Paul Edward Causby, 85, of Powe St., Morganton, NC, died Saturday, May 2, 2009. Born in Burke County, NC on September 17, 1923, he was a son of the late Zebulan Vance Causby and Tessie Gurley Causby.

The focus of Paul’s life’s profession has been general contracting and construction. He was a co-founder of C. and L. Building Supply in 1960. Paul further pursued his creative spirit in the early 1970s as the President of Causby Construction and key founder of Morganton Building Supply. Under his guidance, numerous facilities in the community have been created. These include CoMMA, Phifer Wellness Center, the Court-House Complex, the First Baptist Church Chapel and Bell-Tower, Suntrust Bank, BB&T Bank, the museum of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, and numerous homes for Burke County residents. On a personal level, Paul had high expectations of performance including the quality of work, dedication to detail, and firmness of commitment. Paul’s generosity of spirit has been well illustrated through his dedication to his family. This dedication has been felt with the security of home, education, and guidance through strong parenting.

Paul is survived by his wife, Agnes Saunders Causby of the home; a son, Donald Causby and wife, Margaret, of Morganton; a daughter, Vickie Causby of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren, Todd Edward Causby and wife, Vickie, Jason Ervin Causby and wife, Denise, and Ashley J’Anna Causby; great-grandchildren, Madison Blake Causby, Tess Adeline Causby, and Zebulon Fate Causby; three sisters, Ruby Davis, Pearl Cordell, and Zet Murray, all of Morganton; and additional special family members, Krista Engels and Tucker Causby Foil.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Magdalene Rector Causby, and a son, Ted Ervin Causby.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Shepherd and Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital, c/o Burke County Shrine Club, P.O. Box 695, Morganton, NC 28680.

Jana Denise Stroupe Shell, 48, of Hwy 64 West in Morganton died Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born April 27, 1961 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of Beatrice “Bea” Hensley and her husband, Jack, and James Stroupe and his wife, Frances, all of Morganton. She was a member of Mt. Home Baptist Church, and a former employee of Wal-Mart.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by sons, Timothy Alan Stroupe, and Christopher Dale Shell of Connelly Springs, NC; sisters, Cindy Stroupe of Valdese and Beverly Stroupe of Morganton; a step-sister, Jackie Abernathy of Morganton; caregivers, Dallas and Susan Sigmon and their family; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jana was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Shell, Jr; a brother, Jerry Wayne Stroupe; and grandparents, Carl and Lola Mull, and Gerald and Katie Stroupe.

Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Home Baptist Church Building Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Leo F. Witkowski, Sr., 89, of Grace Heights, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 following a lengthy illness. Born in Niagara Co., NY on December 10, 1919, he was the son of the late Joseph Witkowski and Frances Cebulski Witkowski.

Leo was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church. His Lord and his church were very essential parts of his life. Leo graduated from Trott Vocational High School in 1938 with a degree in business education. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII, and was the Staff Sergeant in charge of supplies for his unit. Leo’s organization of the supply room was later adopted as the standard setup for all other US Army supply rooms. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion Portage Post in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Witkowski was an employee of Occidental Chemical Corporation for 43 years. He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather.

Leo is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marie Corsaro Witkowski of the home; sons, Leo F. Witkowski, Jr. and wife, Teresa, of Glen Alpine, NC, Michael Witkowski and partner, Bob Tyler, of Laguna Beach, CA; daughters, Margaret Daniels and husband, Jim, of Morganton and Elizabeth Kohnke of Dana Point, CA; grandchildren, Drew Abee, Jenna Kohnke, James Mort, Corey Kohnke, Tia Daniels, and Jordan Brown; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Peggy Witkowski; a son-in-law, Michael Kohnke; and brothers, Anthony, Stephen, Edward, and Matthew Witkowski.

