Charlie DeVinney, 58, of DeVinney Avenue, Morganton, NC died Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley in Newton, NC following a brief illness. Born in Burke County, NC on January 6, 1951, he was the son of the late Guy L. DeVinney and Beulah Williams DeVinney. Charlie was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and was an avid fisherman. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, Pawpaw, brother, and loyal friend to many.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Newton DeVinney of the home; a daughter, Kathy D. Tunstill and husband, Tim, of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Jon, Megan, and Will; a brother, James DeVinney and wife, Barbara of Morganton; sisters, Evelyn Brackett, Bessie Nichols and husband, Punch, Mary Smith and husband, Lee, and Christine Mosteller and husband, Jerry, all of Morganton; numerous nieces and nephews; close friends, Bob and Donna Gurley of Morganton, and many other close friends; and a special canine companion, Brittany.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by brothers, Rob, Bud, and Paul DeVinney.

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 4, 2009 at Solid Rock Baptist Church with Reverends Clyde Penry and Tony Land officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of Bessie and Punch Nichols, 2734 DeVinney Ave., Morganton, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses or to the Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Benjamin F. Connelly, Sr., 69, of Waxhaw Drive, Durham, NC died Thursday, October 1, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on January 11, 1940, he was the son of the late Leroy Connelly, Sr. and Estelle Avery Connelly. Benjamin was a registered nurse. He worked for over forty years at Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh, NC. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing on his boat, gardening, and working with his flowers. Benjamin was of the A.M.E. Faith.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nancy Burns Connelly of the home; sons, Benjamin Franklin Connelly, Jr. and wife, Noriko, of Oyama, Japan, Benjamin Franklin Connelly, III of Durham, and Ricky Allen Connelly of Morganton; daughters, Emily N. Connelly of Durham, Michelle E. Connelly of Durham, Crystal D. Connelly of Morganton, and Valerie A. Johnson and husband, Bobby, of Morganton; brothers, Leroy Connelly, Jr. and wife, Louise of Knoxville, TN and Richard A. Connelly and wife, Joetta, of Conover, NC; a sister, Gwendolyn Harbison and husband, Charles, Jr. of Morganton; a special aunt, Ruth Connelly of Connelly Springs, NC; special friends, Marietta Fernandez of Durham and Peggy G. Thompson of Morganton; and grandchildren, Alexia M. Roberts and husband, Ronnie, of Drexel, NC, Jordun A. Lawrence of Morganton, Taylor A. Connelly of Morganton, and Allen Hargro of Seattle, WA.

In addition to his parents, Benjamin was preceded in death by two sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth Connelly; a niece, Racquel Harbison; and his father-in-law, Edward Burns.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Herbert Carter officiating. Burial will follow in Israel Chapel A.M.E. Church Cemetery with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at 102 Sequoyah Circle, Morganton.

Charla Y. White, 62, of Spainhour Rd. in Morganton went home to be with her heavenly father, Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Grace Hospital. She was born May 9, 1947 in Mitchell County, NC, and was the daughter of the late Robert Lee Young and Viginia Kennedy Young. Charla was a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church, and also several women’s clubs. She worked for many years at Broughton Hospital, and volunteered at Burke United Christian Ministries. Charla loved to bake, read books, and work in her flower garden.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Rufus Clayton White of the home; a brother, Richard Young of Nebo; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; a great-aunt, Anna Leigh Gordon of Washington State; and her canine companion, Jack.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Denton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday 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 the residence. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rhonda Carolyn Fleming, 54, of Greenlee Ford Road, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at her residence following a period of illness. Born in Burke County, NC on November 4, 1954, she was the daughter of Robert Horace Fleming and Irene Conley Fleming, of the home. Rhonda was a member of Asheville Street Baptist Church and was a retired employee of Continental Teves. She was an avid flower gardener and loved all of God’s creatures.

In addition to her parents, Rhonda is survived by uncles and aunts, Benjamin P. Fleming and wife, Margaret, and their son, Douglas, Forrest A. Fleming and wife, Nancy, and their daughter, Sonya, and Betty M. Fleming and her daughter, Beverly J. Tuttle, all of Morganton; and a great-aunt, Dorothy Branch Robinson of Morganton.

Rhonda was preceded in death by an uncle, Frank J. Fleming.

The memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2009 at Asheville Street Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Goforth officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday at Calvin Heights Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Asheville Street Baptist Church, 107 Colony Drive, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Minnie Bollinger Clark, 75, of Rose Carswell Rd. in Morganton went to be with her Lord on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at Grace Heights following a period of declining health. She was born April 1, 1934, and was a daughter of the late Elbert Tillman Bollinger and Monnie Denton Bollinger. Minnie was a very active member of Westview Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and was also the Director of the Ladies WMU Mission Group. In life, she enjoyed music, drama, and reading, especially literature by Jane Austen. Minnie was a very loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by a son, Mark Clark of Union Mills, NC; daughters, Sharon Simmons and husband, Gary of Union Mills, and Elizabeth Stewart and husband, Thomas of Winchester, VA; sisters, Sue Whisnant and husband, Miles, and Bertha Morris, all of Union Mills; grandchildren, Amy Radford, Corey Simmons, and Dane Stewart; great-grandchildren, Emma and Matthew Radford; a brother, Junior Bollinger of Morganton; and step-mother, Celestine Smith of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Dwight Clark; a brother, Charles Bollinger; and sisters, Annie Clark, Hazel Brackett, and Betty Ballance.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Westview Baptist Church with the Reverends Ricky Speagle and Johnny Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Sunday in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Westview Baptist Church, 3205 US Hwy 64 West, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

John Silver Harris, 76, of Boca Rotan, Florida, and formerly of Morganton died unexpectedly Friday, October 9, 2009 following a period of declining health. He was born May 9, 1933 in Morganton to Lennie S. Harris and the late John Boone Harris. John graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1950 and then completed an additional year of high school at Morganton. This enabled John to acquire enough college credits to enter Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. While enrolled at Berea College, John became the editor of the college newspaper. This exposure to writing and reporting the news launched him into a career of journalism. He graduated from Berea College in 1955.

