Mona L. Smith, 96, of Enola Rd., Morganton, NC died Thursday, May 31, 2007 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a lengthy period of declining health. She was born March 21, 1911 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Christopher Columbus Smith and Winnie Lurinda Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Myrtle Smith; brothers, Sanford, Tellis, Cordell, Conley, and Bennett Smith, and three infant brothers. Mona was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She was the founder of the church library and served as the librarian for 50 years.

Mona is survived by brothers, Carroll H. Smith and wife, Darlene, and Harold D. Smith, all of Morganton; nine nieces and two nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 3, 2007 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday 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. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 2433 Enola Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Library, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Llewellyn Green Belote, 61, of Riverside Drive, Morganton, NC, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 28, 2007 at her residence. Born in Spartanburg County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Reagan F. Green and Martha Wallace Bunch Green. Llewellyn graduated from Greensboro College in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in art education. Following graduation she taught art at Northeast Guilford High School in Greensboro. She was instrumental in establishing the art education program at the Children’s School, now known as the Morganton Day School. Mrs. Belote was a former member of the Morganton Service League.

Llewellyn is survived by her daughter, Evden Belote Blanton and husband, William Albert Blanton, of Lexington, NC; grandsons, William Albert Blanton, Jr., Benjamin Hunter Blanton, and Jackson Ross Blanton; the father of her daughter, James Roy Belote of Morganton; very dear friends, Emily Patterson of the Piney Community and Jarrod Bailey of Morganton; cousins, George N. Bunch, III, Louanne Nunn, Taylor Green, Reagan Green, and Allen Scott Green, and their spouses and children; aunts, Annetta Bunch of Elijay, GA and Nancy Green of Greensboro, NC; and a special canine companion, Lexie.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 3, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Holly Adams officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Art Program of the Morganton Day Schoo, 305 W. Concord Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Irene L. Atkins Meise, 83, of Myrtle St., Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 5, 2007 at her residence following a courageous two year battle with cancer. She was born June 12, 1923 in McDowell County, and was a daughter of the late Henry Y. and Gertrude Moore Atkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Juanita Bartlett and Eunice Harris; and brothers, Eugene and Lawrence Atkins. Irene graduated from Marion High School in 1941. She was a member of Calvin Heights Baptist Church and a member of the Dorcas Sunday school class. Over the years, Irene worked as a sales clerk at Belks, Roses, and Young Ages.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, E. Larry Meise of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Debbie Foust Meise, and David and Debbie Leonard Meise, all of Glen Alpine, NC; grandchildren, Tracey Meise Cork and her husband, Jacob of Morganton, and Matthew, Nathaniel, and Rebekah Meise, all of Glen Alpine; a great grandson, Connor Cork of Morganton; a brother-in-law, Von Ray Harris of Lincolnton, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, June 7, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. David Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Calvin Heights Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4 until 5 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 111 Myrtle St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

James Wesly England, 72, of Joe Poore Rd., Newland, NC, died unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, June 5, 2007. Born in McDowell County, NC on January 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Marvin England and Dorothy Franklin England Clark. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-father, Harlan Clark; and sisters, Margaret Ann England and Amy McKinney. James was a member of Jonas Ridge United Methodist Church. He was the first fire chief of Jonas Ridge Fire Department. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and loved his potato farm. Mr. England enjoyed volunteering for his church, fire department, and Habitat for Humanity.

James is survived by his wife, Shirley McDaniel England of the home; daughters, Deborah England, Rebecca Shell and husband, Jamie, and Elizabeth O’Hagan and husband, Frank, all of Jonas Ridge, NC; siblings, Pearl Denny and husband, John, of Morganton, NC, Larry Clark and wife, Betty Jane, of Wilmington, NC, Hoyle Clark and wife, Jo, of Marion, NC, and Elva Weatherman and husband, Carver, of Morganton; and grandchildren, Dorothea England, Maura O’Hagan, Lilly O’Hagan, Molly Shell, and Euzela O’Hagan.

The memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2007 at Jonas Ridge United Methodist Church with Reverends Ken Anderson and Keith Tutterow officiating. The family and friends will gather Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Jonas Ridge Fire Department. Memorial contributions may be made to The Jonas Ridge Fire Department, P.O. 31, Jonas Ridge, NC 28641 or to the Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1016, Newland, NC 28657. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Grace Melinda Bolding Sides, 88, of the Chesterfield Community, died unexpectedly, Monday, June 4, 2007, at her residence. She was born in Pickens, SC on June 1, 1919 and was a daughter of the late William Monroe Bolding and Josie Porter Bolding. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert McDonald Sides; brothers, Nelse, Mon, and John Bolding; and a sister, Edith Bolding Patton. Grace was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Grace loved flower and vegetable gardening, and raised some beautiful flowers. It thrilled her to contribute flowers to her church and to people in hospitals. She could tell you where every flower or bush came from and who gave it to her. Many flowers Grace had nurtured for the past 50 years including one special rose bush that her brother, John, gave her when she was 17. Grace assured herself that this year’s gardens would be cared for if something happened to her by asking her niece, Robin Hubbard, to take care of them.

Grace was a silent supporter through friendship and financial support to many people, never expecting anything in return except a hug and a smile. She’s been referred to as an “angel on earth”, an “angel of mercy”, an “angel of love”, and just “an all around angel” that someone would have been blessed to know.

Surviving are her daughter, Marie Sides Carden, and her husband, Eddie, of Durham, NC; a son “not by birth, but by love”, Troy Patton and his wife, Joann, of Morganton; grandsons, Robert and Wade Griffin both of Durham; step-grandson, Ed Carden and his wife, Angela; and step-great granddaughter, Ashlyn Carden, all of Mebane, NC; numerous nephews and nieces; and a host of friends.

Grace’s grandsons were really her ultimate reason for living. They made her happy simply by walking in the door, and they made her smile when nothing else could. She was a second “Mother” to Robert and Wade. Grace took great pride in showing these boys off, so she made sure they would go with her to church, cookouts, senior citizens meetings, family reunions, or just to visit a neighbor.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June, 8, 2007, at Mt Pleasant United Methodist Church with the Rev. George Williams officiating. Pallbearers will be Robert Griffin, Wade Griffin, Kevin Patton, Gary Burns, Monty McCoy, and Derek Lane. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home, 2426 NC 18 US 64.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942; the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407; the Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Place East, Landover, MD 20785; the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 28706., or to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Women, PO Box 381, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ethel Morgan Moses, 88, of U.S. Hwy 70 East, Morganton, NC, died Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at Autumn Care of Drexel. Born in Scotland County, NC, on October 25, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Peter Morgan and Florence Barfield Morgan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Ellerbe Moses; brothers, Bill and Roy Morgan; and sisters, Beulah Love, Grace Brigman, and Geneva Butler. Ethel was a member of Zion Memorial United Methodist Church. She retired from Drexel Knitting and Shadowline, and was a charter member of Women of the Moose.

A loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by a son, James Kenneth Moses and wife, Camille, of Morganton; a sister, Ruth McKenzie of Columbia, SC; two grand-daughters, Morgan and Bailey Moses, both of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2007 at Zion Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverends George Williams, Larry Fletcher, and John Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Memorial United Methodist Church, 1595 Zion Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Robert Lee Wilson, 46, of the Brian Center in Brevard, NC died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born April 3, 1961 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Louise Wilson of Glen Alpine, NC, and the late James Edward Wilson. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Edward Wilson. Robert graduated from Freedom High School in 1979, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by sisters, Kathy James of Tampa, FL, and Patricia Diane Wilson of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center; nieces, Janiene Groves and Andrea Carter; and a nephew, Anthony Carter, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 9, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph McGaha officiating. Entombment will be in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the mother’s residence on Bivens Dr. off Jamestown Rd. in Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nebo First Baptist Church Awana Program, 5360 US 70 E, Nebo, NC 28761.

John Wilson Puett, 90, died May 29, 2007 after a brief illness. He was married to the late Edna Arlee Hutchins, and is survived by two sons, Cleveland George Puett of Cornelius, NC, and J. David Puett of Athens, GA; two grandsons; and three great-grandchildren. A resident of Morganton Long Term Care, Mr. Puett lived most of his life in Morganton and Cornelius, NC. John was a US Marine Corps veteran of World War II, and served in the Pacific Campaign. He graduated from Gardner-Webb Junior College, and then was employed as a specialist in sewing machine repair, working in both Morganton and Charlotte, NC. Mr. Puett also served for a few years as a Baptist minister.

