Virginia Hedden Clark, 78, of Piney Rd., died Tuesday October 2, 2007 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. She was born May 29, 1929 in Burke County, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Thomas Barnett Hedden and Nell Henderson Michaux Hedden. Virginia was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. She was the first woman mail carrier in Burke County. She also drove the Bookmobile and volunteered at COMMA.

Virginia is survived by daughters, Connie Lopez and husband, Gil, of Lake City, GA, and Robin Aparicio of Roswell, GA; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and a friend and caregiver, Leonard Brown of Morganton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond M. Clark; and two brothers, Thomas B. Hedden, Jr., and Macon Robin Hedden.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 6th, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Deacon Mike Jenkins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will occur at Arney’s Chapel at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Jenkins Towel Mission, c/o St. John’s Episcopal Church, 311 South Main Street, Marion, NC 28752.

Claude E. “Junie” Autrey, Jr. , 66, formerly of Crawley Dale St. in Morganton went to be with his heavenly Father, Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. He was born March 15, 1941 in Mitchell Co., NC and was a son of Agnes Biddix Autrey and the late Claude E. Autrey, Sr. Claude was a member of the Happy Hearts Sunday School Class at Burkemont Baptist Church. He loved to listen to gospel music on the radio.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a brother, Roger Autrey and wife, Cindy; a sister, Carole Jean Cox; a sister-in-law, Brenda H. Autrey; nieces, Jessica B. Autrey and Dr. Melessa A. Liebzeit and husband, Ryan; step-nieces, Crystal Dellinger and husband, Bryan, and Cathy Bowman; nephews, Brian Cox, Rodney Cox, Robert Cox, Charles Autrey, Jr., Joseph Autrey, and Shawn Autrey; six great nieces and six great nephews. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary Sue Autrey; a brother, Charles J. Autrey, Sr.; and a brother-in-law, Bobby Lee Cox.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2007 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. David Mills and Rev. Bill Holland officiating. Claude’s nephews will serve as pallbearers and the great nephews as honorary pallbearers. Burial will be at 2:30 pm Saturday at Berry Chapel Church Cemetery in Spruce Pine, NC.. The family will receive friends Friday 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. At other times, the family will be at the home of Agnes Autrey. Memorial contributions may be made to Happy Hearts Sunday School Class, c/o Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Mabel Chambers Anderson, 76 of Mimosa St., Drexel, NC went home to be with her Savior on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at her residence. Born July 24, 1931 in Madison County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Vernie and Ethel Baldridge Chambers. Mabel worked for several industries in Burke County and retired from Carving Craft. For several years, she was a foster parent and was a member of Zion Road Baptist Church where, when able, she taught Sunday School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest Jackson Anderson; brothers, Earl, Troy, and John Chambers; and a sister, Inez Jean Akgulian.

Surviving are a daughter, Cathy White and her husband, Bernard of Drexel; grandchildren, Jeremy Moody of Drexel and April Meredith and her husband, Brant of Morganton; great grandchildren, Christine, Tyler, and Brooke Bledsoe; a brother, Cline Chambers and his wife, Blanche of Mars Hill, NC; sisters and their husbands, Darlene Hightower and Raymond of Morganton, and Faye Shope and Thurman McFee of Candler, NC.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Zion Road Baptist Church with the Rev. Micah Piercy and Mr. Buck Butler officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour.

Bill Cecil Cobb, 77, of Whippoorwill Lane, Morganton, NC died October 6, 2007 at Autumn Care of Drexel following several years of declining health. He was born May 22, 1930 in Buncombe County, NC, and was a son of the late John Jacob Cobb and Carrie Ray Cobb. Bill was a US Navy veteran, and a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. For many years, he operated a welding business in Morganton, and also worked as a taxidermist. Bill loved to restore antique automobiles and enjoyed working in his garden.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Edith Lowdermilk Cobb of the home; a daughter, Mary Dawn Blanton and husband, Roy of Morganton; a sister, Barbara Sellars of Morganton; brothers, Charles A. Cobb and wife, Eve, of Morganton, and Sam Cobb and wife, Annie of Azusa, CA; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm., Wednesday, October 10, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Denton, Dr. Thomas A Bland, Jr., and Mr. Charles Henson officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655.

