Barbara Joann Walker, 73, of Walker Perry St., Morganton, NC died Sunday, June 1, 2008 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born December 25, 1934 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Clarence Luico Buff and Mary Martha Bollinger Buff. Mrs. Walker was a 1952 graduate of Salem High School and was a member of Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church where she was a former member of the choir, a member of the United Methodist Women, and served on numerous other church committees. Barbara was a former teacher’s assistant, a former employee of Shadowline, and a retired employee of Broughton Hospital with 20 years of service. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, canning, and caring for her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Walker Johnson; a brother, Luther Buff; and a sister, Helen Shaffer.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tillman Junior Walker of the home; a daughter, Jennifer Walker Clay and husband, Jimmy; grandchildren, Timothy Wesley Swink, Morgan Lee Clay, and Madison Lynn Clay; great-grandchildren, Tyler Wesley and Abagail Swink; brothers, Jack Buff, Clyde Buff, and Vernon Buff; and a sister, Clara Patton all of Morganton.

A graveside service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Alan Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Tuesday at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 5358 Denton’s Chapel Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Marjorie Mull Patton, 74, of Jenkins Rd., Morganton, NC died Monday, June 2, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born March 20, 1934 in Rutherford Co. NC, and was a daughter of the late Marvin Odas Campbell and Mary Melinda Wease Campbell. Marjorie was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church where she was a member of the “Young at Heart Club”. She loved her family and her canine companions, Tiffany and Ginger.

Marjorie is survived by brothers, Edward Lee Campbell of Forest City, NC, Perry B. Campbell and wife, Mildred, and Marvin L. Campbell, all of Morganton; and step-sons, Allen Mull of Drexel, NC and Jack Mull of Hickory, NC. Marjorie was a caring step-mother and friend to step-son, Kenny Patton and wife, Chris, of Icard, NC; step-daughters, Deborah Rine and husband, Mike, of Pennsylvania, Naomi Styles and husband, Roger, of Morganton, La Rue Marshall and husband, Dennis, of Advance, NC, and Diane Patton of Charlotte, NC. She had numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Earlene Propst.

In addition to her parents, Marjorie was preceded in death by her first husband, Jake Bynum Mull; her second husband, Delbert Alexander Patton; brothers, Odas L. Campbell, James B. Campbell, and Charles L. Campbell; and a sister, Annie Mae Benfield.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, June 5, 2008 at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with Marjorie’s nephew, Rev. Jerry Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery on Dysartsville Road. The family will receive friends Thursday one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the home of Marvin Campbell, 5370 Jenkins Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Memorial Baptist Church Bus Fund, 650 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dewey Edward Saunders, 86, of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born April 5, 1922 in Burke County, NC and was a son of the late Edward Washington Saunders and Nora Ann Clark Saunders. Dewey attended the Glen Alpine Schools. He was a US Coast Guard/Merchant Marine veteran of World War II. Dewey was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. Dewey was a member of Mount Home Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and former Sunday school teacher. Dewey loved his Lord and attending his beloved church.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Naomi Ida Johnson Saunders of the home; daughters, Derinda Smith and husband, David, of Morganton and Debbie Bell and husband, Ray, of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Ashley Smith of Brooklyn, NY, Aaron Smith and wife, Brooke, of Durham, NC, Christie Abernathy and husband, Jeremy, and Angie Saunders, all of Morganton, Jeremy Bell and Jamie Bell, both of Hickory, NC; a great-grandchild, Sage Abernathy; a sister, Raye Powell and husband, Jack, of Shelby, NC; and a daughter-in-law, Frances Saunders of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dewey Saunders, Jr.; brothers, Roy, Vernon, Ralph, and Bill Saunders; and a sister, Dorothy Pachan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 6, 2008 at Mount Home Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday from 2:30 until 4:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Home Baptist Church Graceful Giving Fund, 2272 Mount Home Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Christopher Jennings “Chris” Yoder, 33, of Hwy 64, died unexpectedly Monday, June 2, 2008. Chris was born August 17, 1975 in Chapel Hill, NC to Dr. Charles D. Yoder of Asheville, NC and Lynn Johnson Stancil of Charleston, SC. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Asheville, NC, and was the lead guitarist for the band, “Reason and Madness”. He was a great friend and loved by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents Chris is survived by his companion, Missy Laws, and a son, Chandler Laws Yoder, both of the home; a brother, Mark Yoder, a sister, Whitney Hall and husband Ben, nieces, Emma and Adelaide Hall, and a nephew, Gabriel Hall, all of Charleston, SC; his grandmother Evelyn Johnson of Atlanta, GA; and Missy’s parents, Mary and Marvin Kessel of Moganton.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bobby Johnson of Atlanta.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 6, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Minister Jeff Lovitt officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305-B W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Mamie Robinson Huffman Buff, 88, died Thursday, June 5, 2008, following a period of declining health. She was born April 23, 1920 in Burke County and was a daughter of the late John Lee Robinson and Mary Ida Watts Robinson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Russell Huffman; her second husband, Wade A. Buff; and by a daughter, Edith Buff. Mrs. Buff was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church.

