Donald Allen Williams died March 1, 2006. There will be no services.

Lillian McKinney Davis, 77, of 3rd Ave. NE, Conover, NC, died March 3rd, 2006 at Catawba Medical Center in Hickory, NC. She was born June 30th, 1928 in Mitchell County, NC. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, O.V. Davis; parents, Charlie and Dora Greene McKinney; and two brothers and two sisters. Mrs. Davis was a long-time member of Bollinger’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

Lillian is survived by her son, Charles Davis of Lewiston, ID; daughters, Brenda Davis of Chicago, IL and Nancy Beam of Taylorsville, NC; sisters, Opal Young of Drexel, NC, and Vergie Carpenter and Lois Boone, both of Conover, NC; four grandchildren, Matthew Thomas of Nampa, ID, Heidi Schlatter of Cleveland, OH, Jennifer Davis of Lewiston, ID, and Joel Davis of Boise, ID; and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 6th, 2006 in Bollinger’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Fletcher officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be held at a later date in Lenawee Hills Memorial Park in Adrian, Michigan. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 210 3rd Avenue, NE, Apt. 19, Conover, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Bollinger’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 1215 Carolina Street SE, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Rev. Howard J. Tallent, 83, of J.R. Tallent Road, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, March 05, 2006 at Britthaven of Morganton following an extended illness. Born January 26, 1923 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late John Robert Tallent and Maude Moore Tallent. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Pruett Tallent; brothers, Glenn & Roy Tallent; and a sister, Wilma Tallent Duckworth. He was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church. Rev. Tallent was a US Army Veteran of WWII where he served in the European Theater. He was a retired employee of Broughton Hospital and a retired Baptist Minister of South Mountain Baptist Church. Rev. Tallent was a former pastor and interim pastor for several churches in Burke County.

Howard is survived by his wife, Clara Dula Tallent of the home; daughters, Glenda English and husband, Robert, Edith Tallent, and Mariam Huffman and husband, Lewis, all of Morganton; step-sons, Steve Dula and wife, Kathy, and Ronnie Dula and wife, Gail, all of Morganton; a step-daughter, Patty Dula of Greenville, SC; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and three step-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with Reverend Jerry Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.

Velra Ledford Twiggs, 81, formerly of Pleasant View Loop, Morganton, NC, went home to be with her Lord Sunday, March 5, 2006 at Valley Nursing Center, Taylorsville, NC. Born June 16, 1924 in Yancey County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Baxter and Mongolia Ledford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Glenn Twiggs and a son, Dr. Dennis Glenn Twiggs. Velra was a member of Walker Road Baptist Church and was a retired employee of Shadowline, Inc.

She is survived by three sons, James A. Twiggs and wife, Judy, of Clemson, SC, Charles E. Twiggs and wife, Tammy, of Lynchburg, VA, and W. Jerry Twiggs and wife, Brenda, of Hickory, NC; a daughter-in-law, Tamera Twiggs of Winston-Salem, NC; sisters, Frances Lovelace and Ann Hall, both of Rutherford County; grandchildren, David Twiggs, Tiersa Morrow, Jason Twiggs, Mark Twiggs, Jessica Twiggs, and Elia Twiggs; and great-grandchildren, Salem Elizabeth Twiggs, Catherine Conley Twiggs, Alexandria Blake Morrow, and Hayden Leigh Morrow.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Jerry & Brenda Twiggs, 1215 34th Ave. NE, Hickory, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Baptist Church Playground Fund, 580 Antioch Church Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

John Flynn, 59, of Old NC 105, Nebo, NC died Sunday, March 5, 2006 at the VA Medical Center in Asheville, NC following a lengthy illness. He was born October 5, 1946 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Bertie Edwards Michaels of Morganton, and the late John Frank Flynn, Sr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Walt Michaels. John was an 18 year veteran of the US Army and served three tours in Vietnam. He retired due to a service connected disability from the US Army. John was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Diane Vaughan Flynn of the home; a son, Byran Flynn of McDowell County; a daughter, Michelle F. Freeman and husband, Max of Morganton; a step-son, Steven Paul Robinson of Myrtle Beach, SC; a step-daughter, Angela Jean Perkins and husband, “Buttons” of Pearisburg, VA; a brother, Sammy Flynn and wife, Mae of Nebo; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 9, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Nebo with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Horace Covington, a resident of Britthaven of Morganton, died on March 7, 2006 at Grace Hospital due to complications from pneumonia. Mr. Covington was born October 20, 1920 in Polkville, NC. His father, William Horace Covington, Sr., owned a general store in Polkville, raised cattle, and was a Mason. His mother, Dorcas Harrelson Covington, taught fourth grade, ran the family store, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Covington’s parents were members of Polkville Methodist Church.

After serving in the Army during World War II, Mr. Covington graduated from Duke University in 1949 with a degree in business and became a certified public accountant. He began his career as an auditor for the N.C. Department of Revenue and worked for the accounting firm of Ernst and Ernst in Winston-Salem.

