Bertie E. Michaels, 83, of College Pines Nursing Center, Valdese, NC, died Monday, September 1, 2008. Born June 20, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Grant Edwards and Gertrude Mae Cuthbertson Edwards. She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Bertie was loved by all that knew her and will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank College Pines for their tender, loving care, and Bertie loved, and was loved, by everyone there.

Bertie is survived by her son, Sammy Flynn and wife, Mae, of Nebo, NC; a daughter-in-law, Diane Flynn of Jefferson, NC; a brother, Roy Edwards and wife, Vergie, of Nebo; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, John Flynn, Sr.; second husband, Walter C. Michaels; son, John Flynn, Jr.; brother, Herman Edwards, and a sister, Rosa Lee Jaynes.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. George Crawford officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. before the service. At other times the family will be at Sammy’s residence, 7627 South Mtn. Institute Road, Nebo, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to College Pines Nursing Center, P.O. Box 250, Valdese, NC 28690.

James “Ed” Morris, 81, of Summers Rd., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. He was born April 24, 1927 in McDowell County, NC, and was a son of the late Marion Maxwell Morris and Mayheu Pritchard Morris. Mr. Morris was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Drexel Heritage Furniture Company.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Bennett Morris of the home; a son, Joel B. Morris and wife, Kathy, and a granddaughter, Laurel Morris, all of Morganton; a brother, Earl Morris of Morganton; sisters, Edith White and husband, “Doc” of Morganton, Esther Green and Ethel Flowers, both of Glen Alpine, NC, Frances West and husband, Richard, and Gladys Brewer, all of Roanoke, VA; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and a very special friend, Ed Thomas of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Morris.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Ryan Alexander Scott, 33, of Morganton died August 29, 2008. He was born on December 9, 1974 in Burke County. Ryan is survived by his parents, Jan and Sam Pollard of Morganton and Randy and Brenda Scott of Canton, NC; a daughter, Zoe Marie Scott, of Candler, NC; brothers, Dustin Campbell, Tobie Campbell, and Remmington Scott, all of Canton; sisters, Randi Lynn Hatherlee, Reba Jo Scott, and Rayna Scott all of Canton, and Charlotte M. Pollard, Wendy Johnson, and Sammi Jenkins, all of Morganton; his grandmothers, Ada Scott of Glen Alpine and Nina Miller of Lake James; and by his nieces and nephews who also loved him very much, Faythe, Savannah, Paige, Lige, Isis, and Nyneve. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Buck Scott and Ralph Miller.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral with Rev. Sidney Houk officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Flavia E. Wright, 80, of N.C. 18 South, Morganton, NC died Friday, September 5, 2008 at Grace Heights, Morganton, NC. Born August 1, 1928 in Burke County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Bart and Dora Keller Hoffman. Mrs. Wright attended Case Western University in Ohio and was a retired nurse. She was a member of St. John’s Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was a dedicated Bible study student. Flavia was an avid gardener. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee B. Wright; brothers, Hugh, Bryson, Ellis, Quentin, Alexander, and Glenn Hoffman; and a sister, Hannah Gladys.

Surviving are her sons, Stephen Wright and his wife, Debra of North East, PA, Michael Wright of Morganton, Wayne Wright of Ohio, Robert Wright and his wife, Karin of Morganton, Paul Wright and his wife, Marilyn of Medina, OH, and Phillip Wright and his wife, Debbie of Lexington, KY; a daughter, Cynthia Gnandt and her husband, Jody of Valley View, OH; a brother, Cecil Hoffman of Clarksville, TN; a sister, Lucille Couch of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Johnna, Kyla, Derek, Jennifer, Richard, Alicia, Robert, and Jessie; and a great grandson, Blake; and a host of nephews and nieces.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at St. John’s Baptist Church with the Reverends Burl Sain and Timothy Greene officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 8, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to St. John’s Baptist Church, 5804 Sugar Loaf Rd., Connelly Springs, NC 28612.

William Russell Nelson, 65, of Ponderosa Rd., Morganton went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, September 7, 2008. A native of Newland, he loved his church, hunting, fishing, and drag racing. He was employed by Drexel Heritage, Century Furniture and Cut Wright Frames.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Cline officiating, burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friend from 2:00 till 3:00 pm, prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the Nelson family.

Patricia “Pat” Gale Butler, 47, of Old N.C. 18, Morganton, NC died Sunday, September 7, 2008 at her residence. Born on January 26, 1961 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of Dorothea Anne Chapman Anderson of Morganton and Kenneth Earl Peeler and his wife, Jonnie of Morganton. Pat taught elementary grades for several years in the Burke County School System and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She loved teaching her kids at school and at church. She was preceded in death by her step-father, Ray Anderson and her grandparents, Colon and Minnie Peeler, and step-grandfather, Quinton Chapman.

