NC; two sisters, Ruby Dycus of Forest City and Merle Lackey of Shelby; two granddaughters, Caroline Poteat of Washington, D.C. and Jennifer Poteat of Asheville and their mother, Sally Poteat of Drexel; two step-granddaughters, Jada Reep of Boone, NC and Prairie Reep of Valdese; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Mrs. Poteat will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2006, at the First Baptist Church of Drexel with Rev. Tito Madrazo officiating. Burial to be in Drexel Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church fellowship hall from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Lottie Moon Foreign Missions Fund, in care of Drexel First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Drexel, NC 28619 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Edith Mehaffey Wells, 83, of Faet Street SW, Valdese died Thursday, February 16, 2006 at Valdese General Hospital following a brief period of declining health. Born January 21, 1923 in Haywood County, NC, she was the daughter of the late William Perly Mehaffey and Elsie Mae Inman Mehaffey. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by husband, Thomas Franklin Wells, Jr. a daughter, Linda Wells Hubbard and a brother, James Robert Mehaffey. She and her husband owned and operated The Western Auto Store in Valdese for 20 years. Then she worked at College Pharmacy for a number of years. She was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Wells is survived by a granddaughter, Annette H. Turner and husband, Ronnie of Catawba, NC. a sister, Eva Gaddis of Canton, NC and two great grandsons, Brett and Jared Turner both of Catawba, NC.

Funeral services for Mrs. Wells will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18, 2006 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Valdese with the Rev. Thom Hartman officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 309 Faet Street SW, Valdese. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 704 Praley St. SW Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

John M. Sherrod Salsbury, Jr., 90, of 115 Powe St. in Morganton died Wednesday February 15, 2006 at his residence.

Mr. Salsbury’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 18, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church where he was a long time member. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the memorial service.

Born in High Point, NC on July 10, 1915, he was the youngest of four children of John M. Sherrod Salsbury and Mary Baker Salsbury. He was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1936 where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Mr. Salsbury began his textile and apparel career with Vanity Fair Mills and made parachutes during World War II. In 1946 he located to Morganton and started Shadowline, Incorporated, a manufacturer of ladies intimate apparel.

At age 15, he was the youngest eagle scout in his High Point Troop #4. During his working career, he gave generously of his time to several boards and foundations. He was a long time member of Blue Bell, Inc.’s Board of Directors in Greensboro, a member of the Board of Trustees at Salem College, an advisory board member of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust; a member of Grace Hospital’s Board of Directors, a member of Wachovia Bank of Morganton’s Board of Directors; a member of the advisory council of Appalachian State University’s College of Business; and a fifty year member of the Morganton Parks and Recreation Foundation. Mr. Salsbury was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Bundy Salsbury; and is survived by a daughter, Bunnie Burgin and her husband, Charles, of Marion, NC; two sons, Sherrod Salsbury, III and his wife, Jeanie, and Robert Salsbury and his wife, Mary Marcia, of Morganton; seven grandchildren, Lucy Hunt, Ellen Burgin, Kelly Gessner, Anne Biggers, Baker Salsbury, Katy Edmondson, and John Salsbury; and eight great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jacob James “Jake” Fox, 89, of Tom Fox Street, Morganton, the Oak Hill Community, died Thursday, February 16, 2006 following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County on July 22, 1916, he was a son of the late Thomas Garfield Fox and Mary Ellen Fox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary L. Harris Fox, two brothers, and four sisters.

Jake was an Army Veteran of WWII and worked for many years in furniture manufacturing and logging. He was an avid bee keeper and was active in the state Bee Keepers Association. For many years he shared his extensive knowledge of bees with the agricultural department of NC State University.