In 1951 Mr. Covington married Mildred Catherine Patton of Glen Alpine, and in 1960 the couple relocated from Winston-Salem to Morganton and opened an accounting firm together. The Covingtons were members of Morganton First United Methodist Church. Mr. Covington was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club of Morganton, the North Carolina Masonic Lodge, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

In 1989 Mr. Covington married Burnett Beam of Polkville, who died in 1999. Surviving are two sons, Robert Hugh Covington of Morganton and William Thomas Covington and his wife, Mary Custis, of Asheville. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 9, 2006, in the Aldersgate Chapel of First United Methodist Church in Morganton with Rev. Carl Lindquist officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Bowers Room. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Stanley G. “Gary” Hamby, Jr. 55, of Laws Street, Lenoir, NC died Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born September 22, 1950 in Caldwell County, NC, and was the son of the late Rev. Stanley Garfield Hamby, Sr. and Mildred Stoker Hamby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Hamby Minton. He was a former employee of Hammary and Singer Furniture Company, and then worked for 15 years as Chief of Security at Grace Ridge Retirement Center.

Stanley is survived by sisters, Libby Hamby Kirksey of Albany, GA, and Annette Hamby Carlton of Lenoir, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 11, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Bill E. Bentley officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday one hour before the service. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Annette Carlton, 3384 Rocky Road, Lenoir, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6000 Fairview Rd., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Edith Mae Buff, 59, of Clark Loop, Morganton, NC, died unexpectedly Thursday, March 9, 2006 at her residence. Born in Burke County on December 2, 1946, she was a daughter of the late W. A. Buff and Helen Minnie Cook Buff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ernest Wayne Buff, and a brother, Edward A. Buff. Mrs. Buff was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church. Edith worked for Doblin for 13 years, Drexel Heritage for 9 years at plants 3 and 5, and worked at the Calvary Baptist Church Daycare. She was in the Presidential Club at Avon for 12 years and worked at the flea market in Valdese.

Mrs. Buff is survived by her husband, Ernest A. Buff of the home; sons, Ray Buff, Jeffrey A. Buff and Richard J. Buff and wife, Virginia, all of Morganton; a daughter, Lisa M. Burleson and husband, Jay, of Morganton; a brother, Russell Huffman and wife, Wendy, of Connelly Springs, NC; sister, Rachel Gwyn, Belinda Walker, Vickie Moss and husband, Tim, Frances Buff and husband, Carlos, all of Morganton, and Judy Huffman and husband, Gerald, of Catawba, VA; a step-mother, Mamie Buff of Morganton; grandchildren, Vanessa Buff, Alley Buff, Tyler Buff, Dustin Buff, Alan Webb, Katie Webb, Chris Steffey, Dylan Buff, Chris Yount, Brandon Buff, Brittany Wooten, Lance Buff, and Miranda Buff; and a special friend, Becky Goodson of Lincolnton, NC.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2006 at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with Reverends Ronnie LaFevers and Billy Bollinger officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the hour. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Bernice Price Cassell, 86, of Grace Heights and formerly of Steakhouse Road in Morganton, NC died Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the nursing home following an extended illness. She was born March 14, 1919 in Cleveland County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Robert Ransom Price and Texie Wall Price. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Gary Clark; and a daughter, Linda Greene.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Jewell Perkins Norman of Morganton; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Tim K. Sheridan officiating. Burial will follow in the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday one before the service. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Jewell Norman, 210-3 Steakhouse Rd., Morganton.

Ralph Walter Nusz, 86, of White St., Morganton, NC died Thursday, March 9, 2006 at BMA of Burke County following a period of declining health. He was born February 4, 1920 in Enid, Oklahoma, and was a son of the late Fred and Anna Martins Nusz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Quteen M. Nusz. Ralph served in the US Army during World War II, and he was a member of Morganton Wesleyan Church. He was a self-employed carpenter.

Ralph is survived by a son, Tony Nusz and wife, Lena of Morganton; daughters, Lynn Nusz and Evanna Caldwell, both of Morganton, Judy Mace and husband, Ron of Kingsport, TN, Joy Meyer and husband, Tom of Edgewater, FL, and Kristy Taylor and husband, Steven of Anchorage, Alaska; a brother, Leo Nusz of Kansas; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2006 at the Morganton Wesleyan Church with Rev. Bake Garman officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Morganton Wesleyan Church, 305 Bethel St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Maude Baker Childres, 92, of Mountain View Street, Drexel, NC, died Thursday, March 9, 2006 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County on February 3, 1914, she was a daughter of the late William A. Baker and Emma Elizabeth Aiken Baker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Brantley A. Childres; sisters, Ethel Mae Benfield, Bertha Branch, Blonnie McNeely, and Margaret Hubbard; and brothers, John Baker, Jess Baker, William Baker, and Robert Baker. Maude was a lifetime member of Drexel First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the W.M.U., and was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. She was a Girl Scout Leader, retired from the Drexel Knitting Mill, and was an avid flower gardener.