Private graveside services are planned at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

James Floyd “Jay” Bridges, Jr., 89, of Cresthill Dr., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at his residence. He was born July 4, 1917 in South Turkey Creek in Buncombe County, NC, and was the son of the late James Floyd Bridges, Sr. and Nannie Bell Knight Bridges. In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Jackson. He worked in the US Naval Shipyard at Newport News, VA., and then retired from Blue Cross-Blue Shield after over 30 years of employment. Jay was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church where he was a member of the Huffman Bible Class.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eloise Garrett Bridges of the home; his children, Charlotte Ann Bridges Duncan and husband, Rev. C. Richard Duncan of Montclair, VA, Shirley Bridges-Owen of Morganton, J. Michael Bridges and wife, Deborah, and Keith T. Bridges and wife, Danette Steelman-Bridges, all of Morganton; a sister, Helen Jackson of Leicester, NC; grandchildren, Richard David Duncan and wife, Christine, James Robert Bridges and wife, Elizabeth, Anna Catherine Wheeler and husband, Sam, Elizabeth Nicole Murphy and husband, Andy, Michael Keith Bridges, Jennifer Beth Hines and husband, C.J., Erin Owen, Joshua Keith Bridges, Mark Thomas Bridges, and Stephen James Bridges, Kelly Garrett DiFoggio and husband, Mario, Justin Garrett, Chase Garrett; and great grandchildren, Jake and Will Duncan, Jace, Liam, and Hana Bridges, Thomas and Isabelle Wheeler, Eva Murphy, and Ellie Hines.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 14, 2007 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr., Rev. Fred Schuszler, Rev. Bill Rotan, and Rev. C. Richard Duncan officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday in the church parlor following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Ministry, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.

Ruby Joyce Broyles Turner, 60, of Perkins Ave., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly, Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at her residence. She was born Oct. 29, 1946 in Knox Co., TN, and was a daughter of the late James Broyles and Hazel Robertson Broyles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Turner; and a son, Michael Broyles.

Ruby is survived by sons, Richard Turner and Jesse Blanco, both of Morganton; daughters, Sherry Bowman and husband, Christopher, and Julie Blanco, all of Morganton; 5 brothers; 2 sisters; and 8 grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2007 at Ruby’s residence. Donations to help the family with funeral expenses may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, PO Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680.

Dr. Kevin Lawrence Tomlinson, 37, of Linden Grove Court, Lake James, NC, died Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Brooks County, GA on February 24, 1970. Kevin graduated from Cook High School in Adel, GA in 1988. He earned his B.S. degree in biology from Valdosta State University in 1994, and then graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1999. Dr. Tomlinson completed his residency through Michigan State University in 2004 where he met and married his wife, Karen. After moving to Lake James that same year, Kevin began working for Mountain Emergency Physicians, and also later served on their Board of Directors. He was the Assistant Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Grace Hospital. He attended First Presbyterian Church in Morganton. Kevin enjoyed boating, golfing, his dogs, and especially loved his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Ruth Golden Tomlinson; sons, Cooper Lawrence Tomlinson (age 2 years) and Connor James Tomlinson (age 3 months); his parents, Dennis and Karen Tomlinson of Cecil, GA; a brother, Heath Tomlinson and wife, Rebecca, of Adel, GA; a sister, Dana Chandler and husband, Bryan, of Wetumpka, AL; paternal grandmother, Vernell Barrentine of Ray City, GA; father and mother-in-law, James and Ina Golden of Holly, MI; a sister-in-law, Katy Hughes and husband, Jason of Holly, MI; two nephews and one niece. Kevin was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Norvell and Doris Futch.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverends Michael Bailey and Dwight Christenbury officiating. Burial will be 2:00 PM, Monday, June 18 at Friendship Cemetery in Hahira, GA with the Reverends Jim Houseal and Charlie Merwin officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. The Dr. Kevin L. Tomlinson Memorial Fund (for the education of Cooper and Connor Tomlinson), has been set up at Wachovia Bank, 101 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Luther Edward Buff, 63, of Piedmont Rd., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at his residence. He was born April 23, 1944 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Clarence Lurico Buff and Mary Martha Bollinger Buff. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Shaffer.

