Margaret McCaw Deal, 93, of Pineville, NC, formerly of Valdese, NC died Sunday, October 1, 2006. She was born in Malden, MO on March 20, 1913 and was a daughter of the late Charles and Mae Henson Martin. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Prince Deal, Sr.; her first husband, Carl McCaw; a son, Dale McCaw; a brother, Charles Martin; sisters, Ethel Martin, Evelyn Paulk, and Mildred Jones; step-children, Richard Deal, Gilbert Deal, Pauline Deal Brown, and Jane Deal. Mrs. Deal was a member of the First Church of God in Drexel where she taught Sunday School. She enjoyed playing the piano, painting, crocheting, and knitting, and she donated many of her art pieces and needlework to the Christmas bazaar at the church. Margaret loved to quilt and taught women from her church the art of quilting.

Surviving are her son and his wife, Larry and Maxine McCaw, of Matthews, NC; grandchildren, Suk Ellen McCaw of Oklahoma City, OK, Greg McCaw, Brian McCaw and his wife, Sheree, all of Matthews, NC, Mark McCaw and his wife, Beth, of Nashville, TN; and Jennifer Darrow, of Killeen, TX; great-grandchildren, Shaun, Courtney, Grace, Lacey, J. C. and Kari McCaw; step-children and their spouses, Wilson and Wilma Deal of Valdese, NC, Mary and George McClelland of Tucson, AZ, and Prince, Jr. and Bertha Sue Deal of Drexel; and step-son-in-law and his wife, Lyvon and Millie Deal, of Valdese, and a number of step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, October 4, 2006, at First Church of God, Drexel with the Reverends Larry McCaw and Tony Didway officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the First Church of God, Drexel. .Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2006, at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God, PO Box 218, Drexel, NC 28619. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Peggy Sue Cole, 62, of Coopers Loops Ext., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, October 5, 2006 at her residence following a brief illness. Born in Harlan, KY, on March 4, 1944, she was the daughter of the late William and Cleo White Holden. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, LeRoy, Bob, Don, Paul, and David Holden. Mrs. Cole was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Peggy is survived by her husband, James Dennis Cole; son, Dennis Shayne Cole of Morganton; three daughters, Sharon Rose Cole of Bowling Green, KY, Melanie (Karen) Kaye Cole of Morganton, and Melinda Denise Cole of Morganton; a brother, Joseph Holden and wife, Linda, of Indianapolis, IN; three sisters, Barbara Russel and husband, Roland, of Harlan, KY, Bonnie Hatmaker and husband, Jerry, of Harlan, KY, and Betty Statzer of Indianapolis; five grandchildren, Magen Forester, Justin Bradley Cole, Devin Scott Cole, Alexis Cole, and Casey Triplett; a number of nieces and nephews; special friends, Sherrie Napier and Susan Brock; and special friends from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Charlene Whisnant, Marie Perry, Tonia Quick.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Brothers Ira Ball and Vaughn Callahan officiating. Burial will follow in Jehovah Witnesses Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence, 1964 Coopers Loop Ext., Morganton, NC 28655. Memorial contributions may be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1663 Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Carl Wayne Sheets, Sr., 51, of Bristol Creek Avenue, Morganton, NC, died Thursday, October 5, 2006 at his residence. Born in Marion, VA on March5, 1955, he was the son of Ellen Walk Sheets and the late Elmer Sheets. Mr. Sheets was a former employee of the city of Morganton.

Carl is survived by three sons, Carl Sheets, Jr., Joshua Sheets, and Eddie Swink, all of Morganton; his mother, Ellen Sheets of Morganton; three brothers, Robert Sheets of Lexington, SC, Charles Walk of Morganton, and Lee Sheets of Morganton; two sisters, Alma Jean Patton and Saunders Bryant, both of Morganton; a special companion, Billie Jo Swink of Morganton; four grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2006 in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Dennis Carswell officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. To help the family with funeral expenses, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home.