The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 11, 2009 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. A Rosary will be said from 6:00 until 6:20 pm, and visitation will begin following the Rosary. At other times the family will be at the residence of the daughter, Margaret Daniels, Robinhood Drive, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Edith Hoyle Wacaster, 81, of Grace Heights, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born on December 7, 1927 in Burke County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Bryson Hoyle and Essie White Hoyle. Edith was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. She was an avid gardener and had a knack for growing anything. She was a former employee of the Morganton store of the Waldensian Bakery, the John Graham Store, and of the Young Ages Children’s Clothing Store.

She is survived by her children, Ted Wacaster and wife, Nolita, Susan Merrill and husband, Bob, and Debbie Grigg and husband, Don, all of Morganton; a step-daughter, Patty Wacaster of Morganton; grandchildren, Brian Wacaster and wife, Addie, of Rock Hill, SC, Steven Wacaster and wife, Amy, of New York City, NY, Sandi Scott and husband, Chad, of Connelly Springs, NC, and Danny Sorrells of Orlando, FL; and great-grandchildren, Jake Wacaster, Jessica Wacaster, Olivia Wacaster, and Samuel Wacaster.

In addition to her parents, Edith was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Warren Sain; her second husband, James Roy Wacaster; a step-son, Jim Wacaster; and a brother, J. P. Hoyle.

The graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2009 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Cemetery with The Rev. Francis King officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, NE, New York, NY 10016 or to Burke County Friends for Animals, P.O. Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680.

Olga Frisard Crabtree, 98, of Raleigh, NC, and formerly of Morganton, died Saturday, May, 9, 2009 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. She was born in Burke County, December 6, 1910 to the late Stephane V. Frisard and Olga Foster Frisard. She was of the Episcopal faith. Mrs. Crabtree graduated from UNC-G in 1933, with majors in Physics and English. She returned to Morganton where she taught at the North Carolina School for the Deaf and in the Burke County School System for over 20 years. In 1985 she moved to Raleigh to be near family.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, C.H. “Ty” Crabtree, and a sister, Marie Frisard Turner.

Olga is survived by daughters, Olga Simpson and husband, Ron of Raleigh, NC, Emily Povey and husband, Bill of Tampa, FL; 5 grandchildren, Olga Kruger, Steve Simpson, Leah Turner, Margaret Ridge and Bill Povey. Olga is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren, Dylan and Marley Shattuck, Logan, Povey and Zoe Ridge, and Harrison and Tanner Povey.

A private graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Forest Hill Cemetery. Plans for a memorial graveside service will be held at a later date, and will be announced by Sossoman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 King St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Eva Orders Berry, 96, of Morganton, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Britthaven Nursing Center. Born in Burke County, NC on December 24, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Claude Hice and Mary Annie Shuffler Hice. Eva was a loyal member of Morganton Freewill Baptist Church. She was a retired employee of Alba-Waldensian.

She is survived by her daughters, Jessie Mae Hensley and husband, B.W., of Morganton and Loma Faye Moore of Glen Alpine, and a numerous amount of grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Orders; her second husband, Pink Berry; a son, Wayne Edward Orders; a daughter, Helen Elizabeth Woodard; a granddaughter, Carolyn Gouge; a great-great-granddaughter, Destiny Warlick; seven brothers; and two sisters.

A celebration of Eva’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends John Dempsey, Alan Fredell, and Jeff Boone officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence of a daughter, Jessie Hensley. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Maude Sherrill Reid, 90, of East Union Street, Morganton, NC died Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Morganton Long Term Care. Born in Burke County, NC on January 20, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Charlie O. Reid and Annie Odell Harris Reid. Maude was a graduate of Morganton High School.

She is survived by extended family in Burke County.