John served in the US Army and Army Reserve from October 5, 1957 until October 4, 1961. After completing his tour in the military, John began working for the Cynthiana Democrat newspaper in Cynthiana, KY, and became the editor in a short period of time. As a result of his writing and reporting skills, John was offered a position with the National Enquirer. He accepted the job and moved to Boca Rotan, FL to work in the Enquirer’s main office

John was once interviewed by Mike Wallace of CBS’s 60 Minutes. He was also given an assignment by the National Enquirer to travel around the world in search of the perfect “Utopia” (heaven on earth). This assignment involved traveling half-way around the world, coming home to rest for a couple of months, and then completing the other half. He kept a travel log of the places he visited while on assignment. John’s conclusion was that “Utopia” is not necessarily a place, but can also be a state of mind.

After John’s retirement, he continued to do free-lance work for several newspapers in the Boca Rotan and Miami, Florida area. His love for history led him to compile numerous books on the genealogy of many families in Burke County and elsewhere, some of which are located in the Burke County Library.

In addition to his mother, survivors left behind to cherish his memory are sisters, Doris H. Medlin and husband, Robert L. of Charlotte, and Helen H. Farris and husband, Walter of Morganton; his ex-wife, Merlin Kennedy Harris; and two step-sons, Darryl and Paul Kennedy.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven Todd Harris.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Mountain Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Betty Henson officiating. Following the graveside service, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:15 pm in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Berea College, 103 Jackson St., Berea, KY 40403-1749, or Mountain Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 3625 Fish Hatchery Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James “Dick” Eller, 56, of Moorehead St., Morganton, NC passed away Friday, October 9, 2009 at his residence. Born in Rowan County, NC on January 13, 1953, he was the son of Eleanor Rendleman Eller of Granite Quarry, NC and the late James Richard Eller, Sr. Dick was raised in the United Methodist Faith. He attended East Rowan High School and graduated from N.C. State University. He worked for many years at Waldensian Bakery.

In addition to his mother, Dick is survived by a son, Dustin Eller and wife, Amanda, of Mint Hill, NC; brothers, Mark Eller of Boston, MA and Chris Eller and wife, Kitty, of Salisbury, NC; and his former wife, Gale Eller of Morganton.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Eric Eller.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Henry Rendleman officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305-B West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

William C. “Gabby” Mathis, 84, of Bollinger Loop, Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at his residence after an extended illness. Born on September 24, 1925 in Buncombe County, NC, he was the son of the late Samuel Walter Mathis and Ellie Honeycutt Mathis. Gabby retired from Drexel Heritage after 37 years of service, during which he worked in plant 5. He also worked at Wamsutta Knitting Mills. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and a member of Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his children and their spouses, Bobby and Wanda Mathis, Sam and Elizabeth Mathis, and Johnny and Patrice Mathis all of Morganton, Rev. Douglas Mathis and Debbie of Hemingway, SC, and Louise and Carlos Hamby of Granite Falls, NC; a sister, Doris Brackett of Fletcher, NC; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Gabby was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary “Fronia” Davis Mathis; children, David Mathis, Vanessa Mathis, and Van Doran Mathis; a brother, Chester Mathis; sisters, Lillian Cooper and Maxine Morrow; and a granddaughter, Wendy Franklin.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church with Reverends Doug Mathis and Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Carl B. “Pedro” Hunt, 82, died Sunday, October 11, 2009, following a period of declining health. He was born in Rutherford County on August 24, 1927 and was a son of the late Lee and Finer McCurry Hunt. Mr. Hunt was a U. S. Navy veteran and a retired employee of Morganton Dyeing and Finishing. Pedro dedicated his life to the Lord a few years ago.

Surviving are his wife, Edna Yount Hunt, of the home; his sons, David Hunt and his wife, Sherry, Don Hunt and his wife, Paula, Bobby Hunt and his wife, Teresa, and Tony Hunt all of Morganton; brothers, Ted, Jerry, Larry, and Joe Hunt, all of Golden Valley; sisters, Carolyn Lytle of Marion, Nell Hicks of Morganton, and Betty Sue Varnell of Greenville, NC; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Pedro was preceded in death by a brother, L. C. Hunt, and by a sister, Blanche Causby.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at Golden Valley United Methodist Church in Bostic with Rev. Dr. Dewey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral.

Georgia “Laura” Cardwell Sanders, 90, of Morganton passed away Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Grace Heights after a period of declining health. Born on February 22, 1919 in Lenoir, NC, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Finley Cardwell and Margaret Helton Cardwell. Laura was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Prior to her declining health she was an active member of Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church where she served many years as a Sunday School Teacher for younger children. She worked at Carolina Shoe of Morganton and as a nurse’s aide at Caldwell Memorial Hospital of Lenoir. With her special love of children she also provided child care in her home.

Laura is survived by five sons and one daughter, George R. Sanders and wife, Jo Ann, of Morganton, Shirley S. Hartley and husband, Thomas, of Hudson, Roy A. Sanders and wife, Anne, of Morganton, Fred R. Sanders and wife, Wanda, of Marion, Allen R. Sanders and wife, Mary, of Fallston, and James H. Sanders and wife, Debbie, of Morganton; fifteen grandchildren, and thirty-nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded death by her husband, George M. Sanders, and six sisters and five brothers, Roy Cardwell, Rachel “Louria” Swanson, Martha “Betty” Summerow, John Cardwell, Pearl Winebarger, Joseph “Joe” Cardwell, Victor “Smith” Cardwell, Drucilla “Mae” Corpening, Raymond Cardwell, and Virginia “Faye” Medford.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends Neal Brantley, Jr. and Cynthia Arnold presiding. Burial will follow at Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arney’s Chapel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1144, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Grace Heights and Burke County Hospice for the special care given to Laura.