Surviving are her daughters, Judie Huffman and her husband, Gerald, of Catawba, VA, Vickie Moss and her husband, Tim, Rachel Harmon and her husband, Jerry, Blenda Walker, and Frances Buff and her husband, Carlos, all of Morganton; her son, Russell Huffman, Jr. and his wife, Wendy, of Connelly Springs; 18 grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2008, at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with the Reverends Burl Sain, Steve Parker, Gene Huffman, and Ronnie LaFevers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Luther Eugene “Gene” Stines, Jr., 73, of Morning Star Church Rd., Morganton, NC died Sunday, June 1, 2008 at the Charles George V.A. Medical Center in Asheville, NC following a period of declining health. He was born May 30, 1935 in Walnut, NC, and was the son of the late Luther Stines and Nea Rice.

Gene is survived by his wife, Winnie Hensley Stines; sons, Daniel Stines of Morganton, Dewayne Stines and Jimmy Stines, both of Asheville, and Daine Stines of Detroit, Michigan, and Lee McIntosh and Keith McIntosh, both of Morganton; a daughter, Renee Vazquez of Campobello, SC; grandchildren, Jennifer Jordan, Jason Stines, James Stines, Jeremy Riddle, Stacy Melton, and Tyler Cartee; and great-grandchildren, Kimberly Jordan, Megan Morgan, Shaaleigh Stines, and Celeste Riddle.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Marty Bess, Rev. Bob Deviney, and Mr. Daniel Eugene Stines officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ruby A. Hice, 85, of Frye Lane, Statesville, NC, died Friday, June 6, 2008 at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on September 5, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Alvin Curtis Canipe and Mary Andrews Moody Canipe.

Ruby was a member of the First Church of God of Drexel, NC. She served the church teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school. She retired from Shadowline and moved to Lake Wells, FL. While in Lake Wells she was a member of the Church of God there from 1978 until 1990 when she moved back to NC after her husband’s death. She enjoyed gardening and crafting.

Ruby is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Coe of Statesville, NC, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Kenneth Hice; brother, Eulas Canipe, Alvin Curtis Canipe, Harold Canipe, and Charles Edward Canipe. The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, June 9, 2008 at the First Church of God of Drexel with Rev. Tony Didway officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour.