The funeral will be held at 4pm, Sunday, May 17, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with a Burke County Hospice Chaplain officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Isabel Martin Sherrill, 90, of Zion Rd., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born June 4, 1918 in Greenwood County, SC, she was a daughter of the late George Pearson Martin and Narcissus Clarke Martin. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Wesley Sherrill, Sr.; brothers, Fred Martin and George Martin, Jr.; and a sister, Mary Milton Sasser. Mrs. Sherrill was a member of First Baptist Church, Morganton. She was a graduate of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and was employed in the main office of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings for over twenty years. She and husband loved to take road trips all over the country, and she especially enjoyed her time at their vacation home in North Myrtle Beach. Isabel was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Surviving are a son, Wilson Sherrill, Jr. and his wife, Sara of Morganton; a daughter, Rebecca Sherrill Brinkley and her husband, Louis of Morganton; grandchildren, Greg Brinkley, Lisa Brinkley Swan, Julie Sherrill, and Kam Sherrill McHugh; great grandchildren, Landon, Jackson, and Walter; and a sister-in-law, Violet Sherrill.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Tom Lineberger officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Memorial gifts may be made to the Deaf Ministry of First Baptist Church, P. O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC or to Meals on Wheels, Burke County Senior Services, 501 N. Green St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Mary Ann Whisnant, 68, of Shuffler Road, Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, May 14, 2009 following a period of declining health. Born November 29, 1940 in Burke County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Garfield Saulman and Lois Holder Clark. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Charlie Mae Smith, and a brother, Ervin Saulman.

Mary Ann was a retired employee of Burke County Publics Schools and a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, Herman Richard Whisnant of the home; a daughter, Patricia Coleman and husband, Jim, of Morganton; a son, Kenneth Whisnant of Morganton; a grandchild, Cory Whisnant and his mother, Kim; a brother, Charles Saulman and wife, Helen, of Morganton; a brother-in-law, William “Bill” Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 17, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Eddy Bunton and Chaplain William Robertson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence on Shuffler Road, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church Building Fund, 4668 Burkemont Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Lance Plowman Smith, 58, of William Owens Way, Greer, SC, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at his residence. Born in New York City, NY on June 29, 1950, he was a son of the late Wallace H. Smith and Florence P. Smith.

Lance is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Smith of N. Green Street, Morganton, NC; a sister, Monica Bergstrom and husband, Jim, of Hurst, TX; an aunt, Emma Barkley of Waco, TX; sisters-in-law, Becky Lytle and Jan Alms; a brother-in-law, Robert L. McKinney, Jr.; nephews, Jamie McKinney, Jay Lytle, and Eliot Lytle; and a niece, Maria McKinney.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of personal choice.

Louise Ramsey Harris, 95, of Magnolia Gardens, Southern Pines, NC died Sunday, May 17, 2009 in Pinehurst, NC. Born in Burke County, NC on April 20, 1914, she was a daughter of the late John C. Ramsey and Maggie McGalliard Ramsey Leatherman. Louise was a devoted, life-long member of Enon Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 60 years. She also wrote the Enon Church history, was a former WMU director, worked with R.A.s and G.A.s, and was active in Vacation Bible School. For decades she owned and operated Louise Harris Beauty Shop. She was also active in her community, civic, and school committees, and she loved to garden.

Louise is survived by her sons, Douglas C. Harris, Sr. of Greensboro, NC and Michael R. Harris and wife, Anna, of Aberdeen, NC; a brother, Louis J. Ramsey and his wife, Marjorie, of Rutherford College, NC; grandchildren, Douglas Clayton Harris, Jr.; Joseph Lee Harris; Jessica Eve Harris; Michael Robert Harris, II; Zachary Kyle Harris; Spencer Ned Harris; and Tammy McDonald; great-grandchildren, Delylah, Rowen, and Xavier; and twenty nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Ned Harris; sisters, Lavadah Baker, Lula Arnold, Mary Alice Yoder, Lydia Lorenz, and Dorothy Beam; and brothers, Welford Ramsey and Charles W. Ramsey.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Enon Baptist Church. The family will receive friends following the service. A private, family burial will be held earlier in the day. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern NC Chapter, 400 Oberlin Road, Suite 220, Raleigh, NC 27605 or to the Mission Aviation Fellowship, Attn: Natalie and David Holster, P.O. Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Kayla Isabella Branch, 5 week old daughter of Phillip Branch, Jr. and Elizabeth Jones Branch of Valdese, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center. Kayla was born in Mecklenburg County on April 7, 2009. In addition to her parents, Kayla is survived by a brother, Quentin Branch, of the home; paternal grandparents, Phillip Branch, Sr. and his wife, Lynn, of Granite Falls and Doris Hudson and her husband, Dale, of Valdese; maternal grandparents, Don and Diane Jones, of Wallace, NC; paternal great-grandmother, Lillie Mae Griffin, of Drexel; an aunt, Joyce Cook, of Drexel; and other extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Hopewell Baptist Church. Graveside services will follow with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