Survivors are sons, James C. Fox of Monroe, NC, Ronnie Fox and wife, Penny, and Thomas A. Fox and wife, Martha, all of Morganton; daughters, Doris Draper Cox of Morganton, Alene Fox Medford and husband, Dalton, of Granite Falls, NC, and Sharon R. Griffin and husband, Wayne, of Morganton; a sister, Alice Lail and husband, Rudolph; twenty-six grandchildren; fifty-five great-children; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Ralph May and Mr. Kenneth Medford officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with graveside rites to be performed by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday evening at the funeral home from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m.

Adrienne Blaire Ross, 20, of 132 Normandy Dr., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, February 16, 2006 as a result of an automobile accident. She was born August 18, 1985 in Forsyth Co., NC, and was the daughter of Larry J. and Belle Good Ross of Morganton. She was preceded in death by her brother, Marcus Andrew Good; maternal grandparents, James and Beatrice Good; and paternal grandparents, Robert and Frances Ross.

She was a loving daughter and the aunt of Brittany Davis and Chad Young, both of Salisbury, NC, Destiny Whisnant, Kira Good, and Landon Rose, all of Morganton. Adrienne was cherished by her Aunt Susan and her Uncle Linn Faus of Layton, UT. She was blessed with many, many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, February 20, 2006 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Clyde Buckner officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7:00 until 9:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence on Normandy Dr. Memorial contributions may be made to Options of Burke County, PO Box 2512, Morganton, NC 28680, or to the Shriner’s Children Hospital, c/o Burke County Shrine Club, PO Box 695, Morganton, NC 28680.

Glen Lloyd Hoffman, 74, died Saturday, February 18, 2006 at the VA Hospital in Salsbury, NC. Glen was preceded in death by his parents, Bart and Dora Keller Hoffman, three brothers, and two sisters. He attended St. Johns Baptist Church.

Mr. Hoffman is survived by his brothers, Hughes Hoffman of Winston-Salem, NC, and Cecil Hoffman of Clarksville, TN; two sisters, Lucille Couch of Charlotte, NC, and Flavia Wright of Morganton, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Lucy P. Phillips, 80, of W. Fleming Drive, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, February 19, 2006 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County on December 30, 1925, she was a daughter of the late William Marcus Phillips and Florence Webb Phillips. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milford Phillips; and an infant brother, William Vernon Phillips. Lucy was a charter member of Asheville Street Baptist Church.

Mrs. Phillips is survived by her step-son, Norman Phillips and wife, Shirley, of Weaverville, CA; sisters, Ora Lee O’Kelly and husband, Johnny, and Kathy Mace and husband, Doug, all of Morganton; and many cousins.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at Asheville Street Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Goforth and Rev. McCoy Robinson. Burial will follow in Oak Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence of Ora Lee and Johnny O’Kelly, 101 Crestview Lane, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Asheville Street Baptist Church Building Fund, 107 Colony Drive, Morganton, NC 28655.

David N. Small, 83, formerly of Glen Alpine, NC died Sunday, February 19, 2006, at Morganton Long Term Care following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County, NC on January 16, 1923 and was a son of the late David Columbus Small and Ellie Clontz Small. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Jean Brittain Small. Mr. Small was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II and a retired employee of Broughton Hospital. He was a charter member of Amherst Baptist Church.

Surviving are his son, Larry Small, and his wife, Barbara, of Glen Alpine; his daughter, Angela Lail and her husband, Dewey, of Morganton; grandsons, Brandon Lail and Bryan Lail a sister, Ruth Curtis and her husband, Luther, of Morganton; and a niece, Gloria Jernigan, of Hudson, NC.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by Valdese American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Amherst Baptist Church, 1024 Amherst Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, PO Box 1159, Morganton, NC 28680.

Lottie Veracka Myers, 83 died February 20, 2006. Graveside Services will be 11:00 am Saturday, Februry 25, 2006 at Walker's Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Rick Hudson officiating.

