Grover Lee Norman, 77, of Silver Creek Church Rd., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly, Monday, January 1, 2007 at Grace Hospital. He was born February 28, 1928 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Walter and Mammie Norman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Della Decker Norman; a daughter, Betty Sue Warlick; and a brother, Glen Norman.

Grover is survived by sons, James Lee Harrison Norman and Randy Festus Norman, both of Morganton, and Bruce Herman Norman of Glen Alpine, NC; step-children, Joann Edwards, Jerry Lail, Harry Lail, and Ronald Lail, all of Morganton; brothers, Dallas Norman, Henry Norman, Jim Norman, and Charles Norman; sisters, Margie Patton and Pauline Norman; his ex-wife, Vergie Bollinger; twenty-two grandchildren; and one step grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Carswell officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 4379 Silver Creek Church Rd., Morganton.

Stephen H. Mills, D.D.S., M.A., 75, of Waterford Way, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. He was born March 18, 1932 in Sarasota, FL, and was a son of the late Charles and Lois Bond Mills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Mills. Dr. Mills graduated from the University of Florida, the University of Maryland Dental School, and also from Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory with a Master’s degree in counseling. He had a private dental practice in West Palm Beach, FL, and worked as a staff dentist at Broughton Hospital in Morganton, NC from 1978 until 1997. Dr. Mills published a paper for the General Dentistry magazine. He served on the Dental Boards of both Florida and North Carolina. He was a member of the Florida Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the American Counseling Association, and the North Carolina Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Stephen served as a First Lieutenant with the US Air Force. He was an avid cyclist, canoeist, swimmer, and hiker, and participated in triathalons for many years.

Dr. Mills is survived by his wife, Margaret D. Mills of the home; sons, Stephen H. Mills, Jr. and wife, Jennifer, of W. Palm Beach, FL, Michael S. Mills and wife, Janet, of Davidson, NC, Jay C. Mills and wife, Julie, of Lake Worth, FL, and Barry P. Mills and wife, Merilyn, of Eastport, ME; grandchildren, Lindsey, Madelyn, John Henry, Morgan, Francine, and George Alden Mills; and step-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah, and William Ashley.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Paul Hillard McKee, 82, of Berry Loop, Valdese, NC died Thursday, January 4, 2007 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born December 27, 1924 in Cleveland County, NC, and was a son of the late Horace S. and Ruth Grigg McKee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn McKee. Hillard was a charter member of United Baptist Church and retired from Carolina Freight in May of 1985. He loved bass fishing, vegetable gardening, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Colene Rector McKee of the home; a son, Greg McKee of Raleigh, NC; a daughter, Deb Taylor and husband, Guy, of Drexel; brothers, Roger McKee of Boonville, NC and Gene McKee and wife, Helen, of Shelby, NC; a sister, Mary Ellen Wellmon of Shelby; brothers-in-law, David Rector and wife, Libby, of Valdese, and Paul Ed Causby of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Nita Rector of Valdese; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, January 6, 2007 at United Baptist Church with Chaplain Greg McKee officiating and Rev. Avery Owenby assisting. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 4224 Berry Loop, Valdese. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Baptist Church Building Fund, 2638 Messer Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Gale Greene Miller, 67, of Dysartsville Rd., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at Burke Palliative Care. She had bravely fought cancer for nine months. Gale was born September 18, 1939 in Kings Mountain, NC. Gale was the daughter of the late Joe Tillman Greene, Sr. and Margaret Lowdermilk Greene. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Greene. She was a former member of Mountain View #2 Baptist Church where Gale served faithfully for many years. She was a recent member of Grace Baptist Church. Gale was a former employee of Western Carolina Center. She was a very gifted and talented individual. Gale was a custom seamstress with much of her work being of her own design and creation. Gale was an avid painter and a self-taught pianist. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Gale is survived by her husband, David Dean Miller of the home; three sons, Rick Burleson and wife, Lisa, of China Grove, NC, Jerry Dean Burleson and wife, Annie, of Moyock,NC, and John Tillson Burleson of Morgantown, WV; a step-daughter, Lisa Branch of Morganton; brothers, Arlis Greene and wife, Jessie, Harold Greene and wife, Cora Lee, Joe Greene and wife, Kathy, all of Morganton; sisters, Margie Wright of Kings Mountain, Jewell Houk, Johnsie Chatham, Ozelle Sotelo and husband, Art, all of Morganton; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2007 at Mountain View #2 Baptist Church with the Reverends Marty Bess, Sid Houk, and Tim Newton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Ozelle and Art Sotelo, 5381 East Pine Hill Ave., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