Thomas Karl Brust, 60, of 36th Ave., NE, Hickory, NC died Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory of a sudden heart attack. He was born November 29, 1946, in Bethesda, MD, and was a son of the late George Adam Brust and Blanche Mae Hundley Brust. Tom was a US Army veteran and stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. After his discharge, he went to college at American University in Washington, DC. Following graduation, Tom worked for NASA for several years, and then became a contract specialist for the US Navy and the US Coast Guard. Towards the end of his career, he was the senior contract officer for the Coast Guard until his retirement. Tom was a member of the Lions Club in Manassas, VA, and also volunteered as a coach for Special Olympics. After he retired in June 2007 from the military, Tom moved to Hickory to be with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Kate Edith Sann Brust of the home; children, Karin Whisnant and husband, Kevin of Morganton, Andrew Karl Brust of Winchester, VA, and Valerie Halo and husband, Zac of Catonsville, MD; his brother, Stephen Brust and wife, Claudia of Washington State; his mother-in-law, Edith Sann of Kensington, MD; and grandchildren, Erika Whisnant and Conlan Whisnant.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 10, 2007, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #234 of Valdese. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Betty Huffman Denton, 78, of Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County on February 5, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Rufus F. and Hettie Smith Huffman. She was a retired food service employee of the Burke County Schools and was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where for many years, she taught the Beginners Sunday School Class. Betty was an avid gardener and cook, and she loved to can all of her home grown foods. In Addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde A. Denton; daughter, Beverly Chester; brothers, Clata, Roy and Dewey Huffman and sisters, Pearl Horne and Mary Carswell.

Surviving are a sister, Beulah E. Huffman; a grandson, Joshua O. Chester; a son-in-law and his wife, Owen and Tomi Chester, and Tomi’s daughter, Jenny Butler all of Morganton; a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Larry Cline 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. At other times the family will be at the residence of Beulah Huffman, 1135 Mtn. Glen Circle, Morganton, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Sam Junior “Duck” Lovelace, 78, of Laurel Creek Street, Connelly Springs, NC, died Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Morganton Long Term Care. Born in Cleveland County, NC on January 18, 1929, he was the son of the late Harrison Pinkney Lovelace and Ollie Causby Lovelace. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Willie Lovelace, and two sisters, Mary Mooney and Thelma Clary. Duck was the groundskeeper, member, and deacon of Bible Gospel Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Godfrey Lovelace of the home; children, Billy Dean Lovelace and wife, Mary, Michael Obadiah Lovelace and wife, Tonda, all of Connelly Springs, and Joe Junior Lovelace and wife, Cynthia, of Fort Bragg, NC; a brother, William “Pete” Lovelace of Casar, NC; sisters, Irene Milton of Atlanta, GA, Betty Shepherd of Morganton, NC, Alpha Brittain of Hickory, NC, Evelyn Ezelle of Morganton, and Lavonda Rhoney of Lenoir, NC; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2007 at Bible Gospel Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Dockery officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence of Billy.

Georgia Huffman Willis, 88, of Amherst Rd., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Valdese Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born July 31, 1919 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late George Walter Huffman and Leithie Brittain Huffman Dale.

Georgia is survived by a son, Dannie McCoy Huffman and wife, Alice Taylor Huffman of Morganton; grandchildren, Ashley Christine Huffman of Greensboro, NC, and Michelle Huffman Henry and husband, Bill Henry, II of Morganton; and a sister, Mary Lee Mull of Morganton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jake Willis; and a brother, Robert Lee Huffman.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 12, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Clyde Carver, 69, of Youngs Creek Rd., Morganton, NC died Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Grace Hospital following an extended illness. He was born May 5, 1938 in Cocke County, TN and was a son of the late Lewis Carver and Nettie Kate Wells Carver. Clyde was raised in the Baptist faith. He was a retired employee of Great Lakes Carbon and had worked for Henredon Furniture. Clyde also farmed, and loved to fish and hunt.

He is survived by his companion, Mary Gladden of the home; children, Sharon Davis of Taylorsville, NC, James Carver of Conover, NC, Randy Carver and wife, Lisa of Hickory, NC, Patty Travis of Taylorsville, Lisa Hollar and husband, Garry, Clyde Carver, Jr. and wife, Teresa, all of Conover, and Billie Carver of Morganton; brothers, Frank Carver of Glen Alpine, NC, and David Carver of Greensboro, NC; a sister, Shirley Connor of Marion, NC; 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Tony Carver; and several brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 13, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Joe Green officiating. Burial will be at the Pinnacle United Methodist Church Cemetery in McDowell County. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Faye Prewitt Hawkins, 84, of 109 Foothills Dr., Morganton, NC, and formerly of the Sunnyside Community, went to be with her heavenly father, Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Grace Heights following several years of declining health. She was born April 14, 1923 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Julius O. Prewitt and Lillie Carswell Prewitt. Faye was a member of Mt. Home Baptist Church and a retired employee of Broughton Hospital. She was a very devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.

