Lois South Stamey, 71, formerly of Shuffler Road, Morganton, NC died Saturday, February 3, 2007 at the Brian Center, Spruce Pine, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Greene County, AR on February 17, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Clara LeMew South. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Loy Lee Stamey, a half-brother, George South, and a half-sister, Helen South. Lois was of the Baptist Faith.

Mrs. Stamey is survived by her son, Steve Stamey and wife Erlene, of Avery County, NC; a daughter, Brenda Stamey; grandchildren, Steven Stamey and wife, Tonya, of Lenoir, NC, Dana Clarke and husband, J.R., of Morganton; a great-grandson, Nicholas Stamey; brother, Lamond South and wife, Norma, of Buford, GA, and Bill South and wife, Barbara, of Sedgewick, AR; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Darrin Waldroup officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence, 137 Shuffler Road, Morganton.

Dennis Larry “Snap” Costner, 56, of 70 West, Morganton, NC died unexpectedly February 3, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Cleveland County, NC on January 15, 1951 and was a son of the late William Leon Costner and Mary Etta Randolph Costner. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Tom Costner and Wayne Costner, and by a sister, Joanne Greene.

Surviving are a son and his wife, Shane and Christie Costner; a granddaughter, Elisabeth Costner; brothers and their wives, Jim and Donna Costner and Bill and Cathy Costner; a sister and her husband, Ella and Buster Morgan; all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Rocky Reece and Vernon McCarthy officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Dorothy Hutchins Brittain, 87, of Bayshore Dr., Nebo, NC, and formerly of Stamey Ave. in Morganton, died Monday, February 5, 2007 at Morganton Long Term Care. She was born April 16, 1919 in McDowell County, NC, and was a daughter of the late J. Prentiss Hutchins and Clemma Lee Melton Hutchins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C. Virgil Brittain; a daughter, Iris Helen Singleton; a son, James Singleton, Jr.; and a number of brothers and sisters. Dorothy attended the Salvation Army Church.

She is survived by a son, Donald Leon Singleton of Quantico, MD; a daughter, Gena Singleton of Nebo with whom Dorothy made her home; grandchildren, Douglas Alexander Singleton of Fresno, CA, An-Michelle Singleton of Chicago, IL, David Edward Singleton of Nashville, TN, Donald Lee Singleton of Whimpy Island, WA, Donald Leon Singleton, Jr. of New York, NY, and Tina Brittainy Singleton of Nebo; and a number of nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Captain David Chapman of the Salvation Army officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2 until 3 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 50-D Bayshore Dr., Nebo. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Eugene “Gene” Thacker Harrill, Jr., 80, of Ridgeside Terrace of Grace Ridge died Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born June 11, 1926 in Caroleen, NC and was a son of the late Eugene T. Harrill Sr. and Susan Sloan Harrill. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Margaret Harrill Abee. Gene was a veteran of WW II having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in Panama during the war. He was a very active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton where he was Senior Warden, served on the Vestry, taught Sunday School for the youth, was very instrumental in the establishment of the Grace Church Endowment Fund, and served as head of the Every Member Canvas. He was an avid wood worker, Past President of the Morganton Lions Club, and helped with B.U.C.M. and Habitat. He was a member of the Morganton High School Class of 1943 and was a 1950 graduate of NC State University where he earned a B.S. Degree in Textiles.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Huffman Harrill of the home; children, Liz Willets and husband, Bill of Cumming, GA, Ellie Van Patten and husband, Jerry of Newnan Georgia, Fred Harrill and wife, Becky of Jamestown, NC; brother, William B. Harrill of Morganton; sister, Betty Ann Harrill of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Thacker Thurman, Christopher Thurman, Will Willets, Ellie Willets, Catherine Willets, Beth Van Patten, Katherine Schatzberg and husband, Thomas, Sloan Harrill, Susan Harrill, Samantha Harrill and Freddy Harrill.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2007 at Grace Episcopal Church with The Rev. Bruce Walker officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Grace Ridge Mezzanine, 500 Lenoir Road. Memorial gifts in Mr. Harrill’s memory may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 305 King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or Grace Ridge Scholarship Fund, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

B. Jaree Stroupe, 81, of Morganton, NC died Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at her residence. She was born September 4, 1925 in Burke County, NC. Jaree was the owner and operator of a rest home in Glen Alpine.

She is survived by a niece, Mona Miller of Asheboro, NC.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Mona Miller officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. Inurnment will be at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke United Christian Ministries Soup Kitchen, 305-B W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Lex “Babo” C. Poteet, 66, of Pete Brittain Rd., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born August 6, 1940 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Mildred Azlie Digh Poteet of Morganton, and the late Ira Winston Poteet. Lex was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Mr. Poteet served with the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment of the US Army. He was a retired employee of Morganton Dye and Finishing, and also owned and operated City Billiards and Café. After his retirement, he enjoyed being outdoors and cutting wood. Lex loved animals, especially dogs, and he was an avid coin collector.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by children, Chris Poteet and wife, Joyce, of Granite Falls, NC, and Anita A. Poteet of Morganton; grandchildren, Miranda Dawn Poteet, Candace Alexa Poteet, and Emily Elizabeth Poteet; his former wife, Lena Sue Anderson of Newland, NC; and brothers, Farrell E. Poteet of Morganton, Steve Poteet of Drexel, NC, and Bobby Poteet of Conover, NC.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1 until 2 at the funeral home. Burial will be held at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Janie Lizzie Bollinger, 95, of Grace Heights in Morganton, and formerly of Glen Alpine, NC died Friday, February 9, 2007 at the nursing home following a brief illness. She was born May 8, 1911 in Cleveland County, NC, and was a daughter of the late G. Edward McDaniel and Sari Canipe McDaniel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Bollinger; sons, Clifford and Calvin Bollinger; a sister, Dorothy Lail; and brothers, Willy, John, Lester, Charlie, and Howard McDaniel.