Henry B. Head, Jr., 83, of LaBellevue Street, Morganton, NC died Sunday, October 11, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Rutherford County, NC on May 22, 1926, he was the son of the late Henry Branscom Head, Sr. and Irene Porter Head. Henry was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he was active in church leadership. He was a deacon, a trustee, and was instrumental in founding Shepherd’s Kitchen. Henry was a graduate of N. C. State University and was a retired employee of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation. He was an avid golfer.

Henry is survived by his wife, Doris Moody Head of the home; a daughter, Elaine Head Taylor and fiancée, David Fuge, and her children, Jordan and Jamison Taylor, all of Concord, NC; a brother, Lewis Head and wife, Mary Sue, of Rutherfordton, NC; and sisters, Margaret Burgess of Forest City, NC and Susan Hance and husband, Paul, of Bessemer City, NC. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by a brother, David Head.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at Calvary Baptist Church with Reverends Larry Thompson and David Pace officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence on LaBellevue Street, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 407 South Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Vance Sprinkle Clontz, 84, of High Point, died Monday, October 12, 2009 at High Point Regional Medical Center. Mr. Clontz was a graduate of Morganton High School, Lenoir Rhyne College and the Executive Program of Professional Business Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served 47 years with Drexel-Heritage Furnishings, beginning his career with Morganton Furniture Company, completing his career as Vice President of Upholstery Manufacturing Operations. He served as a Director of the High Point Chamber of Commerce from 1994-1996.

Mr. Clontz was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Army, Third Infantry Division, Company L, Thirtieth Infantry Regiment. During his service in Italy, France and Germany, he earned the EAMET Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart and Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Unit Badge and Croix De Guere Order of the Day.

He was born in Morganton, NC, April 10, 1925, the son of Ophelia Butler Clontz and Vester Herman Clontz. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sisters Lucy Clontz Johnson, Louise Clontz Baker, and Ruby Clontz Allman; brothers Leroy H. Clontz, Luther H. Clontz; son Vance S. Clontz, Jr.; and granddaughter Sarah Louise Sherrill. Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Kathie Storey Clontz; daughters Kathie Clontz Sherrill and her husband Randy N. Sherrill, Laurie Clontz Cornette and her husband Jeffery T. Cornette; sons J. Timothy Clontz and his wife Renee Paul Clontz, and Andrew H. Clontz and his wife Kimberly Hedrick Clontz; grandchildren Will Sherrill and his wife Christina, Megan Clontz, Tyler Clontz, Matthew Clontz, Katitlyn Stone, Thomas Cornette, Joshua Cornette, and Rosalie Cornette; brothers Vester H. Clontz, Jr. and his wife Elma, and Dr. Frank D. Clontz and his wife Jean; sisters Nadine Clontz Browning and Mary Catherine Clontz Browning; Sister-in-law Laura Clawson Clontz; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The joy of his life was his family. From May 26, 1950 the day of their marriage until the day of his death he lived as one committed to Kathie and their children, grand children, extended family, work family and all who entered the circle of his love. Vance lived out the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi way of living, “Preach the gospel always. If necessary use words.”

A Memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Davis at Floral Garden, 976 Phillips Avenue, High Point, NC. Visitation will follow the service until 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton with Rev. Kathie Clontz Sherrill and Rev. Randy N. Sherrill officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at Noon. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to the church or charity of your choice.

Louella Anderson Kerley, 77, our loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died Wednesday, October 14, 2009, following a period of declining health. She was born in Burke County on September 8, 1932 and was a daughter of the late Charles Howard Anderson and Mary Martha Queen Anderson. Mrs. Kerley was a member of South Mountain Baptist Church.

Louella is survived by her husband, Carl William Kerley, of the home; sons and their wives, Scott and Anna Ruth Kerley and Howard and Tammy Kerley; a daughter, Carla Kerley Aldridge; all of Morganton; grandchildren, Shasta Stroupe, Hali Carpenter, Nathaniel Kerley, Eric Kerley, and Jonah Kerley; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Sue Walden and her husband, Bill, sister-in-law, Nina Anderson, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kerley was preceded in death by a daughter, Ramona Sue Brown; great-grandson, Dakota Patton; and brothers, Charles William Anderson and Ray Nelson Anderson.

The funeral will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday, October 16, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Bob Deviney, Rob Castle, and Ron Cooper officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. At other times the family will be at the home, 303-A Charles Ave. Morganton, NC 28655.Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 1112 Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Jerry Dean Jaynes, 59, of Glen Alpine died Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Born in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Thomas Theodore and Naomi Harris Jaynes.

Surviving are a brother, Carrol Jaynes of Tennessee and sisters, Margaret Vess of Morganton and Betty Boyd of Texas.

A graveside service for Jerry and his brother, Donnie, will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery, Marion, NC with Rev. Billy Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home from 2:00. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday.

Billy Lenoir “Bill” Rader, 84, a former long-time Morganton resident, died Friday, October 16, 2009 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, NC following a period of declining health. He and his wife moved to Clemmons, NC in 2000 to be near their daughter and medical facilities. Born in Caldwell County, NC on December 4, 1924, he was a son of the late Robert Blackwell Rader and Della Anderson Rader. Drafted out of Morganton High School, Bill served in World War II in the U. S. Navy. Before and after the war, he worked for many years at his brother’s family restaurants, Gene’s Drive In Restaurant and Dave’s Café. Local teen agers, factory workers, professionals, and people from about town remember seeing the Raders at their restaurants because they were known as friendly, personable, and professional people who always served good food. He retired and then was employed for many years at K-Mart. Customers knew Bill as someone who could help them find whatever items they needed and who wound up leaving with other items he had suggested. He loved people from all walks of life and enjoyed spending time talking to them. He was always looking to extend the hand of friendship to everyone and his wit and humor and plain spoken manner labeled him as a “colorful character.” Mr. Rader was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church in Morganton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jessie Murphy Rader who died in 2006; an infant son, Mark Andrew Rader; brothers, David W. “Dave” Rader, Gene B. Rader, and Claude J. Rader; and sisters, Gertrude R. Bryson and her husband, Rube, and Helen R. Ward and her husband, L. A.

