Pauline Walker Scott, 88, died Sunday, February 3, 2008 at Mayview Convalescent Center in Raleigh following a long period of declining health. She was born September 1, 1919 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Fletcher Bond Walker and Viola Dale Walker. Pauline was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton, and a retired employee of Western Carolina Center.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Jim Riggins of Raleigh; grandchildren, Anne Rogers and husband, Jimmy, of Raleigh, Stephanie Riggins of Charleston, SC, and Bobby Riggins and wife, Lee Ann, of Kansas City, KS; and great grandchildren, Brad, Scott, and Jay Rogers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dysart Marlor Scott; four brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1 until 2 pm in the church parlor. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ilma Christine Pratt Lennon, 98, of Grace Ridge Health Care Center, Morganton, NC, died Monday, February 4, 2008, following several years of declining health. She was born on December 25, 1909, in Morven, Anson County, NC, to the late William Edward Pratt and Marion Robeson Pratt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ellery Allen Lennon; a sister, Marion Estelle Elliot; and a brother, Lawrence W. Pratt. Ilma was a graduate of East Carolina State Teachers College. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Morganton Women’s Club. She was an active supporter of many community activities.

Ilma is survived by two sons, Edward Allen Lennon and wife, Sharon, of Amelia Island, FL, and William Ellery Lennon and wife, Pat, of Morganton; granddaughters, Elizabeth Anne Lutow and Catherine Rebecca Kreinbring, both of Cincinnati and Margaret Patricia Mangol of Columbus, GA; and great-grandchildren, Zachary Edward Kreinbring, Nicholas James Kreinbring, Julia Marie Lutow, and Kathryn Rebecca Lutow.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of the son, Bill Lennon, 611 W. Union Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Hubert O. Walker, 82, of Mt. Vernon Dr., Alexandria, VA, formerly of Morganton, died Monday, February 4, 2008 at the Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA. He was born October 28, 1925 in Burke County. Hubert was a former member of Burkemont Baptist Church.

He is survived by sons, Gary Walker and wife, Laura, of Woodbridge, VA, and Harold Walker and wife, Vickie of Manassas, VA; and 5 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 9, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1 until 2 pm at the funeral home.

Edith C. Rhyne, 94, of Rora Ave, Valdese, NC, died Monday, February 4, 2008 at Grace Hospital, after a brief illness. Born in Saltville, VA on May 11, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lee Campbell and Elmira Vandora Vance Campbell. Edith was a member of First Christian Church in Saltville. She was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Morganton. For a number of years she worked for the Mica Company in Spruce Pine, NC. She loved to knit, sew, and do crossword puzzles. She also loved the NC beaches, especially Ocean Isle.

Edith is survived by her children, Claude A. Campbell, and wife, JoAnn, of Boone, NC, Kenneth F. Rhyne and wife, Alice, of Glen Alpine, NC, Jerry Rhyne of Glen Alpine, Patrick Rhyne and wife, Gayle, of Wade, NC, and Patricia Walker and husband, Warren, of Valdese; a sister, Virginia Ruth Aker of Radford, VA; a special caregiver, Vickie Harrell; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Vance Phillip Jones; brothers, Lewis Campbell and Jim Campbell; and a sister, Eddie Campbell.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 7, 2008 at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Valdese, with Rev. Jack Hodges officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday at Sossoman Funeral Home, Morganton from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence of her daughter, Patricia Walker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ladies VFW Auxiliary, 557 Hopewell Road, Morganton, NC 28655, Mountain Grove Baptist Church, 2485 Connelly Springs Road, Granite Falls, NC 28630, or to Mount Calvary Building Fund, 704 Praley Street, SW, Valdese, NC 28690.

Roby Deward Burgess, Jr., 55. of Canoe Dr., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 30, 1952 in Burke County and was a son of Faye Harrington Burgess and the late Roby D. Burgess, Sr. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Roby W. Burgess; paternal grandmother, Roena Curtis Burgess; and maternal grandparents, Joe and Clara Harrington. Roby was a U.S. Navy veteran serving two tours of duty in the Mediterranean on the U.S.S. Boulder LST during the Vietnam conflict. An employee of Gaines Motor Lines of Hickory, Roby was a graduate of Oak Hill High School and Garner-Webb University. He was an avid motorcyclist and loving son, father, brother, companion, and grandparent. He loved life and those around him.

In addition to his loving and devoted mother, Faye Burgess, of the home, he is survived by his son, Christopher Burgess and his wife, Angie, of Morganton; his daughter, Jessica Burgess Williams and her husband, Jeremy, of Drexel; his brother, Phillip Burgess of the home; his sister, Lorrine Burgess Leavitt and her husband, Charles of Lenoir; nephews, Jeff Suttles and his wife, Tabitha, of Marion and Jason Suttles and his wife, April, of Morganton; five loving grandchildren all of Morganton; and his loving companion, Kathy Bumgarner, of Hickory.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2008, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Mr. Mark Silvey officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 234 of Valdese. The family will receive friends Thursday one hour before the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Ronnie Sidney Scott, 64, of Morganton, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February, 7, 2008 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 29, 1943 in Burke County, he was the son of Nettie Scott of Glen Alpine and the late James L. Scott. Ronnie was a U. S. Army Vietnam veteran and he recently retired from Earthgrains/Sara Lee Bakery. For 10 years, Mr. Scott was a volunteer firefighter with the West End Fire Department where he served on the board for 5 years. He enjoyed the outdoors and was a loving son, father, brother, and grandfather.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife of 42 years, Edna Johnson Scott of the home; his daughter, Brooke Mullins and her husband, James of Morganton; a special granddaughter, Melina Keller of Morganton; 3 sisters of Glen Alpine and 1 sister of New Jersey.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no none can steal.”