Mary E. Swain, 96, of Edgemont Terrace, Morganton, NC died Monday, October 9, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. She was born on June 30, 1910 in Buncombe Co., NC, and was a daughter of the late Henry S. Holler and Carrie Lee Saunders Holler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Marshall Swain; a grandson, Scott Morrison; sisters, Evelyn Louise Holler, Nellie Love Olson, and Carrie Mae Harville; and brothers, Richard Lee Holler and Emerson Lee Holler. Mary was a member of the Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church.

She is survived by daughters, Shirley Ann Mitchell and her husband, Paul, and Betsy Morrison, all of Morganton; a sister, Dorothy Jean Gant of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Cindy VandeVere of Middletown, MD, Todd Mitchell, of Morganton, and Christopher Mitchell of Las Vegas, NV; great-grandsons, Steven and Ryan VandeVere; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Sheridan, Pastor E. F. Herzel, and Mr. Ted Brackett officiating. Burial will follow in the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Shirley Mitchell, 3804 Norman Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2187 Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Addie Gray Black, 81, of Grace Heights in Morganton, formerly of Bethel St., died Monday, October 9, 2006 at Grace Heights following an extended illness. She was born May 1, 1925 in McDowell County, NC and was a daughter of the late Pless and Nina Branch Gray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Marshall Black; brothers, Brownlow, Jim, Harold, and Clay Gray; and sisters, Edna Gray, Nell Gray Crowder, and Mary Gray Whisnant. Addie was a member of Oak Forest United Methodist Church. She retired from Broughton Hospital where she had worked in the dietary department.

Mrs. Black is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Marshall Eugene and Betty Sue Black of Morganton; grandsons and their wives, Bryan and Marla Black and Jason and Melissa Black, all of Morganton; great grand-daughters, Sara Black, Catherine Black, and Ashton Nicole Black, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Roderick Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday one hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Forest United Methodist Church, 101 Forest St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Peggy Whisnant Eastwood, 73, of Frank Whisnant Road, Morganton, NC, died Monday, October 9, 2006 at Mission Memorial Hospital following a sudden illness. Born May 1st, 1933 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Daniel Roscoe and Minnie Faye Whisnant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. Peggy was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Peggy is survived by her husband of fifty years, Albert “Bert” Eastwood, Sr., of the home; a daughter, Susan Eastwood Smith and husband, Bruce C., of Morganton; a son, Bert Eastwood, Jr. and wife, Melissa G., of Morganton; a brother, John L. Whisnant; two grandsons, Mason and Eric Eastwood; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 12, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with her nephew, the Rev. Kenneth Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of the son, Bert Eastwood, Jr. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2786, Morganton, NC 28680.

Vernie Hudson, 84, of Hwy 70 West, Morganton, NC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at her residence following an extended illness. Born in Cleveland County, NC, on May 30, 1922, she was the daughter of Bynum John Hudson and Lottie Hudson Chapman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her husband, Cletus Albert Hudson; three brothers, Dennis Bels Chapman, Hazel Kelly Chapman, and John Zebbie Chapman; two sisters, Macy Canipe and Millie Mae Chapman; and four sons, Ronnie Hudson, Herman Hudson, Hugh Lee Hudson, and Delbert Hudson. Vernie was a retired employee of Drexel Heritage and was a member of Zion Road Baptist Church.

