Jessie Poteat Patton, 86, of Bollinger Loop, Morganton, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 02, 2006 following a period of declining health. Born September 26, 1919 in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late Jess and Stella Hill Poteat. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Patton, and a son, Earnest Lee Patton. Mrs. Patton was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church on Dysartsville Road. Jessie was a loving mother and grandmother, and was the sunshine in the lives of her daughter and grandchildren. She was loved by all who knew her.

Mrs. Patton is survived by her son, Raymond E. “Jojo” Patton of Morganton and a daughter, Priscilla Fletcher of the home.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at Bethel United Methodist Church on Dysartsville Road with Mr. Joe Green officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 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 funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence, 6125 Bollinger Loop, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5011 Dysartsville Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Loretta Poarch Golds, 67, of Oak Hill Drive, Morganton, NC, died Monday, April 3rd, 2006 at Gateway Nursing Center in Lenoir, NC following a period of declining health. Born July 30, 1938 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Frank Poarch and Pearl Lucille Clontz Poarch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael Golds and a daughter, Wendy Golds Wilson. Loretta was a member of Hartland Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed watching sports and spending time with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Golds is survived by her husband of 49 years, Lenzy G. Golds of the home; daughters, Regina Golds Smith and husband, Tommy, Rená Golds Courtney and husband, Grover, Kimberly Golds Jackson and husband, David, all of Lenoir, and Valerie Golds of Morganton; brothers, Ronald Poarch and Brathel Poarch, both of Morganton; a sister, Oreta Martinat of Morganton; and six grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2006 at Hartland Baptist Church with Reverends Steve Parker and Todd Leger officiating. Burial will follow in Hartland Missionary Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Hartland Baptist Church on Wednesday from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence, 1543 Oak Hill Drive, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Caldwell County, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645, or to Hartland Baptist Church Building Fund, 3730 Hartland Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

W. R. “Bob” Williams, age 100, of Lenoir Rd. in Morganton, NC died Monday, April 3, 2006 at Grace Ridge Retirement Community following a period of declining illness. He was born Jauary 25, 1906 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Robert Wilkie Williams and Myrtle Causby Williams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Williams; and sisters, Fannie Williams, Mamie Hurta, Lelah Williams, and Virginia Beck. Bob graduated from Nebo High School in 1926 and Appalachian Teachers College in 1931 where he played on the first football team for the college. He was the oldest living alumnus of the 4 year Teachers College. Bob taught school for 2 years, and then became the Principal at Oak Hill Elementary School for 10 additional years. He started the first Boy Scout troop in Oak Hill, and then worked as the assistant director for Camp Bud Schiele in Rutherfordton, NC. Bob and his wife, Gena, were the Executive Directors of the South Mountain Institute for 28 years until retirement in 1974. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Morganton where he taught the Wesley Men’s Bible Class, and served on numerous boards.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gena K. Williams of the home; a daughter, Sylvia W. Webb and husband, Louis, of Hopewell, VA; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Thursday, April 6, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Carl Lindquist, Donald Freshour, and Holly Adams officiating. The family will receive friends following the service from 1:00 until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at 2:30 pm, Thursday at Burke Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to South Mountain Children’s Home, 7330 Myrtle Dr., Nebo, NC 28761, or the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Vernie Virginia Morgan Breen, 87, of Sweeten Creek Rd., Arden, NC and formerly of Adventist Circle, Morganton, died Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at The Oaks of Sweeten Creek after several years of declining health. She was born February 17, 1919 in Mills River, NC, and was the daughter of the late Fred T. and Alda Marie Acuff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Wallace Breen.

She is survived by sons, Howard Beck of Morganton, Gary Beck of Glen Alpine; daughters, Peggy Ann Dowd of Connecticut, Brenda Lebensburger of Asheville; brothers, Ernest Morgan, Fred Acuff, Jr., both of Morganton, Calvin Acuff of Glen Alpine, James Acuff of Spruce Pine; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, April 9, 2006 at Table Rock Seventh-Day Adventist Church with Pastor Roy Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton. The family requests that memorials be made to CarePartners Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

James D. Mims, 86 formerly of Ramsey St., Morganton died Wednesday, April 5, 2006. No services are planned. Memorial gifts may be made to Central Baptist Church, 110 Murphy Ct., Morganton, NC 28655.