Luther is survived by his wife, Phyllis Carswell Buff of the home; sons, Danny Lynn Buff and wife, Tonya of Morganton, and Clint Edward Buff of Charlotte, NC; daughters, Lucinda Smith and husband, Scott, of Locust, NC, and Gabrielle Dion Buff of Conover, NC; brothers, Jack Buff, Vernon Buff, and Clyde Buff, all of Morganton; sisters, Barbara Walker and Clara Patton, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Daniel Buff, Tyler Smith, Corey Buff, Scottie Smith, Mica Buff, Will Smith, and Taylor Hinson officiating.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 16, 2007 at Westview Baptist Church with the Reverends Donald Lovelace and Gary Garner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

James Smith, 88, of Foothills Dr., Morganton, NC died Friday morning, June 15, 2007 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. He was born Nov. 24, 1918 in Burke County, NC, and was the son of the late Alonzo Smith and Mattie Johnson Smith Morrison. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bryant Smith; and a sister, Lonnie Franklin. James was a member of College Acres Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC, and a 30 year member of the Cape Fear Lions Club where he served as President in 1980 and 1981. He was the Chairman of the Salvation Army bell ringing committee for over 20 years. James served in the US Army during World War II, and was a retired employee of International Nickel Company.

He is survived by his step-children, Peggy J. Johnson and husband, Preston, of Erwin, NC, and James E. Jackson of Wilmington; grandchildren, Wayne Johnson, David Johnson, and Allison Jay; great grandchildren, Andrea Lucas and Bridgette Lucas ; nephews, Dysart Franklin, Wayne Franklin, Jimmy Franklin, and Glenn Franklin; nieces, Anne Buchanan and Lynn Franklin; a number of great nephews and great nieces; and special caregiver, Robbin Buchanan.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington. Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 1112 Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or the College Acres Baptist Church, 702 Eastwood Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403.

Harold ”Pop” Buchanan, 75, of Suburban Drive, Morganton, died Sunday, June 17, 2007 at his residence following a brief illness. Born in Mitchell County, NC on September 23, 1931, he was the son of the late Willie Yates Buchanan and Florence Elizabeth Blackburn Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Walker Road Baptist Church where he was a deacon and sang in the church choir. Harold was a thumbs-up guy. He was an automotive detailer at Visual Perfection.

Mr. Buchanan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Miller Buchanan of the home; sons, Johnny Buchanan and wife Cindy, and Van Buchanan and wife, Deanna, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Jamie Buchanan and wife, Morgan, Hillary Buchanan, and Zach Buchanan; great-grandchildren, Josh McGalliard, Kendra Buchanan, Emily Buchanan, and Mattox Buchanan; and a great-great-grandchild, Camdan Gentry.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at Walker Road Baptist Church with Burl Sain and Rev. Rocky Branch officiating. Burial will follow in Bear Creek Cemetery in Bakersville, NC. 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, 1775 Suburban Drive, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Harold D. Burns, 89, died Monday, June 18, 2007 at Carolina Rehab in Connelly Springs, NC. Born in Burke County, NC, on November 29, 1917, he was the son of the late Marshall Burns and Nanny Clark Burns. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Isabell Campbell Burns, three sisters, and two brothers. Mr. Burns was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII where he served at Pearl Harbor during the attack and later in Germany. After retirement from the military he worked for Morganton Dye and Finishing. Mr. Burns was a member of the Morganton Freedom Church of God.

He is survived by a daughter, Gwen Duplain and husband, Bill, of Morganton; a granddaughter, Heather Mauney of Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Porter and Davis Engle of Avery County, NC; a sister, Ruth Carland of Asheville, NC; and a brother, Bobby Burns of California.

A cryptside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 21, 2007 at the Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Rev. Roger Lunsford officiating. Military cryptside rites will be performed by American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, the family requests, as an act of kindness, that you give of your time and money to a person who may be in need, as God would lead you to do. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Phyllis Dean Ball Branch, beloved mother, age 65, of Crawley Dale St., Morganton, NC died Monday, June 18, 2007 at her residence. She was born April 2, 1942 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Roy Ball and Carrie Evans Ball. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Dean Tallent. Phyllis was a member of Walker Road Baptist Church, devoted to Jesus and to her church family. She was a retired employee of Broughton Hospital, but she was still a full time mother. Phyllis’s true vocation was her family and her church.

