Thomas “Tom” Rochefort, 64, of Woodbine Terrace, Morganton, NC, died Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born in Woonsocket, RI on September 26, 1944, he was the son of Agnes Robillard Rochefort of Greenville, RI and the late Hector Rochefort. Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church where he was active on several boards as well as the Faith Works Sunday school class. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. A member of Mimosa Hills Country Club, Tom was an avid golfer and gardener. He had been in industrial sales all of his life, having last worked for Allied Locke Industries.

In addition to his mother, Tom is survived by his wife, Browning Piper Rochefort of the home; a daughter, Kathleen Steinert and husband, Joel, of Murrells Inlet, SC; a son, Tommy Rochefort of Florien, LA; grandchildren, Morgan and Michael Steinert; and a sister, Priscilla Holt of Greene, RI.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen Rochefort.

The celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 6, 2008 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III, Rev. Dr. Julian Aldridge, and Rev. Holly Adams officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Heather Nicole Norman, 21, of Burkemont Rd. in Morganton died Wednesday, December 3, 2008 as a result of an auto accident. She was born February 6, 1987 in Burke County, and was a daughter of Rick Norman of Hudson, NC, and Janet Maloney Norman of Glen Alpine, NC. Heather attended Freedom High School where she was a member of R.O.T.C. She had recently started working at Case Farms.

In addition to her parents, Heather is survived by a son, Kyliq Edgerton and a daughter, Eva Edgerton, both of the home; her step-mother, Tammy Norman of Hudson; sisters, Tera Vaughn of Hickory, NC, Tonya Norman and Jessica Norman, both of Morganton; grandparents, Bessie Maloney of Drexel, NC, and Ruby Norman of Morganton; nieces, Jordan, Adasia, Ocyona, Francesca, and Kiera; nephews, Prevan, Chase, James, and Brayden; and a host of other family members.

Heather was preceded in death by grandfathers, James Maloney and Charlie Norman.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 8, 2008 at McDowell Independent Presbyterian Church with Rev. Danny Sprouse officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour.

Emogene “Jean” Denton Small, 69, of Heritage Lane, Morganton, died Thursday, December 4, 2008 at Valdese General Hospital. Jean was born October 3, 1939 to the late Dewey D. Denton and Thelma Mull Denton. She was a member of Morganton First Baptist Church and worked as a registered nurse at Grace Hospital, the office of Dr. John Whalley and retired from Western Carolina Center. Jean had an exceptional love for pediatric nursing.

Jean is survived by her husband, Robert C. Small, of the home; a daughter, Anne E. Small, of Charlotte; two sisters, Ruby Denton Deese of Matthews and Mary Edith Denton of Valdese; and a brother, Harold D. Denton, and wife, Cherylann of Hampton, Virginia; nephews, Gregory Deese and wife, Robin, Kevin Deese, and wife, Lisa, Heath Denton and wife, Michelle, Hal Denton and Mark Small; a niece, Heather Robinson and her husband, David; three great nephews; and four great nieces.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Morganton First Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Bland and Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating with interment to follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home; at other times the family will be at the home on Heritage Lane. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org/tribute.

Billie Epley Harding, 95 of Morganton, NC passed away on Friday, December 05, 2008, at Autumn Care following a period of declining health. She was born on February 8, 1913 and was a daughter of the late Alfred F. and Maggie Taylor Epley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Norris B. Harding; brothers, James, Carl, Garmon, Albert, and Ernest Epley; and by sisters, Cordia Waters, Hazel Johnson, and Margaret Byrnes. Mrs. Harding was a member of First Baptist Church.

Surviving are her sons and their wives, Gregg and Barbara Harding of Cornelius, NC and Garry and Nina Harding of Morganton; grandsons and their wives, Marc and Matilde Harding of Marietta, GA and Jeff and Yvonne Harding of Concord, NC; great-granddaughters, Mia and Emma Harding, of Marietta and Zoe Harding of Concord; a brother and his wife, Harold and Jerelene Epley, of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Family graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2008, at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church Youth Fund, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.