On the eighteenth of May, 2009, Odessa Powell Clark, of Drexel Rd., Valdese, NC, began her glorious eternal life. Born to Owens Bascomb, “O.B.”, and Nannie Viola Cooper Powell on October 19, 1913, she was the second of nine children of which there are three surviving siblings: Emily Ermine Abee of Brunswick, GA, Rebecca Powell Dalmas of Valdese and John Henry Powell of Conover; and five deceased siblings, J. B. Powell, Thompson Powell, Charles Powell, Anita Fowler, and Myrtle Williams.

Odessa met her husband, C.P. Clark, in August of 1933 at church. While courting on the weekends, C.P. would walk from Collettesville to Drexel. They married in 1934 and had one daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Vernice Clark Fletcher, who was and would forever be their pride and joy. Odessa and Cindy shared a relationship of which most mothers and daughters only dream, for they truly were best friends.

Professionally, Odessa pursued a cosmetology career. She studied dermatology under Dr. Charles Howell of Wake Forest University in addition to attending a styling class under Vidal Sassoon and a charm class under Edith Head, both of New York City. For thirteen years, she served on the state board of the NC Hairdresser’s Association, filling the position of President for two years and on the Board of Trustees for four years.

Odessa was an extensive traveler. As soon as she would hear the work “trip”, it seems that a packed bag would almost instantaneously appear. During her lifetime, she traveled throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Holy Lands. Her favorite place of all was the Holy Lands, and the fact that this was her favorite place is so appropriate because Odessa’s first and foremost focus in life was her faith in and love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. She accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of twelve and began her lifetime of service as a charter member at Bethlehem Methodist Church which would later become Christ United Methodist Church. She served in almost every capacity from Sunday school teacher to organizer of the United Methodist Women to church historian. She also firmly believed in looking her best for God on Sundays, often donning matching dress, coat, hat, gloves, purse, hose, and shoes. She had impeccable taste.

In addition to her only daughter, Cindy and husband, Rev. Larry W. Fletcher of Valdese, Odessa is survived by a grandson, Hugh Clark Fletcher and wife, Teresa, of Hickory; a granddaughter, Odessa Jeanene Fletcher Burris and husband, Ray, of Valdese; six great-grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “WeeNannie”, including Matthew Clark Fletcher of Chapel Hill, Sara Courtney Fletcher of Hickory, Cynthia Suzanne Burris, Emily Jeanene Burris, Laura Jane Burris, and Winnifred Marianne Burris all of Valdese. To these immediate family members as well as to her surviving siblings, their families, and to her close friends, Odessa leaves a lifetime of love, laughter, and living life to the fullest. She was an amazing woman.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2009 at Christ United Methodist Church with Reverends Charles Gibbons and Martha Welch. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Friends may view Odessa’s body from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Friday at Sossoman Funeral Home. A private family viewing will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence of Rev. Larry and Cindy Fletcher, 2859 High Peak Road, Valdese. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, P.O. Drawer 38, Drexel, NC 28619.

Betty Williams Bennett, 82, of Drexel, NC died Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Grace Hospital following an extended illness. She was born August 24, 1926 in Burke County, NC and was a daughter of the late Bryant C. Williams and Donnie Lou Williams. Betty was a member of Drexel Memorial Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings with over 47 years of service. Betty had a great love for family and friends and cherished the time spent together.