Surviving are her husband, Leonard Butler of the home; a daughter, Erin Butler of the home; brothers and their wives, Kenneth Dean Peeler and Dee Lynn of Banner Elk, NC and Steven Earl Peeler and Susie of Pittsburg, PA; and her grandmother, Essie Mae Chapman of Connelly Springs, NC.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2008 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Douglas Price officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Youth Fund, 4754 Old N.C. 18, Morganton, NC 28655.

Lois Rayburn King, 83 of Southview St., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, September, 10, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, NC. Born in Rutherford County, NC on February 14, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Thomas C. Rayburn and Ella Belle Arrowood Rayburn. Lois loved to garden and enjoyed volunteering and helping other people. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne King; and a sister, Virginia Brown.

Lois is survived by sisters, Grace Morris, of Matthews and Inez Myers of Morganton; and a brother, Hal Rayburn and his wife, Faye of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 30 minutes prior to the service.

Terry L. Huffman, Sr., 55, of Carbon City Rd., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at the Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center. Born in Catawba County, NC on January 23, 1953, he was a son of Annie Frye Hefner of Hickory, NC and the late Ned Huffman. Terry was a retired employee of Sara Lee Bakery in Valdese and for many years had also worked for several construction companies. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Clarence Hefner and his father-in-law, Ralph Giles Patton.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Debbie Patton Huffman of the home; a daughter, Tracy Lee Kaylor and her husband, Bryan of Granite Falls, NC; a son, Terry Lee Huffman, Jr. and his wife, Jenny of Granite Falls, NC; grandchildren, Josh, Noah, and Nate Kaylor and Emily and Alex Huffman; a brother, Claude Frye of Hickory; a niece, Wanda Cordova of Lenoir, NC; his mother-in-law, Jean Patton; a number of aunts and uncles; and special friends, Jackie Wilson and Davie Hammons.

The funeral will be held at Noon, Saturday, September 13, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Burke Hospice Chaplin Larry Cronk officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

H. Clinton “Clint” Foust, Jr., 78, died Thursday, September 11, 2008, following several years of declining health. He was born in Alamance County on October 15, 1929 and was a son of the late Harvey Clinton Foust, Sr. and Aileen Thompson Foust. Mr. Foust was a U. S. Army veteran serving in Italy during the Korean conflict. Clint graduated from Pheiffer Junior College and then transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill where he earned a BA degree in recreation administration. He was the assistant director of recreation in Mooresville before moving to Morganton in 1958 to become director of the Recreation Department of the City of Morganton. Under his direction Collett Street Recreation Center was built and additions were made to the Mountain View Recreation Center. He oversaw the construction of Shuey Park, Carbon City Park, the Children’s Park, Shadowline Park, the skeet range, softball fields at Edwards Nursery, Gene Turner Park and Freedom Park. He served as president of the NC Recreation and Parks Society in 1967 and in 1969 was honored with the organization’s highest recognition, the Fellow Award.

Besides his career as a public servant to the citizens of Morganton, Clint was an outstanding member of his community serving in the Morganton Rotary Club where he was past president and recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow. In 1980 the Morganton Rotary Club named him Man of the Year. He also was active in the Morganton Jaycees and in 1961 was honored as Young Man of the Year. He served and was president of the Burke County Fair three times, president of the Freedom Athletic Foundation, and served on the Christmas Cheer, Inc. board of directors.

Clint was a devoted and active member of First United Methodist Church teaching Sunday School and serving on the administrative board and board of directors.

Surviving are his wife, Rosetta Follette Foust, of the home; sons, Harvey C. Foust, III and his wife, Young Soon, and C. Michael “Mike” Foust, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Barbara K. Foust, Evan Foust, and John-Elam Foust; and a brother, J. D. Foust and his wife, Betty Jean, of Raleigh.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2008, at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson III officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Clinic, 305 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655, Burke Mission Station, 305 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655, or to the Morganton Recreation Foundation, PO Box 348, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Sudie Tucker Kincaid, 80, of Morehead St., Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 12, 2008 at Burke Long Term Care. Born in Burke County, NC on January 1, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Waightsill Alexander Tucker and Ellie Ervin Tucker. During her high school years, Sudie was an outstanding student and athlete having participated in swimming, basketball, and softball. She was an avid Freedom High School sports fan and an accomplished gardener. For a brief time, she was employed at Carolina Shoe and was a retired employee of the M Unit at Broughton Hospital. Mrs. Kincaid was a faithful member of the Celebration Family Worship Center where she was active with the Prime Timers, the Senior Group, and the women’s ministries. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hassel Lee Kincaid.

