James C. “Jim” Reavis, Jr., 74, of Wedgewood Court, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at his residence following a brief illness. Born in Wilkes County, NC on June 16, 1935, he was the son of the late James C. Reavis, Sr. and Ella Marlowe Reavis. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

After graduating from N. C. State University he worked for S.G.L. Carbon for thirty-six years, retiring as senior engineer. He also served on the board of directors for the S.G.L. Morganton Credit Union. While employed at S.G.L., the company allowed him to be a corporate volunteer in math and science. He worked with the Energy Bowl and Math Counts at Hillcrest Elementary School and also volunteered at Liberty Middle School.

Jim served on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Burke County, as Volunteer Coordinator, and on the Family Selection Committee. He enjoyed some manual work on the Habitat homes.

Jim was involved with United Way of Burke County for more than fifteen years, serving on Budget and Allocations Committee as well as the Communication Committee. Additionally, he was involved with the Red Cross for many years, having served as Chairman of the local Red Cross for three years.

Jim collected and recycled aluminum cans for over twenty five years, and donated the money he received to Hillcrest Elementary School. Reynolds Aluminum Co. recognized him for his efforts in recycling, community involvement, and recycling education. Jim was currently President of the Morganton Clean City Committee, which helps to make Morganton’s appearance better and litter free.

Jim served as President of Friends of the Library and had served on the board of directors of the Burke County Public Library. He was currently serving as treasurer of the Library Foundation.

He also served as a fundraiser for the Burke Mission Station as it was being founded.

He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for several organizations and schools in Morganton, and enjoyed reading, travel, sports, and was an avid ham radio operator.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lana Hix Reavis of the home; an aunt, Edna Sloope and her husband, Clyde, of North Wilkesboro, NC; a niece, Christy Carpenter; a nephew, Tim Carpenter; a brothers-in-law, William Hix and his wife, Martha, of Winston-Salem, NC, and J. W. Carpenter and wife, Sandra, of Marion, NC; and nieces and nephews from Lana’s famly, Martha Jon Siceloff and husband, Eric, Libby Gish and husband, Larry, Sandy Callison and husband, Mike, Frannie Bander and husband, Steve, and Lewis Elias, Jr. and wife, Reneé.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Jo Ann Carpenter.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2009 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson and Rev. Todd McCulloch officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Douglas Allen Barnett, Sr., 77, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Gaston Memorial Hospital. Born in Baton Rouge, LA on March 11, 1932, he was the son of the late John Barnett and Emma Adelia Rowan Barnett. Douglas was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church where he was a past choir-master and organist.

Mr. Barnett is survived by his sons, Allen Barnett and wife, Janet, of Pattersonville, NY, and Thomas Barnett and wife, Bonnie, of Morganton; and grandchildren, Johnathan DeRosa Barnett, Zachary Ryan Barnett, and Charles Nichols Barnett.

In addition to his parents, Douglas was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lowrie Norwood Barnett, and brothers, John Barnett and Ralph Owen Barnett.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Bruce Walker officiating. The family will receive friends the in church fellowship hall following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 S. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Barbara Helyne Lovelace, 59, of Morganton, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 3, 2009. Born in Banner Elk, NC on August 27, 1950 she was the daughter of Barbara Flowers of Elk Park and the late Floyd Perry of Banner Elk.

She was an active member of the First Assembly of God in Morganton, NC. Barbara was a homemaker and a worker for the Lord. Barbara loved people and loved spreading Gods love. Barbara was known for her unshakable faith in her Lord Jesus Christ, and was esteemed as prayer warrior of God. She cherished and was cherished by her family and friends.

She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Barbara is survived by her husband, Steve Lovelace; mother, Barbara Flowers and step-father, JC Flowers; sons, David Pittman and Bruce Pittman; daughter, Laura Lee Beckett; sisters, Carolyn Laws, Debbie Carter, Melanie Malcuit; brothers, Dickie Perry, Carl Perry, Stacey Perry, Pete Perry and Mike McCrary; stepsiblings; 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 6, 2009 at the First Assembly of God Morganton with the Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that memorials be made to Pregnancy Care Center Drexel, PO Box 368, Drexel, NC 28619 or to the Children’s Building Fund, First Assembly of God of Morganton, 1955 US 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Kathleen Deal Carswell, 71, of Autumn Care in Drexel died Friday, December 04, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a lengthy illness. She was born July 4, 1938 in Burke County, and was the daughter of the late Charles Sidney Deal and Lillie Mae Smart Deal. Kathleen was a 1956 graduate of Drexel High School. She was a member of Drexel First Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Shadowline Textiles.