Mrs. Hudson is survived by five sons, Dennis Hudson of Rockingham, NC, Alvin Hudson of Glen Alpine, NC, Norris Hudson of Glen Alpine, Norris Hudson of Glen Alpine, and Michael Hudson of Rockingham; three daughters, Charlene Street, Annie Mae Walker, and Brenda Stroupe, all of Morganton; twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2006 at Zion Road Baptist Church with Rev. Micah Piercy officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawndale, NC. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Philip Shane Carswell, 51, of Mt. Olive Church Rd., Morganton, NC died Thursday, October 12, 2006, at Grace Hospital following an extended illness. He was born in Genesee County, MI on March 25, 1955 and was a son of the late Fred Junior Carswell and Ila Lee Curtis Carswell. Philip was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during the Vietnam War. He worked as a master carpenter in the construction business. Philip was an avid collector and had an extensive collection of coins, Avon bottles, and swords. Mr. Carswell was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Gail Kozlowski Carswell, of the home; his daughter, Tracy Shomali, and grandson, Jason Robar both of Grand Blanc, MI; brothers, Greg Carswell and his wife, Dee, and Tab Carswell, and a sister Cindy Butterfield and her husband, Ron, all of Grand Blanc; and nieces and nephews, Greg and Brandon Carswell and Katie and Jenny Butterfield.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2006, at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Campbell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Memorial Baptist Church, 650 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Thelma Louise Passage, 81, of Pilot St., Morganton, NC died Thursday, October 12, 2006 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. She was born May 24, 1925 in Tioga County, PA, and was the daughter of the late Frank Drake and Mabel Morris Drake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph “Pat” Passage; a son, Roy Passage; a granddaughter, Tammy Benjamin; and a great grandson, Jordan Passage.

Thelma is survived by sons, Ralph Edward Passage of Smethport, PA, and Roger Passage of Sneeds Ferry, NC; a daughter, Donna Benjamin of Morganton; grandchildren, Brenda Hutchins, Robert Benjamin, Jr., Joshua Passage, Mary Sesky, Missy Passage, Stacy Passage, Brandon Passage, and Ralph Passage, Jr.; ten great grandchildren; and special friends, Joe, Brenda and Brandon Wilson, and David and Lisa Lane and their family.

There are no services planned at this time, but the family will be at Mrs. Passage’s residence, 5841 Pilot St. in Morganton throughout the weekend. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Martha Winnieford Prestwood McLean, 90 of Pax Hill Rd., Morganton, NC died Friday, October 13, 2006, at College Pines. She was born on October 4, 1916 in Caldwell County, NC and was a daughter of the late Thomas J. and Ada Brendle Prestwood. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar J. McLean; brothers, Walter and Fletcher Prestwood; and sisters, Farris P. McLean, Carrie P. Dyson, and Mary P. Bolick. Mrs. McLean was educated at Pax Hill School, Collettsville High School and the former Woman’s College in Greensboro, NC. Winnie was a brave and devoted military wife to her husband, Oscar, during wartime and peacetime. She was a farmer and a beloved mother and grandmother and a life long member of Bethel Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher. Winnie was truly a positive Christian influence on all she met and was a true friend to many.

Surviving are her children and their spouses, Patrick and Linda McLean, Thomas and Ruth McLean, and Ann and Eddie Smith; grandchildren and their spouses, Cindy M. and Sam Crump and Jimmy and Stacey Smith; great-grandchildren, Dakota Crump and Savannah and Fletcher Smith; a sister, Anne Boyle of Lenoir, NC; a number of nieces and nephews; and by Pete McLean.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2006, at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. James Cool officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to the Burke County Public Library, 204 S. King St., Morganton, NC 28655. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at College Pines for their love and kindness. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary Frances Bridges, 62, of Camelot Manor Nursing Care, Granite Falls, NC died Thursday, October 19, 2006 following a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County, NC on January 12, 1944 and was a daughter of the late C.E. and Annie Sue Greene Bridges. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sisters, Virginia Bridges Aldridge and Florence Bridges Fairbanks. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church, and she loved to color with colored pencils.

Surviving are nephews, Andy Fairbanks and his wife, Leila, of Lenoir and Eddie Fairbanks of Morganton and a special friend, Bob Henderson, of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Thomas S. Bland, Jr. and Mr. Bob Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, PO Drawer 456, Morganton, NC 28680.

William Joe Patton, 65, of Britthaven Nursing Home, formerly of Rainhill Church Road, Morganton, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Burke County, NC, on June 18, 1941, he was the son of the late Joe Dutch Patton and Della Baker Patton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Patton and James Elijah Patton; and two sisters, Emma Jean Queen and Mable Little. William retired from Henredon Furniture after 43 years. He loved to garden and was an avid NASCAR fan. He dearly loved his family.