James Burgees 'Cootie' Bryant, 70, of Park Ave, Drexel, NC died Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at Cannon Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Bryant was born in Jackson, NC on September 10, 1936 and was the son of the late Charlie Larry Bryant and Essie Davis Bryant.

Surviving are his sons, Jimmy Bryant and Jamie Bryant and his wife, Danette, all of Morganton; his daughters, Gale Bryant and Tina Houpe both of Morganton, Debbie Gragg and her husband, Alan, of Glen Alpine, and Terri Drewery, of Franklin, VA; sisters and their husbands, Hazel and Herbert Corbett of Palm Dale, CA and Tish and Ray Bowman, of Jackson; eighteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Mr. Ray Gragg officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. At other times the family will be at the home of Jamie Bryant, 114 Hill St., Drexel. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Veronica Laff Hallyburton, 75, of Six Grace Avenue, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born May 27, 1931 in Warrington, England, and was the daughter of the late John Laff and Ruth Wilkinson Laff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, John Hallyburton. Veronica was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. She was a retired employee of Skyland Textile and also Henredon Furniture. Following her retirement, she worked for seven years at Wal-Mart.

Veronica is survived by a son and his wife, Edward J. and Camilla Hallyburton of Morganton; a grandson, Robert Hallyburton of Jonas Ridge, NC; a step-grandson, Brandon Gallion and wife, Lauren, of Concord, NC; four great grandchildren, David Hallyburton, Kadie Hallyburton, Austin Hallyburton, and Kelsey Stump, all of Morganton; and her faithful companion, Toby.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 8, 2007 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Rev. Kenneth Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends Monday at the church one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The A.L.S. Association, 27001 Agoura Rd., Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301, or to the American Heart Association, Memorial and Tributes Processing Center, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216, or to the American Cancer Society, c/o Office Manager, 4-A Oak Branch, Greensboro, NC 27407. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Andrew William “Andy” Branstetter, 32, left us unexpectedly on January 5, 2007. He was born on February 9, 1974 and was a son of Bill and Becky Branstetter of Conover, NC. Andy was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH and attended Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati. He was an accomplished chef and held the position of executive chef at Cassis Bistro in Seattle, WA and later served as executive chef at Ni Fen in Shelby, NC. Andy was a talented woodworker who built high-quality decks in the Seattle area. He also built porch swings and outdoor furniture for many Morganton area families. Andy found great joy in good food, fine wine, and incredible music. Presently he was the manager of Morganton Ace Hardware and head of industrial sales.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his brother, Mitch Branstetter, of Greenville, SC; his sister, Beth Reid and her husband, Andy, of Little Rock, AR; and his nieces, McKenzie, Courtney, Claire, and Abby Reid.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Chaplain William Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, 417 Kirksey Dr., Morganton, NC or to the Humane Society of Catawba County, 3476 Valley arbors Dr., Hickory, NC 28602.

