Josephine Fox Freeman, 79, of Alexander Ave., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at her residence. She was born October 21, 1926 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Kermit W. and Ida Freeman Fox. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Jackson Freeman; and a sister, Peggy Fox Campbell. Josephine graduated from Morganton High School and attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. She worked for the Navy Department and the Kendall Company, both in Charlotte, NC. After moving back to Morganton, she worked for Premier Hosiery until her retirement. Josephine was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Flora Cauble Sunday School Class. Her hobbies included camping and hiking which later changed to walking with her brother and sisters, and cooking, especially baking. Josephine loved babysitting her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by sons, Earl “Jack” Freeman, Jr. and wife, Judy of Morganton, and David Wesley “Wes” Freeman and wife, Janice of Hickory, NC; a brother, Kermit W. Fox of Morganton; and sisters, Jonnie Williams of Morganton and Betty Storie of Lenoir, NC; grandchildren, Angel Freeman Digh, Robert Lee Kuehn, Ryan Freeman, Kristie Schauman, Melissa Freeman, Patrick Schauman, Meagan Freeman, Sean Freeman, and Katherine Freeman; great grandchildren, Emma Digh, Cory Digh, Allie Digh, Jordan Schauman, Nicholas Freeman, Laura Digh, and Colin Schauman; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 5, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 611 Alexander Avenue, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 459, Morganton, NC 28680.

Mr. Clarence Gold Digh, 86, of Admore Heights Dr., Valdese, NC died Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville from injuries sustained in an auto accident. Mr. Digh was born on March 4, 1920 in Cleveland County and was a son of the late John Cletus Digh and Nettie Rhoney Digh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul, Solen, and Fonz Digh, and two sisters, Beulah Mae Digh and Mabel Stewart. He retired from the textile industry and served as a Civil Defense worker in the Virginia and Maryland shipyards during World War II. He was a life long member of Enon Baptist Church in Valdese. Mr. Digh loved watching Braves baseball, soccer games, and working in his garden.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Louise Berry Digh, of the home; two sons, Terry Michael Digh and his wife, Brenda, of North Myrtle Beach, SC and Randy Keith Digh and his wife, Kathy, of Drexel, NC; two brothers, R. P. Digh and Bill Digh, both of Morganton; and three sisters, Azalee Poteet and Webber Smith, both of Morganton, and Margie Moses of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Michael Garrett Digh and his wife, Jessica, and their twin sons, Liam and Seth, all of Greensboro, NC, Kristan Digh Reeve and her husband, Michael, of Greensboro, NC, and Karey Brendle Digh of Charlotte, NC who will always lovingly remember their “Papa”.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 5, 2006, at Enon Baptist Church with the Reverends Gary Garner, Donald Smith, and Tito Madrazo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 2444 Admore Heights Dr., Valdese. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Enon Baptist Church Building Fund, 2059 Enon Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ms. Frances Carolyn Freeman Brewer, 70, of Conley Rd., Morganton, NC passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory after a period of declining health. Frances was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Edna Sprouse Holland and Willard A. Holland, Sr.; sisters, Bertha Louise Epley, Jetta Dean (Jeanne) Holder; brother, Joe Ben Holland, and long-time companion Hurley Johnson.

Frances is survived by sisters and brothers-in-law, Jettie Lee Causby, Doris Ann (Mrs. Norman) Garrison, Pearl Jane (Mrs. Vance) Norman, Dayle Christine Holland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. and Dorothy Holland, Mr. and Mrs. W.A., Jr. and Lynn Holland, Mr. and Mrs. John D. and Pat Holland all of Morganton, Mr. and Mrs. Larry W. and Veora Holland of Whiteville, NC; and a number of cousins, nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 5, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Moses officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of W.A., Jr. and Lynn Holland at 2770 Conley Rd. Memorials may be made to American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852-9813.