She is survived by three brothers, Ervin S. Deal of Valdese, Yates Edward Deal and wife, Betty, of Claremont, and Albert Charles Deal and wife, Becky, of Drexel; a daughter-in-law, Terry Jean Miller; granddaughter, Brandy Franklin; great-granddaughters, Breanna Michaels and Marissa Franklin; a sister-in-law, Kaye S. Deal; and number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Terry Eugene Carswell; and a daughter, Shelia Renee Carswell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 6, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Don Smith and Rev. Tito Madrazo officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Charlotte, 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 10000, Charlotte, NC 28209 or to the Drexel First Baptist Church, PO Box 308, Drexel, NC 28619.

William “Bill” Bell, 77, of Morganton, NC died Saturday, December 5, 2009. Born June 26, 1932, he was the son of the late Warner Norman Bell and Ella Frances Jordan Bell. He attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and Calvary Lutheran Church in Morganton. Bill graduated from Palm Beach High School and then attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. Bill retired from Binnings – Pan American in Pompano Beach, FL and previously, along with his father, brothers, and sister, owned and operated Bell House Windows and Doors, Inc. He moved to North Carolina about three years ago from West Palm Beach, FL.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith “Judy” Carlin Bell of the home; sons, Brian Bell and wife, Carisa, of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Clifton Bell and wife, Nicole, of Boynton Beach, FL; daughters, Judith “Angie” Wright and husband, Chris, of Lake Worth, FL, and Stephanie Crisafulli and husband, Dave, of Clayton, NC; granddaughters, Ashley Bell, Emily Bell, Morgan Bell, Laila Bell, Nicole McNab, Jessica House, Corey Crisafulli, and Jamie Crisafulli; brothers, James, Jay, Burton, and Thomas Bell; and sisters, Charla Stuart, Jean Weir, Frances Mathis, and Linda Bell.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a son, William N. Bell, II, and a brother, Frank Bell.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at noon, Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Riley officiating. Military honors will be provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until noon. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 119 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western NC Chapter, 31 College Place, Suite D-320, Asheville, NC 28801.

Dianne “Dee” Forgy, 63, of Rebel Run, Morganton, NC died Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. Born in Goldsboro, NC on May 18, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Russell Seymour and Hazel Council Seymour.

Dee was a resident of Burke County since 1978. She was an RN at Grace Hospital Intensive Care Unit for many years and later worked at Grace Ridge Health Care Center until she was forced to retire in 2002 due to an illness. Dee was a graduate of the U.N.C. Nursing School.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Keith Forgy of the home; daughters, Kelli F. Martinez of High Point, NC and Kristi F. Whitley of Durham, NC; grandchildren, Ryan and Bryce Martinez and Tucker Whitley; a brother, Roddy Syemour and wife, Susan, of Greenville, NC; and she was also loved by her parents-in-law, Byron and Jean Forgy; and her sister-in-law, Kathy Pitts and husband, Randy.

A celebration of Dee’s life will be held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Ralph May officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at W.F.U.B.M.C., Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157.

Lena Smith Stanley, 88, of Westhigh St., Cary, NC died Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Phoenix Assisted Care in Cary. Mrs. Stanley was born in Burke County on November 11, 1921 to the late Colman Hull Smith and Cumi Smith Smith. She was a member and Sunday School Teacher at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and an avid flower gardener. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother, affectionately called “MomMom” by the grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, Bury, Jack and James Smith.