She is survived by a son, Ritchie Edgar Branch, II and Jessica of the home; daughters, Donna Tallent Buchanan and Jerry, Kimberly Dawn Beach (hearing impaired) and Barry, Wendy Michelle Branch and Bill, Connie Branch Kline and Scott, and Ashley Branch Snipes and Cliff, all of Morganton; a sister, Janice Ball White of Morganton; ten grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2007 at Walker Road Baptist Church with the Reverends Mike Hatton and Burl Sain officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 2 until 4 pm at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Walker Road Baptist Church, 100 Walker Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway #370, Dallas, TX 75240. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Vada Howard Walker, 58, of Burke Memorial Park Rd., Valdese, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, June 18, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 7, 1949 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Ulan Howard and Ida Mae Mayfield Howard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, William Rex Walker; grandson, William Cole Walker; brother, Bobby Howard; and sister, Gladys Howard. She was a member of High Peak Baptist Church. Vada retired from Western Carolina Center after 28 years of service. She was working at Skilled Creations until declining health led to her retirement.

Vada was a wonderful wife, mother, maw-maw, and sister, and left to cherish her memory are sons, Bill Walker and wife, Jennifer, of Valdese, and Thomas Walker and wife, Eve, of Morganton; grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey, Isaac, Destanie, Haley, Savannah, and Nora Walker; and a sister, Rita Mullins of Morehead City, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 21, 2007 at East Valdese Baptist Church with Rev. Brett Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 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. Memorial contributions may be made at East Valdese Baptist Church, 804 Berry Ave., S.E., Valdese, NC 28690.

Irene Curtis McGimsey, 84, of Valdese, NC died Tuesday, June 19, 2007, following a courageous battle against injuries sustained in an auto accident on March 15th. She was born March 6, 1923 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Joe Ben Curtis and Grace Kelly Curtis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Annie Mae Curtis; and a son-in-law, Hugh Falconer. Irene was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and was a retired employee of Grace Hospital. She was an avid reader, enjoyed watching old movies, and loved to travel.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jane McGimsey and husband, Herb Citrin, of New York City, Sharon Falconer of Williamsburg, VA, Charles McGimsey, Jr. of Scottsdale, AZ, and Shannon McGimsey of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Linda Schmidt, Suzanne Crompton, and David Falconer; seven great grandchildren; brothers, T. J. Curtis and wife, Billie, of Valdese, and Mike Curtis of Marion, NC; a sister, Johnsie Cline; and nine nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2007 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Father John Fitzgerald officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Alpine Cemetery with Rev. Joseph Curtis officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Valdese Public Library, 213 St. Germain Ave., SE., Valdese, NC 28690.

Louise Franklin Snipes, 89, of the Chesterfield Community, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at her residence. Born in Burke County, NC, on June 13, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Milas Andrew Franklin and Rose Ann Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Marion Snipes; two brothers, Vulan Franklin and Bill Franklin; and a step-mother, Cora L. Franklin. Louise was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and was a retired employee of Western Carolina Center. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, she grew lovely flowers and had great gardening skills. She was a precious mother-in-law, caring aunt, and loyal friend. She blessed so many with treats from her kitchen and gifts from her sewing machine.

Louise is survived by her children, Shirley Newton and husband, Charles, Travis Snipes and wife, Shirley, Turner Snipes and wife, Jeannie, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Lt. Col. Charles Christopher Newton and wife, Sherri, of Concord, NC, April Newton of Des Moines, IA, Minthie Jean Snipes of Raleigh, NC, Justin Snipes and wife, Brandy, of Morganton, Sarah Louise Snipes of Morganton, Kirk Franklin and wife, Cheryl, of Morganton, Rhonda Lee and husband, David, of Morganton; great-grandchildren, Adam Newton of Concord, Rylan Snipes, Derek Franklin, Kristen Hall, and Lauren Franklin, all of Morganton; a sister, Margaret Franklin Watts and husband, Paul, of Morganton; brothers, Benny Franklin and wife, Margaret, of Morganton, Charles Franklin and wife, Waylene, of Granite Falls, NC, Ray Franklin and wife, Sandi, of Hickory, NC; sisters-in-law, Emogene A. Franklin of Morganton and Nancy R. Franklin of Connelly Springs; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2007 at Antioch Baptist Church with Rev. Clarence Correll officiating. Burial will follow in the church 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 2441 Antioch Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Gideon’s International, Burke North Camp, P.O. Box 985, Morganton, NC 28680.