Mabel S. Kirby, 86, of Falls St., Morganton, NC died Friday, January 5, 2006 following a period of declining health. She was born In Dante, VA on August 3, 1920 and was a daughter of the late Benjamin Harrison Salyer and Garma Dingus Salyer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Alton Kirby, and by sisters, Vivian Bouchard and Marianna Davis. Mrs. Kirby graduated from Dante Central High School and from Grace Hospital School of Nursing with honors and a scholarship to Baylor University Hospital School of Nursing in Dallas, TX. Upon completing her education Mabel began her nursing career at Grace Hospital. During the polio epidemic in the early 1940’s, she was one of the first registered nurses to volunteer at the hastily erected hospital on Lake Hickory known as the “Miracle of Hickory”. Following her retirement from Broughton Hospital, Mabel volunteered at Burke United Christian’s Ministries food pantry for 15 years. She was an active member of the Grace Hospital Nurses Alumnae Asso. and the Broughton Hospital Retirees Asso.

Surviving are her son, Ben A. Kirby, of Morganton; her daughter, Jacqueline” Mimi” Powell and her husband, John, of Cherryville, NC; brothers, Harry Salyer of Castlewood, VA and Ray Salyer, of Newport News, VA; sisters, Virginia Steffey of Castlewood, VA, Lois Meade of St. Paul, VA, and Mildred Harris, of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Nikki Powell and her fiancée, Chris Henry, of Charlotte and Leslie Powell Schilling and her husband, Dr. Brian Schilling of Memphis, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Bill Lowe officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospital Alumnae Nursing Scholarship Fund, C/O Jackie Pruett, 136 VFW Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Mrs. Edith Pruett Bingham, 87, of 110 Bristol Street in Morganton died Saturday January 6, 2007 at Grace Hospital with her family by her side. She was born April 17, 1919 in Cleveland County to the late Thomas McKesson Pruett and Bessie Pruett. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edwin Bingham, and by a sister, Ruth Pruett Mull.

Mrs. Bingham had been a very dedicated member of the North Morganton United Methodist Church her entire life, where she had devoted her ministry to the children’s nursery. Her life was an example of her faith.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; son, Joe Tommy Bingham, and his wife, Joan, of Morganton; daughters, Brenda Israel and her husband, James, of Clemmons, Peggy Williams and her husband, Mark, of Hickory, and Kathy Powell and her husband, Michael, of Bahama , NC; grandchildren, Julie Bingham , Jennifer Bingham , Kimberly Israel Peatross, Karen Israel Mankin, Bradley Williams, Stacey and David Basten, Kevin Williams, Hope Powell, Michelle Powell, and Michael Powell; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Eloise Pruett McCombs, of Kannapolis; and a nephew, Steve Mull.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2007, at the North Morganton United Methodist Church with the Reverend Tony Matthews officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm Monday at North Morganton United Methodist Church. Memorials in Mrs. Bingham‘s memory may be made to the Nursery or Mission Fund at North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Road, Morganton NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the Bingham family with arrangements.

John “Javan” Ogle, 75 of Logan Dr., Valdese, NC, died Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at Valdese Hospital. He was born in Burke County on September 11, 1931 and was the son of the late Ernest Ogle and Mary McGalliard Ogle. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Beatrice Deal Ogle. John retired from Drexel Heritage Plant 1. He was a member and a former deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir director at Solid Rock Baptist Church.

He is survived by a son, Van Ogle and his wife Penny, of Valdese; brothers, Roy Ogle of Valdese, and Ray Ogle of Bryson City, NC; sisters, Mary Lowman of Cherryville, NC, Cleo Greene of Valdese, NC, Valeria Harmon of Connelly Springs, and Margie Hipps of Valdese, NC; and a grandson, Jarrod Ogle of Valdese.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2007 at Solid Rock Baptist Church with Reverends Tony Land, Wayne Bradley, and Ronnie Lefevers officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., Thursday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Solid Rock Baptist Church, c/o Dean Buchanan 2505 Burke Memorial Park Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680.