Mrs. Stanley is survived by her husband, Joseph R. “Dick” Stanley; sons, John Stanley of New Castle, DE and Joseph R. Stanley, Jr. and wife, Lynette of Martinsburg, WV; daughters, Elizabeth Wade and husband, James of Garner, NC and Deborah Rogers and husband, Richard of Bear, DE; grandchildren Jana Boag, Laura Bosworth, Matthew Wade, Aaron Wade, Seth Rogers, and Adam Wade; great grandchildren, Joseph Simmons, Jordan Bosworth, Jessi-Lynn, Simmons, Chloe Bosworth, Reese Wade, and Presley Wade; brother, Arden Smith of Morganton; and a sister, Hennie Stewart of Morganton.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2009, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC. Sossoman Funeral Home assisted the family.

Edrie Lee Stone Smith, 81, of Mountain View St., Morganton, NC died Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer for several years. Edrie was born in Winston-Salem, NC on November 4, 1928 to Edgar S. Stone and Mary York Stone. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Meredith Forcum and Jean Scarlett, and a brother, Edgar S. Stone, Jr. She was married to Donald E. Smith of Kernersville, NC on October 16, 1948, and after living in Roanoke, VA, Winston-Salem, and High Point, NC, they moved to Morganton in 1961.

Edrie was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, and a member of the Aldersgate Sunday School Class. She was a loving wife and mother. Her biggest joy was having her family around her, and the family gatherings. She loved her church, music, laughter, and she loved her friends. Edrie had many of them that helped her throughout her illness.

She is survived by her husband, Donald, sons, Don, Jr. and his wife, Pat, Douglas and his wife, Gladys, Steven and his wife, Debra, all of Morganton and David and his wife, Jennifer of Asheville, NC; a daughter, LeAnne Smith Dudley and her husband, David, of Somers Point, NJ; grandchildren, Kristy Reed, Steve Smith, Jr., and Jacob Smith, all of Morganton, Mark Smith of Brooklyn, NY C.J. Dudley of Chicago, IL, Amanda Dudley of Los Angeles, CA, Sarah Elizabeth Smith and Lucia Stone Smith of Asheville, Cameron Smith and Tracy Fry of Hickory, NC, and Allison Smith of Boulder, CO; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Marie Stewart of Winston-Salem; and several nieces and one nephew.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 12, 2009 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Rev. Todd McCulloch officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jack South, 53, of the Chesterfield area died Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on June 24, 1956, he was the son of Mary Guinn South and the late Bonney Jack South, Sr. Jack was raised in the Baptist faith. He was working at Handi-Care as a CNA. Jack had also worked for Morganton Dye and Finishing and at Wamsutta Mills.

In addition to his mother, Jack is survived by his wife, Wanda “Robin” Hall South of the home; brothers, Billy Ray South and Paul Jay South, both of Morganton; and a sister, Linda South Buff and husband, Richard, of Morganton.

In addition to his father, Jack was preceded in death by sisters, Helen South Epley and Betty Jo South.

The memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Wilma Rockett Powell, 64, of Shady Rough Rd., Icard went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 11, 2009 following an extended illness. She was born in Burke County on September 12, 1945 and was a daughter of the late William Melvin Rockett and Mattie Viola Bandy Rockett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Melvin, Kenneth, William, and Oliver Rockett, and by a sister, Mildred Rockett Walker. Mrs. Powell was a member of First Baptist Church in Hildebran. She worked as a registered nurse for 35 years at Grace Hospital and retired from Broughton Hospital. Wilma was an avid reader.

Surviving are her husband of 42 years, Cecil A. Powell, of the home; daughters, Renee´ Powell Hollaway and her husband, David, of Morganton and Kimberly Powell of Valdese; grandchildren, Isaac and Hannah Hollaway and Sydney Powell Smith; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 14, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ronald R. Arndt officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home on Shady Rough Rd., Icard. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association Memorial Program, 222 S. Church St., Suite 336 M, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Margaret “Peg” Eisele Bickel, 81, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Friday, December 11, 2009 in the Grace Ridge Health Care Center. Born April 10, 1928 in Springfield, IL, she was the daughter of the late Herman John and Irene Lester Eisele. For most of her life, she lived in Edison Park, IL. Peg was a graduate of Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI where she earned a degree as a medical technician. She worked for about twenty years as a med tech at Loyola Hospital in Chicago, IL. She and her husband, the late Alan William Bickel moved to Morganton in the 1970’s and were members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Mrs. Bickel is survived by a number of cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday for one hour before the service. Memorial gifts may be made to the Good Samaritan Clinic, P. O. Box 3601, Morganton, NC 28680-3601 or to Mount Mary College, 2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597.