Mrs. Childres is survived by her daughter, Winona L. Childres of the home; sons, Larry W. Childres and wife, Carol, of Drexel, Ronny A. Childres and wife Kay, of Morganton, NC; grandchildren, Elizabeth Denise Childres of the home, Connie C. Brendle and husband, Kevin, Brian W. Childres and wife, Cheryl, all of Drexel, Kendall Rutledge Childres and Sandra C. Bennett and husband, Mark, all of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Christopher Davin Childres, Charles Morgan Bennett, Travis Owen Ledford and wife, Stacey, all of Morganton; a sister, Lillian B. Cordell of Augusta, GA; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 12, 2006 at Drexel First Baptist Church with Reverends Tito Medrazo and Carl Lindquist officiating. Burial will follow in Drexel Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall Sunday from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence, 102 Mountain View Street, Drexel. Memorial contributions may be made to The Food Ministry, c/o Drexel First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Drexel, NC 28619 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Lois Smith Hinceman, 81, of Steamer Lane, Morganton, NC died Friday, March 10, 2006 at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born November 20, 1924 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Ira E. Smith, Sr. and Una Belle Denton Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Daniel Hinceman, Sr. Lois was a member of Brown Mountain Baptist Church.

She is survived by sons, Robert Banks Hinceman and wife, Janis of Morganton, and Charles Daniel Hinceman, Jr. and wife, Carla of Sioux Falls, SD; a brother, Ira E. Smith, Jr. of Morganton; sisters, Edith Smith Renfroe of Clemmons, NC, Jean Smith Neal of Springfield, MO, and Una Christine Smith Reep of Nebo, NC; grandchildren, Robert Banks Hinceman, Jr. and wife, Renee, Marcus Todd Hinceman and wife, Monica, and Benjamin Daniel Hinceman; and great grandchildren, Madison Taylor Hinceman, Hunter Grant Hinceman, Lakelyn Delaney Hinceman, and Casey Banks Hinceman.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm, Monday, March 13, 2006 at Brown Mountain Baptist Church with Rev. T. B. Deese officiating. Burial will follow at Calvin Heights Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Brown Mountain Baptist Church, PO Box 223, Morganton, NC 28680.

Scott Wall, 58, of Hillcrest Street, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, March 11, 2006 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Luzerne County, PA, on May 13, 1947, he was a son of the late Donald Scott Wall, Sr. and Gertrude Evans Stephens. Scott attended El Bethel Baptist Church. He was a retired hospital administrator at Cannon Memorial Hospital and Carolinas Medical Center. He was a former member and past president of the Oak Hill Ruritan Club.

Scott is survived by his wife, Rita S. Wall of the home; two sons, Darren Wall and Jason Wall, both of Morganton; a brother, Ron Wall of Columbia, SC; and a niece and nephew, Susan and Len.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 at El Bethel Baptist Church with Reverends Ron Cooper and David Bean officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 15th, from 6:00 until 8:00 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, 100 Hillcrest Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060 or to the American Diabetes Association, Memorial Program NCC, North Canton, OH 44720

Curtis Austin Baker, 21, of Spainhour Rd., Morganton, NC, the Oak Hill Community, died Sunday, March 12, 2006 as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Burke County, NC on July 10, 1984 and was a son of Bill Baker, Jr. and his wife, Lisa, and Debbie Bean Crouch and her husband, David, all of Morganton. Curtis was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and all outdoor activities. He was a loving father and son with a tender spirit and a wonderful smile that would brighten the day.