Janie is survived by sons, Lee Bollinger and wife, Mildred, of Valdese, NC, and Richard Bollinger of Glen Alpine, NC; daughters, Florine Simmons and husband, Arrie of Valdese, Janet Bowman and husband, Carroll of Icard, NC, and Louise Bollinger Dula and husband, Larry Glazebrooks of Laurel Bloomery, TN; a sister, Jennie Self of Morganton; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Land officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Lee and Mildred Bollinger, 2678 Logan Dr., Valdese, NC 28690.

Robert “Bob” Lynn Bollinger, 69, of Abernathy St., Glen Alpine, NC went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 9, 2007 following a period of declining health. He was born on July 13, 1937 in Burke County, NC and was a son of the late Charles Eugene Bollinger and Ellie Mull Bollinger. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Allen Bollinger. Bob was a veteran of the U. S. Army and was a retired self-employed trucker. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Surviving are his wife, Joanne Smith Bollinger, of the home; sons and their wives, Kevin and Susan Bollinger and Kenneth and Gayle Bollinger, all of Morganton; daughters, Misti Bollinger of the home, Bobbie Jo Bollinger of Glen Alpine, and Barbara Shaffer, of Morganton; a sister, Betty Jean Bailey of Morganton; half-sisters, Nancy Duckworth of Morganton and Laura Ann Reed of Tennessee; a half-brother, David Bollinger of Morganton; grandchildren, Robert, Jennifer, Jeffery, Kolten, Peyton, and Dakota; and great-grandchildren, Rialey and Alyssa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2007, at Conley Road Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Earl Cross officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Sunday 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, 104 Abernathy St., Glen Alpine.

Ann Marie Causby, 34, of Meadowbrook Dr., Burlington, NC died Friday, February 9, 2007 at Alamance Hospital in Burlington. She was born June 2, 1972 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of Thelma H. Edwards of Morganton and the late Van Young Edwards. She was a member of Zion Baptist Church and an employee of Gold Toe-Moretz Company in Burlington.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Brian Causby of the home; daughters, Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Rebecca Causby, all of the home; brothers, Van Steve Edwards, Harlon Wade Edwards, and Carl Eugene Edwards, all of Morganton; sisters, Kathy Coleman and Flora Edwards, both of Morganton; an adopted brother, Chris Edwards of Morganton; and her maternal grandmother, Lela Hodge of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2007 at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2:30 until 4:00 pm at the church. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Horace Heaton, 81, formerly of US Hwy 70 East, Morganton, NC died Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Britthaven of Morganton following a period of declining health. Born in Rutherford County, NC on August 18, 1925, he was the son of the late Zeb Heaton and Annie Mae Harris Heaton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Emma Bailey, and two brothers, Charles Memory Heaton and Lee Roy Heaton. Horace worked the majority of his life in the furniture industry, having worked at Broyhill and Singer.

Mr. Heaton is survived by his nephews, Harold Bailey of Lenoir, NC, and Rodger Bailey and wife, Phyllis Sigmon Bailey, of Morganton; a brother-in-law, William M. Bailey and wife, Frances Johnson Bailey; and several great-nephews and nieces.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Ruppe officiating. Burial will follow in Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 until 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 109 Khristian Place, Bostic, NC 28018.

Tommy Watts, 92, of US 64, Morganton, NC died Sunday, February 11, 2007 at his residence following several years of declining health. He was born March 14, 1914 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Herbert Washington Watts and Etta Roper Watts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Callie Mae Causby Watts; brothers, Albert and James Watts; and sisters, Carrie Rollins and Doris Watts. Tommy was a member of Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a retired employee of Wamsutta. Tommy also worked for a number of years in the sawmill business and as an auto mechanic. Throughout his life, he was an avid gardener and fiddle player.

Mr. Watts is survived by daughters, Lena Watts Taylor and husband, Melvin, of Morganton, Loretta Dean Watts McCracken and husband, Charles, of Rutherford College, NC, and Wilma Jean Watts of the home; grandchildren and spouses, Mike and Peggy Taylor, Vicki and Mark Leonard, Donald and Sue McCracken, Carol and Mike Hedrick, Charlene and Darrell Spann, and Tony and Darla McCracken; great grandchilden, Tiffany and Lauren Taylor, Amelia McGee, Holly McCracken, Pam McCracken, Steven Hedrick, Dana Stillwell, Lisa Spann, Jessica McCracken, Kelly McCracken, and Timothy McCracken; 10 great great-grandchildren; a brother, Rob Watts of Morganton; sisters, Essie Waters and Velsie McCurry, both of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Alan Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 4869 US 64, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 5358 Denton’s Chapel Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Robert L. Wilkinson, 67, of Oakwood St., Morganton, NC, died Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Oakland, MI on December 3, 1936, he was the son of the late Victor Alvert Wilkinson and Helen Mills Wilkinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters.

