Gladys Ingle Angel, 86, of Tomlinson Loop, Connelly Springs, NC died Thursday, January 01, 2009 at Valdese General Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on June 22, 1922, she was a daughter of the late Gentry and Cora Childers Ingle. Gladys was a member of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Rutherford College. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Washington Angel; and sons, James Olen Angel and Marcus Angel.

Surviving are a sister, Dorothy Daye of Connelly Springs, two nephews, and a niece.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2008 at the Evangelical Methodist Church, Rutherford College, NC with the Rev. Mark Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Shady Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour before the service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Loyd “Bo” Keller, 80, of Harmon Street, Morganton, NC died Friday, January 2, 2008 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC. Born in Avery County, NC on December 11, 1928, he was the son of the late Clarence Keller and Bertha Rich Keller. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church where he had been a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and served in various other leadership roles. He was an original founder of the Oak Hill Fire Department and a past member of Oak Hill Water and the NC Cattleman Association. He owned and operated Keller’s 181 Service for thirty years and was a beloved member of the community. Bo was an avid bear hunter and cattle trader.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Thurman Keller of the home; a son, Lloyd E. Keller, Jr. and wife, Debbie, of Morganton; a daughter, Wanda K. Garlow and husband, Tom, of Hickory; grandchildren, Jeff Keller, Josh Keller, Ashley K. Shields, Tony Stewart, Dana W. Walker, and Debra Hildebran; and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bo was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby L. Keller; brothers, Clyde Keller, Pat Keller, Clarence A. Keller, and Sammy John Keller; and sisters, Gladys Battle, Audrey Stewart, and Wilma Hughes.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Zion Baptist Church with Reverends David Orders and Dr. Ralph May officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church, 3396 Pea Ridge Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

Nola Jean Fleming Suttles, 69, of Watershed Road, Morganton, NC died Friday, January 2, 2009 at her residence. Born on December 12, 1939 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Alexander Nance Fleming and Nola Jean Curtis Fleming. Nola Jean was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. She was a very loving teacher throughout her life. She taught at Glen Alpine for many promising years and was loved by all.

She is survived by her son, Rick Suttles and wife, Pam, of Delaware, OH; sisters, Betty Whitaker and Marilyn Harton, both of Morganton; a brother, Russell Fleming of Belmont, NC; and sisters-in-law, Jean Fleming of Morganton, Mary Kathrynn Fleming of TN, and Nancy Fleming.

In addition to her parents, Nola Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Roosevelt Suttles; five brothers, Jimmy, John, Jack, Ronald, and Roy Fleming; and a granddaughter, Heidi Suttles.

The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Earl Cross officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Gordon Fein, 19, of Woodside St. in Morganton died Saturday, January 3, 2009 at his residence. He was born September 24, 1989 in Salina, Kansas. Gordon’s life, though brief, was rich in accomplishments. He swam for the Morganton Swim Team for seven years, garnering many awards, and attaining the office of team captain. He volunteered at the Burke County History Museum helping to input accessions into their computer database. Gordon worked in his church youth group, sang in the youth choir (sort of), participated in mission projects, and ushered at church on Sunday.

He aspired to greatness through service and saw no better avenue than the Armed Forces. He believed his professional and spiritual calling was to be a soldier, a dream realized when he began his career as a New Cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 30, 2008. On Acceptance Day in August, Gordon was formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets and took his place in the Long Gray Line. Through stress and turmoil, he still considered his fellow cadets, family, and friends, always asking after their welfare. Gordon had a word of encouragement for the despondent and hearty laughter and quick wit for his friends. He loved his family unwaveringly and especially treasured his relationship with his sister.

As a Christian, he never doubted God’s Word –its truth or its power- and marveled at its timeliness for every situation. Gordon believed in the one true God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the power of Jesus’s blood alone to atone for sin and to break the bondage of sin; and the resurrection of the dead and the life eternal. He knew that to die was to be with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gordon was a bonnie lad who blessed others his whole life through. As a man, he was beautiful. Forever young, he is honored by many and beloved by all.