Faye is survived by a son, Jimmy Hawkins and wife, Kathy of Morganton; grandchildren, Wendy Mull and husband, Michael, Josh Hawkins and wife, Nikki, and Brandon Hawkins, all of Morganton; great grandchildren, Sidney Mull, Zion Mull, and Xander Hawkins; a brother, Bill Prewitt and wife, Frances of Morganton; sisters, Norma Franklin and husband, Bob and Pauline Dale and husband, Ralph, all of Morganton; and a host of loving nephews and nieces. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Sidney Hawkins; brothers, Doyle, Arnold, Leonard, Harley, and Royal Prewitt; and sisters, Ruth Dale, Margie Crook, and Cora Stamey.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 14, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3 until 4 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Home Baptist Church Graceful Giving Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Mamie Causby, 82, of US 64, Morganton died Friday, October 12, 2007, at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County on June 23, 1925 and was a daughter of the late Horace D. and Annie Lou Hennessee Causby.

Surviving are her son and his wife, Johnny and Lynn Causby, of Morganton; brothers, Thomas Causby of Prattville, AL and Lewis Causby and his wife, Jean, of Morganton; sisters, Inez Williams and her husband, Jack, of Morganton and Betty Anderson of High Point, NC; her granddaughter, Jennifer Snow and her husband, Terry; and great-grandson, C. J. Snow, all of Morganton. Ms. Causby was preceded in death by brothers, Ben and Ray Causby and by a sister, Pauline Mace.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 14, 2007, at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Reverends Alan Wilson and Allan Barlow officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the church. At other times the family will be at the home of Johnny and Lynn Causby, 304 Salem Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Elizabeth Mahoney Bowers, 104, of Grandview Court, Morganton, NC died Friday, October 12, 2007 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center. Born December 19, 1902 in Greenville, TN, she was the daughter of James Marsh Mahoney and Ruby Mae Dodd Mahoney. Mrs. Bowers received a degree from Marion College, Marion, VA, a B.A. degree from Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, VA, and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She worked for four years with the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) in Bristol, VA and she was a retired teacher from the Richmond, VA school system. While a resident of Richmond, she was a member of many organizations. She was the oldest member of the First Presbyterian Church in Morganton, NC.

Surviving are a son, Robert Mahoney Bowers of Cleveland, GA; a daughter, Carolyn B. Atwell of Morganton; granddaughters, Dr. Elizabeth S. Atwell of Pierce, CO and Victoria Sandiford and her husband, Darrell of Chapel Hill, NC; great grandchildren, Kenneth, Kylie and Kale Stegner and Kyle and Amara Sandiford.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 15, 2007 in the Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Michael Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends in the church parlor thirty minutes before the service. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 16, 2007 in the Rose Lawn Cemetery in Marion, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Structure Preservation Fund, 100 Silver Creek Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Robey Davis Greene, 84, of Waightstill St., Morganton died Friday, October 12, 2007, at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Caldwell County on January 1, 1923 and was a son of the late Robey D. Greene and Ella Mae Stout Greene. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Berry Greene. Mr. Greene was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II and retired as manager of Mountain Ice Hatchery Division of Breeden Poultry and Egg. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Huffman Sunday School Class where he was the song leader.

Surviving are his children, Hilda Greene King and her husband, William F., of Wilmington, NC, Daniel T. Greene of Clemmons, NC, Beth Greene Riddle and her husband, Iverson, of Morganton, and Robey David Greene and his wife, Lisa S. of Matthews, NC; brothers, Ed and Jesse Greene both of Morganton; grandchildren, Jennifer King Coleman, Tate King Stephens, Terra A. Greene, L. Shane Greene, William Iverson Riddle, Joseph Davis Riddle, Emma K. Greene, and Davis P. Greene; great-grandchildren, Ward Coleman, Frances Coleman, Sarah Stephens, Trey Stephens, and Samik Greene; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 14, 2007, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas Bland and Rev. Frederick Schuszler officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with military rites conducted by the ceremonial team of Valdese American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.