Robert was “a jack of all trades” and lived a full life. As a young boy he learned to repair watches, became a jeweler, served in the US Air Force, flew planes, raced motorcycles, was a mechanic, and later in life became a computer technician and programmer. Even with all of that, what he was most skilled at other than singing was being an honest man to his family and friends.

Mr. Wilkinson is survived by his wife, Vilai Phuramart Wilkinson of the home; a son, Albert Wilkinson of Hilo, HI; daughters, Thipsuda Wilkinson of Oahu, HI and Vanthipaya McCall of the home; and a brother, Ralph Wilkinson of Wisconsin. No services are planned at this time. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ray Edward “Maloney” Branch, 55, of Hill Street, Drexel, NC died Monday, February 12, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital following several years of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC, on March 26, 1951, he was the son of Bessie Jean “Monk” Branch Maloney and the late James Andrew Maloney. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Will and Willie Branch and Andrew and Anna Maloney. Ray was a very loving son, brother, father, and grandfather. A dedicated family man and hard worker, he had made peace with his maker.

Mr. Branch is survived by his mother, Bessie Jean “Monk” Maloney with whom he made his home; a son, Billy Ray Branch of Morganton, NC; a daughter, Michelle “Punkin” Stancil of Morganton; brothers, Larry Maloney of Glen Alpine, NC and Randy Maloney of Morganton; sisters, Janet Norman of Morganton, Sharon Maloney of Drexel, Sandy Wilhide and husband, Bart, of Forest City, NC, and Dawn Mull and husband, Butchie, of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Tyler, Christopher, Savannah, D.J., and Nicolas; seven nieces, three nephews, and thirteen grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at McDowell Independent Presbyterian Church with Reverends Dennis Carswell and Danny Sprouse officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 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, 106 Hill Street, Drexel.

Vurland Jones Berry, 86, of John Byrd Road, Drexel, NC, died unexpectedly, Saturday, February 10, 2007 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on November 12, 1920, he is the son of the late Sheridan and Velna Jones Berry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Hildebrand Berry, a son, Kenneth Berry, and a sister, Cleta Hildebrand. Vurland was owner and operator of Berry Construction in Drexel and was a member of First Baptist Church in Valdese, NC. Mr. Berry was married to his wife Margaret for 51 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and a #1 Daddy.

Vurland is survived by a daughter, Patricia Berry Davidson of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, David Berry of Morganton, NC, Robin Berry Wiseman of Granite Falls, NC, Donna Berry Bailey of Morganton, and Kenneth David Berry, Jr. of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Aaron Bailey of Morganton and Jordan Wiseman of Granite Falls; great-great-grandchild, Logan Bailey of Morganton; and two sisters, Margie Page and husband, Allen, of Valdese and Lib Harris and husband, Max, of Charlotte.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2007 at First Baptist Church in Valdese with Reverends Dr. Dale Clark and Rev. Ernie Richard officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the service.

Willeskie Carswell, 73, of Watershed Rd., Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord on Feb. 13, 2007 at her residence. She was born March 1, 1933 in Yancey County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Leslie Hylemon and Mary Jane Crain Hylemon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Edward Carswell. She was a faithful member of Friendly Freewill Baptist Church. Willeskie was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, and sister, who stayed home to raise her children. She loved to work in her rose garden.

Mrs. Carswell is survived by children, Charles William Carswell and wife, Levonda, Joyce C. Short and husband, Gayle, and Reba Carswell, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Charles Matthew Carswell, Kyle W. Carswell, Seth Tyler Carswell, Calvin Daniel Metcalf, Brinna Nicole Moretz, Paul Lowman, Joshua Lowman, Joseph Hardin, and Tracy Short; great grandchildren, Hannah Carswell, Logan Charles Lowman, Caleb Carswell, and Baylee Short; a brother, Mickey Hylemon of High Point, NC; and sisters, Merzie McLean, Addie Carswell, and Bettie Rector, all of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 16, 2007 at Friendly Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in Carswell Family Cemetery in Morganton. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour.

Rev. Mr. George Edward McMahon, 70, of Morgan Dr., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, February 15, 2007 following a period of declining health. He was born in Ridgeway, PA on December 28, 1936 and was a son of the late Edward Michael McMahon and Catherine Mary Stangel McMahon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard, McMahon, a sister, Cordelia Lawn and a step-mother, Mary McMahon.

George graduated from Gannon University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and also was the first person to receive certification in Confraternity of Christian Doctrine from Gannon. He served as city manager in Maitland, FL, Berlin, NH, Northampton, PA, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Beech Mountain, NC and Edgewater, FL and as county manager in Hardy County, FL. Mr. McMahon was ordained into the permanent deaconate in 1989 at St. Elizabeth of the Hills Catholic Church, Boone, NC and served as a deacon in several churches in North Carolina and Florida.