Surviving are an only child, Teresa Rader Pitts of Clemmons, NC; grandchildren, Jessica Pitts Carter and her husband, Phillip of Landstuhl, Germany; Marshall Pitts and fiancée, Christine Toribio of Winterville, NC, and David Almond and his wife, Danielle of Browns Summit, NC; a great grandson, Ranford Owen Almond age 10; sisters, Nell R. Clark and Betty R. Sigmon Davis and her husband, Pete of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Lettie Walker Rader of Mt. Airy, NC; and a number of nephews and nieces.

The funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2009 in the Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel, 108 East Kinderton Way, Advance, NC with the visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and at 4:00 p.m. in Calvary Baptist Church, 407 South Green St., Morganton, NC with the visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Morganton with military honors by Valdese American Legion Post 234. Memorial gifts may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 407 S. Green St., Morganton, NC 28655. Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, Advance and Sossoman Funeral Home, Morganton are assisting the family.

Donnie Ray Jaynes, 66, of Glen Alpine, NC died Friday, October 16, 2009 at Kindred Hospital in Greensboro. Born in McDowell County, NC, he was a son of the late Thomas Theodore and Naomi Harris Jaynes.

Surviving are his children, Rickey Lee Jaynes, Donna J. Secor, and Emory David Jaynes all of Marion, NC and Jennifer Jaynes of Drexel, NC; one grandson; one great-grandson; a brother, Carrol Jaynes of Tennessee; and sisters, Margaret Vess of Morganton and Betty Boyd of Texas.

A graveside service for Donnie and his brother, Jerry, will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Murphy’s Chapel Cemetery, Marion, NC with Rev. Billy Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home from 2:00. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday.

Samuel Wayne “Sam” Chapman, 29, of Jeeter Carswell Rd., Morganton died Friday, October 16, 2009. Sam was born in Burke County on March 10, 1980 and was a son of Rex Alan Chapman and Renee Shehan Dale. He was a member of Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Lindsey Renee Lyles Chapman of the home; a daughter, Emma Renee Chapman, of the home; his father, Rex Chapman and Jean Pritchard; his mother, Renee Shehan Dale, and her husband, Gary; brothers, David Alan Chapman and his wife, Leslie, and their daughter, Addison; and Bradley James Chapman; a sister, Marcia Leanna Chapman; step-brothers, Travis and Tyler Pritchard; paternal grandparents, Lee and Zora Chapman; and maternal grandmother, Jerry Ann Shehan, all of Morganton. Sam was preceded in death by a son, Daxton Wayne Chapman and by his maternal grandfather, Rev. Roy Shehan.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at Nowlings Chapel Roy Shehan Fellowship Hall with Reverends Darvy Hensley and Richard Ellington officiating. Burial will follow in the Chapman Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday at Nowlings Chapel Roy Shehan Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emma Chapman Trust Fund, 4895 Brackett-Lyles Dr., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Owonia Leola Farthing Nichols, 99, died Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Grace Hospital. She was born in Avery County, NC on June 15, 1910 and was a daughter of the late James Monroe Farthing and Matilda Jane Stamey Farthing Stamey. Owonia was the oldest living member of Zion Baptist Church, and her main mission and joy in life was talking to her family and friends, sharing stories of the good ole days, witnessing and ministering to others, her faith in God always shining through, and her desire that everyone’s life she touched know the Lord as their savior. Her beautiful spirit and her sweet smile made everyone she met feel warm and special. Today she is walking on the “streets of gold” with her brand new body. Without a doubt when she saw her Lord it took her breath away. Psalm 121

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and caregiver; the love of her life, Jean Nichols, of Morganton; a step-daughter, Joretta Musslewhite and her husband, Warren, of Apopka, FL; a niece, Ruth Harvey and her husband, Rennis, of Morganton; and numerous step-nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Nichols was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Durant Nichols; brother, Ormond Farthing; half-brothers, Conard and Cecil Farthing; sister, Pauline Farthing; and half-sisters, Mabel Stamey and Ellen Farthing Key.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at Zion Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Parker and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. Flowers will be appreciated, but memorial contributions may be made to Stamey Town Baptist Church, 660 Stamey Branch Rd., Newland, NC 28657 or to WCIS 760 The Cross, PO Box 1806, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Elma Golightly Clontz, 84, of Brook Mill Court in Great Mills, MD, and a Morganton resident for most of her life, died unexpectedly Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born April 13, 1925 in Burke County and was a daughter of the late William Alexander Golightly and Florence Singleton Golightly. Elma was a member of The Church of Christ. She attended The Church of Christ in Morganton and in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. She worked 34 years as a clerk and Deputy at the Burke County Register of Deeds until her retirement in 1977. Elma was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.

She is survived by her husband, Vester H. Clontz, Jr. of the home; daughters, Janice Clontz Brinkley and husband, Sam of Arlington, VA, and Patricia Clontz Elliot and husband, Jim of Great Mills, MD; grandchildren, Tracy Hollifield and wife, Janice Pless Hollifield of Belmont, NC, Chad Brinkley and wife, Julie Diehl Brinkley of Houston, TX, and Staci Elliot of Great Mills; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Reagan, and Spencer Hollifield, and Avery Brinkley; brothers, Vernon Golightly and wife, Bettye, and Elbert Golightly and wife, Frances, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Lester and Kenneth Golightly; and a sister, Evelyn Abee.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Kathie Clontz Sherrill and Randy N. Sherrill officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Southmountain Children’s Home, 7330 Myrtle Drive, Nebo, NC 28761.