Mr. Patton is survived by four sisters, Betty Towery and husband, Edward, of Morganton, Mary Reid of Charlotte, NC, Judy Rhyne and husband, Jerry, of Gastonia, NC, and Margaret Foreman and husband, Mack, of Morganton; a brother-in-law, Gerald Queen of Drexel, NC; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, great-nephews, and great-nieces; and the many friends and neighbors who stood beside him during his illness.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2006 at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Reverend Alan Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to service. Memorial contributions may be made to Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 5358 Denton’s Chapel Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jimmy Henson, Jr., 71, of 101 Scott St., Glen Alpine, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 20, 2006, following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County on March 12, 1935 and was a son of the late James Henson and Fannie Bell Henson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Walt Henson. Jimmy was a long time member of Morganton Wesleyan Church where he held many church positions. Jimmy Retired from Martin Family Ford-Lincoln-Mercury where he supervised the detail/clean-up shop for many years.

Mr. Henson is survived by his wife of 54 years, Louise Duckworth Henson, of the home; a son Wendal Henson and wife, Lisa, of Morganton, daughters, Angie Swink and husband, Paul, and Ginger Parker and husband, David, all of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Clay Henson, Courtney Swink, and Bella Henson; step-grandchildren, Tim Swink and wife, April, Tyler Swink, and Abby Swink; a brother, Arthur Henson and wife, Evelyn, of Morganton; a sister, Betty Sigmon of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 22, 2006 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Reverends Dean Lavender and Ricky Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 101 Scott St., Glen Alpine. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Al Carswell, 54, of Rob Carswell Street, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, October 21, 2006 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on December 22, 1951, he was the son of Irene Lambert Carswell and the late Roy Carswell. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Lee Carswell, Jr. Al was a member of Carswell Memorial Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Cooper Carswell of the home; a daughter, Christena Blankenship and husband, Scottie, of Morganton; a grandchild, Shelby Blankenship of Morganton; his mother, Irene Carswell of Morganton; two brothers, Rick Carswell of Morganton and Wayne “Buster” Carswell of Lenoir, NC; and three sisters, Sue Smith of Craig, CO, Diane Carswell of Morganton, and Teresa Dellinger of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, October 23, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Raleigh Burnette officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby Blankenship Trust Fund, c/o Christena Blankenship, 5441 Rob Carswell Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Martha Watts Butler, 83, of Britthaven of Morganton, died Monday, October 23, 2006 at the nursing home. She was born November 25, 1922 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late David and Della Carswell Watts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Butler; brothers, Grover Watts and Fred Watts; and sisters, Florence Butler and Etta Epley. Martha was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church.

She is survived by children, Irvin Butler, Herman Butler, and Pinkney Butler, all of Morganton, Frank Butler of Connelly Springs, NC, and Ruby Long of Newton, NC; seven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with the Reverends Ronnie LeFevers and Gary Huntsinger officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 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, 3410 Marvin Butler Rd. in Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5292 Walker’s Chapel Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Lt. Robert Wayne Coffey, 62, of Crawley Dr., Morganton, NC died Monday, October 23, 2006, at Frye Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. He was born on October 4, 1944 in Burke County, NC and was a son of the late Roy Vester Coffey and Nannie Mooney Coffey. Wayne was a retired lieutenant with the NC Dept. of Corrections with 30 years of service. He was a faithful member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church and an avid carp fisherman.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and is survived by his wife of 42 years, Esther Wiseman Coffey, of the home; a daughter, Gail Coffey Oxford, of the home; special grandchildren, Jake, Katey, and Lacey Oxford; brothers and their wives, Ned and Shirley Coffey and Johnny and Millie Coffey, all of Morganton; sisters, Frances Whisnant and her husband, Worth, and Marie Warlick all of Morganton; and Brenda Polson and her husband, Buster, of Camden, SC; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Preston Coffey.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Lovelace and Deacon Mike Lawson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral. At other times the family will be at the home, 373 Crawley Dr., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church, 5612 John Watts Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

James Oscar “J.O.” Walker, 81, of Cresthill Dr., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Wilkes County, NC on December 16, 1924 and was a son of the late Isodore Walker Price. He was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II serving in Company C Corps of Engineers and was part of the Normandy Invasion on D-Day. J. O was the owner of Walker Painting Company and was affectionately known as “Walker the Painter.” He was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church in Lenoir.