Danny Lee Abee, 68, of Summit St., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at his residence following a brief illness. He was born February 14, 1938 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Ruth Lambert Abee of Morganton and the late Dewey Lee Abee. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Abee; and a sister, Elizabeth Lamar Abee. Danny was a member of North Morganton Baptist Church. He served with the US Navy as an aviation machinist, and retired from BASF which was originally Inmont. He was an outstanding softball pitcher and had won several state championships. Danny was an avid sports fan and strong supporter of Freedom High School athletics. He loved to travel with the Tar Heel State quartet and was their mechanic.

In addition to his mother, Danny is survived by a son, Jeff Lee Abee and wife, Julie, of Lenoir, NC; and a daughter, Janie Chris Abee Jamieson of Fayetteville, NC; grandchildren, Hunter and Jordan Abee, Mark and Bridgette Jamieson; a brother, Charles Abee and wife, Hildred, of Morganton; sisters, Patricia Hudson, and husband, Charles, of Valdese, and Judy Stroupe and husband, Vernon, of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am., Friday, January 12, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Jeff Roland, Bob Deviney, and Kenneth Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday at the funeral home one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton Baptist Church, 101 View St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Maxine Burleson Silvers, 60, of Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC died Friday, January 12, 2007, at Valdese General Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Mitchell County, NC on September 25, 1946 and was a daughter of the late Ernest and Kate Carpenter Burleson. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her son, Richard William Silvers, a daughter, Crystal Gail Silvers, a brother, James Burleson; and a sister, Ernestine Burleson Carpenter. Mrs. Silvers was a member of Victory Chapel Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband, William Wilkie Silvers, of the home; a daughter, Teresa Silvers Lewis, of Morganton; brothers, Phillip Burleson of Icard and Jerry Burleson of Morganton; a sister, Loraine Willis of Morganton; and three grandchildren, Dylan Silvers, Cory Lewis, and Cassie Lewis.

The funeral will be held at 12 noon, Monday, January 15, 2007 at Victory Chapel Baptist church with Rev. Johnny McCarty officiating. Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Berry Chapel Cemetery in Spruce Pine, NC. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral.

Dennis Roger Evans, 56, of Chapman Hollow Dr., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born April 3, 1950 in Wyoming County, WV, and was a son of the late Herbert Evans and Ollie White Evans. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Coleman Evans. Dennis was a loving father and husband.

He is survived by daughters, Rebecca Evans of Beckley, WV, and Lydia Evans and her fiancée, Joe Hoopsick, of Niagara Falls, NY; grandchildren, Dalton Evans of Beckley, WV and Amber Cook of Jasper, AL; brothers, Danny Evans of Granite Falls, NC and Stacy Evans and wife, Pam of Pineville, WV; nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, Bridget and Ivy Walker, Geri, Cheyenne, and Danny Hinkley, and Roger and Tanner Evans.

The family will be at the residence, 1829 Chapman Hollow Dr., Morganton. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Delmar Dean “Don” Coursey, 83, of NC 181, Morganton, NC passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 12, 2007 following a brief illness. Born in West Plains, MO on October 27, 1923, he was the son of the late Emery Allen Coursey and Stella Chestnut Coursey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Ann Coursey, and two brothers, Laverne and Wayne Coursey.

Throughout his life, Don was proud to have served his country, along with all three of his brothers, in World War II. He received the EAME Theater Ribbon with five Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, The French Citation, and a WWII Victory Medal for service on the beaches of Normandy. After serving his country, Don settled on Lake Erie in Lorain, OH where he worked for the C&O and B&O Railroad until his retirement in 1978. While in Lorain he served as vice president of the Great Lakes Longshoremen Union. Don trained bird-dogs which won the first ever National Pheasant Championship in New York. Following his retirement he moved to Morganton and began farming. He began with cattle, but for the past eighteen years has become locally famous for this sweet corn and fresh produce. For a brief time Don owned and operated a barbeque restaurant in Corneleus, NC called The Southern Café. Mr. Coursey was very active in his community. He was a member of and served on the board of the Oak Hill Fire Department and the Farm Bureau. He was also a member of the Oak Hill Ruritan and Mtn. Grove United Methodist Church.