Surviving in addition to his parents, are his children, Anna Smith and Austin Baker, and their mother, Ann Smith, of Morganton; a brother, Brandon Baker, and his daughter, Breanna Baker, of Morganton; grandparents, Peggy Bean, Bill and Kathryn Baker; his great-grandmother, Louise Baker, all of Morganton; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Rev. Ed Bean.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at El Bethel Baptist Church with his uncle, Rev. David Bean, Rev. Ron Cooper, and Rev. Beth Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at El Bethel Baptist Church. At other times the family will be at the home of his nannie, Peggy Bean, 162 Stephens Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with funeral expenses. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edgar “Turtle” Samuel Jones, III died Saturday, March 11, 2006 at his residence following a sudden illness. Born in Cumberland County, NC on September 20, 1969, he was the son of Elizabeth Ann Duckworth Jones and the late Edgar Samuel Jones, Jr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edgar Samuel Jones, Sr. and Mildred Pearson, and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Myrtle Duckworth. Turtle was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. He worked for Vocational Rehab and delivered for the News Herald. He loved to play softball and had played on several teams for the Morganton Industrial League.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Childers Jones of the home; children, Amber Elizabeth Jones of Kiln, MS, Kaylie Eliza Jones of the home, Steven Chase Jones of Morganton, and Zachary Childers of the home; his mother, Ann Jones of Morganton; a brother, Justin Jones of Connelly Springs, NC; sisters, April Richardson and Annamaria Jones of Morganton; and fourteen nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19th, 2006 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Reverends Tommy Lineberger, Bill Holland and Roy Waters officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with graveside rites to be performed by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Millard “M. T.” Duckworth, 74, of Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC died Monday, March 13, 2006 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. He was born August 21, 1931 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Mary Bartles Duckworth of Morganton, and the late John Ervin Duckworth. He was a 1950 graduate of Morganton High School, and a retired employee of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation. Millard was a US Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and was active in all areas of church life. Millard was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a K. C. C. H. with memberships in Catawba Valley Lodge #217 and Valley of Asheville Lodge. In the Valley of Asheville Lodge, he was presently the Master of Ceremony, a past member of the Advisory Conference, and had held other offices. He was a member of Oasis Shrine Temple in Charlotte where he was a past Ambassador and Trustee. Millard was a member and past President of the Burke County Shrine Club and a member of the Order of Jesters. He was a member and past Worthy Patron of the Mimosa Chapter #269, Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of fifty years, Nancy Honeycutt Duckworth of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark T. and Allison Duckworth of Lexington, NC; a daughter, Lisa Gail Duckworth of Asheville; and a granddaughter, Emily.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 at Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Homer Murdock and Dr. Joe Greene officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic rites by the Catawba Valley Lodge #217, and military graveside rites by the Valdese American Legion Post #234 and the U.S. Marine Corps. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Burke County Shrine Club, P.O. Box 695, Morganton, NC 28680, or to the Scottish Rite Valley of Asheville Lodge, 80 Broadway, Asheville, NC 28801, or to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 1112 Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Myrtle Berry Bowers, 92 of 500 Lenoir Rd., Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at Grace Ridge Health Care Center. Born in Morganton on December 4, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lenoir Berry and Mary Lou Lowdermilk Berry. Three sisters, Ora Lee Elmore, Ethel Rader, and Myrtie Clarke, and two brothers, Joseph Berry and Carl Berry preceded her in death. Her husband, Tuxie D. Bowers died in 1972. The couple co-founded Tux Bowers Motor Company in 1941 where she worked as a bookkeeper. Beginning in 1962, Mrs. Bowers took the position of official hostess of Morganton and Burke County in the newly created service provided by Burke Dairy. She was very active in community activities. Myrtle was a past President and the last surviving charter member of the Morganton Garden Club. She held a life membership in the North Carolina Garden Club and the North Carolina Lions Association for the Blind. Mrs. Bowers served as President of the Morganton Lioness Club. She was a member of the League for Crippled Children and the North Carolina Association for Retarded Children. She served two terms as President of the Morganton Women’s Club and started the club’s building fund and International Affairs Department. Mrs. Bowers was honored with an honorary life membership from the Women’s Club. In 1985, Myrtle was presented with the Human Rights Award from the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is. Along with her many civic activities, she was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school, served as Superintendent of Training Director of Women’s Missionary Union and served in numerous other positions.

Mrs. Bowers is survived by a daughter, Jane Bowers Greene and her husband, John of Morganton; grandchildren, Teresa Greene Norman and husband, Dan of Blowing Rock, NC, John D. Greene, Jr. and wife, Connie of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Ashley Norman Smith and husband, Jeff of Lexington Park, MD, Lydia Norman of Raleigh, NC, Jim Norman of Boone, NC, Ben Norman of Greensboro, NC, Haley Greene of Wilmington, NC, and Kerri Greene of Morganton; and a great great-grandson, Jacob Ryan Smith of Lexington Park.

Interment will take place at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 17, 2006 at Forest Hill Cemetery. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. Bob Shepherd officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 502 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Alfred Leslie Perry, 68, of NC 181, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at Memorial Mission Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Burke County, NC on April 4, 1937 and was a son of the late J. Von Perry and Harriet Nanena Beck Perry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a nephew, Craig Perry. Mr. Perry was a veteran of the U. S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. As a member of the Baptist faith, Alfred loved to read the Bible daily. He operated Perry’s Exxon for many years and was a mechanic specialist in Ford 8 N tractors. Alfred was an avid history buff especially of the Old West and was a collector of Native American artifacts. He loved music and playing the guitar.