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2008 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Dr. Alford Zadig and Father John Fitzgerald officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Memorial gifts may be made to West End Fire Department, P. O. Box 1327, Glen Alpine, NC 28628 or to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1865 N. Powerhouse Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Ramona Kerley Brown, 42, of Piercy Avenue, Morganton died unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008. She was born Jan. 25, 1966 in Catawba County and was a daughter of Carl and Louella Anderson Kerley. Ramona was a member of South Mountain Baptist Church and a former employee of Drexel Heritage Furnishings.

Left to cherish Ramona with loving memories are her parents, Carl and Louella Kerley of the home; husband, Johnny Lee Brown; daughters, Shasta Nicole Stroupe and husband, Josh, of Morganton, and Hali Tabitha Solesby of Raleigh, NC; brothers, Scott Kerley and wife, Anna Ruth, and Howard Kerley and wife, Tammy, all of Morganton; a sister, Carla Kerley Aldridge of Morganton; and grandchildren, Davin Stroupe, Raylin Stroupe, Dylan Stroupe, and Harley Solesby.

Ramona was preceded in death by a grandson, Dakota Patton.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2008, at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the residence, 124 Piercy Avenue, Morganton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, PO Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to help with funeral expenses.

Robert “Bob” Miller McDaniel, Jr. of Morganton died Saturday, February 9, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rutherfordton on March 17, 1932 and was the son of the late Robert M. McDaniel, Sr. and Sarah Lou Jenkins McDaniel. He attended Rockingham City Schools from the 1st grade through the 10th grade and then graduated in 1950 from Rutherfordton-Spindale High School. Bob attended Davidson College for two years and then received his undergraduate degree from Guilford College. In 1960 he received a Master’s Degree in social work from UNC-Chapel Hill. He spent 35 years in the Department of Social Services at Broughton Hospital, 27 years of which he was the Director of the department. A Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work, Mr. McDaniel was a past president of the North Carolina Association of Social Work in Mental Health. In 1982 he had an article published in the North Carolina Medical Journal.

Mr. McDaniel was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton for 47 years where he was an elder and had served on a number of committees and positions in the church and the Sunday School. He was also a member of the Morganton Kiwanis Club. Bob was an avid reader with a great interest in World War II history. Bob served in the U. S. Army with the 25th A.A.A. Brigade in Germany from 1954 until 1956.

Mr. McDaniel’s family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Lou Goforth McDaniel of the home. Also surviving are his children: son, Mac and his wife, Janet, son, Tommy, daughter, Kathy McDaniel Hatcher and her husband, Trey, all of Morganton, and son, Ed, and his wife, Cindy, of Black Mountain. He was blessed with ten grandchildren, Robbie and Kristin McDaniel, Clark, Mary Katherine, Elizabeth, and William Hatcher all of Morganton, and Phillip, Kevin, Carlos, and Luis McDaniel of Black Mountain.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 11, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church with the Reverends Michael R. Bailey, Adam C. Bowling, and Beth Ann Miller officiating. There will be a reception and receiving of friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Campaign Fund, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, PO Box 17279, Baltimore, MD 21297-0495. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Carl Baker Webb, 79, of the Drexel Community, died, Saturday, February 9, 2008 at his residence. He was born October 8, 1928, in Burke County, to the late Oby Baker Webb and Mary Annie Babb Webb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Stella Norman Webb.

Mr. Webb was a member of the Drexel First Church of God. Mr. Webb’s business spanned many years as an owner and operator of numerous businesses such as Webb’s Studio, The Camera Shop, Kelly Color Laboratories, The Farm House and The Steak House. He was a gardener who was best known for his Better Boy tomatoes and Estelle cucumbers.

Mr. Webb is survived by his daughters: Brenda and husband Bill Faile of Cumming GA, Cynthia and husband Steve Wilkinson of Wilmington NC, Teresa and husband Dr. Lane Gregory of Angier NC, grandchildren; Blake Faile, Brooke Faile, Kristin Wilkinson Yonkers and husband Jim, Neil Wilkinson, Adam Gregory, Elizabeth Gregory and one great grandchild, London Adeline Yonkers.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverend Donald Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 pm Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Memorials in Mr. Webb’s memory may be made to the First Church of God – Drexel, P.O. Box 218, Drexel NC 28619, or to Morganton First Church of God, P.O. Box 1404, Morganton NC 28680-1404.

Betty Parton, 75, of Parton Avenue, Morganton, NC died Monday, February 11, 2008 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Born in Jackson, MS on April 2, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Alexander King and Sadie Edmonds King.