Don is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Nina Harris Coursey of the home; a daughter, DeEtte Coursey Conner and husband, Doug, of Morganton; sons, Allen Dean Coursey and wife, Laurie, of Morganton and Larry Dean Coursey and wife, Susie, of Lorain, OH; grandchildren, Kristopher, Deanna, and Shelly; great-grandchilren, Makayla, Katelynn, Sidney, Olivia, Kristopher, Morgan, and Tyler; a very special sister-in-law, Linda Curtis; a brother, Orvis Coursey of Sebastian, FL; and a sister, Louise Hanley of Oolitic, IN.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, January 15, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Ralph May officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery with graveside rites to be performed by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. They will also receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence, 5342 NC 181, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mountain Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 3624 Fish Hatchery Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Hal Truett “Bones” Williams, 83, of Cobb Avenue, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, January 13, 2007 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on February 7, 1923, he was the son of the late John Molten Williams and Florence Hennessee Williams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas Boyd Williams and Ned Williams, and a sister, Clara Jones. Bones retired from Great Lakes Carbon after 40 years and was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen Allen Williams of the home; a son, Hal T. “Butch” Williams, II of Morganton; and daughters, Harriette Pointon and husband, Gary, of Florida and Johnese Avery and husband, Jim, of Morganton; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2007 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. David Gay officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

James Greer, 85, of Jug Wilson St., Glen Alpine, NC, died Thursday, January 18, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born April 22, 1921 in Watauga County, NC, he was the son of the late Charlie and Vertie Greer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Austin Greer, R.L. Greer, and Clate Greer, and four sisters, Edith Shull, Daisy Lail, Kathleen Cook, and Nona Isaacs. James is a retired employee of Drexel Heritage Furnishings. He was a US Army veteran of WWII, having served in the south pacific theatre with the 77th Anti-Aircraft Division. He attended First Advent Christian Church.

Mr. Greer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlie Mae Greer of the home; sons, Joe Greer and wife, Jackie, of Glen Alpine and Scottie Greer and wife, Margaret, of Morganton, NC; a brother, Glen Greer of Glen Alpine; a granddaughter, Carrie Coronado and husband, Mike, of Corinth, TX; grandsons, Brian Greer and wife, Becky, of Morganton, Keith Greer and wife, Ashley, of Morganton, and Eric Greer and wife, Chesley, of Drexel, NC; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Daxton Greer.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2007 at First Advent Christian Church with Pastor Jim Taber officiating. Burial will follow at the Western North Carolina Veteran’s Cemetery in Swannanoa, NC. The family will receive friends Sunday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Advent Christian Church Building Fund, 211 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Mary Gaffney Taylor, 92, formerly of Charlotte and Black Mountain, died Saturday, January 20, 2007 at College Pines Nursing Center in Valdese, NC. She was born in Raleigh on April 7, 1914, and was the daughter of the late Elias and Mattie Johnston Gaffney. Mary was married for 60 years to her beloved husband, James David Taylor, who preceded her in death in 1998. Mrs. Taylor was educated at Peace Academy, Davidson College, and graduated from Flora McDonald College. She was a former English and Latin teacher at Cannon High School in Kannapolis, NC where Mary met her husband. After marriage, she devoted her life to her husband, children, and her home. Mary and James were charter members of Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte where she taught Sunday school. She had been a member of the Piedmont Patriots Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Taylor was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morganton and was a member of the Annie Walker Sunday School Class. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Franklin Gaffney and his wife, Anna Marie, of Panama City, FL.

