Wayne “Big Wayne” Orders, 49, of Crystal Creek Road, Morganton, NC died unexpectedly, July 1, 2008 at Moses Cone Hospital due to a trucking accident. He was born January 24, 1959 in Burke County, NC, and was the son of the late Charles Winfred Orders and Martha Nell Ross Orders. Wayne was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He loved fishing, boating, and working on cars, and enjoyed being a truck driver.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Freeman Orders of the home; sons, Bill Freeman and wife, Kim, of Morganton, and Dwayne Orders and wife, Michelle, of Grover, NC; sisters, Pat Beach and husband, Larry, Wanda Orders, and Crystal South, and husband, Ronnie, all of Morganton, Libby Estep and husband, Charlie, of Kingsport, TN, and Brenda South and Ben Rust, of Old Fort, NC; grandchildren, Kaleb Freeman, Kalay Freeman, Andrew Freeman, Trystian Orders, and Jacob Jarrell, and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. David Orders officiating. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 4740 Crystal Creek Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church, 3396 Pea Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Carole Ree Kramer of Lake James, NC passed into Paradise on June 30, 2008. Those cherishing her memory are her husband, Don Kramer and her daughter, Jenee Kramer both of the home; her mother, Marie Mihay, her sister and family, Nancy Corbeille all of Waterford, MI.

Carole was born in Pontiac, MI on December 30, 1942, a daughter of Marie Mihay and the late Pete Mihay. She received her degree in elementary education at Michigan State University and was a special education teacher in the Waterford School district, Waterford, MI until she retired to Morganton, NC in 1995. In her retirement she especially enjoyed painting, scrap booking, water aerobics, singing in her church choir at North Morganton United Methodist Church, being a Red Hatter, and playing with her beloved Westie, Star.

A celebration of Carole’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 5, 2008 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tony Matthews officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. A funeral and burial will be Monday in Waterford, MI. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Virginia Anderson Davis, 68, of Clearwater Dr., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Virginia was born October 22, 1940 in Wilson, NC. She was the daughter of the late Will P. Anderson and Virginia Scott Anderson. Educated in the Wilson schools, she graduated from St. Mary’s College in Raleigh, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and received her masters degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. She worked in the Basic Skills Program at Wilson Technical Institute, ultimately becoming director of the program. After her marriage to Bill Davis and her move to Morganton, she joined the Basic Skills Program at Western Piedmont Community College, eventually becoming director of the program. She retired from Western Piedmont in 2006. Virginia was formerly a board member of Burke County Literacy Council. She was a former member of the Morganton Service League. She formerly worked with the Grace Church altar and flower arranging guilds. One of her proudest accomplishments was the recent completion of mediation training, which she looked forward to using. She loved working in the yard with her flowers and plants.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; son, Troy J. Furr, III of New York City; stepsons, William Davis, Jr. and wife, Elaine of Woodbine, GA, Jon M. Davis of Morrisville, NC and Don M. Davis and wife, Rebecca of Cary, NC; and her sister, Ann Scott Knight of Tampa, FL, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of the life of Virginia Davis will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 303 South King Street, Morganton, NC at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 5, 2008 with The Reverends Berry Kramer and Connie Connelly officiating. Visitation will follow the service in the church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Grace Episcopal Endowment, 303 South King Street, Morganton, NC 28655; Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd. Valdese, NC 28690; or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 2759, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Pao Ze Yang, 46, of Gilesbrook St., Morganton, NC died Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Duke University Medical Center. He was born in Laos on July 18, 1961 and was a son of Chue Pao Yang and Mao Vang.

He is survived by his wife, Choua Thao, of the home; sons, Yong Yee Yang of Charlotte, Teexa Yang, Chinou Yang, and Cheg Leng Yang, all of Morganton; and daughters, Pa Houa Yang and Sheng Yang both of Charlotte, and Gerr Yang Khang of Hickory.

Services will be held at Sossoman Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon and from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5, 2008 and from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

Ivey Lee Reavis, 63, of Knoxville, TN died Tuesday, July 1, 2008. He was born in Madison County, NC on August 19, 1944 and was a son of the late Levi Reavis and Pearl English Gillespie. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Sue Boyd Reavis. Ivey owned and operated Ton Wan Leather Products and Mountain Hawk Leather Products of Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, TN.