Betty was a past president of District 1 of the NC Quarter Horse association and a past board member of the state association. An avid quarter horse competitor, she earned multiple grand championships in the U.S. She finished in the top fifteen in the World Championships with the American Quarter Horse Association at Oklahoma City, OK. She raised quarter horses until her death. She served twice as president of the Morganton Woman’s Club. Along with several friends she organized the Variety Club which met each month for many years. She was a loving and giving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Betty is survived by her husband, Bill Parton, of the home; a son, Billy Parton and friend, Deb Hefner, and her daughter, Hannah, all of Morganton; a very special granddaughter, Jade Parton of Morganton; a brother, James Knight; sisters, Grace Clarke, Frances Jefford, and Juanita Clarke; and her canine companions, Bucky and Andy.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 14, 2008 at Gilkey United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, NC with Reverends Caroll Flack and W. Leon Morrow 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 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 on Parton Avenue. Memorial contributions may be made to Gilkey United Methodist Church, 187 Gilkey Church Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Charles William Jarrett, 65. of old Hwy 70 Loop, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, February 10, 2008 at the John S. Keever Junior Solace Center, Asheville. He was born May 26, 1942, in Burke County, to the late Samuel David Jarrett and Flossie Marie Brittain Jarrett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. David Jarrett and sisters, Charlotte Minor and Ellen Jarrett. Charles was a member of Table Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Mr. Jarrett is survived by his wife, Blanche Burleson Jarrett; daughter, Karen Sharp and her husband, Edwin, of Mobile, AL; step-son, Tony Ollis and his wife, Lisa Hayward, step-daughters, Paulette Mojica and Joyce Jordan and her husband J. Steven Jordan; sister, Iris Fleming; brother, Harry Jarrett, Sr., all of Morganton; ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at Calvin Heights Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Calvin Acuff officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the John S. Keever Junior Solace Center, 21 Belvedere Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.

Roy Columbus Coleman, 77, of the Oak Hill Community, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at Hospice of Catawba Valley in Newton, NC following an extended illness. He was born March 20, 1930 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Avery and Carrie Hice Coleman. Roy was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church for over 47 years where he taught Sunday School. He was a former employee of Drexel Furniture and E. J. Victor, and a retired employee of Henredon Furniture with 21 years of service.

Roy is survived by sons, Danny Coleman and wife, Betty of Hope Mills, NC, Dean “Duck” Coleman and wife, Karen, Jim Coleman and wife, Trish, and Terry Snow and wife, Jennifer, all of Morganton; daughters, Mary Alice Bartles and Hazel Wright, both of Morganton; a brother, Robert Coleman of Glen Alpine, NC; sisters, Grace Deal of Drexel, Sadie Harless of Mooresville, NC, Mary Cook of Valdese, NC, and Alice Forbes and Fairy McNeely, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Steven Wright of Anchorage, Alaska, Leigh Bartles of Berea, Kentucky, Angie Wright of Charlotte, NC, Dustin Coleman (US Navy) of Newport, Rhode Island, Deanna and D. J. Coleman, and C. J. Snow, all of Morganton.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nannie Huffman Coleman; son, Andy Coleman; step-daughter, Irene King; brothers, John, Frank, Charlie, Jerry, and his twin, Ralph Coleman; and sisters, Cupid Beach and Katie Coleman.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2008 at El Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Cooper, Rev. David Bean, Mr. Steve Whisenant, and Mr. David Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658 or to El Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.

Waldo Edsel Alexander, 88, of Byrd Street, Drexel, NC, died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at Valdese General Hospital. Born in Detroit, MI on January 21, 1920, he was the son of the late Lem Hall Alexander and Sarah Addie Baker Alexander. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lelia Arizona Whisenant Alexander, and two brothers, Paul Alexander and Ray Alexander. Waldo retired from Carolina Shoe and was a US Army Air Force veteran of WWII. He was a member of Christ United Methodist.

He is survived by his son, Lynn R. Alexander and wife, Judy, of Drexel; grandchildren, Adam Feimster and wife Cristy, Sara Alexander, and Ryan Alexander; and two sisters, Evelyn Mull of Morganton, NC and Dorothy Parker of CA.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 16, 2008 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 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, P.O. Drawer 38, Drexel, NC 28619.

Sarah Powell Holder, 97, of Valdese Avenue, Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, February 13, 2008 at Grace Heights Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Burke County, NC on March 10, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Fonz Powell and Annie Farr Powell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Phifer Holder; brothers, Robert Powell and Alexander Powell; and sisters, Annie Lou Sain and Maggie Moody. Sarah retired from Broughton Hospital. Following her retirement she worked at Holiday Laundry for several years. She attended Calvary Baptist Church.