William Moran Harbison, 90, a native of Morganton, died Sunday, October 18, 2009 at his home after a long illness. He was born September 28, 1919 to the late William Moran Harbison, Sr. and Mullie Orders Harbison. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church where he had served as deacon and usher and where he was a member of the Huffman Bible Class, having served as its secretary for many years prior to his illness. William was a Morganton High School graduate and then served four years during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps in the South Pacific. He was a retired employee of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation where he had worked for 34 years.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Bettijoe Watts Harbison; daughters, Denise H. Boone and her husband, R.T., Kathie H. Waldroup and her husband, Kevin, all of Morganton, Janice H. Sumter of Hickory, and Doris H. Mestel and her husband, Larry of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren, Jessica McCurry of Greenville, SC, Brooke S. Rhoney and her husband, Brian of Hickory, Zachary McCurry of Morganton, Kara Sumter of Hickory, Hannah McCurry of Morganton, and Rob, Jonathan, and Kenneth Mestel all of Cincinnati; a great-grandson, Noah Rhoney of Hickory; a step-granddaughter, Lexis Waldroup of Morganton; step-great grandsons, Cole, Jake, Sean, and Luke Rhoney all of Hickory; and sisters, Musette H. Hauser and Susan H. Noggle both of Morganton, and Dean H. Kirkpatrick and her husband, Jim of Raleigh, NC.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by a brother, Yates Harbison of Kings Mountain, NC.

The funeral will be held at Noon, Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr., Rev. Fred Schuszler, and Rev. William Hall officiating and with members of the Huffman Bible Class, Rudy Bell, Jim Holland, and Eddie Gwaltney serving as honorary pallbearers. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680-0459 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

James “Doug” Warlick, 52, died unexpectedly Sunday, October 18, 2009, at Grace Hospital. He was born in Burke County on December 30, 1956 and was a son of the late Richard Zane Warlick and Marie Coffey Warlick. Doug was a graduate of Freedom High School and was an employee of Caterpillar. He was raised in the Methodist faith.

Surviving are his wife of 14 years, Ronda Faye Bradshaw, of the home; his son, Seth Allen Warlick; brothers and their wives, Dean and Debbie Warlick and Dennis and Frances Warlick, all of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Doug was preceded in death by his sister, Cynthia Denise Warlick.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at Mountain Grove United Methodist Chuch with the Rev. Neal F. Brantley, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Kay Elizabeth Marcus, 35, of Cook Rd. Ext. in Valdese died Monday, October 19, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. She was born December 27, 1973 in Tarrrant County, Texas, and was the daughter of Lee Meador Carpenter of Middletown, Ohio, and the late Robert McCleaf.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her children, Abigail, Joseph, and Timothy Marcus, all of Morganton; her fiancée, Charles South of Morganton; brothers, Greg McCleaf of Oregon, and Robert and Samuel McCleaf, both of Texas; and grandmother, Elizabeth Meadowers of Ardville, Oregon.

Graveside services will be held at 11am, Thursday, October 22, 2009 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Mr. Buren Clark officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Ruth Harris, 80, of Morganton, NC died Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Brian Center of Viewmont following a period of declining health. She was born February 18, 1929 in Rutherford County, NC, and was a daughter of the late John Motin Fortenberry and Susan Catherine Hoyle Fortenberry. Ruth attended Morganton First Freewill Baptist Church, and had worked as a waitress in the cafeteria at Roses Department Store for 16 years.

She is survived by sisters, Lillie Buff of Morganton, Mary Martin of Vale, and Selma Ledford of Conover, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willard “Jock” Harris; a sister, Pearl Hamby; and brothers-in-laws, Oren Buff, Cecil Hamby, and France Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday one hour before the service at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Robert “Bob” Curry, 51, of Stephens Road, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Forsyth County, NC on June 2, 1958, he was the son of Bruce Welever Curry of Lumberton, NC and the late Mildred Bray Curry. Bob attended Mull’s Grove Baptist Church. He loved to cook and entertain people and also enjoyed woodworking. A very giving person, Bob loved all his nieces and nephews, and extended Burke County families, beyond measure.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife, Frances Willoughby Curry of the home; brothers, Bruce Wayne Curry of Walkertown, NC and Edwin Eugene Curry of Lumberton; a mother-in-law, Mildred Johns Willoughby of Lumberton, NC; numerous nieces and nephews; and eight brothers and sisters-in-law.

In addition to his mother, Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Lewis; a niece, Maria Lewis; and a nephew, Jeff Rabey.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Mull’s Grove Baptist Church with Rev. David Bean officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery with graveside honors provided by the Morganton Public Safety and the Burke County Sheriff’s Honor Guards. The family will receive friends Friday 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 on Stephens Road. Memorial contributions may be made to the Morganton Fraternal Order of Police, P.O. Box 1216, Morganton, NC 28680 or to the Wake Forest University Health Sciences for Leukemia Research, c/o Office of Development, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021.

Earline Pearson Whisenant, 82, of the Salem Community in Morganton went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 following a period of declining health. She was born August 2, 1927 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late John Lee Pearson and Effie Hoffman Pearson. Earline was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Grace Hospital.