Surviving are his loving and devoted wife, Annette Louise Jaggy McMahon, of the home; his children, Timothy Michael McMahon and his wife, Maryann Peters, of Germany; Daniel Matthew McMahon and his wife, Linda, of Collegeville, PA; Valerie Jacqueline Martin and her husband, Scott, of Port St. Lucie, FL; Deborah Noel Childers and her husband, Daniel, of Morganton, NC; Michelle Patricia Alexander and her husband, Michael, of Morganton, NC; Rachel Patrice McMahon of Charlotte, NC; George Darrin McMahon and his wife, Julie, of Springfield, VA; and Suzanne Marie McMahon of Morganton, NC; a sister, Delores Teresa Hammer, of Erie, PA; twelve grandchildren; and twelve nephews and nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2007, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, JCD and Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. A rosary will be said at 11:00 a.m. Saturday after which the family will receive friends until 12:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Priest Retirement Fund, 728 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

George’s philosophy of life was share your faith with others, pray your rosary daily, and family is forever, not for you just when you are a little child.

Nina Ree Wheeler, 81, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, February 16, 2007. She was born November 17, 1925 in Caldwell County to the late Lonar Cornelius Whisnant and Carrie Lee Brown Whisnant. She was a very faithful and active member of Mt. Home Baptist Church. She loved to garden and care for her animals. She retired from Drexel Heritage Plant # 33 in Morganton.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Harding Wheeler, brothers, Vernon Whisnant, Ned Whisnant and Owen Whisnant.

She is survived by a daughter Wanda Milton and husband Johnnie of Morganton, 3 grandchildren, Michael Barrier and wife Bonnie, Karen Clark and husband Shawn and Scott Barrier, 4 great-grandchildren, Lorin Barrier, Raelyn Clark, Greyson Clark and Ashlyn Clark all of Morganton, one brother, Stewart Whisnant and wife Betty of Alabama, and one step-granddaughter, Roxanne Reep of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 19, 2007 at Mt. Home Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, evening at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Home Baptist Church Building Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Katherine M. Mull, 90, of Brookwood Rd., Morganton, NC died Saturday, February 17, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. A native of Burke County, she was born December 4, 1916 to the late Sidney Augustus “Gus” Mull and Ida Shuping Mull. She was a former member of Bethel United Methodist Church. Katherine was an accomplished musician having played several instruments and was also an excellent seamstress and cook. She lived in Florida for many years where she worked in a doctor’s office and returned to Burke Co. in 1962. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Ervin Mull; a sister, Myra Mull Deal; half-brothers, Willard and Carl Mull; and an infant brother and sister.

She is survived by a sister, Bessie W. Mull of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Blanche Mull of Conover; a special friend Nonie Ross; a special niece Edna Lail; and several other nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends Jerry Gamble and Rod Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Home Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Rebecca Ann Farr, loving mother, grandmother, and sister, 65, of Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC died Sunday, February 18, 2007 at Brian Center East in Hickory. She was born in Caldwell County, NC on December 5, 1941 and was a daughter of the late Robert Kincaid and Hazel Mash Baucom. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Kincaid. Mrs. Farr was a member of Church of God in Charlotte, NC.

Surviving are her husband, James H. Farr,; a son, Terry L. Brown, and a daughter, Pamela Brown Lakey, all of Morganton; a brother, Raymond L. Craig, of Granite Falls, NC; a sister, Marion Ellen Baucom, of Valdese; and grandsons, Dalton And Jesse Brown.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Norman Watkins England, 84, died February 18, 2007 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on February 18, 1923 in Burke County, NC and was the son of the late Joseph C. and Roberta Wells England. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, J. C. England, Jr.

Mr. England was a graduate of Morganton High School and the International Correspondence School and was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II. As an employee of Shadowline for 33 years, he served as traffic manager, customer service and credit manager, and as a sales representative. Norman was active in various organizations including the Morganton Lion’s Club where he was former secretary and president and was recognized as “outstanding Secretary” of District 31-B for 1991-1992. In 1993 he was voted “Lion of the Year” by his fellow club members. He served as president of the Catawba Valley Industrial Traffic Club and was past president and vice-president of the Burke County Chapter 3262 of the A.A.R.P. He was a member of First Baptist Church and a former member of Calvary Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and served as Superintendent, as a Deacon, and as a member of several committees.

Surviving are his wife, Katherine Tuttle England, of the home; his son, Ronnie England, of Martinsville, VA; his daughters, Jane England Beam and her husband, Dan, of Honey Brook, PA and Shirley England Wagner and her husband, Ric, of Pfafftown, NC; grandchildren, Kate Matikonis and her husband, Rob, Paige Santmyer and her husband, Dan; Jenny Beam, Lesley Beam, Nathan Wagner, and Matthew Wagner; great-grandchildren, Maggie and Colin Santmyer; and brothers, Kenneth England of York, SC, Glenn England of Morganton; and Bill England, of Raleigh, NC.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating and members of the Morganton Lions Club serving as honorary pall bearers. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 234 of Valdese. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lions Club Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 206, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Jimmy Lee “Jim” Mashburn, 72, of Keller Ave., Glen Alpine, NC died Monday, February 19, 2007, at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in Haywood County, NC on May 24, 1934 and was a son of the late Harvey Emmit Mashburn and Margretta Smiley Mashburn. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Mashburn. Jim was an avid fisherman, and he loved to sing.

His kind heart and gentle nature will be lovingly remembered by his son, John Mashburn and his wife, Cindy, of Marion; a brother, Harvey Mashburn, Jr. and his wife, Hazel, of Morganton; his sisters, Sharon Crisp, Hazel Mashburn, Dorothy Buchanan all of Morganton, Geneva Penson of Rutherfordton; Thelma Morton and her husband, Alex, of Glen Alpine; and Gladys Bowen of Marion; grandsons, Michael James Mashburn and Aaron Lee Mashburn; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Ken Milam and David Beam officiating. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence, 101 Keller Ave., Glen Alpine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Cancer Care, ATTN: Jan Hollar, 720 Malcolm Blvd., Valdese, North Carolina 28690.