Surviving are his daughter, Allison Reavis Wyatt of Ellenboro, NC; grandchildren, Chris Thompson and Lee Ann Conner; great-grandchildren, Nick Conner and Danielle McEntire; and brother, Ronald Gillespie, of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2008 at the Patton Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Dr. Robert Barrett Gahagan, Sr., 84, of Morganton, NC, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born in Fairfax, VA on December 8, 1923, he was the son of the late Robert Todd Gahagan and Millicent Larue Barrett Gahagan. He was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Robert is survived by his wife, Patricia Hamaker Gahagan; two sons, Robert Barrett Gahagan, Jr. and wife, LuAnn, of Norfolk, VA, John Frederick Gahagan and wife, Judith, of Richmond, VA; a daughter, Patricia Stuart Winfree and husband, William Joseph, of Richmond; and grandchildren, Robert Barrett Gahagan, III, Jennifer Colleen Winfree, and Joseph Todd Winfree.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother, James Gahagan.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church with Rev Dr. Mike Odum and Rev. W. Joseph Winfree officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will held at 3:00 p.m, Tuesday, July 8, 2008 in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catawba Valley Baptist Church Building Fund, 107 Valley View Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Verona M. Setzer, 79, of England Way, Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, July 4, 2008 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC following a period of declining health. She was born June 10, 1929 in St. Paul, VA, and was a daughter of the late Russell James McReynolds. Verona was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she is survived by children, Terry Puckett, Sandy Hutchinson, Ginger Gunn, Linda Parker, James Puckett, Danny Setzer, Lynn Setzer, Roxie Colburn, Mae Rollins, Neal Blackwell, and Shelia Hull; 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mae Seagull and husband, Don, of Roanoke, VA; and a brother, Jimmy McReynolds and wife, Sue, of Pound, VA.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Earl Setzer.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m, Sunday, July 13, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Earl Cross officiating. Burial will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church, 210 Brookwood Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Carol Boyden Cotter, 74, of Farmland Acres, died Friday, July 4, 2008. Mrs. Cotter was born June 18, 1934 in Pensacola, Florida to the late Joseph Lester Boyden and Margaret Sclease Boyden. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Cotter.

She is survived by a son, Michael Scott Cotter and wife Robin of Morganton; a daughter, Kimberly Cotter Nance of Valdese; grandchildren, Robert L. Cotter and Michael R. Cotter of Morganton; brothers, William Boyden of Savannah, GA and Michael Boyden of Panama FL; sisters, Joan Boyden Kemp of Denver, CO and Susan Boyden Barrett of Pensacola, FL

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 7, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Henry Bingham officiating. Following the service a reception will be held at the home of the daughter, Kim Nance, 400 Belview Ave. NE, Valdese.

The Rev. William Garner Davidson, 89, of 103 Shallowford Way, died early Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Lila Doyle Nursing Care Facility after an extended illness. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 PM until 8 PM at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. A funeral and home-going celebration will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Central, SC. The body then will be taken to Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church in Glen Alpine, NC where Rev. Davidson was a pastor for many years. The body will lie in state from 3:30 PM until 4:00 PM at Gibbs Chapel, followed by a graveside service at the church cemetery.

Born in May 13, 1919, he was the son of the late Sophia Grace Turner Davidson and James Hastings Davidson, the ninth of 10 children. He served in World War II as a Private First Class in the US Army stationed in England and France. He later graduated with three degrees from Central Wesleyan College, where he proudly served twice as student body president and ran the college bookstore. Rev. Davidson began his 39 years of service as an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church in 1952 at Radford, VA. Rev. Davidson then served at Old Zion Wesleyan in Tabor City, NC; Brevard (NC) Wesleyan; Gibbs Chapel in Glen Alpine, NC; Hayworth Memorial in High Point, NC; and Concord (NC) Wesleyan Church. He retired in 1991 as a reserved general evangelist and also as pastor emeritus at Gibbs Chapel. He always Put others before himself, loved to garden and even more to sing. Quoting Scripture until the end, W.G. always set an example of being a gentleman, a Christian husband, and loved to share his faith by "spreading the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Phroney Mae Warren Davidson of the home; five sons, Stephen Timothy Davidson of Siler City, NC, Paul Mark Davidson, Philip Bart Davidson, both of Seneca, SC, John Daniel Davidson of Concord, NC, and James Thomas Davidson of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Elizabeth Whitener of Anderson, SC, and Doris Davidson of Rock Hill, SC; and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Trinity Wesleyan Church Missions Fund; 700 Isaqueena Trail; Central, SC 29630.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.

