Mabel Mangum Oxford, 76, of Carbon City Rd., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born on August 20, 1929 in Burke County and was the daughter of the late Bryant G. Mangum and Ellen Gettys Mangum. In addition to her parents, Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Oxford; her son, Sam; her daughter, Liz; brothers, Edward and Ray Mangum; and sisters, Virginia Burris and Helen Hartis. She graduated from Glen Alpine High School and retired from Drexel-Heritage Furniture where she had been employed for over 30 years.

Mabel worked for many years behind the scenes in local community theaters providing sets and props for countless plays produced by the Old Colony Players and the WPCC Performing Arts Program.

She became a community activist and political organizer in her retirement, working tirelessly against noise, pollution, and industrial towers in her neighborhood.

Mabel loved gardening and adorned her yard and the yards of her children with flowers. In her best of times, her door was always open. As the signs in her kitchen read, “There’s no place like home, except the Oxfords” and “Sit long, talk much.”

She is survived by a son, Joe; and by a daughter, Cheryl, and her partner Louise White, all of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 4, 2006, at Glen Alpine Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Scott Oxford of St. James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain, and Rev. Bruce Walker of Grace Episcopal Church, Morganton officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal choice.

Roderick Malcolm Hudgins, 102, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC, and a former resident of Rutherford County, died Friday, June 2, 2006 at his residence. Born May 7, 1904 in Hampton County, VA, he was the son of the late Worsham and Mary Love Hudgins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife. Mr. Hudgins was a district manager for Duke Power.

Roderick is survived by his son, Roderick Malcolm Hudgins, Jr. of Asheville, NC and a daughter, Julia H. Booth of New Bern, NC.

No services are scheduled.

Kyle Thomas Sullivan, 11, of Orders Drive, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, June 3, 2006 at Grace Hospital. He was born in Lake County, IN on January 22, 1995 to Timothy Edward Sullivan and Lisa Marie Flores. Kyle was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and attended Glen Alpine Elementary School. He was a member of Boy Scouts Pack #225 of Drexel, NC and loved to ride his bicycle.

In addition to his parents, Kyle is survived by his sister, Casey Sullivan of the home; grandparents, Daniel and Judith Sullivan of Hebron, IN, Tom Flores of Houston, TX, and Linda Flores of Charlotte, NC; aunts and uncles, Sue and Jim Wood of Crown Point, IN and Zack and Angelia Evans of Charlotte, NC; and numerous cousins.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 8, 2006 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Ken Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Scouting, P.O. Box 1059, Gastonia, NC 28053.

Emma Bell Bailey, 78, of Hwy 70 E., Morganton, NC died Monday, June 5, 2006, at her residence following a brief illness. She was born on July 28, 1927 in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Zeb and Anna May Harris Heaton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brandy C. Bailey, and by brothers, Charles Memory Heaton and Lee Roy Heaton. Mrs. Bailey was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband, William Bailey, of the home; sons, Rodger Bailey and wife, Phyllis Sigmon Bailey of Morganton, Harold Bailey and Kathy Wallace of Lenoir; a brother, James Horace Heaton, of the home; grandchildren, Jessica Epley, Travis Bailey, and Emily Bailey all of Morganton, Charity Bailey of Lenoir, and Jennifer Winebarger and Melissa Nowlin, both of Statesville; and 5 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Moneyham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church. At other times the family will be at the residence, 2845 US 70 E, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 3333 Trinity Church Rd., Valdese, NC 29690.

Wilson R. Brown, 73, of Old NC 18, Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday afternoon, June 5, 2006 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. He was born March 28, 1933 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Lonnie and Mary Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dergan Keith Brown; a sister, Virginia B. Jones; and a brother, C. Glover Williams. Wilson was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he sang in the church choir. He retired from Drexel-Heritage Furnishings Company after 45 years of service at Plant 1.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty Joyce Denton Brown of the home, a grandson, Morgan Gale Brown, a granddaughter, Leigh Ann B. Sams and her husband, all of Morganton; a brother, Grady C. Brown of Morganton; sisters, Geneva B. Harrow of Taylorsville, NC, Ruby B. Weaver of Hickory, NC, Cloey B. Aultman of Charleston, SC, and Ellen B. Bolick of Asheville, NC; many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 8, 2006 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Douglas Price, Rev. Randy Clark, and Mr. Jason Hoyle officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday 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 on Old NC 18 in Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Marilynn B. McWhorter, 79, of 2nd St., NE, Hickory, NC died Monday, June 5, 2006 at Frye Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. She was born September 28, 1926 in Ashland, Kentucky, and was the daughter of the late William Ashby Blevins and Gladys Hunt Blevins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, George Blevins. Marilynn enjoyed gardening and was a sports enthusiast. Her favorite team was the Kentucky Wildcats as she was an alumnus of the University of Kentucky. Marilynn was a devoted wife and mother, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John William McWhorter of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, William Howard and Stephanie McWhorter of Huntington Beach, CA, and Matthew Bennett and Kim McWhorter of Nashville, TN; daughters, Georgia Lynn McWhorter of Morganton, Johnda Weaver and husband, Randall of White Pigeon, MI, and Julia Abby McWhorter of Point, TX; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2006 at Linville United Methodist Church The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the residence of Lynn McWhorter, 113 North St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 3305-5 16th Ave., SE, Suite 115, Conover, NC 28613, or to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