Rev. Dr. Amos C. Clark, 75, of Hilltop Avenue, Morganton, NC, died Thursday, April 06, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born on September 14, 1930 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Gudger James Clark and Mattie Leigh Smith Clark. Amos completed his theology degree in 1952 at Piedmont Bible College in Winston-Salem, NC. He later received an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from Tabernacle Baptist College in Greenville, SC. Before coming to Morganton, where he served as pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church for 27 years, he served at Midway Baptist Church in Midway, NC, Calvary Baptist Church in Landrum, SC, and Vanceboro Baptist Church in Vanceboro. He founded the Tabernacle Christian School and Day Care in 1973. Rev. Dr. Clark was an active member on the NC Association of Christian School’s Board of Directors for many years. He also taught for many years in the extended education program at Piedmont Baptist College in Winston-Salem. Amos had a lifelong heart and compassion for serving missions with each church and position served.

Rev. Dr. Clark is survived by his wife, Jo Ree Tysinger Clark of the home; a son, Paul C. Clark and wife, Lynn, of Morganton; a daughter, Jolee C. Harney and husband, Larry, of Morganton; brothers, Hubert, Paul, Ray, Gene, and Smith Clark, all of Lexington, NC; sisters, Cleo Hutchens of Winston-Salem and Mildred Leonard of Lexington, NC; and grandchildren, Adree Williams and husband, Randy, of Kernersville, NC, and Todd Clark and Clark Henry Harney, both of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 9, 2006 at El Bethel Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the funeral. At other times the family will be at the residence of Jolee Harney, 501 Timberline Drive, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Western N. C. Chapter, 31 College Place, Suite D-320, Asheville, NC 28801. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Donald Richard Branch, 71, of Hwy 18 South, Morganton, NC, died Thursday, April 6, 2006 at his residence following many years of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC, on March 12, 1935, he was the son of the late William and Bertha Mae Brittain Branch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Shad and Luther Branch, and a sister, Ethel Branch. Mr. Branch was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church and a retired employee of Drexel Heritage Furnishing. Before he became ill, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Donald is survived by his wife, Ruby Hice Branch of the home; a son, Allen “Pancho” Branch of Connelly Springs, NC; a daughter, Kaye Mourglea and husband, Andy, of Connelly Springs; grandchildren, J.P. Johnson, April Johnson, Jessica Branch, Saharia Mourglea, and Andrew Mourglea; and a great-grandson, Hunter Johnson.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 9, 2006 at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Ronnie LaFevers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the church. At other times the family will be at the residence, 4301 Hwy 18 South.

Jay Paul Church, 74, of Baker Street, Morganton, NC, died Friday, April 07, 2006 at Britthaven of Morganton following a period of declining health. Born November 29, 1931 in Caldwell County, NC, he was the son of the late Christopher Columbus Church and Lois Watson Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by five brothers, Tony, Frank, Dannie, Bill, and Ted Church and a sister, Margaret. Mr. Church was retired from Southern Devices and was an avid gardener and fisherman.

Jay is survived by his wife, Betty Tilley Church of the home; a son, Kenneth Church of Morganton; a daughter, Debbie Braun of Morganton; a grandchild, Anna Marie Braun of Morganton; brothers, Carl, Richard, Blaine, Wayne, and Eugene Church, all of Morganton; and three sisters, Betty Mayfield of Drexel, NC, Linda Watson of Lenoir, NC, and Barbara Hildebran of Lenoir; a number of nieces and nephews; and a special nephew, Donald Church.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 9, 2006 in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 135 Baker Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Office Manager, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407.

Mae Powell Maloney, 75, of Maloney Ave., Glen Alpine, NC died Friday, April 7, 2006 at Grace Hospital following an extended period of declining health. Born in Avery County, NC on March 11, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Charlie Fletcher Stewart and Ruby Katherine Wise Stewart. Mae was a lifelong member of Calvary Assembly of God where she taught Sunday School for over fifty years and where she was a former leader in the Womens Missionary program. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ivey A. Powell; a daughter, Katie Mae Powell; brothers, Lacy and Dwight Stewart; sisters, Virginia Rodriguez and Mary Cornett.

