Clyde J. Towery, 89, of Mount Holly, NC, formerly of Morganton, died Saturday, January 2, 2010 at the Charles George V.A. Medical Center in Asheville, NC. Born in Cleveland County, NC on August 31, 1920, he was the son of the late Lawrence Burton Towery and Nan Zora Bowman Towery. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Pearson Towery; brothers, James and Ivey Towery; and a sister, Bertalee Ingle. Clyde was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church and was a former member of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Holly. He was a U.S. Army WWII veteran during which he was stationed in Europe and Africa. Clyde was a member of the Morganton D.A.V. Clyde and his wife were foster parents to many children, including Wesley Hamrick of Bostic, NC. He retired from Henredon Furniture.

Clyde is survived by his son, Dennis Towery and wife, Sarah, of Mt. Holly; a daughter, Susan T. Carpenter and husband, Lanny, of Glen Alpine, NC; grandchildren, Jason Carpenter, Nora Towery Denny, Lora Towery Cooper, and Douglas Towery; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Makayla Carpenter, and Carter and Madison Denny; and sisters, Thelma Johnson and Pearl Cooper, both of Shelby, NC.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 4, 2010 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. David Mills officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Billy Ray Helms, 39, of Jenkins Rd., Morganton, NC died Saturday, January 2, 2010 at his residence. Born on July 27, 1970, he was the son of Margaret Workman Helms of Morganton and the late Daniel Thomas Helms.

Billy is survived by his wife, Flossie Franklin Helms of the home; sons, Daniel and Timothy Helms; a daughter, Brianna Helms; a sister, Sarah Martinez; and nieces, Annie and Amanda.

Billy was preceded in death by a brother, Robert T. Helms.

The graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Calvary Memorial Gardens with Rev. Leonard Lindsey officiating. The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

James David Jernigan, Jr. 70, of Carriage Lane, Hudson, NC died Sunday, January 3, 2010 following a period of declining health. Mr. Jernigan was born in Burke County on October 20, 1939 and was a son of the late James David Jernigan, Sr. and Vera Abernathy Jernigan. James was a 1958 graduate of Glen Alpine High School where he was captain of the football team, and he attended Western Carolina University. He was an avid NASCAR fan and restored antique cars. James was a member of Hudson United Methodist Church and as a child he attended Glen Alpine United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Gloria Curtis Jernigan, of the home; his daughter, Vicki Elizabeth Haigler, of Hudson; his sister, Rebecca Jernigan Wilson and her husband, Wesley, of Gloucester, VA; an uncle, Jack Abernathy, of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2010, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Brittain officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Marvin M. Metcalf, 88, of Goodman Lake Rd, Morganton, died Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Grace Hospital. Born December 19, 1921 in Buncombe County, NC and was the son of the late Horace M. Metcalf and Laura Price Metcalf. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Metcalf and sisters, Bonnie Pruett and Gladys Whisenant.

Marvin is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Steve Parker officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church, 3396 Pea Ridge Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sue M. Miller, 60, of Watts Trail, Morganton, NC died Monday, January 4, 2010 following a period of declining health. Born in Gainesville, FL on December 19, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Asbury Luther McDonald and Irene Smith Jordan. Sue worked at several hospitals and nursing homes. Most recently she had worked as a nurse at Carolina Rehab.

Sue is survived by her husband, Danny Miller of the home; sons, Chris Miller of Morganton, Kevin Lee of Morganton, Casey Miller and wife, Amber Lunsford, of Valdese, and Derick Miller of Kingsport, TN; and three grandchildren, Abi Miller, Hannah Lee, and Logan Lunsford.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Praise Assembly of God with Rev. Kevin Crawford officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home is assist with funeral expenses.