Betty is survived by sons, Gary Bennett and wife, Nancy, of Morganton, and Jim Bennett and wife, Becky, of Washington, NC; a daughter, Gail Powell and husband, Denny, of Drexel; a sister, Charlene Fletcher of Drexel; a sister-in-law, Marzelle Brinkley of Drexel; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gurden “Spud” Bennett; sisters, Emma Lee Carswell, Nancy Mitchem, and Margaret Powell; and a brother, B. C. Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie LeFevers officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Gail Powell in Greentree Acres, Valdese, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Frances Perkins Woody, 78, of Lenoir Rd., Morganton, died Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. She was born January 6, 1931 in Burke County to the late James Thomas Perkins, Sr. and Elizabeth Clontz Perkins. Frances was a member of North Morganton Baptist Church. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Junior Woody; brothers, James T. Perkins, Jr., Burl Perkins, Carroll Perkins, and Nial Perkins; a sister, Jean Duckworth; and a grandson, Kurtis Wayne Majors.

Frances is survived by three sons, Steve Woody and wife, Wilma, and Mike McGimsey and wife, Lynn, all of Morganton, and David Woody and wife, Janice of Columbia, TN; a daughter, Shelia Little and husband Bryan of Cleveland, NC; six grandchildren, Tonya Wilson, Jennifer West, Steven Woody, David Majors, Jr., Jonathan Woody, and Julia Elizabeth Woody, seven great-grandchildren, Taressa Wilson, Caroline Wilson, Jesse West, Joseph West, Jonas West, Sophie Majors, and Rachael Majors; sisters, Nina Rader and Gloria Keller; and brothers, Ned Perkins and Bill Perkins.

A celebration of Frances’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009 at North Morganton Baptist Church with the Rev. Kenneth Baker and Rev. Dr. Dewey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to North Morganton Baptist Church Flower Fund, 101 View St., Morganton, NC 28655.

Edward H. “Goose” Lowman, 80, of Miller Bridge Road, Connelly Springs, NC died Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Grace Hospital in Morganton, NC. Born in Burke County, NC on June 13, 1928, he was the son of the late Walter Harrison Lowman and Bessie Martin Lowman. Ed was a member of Smart’s Grove Baptist Church.

For many years he worked with his brothers in Lowman’s Service Station on Mineral Springs Mountain Road. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.

Ed is survived by his wife, Vernie Abee Lowman of the home; children, Rita Lowman Mace and husband Larry, and Kathy Lowman Berry and husband, Doug, all of Connelly Springs; grandchildren, Shane Mace and wife, Angela, Kristi Carswell and husband, Danny, Neil Mace and wife, Tammy, and Emily Smith and husband, Adam; great-grandchildren, Landon Mace, Luke Carswell, Bethany Mace, Samuel Mace, Ally Mace, Emma Smith, and Zoie Carswell; brothers, W. H. Lowman, Jr. and Bob Lowman; a sister, Margaret Lowman; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by brothers, Lewis, Cleveland, Kermit, and Grady Lowman; and a sister, Thelma Lail.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at Smart’s Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Johnny Daniel Harrison, Sr., 61, of Sherwood Forest in Nebo, died Sunday, May 24, 2009 at McDowell Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born July 25, 1947 in Mitchell County, and was a son of Florence Young Harrison of Morganton and the late Floyd Russell Harrison. Johnny was a former employee of Marion Manufacturing.

Johnny is survived by children, Tammy Sullivan and husband, Greg, of Morganton, Teri Austin of Valdese, John Daniel Harrison, Jr. of Morganton, and Danny Leroy Harrison of Glen Alpine; a brother, Harold Harrison of Morganton; a sister, Wanda Phillips of Yancey County; and 5 grandchildren, Jesse Whisenant, Tabitha Hawkins, Aaron Lowdermilk, Tiffany Townsend, and Dalton Townsend.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sue Myers.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Leonard Lindsey officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour before the service.

