Margaret “Margie” Smith Setzer, 57, of Rabbit Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC died Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Carolina Rehab Center, Connelly Springs, NC following a period of declining health. She was born December 1, 1951 in Caldwell County, NC. Her grandchildren, who were the love of her life, lovingly called her “Grandma Margie.” She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lee Smith Johnson; great-grandchild, Jack Carl Smith; brothers, Dennis Loven and Randy McLean; and a sister, Denise Penley. She was also preceded in death by Charlie McLean and Claudia McLean who lovingly raised her.

Margie is survived by her husband, John Ervin Setzer of the home; daughters, Regina Perry Melgar and husband, Ricardo, of Wilkesboro, Melissa “Missy” Smith and husband, Carl Dean, of Newton, and Robin Swink of Morganton; grandchildren, Brandon Perry, Jamie Perry, Christopher Brewington, Scottie Stamey, James Staley, Jr., Ashley Propst, Donovan Smith, Dustin Smith, Dean Smith, Jr., and Christy Smith, Mekayla Swink, D.J. Smith, Nicole Smith, and Zackary Smith, Dakota, and Kaitlyn; a great-granddaughter, Taylor Perry; step-children, Johnny, Joann, Ralph, and Sondra Setzer; brothers, Charlie McLean, Jr. and Jonathan Johnson; sisters, Kathy Gantt, Carolyn Anderson, and Sherry Wakefield; and her father, Dick Loven.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Lenoir with Rev. Mark Myers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 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. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Grace York Goodman, 91, of Morganton, NC died Sunday, November 01, 2009 at Margate Rehabilitation Center, Jefferson, NC. Born June 26, 1918 in Alleghany County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Charles Luther York and Stella Irwin York. Grace was a member of the First Baptist Church where for many years she taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Morganton Pilot Club and worked in its Old and New Shop on Burkemont Ave. In recent years she loved to meet her senior friends for coffee at Wendy’s. She enjoyed making new friends and meeting old ones. Dogs always had a special place in her heart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Vonley Goodman; a sister, Elsie Robertson; and a brother, Edwin York.

Surviving are sisters, Ruby Singletary of Sparta, NC and Alma Richardson of Galax, VA; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Grace’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday for one hour before the service. Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, NC 27407.

Elizabeth Hope Powell, 44, of Gilbreath Road, Mosheim, TN, died Sunday, November 1, 2009 in Bull’s Gap, TN. Born in Burke County, NC on November 5, 1964, she was the daughter of the late Larry Matthew Powel and Earlene Aldridge Hamer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Debbie Hamer, and a nephew, Donnie Powell. Elizabeth was a 1982 graduate of Freedom High School. She will be remembered as a loving and dedicated mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a friend to all and a blessing to anyone who knew her.

She leaves behind her beloved son, Michael Edward Aldridge Banner and fiancée, Tori Rosier, of the home; brothers, John Hamer and wife, Cindy, of Morganton, Mark Hamer and wife, Judy, of Morganton, Larry Dale Cook of Casar, NC, Larry Wayne Powell and wife, Tammy, of Morganton, Norris Powell of Crossnore, NC, and Bobby Powell and wife, Heidi, of Crossnore; sisters, Anita Loweberg and husband, Larry, of Deep Gap, NC, Joyce Dellinger and husband, Michael, of Henson Creek, NC, Rita Staton and husband, Junior, of Spruce Pine, NC, and Melissa Hampton of Greenville, TN; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Calvary Assembly of God with Rev. Mike Whisnant officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. At all other times, the family will receive friends at the home of Larry and Tammy Powell, Lonnie Shuffler St., Morganton.

A memorial service will be held from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2009 at Mosheim Funeral Home in Mosheim, TN.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2608, Morganton, NC 28680 to assist with funeral expenses.

Dollie Singleton Clark, 100, of Old N. C. 18 passed away Monday, November 02, 2009 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center following a period of declining health. Born July 6, 1909 in Mitchell County, NC, she was a daughter of the late John Calvin and Laura Weatherman Singleton. Dollie was an avid and talented gardener who was gifted with a green thumb – she could make anything grow. She was an accomplished cook and homemaker. During her lifetime in Burke County, she attended several churches. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank R. Clark; sons, Harold and Melvin Clark; and a number of brothers and sisters.

Surviving are sons and their wives, Bruce and Arzella Clark of Morganton and Oliver and Katie Clark of Burgaw, NC; daughters, Lucille Shue of Concord, NC, Flora Harwood and her husband, John of Morganton, Margie Anderson of the home, Sue Johnson and her husband, David , Ruby Harris and her husband, Henry, and Laura Johnston and her husband, Bobby all of Morganton; 22 grandchildren, 43, great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, and 3 step grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverend Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour before the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the following people: to daughter, Margie for the many years she unselfishly devoted to the daily care of mother, to Angie, who graciously stayed the nights with her great grandmother at Hospice, and to the special staff at Hospice who tenderly met Mrs. Clark’s every need during her final days.