Charlotte Love Stephenson, 86, of Ridgeside Terrace, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at Grace Ridge Health Care Center. She was born in Fulton County, GA and was the daughter of the late Robert and Marian Peavy Love. Charlotte was raised in Syracuse, NY where she graduated from Eastwood High School. She attended Syracuse University College of Music studying organ and piano performance. In 1944 Charlotte moved to Boston where she married her husband, Sheldon Stephenson, who was attending Boston University School of Theology. Upon his graduation the Stephensons moved to central New York and served several United Methodist congregationsincluding churches in Penn Yan and Ithaca, NY. In 1994, Charlotte and her husband retired to Morganton where she directed the choir at Grace Ridge, was involved as a volunteer with the Grace Hospital Guild, and was active in the First United Methodist Church. She was a member of P. E. O. and several book clubs.

Surviving are her husband, Sheldon B. Stephenson; her children and their spouses, Thomas and Wendy Stephenson of Brooklyn, NY, Mark and Kris Stephenson of Napa, CA, and Marcia Stephenson and Tom Broden of West Lafayette, IN; a brother, Robert L. Love, of Canandaigua, NY; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2007, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Clinic or to the African Methodist University, both c/o First United Methodist Church, ATTN: Kay Childres, 201 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Helen Leonard, 86, of Fox St., died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. She was born August 11, 1920 in Catawba County to the late Murphy Simpson and Lucy Reinhart Simpson. She stayed home during her early years to raise her family who she deeply loved. Later she went to work with her husband at Steele Rulane.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 4 sisters. She is survived by her husband, of 68 years, Stewart Leonard, 6 children; Mike Leonard and wife Nancy, David Leonard and wife Betsy, Debbie Tolbert, Mark Leonard and wife Vikki, Greg Leonard and wife Gina and Scott Leonard and wife Holly all of Morganton, one sister Bette Caldwell of Hickory, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

A graveside service for Mrs. Leonard will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2007 at Bethel United Church of Christ Cemetery with the Rev. Bob Shepard officiating. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

John Wade Clark, 90, of Hartland Rd., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at his residence. He was born November 18, 1916 in Mitchell County, NC, and was the son of the late Henry Theodore Clark and Mamie Evelyn Thomas Clark. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Annie Suddreth Clark. John was a member of Littlejohn United Methodist Church in Lenoir NC. He was a US Army veteran of World War II, and a retired employee of Drexel Furniture Company. John also worked as a auto mechanic.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Pam Clark of Morganton; a nephew, Donald W. Saunders and wife, Jewel, of Hudson, NC, a niece Judith S. Huffman and husband, Harold of Boone, NC, a nephew, Thomas H. Cannon and wife, Patsy, of Lenoir; and several other nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 am, Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 at Littlejohn United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Ross O’Neal and Dr. Steve Parker officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the church. Memorial contributions may be to the Littlejohn United Methodist Church Parsonage Fund, 4720 Littlejohn Church Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Harry Lee Birchfield, 88, loving husband, father, and grandfather, of Ruritan Dr., Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, February 22, 2007, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in Haywood County, NC on July 31, 1918 and was a son of the late Lee Turner Birchfield and Eliza Reece Birchfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and seven sisters. Mr. Birchfield was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II serving with the 7th Armored Division in Europe. He earned four bronze service stars for his war service in Northern France, the Battle of the Bulge-Ardennes Forest, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. Harry loved nature and the outdoors.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Geraldine Inman Birchfield, of the home; sons and their wives, Roy and Robin Birchfield, of Granite Falls and Bill and Renee Birchfield of Florence, SC; daughters, Linda Causby and her husband, Eddie, and Carol Bollinger all of Morganton, and Shirley Bishop and her husband, Rick, of Nebo; a brother and his wife, Lawrence and Louise Birchfield, a sister, Julie Sorrells, all of Canton, NC twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. David Mills, Rev. Eddy Bunton, and Rev. Rick Bishop officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the American Legion Post #234 in Valdese. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral. At other times the family will be at the home of Linda and Eddie Causby, 4183 Denton’s Chapel Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Samuel Scronce Young, 89 of Bost Rd., Morganton, NC died Thursday, February 22, 2007 at the V. A. Medical Center in Asheville following a lengthy illness. He was born in Yancey Co., NC on August 6, 1917 and was a son of the late Lynn and Bernice Buchanan Young. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother. Mr. Young was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II and served on the U.S.S. Tamalpais. Samuel was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Harold, Ray, and Bealer Young; and a sister, Estelle Young.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Anderson-Young, of the home; a daughter, Lynne Cress and her husband, Mark, of Raleigh, NC, sisters, Frances Duncan of Gastonia, NC and Madge Redshaw, of Pekin, IL; grandson, John Cress of Raleigh; granddaughter, Jacqueline Rhew and her husband, Alan, of Franklin, NC; a step-daughter, Anita Fox and her husband, Kermit, of Morganton step-grandsons, John Fox of Morganton and Jacob Fox and his wife, Hannah, of Franklin; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Thompson and Dr. Robert Lamb officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Granite Falls with military graveside rites conducted by the American Legion Post #234 in Valdese. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral. At other times the family will be at the home, 410 Bost Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, Sound System Fund, 407 S. Green St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Mickey Roy Smith, 50, of 1141 Pine Dr., Morganton, NC died Saturday, February 24, 2007, at McDowell Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born on October 18, 1956 in Morganton, NC and was a son of Roy Lynn Smith, step-mother, Linda Smith, and mother, Wilma Penley Smith all of Morganton. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard Layman Penley and Charlie and Mary Smith. Mickey was a loving father, son, brother, uncle and grandpaw, but most of all he was a loving friend. He was always doing something for someone to show how much he loved them, and never wanted anything in return. We love you Daddy.