Sarah is survived by her niece, Dorothy Marie Powell of the home; several other nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Floy Powell of Morganton; and special friends, Fuchsia Small of Morganton and Louise Pittman if Valdese.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 16, 2008 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 407 S. Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Maynard Lindsey Chester, 77, of NC 18/US 64, Morganton, NC died Thursday, February 14, 2008 at the VA Medical Center in Asheville, NC following an extended period of declining health. He was born Feb. 2, 1931 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Lindsey L. Chester and Essie Mae Lingle Chester. Maynard was a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Velma Marie Cooke Chester of the home; a son, Kirk Chester and wife, Trudy, and a daughter, Linda Chester, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Chris Chester and Vanessa Gregg and husband, Jerry; great grandchildren, Shawna and Austin Gregg; brothers, Ronald, Howard, and Albert Chester; and sisters, Faye Witcher, Sue Fruitaker, and Lucille Isaac.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Roy, Carl, and Billy Gene Chester; and sisters, Ruth Curtis, Virginia Williams, Bertha Price, and Florence Penley. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16, 2008 at Antioch Baptist Church with Rev. Brady Adkins and Rev. Clarence Correll officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 until 3 pm at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Lola Lucille Chester Duckworth Isaacs, 81, of Tank Hill Place, Lenoir, NC died Thursday, February 14, 2008 at Kindred Hospital, Greensboro, NC. Born September 9, 1926 in Burke County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Lindsey L. and Essie Mae Lingle Chester. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William Roscoe Duckworth; a daughter, Kimberly Sue Bartolo; brothers, Maynard, Gene, and Carl Chester; and sisters, Ruth Curtis, Virginia Williamson, Bertha Price, and Florence Penley.

Surviving are her husband, Larkin Lovell Isaacs of the home; sons, William T. Duckworth and his wife, Cindy of Morganton, Robert L. Duckworth and his wife, Lisa of Reidsville, NC, and Thomas L. Duckworth of Lenoir; daughters, D. Joann Nichols Chester and Pamela J. Duckworth both of Lenoir, C. Lynn Duckworth of Taylorsville, NC, Theresa Blankenship and her husband, Ray and Carla Duckworth all of Lenoir; brothers, Albert Chester of Grosse Pointe, MI, Ronald Chester of Morganton, and Howard Chester of Lenoir; sisters, Faye Witcher of Morganton and Sue Fruitaker; 19 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, February 17, 2008 at Shining Light Baptist Church, 306 Carbon City Rd., Morganton (828-439-8100) with the Rev. Danny Castle officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Teddy “Dean” Hudson, 53, of Walker’s Chapel Rd., Morganton died Friday, February 15, 2008, at Sunrise Rehab and Care following a long battle with diabetes. He was born in Burke County on November 8, 1954 and was the son of Arlene Hudson Hudson of the home and the late Louie John Hudson. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his long-time companion and mother of his children, Geraldine McGee. Dean was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church and enjoyed working on and repairing cars.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his sons, Luke and John Hudson, of Anderson, SC; his daughter, Deanna Lowman and her husband, John, of Connelly Springs; grandchildren, McKenzie Hudson, Cory Dean Hudson, and Haley Lowman; his sisters, Rosa Huffman of Morganton and Mary Etta Hudson, of Glen Alpine; a niece, Tammy Saulman; and great-niece and nephew, Ashley and Dillion Saulman.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2008, at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with Reverends Ronnie Lefevers and J. C. Bradley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:00 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 on Walkers Chapel Road. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall St. 19th Floor, New York, New York 10005.

Rosa Lee Wilson Jones, 90, of Grace Ridge, Morganton died Saturday, February 16, 2008, following a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County on October 15, 1917 and was a daughter of the late Albert Sudderth Wilson and Mabel Huffstetler Wilson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Judd P. Jones, with whom she enjoyed 52 years of marriage; a son, Richard Lee Jones; and by a sister, Marian McLean. Rosa Lee graduated from Morganton High School where she played basketball and then moved to Greensboro to attend Women’s College. Following her college graduation, Rosa Lee worked for Burlington Industries, met and married Judd in 1937, and raised her sons. She was active in College Place United Methodist Church in Greensboro and for the past forty years was a member of First United Methodist Church of Morganton and of Circle #1. Rosa Lee was also a member of PEO, an organization promoting the education of women. Rosa Lee had exuberance for life that was shared by her husband, Judd, that included a love for both basketball and baseball as avid Braves fans. She was an extraordinary country cook who loved to garden and can the produce of her labor.

She leaves behind her son, Ed W. Jones and his wife, Ruth, of Morganton; her daughter-in-law, Suzanne Pons Jones, of Morganton; grandchildren, Cary Lee Moody and her husband, Daniel, of Greenville, SC and Michael W. Jones, of Charleston, SC; great-grandchildren, Zada Lee and Nathan Moody; and her brother, Plato Wilson and his wife, Dixie, of High Point, NC.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the church mezzanine. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Southmountain Children’s Home, 7330 Myrtle Dr., Nebo, NC 28761. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Pansy Townsend Franklin Smith, 91, of Morganton, NC, died Sunday, February 17, 2008. Born in Carter Co., TN on April 23, 1916, she was the daughter of the late James William Townsend and Victoria Johnson Townsend. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William “Boe” Franklin; second husband, Ott Smith; a son, Joe Franklin; and a daughter, Hazel Redina South. Mrs. Smith was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by three sons, Bill Franklin of Conowingo, MD, Robert Franklin of Conowingo, and James Franklin of Granite Falls, NC; daughter, Libby Smith of Morganton and Dottie Taylor of Lenoir, NC; seventeen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. before the service.