Gordon is survived by his mother, Eugenie B. Fein of Morganton; his sister, Irina Fein of the home; a grandmother, Ida Jean Braswell of the home; his father, Michael T. Fein and wife, Cyndi, of Lynchburg, VA; grandmothers, Geane Fein of Topeka, KS, and Doris Fein of Newhall, CA; uncles, Bruce Braswell of Columbia, SC, Greg Braswell of Irving, TX, and Paul Fein and wife, Ellen, of Leesburg, VA; and an aunt, Candy Fein.

He was preceded in death by grandfathers, Marvin O. Braswell and William E. Fein.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 8, 2009 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday at the church following the service. Burial will be private at Forest Hill Cemetery. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements. On Tuesday evening, January 6, 2009, there will be a Taps Vigil on the Plain at West Point where all 4000 cadets will stand encircling the Plain in Gordon’s honor. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Ministry, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680, the Burke County History Museum, PO Box 416, Morganton, NC 28680, or to the West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Rd., West Point, NY 10996.

Schyler “Bud” Carpenter, 69, of Henderson Mill Road, Morganton, NC, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, January 5, 2009 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC after an extended illness. Born in Avery County, NC on October 24, 1939, he was the son of the late Schyler Anderson Carpenter, Sr. and Bertie Stamey Carpenter. He was a member of Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Fort Hood, TX. He worked for Drexel Heritage for 26 years.

Bud is survived by his wife of 21 years, Fannie Bell Hembree Carpenter of the home; a son, Paul Anderson Carpenter and fiancée, Tracy Byrd, of Morganton; a step-son, Dwight Street of Morganton; grandsons, Tyler Anderson Carpenter and Justin Street; brothers, Loyd Carpenter of OH, Max Carpenter of McDowell County, NC, and Russell Carpenter of Catawba County, NC; and sisters, Ellen Carpenter of McDowell County and Carolyn Weller of Catawba County.

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

The graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 8, 2009 in Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Neal Brantley officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to assist with funeral expenses.

Helen Tallent Tallant, 80, of Gateway Nursing Center, Lenoir and a former resident of the George Hildebrand community, died Monday, January 5, 2009 at Gateway Center. Born July 3, 1928 in Lincoln County, NC, she was a daughter of the late James Augustus Tallent, Sr. and Junnie Miller Tallent. She was a retired employee of Western Carolina Center. Helen was a member of St. Johns Baptist Church where she was a charter member of the W.M.U. and was instrumental in the founding of the Seniors Program. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph A. Tallant, Sr.; sons, Ronnie Tallant and Ralph A. Tallant, Jr.; brothers, Ralph, Sam, Charles, James Augustus, Jr., and Forrest “Buddy” Tallent; sisters, Mae Sain, Minnie Lineberger, Florence Mull, and Edna Tallent; and a grandson, Billy Howard Tallant.

Surviving are a daughter, Barbara Tallant Metz and her husband, Patric of Hudson, NC; a grandson, Matthew Tallant of Hudson; a sister, Betty Mosteller of Drexel, NC; several other grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Sam Craven and Tim Greene officiating. Burial at 3:00 p.m. will be in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Project Faith, c/o Union Grove Baptist Church or to Caldwell County Hospice.