She is survived by a son, Ronnie Whisenant and wife, Hattie of Marion, NC; daughters, Cathy Clemmons and husband, Jeff, and Betty Norman and husband, Clyde, all of Morganton; sisters, Faye Lyle and Marian McNeilly, both of Morganton; grandchildren, Mark Whisenant, Emily Foss, Beverly Masencup, Robert Waters, Kyle Clemmons, Garrett Clemmons, and John Lee Whisenant; and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Anderson Whisenant; brothers, Doyle, Clyde, and Grant Pearson; and a sister, Louise Towery.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2009 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday at the church one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemomt Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Christina Cook, 28, of Scott Acres St. died, Wed. Oct. 21, 2009. Graveside service 3:00 pm, Saturday at Glenwood Independent Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home.

James Earl Houser, 78, of St. John’s Church Ave., Connelly Springs, NC died Thursday, October 22, 2009 at his residence after a lingering illness. Born in Lincoln County, NC on October 28, 1930, he was the son of the late Newland Lester Houser and Maggie Craig Houser. James was a member of Beulah Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon, usher, and choir singer. He retired from Drexel Heritage where he has worked in plants 3 and 5. James enjoyed fishing on the river. He loved to play his guitar in local area churches.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Peggie Burns Houser of the home; daughters, Janet Hoover and husband, Allen, of Newton, NC, Tammy Crouse and husband, Tim of Newton, Rheba Houser and companion, Elgie McGalliard, of Connelly Springs, Wanda Baker and husband, Phillip, of Morganton, and Patsy Holt and husband, Tommy, of Sevierville, TN; sisters, Molene Benfield and Kathy Propst, both of Vale, NC; brothers, Dale Houser of Vale and Donald Houser of the Mt. View Community; grandchildren, Buddy, Doug, Rita, Jeannie, Darrell, Keith, Kathy, Pennybeth, Noah, and Jacob; and great-grandchildren, Casey, Kriston, Alexandria, Stacia, Jordan, Dylan, Preston, Tyson, Mason, Landon, Jayden, Ashley, Jonathan, and Kellan; and one great-great-granddaughter, Abigail.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by daughters, Jeannette and Barbara Gail Carswell; a son-in-law, Dale Carswell; a grandson, Daniel Ray Hildebran; a granddaughter, Heather Anderson; a brother, Perry Houser; and a sister, Eva Davis.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Beulah Baptist Church with Reverends R. A. Brackett and Lloyd Harris 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

The family would like to thank Catawba Valley Hospice for their compassionate care throughout this difficult time.

Garnie L. Brendel passed from this life into eternity Thursday, October 22, 2009 surrounded by his family. He was born in Lincoln County, NC on November 13, 1921 to the late Arthur Winfred Brendel and Elvie Childers Brendel. Mr. Brendel was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. He graduated from High Point College and earned an advanced degree from Appalachian State University. He was a lifelong educator. His teaching career began in McDowell County at Pleasant Garden. He was also a teacher and principal in Burke County Schools and ended his education career as media coordinator for Burke County. Mr. Brendel was a long time member of Zion Memorial United Methodist Church.

Garnie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elene Anthony Brendel; sons, Leonard Brendel and wife, Charlotte, Philip Brendel, and Tommy Brendel and wife, Audrey; a daughter, Debbie Hefner and husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Nathan Hefner, Heather Carpenter, Jody Carpenter, Stephanie Hatley, Brian Hatley, and Tony Brendel; a great-grandson, Corey Hefner; and a sister-in-law, Josephine Brendle.

In addition to his parents, Garnie was preceded in death by a brother, Winfred Brendle; sisters, Maggie Burns, Julia Reece, Effie Baird; and Katherine Stroupe Kidd; and a grandson, Andy Brendel.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends George Williams, Don Smith, and Larry Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to Zion Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3061, Drexel, NC 28619.

Kathryn H. Smith, 88, of Oakland Dr. in Morganton died Thursday, October 22, 2009 at Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese following a lengthy illness. She was born September 20, 1921 in Halifax County, NC, and was the daughter of the late James Henry Harris, Sr. and Edna Turner Harris. Kathryn was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church.

She is survived by daughters, Susan Bartlett and husband, Lloyd, Martha Causby and husband, Allen, and Cynthia Kuehnert and husband, Dan, all of Morganton; a son, William Randy Smith and wife, Anna of Morganton; grandchildren, Kathryn House, D.T. House and wife, Kellie, Sean, Nathan, and Brittney Smith, Holly Causby, Houston Causby and wife, Melody, Joshua Smith, Lukas Smith and wife, Ginny, Amber Mason and husband, David, Hannah Kuehnert, Lawson Kuehnert, Mary Kathryn Kuehnert, John Christian Kuehnert, Lydia Kuehnert, and Samuel Kuehnert; great-grandchildren, Kole, Bailey, and Jacob Smith; and cousin, Rev. Donald Lee Harris of Laurinburg, NC who she raised as a son.

The family would like to extend eternal gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care of Burke County for their kindness and tender loving care rendered to Kathryn and her family during her last days. Also special thanks to the many friends and family members for all acts of kindness shown to Kathryn during her extended illness.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Merrimon Smith; and a son, James Merrimon Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Bunton and Rev. Mike Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Martha and Allen Causby, 126 Buff Avenue in Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Evart A. Braun, 89, of NC 181, Morganton, NC died Thursday, October 22, 2009 following a short period declining health. Born in Stark County, ND on October 10, 1920, he was the son of the late Fredricke Braun and Loretta Roberts Braun. Evart was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church of which he and his wife were one of the three founding families. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Evart was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII.

Evart is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosemary Yates Braun of the home; sons, William Braun of Boone, NC, Anthony Braun and wife, Sandy, of Drexel, NC, and Paul Braun and wife, Mary, of Morganton; daughters, Cathleen Braun of Morganton, Suzanne F. Duncan and husband, Bobby of Morganton, and Laurie Braun of Philadelphia, PA; a brother, Robert Braun of Bozeman, MT; a sister, Jessie Lapp of Pendleton, OR; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and extended family, Leone Miller and Linda Lewis, both of whom were raised by Evart and Rosemary.