William Ray “Pee Wee” Jones, 80, of Enola Rd., Morganton, NC died Monday, June 9, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born December 18, 1927 in Gaston County, NC, and was a son of the late Marvin Jones and Bertha Parker Jones. Ray was a member of Salem United Methodist Church where he had served on the Administrative Council, as a Trustee, and as chairman of the Cemetery and Grounds committee. Pee Wee was also a member of the United Methodist Mens. He retired from Broughton Hospital and Vocational Rehab with over 56 years of service. Ray was an avid gardener, enjoyed tinkering with lawn mowers, and loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie Beth Towery Jones of the home; a son, Danny Jones and fiancé, Pat Simpson, a daughter, Gail Dula, and husband, Ronny, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Eric Jones and Ben Dula and wife, Becky, all of Morganton, and Brian Dula of Atlanta, GA; great-grandchildren, Cooper Walker Jones, Peyton Dula, and Megan Dula, all of Morganton, and Franklin Dula of Atlanta; a brother, Zeb Jones and William’s twin sister, Faye McNeilly, both of Caser, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a brother, Elbert Jones; and a sister, Leonia Hull.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Donald Freshour and Rev. Marty Bess officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall from 4:00 until 5:00 pm following the service. At other times, the family will be at the home of Danny Jones on Enola Rd. in Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1206 Salem Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Gideon’s International, PO Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Cathy Elizabeth Norman, 55, of Mount Home Church Road, Morganton, NC, passed Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on April 1, 1953, she was the daughter of Lillian Mull Norman of the home and the late Henry Lee Norman. Cathy was a member of Mount Home Baptist Church and an employee of Sherrill Furniture.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by a daughter, Sabrina Norville and husband, Jeremy, and their 6-month old son, Jacob, all of Maryland, and a sister, Doris Benfield and husband, Jim, of Morganton.

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Mount Home Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Home Baptist Church Building Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ernestine Pons Wynne Kaylor, 95, of Hillsboro Road, Taylorsville, died Friday, June 13, 2008 at her residence. She was born June 10, 1913 in Buncombe County to the late Frank and Clementine Abona Pons. Ernestine worked for Morganton Hosiery Mill and Shadowline where she retired. After retiring, she moved to Alexander County in 1995 to be near her daughter.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, William Bose Wynne; her second husband, Albert Kaylor; a sister, Elizabeth Dale; a brother, Jack Pons; and a son-in-law Harry T. Tart. Surviving are her daughter, Joanne Tart of Taylorsville; a son, Bill Wynne and wife, Donna of Birmingham, AL; a brother, Frank Pons and wife, Marie of Whittier, CA; sisters, Mary Frances Munday of Hilton Head, SC, and Henrietta Williams of Asheville; grandchildren, Camille Adams, Brian Tart, David Wynne, Scott Wynne, and Tammy Wynne; great grandchildren, Brayden Adams, Cassie Adams, Amber Tart, Quinton Tart, Ally Wynne, Wes Seiler, Sam Seiler, and Steve Seiler; and a number of nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 16, 2008, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow the service in Burke Memorial Park Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association National Office 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Danny Christopher Clark, 31, of Nolan Wood Heights, died, Friday, June 13, 2008 as the result of an automobile accident. Christopher was born in Burke County May 17, 1977. He was a member of Hartland Baptist Church. Christopher loved hunting and rodeo, a “cowboy at heart.”

He is survived by his father, Danny Delion Clark of Bennettsville, SC; mother, Vivian Young Whitley and step-father, Charles of Morganton; fiancé, Amy Fredell; daughter, Ciara Clark both of the home; brother, David Clark and wife, Jackie of Lenoir; grand parents, JoAnne Clark of Morganton and William and Wanda Young of Ohio; aunts Connie Freeman and husband, Wayne, Ruth Ann Suttle and husband, John of Morganton.

Christopher was preceded in death by his grandfather, Emory Delion Clark.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Hartland Baptist Church with the Dr. Steve Parker officiating. The family will receive friends Monday 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of David Hembree, 3531 Playmore Beach Road, Lenoir, NC. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis, Mid Atlantic Chapter, 9801-I Southern Pines Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273.

William Doyle “Bill” McNeilly, 78, of the Salem Community went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday June 15, 2008, surrounded by his family. He was born June 29, 1929 in Cleveland County to the late William Thor McNeilly and Lonnie Lane McNeilly. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Gilbert McNeilly and a sister Dorothy Ford.