Surviving in addition to his parents are his daughters, Amy Michelle Smith of Valdese and Misty Dawn Smith and friend, Ritchie Garland, of Morganton; sisters, Kathy Lynn Smith and friend, Frank Cooper, and Teresa Diane Smith, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Diamond Michelle Smith and Noah Aidan Smith; his grandmother, Florence Leona Penley of Hickory; and his nieces, Natasha Danielle Moore and Briana Nicole Moore, both of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the home of Kathy Smith and Frank Cooper, 123 Starmount Cir., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of McDowell Co., Inc. 218 Logan St., Marion, NC 28752.

Billy Andrew Cooper, 67, of Hopewell Rd., Morganton, died Saturday, February 24, 2007, at his residence. He was born on September 29, 1939 in Spartanburg Co., SC and was a son of Olivia Greene Cooper of Woodruff, SC and the late Manning Andrew Cooper. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by a son, Michael Cooper. Billy retired from Guilford Mills in Greensboro in 1999 and was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Billy was a humble man, a patient man, and a God fearing man. He fought many health battles in his 67 years, never complaining, and always with a kind and loving smile. The past two years he has suffered with pancreatic cancer and again fought a courageous battle. His earthly battles are over, and he is in his eternal home with no more pain or suffering sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Billy loved his Lord, his church, his family, and the many friends who have been such a great support to him for a number of years. He enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters, and he enjoyed sports especially baseball and the Carolina Tar Heels. Billy lived his life to the fullest, and he will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth “Lib” Holcombe Cooper, of the home; a son, Tim Cooper, of Morganton; a daughter and her husband, Tammy and Pete Roberts, of Lumberton, NC; sisters, Dora Cooper Gaston and husband, Dean, of Greer, SC and Susan Cooper Barry and husband, Johnny, of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Desirae Cooper and Olivia Roberts; special daughter-in-law, Crystal Smith-Cooper; a number of nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2007, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Dewey Thomas and Rev. Burl Sain officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. At other times the family will be at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1159, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Blue Ridge Healthcare, Outpatient Medical Oncology Dept., ATTN: Jan Hollar, 720 Malcolm Blvd., Valdese, NC 28990. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Marilyn Englin Wright, 63, of Brookwood Rd., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at Carolinas Medical Center following a period of declining health. She was born in North Dakota on September 23, 1943 and was a daughter of the late Leon W. Englin and Linda A. Wright. Marilyn was a registered nurse at Grace Hospital and retired after 25 years of service in labor and delivery. She was very dedicated to her profession and was very influential in bringing happiness to many people who came in contact with her through her work at Grace Hospital. She was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.

Marilyn was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Curtis Wright and Craig Wright, both of Morganton; daughters, Colleen Brittain and her husband, Jeff, of Morganton and Claudette Wright of Hickory; the father of her children, Eddie Wright; brothers, Gregory Wright of Seattle, WA and Mitchell Wright of Detroit, MI; sisters, Linda Smith of Long Beach, CA, Larraine Lindsay of Seattle and Jeanette Barber and Tina Altman both of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, James Wright, Christopher Carroll, Landon Collingwood, Kaleb Wright, Devan Brittain, and Alex Brittain; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m.Wednesday, February 27, 2007, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Earl Cross 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, PO Box 1159, Morganton, NC 28680.

James E. Norman, 80, of Tommy Norman Ave., Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord on Monday, February 26, 2007. He was born in Burke Co., NC on January 4, 1927 and was a son of the late Tommy A. and Isabell McDaniel Norman. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Charlie, William, Frank, and Mack Norman, and by sisters, Lucy Dale and Gertie Duckworth. Mr. Norman retired from Drexel-Heritage Furnishings after 40 years of service. He loved to farm, hunt, woodwork, and the outdoors. James was a member of South Mountain Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Fern Benton Norman, of the home; their children, Keith Edward Norman and his wife, Sharon, of Morganton, Linda Norman Smith and her husband, Pete, of Myrtle Beach, SC, James Edward Norman, Jr. of Charlotte, and Marty Norman and his wife, Shannon, of McKenney, VA; his sisters, Pearl Copeland and Rudell Burgin, both of Morganton; his grandchildren, Chad D. Norman, Nicole Smith, Jammie Smith Hunter, Devin Baldwin Norman, and Summer Fern Norman; and his faithful companion, Beetle.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2007, at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with the Reverends Jack Moses and Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow at South Mountain Baptist 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 hour. At other times the family will be at the home, 5604 Tommy Norman Ave., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Blvd. Suite 101, Rockville, MD 20852-9813.