In addition to his parents, Evart was preceded in death by a son, Aubrey Braun; a daughter, Emily Stump; brothers, Harwig, Barney, and Fred Braun; and sisters, Anna Wolters, Ora Eggert, and Ethel Johnson.

The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 26, 2009 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home with a recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:15 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church half an hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

A kind and gentle man, Walter Lee Hall, Jr., 75, of Morganton, closed his eyes to this world on Friday, October 23, and awakened refreshed, renewed, and in the presence of his heavenly Father.

He is survived by and awaits a joyful reunion with his family: his wife of 55 years, Roberta Synder Hall; his son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Melissa Hall of Morganton; and his three grandsons, Hayes, Leighton, and John Coleman Hall. He is also survived by sister-in-laws: Margaret and L.C. Howard of Franklin, NC; Ann Norton of Marriottsville, Maryland; Ruth and Edwin Curley of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and a brother-in-law, Hayes and Margaret Snyder of Franklin, NC. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Walter was born in Sylva, NC, on January 28, 1934, the son of the late Walter Lee Hall and Wilma Hall Crisp. His early years were spent in Franklin. He served as the Business Manager-Treasurer for Montreat-Anderson College and, later, worked as the Finance Officer for Macon County. He retired and moved to Grace Ridge Retirement Community in Morganton seven years ago to be closer to his grandchildren.

An avid reader, Walter was passionately interested in genealogy and in history, particularly the history of Western North Carolina. He authored a book regarding his hometown of Franklin entitled “An Afternoon in Franklin.” He was a dedicated Christian and was active in several churches: First United Methodist of Franklin, First United Methodist of Morganton, and, previously, Montreat Presbyterian in Montreat, where he served as an Elder. He was actively involved in numerous church and civic organizations including: the Gideons, the Rotary Club, the Old Buncombe Genealogical Society, the Macon County Historical Society, the Burke County Historical Society, the Sons of the Confederacy, the Civil War Roundtable, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the First United Methodist Book Club.

After a private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Franklin, funeral services will be held Tuesday at 3 pm at Franklin’s First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held on Thursday afternoon at 3 pm in Morganton at the First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following each service. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680. Details can be obtained by contacting Sossoman’s Funeral Home in Morganton or Bryant Funeral Home in Franklin.

Ethel Hallyburton, 79, of Old Highway 70 Loop West, Morganton, died Sunday, October 25, 2009. She was born July 25, 1930, in Burke County, to the late William Lee McFalls and Henrietta Whisenant McFalls. Mrs Hallyburton was an active member of Mountain View #2 Baptist Church, where she had been an assistant organist and member of the choir. She had worked as a registered nurse since 1948 in several local facilities, Marion Hospital, Valdese Hospital, Britthaven, as Director of Nursing, and Broughton Hospital, from which she retired.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hallyburton was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Abernathy Hallyburton; brothers, William and Larry McFalls; and sisters, Pansy Elizabeth Whisenant, Annie Greene, Edna Brittain, Lola Davis, and Mary Weatherman.

She is survived by sons, Samuel Eugene Hallyburton and his wife, Cindy of Fredrick, MD, James Reid Hallyburton and his wife, Sandra of Lake James, and Charles Steven Hallyburton of Clemmons, NC; a daughter, Frances Hallyburton Moore and her husband, David of Martinsville, VA; sister, Ruby Setzer of Valdese; 14 grandchildren and 8 grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Mountain View #2 Baptist Church with the Rev. Ken Mashburn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Wendy Bowen Thomas, 36, of Blue Sky Dr. in Nebo, NC passed away unexpectedly Monday, October 26, 2009 at McDowell Hospital in Marion. She was born September 5, 1973 in Burke County, and was the daughter of Virginia Buchanan Smith of Nebo and the late William Timothy Bowen, Sr. She was a member of Dysartsville Baptist Church, and enjoyed working with arts and crafts. A loving mother and daughter, Wendy enjoyed spending time with her family especially her daughter, Karla Thomas of the home.

In addition to her mother and daughter, she is survived by her step-father, Jim Smith, of Nebo; brothers, Billy Bowen and wife, Gina, of Morganton, James M. Smith and fiancée, LaBeth Byrd of Nebo, and Brian Bowen of Valdese; a special friend and companion, Jeff Turbyfill and his mother, Lola Turbyfill, both of Morganton; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Buchanan; and paternal grandparents, Elwood and Mary Bowen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2009 at Dysartsville Baptist Church with Rev. John Cope 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. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 500 Blue Sky Dr., Nebo.

Clarence Clark, 80, of Salem Road, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on August 27, 1929, he was the son of the late John H. Clark and Cora Bollinger Clark. Clarence was a loving husband and a wonderful father of four daughters. He was of the Baptist Faith and enjoyed the outdoors. An avid businessman, he was owner and operator of Morganton Timber Products and later became part owner of the Jamestown Flea Market. Clarence will be remembered as a man of few words and high expectations.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Margie Pearson Clark of the home; daughters, Patsy Rogers and husband, James, Ginger Snipes and husband, Randy, Gail Wilson and husband, Doug, and Tammy Duckworth and husband, Tony, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Jeff Rogers, Jennifer Smith, Eric Snipes, Nathan Wilson, Cliff Snipes, Tiffany Wilson, and Kala Duckworth; and great-grandchildren, Megan Rogers, Cassidy Smith, Jacob Rogers, Jillian Miller, Collin Miller, Skyler Durham, Raelyn Wilson, Wesley Smith, II, Chase Snipes, and Chasity Hensley; and his beloved canine companion; Annie.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.