Clarence C. Williams, 88, of 121 South View St., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at Grace Hospital. He was born Oct. 21, 1917 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Mouson Carvin Williams and Annie Celeste Brittain Williams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Gladys Leatherman Williams; brothers, H. L. Williams, Norbert Williams, and Larry Williams; and sisters, Bertie Lou Chapman, Eloise Dale, and Carolyn Williams. Clarence was a former employee of Huffman Hosiery Mill and a retired employee of Broughton Hospital. He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served for many years as a Deacon and an usher. Clarence was a member of the Huffman Bible Class at the church. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his bounty with family and friends. Clarence was a loving and devoted husband and father.

He is survived by a son, Jimmy Williams and wife, Dorothy, of Navarre, FL; a daughter, Judy Williams Strawn and husband, Jim, of Dunwoody, GA; brothers and their wives, Kenneth and Virginia Williams, and Floyd and Catherine Williams, all of Morganton; sisters, Theresa Williams of Morganton, and Naomi O’Connell of Boca Raton, FL; grandchildren, J. T. Williams, Denyea Hejmanowski, Elissa Reed, Laura Adrian Shatzel, Nathan Gooch, and Jessica Driskell; great grandchildren, Jesse Williams, Cheyenne Williams, Dakota Williams, Rachel Hejmanowski; Sam Brannan, Autumn Hall, Rachel Reed, Killian Reed, Cameron Holmes, and Landon Holmes; a number of nieces and nephews; and his faithful feline companion, Socks.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2006 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. Bob Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church one hour before the service. The family will also receive friends in the church parlor on Saturday for one hour before the service. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 121 South View St., Morganton. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorial contributions be made to the Parish Nurse Ministry of the First Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680-0459.

Dollie Shull Robinson Newton, 91, of Seagle Town Rd., Vale, NC died Thursday, February 23, 2006 at Lincoln Medical Center in Lincolnton, NC following an extended illness. She was born October 17, 1914 in Catawba Co., NC, and was a daughter of the late Dorias and Frances Cook Shull. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands, Roy Robinson, William Griffin, and Calvin Pinkney Newton; brothers, Burt, Woodrow, Odis, and Ralph Shull; and sisters, Mildred Anthony and Virgie Workman. Dollie was a member of Drexel Memorial Baptist Church.

She is survived by a daughter, Mary Frances Truitt of Vale, NC; four grandchildren, Ann Huss, Bobby Truitt, and Carlene Allen, all of Lincolnton, and Jim Truitt of Hickory, NC; four great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; brothers, Howard Shull of Drexel, NC, and Clayton Shull of Roxboro, NC; a sister, Vangie Setzer of Connelly Springs, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Street officiating. Burial will follow in the Macedonia United Methodist Church Cemetery, Vale, NC. The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Sue Fox, 64, of Whispering Pine St., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Thursday, February 23, 2006 at her residence. She was born September 15, 1941 in Alleghany County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Martin Luther Aldridge and Pauline Ellen Reynolds Aldridge. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Kirby Fox; and a brother, Thomas Lewis Aldridge. Sue was a member of Southside Baptist Church, and enjoyed craft work and gardening. Sue was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and sister, and loved her family, especially the time spent with her grandchildren.

Sue is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Eddie and Pam Fox of Morganton; a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Harvey Cline of Morganton; a brother, Wesley Aldridge and wife, June of Albemarle, NC; a sister, Carol Hinson of Pensacola, FL; granddaughters, Crystal Fox and Amanda Cline, both of Morganton; a step-grandson, Dewayne Mace and wife, Cindy of Cave City, KY; and a step-great granddaughter, Brenna Mace of Cave City.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 26, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Phillip King officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 129 Whispering Pine St., Morganton.