Faye Abee, 80, of Harry Dr., Morganton, died Thursday, June 21, 2007 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care. She was born in Burke County, NC on August 18, 1926 and was a daughter of the late Olen and Mattie Saulman Benfield. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Abee; brothers, Dewey, O. G., Ed, Thomas, and Odell Benfield; and by a sister, Mildred Campbell. Mrs. Abee was a faithful and active member of North Morganton United Methodist Church where she taught the three and four year old Sunday School Class for over 50 years.

Surviving are a daughter, Susan Burnette, and her husband, Walter, of Morganton; sisters, Margaret Sisk and Barbara Fox, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Scott Rogers and his wife, Michelle, of Valdese and Heather Ball and her husband, Kevin, of Durham; great-granddaughters, Avery and Austin Rogers; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at North Morganton United Methodist Church with the Reverends Tony Matthews and Andrea Smith officiating. The family received friends following the service. At other times the family will be at Mrs. Abee’s home, 209 Harry Dr. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton United Methodist Church, 990 Sanford Dr., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Jerry Wayne Morgan, 50, of Sara Lane, Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Thursday, June 21, 2007 at his residence. He was born April 8, 1957 in Wayne County, Michigan, and was the son of V.A. Morgan and Faye Hensley Morgan of Morganton. He was a member of Friendly Freewill Baptist Church, and a former employee of Henredon Furniture with over 16 years of service. In addition to his parents, Jerry is survived by his wife, Gail Louzader Morgan of the home; a sister, Judith Moore and husband, Eddie of Morganton; step-children, Jason Derrow of Morganton and Jynnette Derrow of San Jose, CA; and a nephew, Cody Moore of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 24, 2007 at Friendly Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Hensley officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday at the church from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. At other times, the family will be at the residence of the parents, V.A. and Faye Morgan, 1975 Duckworth Ave., Morganton, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendly Freewill Baptist Church, c/o Rev. Daniel Hensley, 104 Cross Memorial Avenue., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jerry D. Stillwell, 66, of Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC died Friday, June 22, 2007 at Mission St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, NC following a period of declining health. He was born Feb. 15, 1941 in Morganton and was a son of Carmie “Bud” Stillwell and Hettie Waters Stillwell. Jerry was a retired employee from Henredon Furniture with over 39 years of service. He loved gardening and sharing the produce with his neighbors. Jerry also loved to bear hunt.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Whisenant Stillwell of the home; a son and his wife, Terry and Revonda Stillwell of Morganton; a daughter, Pamela Stillwell of the home; a granddaughter, Cara Stillwell of Morganton; brothers and their wives, Lee and Hanna Stillwell of Nebo, NC, Donald and Cecilia Stillwell, Larry and Brenda Stillwell, all of Morganton, and Richard and Pat Stillwell of Connelly Springs, NC; a sister, Linda Duncan of Morganton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 25, 2007 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Rev. P. Dean Lavender officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church, 1741 Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to The Rathburn Center, (Hospitality House for Mission Hospital, 121 Sherwood Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.

Frances Kincaid Winters, 93, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Saturday, June 23, 2007. She was a native of Burke County who was born on July 1, 1913 to the late Larry Alphonso Kincaid, Sr. and Flossie Elizabeth Cox Kincaid. She attended Asheville Normal School and taught for several years in Burke County. For many years she was a member and officer of the Morganton Garden Club. She was an avid gardener and bridge player. Mrs. Winters was a member of First United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Alexander Winters; brothers, Wilson and Wade Kincaid; and a sister, Sara Panarese.