Surviving are his wife, Pauline Allen Walker, of the home; his adopted son and wife, George and Shirley Bristol; a sister, Dora Bowman, all of Hudson, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Belleview Cemetery in Lenoir at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2006 with Rev. Paul Hart officiating. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 234 Veterans Ceremonial Team of Valdese. At other times the family will receive friends at the home, 201 Cresthill Dr., Morganton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hudson United Methodist Church Bus Fund, 383 Main Street, Hudson, NC 28638. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Nina W. Hurley, 77, of Laurel Heights Dr., Morganton lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at Britthaven of Morganton. She was born on May 4, 1929 in Cleveland County, NC and was the daughter of the late Glenn Warlick and Fannie Walker Warlick. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Arden Andrew Hurley. Mrs. Hurley was known throughout Burke County for her artwork and was commissioned to paint Table Rock and Shortoff Mountain of which both paintings still hang in the Morganton Community House. Nina worked at Drexel-Heritage and Henredon Funiture Companies where she learned and became a skilled artisan in the Chinese art of Shuimohua. She was a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church.

Nina is survived by a son, Eric Arden Hurley and his wife, Sharon, and grandchildren, Leslie Cagle, Kristina Cagle, A. Matthew Hurley, James Cagle, A. Sierra Hurley, and Andrew Hurley all of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2006, at St. Matthews United Methodist Church with Rev. Allen Bollek officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family received friends from 7:00 until 8:30 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 of Eric Hurley, 406 Timberline Dr., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Western Piedmont Community College Art Gallery, c/o Western Piedmont Foundation, 1001 Burkemont Ave., Morganton, NC 28655.

Charlie Ruben Rogers, Jr., 81, of Newport News, VA died Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at Riverside Convalescent Center following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Raleigh, NC on March 26, 1926 and was a son of the late Rev. Charles R. Rogers, Sr. and Candis Pierce Rogers. Mr. Rogers was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II and worked at the Newport News Ship Building for 36 years until his retirement in 1987.

He is survived by his son, Charles William Rogers; a sister, Rosa Clark; and nephews, Donald E. Clark, Ronnie T. Clark, and Joe Rogers.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with local arrangements.

Kathy Elaine Evans, 46, of Chapman Hollow Dr., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at her residence. She was born on February 20, 1960 in Pineville, WV and was the daughter of the late Ellis Coleman and Christine Davis Coleman.

Mrs. Evans is survived by her husband, Dennis Evans, of the home; daughters, Lydia Grace Evans of Niagara Falls, NY and Rebecca Lynn Evans of West Virginia; brothers, Ellis Coleman, Gary Coleman and Don Eplying all of West Virginia; a sister, Wanda Gail Adkins of Sarasota, FL; two grandchildren, Dalton James Evans and Amber Lynn Cook; and step-father, Walter Gunter of Pineville, WV.