Surviving are her son, Charles A. Williams of Norcross, GA; daughters, Constance W. Watson and her husband, Phillip of Atlanta, Cassandra W. Stamps and her husband, Donald of Morganton, and Camilla W. Lawrence of Charlotte; a sister, Mary T. Caldwell of Morganton; a nephew, Steven Caldwell; and a niece, Sue Lynn Caldwell; ten grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 14, 2008 at the Celebration Family Worship Center with Pastors Rocky McLendon, Ernest Smith, and Rowland Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Olive Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour before the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Celebration Family Worship Center, P. O. Box 2058, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

James Louie “Boots” Tolbert, Sr., 92, of Creekside Dr., Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, September 11, 2008 at College Pines Nursing Center after a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on December 28, 1915, he was a son of the late Frank and Mabel Tolbert. Following his graduation from Morganton High School, “Boots” served with the U. S. Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant with Company E., 175th Engineers. His active service took him to Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Rome, Algeria and the French Moroccan Campaign. Upon returning from WWII, “Boots” proudly served for 21 years as a First Sergeant in the NC National Guard. He was employed for a number of years as an electrician at Morganton Furniture Company prior to starting his own company, Tolbert Electric. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Morganton where for over 41 years he was a member of the Huffman Bible Class.

“Boots” was an avid golfer and former member of Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club. For many years, he attended the Masters Golf Tournament in August, GA with his son, Buzz, and his grandson, Mark.

Along with his parents, Boots” was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Paralee “Sis” Ramsey Tolbert; his son, James Louie “Buzz” Tolbert, Jr.; a son-in-law, Allen Lambert; brothers, Bill, Joe, Ray, and Harold Tolbert; and sisters, Irene Hyatt and Evelyn Irvin. Surviving are his daughter, Barbara Tolbert Lambert; a grandson, Mark Allen Lambert; and a host of loving family members.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2008 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, Morganton with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr., Rev. Fred Schuszler, and Rev. Dr. Bob D. Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the Agape classroom located in the Kistler House of First Baptist Church from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the home of Barbara Lambert, 106 Creekside Dr., Morganton. Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church or the Huffman Class of First Baptist Church, P. O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Allen Ray Walters, 61, of Mt. Olive Church Rd., Morganton, NC, died Sunday, September 14, 2008 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on April 3, 1947, he was the son of Mary Alice Causby Walters of Morganton and the late Clarence Calvin Walters. Allen was retired from Great Lakes Carbon and was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Glenda Allen Walters of the home; a daughter, Danette Price of Hildebran, NC; sisters, Carolyn Walters and Donna Walters Pearson, both of Morganton; and grandchildren, Diamond Young and Grace Price.

In addition to his father, Allen was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Walters.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Reverends Randy Queen and Alan Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 5388 Mt. Olive Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655, or to Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 5358 Denton’s Chapel Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Everett Lee White, 78, of Conley Rd., Morganton died Sunday, September 14, 2008 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville, NC following a sudden illness. He was born November 15, 1929 in Goodman, Missouri, and was a son of the late Andrew Forest White and Rosetta Monetta Williams White. Everett was raised in the First Assembly of God faith. He was a US Army veteran of the Korean Conflict where he served as a medic. Following the army, Everett went to work for US Steel in 1954. He was promoted to general foreman and remained there until his retirement in 1980. In 1981, Everett and his family moved to Morganton. He enjoyed traveling all over the world. Everett cherished the many friendships that he made over the years in Morganton.

He is survived by daughters, Beverly Grindstaff and husband, Mike, Cheryl Long, and Kim White, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Douglas Shearer, Cherisa Long, Landon White, and Andera Long-Thompson; brothers, Herb White of California and Bill White of Florida; and a sister, Helen Odom Karns.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ray White.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Via officiating. Military honors will be conducted by members of Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

James Jackson “Jack” Phillips, 71, of Old Hushpuppy Avenue, Morganton, NC, died Monday, September 15, 2008 at Valdese General Hospital. Born on May 21, 1937 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late William Phifer Phillips, Sr. and Mamie Rosalie Orders Phillips. Jack was a member of Southside Baptist Church.

Jack is survived by his son, Michael Phillips and wife, Cathie, of Alpharetta, GA; daughters, Linda Sirgo and husband, Mark, of Raleigh, NC and Tracey Mason and husband, Robert, of Lynchburg, VA; grandchildren, Megan Turner of Raleigh, Mitchell Phillips and Kara Phillips, both of Alpharetta; and Nicole Mason, Rachel Mason, and Hannah Mason, all of Lynchburg; a brother, Bill Phillips and wife, Irene, of Morganton; and a sister, Marie Crites of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Sue Courtney.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Southside Baptist Church with Reverends Randy Clark and Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or the American Cancer Society, Attn: Office Manager, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Florence Sain Dale, 94, of Royal St., Morganton, NC, died Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Lincoln County, NC on January 31, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Harrison Sain and Mary Willis Sain. Florence was a member of Salem United Methodist Church. She was a retired employee of Western Carolina Center and was a former co-owner of Dale’s Grocery on Hwy 64.