Naomi Geraldine Rinehardt, 77, of J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, Morganton, NC, died Sunday, May 24, 2009 at her residence. Born in Cabarrus County, NC on August 16, 1931, she was the daughter of the late George F. Rinehardt and Gertrude Green Rinehardt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Woodrow, Boyd, and Clyde Rinehardt; and sisters, Evelyn Dyre and Ruby Shue.

Naomi is survived by two sisters, Sarah R. Almond of Locust, NC and Carolyn R. Morgan of Concord, NC.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Covenant Center of J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center with Chaplain Johnny Phillips officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Union Cemetery, Concord, NC. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Robert Clay Gilbert, 68, of Fox Gap Rd. in Morganton died Monday, May 25, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born June 14, 1940 in Mitchell Co., NC, and was a son of the late Charles and Bonnie Ledford Gilbert. Robert was of the Baptist faith. He was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lori Handy Gilbert of the home; sons, Sammy Gilbert of the home and Roy Gilbert of Statesville, NC; daughters, Sheila Gilbert of Florida and Barbara Gilbert of Lakeland, FL; brothers, Richard Gilbert of Marion, NC and Harvey Gilbert of Princeton, NC; a sister, Carolyn Gilbert; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Beverly “Bev” Ferris, 61, of Connelly Springs, NC, formerly of Roanoke, died unexpectedly Monday, May 25, 2009 at his residence. He was born October 10, 1947 in Goochland Co., Virginia and was the son of the late Charles Rufus Ferris and Ruby Mae Reams Ferris. He was a driver for Yellow Cab for 35 years in Roanoke, and was an avid pool player.

Surviving are his wife, Melinda Harrison Ferris of the home; children, Angela Ferris, Richard Ferris and wife, Deeann, and Charles “Chuckie” Ferris and partner, Michelle, all of Roanoke; grandchildren, Brandon and Ashley Clark, Amanda, Brittany, and Catlyn, all of Roanoke; great-grandson, Little Jacob; a sister, Nancy F. Wardyn of N. Platte, NE; step-children, Tiffany Carroll and husband, Brian of Icard, and William Early of Hickory; step-grandchildren, Brent, Andy, Brianna, Wyatt, and Kylea Brook, all of Roanoke; a number of nieces and nephews; and his canine companions, Rufus, Savvy, and Bailee.

In addition to his parents, Bev was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Jo Gumb.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, May 29, 2009 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. at AmVets, 911 Tazewell Avenue, SE in Roanoke, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Memorial and Tribute Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.

Eileen "Mikki" Simpson, 79, a lifelong educator of the deaf, died Monday, May 25, at Grace Ridge Retirement Community. Born in the Bronx, New York City, she was the daughter of the late George McVey and Dorothy Smith. Mrs. Simpson is survived by her husband of 51 years, William "Bill" Simpson, and sons Kevin M. Simpson of Washington, DC, and Scott Simpson of Morganton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Jay McVey. Ms. Simpson, who was deaf, received her undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Illinois, took teacher training at Gallaudet University in 1954 and 1955 and received a Masters from the California State University at Northridge ("CSUN") in 1974.

After beginning her teaching career at the Louisiana School for the Deaf, she moved to Morganton in 1957 to teach at the North Carolina School for the Deaf. Mrs. Simpson also worked at CSUN for a year as a guidance counselor before returning to NCSD to work in a variety of teaching and administrative positions until her retirement in 1994. In 1984, she was honored as Educator of the Year by the Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness.

Mrs. Simpson was active in a variety of community activities and nonprofit organizations at the local, state and national level, including the National Association of the Deaf (where she served on the board), the NC Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the Gallaudet University Alumni Association. She was named the first female president of the NC Association of the Deaf in 1981. She was also a licensed lay reader in the Episcopal Church.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Bruce Walker officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium behind the church. After the services, a reception will follow in the parish hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Gallaudet University, Development Office, 800 Florida Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002 or to the NCSD Museum Fund, PO Box 2681, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tommy Monroe Lowdermilk, 59, of Cobb Ave., Morganton, NC died Monday, May 25, 2009 at Mission St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, NC. Born in Burke County, NC on March 25, 1950, he was the son of the late Charles and Sudie Lowdermilk. Tommy retired from the City of Morganton.