Surviving is her husband, Ernest Maloney of the home; sons and their wives, Rex “Sput” Powell and Barbara and Levi Powell and Nancy all of Morganton; a daughter, Barbara Stamey of Morganton; step-daughters and their husbands, Millie Coffey and John, Wanda Fox and Roger all of Morganton, and Janice Harrison and Roger of Glen Alpine; brothers, Roy Stewart of Crofton, KY and Sam Stewart of Anniston, AL; sisters, Frances Buckley of Morganton, Joan Terry of Icard, NC, Dorothy Andrews of Pineola, NC, Cora Adamson of Dawson Springs, KY, and Patty Gurley of Glen Alpine; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; six step grandchildren; and ten step great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2006 at Calvary Assembly of God on Pea Ridge Rd. in the Oak Hill Community with the Reverends Mike Whisnant and Chris Howerton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday 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 Mrs. Maloney’s residence, 3947 Maloney Ave. in Glen Alpine. Memorial gifts may be made to Calvary Assembly of God, 3747 Pea Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Wanda M. Beach, 71, of Knob Creek Lane, Morganton, NC died Friday, April 7, 2006 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory following a brief illness. Born in Gilbertsville, NY on November 9, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Adelbert and Grace Utter Filer. She served as an active volunteer with many organizations including Comma, Hospice, Beth-Adah, American Red Cross, A.A.R.P., and the Grace Hospital Guild of which she was a past president. She was a member and past officer of the Glen Alpine Woman’s Club. Wanda was a member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church where she had served as a Sunday School teacher.

Surviving are her husband, Kenneth Beach of the home; daughters, Betsy Lynn Beach of Spindale, NC and Crystal Beach Rudd and her husband, William of Clay, NY; a son, William Kenneth Beach and his wife, Diana of Gulfport, MS; a brother, Carl Filer of Union Springs, NY; a sister, Esther Chandler of Hawley, PA; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church with the Reverends Frank Gordon and Mary Gordon officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour before the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 576, Glen Alpine, NC 28628, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or Burke County Emergency Medical Service, 200 Avery Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655.

Helen Price Shuping, 81, of Dysartsville Rd., died Saturday, April 8, 2006, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born October 25, 1924 in Burke County, NC and was a daughter of the late Charles E. Price and Olivia McWhirter Price. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Norman Shuping, son Robert Norman Shuping; and by brothers, Charles Edgar Price Jr. and Arthur Eugene Price Mrs. Shuping was a faithful member of the Bethel United Methodist Church on the Dysartsville Road where she loved serving as a greeter for many years.

She is survived by her daughter, Pat Shuping Stroup, and her husband, Fred, of Morganton; sisters Alice Milligan, Joyce Mann, and Virginia Kale, all of Morganton; a grandson Jason Patrick Lambert, and his wife, Susan; and a great grandson, Ryan Patrick Lambert.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday April 10, 2006, at Bethel United Methodist Church with the Reverends Sid Houk, Walker Toney, and Bruce Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 5011 Dysartsville Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

John H. Wells, 69, of Mt. Olive Church Road, Morganton, NC, died unexpectedly Saturday, April 8, 2006 at his residence. Born in Cleveland County, NC on October 2, 1936, he was the son of the late John H. Wells, Sr. and Annie C. Wells. John was a veteran of the US Army Special Forces. He graduated from Lee’s McRae College and NC State with a major in agricultural economics and a minor in poultry science. After school he worked in the agricultural business and later in the furniture business.

Mr. Wells is survived by his wife, Sherry Wells of the home; a daughter, Kristy Sanders and husband, Don, of Mobile, AL; a brother, Tom Wells and wife, Linda, of Cary, NC; a sister, Hilda Wells of Morganton; and three grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church Cemetery with Rev. Dean Lavender officiating. Military graveside rites are to be performed by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407.

Morris Dean Manus, 67, of Bethel Road, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, April 9, 2006 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Mitchell County, NC, he was the son of the late Clyde Manus and Emma Mae Ledford Manus. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Manus; a brother, David Manus, and a sister, Jean Proctor. Mr. Manus was a member of Mulls Grove Baptist Church. He was a retired employee of the City of Morganton where he worked for over 30 years.

Morris is survived by his son, Richard Dean Manus of the home; a daughter, Marsha Denise Parise and husband, Derek, of Valdese, NC; the mother of his children, Beverly Escudero; a grandson, Jacob Olen Parise; brothers, Clyde Richard Junior Manus of Morganton and Frank Daniel Manus of Alabama; step-children, Ashley Dawn Buff Carver and husband, Joseph Allen Carver, of Drexel, NC, and Howard David Bradley of Morganton; step-grandchildren, Nathan Christopher Tallent, Tyler Jacob Tallent, Kaleb Allen Carver, and Kayla Nikole Carver; a number of nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Glenda and Joyce Manus; and special friends, Teresa Massey, Tanya Kincaid, Ronnie and Dottie Fox, and a host of other friends.