Mrs. Winters is survived by a son, Harold Vernon Winters and wife, Frankie Phillips Winters of Winston-Salem; brothers Clyde Kincaid and Larry A. “Buddy” Kincaid, Jr. and wife, Betty all of Charleston, SC; sisters, Gena Williams of Morganton and Winnie Cordell of Asheville; grandchildren, Susan Elizabeth Winters of Atlanta and Harold Alexander Winters, II and wife, Kathleen of Mt. Pleasant, SC; great-granddaughter, Emilia Jane Winters; and a number of nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, 2007 in the Aldersgate Chapel of the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 North King St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Louis Colin White, 42, of Canoe Dr., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on June 21, 2007 at the Palliative Care Center in Catawba County following a courageous six month battle with multiple myeloma. He was born August 20, 1964 in Craven County, NC, and was a son of Libby Yount White of Morganton and the late Louis L. White. Colin was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church. He graduated from Freedom High School, and then attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Western Carolina University. Colin’s career was as a director and actor for stage, movies, and commercials. He had directed children’s theatre productions and had worked extensively in all areas of theater production including lighting and set construction.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a special friend, Melody Pritchard of Marion, NC; aunts and uncles, Linda and David Carroll of Shawnee, OK, James and Janeane Yount of Newcastle, OK, and Jackie Stawitz of Broken Arrow, OK; a number of cousins; and many other special friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 25, 2007 at El Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Cooper and Chaplain Kim Dowell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Palliative Care and Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658. Sossoman Funeral Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Joseph “Lee” Wishion, 48, of Moon Drive, Nebo, NC, died Monday, June 25, 2007 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC, on December 7, 1958, he was the son of the late James Franklin Wishion, Sr. and Agnes Evelyn Norville Epley.

Lee is survived by his sons, Matthew Wishion and Joey Wishion, both of Morganton; daughters, Brittany Wishion of Columbus, GA, and Nikki Wishion of Morganton; brothers, Junior Wishion of Waynesville, NC, Eddie Wishion of Marion, NC, Allen Epley of Nebo; a granddaughter, and an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 28, 2007 at Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church with Reverends Rick Speagle and Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday 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 of Allen Epley, 108 Moon Drive, Nebo. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to help with funeral expenses.

Ann Price Sain, 80, of Southview St., Morganton died Monday, June 25, 2007, at Frye Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born in Cleveland County on January 23, 1927 and was a daughter of the late Edgar Cansler Price and Katie McMurry Price. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Melvin Sain, Sr. Mrs. Sain grew up in Cleveland County and graduated from Polkville High School. She worked for many years as a clerk and later as a manager at Woolworths. For several years she was employed at Dr. Ralph Falls dental office as the office manager. In more recent years, she helped in the office at her daughter and son-in-law’s business, Fowler Mechanical. Ann was an avid gardener, cook, and poet.

Surviving are her children, Melvina Sain Fowler and her husband, Jim, Beverly Sain Wilson and her husband, Steve, and Pam Sain Hensley and her husband, Teddy, all of Morganton, Deborah Sain Wiltshire and her husband, Robert, of Asheville, Sandra Sain DeAngelis and her husband, Frank, of Glen Alpine, Thomas Melvin Sain, Jr. and his wife, Renee, of Rutherford College, and Gary Sain and his wife, Pam, of Morganton; grandchildren, Amanda Moore, Leigh Anne Pollard, Myra Spencer, Lindsey Fowler, Heather and Kyle Wilson, Chad and Chris Hensley, Stephen and Matthew Rogers, Virginia and Jacob Wiltshire, Katie and Emily DeAngelis, and Jordon and Ashley Sain; great-grandchildren, Brooke Moore, Braxton Spencer, Landon, Kurt, and Seth Hensley, and Dalton Rogers; brothers, Roscoe, Ed, L. D., Alfred, Charlie, Fred, and Walt Price, all of Cleveland County; and sisters, Doshia Keller and Mary Willis, both of Cleveland County.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 28, 2007, at Pleasant View Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Burt Wilbur and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View Baptist Church, 1834 US 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655.

Annie Pauline Rector Powell, 88, of 124 Graybrook Lane, Forest City, NC died Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at home. A native of Burke County she was born on October 15, 1918 and was the daughter of the late Abel Rector and Margaret Huffman Rector Cline. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Leroy Powell. She and her late husband owned and operated Rose Creek Campground in Morganton, NC for more than 40 years. She attended Bethany Baptist Church in Forest City.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Powell Brock, of Forest City, two grandchildren, Kerry Todd Brock and his wife Nikki, and Kevin Tom Brock and his wife, Patsy, both of Forest City; and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 28, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at the home of her daughter, 124 Graybrook Lane, Forest City from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or Bethany Baptist Church Missions Fund, 760 Bethany Church Rd., Forest City, NC 28043.