Mary is survived by a son, James David Taylor, Jr. and wife, Katherine, of Lincolnton, NC; a daughter, Mary Marcia Salsbury and husband, Robert Baker Salsbury, of Morganton; grandchildren, Nicole Taylor Kincaid and husband, Adam, Ashley Taylor Jacobs, Kimberley and Courtney Taylor, David Baker Salsbury and wife, Katie, Katy Salsbury Edmondson and husband, Kris, and John Taylor Salsbury; and great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Colin Kincaid, Madison Taylor Jacobs, Lucie and Mason Taylor Salsbury, and Jake Edmondson.

The family would like to especially thank Frances Bibb for her loving care of Mrs. Taylor at the Fairview Care Home in Connelly Springs where Mary had resided since 2003, and also to the staff at College Pines for their care and support. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mary Taylor will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating following a private family burial at Burke Memorial Park. The family will greet friends in the church parlor following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Elise Roberts Dowling Lingafelt, 80, of Pea Ridge Road, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, January 21, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Crenshaw County, AL on February 22, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Elijah Wesley Roberts and Mamie Emma Warrick Roberts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William “Dub” Dowling; brothers, Dawkins Roberts, William C. Roberts, Walter Roberts, and Paul Mack Roberts; and two sisters, Ruth Mills Spurlock and Inez Davis. Elise was a member of Zion Baptist Church.

Mrs. Lingafelt is survived by her husband, Ellis R. Lingafelt, Jr. of the home; a son, Raymond Dowling and wife, Marsha, of Jacksonville, FL; daughters, Patricia Dowling and husband, Bob, of Hollister, FL, and Lori Johnson and husband, David, of Jacksonville, FL; a brother, Wesley H. Roberts of Phoenix, AL; a sister, Lucille Blankenship of Montgomery, AL; sisters-in-law, Joanne Roberts of Pittsburg, PA and Janie Roberts Money of Plant City, FL; a step-son, Clyde Lingafeldt of Rocky Mount, NC; step-daughters, Barbara Powell and husband, Rex “Sput” Powell of Morganton, and Pam Beck and husband, Dean, of Valdese, NC; grandchildren, Melaney Ann Hobson, William R. Dowling, Tricia Scroggins, Deborah Dowling, Jason Dowling, Robbie Dowling, and Ethan Johnson; six step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; nephews, Joseph Mills, Robert Mills, Cline Flower, Gilbert Roberts, Ronnie Roberts, Paul Mack Roberts, Jr., and Russell Roberts; nieces, Lorena Connar, Bernice Mitchell, Evon Diamond, DeeDee Labadie, and Janice Cohen; and special friends, Sharon Nelson and Sherry Wakefield.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at Zion Baptist Church with Reverends David Orders and Clyde Buckner officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2007 in Riverside Memorial Park in Jacksonville, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church, 3396 Pea Ridge Road, Morganton, NC 28655, Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, or to the family of Elise Lingafelt to assist with funeral expenses, c/o Ellis Lingerfelt, 3776 Pea Ridge Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Vernie Walker Watson, 75, of Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital. She was born February 23, 1931 in Lincoln County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Charlie G. Richard and Mary Lou “Ada” Towery Richard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Ed Walker; brothers, Alexander, Mack, Howard, and Charles Richard; and sisters, Lula Reinhardt, Lola Richard, Polly Whisenant, and Mary Jane Tamburrie. Vernie was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. She worked at Broughton Hospital and Grace Hospital as a nursing assistant. She was a devoted wife and mother.

Vernie is survived by her husband, Dewey M. Watson of the home; a son, Edward Walker of the home; and sisters, Lona Parham of South Hill, VA, and Lorine Shrum of Lincolnton, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Friday, January 26, 2007 at Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7 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, 825 Hopewell Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 1112 Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Manie Leak Payne Wiseman, 93, of Autumn Care of Drexel, NC died Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at the nursing home following a period of declining health. She was born April 7, 1913 in Rockingham County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Beverly Tucker Payne and Cornelia Parsons Payne. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Morris Wiseman. Manie was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church.