Jim McKinley Freeman, 70, of NC 18 US 64, Morganton, NC died at his home on Monday, February 26, 2007, after several years of declining health. He was born on December 6, 1936 in Morganton and was a son of the late John Henry Freeman and Lessie Williams Freeman. Mr. Freeman was a U. S. Army veteran and a long distance truck driver for McCombs Oil Co., Carolina Freight, Dietz Motor Lines, Drexel-Heritage Furnishings, Case Farms, and Leviton before recurring health issues prevented him from working. Jim was a life-long member of Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are his wife, Peggy Freeman, of the home; a son, Wayne Freeman and his wife, Connie, of Morganton; a step-son, Darrin Oliver and his wife, Tracy, of Morganton; step-daughters, Dawn Patton and her husband, Donnie, of South Euclid, OH and Heather Oliver, of Morganton; sisters, Frances Queen and her husband, Floyd, of Hudson and Blanche Phillips and her husband, Charles, of Morganton; a brother, John O. Freeman and his wife, Bobbie of Morganton; grandchildren, Jamie Freeman, Alex Patton, D. J. Patton, Lucas Oliver, and Tana Freeman; great-grandchildren, Kendall and Baylee Freeman; nieces, Kara Queen and Tracy Deluxe; nephews, Kenney Queen, Johnny Freeman, Kevin Arthur, and Brandon Arthur; and great-nephews, Jason Freeman, C. J. Phillips and A.J. Ashley.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 2007, at Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church with Rev. Andrew Parkey officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church, Million Pennies Fund, 2698 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Josephine Houck Orders, 85, of Lail Rd., Glen Alpine, NC died Monday, February 26, 2007 at her daughter’s residence on Thompson Bingham Rd., Morganton, where she had made her home for the past year. She was born in South Carolina on March 7, 1921 and was a daughter of the late Grover Cleveland Houck and Josie Fields Houck, In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Larry Orders, and a sister, Faye Poovey. Josephine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and caretaker for her family and friends. She was a wonderful Christian woman, and “Mama Jo” was an outstanding homemaker.

Surviving are her husband, Raymond T. Orders, of the home; sons and their wives, Michael T. and Susan Orders of Glen Alpine and David L. and Becky Orders of Charlotte; daughters, Rama O. Whitlock of the home, Susan O. Bingham and her husband, Bruce, of Morganton, and Donna O. Poteet and her friend, Chris Taylor, of Valdese; grandchildren, Jennifer Holden and her husband, Stephen, Christina Holden and her husband, Sam, Hannah Orders, Justin Orders, Amelia Whitlock, Alicia Harkey and her husband, Phillip, Amanda Powell and her husband, Danny, and Michael Bingham; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert, Willie, and Tillman Houck all of Lenoir; and a sister, Ethel Morris, of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2007, at Christ United Methodist Church in Drexel with Reverends David Pollard and Ken Curtis officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. At other times the family will be at the home of Susan and Bruce Bingham, 1950 Thomson Bingham Rd., Morganton. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Dara Vania Barron, 30, of Burkemont Road, Morganton, NC, died Monday, February 26, 2007 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC, on June 18, 1976, she was the daughter of Harvey and Patricia Barron of the home. Dara was a graduate of North Liberty School and attended Faith Freewill Baptist Church. She attended Turning Point Services/Burke Opportunities and loved all the people there.

In addition to her parents, Dara is survived by brothers, Evan Barron of Youngsville, NC, Chris Barron and wife, Sherri, of Franklinton, NC, Ashley Barron and wife, Kim, who is serving with the US Air Force in England; and three nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 1, 2007 in the fellowship hall of Faith Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Rocky T. Reese officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the fellowship hall one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Opportunities, c/o Turning Point Services, 1911 Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ernest Warren Pitts of Glen Alpine, NC, died Monday, February 26, 2007 at Autumn Care of Drexel, NC following a period of declining health. He was born February 5, 1922 in Glen Alpine and was the son of the late Aaron Henry Pitts and Donnie McGimsey Pitts.

Ernest was a graduate of Glen Alpine High School. He served in the US Army from 1942 until February 1946. He was a life-long member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church where he held various offices including Chairman of the Board and Chairman of Trustees. Mr. Pitts was a charter member of the Glen Alpine Ruritan Club where he served as president and other offices. Ernest was Ruritan of the Year in 2004. He was a charter member and treasurer of Glen Alpine American Legion Post #395. He was also a member of the Burke County Fair Board and a Glen Alpine Town Alderman for several years.

On September 9, 1945 he married Virgnia Galloway at Oak Hill United Methodist Church. After returning from service Ernest held several jobs. Most of his employment was with Great Lakes Carbon, from which he retired in 1987 after 37 years.

Ernest is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia Galloway Pitts of the home; sons, Kenneth Pitts and wife, Beth, of Huntersville, NC; and Mark Pitts of Glen Alpine; two grandchildren, Virginia E. (Jenny) Pitts of Ft. Collins, CO and Matthew Pitts and wife, Amy, of Kernersville, NC; one great-grandchild, Michael Pitts; brother, Clifton Pitts and wife, Jospehine, and Gorman Pitts and wife, Jane; sisters, Ruth Clontz of Glen Alpine and Betty Pollard and husband, Wayne of Glen Alpine; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 2, 2007 at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church with Rev. David J. Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday 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, 304 Pea Ridge St., Glen Alpine. Memorial contributions may be made to Glen Alpine United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 576, Glen Alpine, NC 28628.