Surviving are brothers and their wives, Joel V. and Sue Perry of Raleigh, NC and Randall H. and Norma Perry of Morganton; sisters and their husbands, Nanena and Harmon Clontz and Rebecca and Alex Smith, all of Morganton; nieces and nephews, Eric Perry, Paige Perry, Christal Mangum, Shanda Epley, Melanie Harris, Jeffrey Clontz, Mark Clontz, Bradley Clontz, Cynthia Franklin, Aaron Smith, and Waylon Smith; and 18 great nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 17, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Ralph May officiating. Burial will follow in the Hemphill Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Mamie Chandler Whisenant, 76, of Holly Place, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care in Lenoir, NC following a brief illness. She was born August 12, 1929 in Madison County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Hezekiah and Pauline Henderson Chandler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Margaret Pons and husband, Bill Pons. Mamie was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church where she was a member of the Baptist Women’s Group. She was also a member of the North Morganton Baptist Women’s Circle. Mamie graduated from Grace Hospital School of Nursing in 1951, and was employed as a nurse at Grace Hospital for 39 years. She was a member of the Grace Hospital Alumnae Association for several years.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Bill Whisenant of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Sandy Whisenant of Morganton; daughters and sons-in-law, Libby and Robert Elder of Morganton, Mary and Mark Herrick of Virginia Beach, VA, and Lisa and John Sher of Hickory, NC; brothers, Tom Chandler and wife Peggy of New Market, TN, James Frank Chandler and wife, Dorothy of Leicester, NC, Eddie Chandler of Marshall, NC, and Steve Chandler and wife, Judy of Jefferson City, TN; sisters, Hester Morgan and husband, Luther of New Market, TN, Mary Crooke and husband, Shannon of Elko, NV, and Ruby French and husband, Michael of Jefferson City, TN; grandchildren, Dana Whisenant, Haley Sher, and Graham Sher; a step-grandson, Alan Storie; a sister-in-law, Lou May and husband, Howard of Winston-Salem, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18, 2006 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Clyde Buckner officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 306 Holly Place, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1580, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Grace Hospital Alumnae, c/o Jackie Pruett, 136 VFW Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Blaine A. Causby, 69, of Ashford St., Morganton, NC died Thursday, March 16, 2006 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born November 9, 1936 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Array Ashford Causby and Louise Pollard Causby. Blaine was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church, Glen Alpine. He was a former employee of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation, and an avid gardener. Blaine was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Nancy Penley Causby of the home; sons, Dennis A. Causby and friend, Betty Nelson, Rodney Causby and friend, Lisa Morgan, all of Morganton; a daughter, Anna C. Hurdle and husband, Dan of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Pete Hurdle, Blaine Hurdle, Chad Causby, and Catherine Causby; brothers, Larry Causby and Jerry Causby, both of Morganton; a sister, Mary Pauline Collier of Chattanooga, TN; and his faithful canine companion, Blackie.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday, March 18, 2006 at the First Baptist Church, Glen Alpine with Rev. Michael Brown and Rev. Dr. Marvin Gobble officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday from 3:00 until 4:00 pm at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Playground Fund, First Baptist Church, PO Box 557, Glen Alpine, NC 28628. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Bess Duckworth Turner, 95, of N. Green St., Morganton, NC died Thursday, March 16, 2006 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. She was born June 7, 1910 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late Fons Tillman and Viola Rivers Fox Duckworth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Meedie Turner; a son, Gene Turner; brothers, Dr. Cecil Duckworth and Carl L. Duckworth; and sisters, Margaret D. Palmer, Nellie D. Giles, and Frances D. McIntosh. She was a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Friendly Tuesday and Happy Trails Group. Bess attended Greensboro Business College. She retired from Drexel-Heritage Furniture in High Point, NC in 1975. Bess was an active member of the AARP, and volunteered with the Red Cross Bloodmobile until she was 93 years old.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Lena Turner of High Point; a daughter-in-law, Anita Turner of Morganton; grandchildren, Trent Turner, Tim Turner, Charles Turner, Jackie Turner, Brian Turner, and Patricia Turner Parris; 16 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren a sister-in-law, Katherine Duckworth of Albemarle, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 2006 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Tony Matthews and Rev. Paul Christy officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 until 7:30 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Anita Turner, 111 Wedgewood Dr., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.2:31 PM 3/17/2006

Amelia “Mealie” Fellows McCall, 82, of Parks Dr., Nebo, NC died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Fairfax County, VA on February 24, 1924 and was a daughter of the late Harold Carter Fellows and Fannie Hulme Fellows. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Dewie Henson McCall. As a young worker, Mealie worked for the State Department in Washington, DC during World War II. In 1949, she married Dewie McCall, and spent 17 years living on wildlife management areas in the mountains of Western North Carolina. After her husband’s death, she worked for the Burke County Board of Elections, the Burke Arts Council, and later the NC Department of Agriculture as a census taker. Mealie was a member of Linville United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her sons, Steve McCall and his wife, Franny, of Trout Creek, MT, Harold McCall and his wife, Tammy, of Copper Hill, VA, and David McCall of the home; sisters, Eunice Staley of Arlington, VA, and Lydia “Betty” Fellows and Alice “Jackie” Carpenter, both of Falls Church, VA; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. April Abernethy officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. Monday and for 30 minutes before the service on Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Mike and Robin Barnes, 1854 Fonta Flora Dr., Nebo. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, PO Box 2786, Morganton, NC 28680.

Claudie Verle McLean Killian, 91, of McAlpine Nursing Adult Care, died Friday, March 17, 2006. There will be no services.

Nathaniel “N. W.” Amos, 88, of Drexel Road, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, March 19, 2006 at Carolina Rehab Center in Connelly Springs, NC after a brief illness. Born April 18, 1917 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late James Hoyle Amos and Ella Rector Amos. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Clessie Deal Amos. Mr. Amos was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. He did music for the Burke County Senior Center and was an avid dancer. During WWII he worked on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, TN. Nathaniel also worked for Major Electric in Valdese, NC and Burke Radio as a TV Repairman.