Billy Gene Elmore, Jr., loving son, father, and grandfather, 44, of Kinglet Dr., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Friday, August 4, 2006, at his residence. He was a son of Billy Gene Elmore, Sr. and Juanita Arrowood Elmore of Morganton, and he was born in Burke County, NC on August 1, 1962. Billy was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed fishing, boating, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to his parents are a daughter, Misty Joyal and her husband, Matthew, of Harrisburg, NC; sons, Billy Gene Elmore, III and Jeremy Seth Elmore, of Morganton; a sister, Kimberly Ann Elmore, of Morganton; a granddaughter, Alexis Marie Joyal; special niece and nephew, Roxanne Jones and Matthew Holder; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Rev. Robert and Effie Early.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 7, 2006, at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Ralph May and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 1 hour before the service at the church. The family will be at the home of his parents, 1370 Kinglet Dr., Morganton. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Bessie Roena Farris, 82, of Autumn Care of Drexel, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 5, 2006. She was born in Burke County, NC on October 12, 1923 and was a daughter of the late, Thomas Elijah Barrier and Mary Curtis Barrier. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Hughes Farris; a brother, Luther Barrier; and sisters, Ada Bridges, Minnie Moses, and Ollie Fox. Mrs. Farris was a retired employee of Drexel Knitting where she worked for 30 years. She was a member of Drexel First Baptist Church and had attended Morganton First Church of God.

Bessie was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Linda Woods, Vivian Harwood and her friend, Donald Ledford, and Judy Lowman, and her husband, Archie, all of Drexel; her brother, George Barrier, and his wife, Essie, of Drexel; grandchildren, Melina Woods, Michael Harwood, Sandra Miller, Karen Zimmerman, and Eric Harwood; 3 great-grandchildren; and her best friend, Nancy Huffman.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends William Hall and Tito Madrazo officiating. Burial will follow at Drexel 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 Judy and Archie Lowman, 3292 Brandon Rd., Drexel. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Elizabeth W. Greenfield, 88, of Britthaven of Morganton, formerly of Catawba St., Morganton, NC, died Saturday, August 5, 2006 at Britthaven. Born in Burke County, NC, on June 22, 1918, she was the daughter of the late William I. Walker and Ola Kincaid Walker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Bobby, Bill, Jim, Jack, and Ted Walker; and three sisters, Erma Walker Burns, Dorothy W. Brown, and Daisy M. Walker. Elizabeth was a member of First United Methodist Church. She retired from Drexel Heritage after 40 years of service. Miss Greenfield volunteered at Grace Hospital and was active in AARP in Morganton.

She is survived by her son, Robert J. Greenfield of Morganton; a granddaughter, Rebecca Greenfield of New York City, NY; a special nephew, William T. Burns, Jr. and wife, Nancy, of Drexel, NC; a number of nieces of nephews; and special friends, Jack and Betty Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2006 in Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Charlie Wesley Bowman, 81, of Bowman Ave., Morganton, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 06, 2006 at Grace Hospital following an extended period of declining health. Born in Old Fort, NC on October 30, 1924, he was the son of the late Joe Elbert Bowman and Lillie Mae Gurley Bowman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Bowman; two sisters, Bea Barrier and Francis Moore Barrier; and infant twin sisters. Charlie served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII. He worked for Oil City Glass Company in Oil City, PA for 15 years, and later retired from Henredon in Morganton after 23 years. He was a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Bowman is survived by his wife, Annie Wiseman Bowman of the home; two sons, Lawrence Bowman and wife, Bonnie, of Santa Rosa, CA, and Allen Bowman and wife, Beverly, of Marion, NC; two daughters, Debbie Biddix and husband, Ted, of Marion, and Phyllis Gragg and husband, Donnie, of Morganton; two brothers, Allen Bowman of Vero Beach, FL and Joe Bowman of Linville, NC; four sisters, Dorothy Cornette of Marietta, OH, Emaline Tripp of OR, Dora Deardoff of OR, and Alice Semon of Piedmont, SC; thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with graveside rites to be conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral. At other times the family will be at the home, 2841 Bowman Avenue, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

James L. Copeland, 86, of W. Fleming Dr., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. He was born In Burke County, NC on January 7, 1920 and was a son of the late Archie and Hennie Christenbery Copeland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters. Mr. Copeland was a US Army Air Force veteran of World War II and was a retired employee of Morganton Electric Service.

Surviving are sons and their wives, Steve and Mary Ann Copeland and Andy and Marcia Copeland; a daughter and her husband, Barbara and Ray Denton; and his former wife, Pearlie Copeland, all of Morganton; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2006, at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Burl Sain officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Valdese Post 234 Ceremonial Team. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 29690.