Helga Maria Peterson, 82, died Monday, November 2, 2009 at Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba County. Mrs. Peterson was born March 17, 1927, in Berlin, Germany to the late Karl Julis Loch and Maria Vollertsen Loch. Mrs. Peterson survived WW II and the bombing of Berlin, soon after meeting her future husband, the late Maynard Everett Peterson. Choosing to be an American, she was very proud of her American citizenship. Mrs. Peterson loved her family and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed cooking and was of the Lutheran faith.

Mrs. Peterson is survived by a daughter, Jacqueline Batts and her husband, Dr. Mark Batts of Morganton; grandchildren, Stefanie Batts attending Veterinarian School in Stillwater, OK and Jason Batts of Morganton; and a brother, Dr. Werner Loch of New Beckum, Germany.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Beth Ann Miller officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Inurnment will be at Salisbury National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658-9715.

Ann Maxine Buck Slater, 91, of Camelia Garden St., Morganton, NC went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 while surrounded by her friends. For the past nine and one half years, she had been a resident of Burke Long Term Care Facility where she truly loved living. Born January 6, 1918 in Antwerp, NY, she was a daughter of the late Emery W. Buck and Lula May Rudes Hentz. Maxine was an accomplished seamstress and had attended Oak Hill United Methodist Church. She was a unique individual, and once someone met her they never forgot her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Slater.

Maxine’s friends wish to express their heartfelt thanks to the owners and staff of Burke Long Term Care for the devoted attention and care given to her during the years she spent there. A special thank you is also extended to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.

At a later date, Maxine’s ashes and those of her husband and mother will be interred in Antwerp, NY. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

Mr. Albert Franklin Stephens, Jr. 79, of Morganton went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Born May 19, 1930 in Burke County, he was the son of the late Albert Franklin Stephens and Virginia Paschall Stephens. Albert was a US Army veteran of the Korean War. A widely respected man of God, Albert was an active member of El Bethel Baptist Church where he faithfully served. He participated in numerous mission trips both in the United States and abroad. Albert was in the construction business for many years. He loved the great outdoors.

A kind and gentle man, wonderful father and grandfather, he is survived by a son, Rick Stephens and wife, Anne, of Morganton; daughters, Terry Reece and husband, Stan, of Kannapolis, NC, and Lynne Huffman and husband, Robert, of Morganton; brothers, Bob Stephens of Morganton, and Ralph Stephens of Raleigh; sisters, Viola Longo, Lois Tolbert, Doris Carswell, and Jackie Metcalf, all of Morganton; seven grandchildren, Jordan Anthony, Grant Stephens, Kathryn and Hillary Reece, Haley, Graham, and Cole Huffman; and a great granddaughter, Ella Anthony.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Adelee Isaacs Stephens; and a sister, Ruth Carlisle.

A committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2009 at El Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the church. A memorial service and a celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. at El Bethel with Rev. Ron Cooper and Rev. Dr. Karl Minor officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to El Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Miss Myrna Jean Engle, 79, of 112 Buff Avenue, Morganton, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday evening, November 3, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a year long illness. She was born in Burke County, NC on September 23, 1930 to the late Robert Singleton Engle and Florence Esther Burns Engle.

She is survived by a brother, Max A. Engle of the home; a nephew, James R. Engle of Morganton; a great niece, Nicole Engle Ramsey of Old Fort; a great nephew; Andy Lee Engle of Hickory; great great twin nieces, Stephanie and Kellie Ramsey; great great nephews, Michael Ramsey and Kyle Wheelon of Old Fort. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Mrs. Richard (Virginia) Engle of Morganton. She leaves three very special friends, Mr. and Mrs. Mark (Gail) Pritchard and daughter, Caycee of Morganton to cherish her memories.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Lee Roy, Willis Ray and James Richard Engle; a very special sister, Linda Lee Engle; a nephew, Harold Engle; a great nephew, John Richard Engle, and great great twin nephews, Anthony and Christopher Ramsey.

Miss Engle had been a member of Burkemont Baptist Church for 64 years and had served as secretary of the Senior Adult Department. Myrna was a kind hearted person, never uttering a negative word about anyone. She was gentle, kind, and the best sister and aunt ever.

Services will be held at Burkemont Baptist Church on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 1 pm, with the body lying in state 30 minutes prior to the services. Rev. Dr. David Mills, Rev. Dr. Mark Pridgen, and Pastor Bill Holland will officiate. Burial will follow in the Engle Family plot at Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton. The family will receive friends Friday night from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of the sister-in-law, Virginia Engle, 2679 Moose Lodge St., Morganton. Memorial gifts may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church Building Fund, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 The brother, Max, and the nephew, James wish to give the utmost of thanks and love to the staff of Frensius Dialysis for the care, attention and love given to “Little Miss Myrna”. Also, a special thank you to the other patients and their families who help make each day special for each other.