Harry O’Neal Garver, 72, of Susan Drive, Morganton, NC died Friday, December 11, 2009 at his residence. Born in Cleveland County, NC on September 3, 1937, he was the son of the late Colon C. Garver and Agnes May Reinhardt Garver. Harry was a member of Lawndale United Methodist Church. For over 50 years he served the community as a Barber, and he was a retired transportation officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections after 22 years.

Harry is survived by his wife, Joann Duckworth Garver of the home; a step-son, Michael E. Watts and wife, Kimberlee, of Nebo, NC; a daughter, Kimberley Dawn Beach of Morganton, NC; a step-daughter, Andra W. Dellinger and husband, Steve, of Shelby, NC; a brother, Carol Gene Garver and wife, Sadie, of Lawndale, NC; a sister, Sharlene Garver Lutz and husband, Charles, of Belwood, NC; grandchildren, Carrie Hutchens, Natalie Whitaker, Neil Watts, Wesley S. Dellinger, and Lindsay A. Phonephet; and great-grandchildren, Riddick J. Phonephet, N. Lyric Phonephet, Chase Whitaker, and Ava Whitaker.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 13, 2009 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. At other times the family will be at the residence of Michael Watts, 2701 Lakeridge Court, Nebo, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Donald Lovelace Retirement Fund, 3970 US Hwy 64, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Grace Cannon Saunders, 94, of Pax Hill Rd. in Morganton died Monday, December 14, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a brief period of declining health. She was born August 30, 1915 in Caldwell County to the late Reuben Henry Cannon and Verona Webb Cannon. Grace was a lifelong and faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church. She was a valued neighbor who provided loving care for many children throughout the years. Beloved by her friends and extended family, her kindness and generosity will be sorely missed.

Grace is survived by a grandson, Reuben Dean Saunders of Brooklyn, NY; daughter-in-law, Rebecca B. Saunders of Greensboro, NC; sisters, Mary Lee Pipes of Opelika, AL, Lillian Leonard of Morganton, and Courtney Yount of Granite Falls; a brother, Max Cannon of Valdese; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Bill McNeely; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Howard A. Saunders; sons, Harvey Dean Saunders and Tony Max Saunders; two brothers, Joe and Vernon; and two sisters, Margaret and Myrtle.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 18, 2009 at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Cline and Rev. Barry Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday one hour before the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3851 Pax Hill Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Charles Willie McCurry, 77, of Hillview St., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. Born in Rutherford County, NC on November 30, 1932, he was the son of the late George Willie McCurry and Ida Jones McCurry. Charles was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and was a former trustee for many years. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict. For over 25 years Charles worked at the Western Auto Stores in Morganton and Valdese, and he retired from Wells Small Engine Repair in Valdese. Additionally, he was a member of the Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge #217. Later in life he loved playing golf with his wife, family, and friends.

Charles is survived by his wife, Barbara Scott McCurry of the home; children, Bill McCurry, Doug McCurry, Linda McCurry, and Jim McCurry, and wife, Cindy, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Donielle and Caitlin Whisenant; an aunt, Gladys Poteet of Morganton; a nephew, Don McCurry, II of Florida; and nieces, Debbie Tait of GA, Denise Hallman of SC, and Donna Burns of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Edward McCurry and his wife, Sandy, and a granddaughter, Ashley McCurry.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 20, 2009 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Larry Cline officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 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 The Gideons International, P.O. Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680.