John “C.J.” Bodeker, 65, of Tammy Lane, died, February 17, 2008. John was born in Polk Co., MN to the late Fay and Elsie Parker Bodeker.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating.

G. Austin Hart, 77, of Woodstream Dr., Valdese, NC died Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Mission-St. Josephs Hospital in Asheville, NC following a period of declining health. He was born November 16, 1930 in Knox Co. TN, and was a son of the late Samuel Roger Hart and Bessie Marie Varnell Hart. Austin served in the US Air Force during the Korean War, and was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church where he had served as the choir director. Austin was a former member and choir director of Zion Baptist Church and Amherst Baptist Church. He was employed for many years with Drexel-Heritage Furnishings. Austin was a member of the Southern Furniture Manufacturers Association in which he served as past president of the Traffic and Transportation Division. He was also a former member of the Catawba Valley Traffic Club and member of the Winston-Salem Traffic Club.

Austin is survived by his wife, Barbara Carr Hart of the home; sons, Gary D. Hart of Mooresville, NC and Roger A. Hart of Morganton; and a daughter, Cheryl Hart Williams of Irvine, CA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. James Lambert and Rev. Ron Cooper officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with military cryptside rites conducted by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 3065 Woodstream Dr., Valdese. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 S. Church St., Suite 336 M, Charlotte, NC 28202 or to the American Heart Association, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate, Memorials and Tributes Processing, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.

Larry Edward Benfield, 68, of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Britthaven of Morganton following an extended illness. He was born July 21, 1939 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Richard Leroy and Rebecca Whisenant Benfield.

He is survived by brothers, Walter Benfield and wife, Nora, and Ralph Benfield and wife, Lois, all of Morganton; sisters, Frances Wise Setzer and husband, Jim, of Drexel, NC, and Helen Browning and husband, Jerome, of Nebo, NC; children, Larry “Duffer” Benfield, LaTonya Spencer, and Debbie Pritchard, all of Morganton; an aunt, Virginia Jones; a number of nieces and nephews; and six grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Daniel Lee Whisenant and Leroy Benfield; and sisters, Mary Lou McDade and Rebecca Price Travison.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2008 at Faith Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Terry Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Sossoman Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

George Robert Livsey, Jr., 74, of Wesley Road, Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC. Born on October 18, 1933 in Atlanta, GA, he was the son of the late George Robert Livsey, Sr. and Myrtle Louise Brown Livsey. Bob was graduate of Georgia State University. He served on the Burke County Board of Elections and the Department of Social Services’ Board of Directors. George also founded TLC Human Resources.

He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Marjorie “Marge” Bearden Livsey; a son, George Robert Livsey, III of Morganton; a daughter, Dr. Kae Rivers Livsey of Wilmington, NC; granddaughters, Sarah Elizabeth Livsey and Harlee Rivers Livsey; brothers, Perry Lee Livsey of Conyers, GA and Richard Alan Livsey of Peachtree City, GA; a sister, Charlotte Lynn Livsey of Statesville, NC; and a step-mother, Jean Womack Livsey of Lawrenceville, GA.

The family will hold a memorial service at sea at a later date. They will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church gathering area. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center Silver Lining Fund, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ira Hobert Fowler, 90, of Walker Rd., Morganton died Tuesday, February 19, 2008 following a period of declining health. He was born on July 24, 1917 in Grayson County, VA and was a son of the late Benard Carl Fowler and Bessie Lee Funk Fowler. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Wilma Jean Fowler, brothers, Ernest “Jack” Fowler, Hannibal “Hank” Fowler, and John Marvin Fowler; and by a sister, Juanita Fowler Vaughn. Mr. Fowler was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and was a pilot in his early years. As a devoted member of Burkemont Baptist Church, he was active in prison ministries for 15 years and worked with the church youth through the R. A. boys program and coached the church R. A. basketball team.

Surviving are his wife, Sharon Duckworth Fowler, of the home; his children and their spouses, Linda Fowler Leonard and J. B. Jackson, of Max Meadows, VA, Patricia Fowler Beach and her husband, Jerry, James Edward Fowler and his wife, Melvina, Michael Britt Fowler and his wife, Betty, and Keith Blaine Hodge, all of Morganton, and Summer Woods and her husband, Matthew, of Charlotte; his brother, Dr. James Spurgeon Fowler, and his wife, Maxine, of Waynesboro, VA; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Burkemont Baptist Church with the Reverends David Mills, Eddy Bunton, and David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #234 of Valdese ceremonial team. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Friday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the home of James and Melvina Fowler, 2983 Oak Forest Lane, Morganton and other times at his residence, 206 Walker Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

William Howard Lathrop, better known as Bill Lathrop, 57, of Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on December 17, 1950, he was the son of the late William Herman Lathrop and Lucy Morine VanDyke Lathrop. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Trudy Mull; an aunt, Lizzie Cook; and a mother-in-law, Ella Mae Winkler. Bill was a loving and devoted father, husband, brother, and friend to all.