Patricia B. Kephart, 57, of Thomas Cline Dr., Morganton, NC died Monday, January 4, 2010 following a lengthy illness. Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 25, 1952, she was the daughter of the late John Joseph Bedenk and Margaret Curran Bedenk. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Patricia graduated from Pompano Beach High School in 1970, Florida Atlantic University in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in education, and from Colorado State University in 1990 with a master’s degree in education. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Eagle and Garfield Counties in Colorado for more than twenty-five years. After retiring from teaching in Colorado in 2006 she moved to Morganton and worked as a substitute teacher for Burke County Schools.

Pat enjoyed skiing, riding motorcycles and horses, quilting and sewing, and spending time with the family. She was a member of McDowell Saddle and Bridle Club, Burke Quilters Club, Catawba Valley Harley Owner’s Group, and the Roaring Fork Harley Owner’s Group in Glenwood Springs, CO.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, James Kephart of the home; a son, Zackary Kephart and wife, Leith, of Macon, GA; a granddaughter, Ilyssa Kephart of Macon; a sister, Ginger Hult and husband, Frank, and their children Kristen and Kerry Hult, all of Tampa, FL; a mother-in-law, Doris Riley and husband, Edward, of Marion, NC; a brother-in-law, Wayne Riley of Marion; a sister-in-law, Lynn McKellar and husband, Bruce, of Mars Hill, NC; and two sisters-in-law and their families in South Florida.

The funeral mass will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2010 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union 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.

Wanda Griffin Mills, of Winding Creek Dr. in Morganton went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at her residence. She was born in Union County, and was a daughter of the late Buford Benjamin Griffin and Frances Eury Griffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Threatt. Wanda was a graduate of UNC at Greensboro, and a member of Burkemont Baptist Church. Wherever her husband, Dr. David Mills was serving as pastor, she also served in the activities and daily life of the church. Wanda enjoyed the beach and painting. She was devoted to her family and her grandchildren.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Dr. David Mills of the home; sons, David Mills, II and wife, Ellen of Conover, NC, and Andy Mills and wife, Sherrie of Hendersonville, NC; grandchildren, Ashlyn, Natalie, and Gabriel Mills; a sister, Diane Godwin and husband, Jimmy of Charlotte, NC; and a brother-in-law, David Threatt of Monroe, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2010 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Dr. David Mills and Rev. Eddy Bunton officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 9:30 until 11:00 am at the church. Burial will be at 4:00 p.m. Friday at Lakeland Memorial Park in Monroe. Memorial contributions may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church Above and Beyond, 4668 Burkemont Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

John W. Piercy, 85, of Pax Hill Rd., Morganton died Saturday, January 9, 2010 at his residence following a period of declining health. John was born May 16, 1924, in Cherokee County, to the late Sidney Piercy and Lelia Waldroup Piercy. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the Navy and was retired from the NC Department of Transportation.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Roberta Hogsed “Lil” Piercy; brothers, Jeff, Charles and Wilburn Piercy; and a sister, Helen Chambers.

John is survived by a son, Richard Piercy and his wife, Brenda; daughters, Lois Piercy and Lu Shores, all of Morganton; grandsons, Alex Piercy and his wife, Elizabeth and Stacey Shores; step-grandchildren, Jackie Wakefield and Joy Finney; and a sister, Maude Stoops of Wichita, KS.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Kim Bolick and to Nell Kincaid for assisting with Dad’s care prior to his death.

Dorothy Conn Glover Eddins, 87, formerly of 202 Lassiter Dr., Dublin, GA, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at Autumn Care of Drexel. She was born January 28, 1922 in Zebulon, NC and was the daughter of the late Janet Edwards Conn and Tollie Manson Conn. Mrs. Eddins was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dublin, GA and retired as the office manager of Dublin City Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer Brooks Eddins, Sr.; sisters, Connie Dice, Euna Mae Whitford, Beulah Stevenson, Christine Ellis; and a brother, Graham Conn.