Jeffrey Hyatt Arnold, age 23, the sweetest little man in the world, of Enola Rd. in Morganton died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at Valdese Hospital due to severe pneumonia. He was born June 30, 1985 in Marion County, FL, and was the son of Jeffrey Arnold and Vivian Hyatt Arnold of Candler, NC. Jeffrey was a member of the Covenant Center Chapel at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. He loved to ride around and loved music. Jeffrey was very precious, well-loved, and he gave a lot of love to all who were close to him.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Dolores Arnold Tallant and husband, Chris, of Candler; his maternal grandparents, Nelson and Dolores Hyatt of Vero Beach, FL; his paternal grandfather, Mack J. Arnold of Stuart, VA; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Pauline K. Arnold. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2009 in the Covenant Center Chapel of J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center with Chaplain Johnny A. Phillips officiating. The viewing will be held Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel. Since Jeffrey did not like flowers, please make memorial contributions to the J. Iverson Riddle Institute, 300 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Elm Cottage, J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, 300 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Memorial contributions may also be made to the VOR. - Voice of the Retarded, (the only Federal organization that advocates for a continuum of residential options for the severely disabled), 836 S. Arlington Heights Rd. #351, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, or to the MRA - Mental Retardation Association, (a state organization that advocates for the residents and staff of our state DD Centers),12 Hardrock Lane, Fairview, NC 28730. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Alexander Kenneth Copeland, 73 of Autumn Care, Drexel, NC died Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born March 2, 1935 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of Emma Sue Miller Copeland of Drexel and the late Alexander Christenberry Copeland. Mr. Copeland served in the U.S. Air Force for twenty-one years and was a Korean War veteran. He loved all kinds of outdoor activities and sports including hunting, fishing, and softball. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Chandler.

In addition to his mother he is survived by sons, Barry Copeland of Valdese, NC and Alan Copeland and his wife, Tina of Connelly Springs, NC; a daughter, Connie Copeland of Drexel; grandchildren, Ashley and Derrick; great grandchildren, Hannah and Tristan; a brother, Lester Copeland of Morganton; sisters, Nina Hartman and her husband, Carroll and Frances Beck all of Drexel; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. George Williams officiating and with military honors by Valdese American Legion Post 234.. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Mr. Copeland will then be taken to Burke Memorial Park for burial.

Carlos A. Acevedo Reyes, 52 of Wilkesboro, NC died January 6, 2009. A service of remembrance will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home, Morganton, NC. Friends will gather following the service until 7:30 p.m.

Barry Nelson Shade, 53, of Jamestown Rd. in Morganton died Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born December 7, 1955 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Charlie Reed Shade and Mabel Hardy Shade. Barry was a member of Chambers Chapel Baptist Church. He drove a school bus for 30 years for the Burke County School System, and then worked as a computer technician at Western Piedmont Community College.

Barry is survived by his wife, Mary Summers Shade of the home; a son, Devin Nelson Shade of Morganton; a step-son, Chad Landon Summers of Louisiana; a daughter, Sonya Presley Small of Morganton; brothers, Lewis Shade of California, and Otis Shade of New Mexico; sisters, Clare Duncan of Texas, Shirley Long of Durham, NC, and Dollie Henry of Burlington, NC; and five grandchildren, Briana Presley, Desmond Presley, Elijah Small, Kylie Summers, and Kyra Summers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Shade.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Chambers Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Carpenter and Rev. Diane Connelly officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the church. Donations and gifts of food may be taken to the Chambers Chapel Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 4089 Chambers Chapel Circle, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Larry Gene Brooks, 56, of Lenoir St., Morganton, NC, died Thursday, January 8, 2009 at his residence. Born in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late Geraldine Brooks Dellinger. Larry was a member of Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church and was owner and operator of Needful Things in Morganton.

He is survived by his faithful canine companion, Abigail Tate; brothers, Jerry Dellinger of North Wilkesboro, NC, Gary Dellinger of Charlotte, NC, and Perry Dellinger of Morganton; a sister, Terry Dellinger of Hickory; nephews, Donnie Dellinger and wife, Dawn, and Bradley Dellinger, all of Morganton; several aunts and uncles of the Cherryville area; a great-nephew, Dyson Dellinger; a great-niece, Delaney Dellinger; and his best friend, Jacob Mauney.