Rev. Virgil Lee Morrow, 80, of Harris Drive, Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Rutherford County, on November 13, 1926, he was the son of the late Grover and Katie Gordon Morrow. In addition to his parents, Virgil was preceded in death by two sons, Steve Morrow and Jack Morrow. Rev. Morrow was a member of Southside Baptist Church where he was pastor for 23 years. His first church was Piney Knob Baptist Church in Rutherford County. He pastored many churches in western North Carolina. Virgil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and very devoted to his congregations. He grew up in and was ordained at Gray’s Creek Baptist Church in Rutherfordton.

Rev. Morrow is survived by his wife, Bessie Shehan Morrow of the home; a son, Rick Morrow and wife, Sarah, of Morganton; daughters, Debbie Taylor and husband, Cobb, of Morganton and Linda Womack of Forest City; brothers, Billy and Dazel Morrow, both of Rutherfordton; a sister, Mozelle Barner of Rutherfordton; six grandchildren, Mel Rhoney, Steven Morrow, Kelly Martin and husband, Steven, Chad Morrow and wife, Staci, Megan Womack, and Nikki Gibbs and husband, Alan; and great-grandchildren, James and Steven Gibbs.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Gray’s Creek Baptist Church in Rutherfordton with Rev. Dean Lavender officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and on Thursday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. in the Gray’s Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall. Mr. Morrow will lie in state in the church during the visitation. On Wednesday the family will be at the residence of the daughter, Debbie Taylor, 136 Normandy Drive, Morganton. On Thursday the family will be at the residence of the other daughter, Linda Womack, 399 Holly Hills Drive, Forest City. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Frank A.Mace, 85, of River Road, Morganton, passed away peacefully at his home on February 24th following a courageous battle with lung cancer. His wife, Bertha, 82, also passed away at home on February 27th following several years of declining health. They were married for 62 years.

Mr. Mace was a veteran of World War II serving in the 15th Army under General Patton as an anti-aircraft cannoneer earning five bronze stars. A son of the late Toney and Evangeline Mace, Mr. Mace was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Murphy; four brothers, Lester, Javan, Louie and Loy Mace and a sister, Sadie Lail. He is survived by three sisters, Ruth Lowman, Mary Moses and Azalea Rector, and one brother, J.C. Mace.

A daughter of the late Miles and Timey Huffman, Mrs. Mace was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Murphy, her brothers, Earl, Charles, Guy, Plez and Kermit Huffman, and one sister, Tessie Wellman. She is survived by a sister Beulah Lail and one brother, Robert Huffman. Mrs. Mace will be remembered by her family and friends as an avid gardener and wonderful cook, devoted to her friends and family.

Prior to their retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Mace were self employed, operating service stations in the Morganton and Hickory area. Both were members of Smart's Grove Baptist Church.

Both are survived by their daughters Evelyn Capps and Jean Shankles and their husbands, Fred Capps and Charles Shankles; eight grandchildren, Donna Cannon, Ronnie Murphy, Christy Byrd, Ray Capps, Brian Capps, Holly Steiger, Eric Winters, and Lindsey Shankles; in addition to seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Following visitation Saturday from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home, funeral services will be conducted at 3 pm by Rev. Charles Lewis in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Full military rites for Mr. Mace and entombment for both will follow immediately at 4 pm at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the missionary fund of Smart's Grove Baptist Church, 6497 Hwy. 18 South, Morganton, NC, 28655. The family would appreciate copies of any old photos of Mr. & Mrs. Mace from extended family members.

Clifton A. Branch, 83, of Malcolm Blvd., Connelly Springs, NC, formerly of Clark Ave., Valdese, died Tuesday, February 27, 2007, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke Co., NC on March 12, 1923 and was a son of the late Will and Bessie Jane Watts Branch. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Lou Hicks Branch. Mr. Branch was a retired employee of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings Plant #1 and was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church.

Surviving are his sons and their wives, Ray and Shirley Hicks of Greensboro, NC and David E. and Tonnie Branch of Drexel; his daughters, Willa Dean Piercy and her husband, Johnny, Sr., of Morganton, Mary Lou Fredell and her husband, Robert, Sr., of Lincolnton, and Frances Honeycutt, of Glen Alpine; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2007, at Burkemont Baptist Church with Reverends Mark Pridgen, Bill Holland, and Harold Canipe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Friday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Kenneth “Gibby” McKenzie, 64, of Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Scotland Co., NC on May 1, 1942 and was a son of the late Kenneth Turner McKenzie and Sally Gibson McKenzie. “Gibby” was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he enjoyed visiting and helping others in need. He volunteered with Christmas Cheer for four years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton.

Surviving are his wife, Rebecca McKenzie of the home; his children and their spouses, Kevin and Sheila McKenzie of Drexel and Dawn and Brent Fender, of Valdese; brothers and their wives, Jim and Sandy McKenzie of Laurinburg, NC and Charles and Judy McKenzie of Elizabeth City, NC; his grandchildren, McKenzie Hamby, Molly McKenzie, Tyler McKenzie, Hunter Hamby, Taylor Fender, and Clarisa Weese; and special family members, Rodney and Lisa Hamby.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2007, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service in the church parlor. At other times the family will be at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church—Poe Family Missionary Fund, PO Drawer 549, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.