The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m, Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverends Donald Lovelace and Ken VanBuskirk officiating. The family will receive friends in the Missionary Ridge Baptist Church’s Life Enrichment Center from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 1896 Salem Road, Morganton. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Pauline S. Dalton, 80, of Grace Heights, Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, October 28, 2009 following a lengthy illness. Born in Cleveland County, NC on January 6, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Grady Swink and Mary Smith Swink. Pauline was a member of Mull’s Grove Baptist Church for 52 years. She enjoyed working with children at the church. She also enjoyed sewing, puzzles, and working in her flower garden.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Pauline is survived by her husband, Oneil Oliver Dalton; a son, Arnold E. Dalton and wife, Theresa, of Morganton; daughters, Marilyn E. Lambert and husband, Darrell, of Morganton and Carol D. Malcolm and husband, Darel, of Garden City, SC; brothers, Paul Swink of Forest City, NC, Robert Swink of Rutherfordton, NC, and Charles Swink of Forest City; sisters, Jeanette Epley of Morganton, Louise Buff of Morganton, and Ruth Grier of Ellenboro, NC; grandchildren, Angie Hensley and husband, Darvy, of Morganton, David Lambert and wife, Suzanne, of Wake Forest, NC, Tonya Hanson and husband, Creag, of Morganton, Cori Garcia and fiancée, Jeff Gilstrap, of Nebo, NC, Lacey Malcolm of Dallas, NC, and Curtis Malcolm of Hickory, NC; and great-grandchildren, Jessica Hensley, Jacob Hensley, Hayden Lambert, Bailey Lambert, Brady Lambert, Ciara Hanson, Cylei Tellefson, and Josean Garcia.

In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by a brother, Arlo Swink; and sisters, Ophelia Whetstine and Madge Swink.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Mull’s Grove Baptist Church with Reverends Bud Jernigan and Darvy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday 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 of Marilyn and Darrell Lambert in Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Heights Quality of Life Fund, 109 Foothills Drive, Morganton, NC 28655.

James Douglas “J.P.” Powell, 62, of Oakland Ave. in Drexel went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Valdese Hospital. He was born July 21, 1947 in Burke County and was a son of Bertha Powell of Valdese and the late Johnnie Powell. He was a US Army veteran and served during the Vietnam War. James attended church at the Drexel Christian Center, and was employed at Sypris for 30 years. He enjoyed bowling, racing, fishing, going to the auction, and collecting knives. James was devoted to his family and church.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Marie Wilkie Powell of the home; sons, Chris Powell and wife, Beverly, of Hickory, and Keith Powell and wife, Leia, of Drexel; a daughter, Terri Causby and husband, Doug, of Glen Alpine; grandchildren, Kristen and David Benfield, Katie Causby, and James Powell, Jr.; brothers, Sonny Powell and wife, Pat, of Lenoir, Leon Powell and wife, Barbara, and Thad Powell and wife, Sandra, all of Morganton; and a sister, Wanda Mull and husband, Dennis, of Monroe, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 31, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Tim Smith and William Shuffler officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Drexel Christian Center, PO Box 2227, Drexel, NC 28619.

Wayne Fetherbay, 65, of Linville St. in Morganton went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem following an extended illness. He was born January 28, 1944 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late George Frank Fetherbay and Gladys Marie Smith Fetherbay. Wayne was the former owner and operator of the Auto Clinic. Following his retirement, he went to work at the ABC store.

He is survived by a son, Wayne “David” Fetherbay and wife, Abbey, of Mocksville, NC; a daughter, Gina Marie Teague and husband, Lindsay, of Caldwell County; grandchildren, Emilie Kristine and Lauren Michelle Fetherbay; brothers, Gene Lee Fetherbay of Morganton and George Frank Fetherbay of Caldwell County; a sister, Kay Fetherbay O’Neill of Hickory; one nephew, three nieces, and one great-nephew.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 31, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Bollinger officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday from 9:30 until 11:00 am at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Southmountain Children’s Home, 7330 Myrtle Drive, Nebo, NC 28761.

Arthur L. Duckworth, 82, of Morganton Long Term Care in Morganton went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the nursing home following an extended illness. He was born February 10, 1927 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Joseph Duckworth and Vassie Casuby Duckworth. Arthur was a very active member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church. He was a US Navy Veteran (the Seabee Division) of World War II, and served during both the Okinawa and Iwo Jima campaigns. Arthur was a retired employee of both Broughton Hospital and Henredon Furniture, and also worked for Stephens Construction.

Lovingly known as “Pa-Paw”, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lavenia Barrier Duckworth of the home; a son, Terry Ryan Duckworth and wife, Janice, of Asheville; twin grandsons, Cameron and Casey Duckworth whom he adored; and a sister, Ailene Russ of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Clyde and Windfred Duckworth; and a sister, Marqueen Orders.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 1, 2009 at St. Matthews United Methodist Church with the Reverends Allen Bolick, Bill Haire, and Terry Duckworth officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 201 Shady Rest Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Irene Vangeline Bowers, 86, of Chapman Rd., Morganton, NC died Friday, October 30, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Ben H. and Effie Edith Wooten Fisher. Mama Rene as she was fondly known was a loving mother, grandmother, and sister who has greatly blessed the lives of many. She attended Mt. Home Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Eugene Bowers and a brother, Clyde Fisher.

Surviving are her daughters, Jean Banner and Pam Franklin both of Morganton; grandchildren, Stacy Banner, Michelle McKiernan, and Kelly Franklin; great grandchildren, Becca McKiernan, and Haley and Meghan Banner; brothers, Herman Fisher of Morganton and Louis Fisher of Shelby, NC; sisters, Virginia Propst and Elizabeth Giles both of Morganton, and Jo Ellen Lipe of Asheville.

The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 2, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western North Carolina Chapter, 31 College Place, Suite D-320, Asheville, NC 28801 or the Burke United Christian Ministries Food Pantry, 305B W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655.