She is survived by son Jim Dale and wife, Hazel, of Morganton; a son-in-law, Robert Barnes of Rock Hill, SC; a brother, B. H. Sain of Lawndale, NC; grandchildren, David Dale, Michael Barnes, Debbie Allen, and Pat McFadden; and great-grandchildren, Erika and Hunter Dale, Lauren and Matthew Barnes, Audrey and Jennifer Allen, and Greg McFadden.

In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by a daughter, Jean Dale Barnes, and a grandson, Gregory Allen Dale.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Freshour officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:30 until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 1206 Salem Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

T. Jean Watson, 59, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC. She had been in declining health for several years. Jean graduated in 1966 from Glen Alpine High School and some years later attended McDowell Technical Community College earning her LPN degree. Ms. Watson worked in the office at Carolina Shoe Company for 13 years following graduation. After earning her LPN degree Jean worked for 19 years for the Blue Ridge Health Care Systems (Grace Hospital) on the Pediatric Unit where she lovingly cared for the sick children. Jean retired in May 1999 due to her declining health.

Jean was born on October 7, 1948 to Irene Benfield Watson and the late John “Ralph” Watson.

She was a life long member of the Methodist faith. In addition to her father, Jean was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Thomas “Tommie” Carl Anderson, Jr.

In addition to her mother, Jean is survived by her faithful and loving companion of 25 years, Woodrow Franklin Carson and his family. Also surviving are her three sisters; Linda Watson Anderson, Wilma Watson Head, and husband, Kenneth W. Head, and Vickie Watson Clarke Brittain and husband, Wayne Brittain, all of Morganton, NC. Her beloved nieces and nephews, Terri Anderson Bourne, Christy L. Anderson, Kelly Butler, John R. “J.R.” Clarke and wife, Dana S. Clarke, and Kevin Head, all of Morganton, NC, Jodi Carole Anderson of Cramerton, NC, Teresa Head Treadway and husband, Timothy Treadway, of Valdese, NC. His great-nieces and nephews; Brandon Ray Deyton, Bradley Anderson Deyton, and wife, Sherry P. Deyton and Sarah Kathryn Deyton, of Morganton, Katelyn Hope White and Mackenzie René White of Cramerton, NC, Tayler Maree Treadway and Tyanna “Chase” Treadway of Valdese, NC also surviving her is her great-great-nephew Avery Anderson Deyton of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home Friday, September 19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the funeral home. The Rev. Donald Farris and Rev. Paul White, Sr. will officiate at the service. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. At other times the family will be at the residence of her mother at 4036 Dysartsville Road, Morganton, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 28052-9813.

The Watson family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the DaVita Dialysis Center, Marion, NC for their gentle loving care and devotion to our beloved daughter, sister, and aunt.

Charles “Chuck” Rollins, 72, of US Hwy 64, Morganton died Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC following a period of declining health. He was born August 29, 1936 in Burke County, and was the son of the late Marvin Rollins and Carrie Watts Rollins. Chuck was a member of Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church. For 27 years, he was a co-owner of Sterling Billiards and Snack Bar until his retirement in 1996.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Karen Brittain Rollins of the home; a sister, Josie R. Woodin and husband, Bob, of Hideaway, TX; a niece, Bobette Woodin and fiancé, Thomas Turco, of Austin, TX; beloved aunts, Essie Waters and Velsie McCurry, both of Morganton; and a number of cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. R. Alan Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at Chuck’s childhood home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund c/o Denton’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 5358 Denton’s Chapel Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

George Maurice Hill, Jr., 77, of Lynn Court, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Grace Hospital after an extended illness. Born in Durham, NC on September 25, 1930, he was the son of Maurice and Elva Andrews Hill. In his youth, he lived in Chapel Hill, NC until moving to Morganton in 1943. He was a 1948 graduate of Morganton High School and a 1952 graduate of U.N.C.-Chapel Hill. Maurice was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morganton by transfer of letter from the First Baptist of Chapel Hill. Mr. Hill had a varied career. Following his graduation from U.N.C., he went to work for Westinghouse, and then he worked for several years in the furniture finishing business. He was a contractor and built houses in Morganton, was owner and operator of an oil company, was part owner in a truck stop, and held licenses in insurance and real estate. For many years he has served on the Board of Directors of Morganton Federal Savings and Loan. He was most proud of being co-chairman for the fund drive to build the Burke County Rescue Squad Building.