Steve Wayne Berryhill, 63, of Morganton went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 4, 2009 at his residence. He was born in Rutherford County to the late Joseph Roy Berryhill, Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Price Berryhill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dannie Junior Berryhill and Kenneth Ray Berryhill. Steve was a US Navy veteran, and a retired truck driver from Zenith Freight in Conover.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Diane Berryhill, daughters, Kimberly Dawn Berryhill and Lisa Reneé Berryhill Alvis, two grandchildren, Vanessa Reneé Buff and fiancé, Tristan Wayne Killian, and Travis Jalen Alvis, all of the home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. John Hutchins 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 Thursday night from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Roy Alexander Chester, 67, died unexpectedly, Friday, November 6, 2009. He was born in Burke County on April 1, 1942 and was a son of the late Roby Lawrence Chester and Mary Emma Whisnant Chester. In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen Fox.

Roy graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1960 and attended Kings Business College in Charlotte, NC. He was in furniture sales all of his adult life and was currently employed with Ashley Furniture in Hickory. Roy was a faithful member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church, and will be sorely missed by his family and by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Ruby Royal Chester; a son and his wife, Larry and Leanna Chester, of Charlotte; a daughter and her husband, Lisa and Denny Schroeder, of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Logan, Loren, and Lyndsay Chester all of Charlotte; brothers, R. L. Chester of Morganton and Ervin Chester of Conover; and by sisters, Jean Calvin, Iris Fox, and Lillie Bennett, all of Morganton.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2009 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with the Reverends Mark Denton and David Hobson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends following the committal service at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2239 Hwy 181 N., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Gail Wilson Carswell, 58, of 1111 Parise St. in Valdese died Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Britthaven of Morganton following a period of declining health. She was born July 25, 1951 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter of the late Monroe Wilson and Laura Wheelon Braswell. Gail was of the Baptist faith, and a former employee of Alba-Waldensian. She was a kind and gentle soul who was a loving sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Gail is survived by her son, Nathaniel Dean Carswell of Florida; a granddaughter and the light of her life, Dynastee Ramseur; brother, Dr. Bobby Ray Braswell of Arizona; sisters, Brenda Ann Williams of Boone and Kathy Elliott of Valdese; nieces, Debbie Calloway, Donna Gail Isaacs, and Michelle R. Croom; her life-long friend, Shirley Estes Sells; and former husband, Bobby Dean Carswell.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Judy Wilson.

In celebration of Gail’s life, the funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 9, 2009 at United Baptist Church with Rev. Avery Owenby officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. A gathering of friends will be held Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm 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 the home of Kathy Elliott, 2992 High Peak Rd. in Valdese. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Dr. Alan Michael Traub, 68, of First Court, Morganton, NC died Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. Born June 5, 1941 in Kinston, NC, he was the son of the late Emmanuel and Minnie Diamond Traub. Alan was a doctor of dentistry for thirty-five years. He served in the Army National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Surviving are his wife, Donna Lucas Traub of the home; a son, William David Lawrence Traub of Raleigh, NC; a daughter, Jennifer Traub Braxton of Birmingham, AL; a grandchild, Kameron Braxton of Birmingham; and a sister, Janice Traub Berkman of Sacremento, California.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, P. O. Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Tobey Perini, 55, of Juniper, FL and Morganton, NC passed away November 5, 2009 in her beloved North Carolina home. She was born September 1, 1954 in Boston, MA to the late Louis R. Perini, Jr. and Gloria Bates Tobey Perini. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Perini.

Tobey is survived by her husband, of 32 years, William Allen McMullen and her siblings, Penny McBride, Sarah Perini, Lisa Shannon, Rita Perini, Louis Perini, Ben Perini, Susan Perini, Phillip Perini, Tiffany Perini and Hannah Perini; their 12 rescued dogs, Magoo and Molly, Billy, Bruno, Leo, Linus, Lucie, Patches, Mike, Lucky, Emma and LuLu, and Norman, their Macaw.

Tobey was President of the Perini Marine Construction Company; she also developed real estate in North Carolina.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary and Hospital, 185 East Indiantown Rd., Jupiter, FL 33477 safeharboranimalsanc.com, or to Sisters of Benedict Center, P.O. Box 22, 254 Still River Road, Still River, MA 01467.