She is survived by a half-sister, Roy Ann Sandridge of Charlottesville, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 25, 2007 at Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ron Cooper officiating. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. On-line condolences may be made at www.sossomanfuneralservice.com.

Valerie Marie Williams, 12, of Hallyburton Rd., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Monday, January 22, 2007 at Grace Hospital. She was born April 22, 1994 in Catawba County, NC and was the daughter of Michael Williams and Cynthia Maltba, both of Morganton. Valerie was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church and regularly attended Calvary Baptist Church. She was a seventh grader at Walter Johnson Middle School where Valerie sang in the chorus.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Joseph Michael Williams of Morganton; step-brothers, Michael Williams, David Williams, and Natasha Durran, all of Inglewood, FL; her step-mother, Teresa Williams of Morganton; her step-father, Ronald Maltba of Morganton; paternal grandparents, Carolyn Hanseman of Morganton, and Jimmy D. and Lois Williams of Hickory, NC; maternal grandparents, Mary Ann and Michael Mourglea of Valdese, NC, Barry Samel and Wendy Parsons of Newton, NC; maternal great grandparents, Merit Parsons of Hickory, and Mary and Randy Scott of Maiden, NC; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 pm, Friday, January 26, 2007 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Mike Odom and Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the funeral service. At other times, the family will at the residence, 2896 Hallyburton Rd., Lot 11, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Baptist Church, 107 Valley View St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Charles “Buddy” Mace, 73, of Chapman Rd., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at Grace Hospital. He was born February 15, 1933 in Burke County, NC, and was the son of the late Leslie McDowell Mace and Ruby Chapman Mace. Buddy was a former member of Burkemont Baptist Church, and he loved visiting with his family and friends.

He is survived by sons, Matthew D. Mace and wife, Doni, of Morganton, and Leslie C. Mace and wife, Stephanie, of Chatham, VA; daughters, Rhonda Webb and husband, George, of Carrollton, GA, and Jeanie Kirby and husband, Jimmy, of Gilbert, SC; grandchildren, Ashley and Andrew Mace, and Siera and Katie Kirby; a sister, Carol Greene and a special nephew, Mark Greene, both of Morganton; and T. J. Fox, Melissa Crowder and her son, Dylan, who were like “Buddy’s children”.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2007 at Burkemont Baptist Church with the Reverends David Mills, Eddie Bunton, and Bob Deviney officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour.

Linda Saunders Campbell, 65, of Jenkins Rd., Morganton, NC died Thursday, January 25, 2007 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born March 14, 1941 in Gaston County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Beulah Saunders and Dixie Lee Davis Saunders. Linda was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the church choir. She was very devoted to God and her church. Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Lewis Campbell of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery and Zenaida Campbell of Covington, GA, Randy and Susan Campbell and Gary and Linda Campbell, all of Morganton; a brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Cathy Saunders of King, NC; fourteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 28, 2007 at Grace Baptist Church with the Reverends Marty Bess and Jerry Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 until 3 pm at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 5370 Jenkins Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church, PO Box 8026, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Brenda K. Cooper, 59, of George Hildebran Dr., Connelly Springs, died Thursday, January 25, 2007. Brenda was born in Burke Co., May 9, 1947 to the late Charles and Sudie Moore Lowdermilk. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Grace Heights. She attended Zion Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Lowdermilk and a sister, Janie St. John.

Brenda is survived by her husband Billy Cooper of the home sons; Eddie Hinson and wife Jennifer of Lincolnton, Vance Hinson and Mike Hinson both of Morganton; daughters; Lisa Hinson of Marion, IN, Gail Hinson and Susan Hinson Lewis both of Greenville, SC, a stepson; William Hall of Indianapolis, IN; a stepdaughter; Barbara Garver also of Indianapolis, a brother; Tommy Lowdermilk of Morganton; sisters; Lena Tweed of Valdese, Joyce Ann Pritchard and Kathy Michaux both of Morganton, 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 29, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug St. John officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Albert Nelson Condit, 92 of Morganton died Saturday, January 27, 2007. Nelson was born on April 5, 1914 to the late Anna Lindsley Condit and Albert Emmons Condit and was raised in suburban New Jersey. He served in the U. S. Navy in WWII as a Pharmacist’s mate in Scotland. He was employed by the American Can Company for over forty years. His beloved wife, Peggy left this world eleven years ago, leaving a hole in his heart. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, John and Orland.