Betty Jean Mode White, 73, of LaColline, Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 following a period of declining health. She was born in Cleveland County, NC on June 25, 1933 and was a daughter of the late Lemuel L. and Lottie Belle Queen Mode. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters. Betty retired from Shadowline after more than 40 years of employment and was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church since 1953.

Mrs. White was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 57 years, Buren White, of the home; a daughter and her husband, Brenda and Jerry Cloninger, of Smyrna, GA; a son and his wife, Michael and Renee White, of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Angela Cartner and her husband, Chris, and Brandon White and his wife, Meredith; great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Nicole White; step-grandsons, Josh and Seth Williams; a brother, Donald Mode; sisters, Mary D. White, Texie Wray, and Ethel Richards; and a number of nieces and nephews. Betty had many special friends including Bill and Ethel Shuping and Sandra and Joe Hensley.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 11, 2006, at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with Reverends Jerry Campbell and Steve Walsh officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the home, 105 LaColline. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Heights Quality of Life Fund, 109 Foothills Dr., Morganton, NC 28655. Mrs. White’s family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staffs at Grace Heights, Burke Primary Care, Burke Hospice, and to Dr. Carolyn Mook.

Calvin Otto “Cal" Mass, 81, of Falls St., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at Britthaven of Morganton following a lengthy illness. Born May 14, 1925 in Halfway, MI, he was a son of the late Ferdinand Charles Augustus Mass and Ethel Sternberger Mass. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Ruth Laramie Mass; and a son, Donald Mass.

Surviving are sons and their wives, Carl L. and Mary Peak of Arizona, Edward and Cheryl Mass of Eagle Pass, TX, Ronald and Karen Mass of Flint, MI, and Joseph O. and Bobbie Mass of Lenoir, NC; daughters, Ruth Mass-Gregor and husband, Gary of Lapeer, MI and Janice Olson of Portland, OR; a brother; a sister; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Shelly DePuy of Morganton.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2006 at Hopewell Baptist Church with the Reverend Homer Murdock officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Ted C. Kirby, 63, of Propst Rd., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 10, 2006 at Grace Hospital. He was born December 30, 1942 in Caldwell County, NC, and was a son of the late Jay G. and Ada Shoun Kirby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Ann Goble. Ted was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Seimens Company.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Stroup Kirby of the home; sons, Vince Kirby of Caldwell County and Michael Kirby of Morganton; and brothers, Carroll Kirby of Blountville, TN and Jerry Kirby of Hudson, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 13, 2006 at Burkemont Baptist Church with the Reverends David Mills, Phillip Long, Eddie Bunton, and Bill Holland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6 until 8 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 Burkemont Baptist Church Building Fund, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Eugene Mathis, 82, of Hartland Rd., Morganton, NC died Saturday, August 12, 2006, at VA Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born in Wilkes County, NC on February 5, 1924 and was a son of the late Lester and Jettie Anderson Mathis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Bolick; two infant brothers; and a great-grandchild, William Cole Walker. Mr. Mathis was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II was a faithful and active member of North Morganton Baptist Church. He was a very humble man who was a loving husband; father; and grandfather. He was an avid camper and history buff and will be greatly missed by his faithful companion “Toby”.

Surviving are his wife Betty Cline Mathis, of the home; his daughters and their husbands, Sandra and Stony Curtis and Dawn and John Shelton all of Morganton, and Teresa and Robin Curtis, of Valdese, NC; a half brother, Robert G. Anderson, Jr. of Hays, NC; a half sister, Kathelene Whisenant, of Drexel, NC; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 14, 2006, at North Morganton Baptist Church with the Reverends Kenneth Baker and Johnny Shelton officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with military rites conducted by the Valdese Post 234 Ceremonial Team. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. At other times the family will be at the home, 2107 Hartland Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton Baptist Church, 101 View St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Elvin Durant Long, 77, of Shady Rest Rd., Morganton, NC died Saturday, August 12, 2006, at Morganton Long Term Care following a period of declining health. He was born in Rutherford Co., NC on November 8, 1928 and was a son of the late William and Thelma Biggerstaff Long. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Long, and a sister, Dorothy Berry. Mr. Long was an U. S. Navy veteran and retired from Broughton Hospital after 42 years where he had been the director of the medical laboratory. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Surviving are his daughters and their husbands, Deedra and Kenneth Epley of Morganton and Kyle and Darryl Vaughn of Boone, NC; his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Jessie and Josh Epley; and his former wife and mother of his daughters, Ethelene Long, of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2006, at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Deedra and Kenneth Epley, 618 Golf Course Road, Morganton.