Luther “Edward” Dale, 79, of Jenkins Rd. in Morganton died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese following a brief illness. He was born August 25, 1930 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Joe T. Dale and Edith Baker Dale. Ed was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church for 55 years where he had served as a Deacon, church bus driver, chief financial officer, and member of the transportation committee. Edward was a US Air Force veteran of the Korean conflict, and a retired employee of Breenden’s Poultry where he had worked as a truck driver and maintenance worker.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Carolyn Fisher Dale of the home; grandchildren, Kevin Brian Dale and Amy Denise Snow; great-grandchildren, Brandon, William, Josh, and Brittney Snow; daughter-in-law, Nancy C. Dale; dear friend, Crystal Copper; mother-in-law, Eva Fisher; and a number of cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Edward Dale.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Bunton, Rev. Dr. David Mills, and Rev. Dr. Mark Pridgen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday 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. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church Building Fund, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Hope Benfield Vance, 88, of Duckworth Circle, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Grace Heights in Morganton following a brief illness. Born in Avery County, NC on May 11, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Benfield and Fannie Carpenter Benfield. Hope was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and was a former long-time member of Stameytown Baptist Church in Altamont, NC.

Gone but not forgotten, Hope is survived by her sons, Ronnie M. Vance and Gene A. Vance and wife, Frances, all of Morganton; daughters, Roseann Sarinick and husband, George, of Commack, NY, and Nelda Entress and husband, Keith, of Newland, NC; sisters, Opal Woody of Morganton and Dorothy Lunsford of Rhodhiss, NC; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2009 at Stameytown Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Brewer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at the residence, 4846 Duckworth Circle, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407.

Maxine J. Whetstine Rector, 77, of Hopewell Rd. in Morganton died Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. She was born December 13, 1931 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late Lawrence Harvey Whetstine and Margaret Elizabeth Powell Whetstine. She was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. Maxine was an avid flower gardener and a wonderful cook and baker. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, “Mawmaw”, and mother-in-law.

She is survived by her husband, Frank E. Rector of the home; sons, Stanley Rector and wife, Carolyn, of Morganton, and Sherman Rector and wife, Linda, of Connelly Springs; daughters, Sherry Prewitt and husband, Dennis, Terry Cline and husband, Kevin, and Patricia Johnson and husband, Keith, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Marcia Whitehead, Stacy Berry, Joshua Guffey, Brianna Johnson, Jason Norville, Damien Clark, and Ashley Johnson; step-grandchildren, Michelle Smith, Michael Thomas, Jeff Thomas, and Chris Prewitt; seven great grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; sister, Norma Brock; and her feline companion, Toby.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Whetstine.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2009 at Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Homer Murdock officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 1145 Hopewell Rd. Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 1112 Hopewell Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Paul L. Orders, 80, of Sundown Road in Morganton died Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health. He was born July 3, 1929 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Jonas and Lula McGalliard Orders. Paul was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed eating a “good steak”. He never met a stranger, and was a friend to all.

Paul is survived by his wife of 30 years, Johnnie Orders of the home; children, Sandy Dubrow and husband, Richard, of Guyton, GA, Christy Ingersoll and husband, Tom of Drexel, and Katona Hoopsick and husband, Joe, of Niagara Falls, NY; step-children, Terry Reid and wife, Frances, of Chattanooga, TN, and Anthony “Tony” White of Morganton; a brother, Alfred Orders and wife, Zula, of Glen Alpine; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one nephew, David Orders.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Witkowski; and a grandson, Todd Jackson.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2009 at Autumn Care of Drexel with Rev. Michael Brown officiating. The burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Jasper, Al. Kilgore-Green Funeral Home in Jasper, Al and Sossoman Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Iola C. Gaylord, 81, of Grace Ridge Retirement Community, formerly of Pea Ridge St., Glen Alpine, died Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. Born in Pantego, NC on Jan. 23, 1928, Mrs. Gaylord was the daughter of the late Dallas T. Carrowan and Ethel Geneva Midyette Carrowan. She attended Mars Hill College and then transferred to East Carolina Teacher’s College, from which she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She moved to Morganton in 1950 to take a position as Dietician for the NC School for the Deaf. In April of 1952 her wedding to Russell Gaylord was featured nationally on the TV program “Bride & Groom,” sponsored by Betty Crocker and produced in New York City. In 1954 the Gaylords moved to Glen Alpine, and Mrs. Gaylord became a teacher of home economics in the high school at NCSD. She retired from teaching in 1989.

For over fifty years Mrs. Gaylord was quite active at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, serving in many different leadership capacities including the Administrative Council, the UM Women and by teaching Sunday School. She also served by coordinating the flower displays for the Sanctuary services, often creating the arrangements herself. In addition to her church activities, Mrs. Gaylord actively served for many years as a leader in the Glen Alpine Women’s Club. She was a District Leader in the Girls Scouts of America, built costumes for two seasons for the drama “From This Day Forward” in Valdese, served as an usher at CoMMA and volunteered at Grace Hospital screening infants for hearing abnormalities. The home grown apple pies she baked for the Burke County Fair were always a big hit, and her contributions as a master baker and decorator of cakes enhanced many celebrations. The Morganton Pilot Club honored Mrs. Gaylord for her life of service, naming her “Sweetheart of the Year” for 2008.