John “Poppy” J. Ryan, Sr. 66, of Millstone Ave., Valdese, NC died unexpectedly February 25, 2006 at Frye Regional Medical Center. He was born in Kilkenny, Ireland on November 18, 1939 and was a son of the late Patrick L and Ellen Sier Ryan. Mr. Ryan was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and retired from New York Shipping I.L.A. after 46 years of employment. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Staten Island, NY. John moved to Valdese with his wife, Ann, in November to be with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Ann Gottfried Ryan, of the home; sons, John J. Ryan, Jr. and Tina Ryan Benfield of Valdese and Kevin M. Ryan, Sr. and his wife Charlene, of Easton, Pennsylvania; brothers, Thomas Ryan, Desmond Ryan, Daniel Ryan, and Kevin Ryan; sisters, May Durham and Patrica Melnick; grandchildren, Tasha Ryan, Jonathan Ryan, Carissa Ryan, and Kevin Ryan, Jr.; and great-grandson, Jonathan W. “Little Man” Stogner, Jr.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2006, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Rev. Kenneth Whittington and Rev. David Bean officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors by Valdese American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, from 2:00 until 4 p.m. Thursday, and from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Grace Bell Edwards, 95, of John Abee St. Connelly Springs, NC went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 27, 2006, at Carolinas Rehab following a period of declining health. She was born in Unicoi County, TN on February 5, 1911 and was a daughter of the late Roy and Emma Foster Tilson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Edwards; sons, Earl, Dallas, and Grady Edwards; and by brothers, Woodward, Ross, and Earl Tilson. Mrs. Edwards was a member of Oak Forest United Methodist Church.

Surviving are sons, Doyle Edwards of Erwin, TN and Bobby Edwards and his wife, Barbara, of Connelly Springs; daughters and their husbands, Reba and Leonard McCurry of Cleveland, OH and Linda and Conway Ledford of Johnson City, TN; a sister, Pauline Brackins, of Erwin; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at Oak Forest United Methodist Church with the Reverends Rod Randolph, Floyd Bottoms, and Neville Story officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour before the service. The burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Cemetery in Erwin, TN. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Forest United Methodist Church, 101 Forest St., Morganton, NC 28655 or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sue Widenhouse, 86, of Mimosa Street, Morganton, NC, died Monday, February 27, 2006 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC. Born March 20th, 1919 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Soloman Ezekiel Wilson and Gertrude Emmajane Wilson. In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her husband, William P. Widenhouse; and sisters, Edith Wilson and Virginia Warlick. Sue was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the R. T. Claywell Sunday School class. She was instrumental in starting the Soup Kitchen at the church which later became Burke United Christian Ministries, where she served for over 20 years. Sue was the operator of Sue’s Beauty Shop.

Mrs. Widenhouse is survived by her son, W. Carroll Widenhouse and wife, Mary Ann, of Otto, NC; brothers and their wives, Winston “Sonny” Wilson and Inez, Charles Wilson and Catherine, and Andy Wilson and Loree, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Eric Widenhouse and wife, Missy, of KY, Holly Widenhouse of Raleigh, NC, Karen Widenhouse of Greenville, NC, and Daniel Widenhouse of Otto; and two great-grandchildren, Harlie Marie Widenhouse and William Eric Widenhouse.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at First United Methodist Church with Reverends Holly Adams and Robert Roach officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. A private burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may by made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Guy Lee Wellman, Jr., 57, of Overlook Dr., Morganton, NC died Monday, February 27, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born September 17, 1948 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Guy Lee Wellman, Sr. and Betty Jean Duncan Wellman. Guy was a former employee of Alba-Waldensian. He was a local clock repairman and an avid antique clock collector.

He is survived by his wife, Birdie Adams Wellman of the home; sons, Freddie Wellman and wife, Brenda, Anthony Richard Wellman, Steven Wellman and wife, Michelle, all of Morganton, Haston “Wormey” Wellman and wife, Candy of Connelly Springs, NC; brothers, Darrell Wellman and Dennis Wellman, both of Morganton, and Robin Wellman of Marion, NC; a sister, Patricia Cook of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Dakota, Julianna, and Matthew Wellman; and a step-granddaughter, Brittney Edwards.

Private graveside services will be held at Drexel Memorial Park with Rev. Jimmy White officiating. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 106 Overlook Dr., Morganton. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.