Shawn Allen Baird, 24, of Old Amherst Circle, Morganton, died unexpectedly Sunday, July 6, 2008 at Grace Hospital. He was born on August 9, 1983 in Gainesville, GA and was a son of Grace Ingram Baird and the late Bobby F. Baird. Shawn had formerly worked at Continental Teves, Valdese Manufacturing and Friday Staffing. He was raised up in Morganton Church of God.

In addition to his mother with whom he made his home, Shawn is survived by his wife, Weena Faye Baird; brother, Robert Nepaul Baird, of Charleston, SC; his birth mother, Rhonda Baird Moore, of Wisconsin; and a number of cousins.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Sam Abee officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral Home.

Mr. Joseph Harold Black, 86, of Glen Alpine, NC died Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at Grace Hospital. He was born August 6, 1921 in Burke County to the late William “Bud” and Annie White Black. He was a resident of Burke County for most of his life except during World War II where he and his wife, Mary, worked for the shipyards near Baltimore, MD. Harold retired from Broughton Hospital as the grounds supervisor. His love for beautiful flowers and shrubs was well known throughout Burke County. Harold was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Glen Alpine where he served as a trustee and had been a deacon for many years.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Mary Stephens Black of the home; a son, Steve Black and wife, Tish, of Gay, Georgia; a daughter, Olivia Ann Byrd and husband, Royce of Glen Alpine; a brother, Ralph Black and wife, Estelle, of Morganton; sisters, Lenore Ann Cornelius of Birmingham, AL and Ruby Nell Graybeal and husband, Frank, of Morganton; grandchildren, Lee Byrd of Cherokee, NC, Jon Byrd of Hickory, NC, Allison Black of Washington, DC, and Taylor Black and wife, Sheryl, of Atlanta, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Black.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Friday, July 11, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Glen Alpine with Rev. Michael Brown and Chaplin Ted Swann officiating. Burial will follow in the Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 11 am until 12 noon at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or the First Baptist Church Building Fund of Glen Alpine, PO Box 557, Glen Alpine, NC 28628. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clyde Nelson Ross, Sr., 63 of Dellwood Dr., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born August 25, 1944, he was a son of the late James Atwood Ross and Lula Belle Puett Ross. He was a U. S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and was a graduate of Gardner Webb University. Clyde was retired from the N. C. Department of Corrections where he had served for over thirty years. For over fifty years, he was an active Boy Scout and Scout Leader. He had served as Scoutmaster of Troop 197 in Glen Alpine and had served the scouting organization at the troop, Table Rock District, and Piedmont Council levels. Mr. Ross had received many awards and recognitions from the Boy Scouts of America including one of scoutings highest honors, The Silver Beaver Award. Clyde was a lifelong member of Glen Alpine First Baptist Church where he had served as a Deacon. He loved his Lord, and was a very faithful husband, father, and paw paw. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Albert and Ben Ross and his sisters, Martha Orders and Inez Ledbetter.

Surviving are his wife, Norma Byrd Ross of the home; a son, Clyde N. “Chip” Ross, Jr. and his wife, Dawn of Morganton; his grandsons, who were his pride and joy, Kaleb and Brandon; a sister, Betty Sue Reece of Glen Alpine; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 13, 2008 at Glen Alpine First Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael Brown officiating. Entombment with military honors will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the residence at 210 Dellwood Dr. Memorial gifts may be made to Glen Alpine First Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 205, Glen Alpine, NC 28628 or to Boy Scout Troop 197, 210 Dellwood Dr., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Brandon Keith Pritchard, 26, of Camp Meeting Road, Connelly Springs, NC, died Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Born in Burke County, NC on November 25, 1981, he was the son of Charles Keith Pritchard of Morganton and Pamela Jean Pittman Logsdon of Connelly Springs.