Joanne Lee Elkert, 73, died Friday, December 5, 2008, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. Mrs. Elkert was born on November 1, 1935 in Munising, Michigan and was one of five children of the late Orville J. Revord and Lillian Thorton Revord. She was a graduate of Munising’s Mather High School, class of 1953. Joanne married Charles A. Elkert of Wetmore, Michigan on August 29, 1953 in Munising. They resided in Lumberton, North Carolina from 1968 until 1995 when they moved to Morganton and have lived here since that time.

Joanne was an accomplished musician who recorded several of her own songs and taught piano lessons to many children in Lumberton. She also enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, and taking flying lessons.

Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Charles A. Elkert; a son, Paul D. Elkert, and his wife, Lynn, of Vermont; daughters, Vicki Elkert Harris and her husband, William, of Barnardsville, NC, Phyllis Price and her husband, Nick, of Morganton, and Colleen Carter and her husband, Bryan, of Avon, Indiana; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and brothers, Orville Revord of Port St. Lucie, Florida and Raoul Revord of Wetmore, Michigan.

In addition to her parents, Joanne was preceded in death by a son, Dean Charles Elkert.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2008, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Lawing officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.

Bertha Staton McCall Houck, 100, of Greensboro, NC, formerly of Morganton, NC, died Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Friends Homes at Guilford in Greensboro. Born in Avery County, NC on April 7, 1908, she was the daughter of the late James C. Staton and Elizabeth Greene Staton. Bertha was a member of First United Methodist Church and was an associate member of West Market United Methodist Church in Greensboro. She retired from Lazarus Clothing Store. She was a member of Chapter 14 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her daughter, Libby Haynes and husband, Bob, of Greensboro.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Clarence L. McCall; her second husband, Elmer L. Houck; and her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Betty McCall.

The graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Forest Hill Cemetery. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Sidney R. “Sid” Smith, 77, of N. Anderson St. in Morganton died Sunday, December 7, 2008 following a lengthy illness. He was born July 26, 1931 in Scioto County, Ohio and was the son of the late Vivian Ross Smith and Dorothy Walker Smith. Sid graduated from Eastern Kentucky University; was a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean conflict; and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton. He loved sports, especially basketball, and enjoyed boating and fishing on the Ohio River.

Sidney is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Helen Ward Smith of the home; a daughter, Maria Smith Yatros and husband, Gy, of Bradenton, FL; and a grandson, Nicholas Yatros.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10 until 11 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680 or to a charity of one’s choice.

David Robert “Rob” Fredell, 74, of NC 18 South in Morganton passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at his residence following several months of declining health. He was born July 20, 1934 in Lincoln County, NC, and was a son of the late William D. “Will” Fredell and Pearl Lail Fredell. David was a member of Smart’s Grove Baptist Church, and loved working outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Magdaleen Helton Fredell of the home; sons, Dennis Fredell of the home, and Kenneth Fredell and his wife, Annette, of Connelly Springs, NC; a daughter, Robin Fredell Horton and her husband, Sonny, of Oak Hill, NC; brothers, Lester Fredell of Connelly Springs, and Johnny Fredell of Morganton; granddaughters, Lisa and Christina Cresawn; a grandson, Kenneth Daniel Fredell; two great-grand-children; two step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, George and Billy Fredell.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2008 at Smart’s Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Lewis and Rev. Billy Mace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 2 until 3 pm on Friday. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 3735 NC 18 South, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Smart’s Grove Baptist Church, 5290 Mineral Springs Mountain Rd., Connelly Springs, NC 28612. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Nellie Sue Smith Dale, 85, of Rhyne Street, Morganton, NC died Thursday, December 11, 2008 at her residence. Born in Burke County, NC on August 8, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Cicero Kelly Smith and Sally Mae Suttle Smith. Nellie was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She owned and operated Dukes Book Store in downtown Morganton for many years before transferring to the NC School for the Deaf from which she retired.

She is survived by her son, Bryant Douglas Dale of Sacramento, CA; a sister-in-law, Doris Smith of Wadesboro, NC; nieces and nephews, Janice Smith of Wadesboro, NC, Jerry Smith of Jacksonville, FL, Bobby Fehrs of St. Augustine, FL, Barry Fehrs of Dallas, TX, Linda Fehrs of Morganton, and Karen Dale of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bryant Franklin Dale, and brothers, William Harold Smith and Warren Gerald Smith.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 15, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Steve Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. 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, 112 Rhyne Street, Morganton.