Surviving are a son, Thomas R. Condit of Columbus, OH and a daughter, Cristina Condit of Morganton; a sister, Elinor S. Condit of Aberdeen, NC; a brother, Richard M. Condit of Lake George, NY; and thirteen nieces and nephews.

Nelson was a consummate gentleman who was always gracious and grateful. He loved to spend time in the garden, where his green thumbs nurtured roses, tomatoes, melons, peppers, and strawberries. He loved music and served in both church choirs and community choruses. Heaven’s chorus has one more tenor, one more gardener, and one more selfless servant who has made the journey home.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 2, 2007 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with Bishop Porter Taylor officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the parish hall. The family requests that memorial donations be sent to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Heather Renae Anderson, 28, of Reep Dr., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly, Saturday, January 27, 2007. She was born March 27, 1978 in Burke County, NC, and was the daughter of Robert Ervin Anderson and Tammy Lenora Keller Melton, both of Morganton. Heather was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Ervin Anderson, III; maternal grandparents, Tom and Evelyn Keller; and paternal grandfather, E. H. Anderson.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by a son, Jonathan Hildebrand and a daughter, Ashley Hildebrand, both of Connelly Springs, NC; her step-father, Bob Melton; and her paternal grandmother, Mahala Anderson of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2007 at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ronnie Lefevers officiating. The family will be at the residence, 226 Reep Dr., Morganton, and will also receive friends at the residence following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations to help with the funeral expenses may be made to Tammy Melton, 226 Reep Dr., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James L. Wright, 66, of Denton Avenue, Morganton, NC died Monday, January 29, 2007 following a brief illness. He was born in Bexar County, TX on December 27, 1940 and was a son of Dorothy Clark Vandiver of San Antonio, TX and the late James Robert Wright. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Allen Wright, and by his step-father, Pete Vandiver. Mr. Wright was a veteran of the U. S. Navy.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Patricia Marie Shook Wright, of Belfry, KY; his daughters and their husbands, Mary and Greg Patrick of Morganton and Linda and Frank Macias of San Antonio; a son, Larry Pacccione of San Antonio; brothers, Bill Vandiver of Thomasville, NC and Steve Vandiver, of San Antonio; and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2007 at Enon Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Garner officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family, c/oSossoman Funeral Home, PO Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680.

Jayne Seagle Reichard, 78, of Shuping St. in Morganton, NC died Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born February 13, 1928 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late John and Velcie Powell Seagle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Jenny Presnell, Joyce Williams, Margaret Hildebrand, and Mary Harris. Jayne was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She was dedicated to her chosen field of nursing in which she spent over 50 years of service. Jayne received her RN from Grace Hospital School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lenoir-Rhyne College. She was a loving grandmother and great grandmother.

Jayne is survived by her husband, Finley Reichard of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Gail Reichard, Thomas and Jamie Reichard, all of Newton, NC; a daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Geno Hildebrandt of Cedar Park, TX; grandchildren, Katy and David Hildebrandt of Cedar Park, Jason and Jessica Reichard and Jennifer Reichard, all of Newton; great grandchildren, Samantha and Meagen Reichard, both of Newton.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Roy and Hannah Ledford, Ernest Smith and family, Clyde Tallent, and to the staff of College Pines Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 4, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:30 until 3:00 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 208 Shuping St., Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southside Baptist Church, PO Box 2306, Morganton, NC 28680-2306.