Samuel Isaac Greer, infant son of Jeffrey C. and Stephanie D. Greer of Matthews, NC passed away Monday, June 25th, 2007 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Baby Samuel is survived by siblings, James and Jocelyn Greer; paternal grandparents, Ronnie and Judy Greer of Valdese, maternal grandparents, Eddie and Sheila Eldreth of Mountain City, TN, and Robert and Brenda McClure of Concord, NC; great grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. John Deyton of Lexington, NC, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClure of Aurora, NC; aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Graveside services for family and close friends will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 30th, 2007 at Burke Memorial Park conducted by the Rev. John Deyton and Rev. Chris Baucom. Memorials may be made to the Samuel Isaac Greer Memorial Fund, c/o Sardis Baptist Church, 3602 Unionville-Indian Trail Rd,., Indian Trail, NC 28079. At other times the family will be at the home of Ronnie and Judy Greer. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Pastor Tony Cirigliano, 56, of Seven Oaks Rd., Boone, NC died unexpectedly Monday, June 25, 2007, at his home. He was born on May 26, 1951 in New York, NY and was a son of Theresa Starnella Cirigliano of and the late Joseph Anthony Cirigliano. Affectionately known as “Pastor Tony”, he touched many lives and brought many souls to Jesus which was his proudest life accomplishment. Pastor Cirigliano graduated from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. in 1985. He was a pastor in the Greater New York Conference until 1992 when he moved to the Carolina Conference. In 2005 he began an independent ministry for gospel outreach in Boone.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife of 37 years, Mary Ann Nosek Cirigliano; children, Anthony John Cirigliano and his wife, Suzette, of Wilson, NC, Natalie Marie Cirigliano of Altamonte Springs, FL, and Paul Michael Cirigliano of the home; grandsons, Brandon Michael Cirigliano and Noah Alexander Cirigliano of Wilson; brothers, Thomas, Joseph, Francis, Domenick, and Vincent Cirigliano; and a sister, Rosalie Wandle.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 30, 2007, at the Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Joseph Cirigliano, Jr, Pastor Tim Sheridan and Pastor Charles Hindman 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 and from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to ADRA International, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Springs, MD 20904.

Mildred P. “Nana” Perry, 91, of Westwood Drive, Morganton died Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. She was born September 16, 1915 in Avery County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Wilburn Wilson Pyatte and Matilda Hicks Pyatte. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Rev. Bill Pyatte, whom she raised; eleven other brothers and sisters; a former son-in-law, Elvin D. Long; and her special friend, Mr. Raymond Williams. Mildred worked in Detroit, MI in a defense plant during WWII and was a retired employee of Broughton Hospital with over 31 years of service. She was a charter member and founder of Bethel Church of Christ, which first began meeting in her home in 1964. Ms. Perry loved traveling the world and the US, gardening, and baking breads and pies. For five years she was a volunteer cook for Burke Hospice.

The family would like to thank Morganton Long Term Care, Betty Taylor Family Care Home, Britthaven, Bethel Church of Christ, and her friends at Burke Hospice for their loving care of Mildred.

She is survived by her daughter, Ethelene Perry Long of Morganton; granddaughters, Deedra Long Epley and husband, Kenny, of Morganton and Angela Kyle Long Vaughn and husband, Darryl, of Boone, NC; great grandchildren, Jessica and Joshua Epley of Morganton; a close friend and sister-in-law, Helen Pyatte, and her daughter, Shelia Tuttle and husband, Andy, of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Via officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The body will lie in state at the funeral home from 10:30 until 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Betty Taylor Family Care Home Activity Fund, 2572 Ridgeview Dr., Valdese, NC 28690.

Isaac K. Royal died Friday, June 29, 2007. He was the son of the late Mermon and Elsie Moses Royal. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harry D. Royal.

Mr. Royal is survived by a special friend, Ophelia Duncan of Nichols, SC; one son, Todd Royal and his wife, Sandra, of Fairview, NC; a daughter, Beth Hall of Easley, SC; sister, Ruby Chester and her husband, Roy, and Marry Royal, all of Morganton, NC, five grandchildren, Jason, Thomas, Helen, Grace, and Sally Gail; and a very special aunt and uncle, Max and Annie Laura Ramsey.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, July 2, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Todd Royal officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Meares Funeral Home of Mullins, SC and Sossoman Funeral Home of Morganton have been given the honor of serving the family of Mr. Royal.