From the time he was ten years old, Maurice has been a jazz fan. He played clarinet in the Morganton High School Band and played for one year in the U.N.C Band. He could play anything he heard, and he enjoyed playing his clarinet with his extensive collection of jazz records. He often said that music and lyrics ran throught his head all the time. Surviving are his wife, Jody M. Hill; his daughter, Dr. Melinda H. Privette; grandchildren, Russell Laundon and his wife, Tristan, Kregg Laundon, Will Laundon, George M. Hill, III, Sara Hill, Emily Privette, Laura Privette, T. J. Privette, and Sam Privette. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved children, Robert Martin Hill, Dr. Caroline H. Laundon, and William A. Hill.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2008 at Forest Hill Cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate Maurice’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday in the chapel of the First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church parlor. Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church, P. O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Joe K. Byrd, long-time Burke County attorney, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2008, in Drexel, North Carolina, with members of his large family surrounding him. He was 84 years old. A beloved partner, father, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague, Joe was also a compassionate advocate for many. He was an appreciative man who mined the depths of what life had to offer and a humble one who took pleasure in simple acts of love and kindness. He felt that days should begin with his cat Buddy on his shoulder and the crossword puzzle solved with his wife Gleta. He summed his life recently by saying “It was a good ride”.

His life ended 3 miles away from where it began, being born to Edward H. and Elva Duckworth Byrd. After an education in the Drexel schools where he graduated valedictorian, he began his college education at Berea College in Kentucky and concluded at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Law School in 1950.

Mr. Byrd’s life was a picture of service to mankind in military, legal, political, religious, and family relationships.

During World War II, he served in the Army Infantry for three years in England, France, Holland, the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, and was decorated with the Bronze Star for missions behind enemy lines in Germany. He served 28 years in the Army Reserves before retiring as a full colonel and brigade commander.

His legal career of four decades began as a solo practice in Morganton, N.C., expanded in 1955 when his brother Bob joined him, and concluded in 1989 when he retired as the senior partner of the firm that he established. His legal activities read like Who’s Who in the legal profession. He served as Burke County Criminal Court Solicitor from 1951 to 1954. From 1953 – 1973 he was Drexel Town Attorney. He served as President of the Burke County Bar and the 25th Judicial Bar Associations. He was a member of the NC State Bar, United States Supreme Court Bar and helped to establish the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Byrd praised his brother Bob and other law partners for their support over the years, support that allowed him the opportunities to pursue a corresponding career in public service. During that time, he was elected to the NC House of Representatives in 1958 and later appointed to the Senate in 1965. He served in the Senate through 1968, during which time he was the co-sponsor with John Umstead of the legislative bills that created and opened Western Carolina Center in 1962 in Morganton. Beginning in 1960, he worked with others to establish Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton.

Mr. Byrd had a lifelong involvement with mental health issues, growing from his mother’s career working with the mentally ill as an occupational therapist at Broughton Hospital. He was appointed by Governor Terry Sanford in 1961 to the North Carolina Commission to study the needs of retarded children. He served under Gov. Bob Scott as chairman of the State Board of Mental Health from 1968 until 1973, promoting the development of mental health facilities statewide, including Broughton Hospital.

Mr. Byrd was a member of Drexel First Baptist since 1947, serving as choir member, deacon emeritus, and Sunday School teacher for over 52 years. His convictions many years ago led that church to eliminate race as a limitation upon membership and gender as a limitation upon ordination of ministers and deacons.

His convictions to work for the downtrodden and the poor live on through his support for humanitarian causes including Habitat for Humanity, Bread Ministries at Drexel First Baptist Church, and the support and creation of sister churches in Cape Town, South Africa, South Mountain Baptist Camp, the Drexel Foundation which owned and operated the Drexel Community Center, and Western Piedmont Community College’s Huffman-Byrd Scholarship Fund honoring R. O. Huffman, and the Chad B. Cole Scholarship Fund honoring the son of his best friends, Sherrill and Glenda Cole.

Mr. Byrd is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Gleta Harris Byrd, seven children: Elaine Farge of Alameda CA, Ann Martin and her husband Frank of Wilson, and local children Joe K Byrd, Jr. and his wife Vickie, Jane Poteat and her husband Johnny, Jim Byrd, Phil Byrd and his wife Rhonda, and Eric Byrd, all of Drexel, six grandchildren: Tonya Williams, Cheryl Brackett and her husband Chad, Erin Byrd, Allison Byrd, Danielle Byrd and Hannah Martin, 4 great-grandchildren: Brentani and Kreg Fulbright and Chase and Cydney Brackett, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Edward and Elva Byrd, he was preceded in death by six siblings: Albert (Ab), Edna Faye Lowry (Boots), Elva Hoke (Tot), Lucy Neil, Ed (Junior) and Robert Bond (Bob).