Jimmy Wayne “Hippy” Presnell, 54, of Salem Road, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, October 13, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Watauga County, NC, on June 20, 1953, he was the son of Arlie Presnell and Marie Love Huffman. Hippy is preceded in death by a brother, Tommy Presnell, and a maternal grandmother, Florrie Love. Mr. Presnell worked as a mechanic and was widely known for his work on transmissions. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, and brother. He was an avid fisherman and NASCAR fan, particularly of Jeff Gordon.

Hippy is survived by his father, Arlie Presnell of Beech Creek, NC; his mother, Marie Love Huffman and husband, Marcus, of Beech Creek; a daughter, Regina Parker and husband, Tony, of Morganton; grandsons, Derick and Justin Parker of Morganton; brothers, Kenneth Presnell of Glen Alpine, NC and Melvin Presnell and wife, Jennifer, of Beech Creek; sisters, Wanda Blazer and husband, Michael, of Beech Creek and Linda Pope of Deep Gap, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2007 in Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening at Sossoman Funeral Home from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence of Regina and Tony Parker, 4655 Scott Road.

Bertie Singleton Scott, 92, of Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, October 14, 2007 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born November 9, 1914 in Avery County, NC, and was a daughter of the late John Calvin Singleton and Laura Weatherman Singleton. Bertie was a member of the House of Praise in Morganton. She was a retired LPN from Watauga Hospital in Boone, NC, and for many years worked at the Washoe Medical Center in Reno, Nevada.

Bertie is survived by a sister, Dollie Clark of Morganton, and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by daughters, Rosa Lee Franklin and Alda Franklin; and a son, James Franklin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Terry Adams and Burt Hutto officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday in the George H. Barrier Cemetery at Jonas Ridge, NC. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10 until 11 am at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to the House of Praise, PO Box 460, Morganton, NC 28680.

Robert “Louis” Putnam, 65, of Putnam St., Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, October 14, 2007 at his residence following a brief illness. He was born December 30, 1941 in Caldwell County, NC, and was a son of the late Lee Norris Putnam and Mable Sides Putnam. Louis attended Central Baptist Church in Whitnel, NC, and was a charter member of the Chesterfield Fire Department. He taught at Catawba Valley Community College for 34 years as a furniture instructor.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janette Branch Putnam of the home; a son, Jeff Putnam of Morganton; a brother, Larry Putnam and wife, Judy of Morganton; and a sister, Evelyn Haines and husband, Eddie of Philadelphia, PA. In addition to his parents, Louis was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Putnam.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. John Jergenson and Chaplin Ted Swann officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:00 until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 2166 Putnam St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to the Central Baptist Church, 311 Connelly Springs Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645.

Donald Grant Clarke, 49, of Logan St., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Sunday, October 14, 2007 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. He was born September 17, 1958 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Paris “Pat” Warlick Clarke of Lawndale, NC and the late Fred Donald Clarke. Donald was an avid golfer and musician and played both the guitar and piano.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by a daughter, Lorrie Shannon Clarke, her fiancée, Brandon Vines, and a grandson, Cooper Vines, all of Collettsville, NC; a sister, Pam Carroll and husband, Donald of Morganton; and a former wife, Victoria Johnson of Morganton. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Kincaid Clarke; paternal grandparents, John and Nettie Clarke; and maternal grandparents, Roy and Fannie Warlick.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 18, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Westview Baptist Church Cemetery in Morganton. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:30 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Pam and Donald Carroll, 201 Grandview St., Morganton.

Genevieve R. Tolbert, 80, of Ross Street, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at Mission St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, NC. Born in Yancey County, NC, on July 21, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Mills Robinson and Hester Bailey Robinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Joe Reginald Tolbert; a daughter, Brenda Jo Tolbert; brothers, Raphael and Raymond Robinson; and sisters, Carrie A. Caroway, Roberta Caroway, and Velma McKelvey. Genevieve was raised in the Methodist faith and retired from Broughton Hospital after 30 years of service.

She is survived by her daughters, Kaye Parker and husband, Robert, of Accokeek, MD, Sandy Stiles and husband, Mike, of Morganton; a beloved son, Randy Joe Tolbert of Morganton; grandchildren, Reginald Parker and wife, Kenya, Robert Parker and wife, LaTisha, Kylene Parker and husband, Patrick, Jamie Stiles and wife, Cynthia, Jason Stiles and wife, Robin, and a special grandson, Jeff Stiles; nine great-grandchildren and number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 20, 2007 in Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Ed Stephenson officiating. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home on Saturday from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Mary Carroll Bradshaw, 82, of North Council Oak St., Morganton, NC, died Friday, October 19, 2007 at her residence. Born in Yancey Co., NC on February 13, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Lynn Carroll and Lizzie Allen Carroll. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Long Bradshaw, brothers, Carroll, Donald, and Edd Carroll; and a sister, Carrie Creson. Mary was a member of First Advent Christian Church. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother to many, many children. She will be loved and missed by all.