No services are planned at this time. The family will be at the residence, 1829 Chapman Hollow Dr., Morganton. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Walter McKinley Clark, 72, of South Sterling St., Morganton, NC died Thursday, October 26, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born August 19, 1934 in Burke County, NC and was the son of the late Newton D. Clark and Ida Hicks Clark. Mr. Clark was a superintendent with the City of Morganton Public Works for 25 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His family was always his number one concern. Walter was an avid fisherman and NASCAR fan and always enjoyed spending quality time with family. He was a member of Jonas Ridge Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Dimple Aldridge Clark of Mountain View Family Care Center; a son, Joel “Dwayne” Clark and his wife, Joyce, of Marion; a daughter, Elaine Clark Hyde and her husband, Charlie, of Catawba, NC; grandchildren, David Watts, of Catawba, April Mumy, of Newton, Justin Clark and Joshua Clark both of Millry, AL; great grandchildren, Cooper Watts, of Catawba and Chloe Mumy, of Newton, and a number of special friends and relatives.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 29, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Jude Hughes officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The burial will be the Jonas Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Alzheimer’s Association, Western NC Chapter 31, College Place Suite D-320, Asheville, NC 28801.

Ollie Mae Griffin, 94, of Autumn Care of Drexel, formerly of Oakland Avenue in Drexel, NC, died Thursday, October 26, 2006 at the nursing home. Born June 11, 1912 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charles Garrison and Fannie Mae Bollinger Garrison. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Garland Griffin; three brothers, Forrest, Sherrill, and Frank Garrison; and three sisters, Lula Griffin, Myrtle Ramsey; and Edna LaFone. Mrs. Griffin owned and operated Ollie’s Beauty Shop in Drexel. She was a member of Morganton First Church of God where she was the church historian and a member of the choir.

Ollie is survived by her son, William Michael Griffin and wife, Barbara S., of Birmingham, AL; a daughter, Rita Kay Campbell and husband, Michael, of Manchester, MA; a sister, Cleo Garrison Sebastian of Sante Fe, NM; four grandchildren, Garrett Griffin of Birmingham, Suzanne Griffin of Birmingham, Patrick Campbell of New York, NY, and Sarah Groundrey of Gloucester, MA; and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 29, 2006 at the Morganton First Church of God with Reverends Don Smith and Terry McGarrity officiating. Burial will follow in the Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. 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.

Donald Gene Hunter, 64, of Stones Throw Dr., Valdese, NC died Thursday, October 26, 2006 at Grace Hospital. He was born December 1, 1941 in McDowell County, NC, and was a son of the late Grover Cleveland Hunter and Annie Smith Hunter. Donald was a self-employed land developer, and the owner of Universal Investments of Burke, Inc.

Mr. Hunter is survived by his companion, Diane Byrnes of the home, her daughters, Allison Schoonhen and Jamie Byrnes, and one grandson. Also his sons, Kevin Hunter and Steven Hunter, and their mother, Mary Faye, and two grandchildren, all of Durham, NC; a brother, Grover Hunter of Morganton; sisters, Elizabeth Buff and Doris White, both of Marion, NC, and Edna Buchanan of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 pm, Monday, October 30, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Smith officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, P.O. Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680.

Ervin Eugene Saulman, 59, of College Pines Nursing Home, Valdese, NC died Friday, October 27, 2006 following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County on March 26, 1947 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Charlie Garfield Saulman and Lois Saulman Clark. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Charlie Mae Smith. Ervin was a longtime resident of Ellendale Group Home in Taylorsville, NC and was very active in the community. He attended Taylorsville Baptist Church. Ervin was a Special Olympics athlete.

Ervin is survived by a sister, Mary Ann Whisnant and husband, Richard, a brother, Charles Saulman and wife, Helen; and a brother-in-law, William Smith, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Margaret Hilliard, 93, of Carbon City Rd., Morganton, NC died Saturday, October 28, 2006, at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. She was born November 27, 1912 in Burke County and was a daughter of the late Amos Hugh Conley and Mattie Geneva Conley. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Hilliard, Jr. brothers, Lonnie Connelly, Clifford Conley, and Allen Conley; and sisters, Mattie Giles and Kathleen Smith. Mrs. Hilliard was a member of Mimosa Chapter #269 Order of the Eastern Star where she was Past Worthy Matron and served as District Deputy. Margaret was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton.