James F. McGimsey, Jr., 88, died peacefully in his sleep, Monday, August 14, 2006 at Morganton Long Term Care. He was born July 13, 1918 in Salisbury, NC, and was a son of the late James Franks McGimsey, Sr. and Margaret Claywell McGimsey. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Morganton. James was a veteran of World War II, serving as a physician in the US Army and stationed in England. After the war, he did a residency at the Baroness Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN where he met his wife. He then went on for further residency training at the Bellevue Hospital and the New York Hospital. In 1953, he moved back to Morganton where he went into private practice. In 1955, he started working at Broughton Hospital, but then transferred to Emory University where he did a residency in psychiatry. Dr. McGimsey returned to Morganton in the fall of 1972 where he worked at Western Carolina Center until his retirement. He had also worked at the Western Youth Institute in Morganton.

James is survived by his wife of 56 years, Louise Clark McGimsey of the home and originally from Ringgold, GA; children, James Franks McGimsey, III of Mt. Dora, FL; Judith McGimsey Baker and husband, Gregory of Cincinnatti, Ohio, John Clark McGimsey and wife, Li Jie of Charlotte, NC, William Claywell McGimsey of Houston, TX, and Thomas Clinton McGimsey and wife, Anne of Dublin, Ireland; grandchildren, Jamie McGimsey, IV, Collier Baker, Tommy McGimsey, Kieran McGimsey, Clara McGimsey, Lua McGimsey, and J. J. McGimsey; and a brother, Edward McGimsey of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2006 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7:00 until 8:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mountain Office, 31 College Place, Ste D 320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644.

William Hill was born May 22, 1953, in Morganton, NC. He died August 16, 2006, at Forsyth Memorial Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC, after a seven month battle with a severe infection that resulted in a debilitating stroke. A brother, Robert Martin Hill of Morganton, NC, and a sister, Caroline Laundon of Chapel Hill pre-deceased him. Andy is survived by a son, George Maurice Hill, III of Morganton, NC, and a daughter, Sara Elizabeth Hill of Hickory, NC, both of whom he adored. Also, his parents, Jody and Maurice Hill, his sister, Melinda Privette of Philadelphia, PA, seven nieces and nephews and his former wife, Donna B. Hill, of Hickory, NC, survive him.

Andy worked at Broughton Hospital for approximately twelve years. During that time, he went back to college and graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne with a BA degree in psychology and business. He had great intellectual curiosity and read widely. Former Senator Sam J. Ervin, Jr. of Morganton was quoted as saying, “Knowledge is the most lasting wealth.” By that standard, William Andrews Hill was a wealthy man.

There will be a private burial service, Friday, August 18. A memorial service will be at two o’clock in the Colonial Chapel at Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating, followed by a time to receive friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2786, Morganton, NC 28680.

William Rex McFalls, 73, of Piedmont Road, Morganton, NC, died Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a sudden illness. Born in Burke County, NC on September 17, 1932, he was the son of the late William Henry McFalls and Ruth Mae Mull McFalls. William was an avid farmer and a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

Mr. McFalls is survived by his wife, Carolyn Parson McFalls of the home; three sons, Rex Alan McFalls, Terry McFalls, and Scottie McFalls, all of Morganton; two brothers, Marvin McFalls of Morganton and Leslie McFalls and wife, Glenda, of Waynesville, NC; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2006 at Antioch Baptist Church with Reverends Clarence Correll, Jimmy Lambert, and Ronnie Burgett officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday 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. At other times the family will be at the residence, 3641 Piedmont Road, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 2441 Antioch Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Estelean D. Braswell, 90, of Autumn Care of Drexel passed away Thursday, August 17, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey Eli Drum and Nettie Rudicill Drum, and her husband, Clyde Braswell. She was born December 7, 1915 in Burke County. Estelean was a graduate of Morganton High School and a member of the First United Methodist Church. She worked as a bookkeeper at Lazarus until her retirement.