Daisy Clark Snipes, 79, of Hwy 18/ US 64, Morganton, died Friday, December 18, 2009 at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Mrs. Snipes was born December 20, 1929 in Avery County to the late Myron Leonard Clark and Hattie Victoria Townsend Clark. She attended Antioch Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Ingold Snipes. She is survived by her brothers, Curtiss Clark and wife, Ruby, Arthur Clark and wife, Hazel, and Ira Clark and wife Ilene all of Newland; sisters, Coralee Cook and her late husband Earl of Coos Bay, OR, Dorothy Bare of North Wilkesboro, and Omalea Yates of Newland; 3 brother-in-laws and their spouses; 2 sister-in-laws and their spouses; and 15 nieces and 28 nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Snipes will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Clarence Correll officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be to Antioch Baptist Church, 2441 Antioch Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Ruby Polly Whaley Sutton, 87, of Lenoir Rd., Morganton, will be spending Christmas in Heaven after a period of declining health. Mrs. Sutton was born April 6, 1922, in Pigeon Forge, TN to the late Rennie Whaley and Mintha Huskey Whaley. In 1939 she moved to Altamont, NC as a young bride, following along with her husband’s employment with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. They moved to Morganton in the late 1940’s and then from Nags Head to South Port, NC and locations in between. They relocated back to Morganton in 1957. For most of their 57 years together, Mrs. Sutton was a homemaker. Wonderful home cooked meals were one of her outstanding attributes. No one could make coconut cakes and biscuits better than Ms. Ruby.

Mrs. Sutton was employed by Skyland Textiles and retired from Burke Co. Public Schools. She was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church. A loving mother who doted on her children and grandchildren, she was known for her expert sewing. In her later years, she spent countless hours at her sewing machine, making aprons and quilts. She also received great joy from her flowers and was known for her "green thumb". She received many first place ribbons at the Burke County Fair for her sewing, jellies, and canned vegetables.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Norman “Red” Sutton an infant son. Left to cherish her memory is her son, John Norman Sutton and his wife Revonda of Phenix City, AL; a daughter, Jeannie Sutton Snipes and her husband, Turner of Morganton; a sister, Jean Whaley Davis of Pigeon Forge, TN; grandchildren, John Norman Sutton II of Fort Smith, AR, Kelly Sutton Blaine of Huntingdon, TN, Minthie Jean Snipes of Raleigh, and Sarah Louise Snipes of Morganton; and great grandchildren Jayde and Chad Sutton, Erika, Kail and Jackson Blaine.

A celebration of Mrs. Sutton’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Steve Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with opening prayer, special words by daughter-in-law, Revonda and a dedication of the grave by her son, John. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Warren J. Bingham, 89, of John’s River Loop in Morganton died Sunday, December 20, 2009 following a period of declining health. He was born November 26, 1920 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Joseph William Bingham and Essie Mae Sain Bingham. Warren served in the US Army during World War II, and was a lifelong devoted member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and a gifted gardener. Warren was a father figure to many children, and an honorable husband to his late wife of sixty years, Ada Estelle Stroupe Bingham. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Edwin, Delon, Presley, and Everett Bingham; and sisters, Pauline Williams and Annie Mae Bingham.

Warren is survived by a brother, Fermin Bingham and his wife, Pat of Morganton; nieces and nephews, Brenda Israel and Jim of Clemmons, NC, Peggy Williams and Mark of Hickory, Joe Bingham and Joan, Bruce Bingham and Susan, Glenn Bingham, Jeff Bingham and Kim, Glenda Bingham, Leonard Walker and Louise, Mary Truax, and Myrtle Braswell and Martin, all of Morganton, Kathy Powell and Michael of Bahama, NC, Mark Bingham and Tamra of Jamestown, NC, James Propst and Mary of Raleigh, and Helen Whitley and Don of Concord, NC; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with Rev. George Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, PO Box 381, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Sarah Wilson Campany, 77 of Morganton, formerly of Shelby, MS passed away on December 20, 2009 at the Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Valdese. Born in Morganton on July 27, 1932, she is the daughter of the late Moran and Josephine Wilson. She was a 1950 graduate of Morganton High School, and received her professional preparation at Catawba College, BS and Appalachian State University, MS. She had a thirty year career in special education as a teacher at the North Carolina School for the Deaf, principal of the special education school at the Western Carolina Center, director of the Berryhill Center for the Hearing Impaired in Jackson, Tennessee, and founding director of the Western Tennessee School for the Deaf.