Mr. McNeilly was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army. He loved the outdoors especially gardening, hunting, fishing and car racing. He was blessed with a healthy life He is survived by his wife Marian Amelia Pearson McNeilly; daughters Sharon Rogers and husband Jerry , Reggie Frady and husband Jim, and Eva McNeilly all of Morganton; Grandchildren John, Gregg, Kelly, Shannah and Brandon, nine great grandchildren, Brothers Hal McNeely, and Garry McNeely; sisters Ann Towery, Pat Brittain and Norma Fuller.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday June 17, 2008 at Burkemont Baptist Church with the Reverends David Mills, Jerry Pearson and Daniel McMahon officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors preformed by American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 Monday June 16, 2008 at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until being place in the church 30 minutes prior to the service.

Memorials in Mr. McNeilly memory may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese NC 28690.

Eric Alan Presnell, 22, of Powell Dr. Ext., Valdese died Monday, June 16, 2008, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was born in Catawba County on October 27, 1985 and was a son of Kenneth Lee Presnell of Glen Alpine and Lorraine Jones Presnell of Valdese. Eric worked as a guard at Foothills Correctional Institution.

Surviving in addition to his parents are brothers, Kevin Presnell of Valdese and Timmy Presnell of Glen Alpine; sisters, Sarah Presnell of Valdese and Christy Presnell of Dysartsville; paternal grandmother, Marie Huffman, of Vilas, NC; maternal grandmother, Joan Jones of Creston, NC; and his fiancée, Christy Bailey of Gastonia.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Glen Alpine First Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the church. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Barbara C. Allen, 75, of Parker Lane, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born March 23, 1933 in Harnett Co., NC, and was a daughter of the late Andrew Jackson Cooper and Ethel Ennis Cooper. Barbara was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church. She was very devoted to her family, and loved spending time with her grandchildren and traveling.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 55 years, June Allen of the home; a daughter, Beverly Senter and husband, Russell, of Morganton; grandchildren, Stephanie Senter and Cassandra Senter; a brother, Thomas Cooper, and a sister, Betty Hudson, both of Coats, NC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Cooper.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2008 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. David Mills and Rev. Tom Lineberger officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 until 2 pm at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James William Hosch, III, 79, of Linville Heights, Paddy’s Creek Rd., Nebo, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008. He was born in Jefferson County, Ala. on November 18, 1928 and was a son of the late James William Hosch, Jr. and Zula Leon Tanner Hosch. Mr. Hosch was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and was a professor of Special Education at Appalachian State University. He leaves a legacy of love for Special Ed in the teachers he has taught at Appalachian. “A man is not known by the things he has, but by what he leaves behind.”

Surviving are his daughters, Suzanne Marie Hosch and her husband, John L. Dice, of Fletcher, NC, Sharon Elaine Burris and her husband, Kevin, of Mt. Pleasant, NC, and Stacey Anne Lowman of Valdese; grandchildren, Matthew James Koppi, Kathryn Leigh Koppi, William Tanner Koppi, Joshua Ray Pope, and Austin Lewis Drum; and great-grandchildren, Christine Monica Marie Koppi and Sara Elizabeth Leigh Koppi.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics North Carolina, 2200 Gateway Center Blvd. Suite 201, Morrisville, NC 27560-9122. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Paul S. Grady, 84, of Burkemont Road, Morganton, NC, died Friday, June 20, 2008 at Grace Hospital. A graveside service was held Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery. Sossoman Funeral Home assisting the family with the arrangements.

Eugene Henderson, 81, of Doe Run, Morganton, NC, died Friday, June 20, 2008 at his residence. Born in Henderson County, NC on May 18, 1927, he was the son of the late Ivey Henderson and Ethel Waldroup Henderson. Eugene was a naval veteran of WWII. He was vice-president of Merchant Transport, Inc. in West Palm Beach, FL for thirty-five years.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Margaret Lucille Ventry Henderson of the home; sons, Danny Henderson and wife, Brenda, of New Port Richey, FL and Michael Henderson, and wife, Graceanna, of West Palm Beach, FL; a daughter, Peggy Hackeman and husband, Richard, of Glen Alpine, NC; a sister, Betty Stepp of Saluda, NC; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at Morganton Freedom Church of God with Rev. Todd Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. before the service. The graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Hillcrest Assembly of God Cemetery in Hayesville, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morganton Freedom Church of God, 1314 North Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Bonnie Anthony Carswell Yancey, 77, of Seitz Road, Morganton, a most loving mother, wife, and grandmother entered into her eternal rest on June 22, 2008 at Frye Regional Hospital. She was born March 25, 1931 to the late Boyce Anthony and Eller Craig Anthony. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Jessie C. Anthony; a son, Kenneth Carswell; a sister, Mary Ellen Matthews; a half-brother, Cyrus Anthony; a half-sister, Azile Chapman; and a grandson, Kelley Carswell.