He is survived by his wife, Emma Winkler Lathrop of the home; daughters, Annette Effler and husband, Jason, and Heather Nikki Lathrop and friend, Jon Brumberg, all of Morganton; a son, William Heath Lathrop and fiancée, Kara Annas, of Morganton; a sister, Karen Lathrop of Morganton; nephew, Richard Mull; niece, Pam Dean; and special family friends, Faith Walker and Dustin Eller.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 22, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Rocky Reese officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Kathy Edna Regan, 46, of Halloway St., Hickory, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory. Born in Avery County, NC on May 16, 1961, she was a daughter of Qutina McGee Benfield of Morganton and the late T. J. Benfield. Kathy was of the Baptist faith and was employed for 24 years by Carolina Shoe. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Hale Benfield and a sister, Carol Benfield.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Ronald Regan of the home; sons, Hoyt Brittain and his wife, Teressa of Vale, NC and Chris Benfield and his fiancée, Jessica of Icard, NC; grandchildren, Ashley, Harley, and Katlyn Brittain, and Destiny Benfield; a brother, Thomas Benfield of Morganton; a sister, Debbie Aldridge of Morganton; and her paternal grandmother, Edna Benfield of Crossnore, NC.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Ralph May officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service. In order to help with funeral expenses, memorial gifts may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P. O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680-2608.

Pat “Papper” Blackford, 67, of Dysartsville Road, Morganton, NC, went to go to scooter-pootin’ with Mary Jo on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born in Urbana, IL on March 17, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Richard Blackford, Sr. and Louise Kelly Lantz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her friend, Mary Jo Denton. In the late 80s Papper was manager of the Rite Aid Drug Store in Morganton. In 1993, she became a correctional officer with Foothills Correctional Institution and worked there until her retirement in 2003.

She is survived by her daughter, Danelle “Dani” Blackford of Morganton; a granddaughter, Shaddoe Blackford of Morganton; brothers, Richard Blackford, Jr. and wife, Linda, of Phoenix, AR, and David Lantz and wife, Joanie, of Tolono, IL; sisters, Barbara McGraw and husband, Raymond, and Becky Wheatley and husband, Richard, all of Urbana, IL; many nieces and nephews; her extended family from Foothills Correctional Institution.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Wilbert “Wimp” Carswell, 78, of Case St., Morganton died Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Frye Regional Medical Center. He was born in Burke County on May 13, 1929 and was a son of the late Beulah Festus Carswell and Annie Lou Orders Carswell. Mr. Carswell was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and retired from Great Lakes Carbon after 44 years of service. He was a member of Calvin Heights Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Joanne Cline Carswell, of the home; his son, Jeff Carswell and his wife, Janet; his daughter, Sandy Lonon and her husband, Rodger; his granddaughters, Kristen Lonon, Kaitlin Carswell, and Keri Jo Carswell; his great-grandson, Tre Carver; and his sisters, Nancy Lambert and Ailene Lowdermilk, all of Morganton.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 25, 2008, at Calvin Heights Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m. Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Claude Lee Coffey, 95, of Morganton, NC, died Saturday, February 23, 2008 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on September 27, 1912, he was the son of the late Vester Lee Coffey and Bessie Moses Coffey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Coffey, and a sister, Lillie Mae Hollifield. Claude was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Pacific Theatre in WWII. He retired from Broughton Hospital and was a member of Oak Forest United Methodist Church. Mr. Coffey was an avid gardener and fisherman.

Claude is survived by his wife, Katie Williams Coffey of the home; daughters, Carol Lee Walters and husband, Ronald, of Gastonia, NC, Betty Jo McMahan and husband, Rev. Stanley, of Burnsville, NC, and Wanda Scott and husband, David, of Morganton; a brother, Arnold Coffey and wife, Mary, of Morganton; a sister, Bertha Wilson of Danville, VA; grandchildren, Jeffrey Walters and wife, Angie, Jennifer Stamey and husband, Donnie, Shelly Thompson and husband, Keith, Joel McMahan, Dana Dale and husband, Jason, and D.J. Scott; and great-grandchildren, Tabitha and Will Thompson and Tanner and Jacey Dale.

The funeral will be held at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, February 24, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Roderick Randolph and Stanley McMahan officiating. Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 25, 2008 at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. before the service. At other times the family will be at the residence on Berry Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

William R. “Bill” Hauser, 94, formerly of N. Anderson St., Morganton died Saturday, February 23, 2008, following a period of declining health. He was born in Franklin, NC on May 13, 1913 and was a son of the late Luther Wilson Hauser and Betty Anne Roane Hauser. Mr. Hauser was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II during which he was held as a prisoner of war. He retired from Henredon Furniture Mfg. and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Musette Harbison Hauser; daughters, Kay Hauser Fox and her husband, Jerry, of Morganton and Cindy “Lu” Hauser of Conover; grandchildren, Christopher Gentry and his wife, Ashley, of Myrtle Beach, SC and Susan Prince and her husband, Jeff, of Lexington, NC; and great-grandchildren, Josh and Courtney Prince and Paxton Gentry. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Quince, James, Milton, and John Hauser.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2008, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Music Dept., 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Pehyun Wen, 80, of Morganton, NC died Thursday, February 22, 2008. He was born July 16, 1927 in Peking, China, and was a son of the late Yuan-Ning and Una Wen. Wen was a teacher and a traveler. He was a friendly and caring man who never met a stranger. Wen was well loved and will be missed.