Her vocation as an educator was focused on teaching deaf children to speak. She was an artist by avocation creating and sharing many works of beauty through the media of painting, drawing, sculpting, knitting and quilting. She was member of the First United Methodist Church of Morganton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband A. Nelson Campany, her sister Mary Anna Wilson Shore, and her brother George David Wilson.

Sarah is survived by two sons, Myron Whitley and wife, Dorcas, of Winston-Salem, NC, Ran Whitley and wife, Donna, of Buies Creek, NC; four grandchildren, Randy Whitley, Diana Whitley, Joseph Whitley and Andrew Whitley all of Buies Creek; sister Ruth Wilson Russell of Linville, NC; brother John Moran Wilson of Middleburg, Florida; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A service commemorating the life of Mrs. Campany and celebrating the hope of resurrection will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Morganton with the Rev. Todd McCullough and the Rev. Luke Curry officiating. The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 1:00 pm prior to the service. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

William Edward “Bill” Monn, 77, of Rockyford St. in Morganton died Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born August 29, 1932 in York County, PA, and was a son of the late Clyde Monn, Sr. and Hazel Jacoby Monn. Bill was raised in the Methodist faith, and was a retired employee of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings with over 25 years of service.

He is survived by sons, Steve Hobbs and wife, Ruby of Seneca, SC, Greg Monn and wife, Barbara, and Jeff Monn, all of Morganton; brothers, Donald Monn and Gerald Monn; sisters, Rosalie Steffey and Mary Ellen Rose; grandchildren, Jeremy Hobbs of Seneca, SC, Michael Monn, and Daniel Monn, both of Morganton; and his step-mother, Lillian Monn of Morganton. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Pansy Lucille Davis Hobbs Monn; a brother, Clyde “Sonny” Monn, Jr.; and a sister, Betty Miller.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 26, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie Gentry officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Edward Dwight “Eddie” Coffey, 42, of Crystal Creek Road, Morganton, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at his residence. Born September 3, 1967 in Caldwell County, NC, he was the son of Mary Brown Coffey and the late Edward Eugene Holland. In addition to his father, Eddie was preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Junior Coffey. He was raised in the Baptist Faith.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Peggy Ryan Coffey; children, Edward Burns, Jessica Coffey, and Heather Coffey; a step-daughter, Jennifer Cooper; brothers, Bobby Coffey, Adam Holland, and Tony Holland; and sisters, Brenda Norman and Lisa Buchanan; a nephew, Donnie Coffey; and nieces, Angela Campbell, Brandy Coffey, Brandy Bender, Jennifer Painter, and Lacey Coffey; and three grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 27, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Bentley officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Micah Jared Schwartz, 27, of Lenoir St. in Morganton died unexpectedly, Monday, December 21, 2009 at his residence. He was born March 27, 1982 in Henderson County, NC, and was a son of Dennis Wayne Schwartz and Kim Eileen Kephart Schwartz of Moganton. He was a member of the Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church. He enjoyed biking, gardening, and helping other people.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Josiah D. Schwartz of Morganton; sisters, Kerah R. Higgins and husband, Ryan of Hendersonville, NC, and Rebekah Schwartz of Morganton; maternal grandparents, Rose and Denver Kephart of Winburne, PA; paternal grandparents, Barbara Romenesco and Robert Schwartz, both of Appleton, Wisconsin; an uncle, Bill Hudson and wife, Denise of Morganton; cousins, Lily, Samuel, Martha, and Grace Hudson; and several other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Barry Mahorney officiating. Burial will follow in the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Micah Schwartz Memorial Fund, c/o Morganton Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2187 Jamestown Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Amanda Danielle Norman, 24, known as “Sissy” to her mother, father, and older brother, passed from this life to become one of God’s Angels on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. At the time of her passing she was at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. She fought a long and brave battle from October 20th through December 23rd which involved an initial surgery following by extensive complications.

Amanda was born January 8, 1985 to Gerald Wesley Norman and Teena Marie Erb Norman.