H. Craig Stroupe, 79, of Morganton, NC died Thursday, December 11, 2008 at Grace Hospital. He was born October 11, 1929 in Gaston County, NC, and was the son of the late Ralph Benjamin Stroupe and Eva Beatrice Rhyne Stroupe. Craig was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church and a US Army veteran of the Korean War. He was employed at the State Bank of Burke, Northwestern Bank, and then retired from First Union Bank in Morganton.

Craig is survived by his wife, Margaret S. Stroupe of the home; a son, Ben C. Stroupe and wife, Connie, of Valdese, NC; daughters, Diane Stroupe Holbrook and husband, Tom, and Linda Stroupe Snyder and husband, Steven, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Tashia Cannon, Josh Reese, Angel Stroupe, Christopher Stroupe, Dustin Holbrook, Andrew Snyder, and Amy Snyder; great-grandchildren, Taylior Cannon, Ryker Cannon, Alexis Reese, and Garyet Reese; and sisters, Marilynn McLean and Kay Walker, both of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 15, 2008 at Pleasant View Baptist Church with Rev. Burt Wilbur officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant View Baptist Church Building Fund, 1834 Hwy 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655.

Connie S. Schoenen, 65, died unexpectedly Thursday, December 11, 2008. She was born in Haywood County, NC on May 9, 1943 and was a daughter of the late Barrey and Catherine Biggs. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers, Dallas Biggs and Charles Biggs.

Mrs. Schoenen is survived by her husband, C. A. Schoenen; a son, Gregory Lawing and his wife and their three children, of Asheville; a daughter, Nanette Bovrresh and her husband and their two children, of Cincinnati, OH; four brothers, Wayne Biggs, Bill Biggs, Ray Biggs and Horace Biggs; a brother-in-law Bill Schoenen and wife, Priscilla, of Morganton; two sister-in-law, Rosemary Buersmer, of Jefferson City, MO and Ruth Parsa, of Leawood, KS.

A funeral Mass will be said at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2008, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Fr. Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Linda S. Price, 62, of 36th Ave., NE, Hickory, NC died Thursday, December 11, 2008. Born in Burke County, NC on August 10, 1946, she was the daughter of the late William Harold Smith and Elva Linder Smith. Linda was a member of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA and was a member of the 1964 graduating class of Morganton High School.

She is survived by her husband, Tommy Price of Mocksville, NC and a son, Carter Price of Huntington Beach, CA.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to In Touch Ministries, P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Margaret W. Brown, 67, formerly of Jenkins Road, Morganton, NC died Sunday, December 14, 2008 at Grace Heights Nursing Home. Born Cleveland County, NC on January 20, 1941, she was the daughter of Edna Mae Carieco Wilkie of Morganton and the late James Cecil Wilkie. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Von Wilkie. Margaret retired from Morganton Dye and Finishing.

Mrs. Brown is survived by her sons, Bryan Brown and wife, Diane, and Johnny Brown, all of Morganton; daughters, Teresa Buff, of Morganton, Angel Norman and Jason Clark of Glen Alpine, NC, and Robin Clark and husband, Bruce, of Morganton; grandchildren, Cameron Brown, Miranda Buff, Kenneth Buff, Brandi Keeter, Eric Holland, Chase Clark, Jacob Clark, Joanie Moody, Kristie Clark, and William Clark; brothers, James Wilkie of Cleveland County and Jerry Dean Wilkie of Morganton; sisters, Mary Wilkie of Morganton and Elaine Powell of Drexel, NC; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Praise Assembly of God in Glen Alpine with the Reverend Kevin Crawford officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Keith Carpenter, 43, of Ross St., Morganton, NC died Saturday, December 13, 2008 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on November 12, 1965, he was the son of Russell Carpenter and Ella Carpenter.

Keith is survived by his wife, Angela Powell Carpenter of Morganton; his father, Russell Carpenter and wife, Mozelle, of Hickory, NC; his mother, Ella Carpenter of Morganton; a daughter, Whitney Carpenter of Morganton ;a brother, Roger Carpenter of Morganton; a sister, Tonia Carpenter Donnell and husband, Terry, of Morganton; and nieces, Naomi Carpenter, Theresa Maines Horn, and Stephanie Donnell.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Billy Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends for half an hour following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to help the family with funeral expenses.