In addition to his parents, Brandon is survived by his daughter whom he loved very much, Mickenzie Nicole Pritchard of Morganton; Mickenzie’s mother, Brandy Hardin of Morganton; a maternal grandmother, Glenda Pittman of Connelly Springs; and a paternal grandmother, Ethel Watts of Morganton.

Brandon was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Paul Pittman and Charles Pritchard.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dewayne Buchanan 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 of the mother, 6465 Camp Meeting Road, Connelly Springs, or the father, 116 Filter Plant Road, Morganton.

Billy Vanhorn, 74, of Hwy 18 South, Connelly Springs, NC, died Wednesday, July 09, 2008 at the Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC following a period of declining health. Billy was born in Burke County, NC on January 5, 1934.

Mr. Vanhorn is survived by a number of cousins.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St. John’s Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends the funeral home thirty minutes prior to the service.

Brenda Dianne Higgins, 64, of Lytle Dr., Morganton, NC died Friday, July 11, 2008 at Grace Hospital following several years of declining health. Born in Thomasville, NC on January 20, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Walter Harrison Daniels and Helen Inez Brewer Daniels. Brenda was employed for twenty-six years at Carolina Shoe and then worked for seven years at Ingles Supermarket. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence Reid Daniels.

Surviving are her husband, Bobby Ray Higgins of the home; daughters, Lisa Dianne Higgins and Tim Rogers of Morganton, Kimberly Dawn Higgins and David Johnson of Lincolnton, NC, and Donna Jean Koontz and her husband, Kenneth of Lexington, NC; grandchildren, Jeffrey Ray Norman, Brittany Nicole Greene, Dustin Douglas Wyatt, Amber Dawn Wyatt, Rodney Alton Lee and his wife, Jennifer, and Donna Renee Surratt; great grandchildren, Christain Brandon Lee, Grayson Lynn Lee, and Jerry Wayne “Trey” Surratt, III; and a brother, Paul Harrison Daniels of Denton, NC.

The funeral for Mrs. Higgins will be private. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting.

Wilburn A. Newton, 91, of NC 126, Morganton, NC died Saturday, July 12, 2008 at College Pines Nursing Center in Valdese, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Casar, NC on April 12, 1917, he was the son of the late David Z. Newton and Octavia Ledford Newton.

Wilburn was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, during which he served in the South Atlantic and South Pacific on the U.S.S. Nelson and the U.S.S. Christopher. He was employed at Great Lakes Carbon Corporation for 32 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he was a dedicated member of the Mens Wesley Bible Class. Wilburn was an avid gardener. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, he will be greatly missed.

Wilburn is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doshia Johnson Newton of the home; a son, Andy Newton and wife, Terry, of Morganton; a daughter, Brenda Simmons and husband, Gary, of Kingsport, TN; a grandson, Scott Simmons and wife, Stephanie, of Knoxville, TN; a great-grandson, Hunter Scott; half-brothers, Jack Newton and wife, Joanne, of Casar and D.Z. Newton of Sarasota, FL; a half-sister, Ruth Lindsey of Lenoir, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Wilburn was preceded in death by brothers, Edward, Jasper, Cletus, Coye, and Douglas Newton; and sisters, Hettie Bridges, Emma Willis, and Etta Hipps.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. Holly Adams officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church fifteen minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Frances Burgin Fredell, 83, of Magnolia Dr., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord, Monday, July 14, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born March 22, 1925 in Rutherford County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Charles Burgin and Hattie Burgin Connelly. Frances attended Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church, and loved to read. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother.