Larry was preceded in death by a brother, Berry Scott Dellinger, and a companion, Charles Gordon Tate.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2008 at Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church with Reverends Andrew Parkey and Judy Eurey officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. A committal service will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Angela Ortiz Mendoza, daughter of Juan Ortiz Salis and Isabella Mendoza of Morganton, died at birth on January 6, 2009 in Asheville, NC. A service of remembrance will be held at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 11, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Friends will gather following the service until 7:30 p.m.

Lois “Parksie” Watts Wallace, 88, of Brandon Rd., Morganton, NC died Friday, January 9, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Burke County, NC on May 1, 1920, she was a daughter of the late Roland and Jane Causby Watts. Mrs. Wallace was a member of the Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harrison P. Wallace; sisters, Velvie and Lessie Watts, and Mamie Helms; and brothers, Ellis Watts, Warren Watts, and Earl Ervin Watts.

Surviving are her daughters and their husbands, Judy and Jerry Bryant of Morganton and Gayla and Bradley Carswell of South Bend, IN; a sister, Helen L. Chapman of Valdese; and grandchildren, John W. Johnson, Jane L. Carswell and Neal Carswell.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, January 12, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service. At other times the family will be at the home of Judy and Jerry Bryant, 3153 Roland Rd., Morganton.

Sandi Mabe Walters Saunders, 42, of Highway 70, Rutherford College went to be with her Lord on Friday, January 9, 2009 at Valdese Hospital. She was born on June 24, 1966 in Burke County and was the daughter of Frances Garrison Mabe and the late Carl L. Mabe, Jr. She was a lifelong member of Burkemont Baptist Church. Sandi was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend; she always had an encouraging word and a smile for everyone she met. She loved her Lord and loved her family unconditionally, especially her three children and her granddaughter. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Shawn F. Mabe, of Nebo, NC.

Surviving are her husband, Kenny J. Saunders, of the home; her mother, Frances G. Mabe, of Morganton; her son, Dalton Walters, of Morganton; her daughters, Lindsi Walters of Boone and Christina Walters of Morganton; her granddaughter, Marley Johnson; her brothers, Steve Mabe and his wife, Ann, of Atlanta, GA and Scotty Mabe and his wife, Mitzi, of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Jan Mabe, of Nebo; and many nieces, Nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom she loved with all of her heart.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Bunton and Rev. David Mills officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Monday 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 Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Marie Carswell McCurry, 77, of Conley Rd. in Morganton went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at her residence. She was born March 23, 1931 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late David Blume Carswell and Lacie June Yount Carswell. Marie was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. She was a good neighbor and friend, and loved to help others.

Marie is survived by a son, Gary McCurry and wife, Phyllis, of Morganton; a daughter, Janice Childers and husband, Gary, of Morganton; a special granddaughter that was raised by Marie, Amy McCurry Waddell; grandchildren, Brittany Childers, Ryan Childers, and Melissa Reep; great-grandchildren, Lacie Smalley, Abby Killam, and Wyatt Reep; sisters, Virginia McCurry and Josephine Burnett; and a special friend and neighbor, Betty Mull.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Anders McCurry; and a sister, Elizabeth “Tooter” Duckworth.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Dewey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday at the church from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. At other times, the family will be at Marie’s home. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, PO Box 1159, 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 arrangements.

Sallie Mae Brittain Whisenant, 85, formerly of Carbon City Road, Morganton died Friday, January 16, 2009, at Sunrise Rehab in Marion following a period of declining health. She was born on February 10, 1923 in Burke County and was a daughter of the late Charles Edward Brittain and Sallie Elizabeth Poteat Brittain. Mrs. Whisenant was a retired employee of Grace Hospital and was a lifelong member of Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church. She loved working in her flower garden.