The funeral will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Allan Barlow officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Howard “L. H.” Reece, 64, of Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC died Sunday, April 9, 2006 at Grace Heights following a brief illness. He was born January 2, 1942 in Watauga Co., NC, and was a son of the late Howard Lee Reece and Goldie Mae Bryant Reece. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a son, Terry Reece; and a brother, Spencer Reece. He was a member of the First Assembly of God in Morganton. Howard worked at many furniture factories, and was the owner/operator of the H & S Discount Furniture in Drexel, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley Drum Reece of the home; a son, Richard Reece of Valdese, NC; daughters, Sherry Greer and husband, Jaime Rodriguez of Morganton, and Donna Hudson and husband, Kenneth of Casar, NC; sisters, Rosalee Woodring of Boone, NC, Trula Walker and Dottie Reece, both of Morganton, and Francine Bright of Seneca, SC; brothers, Steve Reece of Mountain City, TN, Ted Reece of Boone, Mike Reece of Morganton, and Avery Reece of Drexel; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2006 at the First Assembly of God in Morganton with the Reverends J. D. Mallory, Brian Rainbow, and Lee Russell officiating. Burial will follow at Abundant Life Tabernacle Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 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, 1097 Hopewell Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Assembly of God, PO Box 1458, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Philip Henry Pitts of 811 West Union St., died on April 10, 2006 after a long illness. He was born January 17, 1912, and was the son of the late Noah O. Pitts and Maude Simpson Pitts of Glen Alpine, NC. Philip was the last surviving member of the family. Preceding him in death was his first wife, Vivian Hilton Pitts; sisters: Mrs. Thomas Garrison, Mrs. Frank Patton, brothers: Otis H. Pitts, Ralph S. Pitts, all of Morganton, and Dr. William R. Pitts of Charlotte, NC. Also preceding him in death was a son, Noah Andrews Pitts of Charlotte.

Philip was active in his church, Glen Alpine United Methodist, holding many offices in the church until his illness. The Pitts family supported the church in many ways, and even though they were members of other churches, Glen Alpine remained the home church. When the church was remodeled a few years ago, Phil and his wife, Helen, gave the elevator. He later joined the First United Methodist Church of Morganton. Philip, with his three brothers, was in the lumber and construction business in Morganton and Glen Alpine. He was president of the Pitts Lumber Company, vice-president of Burke Lumber Company, and a member of Pitts Brothers Holding Company.

He was educated at Glen Alpine High School, Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia and North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University was dear to him and he supported it in many ways. He endowed an athletic scholarship and was an avid participant in Wolfpack activities. Philip was a member of the Phi Kappa Pi fraternity and a member of the Wallace Carl Riddick Society. This was in recognition of his support to the university through lifetime gifts. He was the first person from North Carolina to be appointed by the Governor to the North Carolina State Board of Trustees where he served six years. During Philip’s term of office, the plan for the veterinary school was developed. He was highly instrumental in its founding. Today, the North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine is recognized as one of the best in the country.

Mr. Pitts was a long-time member of the Lions Club, a member of the Capital City Club and the Faculty Club, both in Raleigh, and a charter member of Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club in Morganton. Philip is survived by his wife, Helen Lanning Pitts, of the home; his son, Philip H. Pitts, Jr. and wife, Jackie, of Charlotte; his daughter, Rebecca Pitts Mitchell and husband, Jimmy of Jamestown, NC; four grandchildren; Susan Pitts Allbert and husband, John; Kelly Pitts Harrick and husband, Jeff, both of Charlotte; Jenny Mitchell Vestal and husband, Lee, and Trey Mitchell, all of Jamestown, NC; three great grandchildren; Caroline and Ann Brendle Allbert, and Philip Jeffrey Harrick, all of Charlotte.