Mr. Amos is survived by his son, Ray W. Amos, of Valdese; grandchildren, Bill Amos of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Kimberly Haylock of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Billy Amos, Judith Haylock & fiancé, Ashley Van Dyke, Crystal Dula and husband, Steward, Katherine Haylock, and Stephanie Haylock; a brother, Joseph T. Amos of Morganton; and a devoted friend, Nancy Puckett.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel at Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Festus Odell Branch, 81, of Double Oak Drive, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, March 19, 2006 at Valdese General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born on November 24, 1924, he was a son of the late Cicero Gordon Branch and Zillah Branch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Will Branch and Dallas Branch, sisters, Isa Russ, Eva Fender, Junie Cook, Talitha King, and Louise Blakely, and a grandson, Nicky York. Festus was a member of Pea Ridge Assembly of God and attended New Covenant Church of Valdese. He was active in his church’s music program and enjoyed gardening and his music. Festus was a retired employee of Drexel Heritage plants 3 & 5. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. Branch is survived by his wife, Lucy Freeman Branch of the home; daughters, Dianne York and husband, Leonard, of Morganton, Norma Wheeler and husband, Walt, of Drexel, NC, Cathy Triplett of Drexel, Christine Austin of Marion, NC, Debbie Smithey and husband, Darrell, of Connelly Springs, NC, Aggie DeHetre and husband, Skip, of Morganton, and Pamela Cansler of Valdese, NC; a brother, Paul Branch, of Drexel; a sister, Gladys Cook of Granite Falls, NC; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Clemens officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Dianne and Leonard York, 116 Amherst Road, Morganton.

Lt. Kelly Kincaid, 41, of Morganton, NC died in the line of duty on Sunday, March 19, 2006. He was born in Burke County, NC on February 19, 1965 and was the son of Linda Dale Kincaid of Morganton and the late H. Mickey Kincaid, Jr. Kelly was a Lieutenant with the Burke County Sheriff Dept., a reserve fire fighter with Morganton Dept. of Public Safety, and a reserve police officer with Broughton Hospital. He was a former co-owner of The Boat House and an avid fisherman and hunter. He served on the Board of Directors of Mimosa Boat Landing. He was a member of Mull’s Grove Baptist Church. Kelly was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, and a devoted public servant.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife of 8 years, Tanya Michelle Fox Kincaid, of the home; his sister, Shannon Kota and her husband, Andrew, of Morganton; maternal grandparents, Marvin J. and Virgie Dale of Hickory; his nephew, Jake Kota; and his father and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Dottie Fox; aunts, Martha Craft, Connie Reese, and Judy Young; brothers and sisters-in-law, Andrew Kota, Bryan Long, David Rice, Randy Fox, Tami Rice, Teri Fox, Tina Long; nieces, Kasie Fox, Ketti Frogge, Kristen Frogge, Kara Frogge; and nephews, Jake Frogge, Korey Rice, Cody Rice, Jared Rice, Storm Long, and Stone Long.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2006, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Allan Barlow, Rev. David Bean, and Rev. Dr. Thomas Bland officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. Lt. Kelly Kincaid’s body will lie in state at First Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lt. Kelly Kincaid Scholarship Fund, c/o Burke County Sheriff’s Dept., 150 Government Dr., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Margaret Pierce Stroupe, 97, a resident of Grace Ridge Retirement Center in Morganton since 1987, died Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at Grace Hospital. She was born March 22, 1908 in Beaufort, NC and was a daughter of the late William Adair Pierce and Blanche Fulcher Pierce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Lee Stroupe, Sr. Margaret was a graduate of UNC-Greensboro, and she moved to Morganton in 1945. She taught school for 38 years with the last 19 years spent at Mull Elementary School in Burke County. Margaret was a member of Grace Episcopal Church she served on the Altar Guild for many years and Women of the Church (ECW). She was a former member of the Grace Hospital guild, and volunteered as a pink lady for over 30 years. Margaret was a member of the Morganton Women’s Club, and active in the education department for the club. She was also a member of the Mimosa Chapter of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by a son, Frank L. Stroupe, Jr. of Matthews, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, March 23, 2006 at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Bruce Walker officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. on the mezzanine of Grace Ridge. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Grace Ridge Retirement Center Friendship Fund, 500 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.sossomanfuneralservice.com.

Margie “Pauline” Burleson, 91, of Asheville, NC, formerly of Glen Alpine, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2006 at the Oaks at Sweeten Creek in Arden, NC, following a period of declining health. Born in Avery County, NC on January 20th, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Sudie Clark Winters. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Coy Burleson, a son, Jack Allen Burleson, and two sisters, Cleo Oaks and Narkie Johnson. She was a member of the Table Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church and was employed at Breedens, Hanes, and Mt. Sanitarium Hospital in Fletcher, NC and at Glen Alpine School.

Pauline was loved by all. Her peaceful spirit, joyful laugh, and the light of love that shone through her eyes, and the love that was felt with her touch and heart as she spoke will forever be with us. Her strength and positive influence on others is engraved in our hearts eternally. Her’s was a life well lived and she will be missed.