Helen Virginia Beall, 60, of Sherwood Place, Morganton, NC died Thursday, June 8, 2006 at her residence. She was born December 30, 1945 in Fort Worth, TX, and was the daughter of the late Jack Davis and Wilma Way Davis. Helen was a school band director since 1969 in Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. For the past five years she was an E.S.L teacher at Table Rock Middle School. She also loved hiking the Appalachian Trail and was active in churches as a choir director, youth advisor and Sunday School teacher. Helen was a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Paula Ann Davis.

She is survived by her husband, Rev. Tom Beall of the home; a daughter, Virginia Beall Fowler and husband, Josef of Cashiers, NC; brothers and their wives, Rev. James E. Davis and Linda of Homerville, GA and Paul A. Davis and Frances of Buena Vista, GA; a brother-in-law, James Beall and his wife, Karen of Toccoa, GA; and a sister-in-law, Priscilla Goddard and her husband, Bob of Brandon, MI.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, June 12, 2006 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Tony Matthews officiating. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to North Morganton United Methodist Church, 900 Sanford Dr., Morganton, NC 28655; Homes for Hearts, Inc., P. O. Box 3752, Morganton, NC 28680; Habitat for Humanity, The Tashi Brown House, P. O. Box 352, Morganton, NC 28680; or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Wanda Franklin, 41, of Nunley Knolls, Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Friday, June 9, 2006 at her residence. Born in Manatee County, FL on August 31, 1964, she was a daughter of the late William E. Gardner, Sr. and Mona Cothern Gardner. Wanda had been employed at Tenneco Packing and Sara Lee Knit Products. In addition to her mother she was preceded in death by a sister, YeVon Gardner and a friend, Bryson Fox.

Surviving are her daughter, Melissa Louise Franklin and her fiancée, Andrew Reid Krall of Morganton; brothers, Johnny Gardner and William “Butch” Gardner, Jr. both of Palmetto, FL; sisters, Terry Nation of Monticello, FL and Wendy Gardner of Palmetto, FL; and dear friends, Thomas Epley, Jannell Fox, and Marsha Lyle all of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 12, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Bobby Hipps officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service.

Marita Louise Burleson Dudley, 61, of West Homestead Lane in Morganton died Saturday June 10, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born October 27, 1944 in Avery County, she was the daughter of the late William Burleson and Ruth Gwyn Burleson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister Carolyn Burleson.

A loving mother, grandmother and sister, she is survived by a daughter, Zonie Carter and husband, Dwight of Morganton; brother, Samuel Burleson of Newland; sister, Frances Wright of Lenoir; grandchildren, Dave Carter and Mindy Carter and her fiancée, Charles Gragg.

The funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Newland with the Reverend Tony Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Burleson Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home to help with the funeral expenses.

Ollie Bess Kincaid, 90, of Piedmont Rd., Morganton, NC died Sunday, June 11, 2006 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a brief illness. Born in Burke County, NC on March 20, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Milas L. and Bessie Jane Lynn Kincaid. Bess was a graduate of Morganton High School and was a retired secretary with Farm Bureau Insurance Agency in Morganton. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Lynn Kincaid.

Surviving are her “adopted” family, Doug and Doris Beam of Morganton; Michael and Melody Beam and their daughter, Emma; Chris and Matilda Beam; and Lisa Beam.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Jamye Christy officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Her adopted family will greet friends for thirty minutes before the service. Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Charlotte B. Anderson, 94, of Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC died Sunday, June 11, 2006 at Grace Ridge Health Care following a period of declining health. She was born August 3, 1911 in Cook County, Illinois, and was a daughter of the late Valentine and Marie Langer Bartels. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank S. Anderson.

Charlotte is survived by a cousin, Phyllis Tomory of Niles, Michigan.

No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Ridge Friendship Fund, 500 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or the Friends for Animals-The Humane Society of Burke County, PO Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680, or to the Salvation Army, PO Box 2786, Morganton, NC 28680.

Johnny Edward Moore, Jr., infant son of Johnny Edward Moore and Shanika Annetta Elzy, of NC 18 US 64, Morganton, NC was born into eternal life on Monday, June 12, 2006, at Grace Hospital.