Surviving are her sons, Robert Worth Freeman and his wife, Trissie, of Old Fort, Timothy Dwayne Freeman and his wife, Brenda, and Theodore Wesley Smith, Jr. and his companion, Jerri, all of Morganton; her daughters, Trecia Dean Smith and her husband, Joe, Connie Lynne Mitchell and her husband, Winston, and Robin Annette Horne and her companion, Tim, all of Morganton; 22 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Whisenant was preceded in death by a daughter, Trixie Lee Ridley; a grandson, Ricky Lee Freeman; a granddaughter, Pamela Lee Farris; brothers, Paul, Charles, Harry, and Ned Brittain; and sisters, Monnie Orders, Flossie Jarrett, and Azalee Taylor. One of her grandsons, Jackie Edward Orders, has been missing for five years.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 18, 2009, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Elder Tim Sheridan officiating. Burial will follow at the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2187 Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Frances Ellen Fleming Schultz, 64, of Walker Rd. in Morganton went to be with the Lord Monday, January 19, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. She was born October 24, 1944 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Sterling Avery Powell and Ellen Irene Jarrett Powell. She was a published poet, artist, and enjoyed crafts. Frances started the first after school program at Mull Elementary School, and loved children with special needs.

Frances is survived by a son, Dwayne Fleming and wife, Paula, of Morganton; grandsons, Dustin and Dalton Fleming and their mother, Lea, of Johnson City, TN; sisters, Brenda Reed and Frieda Buchanan, both of Morganton, and Camille Hall of Drexel, NC; special niece, Denise Roper whom Frances called “Sunshine”.; 6 nephews and 2 nieces.

The body will be taken on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 to the home of her sister, Brenda Reed, 218 Coulter St. in Morganton where the family will receive friends from 2:00 until 8:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, PO Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 (to help with funeral expenses), or to Burke United Christian Ministries, c/o Rosemary Ohnesorge, 305-B West Union St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mildred Deal LeFevers, 86, of Drexel Rd. in Morganton died Monday, January 19, 2009 at Valdese General Hospital following a brief illness. She was born July 5, 1922 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late Melvin Deal and Pearl Powell Deal. Mildred was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. She really enjoyed watching ACC basketball and all of the North Carolina teams. Mildred loved gardening, raising flowers, sewing, and going to the mountains with her family.

She is survived by sons, William Eugene LeFevers and wife, Anna Lou, and Carter LeFevers and wife, Jann, daughters, Rachel Kelly and husband, Dobie, and Wanda Hembree and husband, Steve, all of Morganton; a sister, Mary Agnes Fox of Cary, NC; grandchildren, Dawn Carter, Shannon LeFevers, Kacey Hensley, Dana Harrill, Rafe Hembree, Leith Hembree, Kara Punch, Aaron Huffman, and Phillip Fender; and 21 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Newland LeFevers; brothers, James Carroll Deal and Glenn Deal; a sister, Jewel; and a granddaughter, Sherry Barrier.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Stephenson officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 1338 Bethel Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Marilyn Ednita Brown Canipe, 67, of Scott Rd. in Morganton died Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC following a period of declining health. She was born September 23, 1941 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late Ed Brown and Emma Belle Johnson Brown. She was a member of Rainhill Wesleyan Church.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, William Jack Canipe of the home; a son, Kevin Canipe and wife, Beverly, of Morganton; a daughter, Jackie Greer and husband, David, of Morganton; a sister, Ruhama Dale of Morganton; and grandchildren, Heather Canipe, Katie Canipe, Kristen Canipe, Kyle Orders, Cole Orders, Ashlee Greer, and Jacob Greer.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Brown.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Taber and Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mark H. “Hatch” Patton, 46, of Conley Rd. in Morganton died Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at his residence. He was born Oct. 14, 1962 in Burke County, NC and was a son of Charles “Bill” Patton of Morganton and the late Betty Jo Patton. He was a big NASCAR fan.

In addition to his father, Mark is survived by his long time companion, Becky Pollard of Morganton; a nephew, Charlie Patton of Morganton; and number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Along with his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Carl William Patton.

Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2009 at Glen Alpine Cemetery with Rev. Rocky Reece officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Geneva “Nanny” Bates, 74, of Fletcher St. in Morganton went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Brian Center East in Hickory following a period of declining health. She was born July 1, 1934 in Yancey County, NC, and was the daughter of Ethel Viola Honeycutt of Morganton and the late Rev. Charles Hayden Honeycutt. Geneva was a member of Hillcrest Freewill Baptist Church in Nebo, NC, and a retired employee of Broughton Hospital with 31 years of service. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend.

In addition to her mother, Geneva is survived by her son, James Bates of Morganton; grandchildren, Jamie Bates and Heather Bates, both of Morganton; a daughter-in-law, Kim Smith of Morganton; and great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jaylen, and Alayhia.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2009 at Hillcrest Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby Revis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday 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.

Rev. Dr. James W. White, 62, of Power House Rd. in Morganton died Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese following a period of declining health. He was born August 26, 1946 in Glen Alpine, NC, and was a son of the late Robert Romulus White and Annie Belle Powell White. Rev. Dr. White graduated from Glen Alpine High School, and then went to college at John Wesley College and Asbury College. He obtained his Masters in Anthropology from Wake Forest University, a Masters of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Rev. Dr. White was a missionary with OMS International in Ecuador, South American from 1978 until 1982 where he served as the Principal of International School in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He became an ordained Deacon and Elder in the Western United Methodist Church. The churches that Rev. Dr. White served included Level Cross/Siloam UMC Charge, Union Chapel UMC, Greer’s Chapel UMC, Mt. Carmel UMC, Bethesda UMC, and Skyland UMC. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing the guitar.

Rev. Dr. White is survived by his wife, Linda Guthrie White of the home; daughters, Kimberly W/ Money and husband, Danny, of Winston-Salem, NC, and Kristi Aberle and husband, Josh, of Sabetha, Kansas; a granddaughter, Kaylee Grace Money; brothers, Roy White and wife, Vera, of Granite Falls, NC, Ralph White and wife, Hilda, of Morganton, and Harold White and wife, Nell, of Glen Alpine; sisters, Mary Brown and husband, Harold, and Doris Orders, all of Morganton, and Libby Morgan and husband, James of Atlanta, GA; and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Cpl. James Robert White and Rev. Clyde White; sisters, Sadie Webb, Lillie Mae Green, and Carolyn Scott; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2009 in the Family Life Center of Bethesda United Methodist Church, 2922 Bethesda Rd., Lexington, NC with the Reverends Jon Strother, Paul Perry, Terry Duckworth, and Doug Hochmuth officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Burial will be at 4:30 p.m., Saturday at Glen Alpine Cemetery in Glen Alpine with the Reverends David Duncan and Keith Turman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to the The Gideons International, PO Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680-0678. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Grover C. Chapman, 93, of Mt. Home Church Rd. in Morganton died Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. He was born August 28, 1915 in Rutherford Co., NC, and was son of the late William Pinkney Chapman and Alice Smith Chapman. Grover was a very active member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church. He was a World War II US Army veteran, and a member of the V. F.W. Grover was a retired employee of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings and also Hanes. He loved woodworking and made toys for his family.

Grover is survived by daughters, Vonda Mosteller and husband, Max, and Daphne Davis and husband, Steve, all of Morganton; a sister, Florence Robinson of Morganton; grandchildren, Nathan Mosteller and Aryan Bollinger; and great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn Whisenant and Dustin Mosteller.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Hudson Chapman; brothers, Ivey and Zeno Chapman; and sisters, Essie Cook, Versie White, Dessie White, Bertha McMurry, Rucelle Smith, Mattie Capo, and Beadie Poteat.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Cross Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Clyde Buckner and Rev. Dr. Ralph May officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with cryptside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 2345 Mt. Home Church Rd. in Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cross Memorial Baptist Church, 650 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Charles “Jink” Jennings Poteat, 72, of Hwy 70 East in Morganton died Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Burke Palliative Care Center following a period of declining health. He was born October 18, 1936 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Charlie Ervin Poteat and Jennie Lee Stroupe Poteat. Charles was a member of United Baptist Church, and a US Air Force veteran. He was a member of the Burke Shrine Club, Oasis Shrine Temple, Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217, and the Scottish Rite of Asheville. Charles had over 45 years of experience in trucking, and was a retired employee of Century Furniture.