Survivors include her brother, Dallas Winters of Hendersonville; three sisters, Louise Allen, Revonda Piercy, and Fairy Cooper, all of Morganton; seven children, Lessie Mae Detter of Valdese, Joe Burleson of Glen Alpine, Blanche Jarrett and husband, Charles, Alyce Styles and husband, Wayne, and Reba Parks of Morganton, Dianne Caldwell and husband, Mike, and Pat Burleson and long-time companion, Jeff Ellis of Asheville; twelve grandchildren, Wayne Shell, Tony Ollis, Paulette Mojica, Ricky Burleson, Jerry Burleson, Joyce Jordan, Pam Paxton, Tracy Riddle, Terri Christie, Nicole Caldwell, Renae Gillespie, and Randy Burleson; nineteen great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Calvin Acuff and Wayne Styles presiding. Pauline will be laid to rest in the Burleson Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service.

The family would like to thank Care Partners of Asheville for the compassionate, loving care they gave during Pauline’s time of struggle.

Paul David Smith, 58, of Snipes Street, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at Memorial Mission Hospital following a period of declining health. Born January 3, 1948 in Burke County, he was the son of the late Robert Clyde Smith and Velva Watts Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sheila Hallyburton, and a grandchild, Kayla Elizabeth Smith. Paul was a member at Hartland Baptist Church and an avid farmer. He enjoyed riding horses and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Paul was well loved by his family, his church family, his many friends, and all who knew him. He had prepared in advance to spend eternity with his Lord.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Patricia Moody Smith of the home; two sons, Rev. Brian Smith and wife, Kathy, of Lenoir and Randy Smith of Morganton; two daughters, Paula Smith and husband Todd, of Valdese, NC, and Kimberly Hartley of Morganton; and eight grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2006 at Hartland Baptist Church with Reverends Steve Parker and Brian Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence, 2909 Snipes Street, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hartland Baptist Church Building Fund, 3730 Hartland Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Margaret Bridges Harris, 85, of Morganton, died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at her home. She was born February 6, 1921 in Burke County to the late George and Ethel Morrison Bridges. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dewey Bridges, and a step-daughter, Judy Harris.

Surviving are her daughter, Nancy Harris Mull and husband Kenneth Mull of Morganton; two grandchildren, Mary and Seth Mull of Morganton; a son, Robert Harris of Morganton; a sister, Beatrice Bridges Hodge and husband, Archie Hodge, of Rutherfordton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Margaret was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in Morganton and retired from Waldensian Bakery. In addition, she was an active member of the Morganton Woman’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and active in the Variety Club.

The funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2006 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 407 S. Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Arturo “Papa” Campero Flores, 42, of North St., Morganton, NC died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at his residence following a lengthy battle with ALS. Born on September 1, 1963 in Mexico, he was a son of the late Mario Campero Flores and Severina Flores Tellez. He was a retired employee of Valdese Manufacturing and a former employee of Case Farms. Arturo was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9579. He played basketball while in college in Mexico and enjoyed playing in the area industrial basketball leagues.

Surviving are his wife, Becky Harbison Campero of the home; sons, Arturo Campero, Jr. and Mario Campero both of the home; daughters, Severina Campero and Stephein Conley both of the home; brothers, Bruno Campero of Hidalgo, Mexico and Mario Campero of Mexico City; a sister, Eleuteria Campero of Hidalgo, Mexico; and a niece and nephews, Oyuki Vargas and Joaquin and Juanito Campero; and a great nephew, Carlo Vargas, all of Mexico.

The funeral mass will be said at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Rev. Kenneth Whittington and Pastor Barry Camp officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday at the church from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence, 103 North St. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at Burke Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to The Campero Children’s Education Fund, c/o St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 West Union St., Morganton, NC 28655. Online condolences may be sent to www.sossomanfuneralservice.com. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Margaret Stewart Kindley Boyles, 80, of Blossom Lane, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at Grace Hospital. Born February 26, 1926 in Cumberland County, NC, she was a daughter of the late William G. and Meta Stewart Kindley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl L. Boyles, Sr. Margaret was a resident of Orlando, FL for over 30 years and had worked as a paralegal for the Mark Rabinowitz Law Firm. In her younger years, she had worked in radio and T.V. broadcasting. Margaret was a licensed pilot and an avid artist and photographer. She was a devoted member of New Hope Moravian Church in Hickory, NC.

Margaret is survived by sons, Earl L. Boyles, Jr. and wife, Glenda of Kennesaw, GA, and Darrell Boyles and wife, Sabrina of Baker, FL; a daughter, Peggy Shuping and husband, Rex of Morganton; grandchildren, Jason Boyles, Amy Boyles, Kate Morley, Sam Morley, Savanna Boyles, Nathan Boyles, Michael Phillips and wife, Cathy, Linda Turner, Tracey Mason and husband, Robert; step-grandsons, Daris Shuping, James Shuping, and Kevin Shuping; and great grandchildren, Megan Turner, Nicole Mason, Rachel Mason, Mitchell Phillips, and Cara Phillips.

Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 30, 2006 at New Hope Moravian Church with Rev. John Rainey officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Moravian Church, 2897 Sandy Ford Rd., Newton, NC 28658. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Lois D. Bowman, 69, of Amherst Road, Morganton, NC, died Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at Valdese General Hospital. Born April 20, 1936 in McDowell County, NC, she was the daughter of Pearl Hoppes Carpenter and the late Richard L. Davis. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her son, Bryan Bowman, and a daughter, Sheila Marie Bowman. Lois was of the Baptist faith. She was owner and operator of Bowman Day Care in Drexel and was lovingly known by everyone as “Ma Maw.” Mrs. Bowman also worked at Valdese Manufacturing.