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at Drexel First Baptist Church with the Rev. Tito Madrazo officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Huffman-Byrd Scholarship at Western Piedmont Community College, 1001 Burkemont Ave., Morganton, NC, 28655; the Drexel First Baptist Church Expansion Fund, P.O. Box 308, Drexel, NC, 28619; and Berea College, Berea, KY, 40404.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Zora “Tippy” McLean, 73, of Baptist Camp Road, Connelly Springs, NC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Autumn Care of Drexel after a number of years of declining health. Born July 18, 1935 in Catawba County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Clayton Canipe and Lillie Spake Canipe. Tippy attended Zion Road Baptist Church. She worked at Burke Yarns for a number of years but the job that she loved the most was being a homemaker and taking care of her family.

Tippy is survived by her sons, Billy Joe Canipe and wife, Reba, of Connelly Springs and Ronnie Dean McLean and wife, Vernie, of Lawndale, NC; daughter, Sharion Evans and husband, Randy, of Forest City, NC and Lillie Mae Setzer and husband, Kenneth, of Connelly Springs; a brother, Wayne Canipe and wife Helen of Lawndale; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, R. C. Canipe; sisters, Dolly Etta York, Stella Pritchard, Ethel Mae Cooke, and Lou Ellen Simmons; and a son, Gerald McLean.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at Olive Grove Baptist Church, Casar, NC with Rev. Micah Piercy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday 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.

Treva Coffey Houpe, 82, formerly of Carswell Drive in Nebo, NC, died Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Sunrise Rehabilitation and Care Center in Nebo. Born on August 27, 1926 in Forsyth County, NC, she was the daughter of the late John Payton Coffey and Jennie Elizabeth Hartin Coffey. Treva had worked in the dietary department of Broughton Hospital, the Burke County Clerk of Court, and Grace Heights.

She is survived by her husband, Harry Glenn Houpe, Sr. of the home; sons, Harry G. Houpe, Jr. and wife, Linda, of Nebo and Richard L. Houpe and wife, Shannon, of Morganton, NC; a daughter, Marina Houpe Reece and husband, Jimmie, of Morganton; eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

Treva was preceded in death by eight siblings: Lucy Woods, Thermon Coffey, Mattie McCartney, John H. Coffey, Dolly Cobb, Ruby Livingston, Thomas Coffey, and Eva Edmonds.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Worley officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Adam Philip Whalen, 22, of Inglewood Dr., Morganton, NC died Sunday, September 21, 2008 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born on October 3, 1985 in Burke County, NC and was the beloved son of Kenneth and Diane Ritchie Whalen of Morganton. Adam was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, Adam is survived by his sisters, Kristine Vance and her husband, Jason, of Morganton, Andrea Longo and her husband, Michael, of Lenoir, Correy Whalen of Morganton, and Stacey Whalen-Hall and her husband, Brock, of Morganton; paternal grandmother, Ruth Whalen, of Morganton; and maternal grandmother, Margaret Ritchie, of Concord, NC.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Fred Whalen, Jr.; maternal grandfather, Jack Ritchie; and maternal grandmother, Betty Beaudry.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina, Johnston Building, 212 S. Tryon St., Suite 1080, Charlotte, NC 28281. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clyde Elizabeth Smith Morris, 86, of Amherst Road, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, September 21, 2008 at the Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese, NC following a period of declining health. Born on May 10, 1922 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Phifer Ernest Smith and Mary Elizabeth Smith. Clyde was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Her love for her children and the children of this community made the dedication and ministry of serving as day school director at Calvary a blessing for forty-seven years.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth Lee Morris and wife, Pat, of Morganton; daughters, Beth Clough and husband, Ken, and Royce Bolick and husband, Robert, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Timothy Morris and wife, Jennifer, of Hickory, NC, Eric Clough of Morganton, Abby Clough of Morganton, Rebecca Bolick of Morganton, and Rachel Bolick of Connelly Springs, NC; great-grandchildren, Waylon Rutherford, Chandler Rutherford, and Alyssa Morris; a brother, H. Ted Smith and wife, Betty, of Hillsborough, NC; and a life-long friend and sister at heart, Gladys Croom of Newton, NC.

In addition to her parents, Clyde was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Lee Morris.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Day School, 407 S. Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Esper “Earl” Beam, Sr., 73, of Mountain Meadows Dr. in Morganton went home to be with Jesus, Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born December 20, 1934 in Lincolnton, NC, and was the son of the late Clarence Austin Beam and Minnie Bess Beam. Earl was of the Methodist faith, and enjoyed the outdoors, farming, and working with his horses. Earl loved his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Willis Beam of the home; daughters, Janice Maynard, and Robin Willis and her husband, Gene, all of Morganton; seven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great- granddaughters.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Esper Earl Beam, Jr.; a great-grandson, Adam Chase Maynard; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Rogers.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the Beam Family Cemetery in Morganton with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. In lieu of flowers, 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 arrangements.