He is survived by his sons, Tommy Ray Lowdermilk, Timmy Lee Lowdermilk, and Tony Wayne Lowdermilk, all of Morganton; sisters, Lena Tweed and Joyce Pritchard, all of Morganton; and six grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2009 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. George Patton officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pauline Gray Denton Carswell, 81, of Enola Road, Morganton, NC passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. She was born January 31, 1928 to the late Clarence and Jina Denton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Benjamin Carswell; sons, Benny and Kenneth Carswell; a sister, June; and a brother, Floyd.

Pauline is survived by multiple daughters, sons, and their spouses: Connie Carswell Pruiett and her husband, Glenn, of Connelly Springs, Vickie Carswell Young and her husband Steve, of Morganton, Laura Ann Carswell of Taylorsville, Gail Carswell, Gary Carswell, Jack Carswell and his wife, Debbie, and Steve Carswell and his wife, Linda, all of Morganton; and her younger twin brother and sister, Jody of Hendersonville and Joann of Morganton. She also left behind a legacy of eighteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

She worked numerous jobs prior to her greatest role, motherhood. She devoted herself to her children and grandchildren. She was a fighter; even when she became legally blind, she never accepted nor let others know of her disability. She possessed a strength and inner beauty that will be forever remembered. She was and will always be the shining light and hope to those who dearly loved her. She enjoyed and loved her family, small animals, and flowers.

The funeral will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2009 at Carswell Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ella Carpenter, 66, of Ross St. in Morganton died Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Hospice of Catawba County following a period of declining health. She was born January 17, 1943 in Sevierville, TN, and was a daughter of the late Homer and Dorothy Johnson Allen. Ella was a member of The Rock Church, and a former employee of Case Farms.

She is survived by a son, Roger Carpenter of Morganton and his girlfriend, Diane, of Hickory; a daughter, Tonia C. Donnell and husband, Terry, of Morganton; sisters, Sonia Cole and Wanda Sue Henderson, both of Tennessee; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and Ella’s longtime companion, Jerry Bracken of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Keith Carpenter; and a brother, Roy Griffin.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2009 at The Rock Church with Pastor Billy Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to The Rock Church, 2115 S. Sterling St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Linda Joyce Whisnant, 54, of Spainhour Road, Morganton, NC died Friday, May 29, 2009 at Valdese Hospital. Born in Forsyth County, NC on December 21, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Roy Jacob Jordan and Celia Elizabeth Baugus Jordan. Linda was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church and worked at Henredon Furniture Company for twenty-one years.

Loved by all and who will be greatly missed, Linda is survived by her husband, Philip Wayne Whisnant of the home; brothers, Roy Lee Jordan and wife, Debbie, of Greensboro, NC, A.J. Jordan and wife, Teresa Brittain, of Morganton, and Robert Jordan and wife, Cindy, of Morganton; a mother-in-law, Mary Whisnant of Morganton; a brother-in-law, Steve Whisnant of Morganton; and 9 nephews, 2 nieces, and 11 great-nephews and great-nieces.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Rocky McLendon officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of Philip Whisnant. Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church, 2586 Holly Hills Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655.

Rev. James C. “Jimmy” Lambert, 99, of Barrier Loop, Morganton, NC died Friday, May 29, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Cabarrus County, NC on March 17, 1910, he was the son of the late James Allen Lambert and Mary Alice Dulin Lambert.

Jimmy was the eighth child of thirteen brothers and sisters and was the last surviving sibling. He grew up on his family’s farm and labored with his family growing all kinds of crops. He had to quit school after the sixth grade so that he could help on the farm to support the family. In 1930 he met Pearl Mae Canup and she asked him to give his life to the Lord which he did. They were married on August 5, 1933 and were together for 71 years until her death on September 14, 2004.