Mrs. Yancey is survived by her husband, Joe C. Yancey of the home; sons, Alford Carswell, Edward Carswell, and Jerry Carswell all of Drexel; daughters, Brenda Nalley of Morganton, and Linda Annas of Valdese; a brother, Robert “Bud” Anthony of Maiden; four half-brothers all of Morganton sisters Dorothy Daniel, and Ruby Bowman, both of Morganton; two half-sisters of Taylorsville and Morganton; step-children Bobby Denton of Georgia, Betty Parlier of Morganton, Della Barnes of Shelby, Rosie Mayhue of Lattimore, Johnny Yancey of Shelby, Joe Yancey of Roebuck, S.C., Darlene Calahan of Fort Mills, S.C., Jessie Yancey of Welford, S.C., Ernest Yancey of Kings Mountain, Dora Hudgens of Moseboro, Billy Yancey of Shelby, Bobby Yancey of Rutherford County and Lula Howard of Hawkinsville, N.Y. along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Sam Abee and Carol Anthony officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Lueann Wilcox “Peanut” Moody, 37, of Silver Creek Church Rd. Ext., Morganton, NC died Sunday, June 22, 2008 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. She was born September 12, 1970 in Avery County, NC, and was a daughter of the Lois Carlene Townsend Nelson of Lenoir, NC, and the late Jasper Leroy Nelson, Jr. Lueann was a member of Celia Creek Baptist Church in Lenoir.

In addition to her mother, Lueann is survived by her husband, Sam Allen Moody, Sr. of the home; sons, Sammy Allen Moody, Jr. and Dusty Moody and his wife, Tiffany, all of Morganton; a daughter, Jessica Leeann Moody and fiancée, Jeremy Williams, of Morganton; brothers, Ricky Nelson and Randy Nelson, both of Lenoir, and Roy Nelson of Morganton; sisters, Shelby Murphy of Pineville, SC, and Lori McElyea and Carla Nelson, both of Lenoir.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Celia Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Shew officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Following the services, the family will gather at the home of Randy and Tara Nelson, 222 Whitnel Place, Lenoir, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, PO Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680, to help with funeral expenses.

Floy Ross Berry Propst, 90, of Paul Shuping Avenue, Morganton, NC died Thursday, June 26, 2008 following a period of declining health. She was born October 16, 1917 in Burke County, NC to the late Pinkney Ross and Emma Poteet Ross and was the last surviving child of twelve. Floy was a member of Grace Baptist Church and also a long time member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church where she sang in the choirs. Floy was a retired employee of Broughton Hospital. She was a generous donor to worthy causes, and one of her favorite sayings was “the more you give, the more you have to give”.

Floy is survived by sons, Ralph Berry and wife, Billie Ann, and James Berry, Sr., and wife, Freda, all of Morganton; daughters, Edith Berry Waddell and husband, George, of Morganton, and Mary Ellen Wagner of Kannapolis, NC; stepchildren, Louise Abernathy and Vernon Propst and his wife, Edna, all of Morganton; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, brothers, and sisters, Floy was preceded in death by her first husband, Alvin W. Berry; her second husband, Melvin A. Propst, Sr.; and a daughter, Helen Louise Berry.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Marty Bess officiating. Burial will follow at Burkemont Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:30 until 3:30 pm at Grace Baptist Church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of George and Edith Waddell, 1719 Paul Shuping Avenue, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church Mission Fund, PO Box 8026, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund, 5612 John Watts Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mae C. Ramsey, 92, of Locust Street, Valdese, NC died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at College Pines Health Center following a period of declining health. She was born in Haywood County, NC on September 4, 1915 to the late Wilburn Clements and Margaret B. Medford.