He is survived by his adopted family, Mickey and Susanne Saunders and their children, Anthony, Vanessa, and Nathaniel, all of Morganton; and two brothers, Chung-Chi and Tsung Wen.

A visitation for Mr. Wen will be held from 6-7:00 PM, Thursday, February 28, 2008, at Mt. Home Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Clyde E. Franklin, 74, of Foxridge Drive, Connelly Springs, NC, died Saturday, February 23, 2008 at his residence. Born in Avery County, NC on November 4, 1933, he was the son of the late Carl Henry Franklin and Clara Weatherman Franklin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joe Franklin, and a sister, Faye Norman. Clyde was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Angela Johnson Franklin of the home; a son, Eddie Franklin, Jr. of Shelby, NC; a daughter, Brenda Franklin Richard and husband, Allen, of Shelby; a sister, Virginia Shuffler of Morganton; three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Whisnant officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Jacklyn Kay Briggs, 58, of Henderson Mill Rd., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly at her residence. She was born January 24, 1950 in Wyandotte Co, KS, and was the daughter of the late Oran P. and Sylvia Watson. Jacklyn was of the Baptist faith. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. Jacklyn enjoyed riding motorcycles with her husband, and loved her pets. She was a budding author, and was in the process of writing a book.

Jacklyn is survived by her husband, Paul Briggs of the home; sons, Jeff Briggs and wife, Lesa, of Hickory, NC, and Raymond Duffett and wife, Carrie of Kansas City, KS; and nine grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Joel Briggs.

No services are planned. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Robert “Daddy Bob” Fogle, 77, of Old NC 18, Morganton, NC died Sunday, February 24, 2008 at McDowell Hospital in Marion, NC following a period of declining health. He was born May 19, 1930 in Forsyth County, NC, and was a son of the late Frank E. Fogle and Louise Holland Fogle. Robert was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War, and had worked for ITW in Chicago for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Shortt Warner Fogle of the home; sons, Frank Fogle of Huntersville, NC, Roger Warner, Jr. of Mt. Holly, NC, and Edwin Scott Warner of Hickory, NC; a daughter, Janie Dee Burleson and husband, Van of Morganton; grandchildren, April and Alan Bridges, Justin and Tera Warner, and Alex Burleson, all of Morganton, and Denton Fogle of Huntersville; and a great granddaughter, Samantha Bridges.

Cryptside services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Pastor James Shortt officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence.

Lucy Carswell Moore, 88, of Grace Heights, and formerly of Crawley Dale St. in Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday night, February 26, 2008 following a period of declining health. She was born Oct. 26, 1919 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late P.A. “Bub” Carswell and Anner Huffman Carswell. Lucy was a long time member of Carswell Memorial Baptist Church where she had taught Sunday school. She attended Grace Baptist Church for 5 years before Lucy made her home at Grace Heights. She had worked in hosiery mills for many years, and loved working in her vegetable and flower gardens.

Lucy is survived by nephews, James Wellman and wife, Lucy, and Edison Wellman and wife, Ruth, all of Morganton; and numerous friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cossie C. Moore; an infant daughter; and sisters, Cora Wellman, Sadie Sweeney, Mary Huffman, and Lula Settlemyre.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 28, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Marty Bess officiating. Burial will follow at Carswell Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday one hour before the service at the funeral home.

Rilla C. Houk, 68, of Bennett Rd., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born January 18, 1940 in Madison Co., AL, and was a daughter of the late Jewel Cobb and Lena Mae Neal Cobb. Rilla was of the Baptist faith, and enjoyed canning and working in the garden. She was a loving wife and mother.

Rilla is survived by her husband, William Houk, Jr. of the home; sons, Robert Houk and wife, Kathleen, and James Houk, all of Morganton, and David Houk and wife, Susie of Nebo, NC; a daughter, Doris Chancy and husband, James Robert of Lubbock, Texas; a brother, J. W. Cobb of New Hope, Alabama; sisters, Marilyn Thorpe of Newbern, TN, Jewel Fox of Boise, Idaho, Doris Patton of Atlanta, GA, and Kathy C. Denham of Owens, Crossroads, AL; a special great grandson, Justin Clark of the home; and specials friends, Freida and Bobby Yates of Morganton, and Terry Minton of Gamewell, NC; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Baptist 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, Bennett Rd.

Mary McDaniel Hamrick, 95, of B Street, Drexel died Wednesday, February 27, 2008, following a period of declining health. She was born on November 12, 1912 in York County, SC and was a daughter of the late John Jefferson McDaniel and Frances Louise Burns McDaniel. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Thomas Hamrick; a son, Donald Ralph Hamrick; and by a brother, Samuel McDaniel. Mrs. Hamrick was devoted to her family and to her church family at Pleasant View Baptist Church.