Rev. Lambert preached his first sermon in 1940 at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Kannapolis, NC and was ordained there in 1950. He accepted the call to Zion Baptist Church in Morganton on April 9, 1950 and served there until 1958. He served as pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, Lenoir, NC from 1958 until his retirement for health reason in 1972. Following his recovery, he continued to serve as interim pastor at numerous area churches, to preach revivals, and to preach as a guest pastor. He preached at all but one church in the Catawba River Baptist Association. Preacher Jimmy was devoted to his family and was committed to spreading the Word of God.

Jimmy is survived by his son, Curtis Lambert, and wife, Pearl Justice, of Morganton; a daughter, Doris Fox and husband, Fred, of Morganton; grandsons, Randy Fox of Morganton and Stephen Lambert and wife, Sheila of Greenville, SC; and great-grandchildren, Ryan Fox, Jamie Fox, Kurt Lambert, and Kyle Lambert.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Canup Lambert, and twelve siblings.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2009 at El Bethel Baptist Church with Reverends Ron Cooper, Clyde Buckner, and Roger Beck officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of Doris and Fred Fox, 2789 Barrier Loop, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680.

Virgil Lee Stamey, 70, of Liberty Rd., Granite Falls, NC, died Saturday, May 30, 2009. Born in Burke County, NC on June 13, 1938, he was the son of the late Alvin Virgil Stamey and Cordie Elizabeth Swink Stamey.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Janice Reid York Stamey of the home; a son, Kevin Stamey and wife, Kimberly, of Granite Falls; daughters, Cathy Stamey McDaniel and husband, Tony, of Lawndale, NC, Cindy Hood and husband, Michael, of Morganton, Lisa Suttles of Morganton, Tammy Causby of Morganton, and Jennifer Cole and husband, Josh, of Lenoir, NC; sisters, Ada Danner of Morganton, Betty Stines of Valdese, NC, Jane Swink of Drexel, NC, Pearl Burhans of Morganton, Helen Moses of Morganton, and Mary Trueheart of Valdese; a brother, Robert E. Stamey of Colorado Springs, CO; and his long-time companion, Patsy Self of Morganton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Willie Stamey and Wesley “Dab” Stamey, and a sister, Ruby Stamey.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Terry McGarrity officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Clarence Dane “Buster” Pearson, 54, of Crawley-Higgins Ave., Morganton, NC died unexpectedly Friday, May 29, 2009 at his residence. Born October 30, 1954 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Clarence Bud Pearson and Freda Laverne Clark Arrowood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a nephew, Kevin Waters.

Surviving are a son, Robert Lee Pearson of Morganton; a daughter, Dawn Woody and her husband, Steven of Valdese, NC; a brother, Craig Pearson and his wife, Suzanne of Morganton; sisters, Debra Ramsey of Marion, NC, Kathy Waters and her husband, Kenny of Catawba, NC, and Tammy Lowdermilk of Morganton; nephews, Billy Waters, Lawrence Causby, and Doug Causby; and a great niece, Katie Causby.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Buren Clark officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service.

Charles Herman Robinson, 84, of Harris Drive, Morganton, NC died Sunday, May 31, 2009 at his residence. Born in Yancey County, NC on March 31, 1925, he was the son of the late Willard Roy Robinson and Molly Elizabeth McNeil Robinson. Charles was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and was a retired employee of Burke Dairy.

He is survived by his son, Charles Robinson of Morganton; a daughter, Elaine Poole and husband, Nelson, of Morganton; sisters, Emma Draughn of Valdese, NC, Joyce Powers of Celo, NC, and Loretta Zuschlag of Jefferson, GA; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Robin Poole of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Cagle Robinson; brothers, Paul and Billy Robinson; and sisters, Lillie Greenlee, Georgia Hinnat, and Wilma Gouge.

The funeral will be held at noon on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.