Mrs. Gaylord is survived by her husband, Russell Mayo Gaylord who resides at Grace Ridge; a daughter, Susan A. Gaylord of Princeton, NJ and a grandson, Angelo James Fotinopoulos of Glen Alpine, NC; a son, Richard T. Gaylord and wife, Maureen, of Philadelphia, PA; a brother, Dallas T. Carowan, of Newton, NC; and a sister, Barbara Klepsig of Macon. GA. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Alene Morgan and a brother, Raeford Carrowan.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 21, at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will also receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor at Grace Ridge Retirement Community in Morganton. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the “New Building Fund” at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, PO Box 576, Glen Alpine, NC 28628. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Caroline Huntley Riddle, 77, died Friday, November 13, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center. She was born in Caldwell County on October 18, 1932 and was a daughter of the late Clarence O. and Catherine Pulliam Huntley. Ms. Riddle was preceded in death by an infant son; brothers, David and Neil Huntley; and by a special friend, Oma Hester. Caroline was a retired employee of the Burke County Public Schools where she was as a teacher assistant in several local elementary schools and as an administrator for the DIAL testing program. She also worked for a number of years at The Muses.

Surviving are a son, Iverson Riddle Jr. and his wife Beth, of Morganton; daughters, Ruth Riddle Jones of Morganton and Holly Riddle of Chapel Hill; a sister, Diane Hamer and her husband, Alfred, of Morganton grandchildren, Will and J. D. Riddle, Stuart Robinson, Jr. and his wife Kathy, Cole Jones and his wife Lisa, and Sören Harmsen; great-grandchildren, James and Sarah Caroline Robinson; a sister-in-law, Mary Dean Huntley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. William Robertson, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. A private inurnment service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western NC, 212 S. Tryon St., Suite 1080, Charlotte, NC 28281.

Fannie Irene Queen Roberson, 84, of Pearson Avenue, Morganton, NC died Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Carolina Rehab Center in Connelly Springs, NC. Born on May 18, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Cicero Queen and Lucricie Crotts Queen. Fannie was a strong believer of the Baptist Faith. She loved to grow flowers and garden, and was a giver by nature. When outdoors, she felt humbled by the beauty of God. She always put others first and made everyone feel welcomed and loved by God.

She is survived by her children, Jessie Pearson and husband, Arthur “Babe” of Morganton, Lessie Whelchel and husband, Kenneth, of Bostic, NC, and Steve Roberson and wife, Diane, of Bostic; grandchildren, Sherry Whelchel Cobett, Crystal Pearson Riles, Kimberly W. Rhoads, Mark Whelchel, Dale Roberson, Misty W. Ruppe, Dusty Whelchel, and Heather R. Spence; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and two sisters, Vangie Q. Van Dyke of Bostic and Mozell Terry of Shelby, NC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Ardell Roberson; a son, Clevie Roberson; and a granddaughter, Wendy Whelchel.

A celebration of Fannie’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Mount Harmony Baptist Church in Bostic, NC with the family conducting the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Johnsie Hildebran Henderson, 94, of Baxter Street, Drexel, NC passed away Sunday, November 15, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in York, SC on May 9, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Sallie Hildebran Turner. Johnsie was a member of Drexel First Baptist Church. A homemaker, Mrs. Henderson assisted parents in the care of their children, providing love and Christian values during their formative years.

Left to cherish Johnsie’s memory are her sons, Billy R. Turner, Sr. of Shelton, WA and R. Charles Hildebran, Jr. of Drexel; a daughter, Sylvia H. Webb and husband, Melvin, of Drexel; grandchildren, Billy R. Turner, Jr., Dennis J. Turner, Raymond C. Turner, and Sandy L. Webb; three great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Arthur Turner and wife, Carolyn, of Clover, SC; a special care-giver, Betty Price; and many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother, Johnsie is preceded in death by her step-father, Raymond Turner; her husbands, Lewis Turner, Ralph C. Hildebran, and Kelly Henderson; a daughter, Carolyn L. Hildebran; granddaughters, Kimberly Dawn Webb and Sheila Ann Turner; a brother, Robert R. Turner; and a daughter-in-law, Becky Turner.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Drexel First Baptist Church with Rev. Tito Madrazo officiating. The family will receive friends at the church thirty minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in Hildebrand View Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Drexel First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Drexel, NC 28619. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Loretta Elizabeth Reynolds Norman, 92, of Hwy 64, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Grace Heights following a ten day illness. Born in Rockingham, NC on April 5, 1917, she was the daughter of the late James Oliver Reynolds and Theo Elnora Farrand Reynolds.

Loretta was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her lifelong hope was to live on a paradise earth under the rule of Jehovah’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ. (Psalm 83:18, Isaiah 11: 6-9) She was a homemaker. She gave private piano lessons and brought joy to many people with her special musical talent.