She is survived by a daughter, Jean Glover Powell, Morganton, NC; sons, Wilmer Brooks Eddins, Jr. of Bessemer City, NC, Walter Craig Eddins and wife, Cathy of Perry, GA; grandchildren, Michele Powell Byrd and husband, Shane of Rogers, Arkansas, Catherine Eddins of Newton, GA, and Brian Eddins of Marshallville, GA; great grandchild, Marshall Britt Byrd of Rogers, Arkansas; sister, Mary Alice Holland of Raleigh, NC; brother, Wilber Conn of Raleigh, NC and a number of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, January 15, 2010 at Northview Cemetery in Dublin, GA with Dr. Clifton Morris officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Worth Beach, 84, of Old NC 18, Morganton went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at the Charles George Veterans Medical Center in Asheville following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County on November 24, 1925 to the late Fred H. Beach and Cora Marie Niedig Beach. Worth was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II serving in the European Theater where he received the Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. He worked as a mechanic at several local car dealerships until he opened his own company, A & W Motor Company in 1962. He was a member of Table Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Surviving are his wife, of 65 years, Ann Carswell Beach of the home; a son and his wife, Freddie and Glenda Beach; a daughter, Grace Beach Hughes; grandson, Charles Beach, brothers, Ralph and Ruthven Beach; and sisters, Louise Brittain, Vera Brittain, Mary Tallent, and Sarah Copeland, all of Morganton.

In addition to his parents, Worth was preceded in death by sisters, Ethyleen Murphy, Mary Beach, and Blanche LeFevers.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 1020 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Elder Clifton Harmon and Rev. Charles Barlow officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at his residence on Old NC 18. Memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Baptist Church, 1013 Old NC 18, Morganton, NC 28655.

Virginia Haywood Poteat Fendley, 82, of Autumn Care of Drexel died Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Autumn Care. Born in Burke County, NC on October 17, 1927, she was a daughter of the late E. Haywood Poteat and Bessie Lee Cole Poteat. Virginia was an avid flower gardener and cook who loved to cater for her family and for special events. Her creativity served her well in all of her endeavors. She had lived in many different places and had traveled extensively, but the N. C. mountains were always her home. She attended Snow Hill United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Etta Wehunt and a step-brother, Carl Poteat.

Surviving are her daughters and their husbands, Mary Sue Watson Fields and Frank of Morganton and Virginia Michel and Paul of Spring, TX; a son, Stephen Fendley of Columbus, OH; a sister, Marguerite Poteat Mordan of El Paso, TX; her beloved nieces, Doris Wehunt Morrison, Mildred Wehunt Henry, and Judy Wehunt White; and a nephew, Johnny Wehunt.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2009 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Chaplain Ted Swann officiating. Following the service, the family will gather and receive friends at the home of Doris Wehunt Morrison, 107 Circle Court, Morganton. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Lillian Gaskill, 88, of 234 West Park Dr., Morganton, NC died Saturday, January 16, 2010 at her residence. Born in Forsyth County, NC on October 11, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Carl Lanning and Delta Swicegood Lanning. Lil graduated from Salem College in 1941 at the age of 16 with a B.A. degree. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Boston College. Mrs. Gaskill was the retired Director for Social Security Disability Determination for the state of North Carolina. She served at the pleasure of both the Democratic and Republican Governors. While serving the state, she received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian award in NC. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was an ordained Elder as well as an Honorary Lifetime Member of Presbyterian Women.

Lillian is survived by three children, Dr. Jim Gaskill and wife, Judy, of Nebo, NC, Lannie Simpson and husband, J.R., of Morganton, and Betsy Foulk and husband, Dwight, of Fayetteville, GA; seven grandchildren, Beth Bumpus of Asheville, NC, Daniel, Jim, Mary Helen, and Reid Simpson of Morganton, and Andy and Meggie Foulk of Fayetteville; great-grandchildren, Christopher and Amber Bumpus of Asheville; and two sisters, Helen Pitts and Vera Talton of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milton James Gaskill, Sr.