Left to cherish her memory is a son, Robert Hilliard III and and his wife, Lucy of San Diego, CA; a daughter, Rebecca Hilliard Clarke, and her husband, Durward, of Morganton; grandchildren, Christopher Hilliard, Rachel Carter, Diane DeCarlo, Martha Moore, Mary Cantrell, Sherree Winslow, Valerie Kuentzel; nine great grandchildren; and a special friend and caregiver, Gloria Smith. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Grace Heights for their love and care given to their mother.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverends Michael R. Bailey, Larry Fletcher, and George Williams officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor. Graveside service will be held prior to the service at 3:00 p.m. at Burke Memorial Park with Eastern Star rites conducted by the Mimosa Chapter #269. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mimosa Chapter #269 Order of the Eastern Star, C/O Mildred Stines, 106 Lyman Ct., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Bertha Reece Hersom, 90, of College Pines Nursing Center, died Friday, October 27, 2006, at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health. Mrs. Hersom was born in Burke County, NC on October 12, 1916 and was a daughter of the late John and Annie Stamey Reece. She was a teacher and had taught at the School for the Deaf in Morganton and Spartanburg, SC. Mrs. Hersom also owned and operated a ceramics studio in Pennsylvania for a number of years before returning to Burke County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Gifford P. Hersom and by a brother; James Edward Reece.

She is survived by a son and his wife, Randy and Linda Hersom, of Morganton:, daughters and their husbands, Lynn Hersom and James T Smith, of Newark, DE and Beverly Ann Hersom and Larry J. Tufts, Sr., of Philadelphia, PA, a sister; Elizabeth Carswell, of Drexel, NC; 6 Grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Dan Lyons officiating. Burial will follow at Drexel Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the NC School for the Deaf Art Dept., 517 West Fleming Sr., Morganton, NC 28655.

Vanessa Marie Purdy, 21 of Rhoney Rd., Connelly Springs, NC died Saturday, October 28, 2006 as a result of injuries received in an auto accident. Born in Forest Lake, MN on October 28, 1985, she was a daughter of Debora Ann Purdy and Tom Gohl of Connelly Springs.

In addition to her parents Vanessa is survived by a son, Trevor H. Purdy; a daughter, Trinity R. Strohmyer; sisters, Cortney Marshall of Circle Pines, MN and Jessica Gohl of the home; maternal grandparents, Jane Purdy and John Bodeker of Morganton; and the paternal grandfather, Roger G. Gohl of Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2006 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 5528 Rhoney Rd.

Kenneth M. Crump, 68, a loving father, grandfather, and brother, of Antioch Rd., Morganton, NC died Monday, October 30, 2006, at Camelot Manor Nursing Home following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County, NC on January 29, 1938 and was a son of the late John Thomas Crump and Estelle Mull Crump. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Crump. Kenneth retired from Drexel Heritage Furniture after 34 years of service, and he was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed working in his garden.

Surviving are a son, Kenneth Wayne Crump, of the home; a daughter, Donna Crump Oliver, and her husband, Greg, of Lenoir; brothers, Truett Crump, Steve O. Crump, M. Joe Crump, and Ronnie Lynn Crump all of Morganton; Dwain Douglas Crump, Jerry Edward Crump, and Bruce M. Crump all of Valdese; and Tommy Gordon Crump of Granite Falls; a sister, Naomi Cannon, and her husband, Lawrence, of Lenoir; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2006, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Freddie Stapleton officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Donna Oliver, 1107 Floral Dr., Lenoir, NC.

June Ervin Carswell, 82, of Denton Ave., Morganton, the Enola Community, died Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County, NC on May 21, 1924 and she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Jina Poteet Denton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Carswell. Mrs. Carswell retired from Drexel Heritage Furniture and was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

Mrs. Carswell is survived by sons, Glen, Troy, Gilbert, and David Carswell; daughter, Mary Lou Setzer, Gay Nell Setzer, and Linda Ruckman, all of Morganton; a brother, Jody Denton, of Hendersonville, NC; sisters, Pauline Carswell and Jo Ann Denton, all of Morganton; nine grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2006, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.