Surviving in addition to his parents are brothers, Elijah Eugene Moore, Johnny Edward Moore, Jr., Byron Nicholas Tate, Isaiah Edward Moore, and Joshua Edward Moore; sisters, Nyla Shey Moore and Heaven Destiny Moore; grandmothers, Diane Corpening, of Hickory and Chana Searles, of Morganton.

Sossoman Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Becky Butler Earley, 51, of First Ave., Hickory, NC died Monday, June 19, 2006 at her residence following a lengthy illness. She was born December 16, 1954 in Cleveland County, NC, and was the daughter of Carolyn Butler Bradshaw of Morganton and the late Stiers D. Butler.

Becky is survived by her husband, Robert Earley of the home; a son, Donald Allen Earley of Conover, NC; a daughter, Starla Earley Pierce and husband, John Denny Pierce of Morganton; a brother, Ronnie Dean Butler of Morganton; and a granddaughter, Michaela Skye Pierce of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Daniel Hensley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Patricia Holder Hawkins, 52, of Old N.C. 18, Morganton died Monday, June 19, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on May 5, 1954, she was a daughter of the late Bennie Lawrence Holder and Bonnie Mae Sanders Holder. Patricia was a 1972 graduate of Oak Hill High School and was an employee of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings. She was a member of Mt. Home Baptist Church where she was an assistant Sunday School teacher and where she formerly taught Training Union class for the Children’s Choir. She was an avid gardener and she loved reading.

Surviving are her husband, Steve Hawkins of the home; a son, Nathan Edward Hawkins and his wife, Sonya of Morganton; sisters and their husbands, Elaine and Rocky Urban of Atlanta, GA, Rita and Alan Rostan of Weaverville, NC, and Sandra and James D. Hawkins of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2006 at Mt. Home Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday 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, 2291 Old N.C. 18. Memorial gifts may be made to Mt. Home Baptist Church Building Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Everette Roy Conley, 75, of 43 Fulton Street, Asheville, NC, died Thursday, June 22, 2006 at Mission Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born June 16, 1931 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Simon and Emma Lowdermilk Conley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Keller; a brother, Dewey Conley; and a sister-in-law, Bernice Conley. Everette retired from Highland Hospital after 30 years and attended Linville United Methodist Church.

Mr. Conley is survived by his wife, Geneva Phillips Conley of the home; a daughter, Dawn Johnson and husband, Mark, of Asheville, NC; three grandchildren, Carissa, Christian, and Trinity Johnson; a brother, Bill Conley of Morganton; three sisters, Dorothy Moore, Occie Ollis, and Mildred Kanipe, all of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 25, 2006 at Linville United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas Tilley and Pastor Neil Brantley 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 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 funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Office Manager, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407.

V. Ralph Boyd, 79, of Ridge Court, Morganton, NC, died Friday, June 23, 2006 at his residence following a lengthy illness. Born May 1, 1927 in Washington County, VA, he was the son of the late James Calvin Boyd and Mary Ethel Wilson Boyd. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Boyd; a brother, Jimmy Boyd; and three sisters, Nancy Jane Melton, Nina Ann Cullop, and Mary Sue Bowman. Ralph was a Navy veteran of WWII. He was the owner of Boyd Siding and Window for 47 years and attended Sunrise Baptist Church. Ralph loved to fish and was “the best” cook.

Mr. Boyd is survived by his wife, Chestine Ollis Boyd of the home; a son, James Ralph Boyd of Morganton; a sister, Elizabeth O’Dell of Puerto Rico; a brother, Lee Roy Boyd of Bristol, TN; and three sister-in-laws, Judy Carpenter and Grace Ollis, both of Newland, NC and Jackie Stout of Clinton, OH.

No services are scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Billy Devine Deaton, 73, of B & D. Avenue, Morganton, died Friday, June 23, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born on August 22, 1932 in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late Carl Deaton, Sr. and Zona Devine Deaton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Mike Wellman. Billy was a member of Way of the Cross Baptist Church. He retired as a Sgt. First Class (E-7) after 20 years in the US Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Mr. Deaton was owner of Deaton Refrigeration Co. and enjoyed woodworking. His mission in life was to witness and bring people to the Lord.

Billy is survived by his wife, Verlie Denton Deaton of the home; a stepdaughter, Bettye Baird and husband David, of Morganton; a step-daughter-in-law, Rachel Wellman of Morganton; a brother, Carl Deaton, Jr. of Gaffney, SC; a sister, Polly Holland and husband, Charles, of Matthews, NC; a niece, Tammy Cobb; two nephews, Chris Holland and Carl Deaton, III; an aunt, Alva Patterson; four step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 26, 2006 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverends Richard Ellington and Darrell Worley officiating. Graveside rites will be performed by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. At other times the family will be at the residence, 110 B & D Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655. Memorial contributions may be made to the Way of the Cross Baptist Church Building Fund, 4570 Denton’s Chapel Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Gertie Norman Duckworth, 91, of Hardy Duckworth Rd., Morganton, died after a brief illness, Sunday, June 25, 2006 at Grace Heights. Mrs. Duckworth was born in Burke Co., July 1, 1914 to the late Tommy and Isabelle McDaniel Norman. She worked for 25 years as a seamstress at the North Carolina School for the Deaf, and was an avid gardener. She was an active and faithful member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Hardy Duckworth; brothers, Charlie, Frank, William, and Mack Norman; and a sister, Lucy Dale.