Mrs. Bradshaw is survived by a daughter, Shelby Killian and husband, Raymond, of Morganton; sisters, Ruth Yule of Marion, NC, Ethel Bradshaw of Drexel, NC, Thelma West of Icard, NC, Lois Jenkins of Bangore, PA, Barbara Buchanan of Spruce Pine, NC, Bonita Boyan of Icard, and Carolyn Nanny of Icard; a granddaughter, Anita Walker and husband, Daniel, of Morganton; a great-granddaughter, Lara Whitesides of Morganton; and great-grandson, Bailey Walker of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 23, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. James Taber officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 305 N. Council Oak St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to First Advent Christian Church Building Fund, 211 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Sandra Agnes “Lover” Digh, 68, of Morgan Drive, Morganton, NC, died Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on June 3, 1939, she was the daughter of R. P. Digh and the late Lillian Warlick Digh. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Gary Digh; and a sister, Paula Sue Digh. She attended W.P.C.C. and for many years operated a telephone answering service from her home. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. She organized “New Hope,” a support group for physically challenged individuals. She was also an avid reader and artist in many mediums.

In addition to her father, with whom she made her home, Lover is survived by nieces and nephews, Melanie Digh Petrea and husband, Randy, of Spartanburg, SC, Robert Timothy Digh of Charlotte, NC, Holly Digh Puckett and husband, Johnny, of Wartrace, TN; grand-nieces and nephews, Taylor Digh, Erin and Ryan Petrea, Haley, Alley, and Dalton Puckett; a special caregiver, Eula Corpening of Morganton; and a special feline companion, Mud.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 22, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Scott Oxford officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 140 St. Mary’s Church Rd., Morganton, NC, 28655 or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 5701 Executive Center Dr., #103, Charlotte, NC 28212.

Junior Ceph McNeely, 66, of North St., Morganton, NC went to meet his Savior and other loved ones on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at Grace Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born October 28, 1940 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Rev. Joseph McNeely and Sue Emma Hawkins McNeely. Junior was a former employee of Henredon Furniture, and sold merchandise at the Jamestown Flea Market for many years.

He is survived by daughters, Elaine Gilbert and husband, Ronnie, Janet Cook and husband, Greg, Ramona Deaton and husband, Jamie, and Karen McNeely, all of Morganton; a brother, Tommy McNeely and wife, Carol of White Pine, TN; sisters, Ada Norman and Mary Whisnant, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Michael Anthony, Crystal McNeely, Haili Cook, Lacie Deaton, and Lauren Burns, all of Morganton; a great granddaughter, Kimberly Finley, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Alisha McNeely Burns; a great granddaughter, Brigitte Finley; brothers, Joe, Paul, Clyde, and James McNeely; and a sister, Ruby Chapman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2007 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Thompson, Chaplin Ted Swann, and Rev. Kenneth Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 12:30 until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Ada Norman, 114 North St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Ralph L. Powell, of Brookwood Drive, Valdese, NC, died Thursday, October 25, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC, on August 20, 1928, he was the son of the late Marshall and Alice Saunders Powell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard and Gene Powell, and a sister, Ruth Polen. Ralph was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a retired employee of both Franklin Motors and Better Homes, both in Valdese. He was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church and was treasurer of the Men’s Club.

Mr. Powell is survived by his wife, Frances W. Powell of the home; a son, Alan L. Powell and wife, Terri, of Charlotte, NC; a granddaughter, Lauren Powell of Charlotte; a brother, Ray Powell and wife, Mona, of Valdese; and a sister, Margaret Mastrodominaco and husband, Pat, of Trenton, NJ.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 28, 2007 at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Ken Curtis officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites to be performed by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence in Valdese. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, P.O. Drawer 38, Drexel, NC 28619.

Eleanor H. Harrill, 81, of Ridgeside Terrace, Morganton died Friday, October 26, 2007, at her residence. She was born in Guilford County, NC on January 9, 1926 and was a daughter of the late Frederick LaFayette Huffman and Elizabeth Huffman Burnett. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene “Gene” Harrill, and by a sister, Mildred Huffman Pitts. Mrs. Harrill was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where she was past president and current vice-president of E.C.W. and served with the kitchen stewardship. As an active member of the community she was a Lioness in the Morganton Lions Club, a charter member of the Morganton Service League, former board member of the Patterson School, past head of the Grace Ridge decorating committee, Past board member of In the Oaks and present board member of Lake Logan.