Frances is survived by children, Tony Burgin of Johnson City, TN, Barbara Tallent of Vale, NC, Rev. Jimmy Gallion of Jonas Ridge, NC, Juanita V. Xavier of Stallings, NC, Sharon Rose Dale of Glen Alpine, NC, Elizabeth Patton and Rev. Paul Mace, Jr., both of Morganton, and Rev. Allen Fredell of Charleston, SC; a sister, Helen McJenkins of Lenoir, NC; a sister-in-law, Donna Burgin of Chimney Rock, NC; 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 19 great great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Benjamin Mace, Sr; her second husband, William Ralph Alfonzo Fredell; son, Markus Mace; daughter, Donna Fredell; brother, John C. Burgin; and sisters, Virginia Madlock, Dorothy Fredell, and Bearnice Locklear.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Morganton Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Qurollo and Frances’s grandson, Rev. John W. Terry officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Randolph and Elizabeth Patton, Bill Epley Avenue, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Richard Allen Freeman, Jr., 61, of Cascade St., Morganton, NC died Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Grace Hospital. He was born May 12, 1947 in New York City, NY, and was the son of the late Richard Allen Freeman and Eula Elizabeth Warner Freeman.

Richard is survived by his wife, Therese Snider Freeman of the home; sons, Colby Webster Freeman, Richard Allen Freeman, III, Adam Jeffery Freeman, and Jacob Joseph Freeman, all of Raleigh, NC; a daughter, Nicole Freeman Finley and husband, Scott, of Raleigh; sisters, Elizabeth Freeman Gephant of Raleigh, and Emily Carson Freeman of Emerald Isle, NC; 3 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 Noon, Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the First Assembly of God Church in Raleigh. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sudan Project, c/o First Assembly of God, 3249 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Paul David Ramsey, 80, of Oakland Avenue, Drexel, NC died Monday, July 14, 2008 at Valdese Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born March 10, 1928 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Fred and Myrtle Garrison Ramsey. Paul was a member of the Morganton First Church of God. He was a US Marine Corp veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, and a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. After returning home, he served as the interim Police Chief for the town of Drexel, and also owned and operated a local service station in downtown. Paul was a retired employee of McLean Trucking Company with 32 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Fender Ramsey of the home; a son, Rick Ramsey and wife, Kathy, of Drexel; a daughter, Paula Page and husband, Kurt, of Drexel; grandchildren, Lance Ramsey, Halee Pinnix, and Megan Ramsey; and number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Ramsey; and a sister, Imogene Ramsey Maye.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Morganton First Church of God with the Reverends Don Smith, Terry McGarrity, and John Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Drexel First Church of God Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 3:30 until 4:45 pm at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morganton First Church of God, PO Box 1404, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Roger Caraway, 67, of 4011 Sherwood Heights Road, Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on April 21, 1941, he was the son of the late Howard Stokes Caraway and Lucy Norman Caraway. Roger was a member of Smyrna Baptist Church. For twenty-four years he was an insurance representative for Liberty Life and Jefferson Pilot. In 2002 he retired from Broughton Hospital. Roger loved to garden and loved his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patsy Grigg Caraway of the home; children, Howard Stokes Caraway II and wife, Beth, of Huntsville, AL, Dowd Evans Caraway and wife, Rena, of Morganton, and Gretchen Lynn Caraway of Morganton; brothers, Jack Caraway of Waynesboro, VA and Harold Douglas Caraway of Morganton; sisters, Ella Mae Beck of Connelly Springs, NC, Frankie Herd of Morganton, Ethel Hunsicker of Bloomington, IN, and Nora Poist of Burke, VA; grandchildren, Garrett Caraway, Erin Caraway, Alexandria Caraway, Colton Caraway, Lillian Yardley, and Parker Wayne Yardley; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his son, Roger Wayne Caraway, Jr. and a sister, Betty Fulbright.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence on Sherwood Heights Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Baptist Church, 3500 Brown Mountain Beach Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

William Patrick “Pat” Hubbard, Sr., 59, of Summers Rd., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at his residence following several years of declining health. Born August 25, 1948 in Caldwell County, NC, he was a son of the late Lawrence D. and Hazel Walker Hubbard. Pat was a licensed funeral director and embalmer and had worked at Mackie Funeral Home, Granite Falls, NC, Kirksey Funeral Home in Marion, Morganton, and Valdese, and Sossoman Funeral Home, Morganton. He was a Vietnam veteran honorably serving his country for six years with the Marine Corps and seven years with the Army. He was an avid fisherman who loved spending time on area rivers and lakes and surf fishing at the Outer Banks. Pat was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Fran Miller.