Loretta is survived by four daughters, Sylvia Norman of Oklahoma City, OK, Sarah Brown and husband, Charlie, of Morganton, Vesta Ball and husband, I.V., of Morganton, and Rebecca Callahan and husband, Mark, of Morganton; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Millard Norman; a grandson, Phillip Braswell; brothers, John, James, Barton, and Russell Reynolds; and sisters, Margaret Ritch, Lola Hayden, Annie Reynolds, and Helen Lockett.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 20, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Steve Brown and Gene Lail officiating. Burial will follow in the Jehovah’s Witnesses Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence, 4232 Hwy 64, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4185 Hwy 64, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Walter Lewis Sigmon, 82, of Falls Road, Valdese, NC died Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at the N.C. State Veterans Home in Salisbury, NC. Born in Burke County, NC on February 5, 1927, he was the son of the late John Sherman Sigmon and Ethel Irene Deal Sigmon. Lewis was an active member of the First Church of God, Drexel where he served on numerous committees. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and later retired from the N.C. National Guard with over thirty years of service. For sixteen years he was employed as an electrician at Drexel Heritage Furnishings and founded Sigmon Electric Co. of Morganton in June of 1963.

Lewis is survived by his wife, Thera Baker Sigmon of the home; sons, Walter Sigmon and wife, Vicki, and Glenn Sigmon and wife, Rita, all of Morganton, and Darren Sigmon and wife, Reneé, of Valdese; grandchildren, Jeff Sigmon and wife, Leslie, Jennifer Hennessee, Jamie Ward and husband, Lynn, Lindsey Sigmon, Cody Sigmon, and Melissa Sigmon; great-grandchildren, Katie Hennessee, Emma Hennessee, Kayleigh Sigmon, and Ayden Ward; brothers, Ralph Sigmon of Drexel and Ned Sigmon of Morganton; sisters, Doris Moore of Lenoir, NC, Ruth Hackney of Lenoir, TN, and Martha Scalf of Morganton; twelve nephews; and sixteen nieces.

In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by brothers, Alfred, John, and Earl Sigmon; and sisters, Nadine Erickson and Velma Henley.

The funeral will be held at noon, Friday, November 20, 2009 at the First Church of God, Drexel with Reverends Larry McCaw and Jerry Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. until noon prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 218, Drexel, NC 28619. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Virgie Mull Orders, 97, of Bethel Road, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, November 19, 2009 at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia, NC. Born in Burke County, NC on January 15, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Frank M. Mull and Mullie Shuping Mull. Virgie was a life-time residence of Morganton and was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church. She devoted her life to her family and to making her home.

Virgie is survived by her daughter, Arneta O. Stewart and husband, Thomas E. of Stanley, NC; grandchildren and their spouses, Dr.. Alan E. and Dr. Elizabeth, of Athens, GA, Laura S. and Mid McCain of Spartanburg, SC; three great-grandchildren, Logan, Stewart, and Emery McCain; a sister, Neva M. Clark of Gaffney, SC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Virgie was preceded in death by her husband, Ephraim Ray Orders.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Bethel United Methodist Church with Rev. Pete Overcash officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 1338 Bethel Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mary Lowrie Norwood Barnett, 83, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Friday, November 20, 2009 at Valdese General Hospital. Born in Wayne County, NC on January 30, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Hart Norwood and Margaret Shannon Norwood. Mary Lowrie was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where she had been a Lay Reader, member of church choir, a bell-ringer, and was working on her certificate through Education for Ministries. She graduated from U.N.C. Chapel Hill with a master’s degree in Library Science and was the Director of the Burke County Public Library for thirty years. She loved to travel, garden, read aloud and email.

Mary Lowrie is survived by her husband, Douglas Allen Barnett; sons, Allen Barnett and wife, Janet, of Pattersonville, NY, and Thomas Barnett and wife, Bonnie, of Morganton; grandchildren, Johnathan DeRosa Barnett, Zachary Ryan Barnett, and Charles Nicholas Barnett; and a sister, Ruth Norwood Kemp and husband, Philip, of Goldsboro, NC.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lowrie was preceded in death by a brother, Neil S. Norwood.

A celebration of Mary Lowrie’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m, Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Bruce Walker officiating. The family will receive friends in the church’s parish hall following the service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Marsha J. Blough, 58, of East Shore Drive, Morganton, NC died Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Burke Palliative Care Center. Born in Cleveland, OH on October 8, 1951, she was the daughter of Ralph Barton and Margaret Hope Dorr Barton of Libertyville, IL. Marsha was a homemaker and a friend to all.

In addition to her parents she is survived by her husband, David Philip Blough of the home; sons, Brian Blough and wife, Marcy Tucker, of Chicago, IL, and Ric Blough and wife, Dannell, of Menasha, WI; a daughter, Amy Cops and husband, John, of Brillion, WI; grandchildren, Jake Blough, Luke Blough, Peyton Blough, Sarah Cops, and Meghan Cops; and a brother, Richard Barton and wife, Barb, of Barrington, IL.

A celebration of Marsha’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Shepherd officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305-B West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Doctors Mark McManus, Greg Jones, and Christopher McDonald, and their staff, for their excellent care and compassion during this difficult time.