Macie “Winnie” Mangum, 95, formerly of Dysartsville Road, went to be with her Lord on Monday, December 15, 2008 at Autumn Care of Drexel. Born in Burke County, NC on August 31, 1913, she was the daughter of the late David Alexander Patton and Cora Parlee Seagle Patton. Winnie was a faithful member of Bethel United Methodist Church on Dysartsville Road where she had been a member of the Adult Sunday school class. She was a life-long member of the U.M.W. She enjoyed sewing and gardening. She loved her Lord, family, church, and community.

Winnie is survived by her sons, Richard Alexander Mangum and wife, Jo Ann, of Morganton and Phillip A. Mangum and wife, Betty, of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Kathy Bryson, Angela Williams, Terry L. Mangum, Carol Elaine Eagle, Paula Icard, and Marti Young; great-grandchildren, Alexandra Glenn Mangum, Sarah Williams, Justin Williams, Whitney Howard, Corey Howard, Bradley Young, Brycen Young, and Coleman Eagle; a great-great-grandchild, Lydia Childers; sisters, Naomi Watson, Ruby Farris, Faye Jaynes, and Clara Jean Jackson, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Winnie was preceded in death by her sisters, Ella Frances Puckett and Ruth Baker, and brothers, Johnny, Alan, Delbert, and Arthur Patton. The funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. noon on Thursday, December 18, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends Russell Young and April Abernethy officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery on Dysartsville Road. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305-B W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to East Burke Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 183, Hildebran, NC 28637.

The family would like to thank the staff members at Autumn Care of Drexel for their care and love for Winnie.

Howard J. “Cotton” Stillwell, 79, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, of Jamestown Rd. in Morganton went home to be with the Lord and his wife, Edna, on December 16, 2008. He was born October 31, 1929 in Burke County, and was the son of the late Marston and Minnie Stillwell. Howard was a member of Zion Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Crescent Resources-Duke Energy. He enjoyed being with family and friends, fishing, hunting, and spending the summer months at the campground. Howard will be missed by his canine companion, Taz.

Howard is survived by three daughters, Gladys Conley and husband, Tommy, Pat Condrey and husband, Eddie, and Mae Flynn and husband, Sammy, all of Morganton; seven grandchildren, Jimmy Bailey, Tina Wilson, Vickie Flynn, Ben Flynn, Beth Pearson, Christopher Conley, and Christy Conley; 10 great-grandchildren, Daniel L., Jeremiah, Daniel B., Dillon, Robbie, Clay, Hannah, Lillie, Shelby, and Alexus; other special family members, Renee Bailey, Adam Wilson, Gil Little, Brittany Gilliland, and DJ Davis; and sisters, Geneva Pollard, Betty Poteet, and Lois Holland, and husband, Grover, all of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Lillie Whisenant Stillwell who died in March of this year; brothers, Paul Stillwell, Bud Stillwell, and Roy Stillwell; and a sister, Gladus Lucel Stillwell who died at age 2.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 P.M., Saturday, December 20, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. David Orders and Hospice Chaplain, Rev. Bill Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends Saturday from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence on Jamestown Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Zion Baptist Church, 3396 Pea Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Estelle Lillie Owens Gibbs, 96, of Potomac, MD passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 at her daughter’s residence. She was born January 8, 1912 in Columbus, NC and was a daughter of the late John Owens and Mary Ann Hall Owens.

Estelle is survived by children, John Preston Gibbs and wife, Pam, of San Diego, CA, Betty Gibbs Sparks and husband, Bill, of Winston-Salem, NC, Mary Gibbs Yeh and husband, John, of Potomac, MD, and Jimmy Nelson Gibbs and wife, Winona, of New Orleans, LA; a sister, Louise Owens Jackson of Tryon, NC; a brother, Norris Owens and wife, Lorraine, of Columbus, NC; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Nelson Gibbs.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2008, at Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Lineberger officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church Deaf Mission, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.