A celebration of Lillian’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church with Reverends Michael Bailey and Adam Bowling officiating. Entombment will precede in the church columbarium. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

On January 17, 2010, Faye Smith Lineberger, left for her heavenly home at age 93. A native of Gastonia, she was preceded in death by her parents, Wade O. and Ada Abernethy Smith, her husband, The Reverend T. A. Lineberger, an infant son, Gene Smith Lineberger, and 10 siblings. Mrs. Lineberger is survived by her two daughters, Rhea L. Ross and husband, Johnny, of Apex, Lou Lineberger Stewart, of Drexel, and son, The Reverend Thomas A. Lineberger, Jr. and wife, Marsha, also of Morganton. She took special joy in four grandchildren: Krista S. Heavner and husband, Brett, of Denver (NC); Kasey M. Stewart of Charlotte; Mark T. Lineberger and wife, Mayah, of Greensboro; and Matthew T. Lineberger, a student at Gardner-Webb University. Great-grandchildren are Addisen Faye and Benjamin Heavner, special extended family, Jerry and Loretta Denton, Beth and Sam King family. Since 1959 she had lived in Burke County when her husband became Pastor of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, and she assisted him in the development of the South Mountain Baptist Camp, founded in 1957. During the 40 years that she worked alongside her husband and their son at the camp, she became “Ma” to thousands of campers, staffers, ministers, and missionaries from many parts of NC as well as several countries. Through the years she has been faithful to churches of which she was a member. Since 1998 she took pride in the ministries of First Baptist Church, Morganton, even though she could not attend very often.

As an expert seamstress, she skillfully created beautiful handwork to share a part of herself with many friends and extended family, especially her 18 nieces and nephews. These gifts will continue to be a visible reminder of her love.

The family would like to express thanks for concern, prayers, calls and visits of many friends and relatives. She loved to hear and read about them. We also acknowledge the care given Mrs. Lineberger by Blue Ridge Home Healthcare, College Pines, Autumn Care, and most notably Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. As a parting gift of love, she donated her body to the UNC School of Medicine.

A memorial service celebrating her life and influence is scheduled for 2 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Morganton with the Rev. Dr. Thomas A Bland, Jr., and Rev. Dr. Johnny Ross officiating. The family will gather and receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to South Mountain Baptist Camp, 3558 Baptist Camp Rd., Connelly Springs, NC 28612 for the Lineberger Memorial Prayer Garden, or the FBC Deaf Mission of Morganton, PO Box 459, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home has assisted the family with the arrangements.

Norma Reep Curtis, 67, of Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC died Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on May 4, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Calhoun and Ellen Lorine Reep. In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Buford Venard Curtis, and brothers, Dennis Michaels and Doug Michaels.

Norma is survived by her children, Cheryl Price, Dale Curtis, Nick Curtis, and Shawn Curtis, all of Morganton; grandsons, Cody Price, Curt Hoyle, Zachary Curtis, and Aaron Curtis; and sisters, Vickie Trull of Morganton and Dana Chapman of Hickory.

There will be no services held for Norma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southmountain Children’s Home, 7330 Myrtle Dr., Nebo, NC 28761. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mrs. Garlene Burdette Francis, of Morganton, formerly of Ames, Iowa, passed on the morning of Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. She was born September 24, 1938 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to the late Garland Burdette and Ellavine Kathryn Miller Burdette. She was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic in Ames, Iowa. In addition to her parents Mrs. Francis was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome Francis.

Mrs. Francis in survived by a son, Jeff Francis; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and Jarrod Bailey; and a grandson, Derek Keller, all of Morganton.

The family will receive friend from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Sossoman Funeral Home. Funeral services and burial will be held at a later date in Ames, Iowa.

Carl W. Kerley, of Charles Ave., Morganton, NC, formerly of the Salem Community, went home to be with his Heavenly Father and his wife on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Grace Hospital. Born in Sequatchie Co., TN on February 6, 1930, he was the son of the late Robert Jonah Kerley and Grace Marie Hair Kerley. Carl was a member of South Mountain Baptist Church. He worked as a truck driver for DeHart Motor Line for the majority of his life. He later worked for Impact Furniture and retired from Kincaid Furniture. He loved to play his music.