Mary Adair Edwards Phifer died at home on Monday, November 23, 2009. Born November 25, 1912, in Orlando, Florida, she was the only daughter of Gaston Holcomb Edwards, MD and Adair Dunn Edwards. She was married for 42 years to the late Edward William Phifer, Jr., MD of Morganton, NC, where they made their home. She was preceded in death by daughter Martha Avery Phifer, grandson John M. Webb Crute III, and brother George Wilkerson Edwards II, MD.

Beloved by her family, she is survived by her brother, Warren Hardin Edwards of Bonifay, FL; four daughters, Adair Phifer Armfield of Greensboro, NC, Susan Ann Phifer (George Dean Johnson, Jr.) of Spartanburg, SC, Mimi Phifer (Ernesto de la Torre, MD) of Lewisville, NC, Nancy Welcome Phifer, MD (Samuel Cykert, MD) of Greensboro, NC, and a son, Edward William Phifer III (Rebecca Roll) of Morganton, NC; five grandchildren, Mary Crute Crumpler (L. Burks, Jr.) of Raleigh, NC, Adair Phifer Crute (Clyde Hutchison, PhD) of LaJolla, CA, Nancy Holcomb Crute of Seattle, WA, George Dean Johnson III of Spartanburg, SC, Susanna Presnell Johnson of New York, NY; and three great-grandsons, Edward Phifer West Hutchison, Edward Burks Crumpler, and Webb Crute Crumpler.

Mrs. Phifer was a graduate of the Cathedral School for Girls in Orlando, FL, St. Mary’s Junior College in Raleigh, NC, Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee, FL, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority, and Yale University School of Nursing in New Haven, CT. After her graduation, she was employed as a Graduate Nurse of Operating Room and as Assistant Instructor of Operating Room Technique at New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Nursing.

She was a faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton as a Sunday School teacher and as a member of ECW, the Altar Guild and the Vestry.

Her many civic involvements included service on the Board of NC Outward Bound, Davidson College Board of Visitors, Burke County Historical Society, and Historic Burke Foundation. In her strong commitment to education, she served on the Morganton City Schools Board for twelve years and later on the Western Piedmont Community College Board, chairing it from 1982-1984. At WPCC, the Phifer Learning Center’s name honors both her and her husband. Mrs. Phifer was a member of the Junior League of Orlando, FL, and a founding member of the Morganton Service League. She loved to walk and to hike.

Pallbearers will be Samuel J. Avery, John W. Ervin Jr., John V. Jokinen, Jack B. Kirksey, Mark K. Miller, Jerome T. Norvell Jr., H. Dockery Teele Jr., William Barnet III, and J. Sidney Fulmer, MD.

A service will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at 11 AM at Grace Episcopal Church with the Reverend Bruce Walker officiating. The service will be followed by burial in Forest Hill Cemetery. Afterwards, the family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Phifer III, 317 West Union Street, Morganton.

Memorials may be sent to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 South King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Sossoman Funeral Home of Morganton is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Doris (Dot) Lucille McCulloch, 82, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at Carolinas Medical Center of Charlotte, NC.

Born May 12, 1927, in Sumter, SC, she was the daughter of the late Lewis C. McCulloch, Sr. and the late Edna Randall McCulloch. She was educated in the Sumter County Schools and spent her summers at the Kanuga Conference Center near Hendersonville, NC working on the staff as a sports counselor to the youth. She remained a life-long contributor to the Center. In 1952 she moved to Morganton, NC to become the secretary to Thomas R. Nichols, MD. In 1957 Dot became associated with Dr. Fletcher Nelson, as his Administrative Assistant, who was the Director of the Commission on Christian Higher Education for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Dot continued to work with Dr. Nelson in his position as District Superintendent and then as fund raising for the Divinity School at Duke University until he retired in 1968 at which time she started her own secretarial business which she operated until her recent illness. She became associated with the Burke County Board of Realtors and Multiple Listing Service at their inception in 1978. She helped to transition the Board of Realtors from 5 members to over 150 members before her retirement just over a year ago.

Dot had a lifetime love of tennis. She not only played but gave lessons, served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Burke Tennis Club and organized many tournaments. An annual regional junior novice event was renamed The McCulloch-Naylor in honor of her tireless work in promoting tennis in Morganton. She was the Executive Director of the American Golf Association which organized and directed golf tournaments for seniors at numerous resorts throughout the United States in the early 70’s and 80’s.

She was a life-long member of Grace Episcopal Church where she chaired the Missions and Outreach committee for over 20 years. She represented the church on the Board of Directors of the Burke United Christian Ministries; chaired the Angel Tree project, the Super Bowl of Caring, African Team Ministry; an active member of the Environmental Concerns Committee; a past member of the Vestry and an active member of the ECW where she chaired the United Thank Offering and many other projects.