Estelean is survived by sisters-in-laws, Betty B. Seagle, Norma “Sug” Rector, and Betty P. Braswell, all of Morganton, and Lillian Braswell of Durham, NC; eleven nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 19, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. The burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. 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 the arrangements.

Margaret Marie Moore, 83, of Britthaven of Morganton, died Friday, August 18, 2006. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2006 in Glen Alpine Cemetery.

Jerry Don Daye, 72, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 19, 2006 at home. He was born on April 21, 1934 in Burke County and was the son of the late Vester and Bertha Daye.

Mr. Daye was a faithful member of North Morganton Baptist Church where he served as a former Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Superintendent.

He was a graduate of Morganton High School and attended Lenoir-Rhyne College.

He was a successful businessman in Morganton, owning and operating Wells and Seals Auto Repair, Morganton Auto Supply, and had recently retired from Daye’s Trading Post. In addition to his business interests, he served one term as a Burke County Commissioner, served as Lieutenant Governor of the North Carolina Optimists, and served as a distinguished President of the Morganton Optimist Club.

Jerry was a member and former Past Master of the Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217 and was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Oasis Temple of Charlotte, and the Burke County Shrine Club and the Scottish Rite Masons. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and traveling.

Mr. Daye is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ruth Triplett Daye of the home; a brother, Kenneth Daye and his wife, Anna, of Nebo; children, Anita Pattishall and husband, Glenn, of Newton, NC, Arlene Anderson and husband, Larry, Jerry D. “Chuck” Daye, II of Morganton, Greg Daye and wife, Cheryl, of Valdese; grandchildren, Jennifer and Geoffrey Pattishall, Gregory, Emily, and Jeremiah Daye, Jordan Daye, and Heather, Josh, and Lindsey Anderson; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at North Morganton Baptist Church with life long friend and Pastor Ned Webb of Greenlee Baptist Church in Old Fort, NC and Pastor Kenneth Baker of North Morganton Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park Cemetery with Masonic rites.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at North Morganton Baptist Church, and at other times at the home, Morganton.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or to North Morganton Baptist Church Building Fund, 101 View Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Walton Avery Jr., 81, of Kinwood St., Morganton, NC died Sunday, August 20, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born July 28, 1925 in West Palm Beach, FL, and was a son of the late Walton Avery, Sr. and Ruth Houk Avery Vaughn. Walton was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Morganton, and a US Navy veteran of World War II. He was a retired employee of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation.

He is survived by his wife, Aileen Black Avery of the home; sons, Thomas Walton Avery and wife, Virginia, of Gastonia, NC, and Stanley Walton Avery and wife, Kim, of Glen Alpine, NC; a daughter, Ruth Anne Avery Acuff of Morganton; grandchildren, Carrie Anne Avery, Caleb Walton Avery, and David Isaac Acuff; and a brother, Herbert Houk “Hank” Avery of Morganton.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. John Stanley officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Grace S. Chapman, 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, of Lennie Epley Avenue, Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 22, 2006, at Grace Hospital. She was born on February 6, 1926 in Burke County, NC and was a daughter of the late Tull and Elizabeth Carswell Smith. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a grandchild and two brothers. Grace was a member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband, Max Chapman, of the home; a son, William J. Morrow and his wife, Judith; a daughter, Wanda Chapman Mathis, and her husband, Bobby; sisters and their husbands, Ruby and James A. Carswell and Pauline and Luther Berry, all of Morganton; brothers and their wives, Richard and Joyce Smith and Ernest Smith all of Morganton, Foy and Christine Smith of South Carolina, and Garfield Smith of Rutherfordton, NC; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2006, at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with the Reverends Donald Lovelace and Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the home of Wanda and Bobby Mathis, 3125 Jeter Carswell Rd., Morganton.

Myrtle Louise Epley Downs, 80, of Autumn Care of Drexel, NC, died Friday, August 25, 2006 following an extended illness. Born in Burke County, NC, on May 6, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Myrtie Epley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Wesley Downs; brothers, Roy, Howard, and Homer Epley; and a sister, Carrie Clontz. Mrs. Downs was a member of Mountain View #2 Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sisters, Sadie Farris Eller of Drexel and Raye Whitener Parrish of Columbia, SC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 27, 2006 at Mountain View #2 Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain View #2 Baptist Church, 4692 Dysartsville Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Annie Lowdermilk Walker, a loving mother and “Nannie”, of Gilliam Road, Hendersonville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at her residence. Born in Burke County, NC, on October 4, 1907, she was the daughter of the late John E. Lowdermilk and Addie Edith Williams Lowdermilk. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Itasco “Boy” Walker. Annie was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and lovingly served by quilting for her church.