Surviving are his wife, Nancy Lowman Hubbard of the home; sons, William Patrick Hubbard, Jr. and his wife, Sharon, Michael Lee Hubbard and his wife, Angela, Dee Russell Hubbard all of Granite Falls, and Marty Allen Rector and his wife, Susan of Connelly Springs, NC; a brother, Phillip Lawrence “Hub” Hubbard and his wife, Gloria of Sawmills, NC; a sister, Becky Helton and her husband, Mike of Hickory; and four grandchildren, Morgan, Mason, Rodney, and Jody.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Brady Adkins and Rev. Charles Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in Smart’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors by the Marine Corps League, Table Rock Detachment. The family will receive friends Sunday at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence, 1063 Summers Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to New Grace Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Rev. Dr. Brady Adkins, 3685 Jack Green Estate Place, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Born in Morganton, NC on November 24, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Phifer and Hattie Avery Ervin. She was a 1949 graduate of Freedman High School in Lenoir, NC. After high school Louvenia attended and graduated from Spearetta Beauty College of Charlotte, NC in 1950. In 1951 she moved to Long Island, NY where she met her husband William Donald Butler and married in 1954. Louvenia was a member of St. Agnes Cathedral Church in Rockville Centre, NY. She worked for several years at Quality Care of Rockville Centre, NY as a health care aid.

In 1998 she moved back to Morganton to care for her sister Ruth O. Ervin. While in Morganton she attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband William Donald Butler; her brother, Godfrey W. Ervin; and sisters, Myra E. Ervin and Ruth O. Ervin.

Louvenia is survived by her son, Donald William Butler, of the home; her daughter Linda Marie Butler, of the home; two sister-in-laws, Reatha Ervin of Lenoir, NC, Jean Green of New York; and a brother-in-law, Robert Butler of New York. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 19, 2008 at Sossoman Funeral Home with Father Kenneth Whittington and Wesley Hendrix officiating . The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Louvenia to the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island 3281 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Suite E-13 Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 or the Western Carolina Chapter 3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte, NC 28215-3220.

Ethel Watts Stogner, 82, of Wedgewood Ct., Morganton, NC and formerly of Aspen Lane in Rockingham, NC, died Monday, July 21, 2008 at Grace Hospital. She was born January 6, 1926 in Richmond Co., NC, and was a daughter of the late R.H. and Hepsy Gore Watts. A lifelong resident of Rockingham, NC, Ethel graduated from Rockingham High School and then continued her education with a career in bookkeeping. Ethel worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Privett’s Furniture Company and Belk’s Department Store, and was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. Ethel had been a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Rockingham, NC since 1972 where she retired as the secretary-treasurer. She also served in other capacities including choir member, Sunday school teacher, and chairperson of the Benevolence Committee. Ethel moved to Morganton in the fall of 2007 to live with her daughter and family. She attended the First Baptist Church and was a member of the Dorcas Sunday school class. Ethel was known for her dry wit and keen sense of humor.

Surviving are her daughter, Patricia Stogner Bland and husband, Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr., of Morganton; grandchildren, Eleanor and Edward Bland; and a sister, Virginia Russell-Gee and husband, John Gee, of Rockingham. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Margaret Watts, her son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Teresa Watts and their daughter, Natalie, a sister-in-law, Dorothy Hodges, a brother-in-law, Billy Stogner, and their families, all of Rockingham. Ethel’s family would like to express their thanks to her caregivers, Pearlene Norman and Margie Patton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward H. Stogner; and a brother, Marvin C. “Bert” Watts.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Rockingham with Rev. Delane Burris and Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton, and Thursday at Mount Olive Baptist Church from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Olive Christian Child Care, c/o Mount Olive Baptist Church, 596 E. Washington St. Extension, Rockingham, NC 28379, or to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680, or to a charity of personal choice.