Doris F. Washburn, 86, died on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 in the skilled nursing section of Grace Ridge following a lengthy illness. Doris was born January 14, 1922 in Oakwood, Missouri, the daughter of the late Anna and Rev. Ben Williamson. Since her father was a pastor, the family moved to Osceola, Iowa, then Grand River, Iowa where her brother, Philip, was born; and finally Spring Lake, Michigan. Following the death of her father, the family moved to Hancock, Michigan where Doris graduated from Hancock High School. Following the death of her mother, she moved to Evansville, Indiana where she attended business school until the war started. Doris joined her brother in Gary, Indiana and worked as a secretary at the American Bridge Company in Gary. When the war ended, Doris moved to Springfield, Massachusetts and joined her brother again as he studied at Springfield College. It was here that she met her husband, Alton, and they married in 1949.

In addition to raising a family, Doris was very active in the local Baptist church in Springfield. She and her husband along with two other couples, were instrumental in establishing a new Baptist church in Enfield, Connecticut. Doris was a great homemaker and enjoyed entertaining missionaries who frequently came to the home. As a supplement to the family income in supplying the financial needs of the children’s education, she worked as a secretary for the Traveler’s Insurance Company in Hartford, Connecticut.

Doris is survived by her husband of 59 years, Alton; her daughter, Susan, a missionary in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada; a son, Timothy, who lives in Aiken, SC; and a son, Mark, who lives in Fletcher, NC; and eight grandchildren, two from Canada, three from Aiken, and three from Fletcher.

Doris’s great passion was to honor her Savior in her life. Her well-marked Bible and copious notes testified to her desire to know God better, and it was these examples that demonstrated to others how a Christian should live. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”. Matthew 4:4

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Service with Rev. David Mills officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church Building Fund, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to the Grace Ridge Friendship Fund, 500 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Corinne Pipkin Giles, 93, of Silver Creek Rd. in Morganton died Saturday, December 20, 2008 at home after a period of declining health. She was born February 3, 1915, in Burke County to the late Ralph Waldo Pipkin and Effie Belle Walker Pipkin.

Corinne was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Morganton since the late 1920s and was a member of the Heilhecker Sunday School class. She was one of the founding members of the church and previously served on the Administrative Board and Board of Trustees. She held various offices with the church as well as the district. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 25 years. She and her husband, Buddy, helped organize the Morganton Dutch Club, which was founded in the 1930s and continued as a member for 60+ years. Corinne loved playing bridge and golf, was an avid reader, and was well-known locally for her endeavors in the kitchen, including baking, cooking, and making her candies. To her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren she was known as “Granny” and she was always available for a hug and a little something sweet.

Corinne is survived by her son-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Kirksey, and her grandchildren: Jimmy Kirksey and his wife, Dotty, of Morganton, Margaret Caldwell and her husband, Dan, of Lawton OK, Giles Kirksey and his wife, Christy, of Greensboro NC, and Corinne Alavi and her husband, Jamal, of Raleigh NC. Her niece, Mary Cameron Phillips Dillingham and her husband, Elmer, of Ponte Vedra, FL, also survive her She leaves an enduring legacy in her great-grandchildren: Lyndsey and Hannah Kirksey of Morganton; Elizabeth and Wilson Caldwell of Lawton, OK; Christopher, James and Isabella Kirksey of Greensboro, NC; Robert, Susan and Caroline Alavi of Raleigh; her great-niece, Cameron Dillingham Paschal and her husband, Stephen; her great-nephew, James Jamieson; as well as a number of cousins in the Walker, Pipkin, Giles, and Pitts families.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph “Buddy” Giles; a daughter, Corinne “Betsey” Giles Kirksey; and a sister, Naomi Phillips.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2008 in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church. A celebration of Corinne’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. Holly Adams officiating. A private family burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent in Corinne’s memory to the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Conley E. Butler, 65, of Old NC Hwy 18 in Morganton died Monday, December 22, 2008 at his residence. He was born October 28, 1943 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Roy Butler and Florence Watts Butler. Conley was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Henredon Furniture.

He is survived by brothers, J. P. Butler, Glen Butler, Leonard Butler, and Garland Butler, sisters, Lou Ellen Harmon and husband, Jimmy, Eva Huffman, and Sadie Powell, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Price and Rev. Jimmy Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the church. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Goldie Cannon Reece, 89, of Vine Arden Rd. in Morganton died Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Morganton Long Term Care following a brief illness. She was born January 10, 1919 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Ause Cannon and Hattie Powell Cannon. Goldie was a member of Asheville Street Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school. She also had been a Sunday school teacher at various other churches.