The funeral will be at First United Methodist Church of Morganton on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Carl W. Lindquist officiating. Interment will be private at Glen Alpine Cemetery before the service. After the service, the family will receive friends at the church. Memorials may be made to: Student Aid Association of North Carolina State University, P.O. Box 37100, Raleigh, NC 27695, or the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Margaret Hood Parnell, 80, of Ann St., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County, NC on June 13, 1925 and was a daughter of the late John Edison Hood and Maggie Whisnant Hood. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred D. Parnell, Jr., and by sisters, Betty Jean Hill and Ruby Louise Hood. Margaret worked in the insurance industry for 50 years including employment with Morganton Insurance and Realty, Cameron Harris Co., and BB & T Insurance Services. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years and was a faithful member of the Heilecker Sunday School Class. She treasured her friends and family and the times she could spend with them and loved her role as a second mom to her great-grandson, Caleb.

Surviving are her daughter, Patricia Parnell Harbison, and her husband, Warren; her grandson, Mark Harbison, and his wife, Kristie; all of Morganton; great-grandsons, Caleb Daniel Harbison and Nicholas Thorn Harbison; and nephews, Eddie Smith and Dennis Thomas.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2006, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Holly Adams and Rev. Carl W. Lindquist officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Friday in the church fellowship hall. At other times the family will be at the home of Patricia Harbison, 1811 N. Green St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Laura Elizabeth McGee, 57, of Oakdale Drive, Morganton, NC, died April 10, 2006 at her residence. Born January 1, 1949 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Marcus Wilson Huffman, Sr., and Annie Mae Branch Huffman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar McGee; and by Theodore Wesley Smith and Clarence Wilson. Mrs. McGee was of the Baptist faith.

Laura is survived by two sons, Henry Chane McGee of Marion, NC, and Milton “Squirrel” Wayne McGee of Concord, NC; two brothers, Marcus Wilson Huffman, Jr. of Todd, NC, and William Odell Huffman of Glen Alpine, NC; three sisters, Louise Beshears of Morganton, Barbara Powell of Glen Alpine; and Pamela Lee Penley of Glen Alpine; a step-daughter, Dora “Polly” Costner; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned for Mrs. McGee. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Vernon Eugene Smith, 90, formerly of Jug Wilson Street, Glen Alpine, NC, died Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at Autumn Care of Marion following a lengthy illness. Born February 4, 1916, he was the son of the late Amos and Ethel Bowers Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sonja Claudette Perkins; a granddaughter, Amy Elizabeth Perkins; a great-grandson, Phillip Dale; a brother, Horace Smith; and three sisters: Estelle, Iris, and Edrie. Vernon served in the US Army during WWII and was a retired employee of SGL Carbon Corporation. He was an avid rabbit hunter.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Sue Anderson Smith, of the home; daughters, Judy Beach and husband, Jim, of Richmond, VA, and Susan Cheek and husband, Joe, of High Point, NC; a sister, Beulah Anderson, of Morganton; grandchildren, Jimmy Beach, Jr., Claudette Bollinger, Michelle Wagner, Ned Perkins, Jr., and Ashley Cheek; great-grandchildren, Jason Perkins, Shawn Wagner, Brian Allen, David Wagner, Meghan Bollinger, Kristin Wagner, and Brent Perkins; great-great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Bollinger and Blaise Perkins; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Valdese American Legion Post 234 Honor Guard.

Lou “Champ” Clark, 66, of C.C. Drive, Morganton, NC died Sunday, April 16, 2006 at his residence following a brief illness. He was born July 31, 1939 in Burke County, and was a son of Mary Elizabeth Crowder Clark of Morganton and the late Manley E. Clark, Sr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by brothers, Reid A. Clark, Steve Clark, Clyde Clark, Paul Clark, and Manley E. Clark, Jr. Lou was a faithful member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church and a member of the Adult Men’s Sunday school class. He graduated from Salem High School in 1957. In that same year, Lou joined the US Air Force where he worked as an aircraft mechanic until his discharge in 1961. Following his Air Force service, he worked at Great Lakes Carbon for several years. He then worked at Broughton Hospital where he retired in 1991 as the hospital’s Chief of Police.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lottie Hudson Clark of the home; a son, Curtis Fike and wife, Shelley of Morganton; daughters, Lisa Fike of Morganton, and Suzanne Crawford and husband, Chris, of Morganton; grandchildren, Zachary Fike, Courtney Fike, Nichole Ware, Haleigh Ware, Emily Crawford, and Jacob Crawford; a brother, Mark Wayne Clark and wife, Linda of Marietta, GA; a sister,