Mr. Ezra Charles “Chalee” Rutherford a devoted husband, beloved father and decorated Vietnam Veteran went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 20, 2008 at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus Ohio. He was born on January 12, 1951 in McDowell County to the late Gilbert Rutherford and Lottie O’Neal Rutherford. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Edward Rutherford, and Thomas Rutherford; sisters, Annie Francis and Ethel Avery.

Mr. Rutherford was a member of the St. John’s AME church. He had graduated from McDowell Technical College with a electrical Degree and had attended Ohio State University for two years. He retired with thirty years of services from General Motors as a journeyman, where he won numerous awards. He was over Communications in the Ohio National Air Guard at Rickenbacker Air Force Base for many years. A Vietnam Veteran, “Chalee” earned numerous medals. He loved to play his Guitar, sky dive travel and drive race cars at Daytona Race Way.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Poole Rutherford of the home; daughter, Amy Nicole Rutherford of the home; brothers, James Rutherford and wife, Lynell of Nebo, Robert Rutherford of Forest City and Dan Rutherford and wife, Lucille of Marion, Lewis Rutherford of Nebo, Arell Rutherford and wife, Peggy of Shelby, Melton Rutherford of Columbus, Ohio, and Sidney Rutherford of Morganton; a host of aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; mother and father in-law, Cynthia D. and Walter M. Poole and a number of sisters and brother in-laws.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Friday, July 25, 2008 at St. John’s A.M.E. Church with the Reverends Debra Smith, Tommy Carpenter and Willis Camp officiating. Burial will follow at McElrath A.M.E. Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dorothy Wellmon Boone, 80, of Rutherford College, died Friday, July 25, 2008. She was born September 23, 1927 in Cleveland Co., NC, to the late B.S. Wellmon and Mabel Postan Wellmon. Mrs. Boone was a member of Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Harris Boone; and brothers, Charles Hershel Wellmon, and Curtis Lee Wellmon; and a sister, Elizabeth Frances Wellmon.

Mrs. Boone is survived by her brothers, Alvin Eugene Wellmon of Rutherford College, and Carl Franklin Wellmon of Drexel; sisters Nina Kirk Wellmon, and Mabel Joy Wellmon both of Drexel, and Willie W. Annas of Rutherford College.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 28, 2008 at Forest Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Curran Welch officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 127, Rutherford College, NC 28671.

Elizabeth Tilson Byerly, 77, of Gillam St., Morganton died Sunday, July 27, 2008 following a period of declining health. She was born in Charleston, SC on October 18, 1930 and was a daughter of the late Milton Earl Tilson Sr. and Amy Frances Fash Tilson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry William Byerly; a brother, Milton Earl Tilson, Jr., and a great-granddaughter, Maddison Garrington. Mrs. Byerly was a retired employee of Estes Plumbing.

Elizabeth was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Ellen Brittain and her husband, Rick, Susan Byerly Walker and her husband, Mark, and Amy Dyson all of Morganton; grandchildren, Ashley Garrington and her husband, John, Kirk Brittain, Elizabeth Rudicill and her husband, Clay, Joshua Mark Walker, and Steven and Hannah Dyson; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Courtney Garrington and Lauren and Katherine Rudicill; a brother, William Tilson of Myrtle Beach, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Alan Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral service. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Historic Salisbury National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Bertha Lee Hunter, 91, of Leonard Avenue, Newton, NC, died Monday, July 28, 2008 at Abernethy Laurels following a period of declining health. Born in Danville, VA on August 19, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Henry Arthur Smart and Rosa Burns Smart. Bertha was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and was a foster mother. “When God made good parents, we got the top of the pick.”

Mrs. Hunter is survived by her daughters, Gail Watson and husband, Paul, of Morganton, NC and Terri Garrett of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Cody Watson of Morganton, Denise Dunford and husband, Aaron, of Mooresville, NC; Franklin Trent Garrett, III and wife, Chiung, of Annadale, VA; Matthew William Garrett of Granite Falls, NC; and Christopher Garrett of Washington, D.C.; and a great-grandchild, Garrett Patrick Lien of Annadale.