Surviving are sons, Charles W. Ramsey, and Clifton Poe Ramsey and his wife, Jean, all of Morganton; a daughter, Revonda Puckett and husband, Danny, of Morganton; grandsons, Michael Ramsey, Christopher Ramsey, Clay Ramsey, Tommy Sinker, Barry Sinker, and John Ramsey; granddaughters, Marti Ward, Leslie Keller, Pam Brittian, and Melissa Bagan; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Penland and husband, Oliver, of Swannanoa, NC, and Lois Schrack of Tulsa, OK; a special nephew, David Paris and wife, Joyce, of Swannanoa; and a number of other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles C. Ramsey; and a grandson, Mark A. Puckett.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Ralph May and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Derek A. Berry, 44, of John Reep St., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Grace Hospital. He was born December 29, 1963 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of Patsy Carolyn Smith Berry, and the late Edwin Wayne Berry. Derek was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, the outdoors, and creating unique pieces of woodwork.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Casey Berry of the home; a step-son, Dakota Huffaker of Morganton; a brother, Adam Berry and wife, Shelby, of Pennsylvania; a sister, Wendy Miller and husband, Bryan, of Morganton; and nephews, Jordan Reece, Justin Bryant, Jacob Berry, and Anthony Berry.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Service with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, PO Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to help with funeral expenses.

Stuart John Ross, 51, of Huffman Street, Morganton, NC, died Friday, June 27, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Miami, FL on November 15, 1956, he was the son of Virginia Chevin Ross and the late Jay George Ross, Sr. Stu was a former employee of Triangle Contractors in Morganton. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, and golfing. Stuart was a very talented artist in many media including metal and stained glass.

Mr. Ross is survived by his wife, Sylvia Ammons Ross; daughters, Angel Ross Byrd and husband, Dennis, of Lenoir, NC, Donna Ross Sells and husband, Matt, of Santa Monica, CA, and Casey Ross of Morganton; grandchildren, Hannah Morgan, Grayson Morgan, Miranda Byrd, and Brandon Byrd; brothers, Jay G. Ross, Jr. of Orange City, FL and Robert Ross of Jacksonville, FL; and sisters, Melissa Brewer and Jeanne Ames, both of Tallahassee, FL.

Stuart’s family wishes to express their gratitude to Hospice and the medical staff on 6th Floor North at Grace Hospital for their wonderful care.

The memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Steve Sells officiating. 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 of the wife, 102 Butler Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Patrick Lee Johnson, 55, of Bill Epley Road, Morganton, NC, died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on June 30, 1952 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late James and Maxine Johnson. Patrick was a member of Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church and worked as an auto mechanic.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Anderson Johnson of the home; children, Tonya Gentry and husband, Wayne, of Icard, NC, Jimmy Ollis of Morganton, Kimberly Braswell of Lenoir, NC, and Angela Burgess and husband, Chris, of Morganton; a step-son, Jesse Penley of Morganton; a brother, Joe Johnson and wife, Kate, of Morganton; a sister, Donna Cooper and husband, Ken, of Morganton; and four grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Sheridan officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home thirty minutes prior to the service.

Margaret “Missy” Kessel Laws, 44, of US 64 West, Morganton, NC died Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Born in Craven Co., NC on July 19, 1963, she was the daughter of Marvin Lee Kessel and Mary Lee Riles Kessel of Morganton.

Missy was a member of Brown Mountain Baptist Church. She devoted her life to her son. She was a dedicated and loyal employee of Southern Devices. A daddy’s girl, she loved all she met and her home was always open to family and friends. She managed the band “Reason and Madness” and was a major part of “Cans for James,” a Burke United Christian Ministries fundraiser.

In addition to her parents, Missy is survived by her son, Chandler Laws of the home; and a brother, Marvin Lee Kessel, Jr.

Missy was preceded in death by her fiancée, Chris Yoder.

The funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. John Mayo officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305-B, West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.