Wanda Feimster and husband, Steve of Morganton; and a number of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and church family. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Lovelace and Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2 until 4 pm at the Life Enrichment Center of the church. At other times, the family will be at Champ Clark’s residence, 2046 C.C. Dr., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Relay for Life, c/o Janice Rogers, 4768 East Drive, Morganton, NC 28655, or to the Catawba River Baptist Association Christmas Toy Store, c/o Donald Lovelace, 3970 US 64, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Brenda Spake Rich, 63, of US 64, Morganton, NC died Monday, April 17, 2006 at her residence following a lengthy illness. She was born June 10, 1942 in Gaston County, NC and was a daughter of the late Willard Cecil Spake and Rachel Deal Spake. Brenda was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church where she served as the Sunday School secretary. She was also a member of the Lettie Hamlett Circle of the church. Brenda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a dedicated Christian.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Howard Rich of the home; a son, Michael Rich and wife, Brandi, a daughter, Julie Rich Stillwell and husband, Todd, a sister, Judy Denton and husband, Bill, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Emily Stillwell, Heather Stillwell, and Ambria Rich, all of Morganton; her mother-in-law, Clema Rich of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Judy Rich Clark and husband, Joe of Charlotte, NC; an aunt, Pauline Spake of Fayetteville, NC; and a cousin, Joyce Spake Washo and husband, Bill of Fayetteville.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 18, 2006 from 7:00 until 8:30 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, 5040 US Highway 64, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 1112 Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Robert Livingston West, age 92, of Morganton, NC, died April 18, 2006 after a brief illness. Born near Richmond, VA, he was the son of the late Landon Page West and Mary Livingston West.

Mr. West retired twice. The first time was from the former Reynolds Metal Company in Richmond, VA. The second retirement was from the town of South Hill, VA where he served as building inspector. Mr. West was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Sallie Townsend West; one daughter, Margaret Miller and husband, Fred, of Morganton; two granddaughters, Sallie Usher and husband, John, and Diana Chiaravalloti and husband, Gino; and two great-grandsons, Nicholas Miller Chiaravalloti and John West Usher.

Funeral services will be conducted at Calvary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 21, 2006 with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 407 South Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655, Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Robert “Bob” Anthony Grady, 50, of Surrey Drive, Morganton, NC, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 20, 2006. Born in Burke County, NC on January 15, 1956, he was a son of the late Jerry Cline and Louise Barrier Bigshield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert Anthony Grady, grandmother, Ruby B. Stokes, and grandfather, Glen Stokes. Bob attended Harvest Praise Church. He was a retired US Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. He was also a reserve police officer in Glen Alpine, and worked for United Special Police.

Mr. Grady is survived by his son, William Anthony Grady and wife, Amanda, of Anderson, SC; a daughter, Tonya Daves and husband, Brock, of Morganton; four grandchildren, Anthony Grady, Gavin Grady, Gunnar Grady, and Ethan Daves; a former wife, Kathy Rockett Grady of Morganton; two brothers, Steven Grady and Mike Langdon, both of Morganton; and eight sisters, June Shell of Burnsville, NC, Barbara Jackson of Raleigh, NC, Ruby Smith of Rock Hill, SC, Connie Stroupe of Valdese, NC, Yana Greene of Spruce Pine, NC, Tonya Goodson of Charlotte, NC, Kim Sorrow of Charlotte, NC, and Donna Coffey of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2006 at Harvest Praise Church with Pastor Barry Camp officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites to be performed by the US Marine Corps. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.

Mrs. Janie Williford Cline, 73, of Decatur, GA passed away April 25, 2006, at her home. Mrs. Cline was born on August 30, 1932, in Granville County, NC to the late Lester and Lillie Williford. She grew up in Roxboro, NC and graduated from Roxboro High School and Croft's Business College. She married the late John Henry Cline, Sr. in 1957, and they had a son John Henry Cline, Jr., who survives. She has resided in Decatur, Georgia since 1964. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Decatur. Janie was a devoted wife and mother and was dearly loved by her family and friends. She will be greatly missed and may God Bless her loved ones.