Mrs. Duckworth is survived by a son, Leonard Duckworth and wife, Frances of Morganton; daughters, Katherine and husband, Rev. Jesse Head, Anne Wright, Barbara and husband, Vernon Roberts, and Mary and husband, Ned Garrison all of Morganton; grandchildren, Bruce Hamrick and wife, Maretta, Joe Hamrick and wife, Debbie, Jeff Hamrick and wife, Kay, Alan Wright and wife, Annette, Austin Wright and wife, Stephanie, Tammy Preusse and husband, Phil, Greg Duckworth and wife, Missy, Eric Duckworth and wife, Lamina, Jill Goforth and husband, Ron, and Ryan Garrison and wife, Emily; 16 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; 7 step grandchildren; 14 step great grandchildren; 3 step great great grandchildren; a brother, James Norman of Morganton; and sisters, Pearlie Mae Copeland and Rudell Burgin both of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service in the church’s Life Enrichment Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church, 5612 John Watts Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Sudie M. Penley, 72, of Foreman St., Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, June 29, 2006 at Palliative Care Center of Catawba County in Newton, NC following a brief period of declining health. She was born June 10, 1934 in Burke County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Carl P. Michaels and Velva Victoria Denton Michaels. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Penley. Sudie was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Grace Hospital. Sudie enjoyed caring for people and the company of her friends.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Donna Gail and Wesley Chester of Morganton; grandchildren, Brandi Wilson and Todd Chester; brothers, Raymond Michaels and wife, Betty, of Conyers, GA, and Ted Michaels of Morganton; a nephew, Steven Michaels; and a niece, Robin Michaels.

Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 3, 2006 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Chaplain Johnny Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, 300 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Louise Mayfield, 69, of Huffman View Trail, Morganton, NC died Friday, June 30, 2006 at Grace Hospital following years of declining health. She was born on February 27, 1937 in Burke County, NC and was a daughter of the late Walter Eli Mayfield and Hettie May Whisnant Mayfield. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Mayfield; a son, Richard “Buddy” Benfield; a brother, James “Radio” Mayfield; and daughters-in-law, Janice Pearson Benfield and Clara Mae Benfield. Mrs. Mayfield was a loving mother; sister; and grandmother who cared for her father until his death in 1995.

Surviving are sons, Robert “Bob” Benfield, Larry “Chum” Benfield, and James “Lard” Benfield all of Glen Alpine, NC and Lenior “Babe” Benfield and his wife, Mary Sue, of Morganton; brothers, Leroy Mayfield and Edward Mayfield both of Glen Alpine, and Gerald Mayfield of Morganton; sisters, Geraldine Powell of Morganton and Ruby Metcalf of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Lenior Benfield, Jr., Kimberly Harralson, and Joe Allen Benfield; and great-grandchildren, Devan and Jaden Harralson.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 3, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Dean Presnell and Clyde J. Buckner officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Bobby and Geraldine Powell on Hwy 18, Morganton.

Mary “Billie” Lippard Swanson, 84, of Powell Rd., Drexel, NC died Friday, June 30, 2006, at the Asheville Health Care Center, following a lengthy illness. She was born on March 9, 1922 in Rowan County, NC and was a daughter of the late Clarence Lee Lippard and Lillian Ree Powell Lippard. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Melvin Terry Pinkerton, and by her second husband, Martin Harold Swanson and by a brother, William David Lippard. Billie was a member of Enon Baptist Church, and she had compassion for animals and for the underprivileged. She worked closely with an orphanage in Black Mountain and because of her outgoing personality, she never met a stranger. She had a very strong love for her family and enjoyed singing and dancing.

Surviving are a daughter, Kathy Swanson Shook, and her husband, Bill, of Black Mountain; sons, Kerry Pinkerton and his wife, Pam, and Kent Lee Pinkerton and his wife, Susan, all of Morganton; her sister, Gloria McKim Mashburn; a niece, Catana Farmer and her husband, Scott, all of Dobson, NC; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great niece; 1 great nephew; and 2 great-great nieces.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Fletcher officiating. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at her home, 141 Powell Rd., Drexel, NC Memorial contributions may be made to the Asheville Health Care Activity Center, 1984 Highway 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778.