In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, William Ezra Hunter, five sisters, and one brother.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2008 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends at the church thirty minutes prior to the service. Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at Union Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Mocksville, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 S. Church Street, Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC 28202 or to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Columbus Ervin Newton, 70, of Old Colony Rd., Morganton died Sunday, July 27, 2008 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. He was born September 23, 1937 in Cleveland County, and was the son of the late Decatur Newton and Janie Webb Newton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Newton York Saturno. Ervin attended the Valdese Church of God.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Gladys Newton, and grandchildren, Caleb Newton (age 9) and Kira Joy Newton (age 7), all of Deltona, Florida.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 1, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Burl Sain officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Oma Weatherman Light, 97, formerly of Jonas Ridge, NC. died Monday, July 28, 2008 at Centerclair Nursing Home in Lexington, NC. She was born September 30, 1910 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late Jacob Christopher and Lillie Rose Weatherman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Kenton Light; brothers, Charles, Henry, Curtis, and Webb Weatherman; and sisters, Bette Barrier, Cora Henson, and Clara Franklin McFalls.

Oma is survived by her son, Walter Alan Light and wife, Anne, of Orangeburg, SC; her daughter, Sandra Light Myers and husband, Dan, of Lexington; grandchildren, David Light and wife, Tyndall, of San Angelo, Texas, Sherri Light Albro and husband, Bob, of Zionville, Pennsylvania, Stephanie Myers of Clemmons, NC; Amy Myers Page and husband, Jeremy, of Oak Ridge, NC, Beth Myers of Yuma, Arizona, and Jonathan Myers of Atlanta, Georgia; and great grandchildren, Clara Jean Light, Walter David Light, Brandon Albro, Benjamin Albro, Joseph Albro, Hannah Albro, Ethan Page, and Lucas Page.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Jonas Ridge United Methodist Church with Rev. Keith Nichols officiating. Burial will follow in Jonas Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Mozelle Johnson Byrd, 89, departed this life for her eternal life in heaven on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at Autumn Care of Drexel. She was a devoted, caring, and loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and in-home caregiver and will be remembered in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. She was a retired employee of Broughton Hospital and a member of Salem United Methodist Church. She was born August 14, 1918 in Rutherford County to the late R. Moton Johnson and Dovie Brackett Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, W. Roscoe Byrd; brothers, J. Edward Johnson and wife, Lois B. of Newland, NC, and Clyde H. Johnson of Jonesville, GA; and brother-in-laws, Lyndon Pruett of Casar, NC and Wilburn A. Newton of Morganton, NC.

Mozelle is survived by her children, Milinda Compton and husband, Bob, of Oak Ridge, TN, Colon Byrd and wife, Markley, of McDonough, GA, Alan Byrd and wife, Joann, Gary Byrd and wife, Wanda, and Randal Byrd and wife, Stephannie, all of Morganton; sisters, Isabel Pruett of Casar, Doshia Newton of Morganton, and Muriel McNeilly of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Johnson of Powder Springs, GA; eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, August 1, 2008 at Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Donald Freshour officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1206 Salem Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Helen Sparks Garrison, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at her home on Hayes Waters Rd. She was born in Worchester County, MA on April 17, 1923 and was a daughter of the late Luther David Sparks and Helen Greene Sparks. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harding Mack Garrison, and by sisters, Mildred Vachis, Margaret Johnson, Barbara Fletcher, and Nancy Brittain. Mrs. Garrison was a member of Salem United Methodist Church where she served and loved her Lord as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the choir. Helen put her heart and soul into her singing. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she loved her feline “Taz.”

Mrs. Garrison is survived by her sons, Allen Wayne Garrison and his wife, Linda, of Morganton and Dan Hugh Garrison and his wife, Joann, of Lexington; her daughter, Sylvia Lynn Garrison, of Morganton; her brother in law, Boyd Fletcher, of Morganton; and grandchildren, Brian Garrison and his wife, Laura, of Hickory, Keith Garrison and his wife, Kim, of Morganton; and Heather Rena Garrison of Lexington.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2008, at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow at Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Missionary Ridge Life Center. At other times the family will be at the home of Allen and Linda Garrison, 1336 Meadow Lane, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund, 5612 John Watts Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.