Prior to her death, Amanda created her own form of artwork. She drew pictures which she sold with all proceeds going to the “Make A Wish Foundation.” Unable to use her hands, legs, or arms, she painstakingly drew each picture by holding the pen in her mouth. Amanda had numerous orders for her artwork. Her one great disappointment will be those orders she never had an opportunity to complete.

Amanda’s joy was threefold: the joy of giving a gift to critically ill children, the joy she got from having a purpose, and the joy she got from the pleasure of the looks on the faces of the ones who received her completed drawings.

Amanda was handicapped from the age of one. She spent the last 20 years in a wheelchair, but she never let her handicap prevent her from living life to the fullest. She loved life with a passion and met everyone with a smile. In addition to her parents, Amanda is survived by her older brother, Jeremy Wesley Norman of Morganton; her paternal grandmother, Harriet Ella Yount Norman of Morganton; her maternal grandfather, Walter “Butch” Young Erb of Morganton; uncles and aunts, Billy and Anita Rector, Kenneth and Carla Baker, and Steven Robert Erb, all of Morganton; and cousins, Heather Mosteller, Dylan Rector, Kenneth Baker, Jr., Jason Baker, Jayla Mosteller, Gavin Baker, and Landon Baker, all of Morganton.

Amanda was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Mack Norman, and her maternal grandmother, Mary Erb.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence on Tommy Norman Ave., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 212 S. Tryon St., Suite 1080, Charlotte, NC 28281. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Earnest A. “Ike” Isaacs, 84, of Sherwood Acres in Morganton died Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care in Valdese following a period of declining health. He was born November 8, 1925 in Watauga County, NC, and was a son of the late James Harley Isaacs and Nona Greer Isaacs. Earnest was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He served in the US Army during World War II, and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was a member of Catawba Valley Lodge #217 and also the Morganton Moose Family Center.

Earnest is survived by daughters, Sandra Thomas and husband, Roger, and Debra Williams and husband, J. B., all of Morganton, and Rev. Brenda Curtis and Rev. Joseph Lynn Curtis of Rock Hill, SC; brothers, Vaughn Isaacs and wife, Sue of Glen Alpine, Greer Isaacs, and Bill Isaacs and wife, Jean, all of Morganton, and Maynard “Bud” Isaacs and wife, Pansy of the Oak Hill community; sisters, Eloise Woods and husband, Ed of Matthews, NC, and Frances Yelton and husband, Donald of Indian Trail, NC; seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Yelton Isaacs; a brother, Carroll Isaacs; and sisters, Mabel Isaacs and Adele Stephens.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph Lynn Curtis officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to the Morganton Moose Family Center, 2722 Moose Lodge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Herman Alfred Abee, 80, of Fashion Ave. in Connelly Springs, NC died Monday, December 28, 2009 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born January 24, 1929 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Gordon Alfred Abee and Minnie Etta Martin Abee. Herman was an active member of Bollinger’s Chapel United Methodist Church until his health began to fail. He had served on the church Administrative Board, and had also served as the church Secretary and Treasurer for over 20 years.

Herman is survived by his wife, Betty Whisnant Abee of the home; a daughter, Teresa Dawn Abee of Aiken, SC; a brother, Clifford Abee and his wife, Jean of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Kay Abee of Conover, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Herman was preceded in death by brothers, J. P. and Harold Abee; and a sister, Juanita Herman.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, or to Bollinger’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 1215 Carolina St., S.E., Valdese, NC 28690.

Joseph “Paul” Scott, 81, of Morganton, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born on June 21, 1928, Paul was the son of the late John Marshall Scott and Lillie Pendley Scott. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ollie Smith Scott; brothers, Ernest, Thomas, Mark, and Charlie Scott; sister, Mary Scott Jordan; half-brother, James Scott; and half-sister, Della Fox.

Paul was born in the Irish Creek section of Burke County. He had four brothers who served in World War II and one who worked for the shipbuilding industry during the war. Paul followed them by serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he worked for General Motors in Cleveland, Ohio and returned to join his brothers in operating the Dixie Cab Company. Paul and his brothers have been the symbols of trust and integrity for those needing transportation in our community. His presence will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Debbie Ogle and husband, Gary of Rutherford College; brother, Herman Scott and wife, Vonnie of Morganton; sisters, Ruth Reinhardt of Hickory, and Sarah Scott of Morganton; granddaughter, Kristy Ogle Poteat and husband, Aaron of Connelly Springs; great grandson, Addison Poteat; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 30, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Carrell Pruette and Rev. Glenn Kerstetter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Debbie and Gary Ogle, 261 Excelsior Dr., Rutherford College, NC 28671.