He is survived by his wife, Leonia Grady Poteat of the home; a daughter, Tracy Frye and husband, Murphy, of Morganton; grandchildren, Amber Bentley of Valdese and Erik Bentley and wife, Jillian, of Morganton; brothers, Ernest Poteat and wife, Wanda, of Asheville, NC, and David Poteat and wife, Bonn Lynn, of Morganton; and a sister, Jewell Poteat of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Poteat.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, January 25, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Lawing, Rev. Ted Swann, and Rev. Mark Norris, and Mr. Bryan Grady officiating. Masonic rites will be conducted by Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:30 until 3:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to the Shriner’s Children Hospital, c/o Burke County Shrine Club, PO Box 695, Morganton, NC 28680.

Max Gardner Whisnant, 81, of Corpening Bridge Rd. in Morganton died Thursday, January 22, 2009 at his residence. He was born July 16, 1927 in Burke County and was a son of the late John Lloyd Whisnant and Ellie Mae Smith Whisnant. Max was a member of Grandview Baptist Church where he was a long time song leader and youth teacher. He was one of Burke County’s best fast pitch pitchers, but he loved participating in all sports.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Faye Hildebrand Whisnant of the home; sons, Stanley Max Whisnant and Timothy Gardner Whisnant, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Marcus Stanley Whisnant, Timothy Bryant Whisnant, Tyler Jordan Whisnant, and Teagan Ray Whisnant, all of Morganton; a great-grandson, Marcus Cole Whisnant of Morganton; and sisters, Letha Whisnant Benfield, Muriel Whisnant Smith, Faye Whisnant McCoy, and Vernie Whisnant Chapman.

In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by sisters, Ruth Whisnant Beck, Louise Whisnant Dale, and Doris Whisnant Allman; and brothers, Carl, Ray, Ned, Howard, Owen, and Sonny Whisnant.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Grandview Baptist Church with Rev. John Whisnant and Rev. Jimmy Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of a sister, Vernie Chapman, 2356 Spainhour Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Baptist Church Building Fund, 1290 Harris Whisnant Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Isaac Walter Santos, Sr., 88, of Rockyford St. in Morganton died Sunday, January 25, 2009 at College Pines Nursing Home following a period of declining health. He was born February 14, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA, and was a son of the late Frank Santos and Florrie Lee Santos. Isaac was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Jenkins Santos; and a sister, Ione Madison.

He is survived by sons, Warren Santos and Isaac Walter Santos, Jr., and a daughter, Stephanie Santos, all of Morganton; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 29, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Cronk officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends a half-hour before the service at the funeral home.

Mary Suttles “Granny” Benfield, 89, of Scott Rd. in Morganton died Monday, January 26, 2009 at her residence following a period of declining health. She was born October 9, 1919 in Madison County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Thomas A. Suttles and Sara Ann Gregory Suttles. Mary was a member of McDowell Church. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Mary is survived by a daughter, Barbara Taylor of Morganton; a son, Jim Benfield and wife, Doris, of Morganton; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Wilma Godfrey of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Benfield; a daughter, Myra Cook; two great-grandchildren, Edward William Branch and Roger Branch; and two sisters and four brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2009 at McDowell Church with Rev. Dennis Carswell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Marlene J. Jones, 75, of W. Union St., Morganton, NC died peacefully at home on Thursday, January 29, 2009. Born in Natural Bridge, NY on July 7, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Everett Peck and Viola Lozo Peck. Marlene was a home maker and enjoyed various crafts including ceramics and painting. She was a long-time resident of Long Beach, MS. Marlene is survived by her daughter, Debbie Craig of Morganton; grandchildren, Braxton Brantley of Morganton, Joshua Craig of Morganton, and John Daniel Magri of Baton Rouge, LA; a sister, Patricia Quinn and husband, Francis, of Carthage, NY; a niece, Cheryl Aubin of Natural Bridge, NY; and a nephew, Dennis Quinn of Champion, NY.