Goldie is survived by sons, Phillip Reece and wife, Lena, of Morganton, and Joseph Reece of Sawmills, NC; daughters, Ruth Patton of Drexel, NC, and Naomi Janie Young of Hildebran, NC; eight grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William Newland Reece; a daughter, Wanda McFalls; a son, David Reece; and a sister, Globie Brittain.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 26, 2008 at Asheville Street Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Goforth officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church Friday one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Asheville Street Baptist Church Building Fund, 119 Colony Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Azile Brittain Fleming, 97, of Drexel, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2008 at Autumn Care. She was born on October 6, 1911 in Burke County and was a daughter of the late Laban Brittain and Annie McGimpsey Brittain of Morganton. Mrs. Fleming was a member of the First Baptist Church, Lenoir, NC where she was active in various organizations including W.M.U. and Sunday School. Following the death of her husband, Henry Virgil Fleming, she resided in Morganton and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton. She worked at Broughton Hospital as a switchboard operator and later in retail at Belk of Morganton. Azile was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed needle work and tending roses with her husband. She was known for her lovely smile and gracious personality.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara F. Miller, and her husband, Robert B. Miller, of Drexel; grandson, Kevin B. Miller, and his wife, Miranda, of Knightdale, NC; nieces, Maxine W. Champion and her husband, Aubrey, of Hudson and Jean D. Kimbrell of Winston-Salem; and nephews, Max R. Williams, and his wife, Virginia, of Raleigh and Bill Darby and his wife, Nora Ellen, of Kinston.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Roy L. Brittain; sisters, Viola Darby and Alice Williams; and a niece, Nita Ann Whetstine.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A Bland, Jr. and Rev. Tito Madrazo officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home. The graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, First Baptist Church, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680, or Drexel First Baptist Church, PO Box 308, Drexel, NC 28619.

Joe Arney, 66, of West Concord Street, Morganton, NC died Friday, December 26, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born in Burke County, NC on April 17, 1942, he was the son of the late Earl Arney and Nannie Patton Houck. Joe was a member of Heritage Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Toney Arney of the home; a son, Johnny Arney of Morganton; a daughter, Carolyn Lail of Morganton; a granddaughter, Christy Clark and husband, Charlie, of Nebo, NC; great-grandchildren, Jessie and Emma Clark; a brother, Willie Arney of Marion, NC; and sisters, Catherine Grady of Morganton and Sarah Smith of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Heritage Baptist Church with Rev. Dewayne Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow in Park Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Kimberly Dawn Turpin, 41, of Bedwell St., Franklin, NC passed away Thursday, December 25, 2008 at Mission Hospital, Asheville, NC. Born on June 19, 1967 in Catawba Co., NC, she was a daughter of Loretta Freeman Beller of Longview, NC and the late David Beller. She was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her mother she is survived by a son, Daniel Holsclaw of Franklin; a daughter, Ashley Holsclaw of Morganton; a brother, Mark Reitzel of Anderson, SC; a sister, Rhonda Daniels of Hickory; and her maternal grandfather, Ernest Freeman of Hickory.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Harvest Praise Church with the Rev. Barry Camp officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of Terry Holsclaw, 2978 Village Dr., Morganton. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Lucille Gouge Robinson, 83, died Friday, December 26, 2008, at Burke Palliative Care Center following a period of declining health. She was born on October 20, 1925 in Yancey County and was a daughter of the late Sim and Beulah Shuford Gouge. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Dewitt Robinson, Sr. and a number of brothers and sisters. Mrs. Robinson was a retired dietary supervisor with Western Carolina Center and was a member of Oak Forest United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her sons, Phillip Robinson and his wife, Debby, of Nebo; Raymond D. Robinson, Jr., who is currently in Iraq as a civilian contractor, and Michael T. Robinson and his wife, Julia, of Lenoir; her daughter, Ann Robinson, of Morganton; grandsons and their wives, Chad and Amanda Robinson and Bradley and Becky Robinson; great-grandchildren, Daniell and Noah Robinson; and her brothers and their wives, Jim and Sylvia Gouge and Phillip and Jean Gouge all of Burnsville.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2008, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Neal Brantley officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2:30 until 3:30 p.m. At other times the family will be at the residence, 105 Newland St., Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Kay Woodie Pope, 61, of Mini Acres Lane, Hickory, NC died unexpectedly on Friday, December 26, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born in Burke County, NC on May 31, 1947, she was the daughter of Aubrey Duncan of Morganton and the late Virginia Wilson Duncan. She was a member of Royal Chapel Church of God.