John William Stark, 91, of Hilltop Street, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 10, 1918, he was the son of the late Frank O. Stark and Johanna Eliassen Stark. John was a veteran of WWII serving in U.S. Army 11th Airborne Divison where he saw action in the Philippines. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. John was a past member of the Morganton Lion’s Club and Morganton Civitan Club. He was also a former Scout Master. He had worked at Morganton Hosiery and retired from Dan River. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. John also enjoyed flying with his son Jeff.

John is survived by his wife, Margaret Phillips Stark of the home; a son, Jeff Stark and wife, Alison of Morganton; a brother, Rolf Stark of Bellport, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by brothers, Frank, Nils, Fred, and Ernest Stark, and sisters, Rita Reichert and Dorothy Martois.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 1, 2010 at First United Methodist Church with Reverends Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Todd McCullough officiating. Entombment will follow in the First United Methodist Church Columbarium. Military honors will be provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the entombment service. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to a charity of one’s choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Lisé Wilson Black, 56, of Morganton, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Valdese Hospital following a valiant four year battle with ovarian cancer.

Lisé was born in 1953 in Lenoir, NC and was the daughter of the late Willard J. Wilson and Willa Dean Triplett Wilson. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 37 years, James T. "Jim" Black, Jr., her best friend and sister, Denise Scarboro and husband, Phil of Morganton, special nieces, Jordan and Jena Scarboro; aunts, Gwyn Conway, Gladys Thomas, Doris Abee, and Martha Nell Brakefield; brothers-in-law, Ron Black and wife, Mardee, of Morganton, Steve Black of Charlotte, and David Black and wife, Karen, of High Point; nieces and nephews include Scott Black, Elizabeth Winkler, Marina, Jim and Mark Black; great nephews Ben and Ryan Winkler; great-niece, Sara Black; and many loving cousins including Betsy Blatz, Maria Clark, Barbara Lambert, Debbie Thomas and Jeana' Gallagher.

Lisé was the Director of Lithotripsy at Catawba Medical Center for many years before she began her battle with cancer. She also was an active member of First Baptist Church of Morganton and the Serendipity Sunday School Class where she served as Class President. More recently, she has helped teach the Cauble Ladies Class.

A true child of Christ, Lisé spent every moment she could serving and infecting everyone she met with her cheerful spirit. She found joy at the BUCM Soup Kitchen, where she spent many Sundays reaching out to those in need. Her unrelenting hope and courage and sparkling zest for life were true gifts; living life to the fullest, she surrounded herself with the people she loved, making them feel incredibly special in every little thing she did.

Someone once said, "The greatest heroes are those whose names are hidden in our hearts." Lisé was truly an incredible, one-of-a-kind angel who was loved by all who knew her. Leaving her mark on so many hearts, she has become a hero to many and a blessing to all.

A memorial service in Lisé's honor will be held at the First Baptist Church of Morganton on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. It will be followed by a time of celebration of her life in the fellowship hall; all are welcome! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680 or to the Hope Clinic, PO Box 16948, Asheville, NC 28816. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Charles “Eddie” Beck, 54, died unexpectedly, Thursday, December 31, 2009 at his residence. He was born October 9, 1955 in Burke County, and was a son of the late Evelyn Irene Patton Beck and Charles Edward Beck of Morganton. He was a member of Amherst Baptist Church. Eddie loved sports, especially the Carolina Tar Heels and the Dallas Cowboys.

He is survived by brothers, Joe Beck and Terry Beck, both of Morganton, and Bruce Beck and his wife, Cindy of Bladesboro, NC; a sister, Mary Whisnant and her husband, Bobby of Morganton; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Amherst Baptist Church with Rev. Harold Joplin officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Amherst Baptist Church, 1024 Amherst Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.