Mattie Suttle, 71, went home to be with her Lord and Savior and with her husband, Landon on Tuesday September 23, 2008. She was born in Burke County and was a daughter of the late Walter Melvin Johnson, Sr. and Eula Mae Baker Johnson. Mrs. Suttle was a member of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church where she attended the Olivette Byrd Sunday School Class, sang with the choir, and was active with the younger youth and Friday night Bible study. Mattie worked at Shadowline for 32 years and was a retired employee of Drexel-Henredon Furnishings. She devoted all of her life to her family, her church, and her community.

Surviving are her son, Albert L. Suttle, Jr. and his wife, Shelly; daughters and their husbands, Pam and Mike Long, Kim and Jeff Eller, and Tira and Shawn Duckworth, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Tori Braswell and her husband, Chad, Fallon Hensley, Clint Duckworth, Shawna Duckworth, Kyle Rhoney, and Caitlyn Rhoney; and a great-grandchild, Taylor Hensley; brothers, James Johnson and Melvin Johnson; sisters, Rebecca Dale, Lucille Norman, and Linda Benton; one special adopted son, Walter Tullos; and the Penley family nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Mattie was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Albert Landon Suttle, Sr.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2008 in the Life Enrichment Center of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Friday in the Life Enrichment Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church, 5612 John Watts Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Texie Mosteller Queen, 89, of Bristol St. in Morganton died Friday, September 26, 2008 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. She was born October 5, 1918 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Luther Mosteller and Rachel Ivester Mosteller. Texie was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and a retired employee of Shadowline with 34 years of service.

She is survived by her husband, Bonnell Queen of the home; a son, Toney Queen of Greensboro, NC; 2 grandsons; 2 great-grandsons; a brother, Bob Mosteller of Lawndale, NC; and sisters, Lillian Littlejohn and Agnes Cooke, both of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Bill Whisnant officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 until 3 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 King St., Morganton, NC 28655, or to a charity of choice.

Leroy Stamey, 89, went home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2008. After months of declining health, Leroy died at home with his family by his side. He was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for 53 years. Leroy was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He touched many lives as a devout Christian, RA Leader, Sunday School Director, teacher, deacon, prayer warrior, and trustee of the church.

Leroy was born April 21, 1919 in Burke County. He served his country in the 9th Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II. Serving under the command of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, his infantry won nine major battles throughout Europe and North Africa. During the 1944 invasion of Normandy, Leroy received the Normandy medal for his service. Leroy married Sadie Murphy in 1942 and retired from Broughton Hospital after thirty years of service. He will be remembered as a rabbit hunter and an avid fisherman. Leroy leaves his family with many wonderful memories of love, laughter, and devotion to God. He was a man who represents what a loving Christian father should be. He was a man who would lay down his life for his family and country.

Leroy is survived by his son, Toney Stamey and wife, Malisa Coffey Stamey, of Morganton; a daughter, Jerroll Smith and husband, Richard, of Morganton; grandchildren, Wesley and Jennifer Smith and their children, Cassidy Lee Smith and Wesley Stephen Smith, II, Melaina and Jeremy Rhoney and their children, Katelyn Brooke Rhoney and Nicholas McRae Rhoney, and Teagan and Will Brown, IV and their children, W. F. Tristian Brown, V and Marley Sade Brown, all of Morganton; brothers, Bill, Jim, and Johnny; and sisters, Joann, Kay, and Clair. In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie Christine Murphy Stamey; a daughter, Michelle Stamey; brothers, Howard, Jack, and Tom; and sisters, Gladys and Barbara.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors to be performed by Valdese American Legion Post #234. 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, 166 Oakdale Drive, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 2396 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Evelyn Lena Smith Jordan, 63, of Stonebridge Dr., Morganton, NC, died Friday, September 26, 2008, at her residence. She was born in Burke County on December 18, 1944 and was a daughter of the Blanche Swink Smith of Morganton and the late James Kelly Smith.