In addition to her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Jones, and a daughter, Lynne Denise Magri.

The funeral will be held at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Chaplain William M. Hall officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in Natural Bridge, NY at a later date. At other times the family will be at the residence, 804 W. Union St., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Ray Norville, 85, of Luke Smith Ave., Morganton, NC went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, January 29, 2009 after an extended illness. Born in Rutherford Co., NC on April 9, 1923, he was the son of the late Tommy Norville and Lillie Wishon Norville. Ray was a member of Rain Hill Wesleyan Church, of which he was a charter member and also helped to build. He retired from Drexel Heritage’s Table Rock Plant #6 with over forty years of service. He was an avid farmer and hunter.

A loving husband, father, brother, and papa, he is survived by his wife, Sallie Kaylor Norville of the home; sons, Jimmy Norville and wife, Judy, Doug Norville and wife, Lynda, Larry Norville and wife Frances, and Harold Norville and wife, Ruby, all of Morganton; daughters, Helen Morrow and husband, Deron, and Margaret Bradley and husband, Ben, all of Morganton; sons, Roger Brown and wife, Nancy, and Clifford Brown and wife, Reba; daughters, Margie Ingle and husband, Robert, Martha Hartley and husband, R.H., and Florence Lowman; brothers, Ben, Roby, Bill, James, and Ronnie Norville; sisters, Shirley Freeman and Jo Ann Cook; a brother-in-law, Paul Taylor of Morganton; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Neta Raye Taylor Norville; several brothers and sisters; and grandchildren, Phillip Crotts, Kevin Tallent, and Christy Crotts.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Rain Hill Wesleyan Church with Reverends Matthew Tietje and Jack Moses officiating. Burial will follow at Sandy Level Baptist Church Cemetery in Bostic, NC. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the residence on Luke Smith Ave., Morganton or at the residence of his son, Larry, on Scott Road, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Rain Hill Wesleyan Church, 5763 Rain Hill Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Millard Luther Caldwell, 78, of Rector Corner, Marshall, NC died Friday, January 30, 2009 at the John F. Keever Solice Center in Asheville, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Madison Co., NC on June 15, 1930, he was the son of the late Jack Caldwell and Minnie Sherlin Caldwell. Millard was a member of the Marshall Community Baptist Church.

He is survived by his sisters, Victoria Ward of Marshall, Josephine Kean of Basom, NY, and Jeanette Swift of Lincoln Park, MI.

In addition to his parents, Millard was preceded in death by a son, Millard Larry Caldwell.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Massey officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Marshall Community Baptist Church, Main St., Marshall, NC 28753.

Cassie Newton, 88, of Murphy Court in Morganton went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 30, 2009 at Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese. She was born February 10, 1920 in Rutherford County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Robert Franklin Hunt and Ola Mae Guffey Hunt. Cassie was a member of Southside Baptist Church for over 50 years. She retired from Broughton Hospital with 30 years of service, and later worked part time at Grace Hospital.

Cassie is survived by her daughter, Norma N. Mikeal of Morganton; a sister, Betty Hunt of Greenville, SC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew “Roy” Newton; a son-in-law, Bobby R. Mikeal; brothers, Dewey, Warren, Audy, and R. H.; and sisters, Brunie, Sadie, and Quessie.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Southside Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Clark and Rev. Buster King officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday 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. At other times, the family will be at Norma Mikeal’s residence, 118 Poteat St., Morganton, NC 28655.