In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, Johnny Allen Pope of the home; a daughter, Carol Richey of Morganton; a brother, Delbert Woodie of Morganton; and grandchildren, E. J. Starnes, Sydney Richey, and Kirsten Van Huss.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert Christopher Pope, and a son-in-law, John Robert Richey.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Royal Chapel Church of God with Reverends David Smith and Dennis Pitts officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 1155 Mini Acres Lane, Hickory. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to help with funeral expenses.

Heidi Jean Suttles, 27, of Watershed Rd., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly on Friday, December 26, 2008. Born in Burke County, NC on September 2, 1981, she was the daughter of Ricky Alan Suttles, of Delaware, OH and Karen Darlene Fairchild Suttles, of Morganton. She was a member of North Morganton Baptist Church. Heidi enjoyed JROTC in high school and made the dean’s list numerous times while attending WPCC. She was an avid journal keeper and Duke Basketball fan and enjoyed bowling. She also loved animals and dirt track racing.

In addition to her parents she is survived by her fiancé, Skyler Brewer of Morganton; step-mother, Pam Hensley, of Delaware, OH; step-father, Kevin Ross; maternal grandmother, Alice Frock Fairchild; paternal grandmother, Nola Fleming Suttles, all of Morganton; maternal grandfather, Frank D. Fairchild and his wife, Claudia Fairchild, of Glen Alpine; uncle, Brian L. Fairchild, of Fairbanks, Alaska; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and her special pets, Possum the dog and Duke and Phoebe the cats.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Carl R. Suttles.

The funeral will be will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverend Earl Cross officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Brookwood Baptist Church, 231 Brookwood Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407.

Martha Mae Deaton Smith, 71, of Dysartsville Road, Morganton, NC died Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Valdese General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born in Alamance County, NC on July 31, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Robert Franklin Deaton and Ella Betty Moore Deaton. Martha was a member of Mountain View #2 Baptist Church. She retired from Broughton Hospital after 29 years.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Tommy P. Smith of the home; a son, Johnny D. Smith of Morganton; daughters, Denise Smith Hopson and husband, Chad, and Angela D. Smith, all of Morganton; brothers, John Calvin Deaton of Connelly Springs, NC, Robert Junior Deaton of Hildebran, NC, and Rev. Tex Deaton of Raeford, NC; sisters, Myrtle Deaton Epley of Morganton and Mary Ruth Deaton Moore of Winston-Salem, NC; and a grandson, Teddy Allen Smith Mayfield of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a set of twin children, Rodney Deon Smith and Rebecca D. Smith; and two brothers, Rev. James W. Deaton and Leon Franklin Deaton.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at Mountain View #2 Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Mashburn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence, 4817 Dysartsville Road, Morganton.

Katie Browning Watts, 74, of Windy Hill Dr., Valdese, NC died Saturday, December 27, 2008 at the Burke Palliative Care Center following a lengthy illness. Born in Burke County, NC on April3, 1934, she was the daughter of the late William Smith Browning and Cozie Jeanette Stroup Browning. Katie was a member of the Morganton First Church of God. She was a retired employee of Shadowline where she worked for 47 ½ years. Katie was also a well known presence at Sossoman Funeral Home where she was a greeter for 27 years.