Surviving are one niece, Judy McCulloch Wilson (Brady) of Sumter, SC; two nephews, Roy Baker, Jr. (Connie) of Charleston, SC and Dr. Joseph M. McCulloch, Jr. PhD (Gail) of Shreveport, La.; three great-nieces,; three great-nephews, ; four great- great-nieces,; and five great-great-nephews; a goddaughter, Beth Carter of Anderson, SC and a godson, James Hogan of Lenoir, NC and a number of special friends.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Marie M. Baker; and three brothers, Lewis C. McCulloch, Jr., Buford Randall McCulloch, and Joseph M. McCulloch, Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Bruce Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the church Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends after the service in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 S. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655, and Burke United Christian Ministries, 305 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 or a charity of one’s choice.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jeanne Beck Nichols, 92, of High Point, NC, formerly of Morganton, died Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at Pennybyrn at Mayfield Nursing Home following a period of declining health. Born in Guatemala on November 4, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Louis Dupuch and Margarita Castor Dupuch. A graduate of the Sacred Heart Catholic School for girls in Paris, France, Jeanne was a lifelong member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Morganton. She was a retired employee of Shadowline with twenty years of service.

Jeanne is survived by her son, Jerry Beck and wife, Joanne, of Asheville, NC; daughters, Margaret Roderick and husband, John, of High Point, and Christina Beck Carter and partner, Sexton, of Asheville; grandchildren, Gregory Beck and wife, Kathy, Derrick Beck, Erin Beck, Roger Carter, John Roderick and wife, Susanne, and Joseph Roderick and wife, Lisa; and great-grandchildren, Charlotte Brooks Roderick, Dillon Beck, and Luke Paul Miller.

In addition to her parents, Jeanne was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Beck; her second husband, Dr. Thomas Nichols; and her identical twin sister, Helen Levine.

The funeral mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 27, 2009 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Pennybyrn at Maryfield, 1315 Greensboro Road, High Point, NC 27260. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Donald W. Smith, 96, of Britthaven of Morganton died Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born November 13, 1913 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Frank Rankin Smith and Ella Huffman Smith. Donald was a member of the First Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Morganton Full Fashion Hosiery Mill. He was an avid golfer.

Donald is survived by a son, Wilson A. Smith and wife, Barbara, of Morganton; a daughter, Donnell Catherines of Norfolk, VA; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Buff Smith; a brother; and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 28, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Saturday one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to a church of the donor’s choice.

Arlie R. Saunders, 96, of Hoyle Street, Morganton died Wednesday, November 25, 2009 following a period of declining health. He was born in Montgomery County, NC on March 2, 1913 and was the son of the late John and Naomi Strider Saunders. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Saunders. Mr. Saunders was a long standing and active member of Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church, was exceedingly kind, and was always ready to volunteer. He loved to work in his garden and took care of his health.

Arlie is survived by sons, Harry Saunders of Woodstock, GA and Hoyt Saunders of Morganton; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Barry Mahorney officiating. Burial will follow at the Seventh-day Adventist Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Morganton Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2187 Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Kenny Hyatt, 50, of N. King St., Morganton passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2009, following an extended illness. He was born in Burke County on July 30, 1959 and was a son of the late Buster and Bertha Mae Hubbard Hyatt. Kenny worked for over 30 years as a cook at Sterling Billiards. He was a kind person who never met a stranger, and who always had a smile on his face.

Surviving are his brothers, Jimmy Hyatt, Johnny Hyatt and his wife, Carla, and Bobby Hyatt all of Morganton, Roy Hyatt and his wife, Audrey, of Valdese, and his twin, Dennis Hyatt of Hudson; sisters, Cathy Edwards and her husband, Kenneth, and Doris Hyatt, all of Morganton; nieces, Rebecca Griffith, Lisa Lail, Nikki Hardwood, and Tonya Hyatt; and three special great-nephews and niece, Thumper Lail and Kendall and Bryce Griffith.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2009, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. John Smiley officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home of Cathy and Kenneth Edwards, 2057 Coffey Rd., Morganton.

Linda Branch Stamey, 58 of Stonebridge Apartments, Morganton, NC died Saturday, November 28, 2009 at her residence. Born March 18, 1951 in Catawba County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Julius Edgar Branch and Zelma Laws Branch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Stamey and a brother, Richard Branch. Linda was a member of the Church of God.

Surviving are her son, Barry Fisher and his wife, Michelle of Morganton; sisters, Estelle Noland and Rebecca McMahon both of Morganton, and Mozelle Allen of Lenoir, NC; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emily Fisher; a stepson, Jeffery Stamey; stepdaughters, Carolyn Turner, Kelly Bentley, Tracy Norman, and Jamie Gettys; and numerous step grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Entombment will follow in the Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of Rebecca McMahon, 405B High Ridge Dr., Morganton. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to Burke United Christian Ministries, 305-B W. Union St., Morganton, NC. 28655.