Mrs. Walker is survived by a daughter, Grace Looper and husband, Mitch, of Rock Hill SC; sons, Johnny Walker and wife, Georgia, of Morganton, NC, and David Walker and wife, Sharon, of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Tommy and Paul Taylor of Rock Hill; Mark Walker and wife, Sonya, of Lynchburg, VA, Alisha Walker of Hendersonville, Steven Walker and wife, Martha, of Benson, NC; Carson and Tyler Walker of Hendersonville, NC; three great-grandchildren, Riley and Noah Case of Hendersonville and Caleb Walker of Benson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at Bethel United Methodist Church with Rev. April Abernathy and Lay Speaker Steven Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Johnny Walker, 109 Airpark Drive, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 5011 Dysartsville Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jim Beheler, 72, of David Bryant Ave., Morganton, NC, died Sunday, August 27, 2006. Born February 21, 1934, he was the son of the late William Richard Beheler and Zinnie Earls Beheler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Piercy Beheler; and a brother, Neal Beheler. Jim was a member of Camps Creek Baptist Church and a retired employee of Breeden Poultry.

Jim is survived by his son, Jerry Dean Beheler of Chesnee, SC; a daughter, Shelby Jean Emory of Morganton; a brother, Roy Beheler of Cliffside, NC; two sisters, Betty Quest and Geneva Thornton of Gaffney, SC; a companion, Karen Clarke of Morganton; and four grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman with Rev. Eddie Howard officiating. Burial will follow in Camps Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Mooresboro, NC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mittie Ann Burkett, 94, of St. Mary’s Church Road, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, August 27, 2006 at College Pines Nursing Home in Valdese, NC. Born December 31, 1911, she was the daughter of the late Vance and Sudie Ledbetter Whisnant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Burkett, and a sister, Nettie W. Benton. Mattie was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church.

Mrs. Burkett is survived by three sons, Keith Burkett and wife, Elaine, Kenneth Burkett, and Garry Burkett and wife, Louise, all of Morganton; a daughter, Joyce B. Maney of Morganton; and two sisters, Ruby Paschall and Beadie Paschall, both of Morganton; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at El Bethel Baptist Church with Reverends Ron Cooper and Jimmy Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 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 of Keith Burkett, 940 St. Mary’s Church Road, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.

Troy Eugene Gallion, 40, of Enola Rd., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, August 30, 2006. He was born February 27, 1966 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Curtis Wayne Gallion, Sr. and Margaret Buckner Gallion. He was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church, and an employee of Carolina Solvents in Hickory, NC for 18 years.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a son, Zachary Gallion of Valdese, NC; a brother, Curtis Gallion, Jr. of Morganton; a sister, Rhonda Deal of Morganton; special nephews and niece, Alex Gallion, Stephen Gallion, and Amanda Deal; and a number of aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 2, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Jerry Campbell and Eddie Bunton officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1 until 2 pm at the funeral home.

Roseannah L. Starnes, 78, of Drexel Heights St., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, August 31, 2006 at Valdese General Hospital. Born in Alexander County, NC on June 30, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Ethel Richey Starnes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Claressie S. Stamey, Willie S. Baker, Eda Mae Brittain, and Daisy Starnes, and two brothers, Eugene Starnes and Norris Starnes. Roseannah, a member of First Assembly of God, had a great faith in God and loved to pray daily for everyone. She was gifted with a sweet and loving spirit which was shared by all.

Miss Starnes is survived by a sister, Lydia Starnes Browning of Morganton and a number of very special nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 4, 2006 at the First Assembly of God with Rev. J. D. Mallory officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at the church. The body will lie in state for 30 minutes prior to the service. At other times the family will be at Lydia’s residence, 2270 Drexel Heights St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to First Assembly of God Building Project, P.O. Box 1458, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Blue Ridge Home Health Care, the doctors and nurses at Valdese General Hospital, and the family and friends who supported in the care of Roseannah.