She is survived by a son, Bill Hamrick and his wife, Carolyn, of Morganton; daughters, Carolyn McCall of Morganton and Sue Blackwelder of Conway, SC; a daughter-in-law, Louise Curtis, of Morganton; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Pleasant View Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Burt Wilber and Rev. David Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church Saturday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at Mrs. Hamrick’s home in Drexel. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View Baptist Church 1834 US 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655.

Robert Thomas Helms, 41, died February 25, 2008, following injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Lincoln County, NC on February 20, 1967 and was a son of Margaret Workman Helms of Connelly Springs and the late Daniel Thomas Helms. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by first wife, Loretta Helms; his grandmothers, Ruby Benton and Merle Workman; and a half-brother, Willard Mayfield.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Crystal Mintz Helms, of the home; his daughter, Annie Bollinger, and her husband, Jim, of Connelly Springs; step-children, Jacob, Sammuel, Emily, and Angela Stogner, and Amanda Wilson, all of Burke County; his grandson, Ethan Rosales; step-granddaughter, Angel Tallent; his brother, Billy Ray Helms and his wife, Flossie, of Burke County; and a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Mr. Jimmy Dillingham officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Robert “Earl” Mace, 84, of Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC died Wednesday February 27, 2008 following a period of declining health. He was born on March 14, 1923 in Lincoln County, NC and was a son of the late Columbus and Florence Walker Mace. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Causby Mace; a son, James Leon Mace; brothers, Leslie, Paul, and Fred Mace; and by sisters, Ruby Duvall and Donnie Saulman. Mr. Mace was a U. S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and completed 33 missions as a waist gunner on a B-17. He was a retired employee of the U. S. Postal Service and following his retirement he operated Mace Grocery near Burkemont Baptist Church where he was a member. Earl was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Surviving are sons, Karl L. Mace of Concord, NC, Ron Mace and his wife, Adelia, and Bruce A. Mace, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Richard Mace and his wife, Tammy, Sharon Mace, Diane Work and her husband, David, and Dustin Mace and his wife, Shannon; great-grandchildren, James Earl Mace and his wife, Cybill and Samantha Mace; great-great-grandson, James Earl Mace, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Linda Mace.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Friday at Burkemont Baptist Church. The body will lie in state from 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. Saturday At other times the family will be at the home of Ron and Adelia Mace, 4219 Burkemont Rd., Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Grace Burleson Dockery, 78, of Bass Street, Valdese, NC, went to be with her heavenly Father and her beloved husband on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born in Avery County, NC on November 5, 1929, she was the daughter of the late William “Bill” Burleson and Nettie Wise Burleson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, T. J. Burleson and Ralph Burleson and his wife, Helen. Grace was a retired employee of Duracell and a member of North Laurel Baptist Church.

A loving mother and devoted grandmother, she is survived by her daughters, Margaret Shoemake and husband, Clifton, of Valdese and Cathy Dockery of Morganton; a brother, Don Burleson of Morganton; a sister, Trudy Brock of Valdese; and grandchildren, Jennifer Michelle Davis and husband, Jason, and their children, Cadence and Marshall, all of Valdese, Charles Shoemake and wife, Alicia, and their son, Harrison, all of Valdese, Amity Jill Wilson and her daughter, LeAire Grace, of Morganton, and Derek Dean Wilson and wife, Lisa, and their children, Connor and Kayla, all of Buford, GA.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Dockery officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, Alzheimer’s Association, Mountain Office, 31 College Place, Suite D 320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644, or to the Leukemia Society of America, NC Chapter, 5950 Fairview Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Tommie Stamey, 63, of Doublehead Drive, Connelly Springs, NC, died Thursday, February 28, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Born in Burke County, NC on December 21, 1944, he was the son of the late William Pressley “W.P.” Stamey and Christina Swink Stamey. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Howard and Jack Stamey; and sisters, Gladys Ramsey and Barbara Denton. Tommie was a member of Bible Gospel Baptist Church. Known as “Tallman”, trucking was his life.

A doting grandfather, Mr. Stamey is survived by daughter, Christina Stamey and Susan Stamey Clontz, both of Hickory; grandchildren, Jeffrey Logan Park and Dalton Wayne Clontz; brothers, LeRoy Stamey of Morganton, NC, William Stamey, Jr. of Morganton, Jimmy R. Stamey of Connelly Springs, and Johnny Matthews of Casar, NC; sisters, JoAnn Smith of Connelly Springs, Linda Kay Fraley of Albemarle, NC, and Clara Belle Stamey of Albemarle; and a special friend, Virginia Love and family.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2008 at Bible Gospel Baptist Church with Reverends Tim Dockery and Keith Fulbright officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday 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 Bible Gospel Baptist Church Building Fund, 8621 NC 18 South, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 or the Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Richard “Rick” Freeman, 46, of Oakdale Drive, Morganton, NC, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, February 29, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on March 12, 1961, he was the son of Shirley Norville Freeman and the late Ned McKinley Freeman. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald McKinley Freeman.

Rick is survived by brothers, Melvin Joe Freeman and Adam Ned Freeman and friend, Cristi Speagle; a girlfriend, Linda Swink; a niece, Molly Freeman; all of Morganton; and a number of aunts and uncles.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2008 at Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 5827 Fisher-Davis Road, Morganton, NC 28655.