Surviving are a son, Fred Harrill and wife, Becky Harrill, of Jamestown, NC; two daughters, Liz Willets and husband, Bill Willets of Cummings, GA and Ellie Van Patten and husband ,Jerry Van Patten of Newnan, GA; grandchildren, Thacker Thurman, Christopher Thurman and his wife, Carrie, Will Willets, Ellie W. Petty and her husband, Brandon, Catherine Willets, Beth V. P. Gaston and her husband, Charles, Katherine Schatzberg and her husband, Thomas, Sloan Harrill, Susan Harrill, Samantha Harrill, and Freddy Harrill; brother-in-law, Billy Harrill of Morganton; sister-in-law, Betty Ann Harrill of Houston, TX; and nephews, Edward Harrell of Nashville, TN and David Mosley of Houston.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2007, at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Bruce Walker officiating. Inurnment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Grace Ridge Mezzanine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 303 S. King St., Morganton, NC 28655, the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University (CCCWFU), Attn: Office of Development, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Helen Stamey Small, 85, of Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC died Friday, October 26, 2007 at College Pines Nursing Center following a brief illness. She was born in Haywood County, NC on May 10, 1922 and was a daughter of the late Nelson Winfred Stamey and Katie Katherine Melinda Vance Stamey. Helen and her husband, Clyde, owned and operated Smalls Flowers for 46 years. She was a member and past president of the Morganton Women’s Club; was a member of Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club where she was Ladies Champion three times and was also an avid bridge player; and was a member of the Morganton Elks Lodge where she was past president of the Does. Helen was affectionately known to her family and friends as “Big Mama”.

Surviving are her children, Woody Boland of Burlington, NC, Clyde E. “Buster” Small, Jr. of Birmingham, AL, Tim Small of Morganton, and Sara Lynn Oakley and her husband, Stan, of Morganton; eight grandchildren including Mandi of Morganton, ten great-grandchildren; and sisters, Betty Chambers of Charlotte, Norma Shook of Atlanta, and Edith Williams of Hickory. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde E. Small, Sr.; brothers, Robert and John Stamey; and by sisters, Sara LoPresti and Dorothy Butt.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2007, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr., Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson III, Rev. Holly Adams, and Dr. Amalie Hinson officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church from 10 until 11:00 a.m.

Frances McNeely Lowdermilk, 79, of South Creek Rd., Nebo, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 26, 2007. She was born September 10, 1928 in McDowell County, NC to the late George Sewell McNeely and Zelma Burnette McNeely. Frances was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Fairview Freewill Baptist Church, Nebo, NC.

Surviving are her husband, Zeb Baird Lowdermilk of the home; a daughter, Susan Icard and her husband, Ken of Nebo; sons, Don Lowdermilk and his wife, Mary Ellen of Schertz, TX and Scott Lowdermilk and his wife, Denise of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Amanda Powell and her husband, Chuck, Ian Lowdermilk, Melissa Dorow and her husband, Dylan, and Jessica McDonald; great grandchildren, Justin and Jordan Powell, and Kara Dorow.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2007 at Fairview Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry McDaniel officiating. Burial will follow in McDowell Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday at the church beginning at 1:30 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Fairview Freewill Baptist Church Children’s Ministries, 1708 Stacy Hill Rd., Marion, NC 28752. Sossoman Funeral Home, Morganton, NC is assisting the family.

Jan Cashion Stuenkel, loving wife, mother and daughter, 52, of Castlegate Dr in Morganton died Saturday, October 27, 2007 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. She was born August 20, 1955 in Mecklenburg County and was the daughter of Robert E. Cashion and Ellen Wilson Cashion of Asheville.

Jan was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church where she participated in the handbell choir and was very active in Christian Education. She had taught at W.P.C.C. for over twenty years in the nursing program. Jan believed in living a joyful life and was very devoted to her family, her church, and her students.

In addition to her parents she is survived by her husband, Eric Stuenkel, of the home, son, Mark Stuenkel, who is a student at University of Illinois in Champaign; daughter, Elizabeth Stuenkel, who is a student at NCSU in Raleigh; and a brother, Joe E. Cashion, of Weaverville NC.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2007, at Calvary Lutheran Church with the Pastor Mike Riley officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 119 North King Street, Morganton NC 28655.