Lois is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard Bowman of the home; a son, Richard A. Bowman of Hickory, NC; brothers, Howard Wayne Davis and Barry Davis, both of Morganton; her mother and step-father, Pearl Carpenter and husband, Reece, of Drexel; seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be made online at www.sossomanfuneralservice.com.

Stephen Blake Edge, 28, of Brown Avenue, Morganton, NC died Friday, March 10, 2006 at Lake James following a boating accident. He was born August 4, 1977 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Maurice Edge and Rose Ann Waters Edge of Morganton. Stephen was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lewis and Maude Edge; and an infant sister, Sharon Joyce Edge. He was a 1995 graduate of Freedom High School and a 1997 graduate of Western Piedmont Community College. Stephen graduated from Appalachian State University in 2001 with a dual degree in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems. He was a math instructor at Liberty Middle School and was the assistant coach for the girl’s basketball team. He had started working through the lateral entry program in August of 2004 for his teaching certificate. Stephen was a lifelong member of Calvin Heights Baptist Church in Morganton. He accepted Jesus into his life in April of 1990 and was baptized on May 27, 1990. Stephen was a member of the children’s choir and the R.A.’s at the church. He was an active member of the church youth program. Stephen was presently attending West Court Baptist Church in Marion, NC. He was an avid outdoorsman; enjoying hiking and canoeing.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Mark D. and Mindy Edge of Morganton; his fiancée, Erin Selm of Morganton; maternal grandparents, Bland and Estilene Waters of Rutherfordton, NC; uncles and aunts, Charles and Doris Jean Edge of Morganton, Buck and Adalene Ransone of Greensboro, NC, Martha and Roger Wells, Frank Waters, Edward and Kim Waters, all of Rutherfordton, Douglas Waters of El Paso, TX, Blandene and Paul Tate of Shelby, NC, and Kay Webb of Inman, SC; and a host of cousins and other beloved relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2006 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Dewey Thomas, Rev. Michael Beshears, and Mr. David Burleson, Superintendent of Burke County Schools officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Maurice and Rose Ann Edge, 205 Normandy Dr., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, PO Box 1159, Morganton, NC 28680, or to the Burke County Rescue Squad, 120 St. Mary’s Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or the Liberty Middle School Media Center, 529 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Online condolences may be made at www.sossomanfuneralservice.com.

Dorothy Barkley Smith, 87, of Autumn Care of Drexel and formerly of E. Meeting St., Morganton, NC died Thursday, March 30, 2006 following a lengthy illness. She was born in Iredell County, NC on June 18, 1918 and was a daughter of the late Hugh Alexander Barkley and Gertie Beaver Barkley. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sons, Ronnie Smith, Donnie Smith, and an infant, Johnny Smith; a daughter, Alexis Dula; brothers, Hubert Barkley and Ronnie Barkley; a sister, Mae Hooper, and a granddaughter, Angela Dula. Mrs. Smith retired from Drexel-Heritage Furnishings in 1981 and was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She was well known for her quilting and cake decorating. Dorothy was a gentle, kind, and sweet lady.

Surviving are a son and his wife, Thomas “Tommy” and Margaret Smith, of Colonial Heights, VA; daughters and their husbands, Irene and Bill Phillips of Morganton and Peggy and Jimmy Fisher, of Valdese; grandchildren, Shirley Brittain, Denise Vance and husband, Sammy, Patty Clontz and husband, Jeff, Rebecca Eaker and husband, Mark, Terry Estepp, Tony Dula, April Chester, Kelly, Joseph, and Joshua Smith, and Amber Branch; great-grandchildren, Kirk Brittain, Braxton Vance, Nick Clontz, Brody Eaker, and Angie and Brandy Dula; a great-great-granddaughter, Laney Dula; and half-sisters, Rosie McCrary, Pauline Mitchell, Hazel Rodgerson, Jane Robbins, and Katie Driscoll all of Statesville, NC.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of Irene Phillips, 312 Brentwood Rd., Morganton, Memorial contributions may be made to Southside Baptist Church, PO Box 2306, Morganton, NC 28680. Online condolences may be made at www.sossomanfuneralservice.com.

Clarence Junior Wilson, 78 of Oakdale Dr., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Friday, March 31, 2006 at Grace Hospital. Born July 30, 1927 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Edward Lee and Fannie Estelle Williams Wilson. He was an avid fisherman. In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by a brother, Vernon Wilson.

Surviving are brothers, Carl L. Wilson of Nebo, NC, Johnny E. Wilson and wife, Geneva of Valdese, Earl Wilson and wife, Marilyn of Avon, NY, Howard Wilson and Kenneth Wilson both of Morganton; sisters, Wilma Wilson Wright of Glen Alpine, NC and Mary Ellen Wilson Leonhardt of Morganton; and a number of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence of a brother, Howard Wilson, 1138 Burkehurst Ave., Morganton.