Surviving in addition to her mother are her husband, Carl Jordan, of the home; sons, James Smith and Jason Smith both of Morganton, and William Jordan of Glen Alpine; daughters, Kathy Franklin of Drexel and Christine Patton and Denise Clark both of Morganton; sisters, Edna Sinclair of Columbia, SC Katherine Epley, Rosa Lee Smith and Mozelle Shehan all of Morganton, and Betty Clark of Jonas Ridge; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2008, at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel with Rev. Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

Louise W. Barrier, 76 died Saturday, September 27, 2008, at College Pines following a period of declining health. She was born in Avery County on April 10, 1932 and was a daughter of the late Sanford and Elizabeth Bennett Whittington. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Barrier; seven brothers, and one sister. Mrs. Barrier was a member of Mount Home Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Pat Barrier and his wife, Lora; a daughter, Linda Buff and her husband, Jimmy all of Morganton; grandchildren, Gina Fleming, Erin Barrier, Joey Oxford, Brandi Wood, and Nikki Patton; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Myrtle Barrier and Ruth Ollis; and special nieces, Jean Williams and Jewel Barrier.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2008, at Mount Home Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church Monday from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at Mrs. Barrier’s home on Mount Home Church Rd. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Home Baptist Church Building Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Ted Riddle, 79, died Saturday, September 27, 2008, at Burke Hospice following an extended period of declining health. He was born in Yancey County on March 25, 1929 and was a son of the late James Ed Riddle and Sally Edwards Riddle. Mr. Riddle was a veteran of the U. S. Army, where he had served as a sharpshooter instructor at West Point, and was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. A barber by trade, Ted loved his job and the clients he served.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara Duncan Riddle, of the home; children, Stan Riddle of Claremont, Elaine Hiers and her husband, Alvin, of Ehrhardt, SC, Teresa Layden and her husband, Sidney, of Bamberg, SC, and Joseph Riddle and his wife, Michelle, of Conover; grandchildren, Josh Riddle, Christopher Riddle, Kyle Hiers, Allison Hiers Bessinger, Seth Layden, Tara Layden, and Ashton Dollar; 5 great grandchildren; and brothers, Ben Riddle of Morganton and Glenn Riddle of Marion.

In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2008, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Dewey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 29890. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Bonnie Gibbs Butler, 89, of Butler Hollow Lane, Glen Alpine, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 29, 2008 at Grace Hospital. She was born in Burke County on February 20, 1919 and was a daughter of the late Paul Gibbs and Mattie Williams Gibbs. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Butler; a son, Bobby Butler and a brother, Frank Gibbs. Bonnie was a member of Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church and was devoted to her church and to her family.

Surviving are her sons, Jerry Butler and his wife, Sybil of Glen Alpine, Paul “Buck” Butler and his wife, Linda; a daughter, Elizabeth “Lib” Epley and her husband, Paul all of Morganton; eight grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and two great great-great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Rev. P. Dean Lavender officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at her residence, 114 Butler Hollow Lane, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church Piano Fund, P.O. Box 603, Glen Alpine, NC 28628.

Kevin D. Whisenant, 50, of Morganton, NC, died Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County on September 7, 1958 and was the son of the late Herbert Hoover Whisenant and Gladys Metcalf Whisenant. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Dennis Whisnant. Mr. Whisenant was a member of Zion Baptist Church.

Surviving are his uncle, Joe Whisenant and his wife, Dorothy; aunts, Alice Perkins and her husband, John Jr., Vera Ollis and her husband, Donald and a niece, Victoria Whisnant all of Morganton.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to help the family with funeral expenses, c/o Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680.

Robert Alexander Whisenant, 84, of Poplar St., Morganton, NC died Monday, September 29, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born February 28, 1924 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Louis W. Whisenant and Ollie Lee Orders Whisenant. Robert was a member of Calvin Heights Baptist Church. He was a US Navy veteran of World War II, and was a retired employee of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation.

Robert is survived by sons, Robert Keith Whisenant and wife, Lynn of Morganton, and Thomas Scott Whisenant of Asheville, NC; a brother, Earl Whisenant of Wilson, NC; and a sister, Edna Bandy of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Zella Willis Whisenant; brothers, Iverson “Bud” Whisenant and Theodore Whisenant; and sisters, Rosa Mae Beach, and Huldia Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Mr. David Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Calvin Heights Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 12:00 until 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

Mildred Faye Setzer Cook, 62, of River Road, Morganton, NC died Thursday, September 18, 2008 as a result of an automobile accident. Born in Burke County, NC on July 7, 1946, she was a daughter of Vangie Shull Setzer of Morganton and the late, George Hill Setzer. She was a retired employee of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings.

In addition to her mother, Mildred is survived by her husband, Sidney Cook of the home; sons, Jack Yelton and his wife, Crystal and Eric Setzer and his girlfriend, Amy Reid all of Morganton; brothers, James Setzer and his wife, Mary Lou and Frank Setzer and his wife, Gay Nell all of Morganton; sisters, Nellie Stamey and Penny Auton and her husband, Don all of Morganton; grandchildren, Casey Deal and her husband, Ryan of Fayetteville, Caleb Yelton, Hope Setzer, and George Eric Setzer, Jr. all of Morganton; great grandchildren, Rylyn and Cydnee Deal; and a number of nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 4, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronnie LaFevers officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service.