She is survived by her son, John Henry Cline, Jr. and his wife Amy, of Conyers, GA; sisters, Nola Day of Durham, NC and Celia W. Kirkman of Jamestown, NC; brothers, Victor Williford and John Roy Williford both of Roxboro, NC; nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, Georgia. The funeral will be held at The First Baptist Church of Decatur on Friday, April 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a viewing at Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton, NC at 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by a graveside service at 3 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family requests flowers or contributions may be made to The First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur, GA 30030.

Vivian Benfield Duckworth, 83, of Morganton, NC, died Thursday, April 27, 2006 at her residence following several years of declining health. Born February 26, 1923 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late John Manley Benfield and Fannie Mincey Benfield. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Luther Duckworth; a grandson, Greg Arrowood; and four brothers, Paul, Ray, Ralph, and Melvin Benfield. Mrs. Duckworth was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church and a former member of First Baptist Church of Glen Alpine, NC. She was a retired employee of Huffman Hosiery Mill and then worked part time at Highlander Ltd. She then worked for 10 years in the fabrics and crafts department of Wal-Mart.

Vivian is survived by her daughter, Nancy Arrowood and husband, Bobby; a grandson, Brad Arrowood and wife, Christy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob Benfield and wife, Millie, Ned Benfield and wife, Flossie, John “Bud” Benfield and wife, Letha, and Thomas “Bus” Benfield; sisters, Doris Franklin and Fannie Mae Whisnant, all of Morganton and special care assistant, Rudell Burgin of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 30, 2006 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church with Reverends Clyde Buckner, Dr. Rocky Branch, Jim Taber, and Dr. Mike Odom officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1580, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Helen S. Thorpe, 87, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 27, 2006, at Grace Ridge Health Care Facility following several years of declining health. She was born in Forsyth County, NC on April 20, 1919 and was the daughter of the late Alexander Slawter and Annie Lenora McBride Slawter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, T. M. Thorpe, Jr. Mrs. Thorpe enjoyed playing bridge, volunteering as a Pink Lady with the Grace Hospital Guild, and was a member of Mimosa Hills Country Club. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, and she had a loving devotion to her family.

Surviving are her daughters and their husbands, Pat and Nolan Coggins of Conover, NC and Kay and Dan Pilley of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren, Kelli Coggins of Atlanta, GA, Brad Pilley and his wife, Jennifer, of Tampa, FL, and Dandy Tomczyk and her husband, Jim, of West Chicago, IL; and great-grandchildren, Ashleigh and Haley Pilley.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2006, at Grace Ridge Mezzanine. Private entombment services will be held at Burke Memorial Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, to the Susan B. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation; or the American Lung Association, 3305-5 16th Ave. S.E. Suite 115, Conover, NC 28613.

Judith K. Harper, 55 of Bryant Rd., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Friday, April 28, 2006 at Grace Hospital. Born in Harrison County, WV on September 18, 1950, she was a daughter of the late Clifford D. and Florence Wilson Vincent. Judith was employed as a truck driver for Sain and Heavner in Vale, NC. She moved from West Virginia to North Carolina in 1995. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.

Surviving are her husband of forty years, Warren E. Harper of the home; a daughter, Melissa Gladden and her husband, James of Drexel; a son, Warren “Eddie” Harper and his wife, Chris of Connelly Springs, NC; brothers, Raymond Vincent of Charleston, SC and William Vincent of Dover, DE; sisters, Winnifred Smith of Columbia, SC and Ruth Cappiello of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica, Jillian, Christina, Kayla, and Clifford; a number of nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Cricket.

The funeral will be held at noon Tuesday, May 2, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Johnny Powell officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Black Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Joan Long Carter, 74, of N. Anderson St., Morganton, NC died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born October 24, 1931 in Burke County, NC and was the daughter of the late Dwight Hubert and Esther Kincaid Long. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Carter, Sr. Joan was a member of First United Methodist Church and attended Oak Forest United Methodist Church. She retired from the Burke County public school system in 1992 where she taught at Chesterfield Elementary for 30 years.

Joan is survived by sons, Donald Ray Carter, Jr. and his wife, Flo Pitts Carter , of Nebo, NC and Dwight Jefferson Carter and his wife, Zonie Rose Carter, of Morganton; a daughter, Nancy Elizabeth Carter Yancey and her husband, Earl Edward Yancey, of Morganton; and grandchildren, Dwight David Carter, Melinda Beth Carter, Mathew Carter Powell, and Rebecca Elizabeth Powell.

Entombment services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2006, in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Rev. Rod Randolph officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.