She is survived by her son, William Keith Watts and wife, Martha, of Weaverville, NC; a brother, Herbert F. Browning of Morganton; sisters, Ann B. Carswell and husband, Joe and Nell B. Carpenter and husband, Gerald, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Ashley W. Atkinson and husband, Josh, of Florence, SC, Todd Pitts and wife, Sara, of Drexel, Christopher, Tyler, and Zeke Watts, and Jessica Clark all of Asheville; and David Watts of the home; daughters-in-law, Trudy Watts Pitts and husband, Charles, of Drexel, and Annabeth Watts Schenck and friend, Lance Hardcastle, of Asheville. Katie is also survived by sisters-in-law, Josephine Browning of Morganton and Lydia Browning of Drexel; nieces and nephews, Frances and Ronny Curtis, Connie and Buddy Mitchem, Randy and Teresa Carswell, Ronnie and Wendy Vasser, Angela Vallery, Julia and Willy Greer, Lisa and Chris Landers, Marla and Brian Black, Tommy and Wendi Duckworth, all of the Morganton area, Ray and Tina Browning of Orange, TX, Peggy and John Johnson of Dallas, TX, Dusty and Johnny Pressley of Spokane, WA, Chuck Morse of Spruce Pine, Allison Watts of Charlotte; and a great many grand nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Carroll Watts, Sr.; a son, Johnny Carroll Watts, Jr.; brothers, William A. Browning and Jack M. Browning; and a sister-in-law, Diann Browning.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 1, 2008 at Morganton First Church of God with Rev. Dr. Donald Blankenship, Rev. Don Smith, and Rev. John Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening 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 her home. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorial contributions to be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

William “Bill” Davis, Jr. 84, went home to be with his Lord and Savior after a sudden illness on Saturday, December 27, 2008.. He was born on May 23, 1924 in Burke County and was the son of the late William Davis, Sr. and Harriett Connelly Davis. In addition to his parents, Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Catherine Scott Davis; brothers, Robert, Thomas, Jack, and James Davis; and by sisters, Mary Louise Surratt, Agnes Lattimore, Catherine Battle, and Susan Avery. Bill was a retired employee of Drexel Heritage Furnishings Old Plant 33. He was a devoted member of Willow Tree A.M.E. Church where he was active in the church choir and Adult Men’s Sunday School Class.

Surviving are his children, Cynthia Davis Avery and husband, Robert, William “Billy” Davis, III and wife, Sue Ella, all of Morganton, Drucilla A. Watkins and husband, Raymond, of Asheville; Sheryl Davis, Harry Davis, Phillip Conley, and Brian Conley all of Morganton; his brother, Charles Davis, of Morganton; his sister, Sadie Waters, of Ohio; sisters-in-law, Alice Tate of Morganton and Curley Ann Pearson of New Jersey; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2009, at Willow Tree A.M.E. Church with Rev. Ruppert Ferguson, Joyce Avery, Rev. Herbert Carter, and Phyllis Caldwell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Margaret Duckworth Clark, 86 of 401 Drexel Rd., Morganton, died Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at Autumn Care Nursing Home after a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County and was the daughter of the late Thomas Ed Duckworth and Carrie Lula Belle Orders Duckworth.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Ed junior Duckworth and two sisters, Ruby Mae Duckworth Franklin and Elizabeth Duckworth Deaton.

She was a member of St. Matthews Methodist Church in Morganton.

Survivors include her son, Audey Dean Clark and his wife, Kathy of Morganton; brother, Carl Robert Duckworth and sister, Clara Belle Duckworth Vaughan.

The family will have a private cryptside service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

JoAnne Price Suttles of Old St. Paul Ave., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at Sunrise Rehabilitation and Care Center in Nebo, NC following a period of declining health. Born on November 13, 1934 in McDowell Co., NC, she was the daughter of the late Albin Price and Edna Gallion Price. JoAnne was a member of McDowell Presbyterian Church. She was a retired employee of Western Carolina Center and loved to garden.

She is survived by her daughter, Edna Suttles of Morganton; sons, Lamar Suttles and wife, Brenda, of Morganton and Ricky Suttles and wife, Crystal, of Glen Alpine, NC grandchildren, Cameron Caldwell of NY, Chasity Suttles of Glen Alpine, Lamar Suttles, Jr. of Morganton, Ricky Suttles, Jr. of Glen Alpine; Tessa Suttles of Glen Alpine, and Joshua Ledford of Nebo; great-grandchildren, Hannah Propst, Hali Propst, Taylor Suttles, Xavior Chisholm, and Brooklyn Hodge; brothers, Leonard Price of Rutherfordton, NC and Reese Price and wife, Jeannie, of Marion, NC; and sisters, Bette White and husband, Lamar, of Morganton, Billie Crump of Drexel, NC, and Patricia Warren and husband, Freddy, of Nebo.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Suttles.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Kenneth Shew officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mountain Office, 31 College Place, Ste D 320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644.