Carl is survived by his children, Carla Kerley Aldridge, Scott Kerley and wife, Anna Ruth, and Howard Kerley and wife, Tammy, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Shasta Stroupe, Hali Carpenter, Nathaniel Kerley, Eric Kerley, and Jonah Kerley; a brother, Milton Kerley and wife, Naomi, of Dayton, TN; sisters, Margie Shuping of Morganton, Barbara Brittain and husband, Charles, of Morganton; and Wilda Herman and husband, Gary, of West Palm Beach, FL.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Louella Janet Anderson Kerley; a daughter, Ramona Sue Brown; a great-grandson, Dakota Patton; brothers, Robert Kerley and Wayne Kerley; and sisters, Claudia Blalock, Helen Farr.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Cooper. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of his son, Scott Kerley. Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Hopewell Baptist Church, 1112 Hopewell Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Robert Glenn Curtis, 72, of Conley Road, Morganton, NC died at home on Thursday, January 21, 2010. Born in Rutherford County, NC on February 4, 1937, he was the son of the late William Talmadge Curtis and Mary McGinnis Curtis. Glenn was a member of Harvest Praise Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and worked for Morganton Hardware for five years. He retired from Doblin Fabrics after 32 years of employment. He also owned and operated Curtis Appliance Repair at his home on Conley Road. Glenn and his wife loved to travel.

Mr. Curtis is survived by his wife, Ella Mae Clark Curtis of the home; sons, Ronnie Curtis and wife, Frances, and Jeff Curtis and wife, Jennie, all of Morganton; a daughter, Glenda Carpenter and husband Jeff, of Forest City, NC; grandchildren, Rena Thrall, Kristina Hoyle, Kimberly Curtis, Neil Curtis, Aaron Carpenter, Adam Carpenter, and Brett Carpenter; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Rector and Katherine Hoyle; and brothers, Buren Curtis and wife, Margie, of Morganton and Bill Curtis and wife, Carolyn, of Ellenboro, NC.

In addition to his parents, Glenn was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Seagle.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2010 at Harvest Praise Church with Reverends Barry Camp and Earl Cross officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5:30 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, 1581 Conley Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Harvest Praise Church, P.O. Box 3116, Morganton, NC 28680.

Annie Laura Williams Patton, 83, departed this world Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 1:22 p.m. Born in Burke County, NC on August 21, 1926, she was the daughter of the late W. C. “Cleve” Williams and Annie Dale Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Patton; brothers, Fred Williams and Vernon “Bud” Williams; a sister, Ruth W. McCarthy; and an infant granddaughter, Blair DeHart. She is survived by her daughters, Cathy Morrison and husband, Gary, and Teresa DeHart and husband, Dan, all of Morganton; her granddaughters, Laura Morrison and Annie DeHart of Morganton and Brooke DeHart of Boone; and a special grandson, Derrick DeHart and wife, Meg, of Greensboro, NC.

Annie Laura was a 1944 graduate of Glen Alpine High School and a former employee of Skyland Textile, Inc. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend. She sincerely cared for people and was especially generous to those less fortunate. So often, she shared her delicious home cooked food and gently used clothing with others. She genuinely loved people, had a unique sense of humor, and was quick to give a sincere compliment.

Having grown up in the Wesleyan Methodist church, Annie Laura was a life member of Gibbs Chapel. Annie Laura proved herself to be a faithful servant to her Lord through various church ministries over the years. Next to her family, her church work and caring for others were her priorities. She faithfully served her God with her time and talents as a member of the church choir, Church Trustee, Local Board of Administration member, social committee member, and Sunday School secretary. She especially loved the young people of the church and supported the youth ministry both financially and in prayer consistently through the years.

What a joyful homecoming Annie Laura had Saturday afternoon, January 23, 2010, when she reunited in Heaven with husband, Roy; her parents, Cleve and Annie; her brothers and sister, Fred, Bud and Ruth; her granddaughter, Blair; her friends and many relatives. But most importantly, Annie Laura is completely healed and enjoying eternity with her personal Savior, Jesus Christ.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2010 at Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church with Rev. Roger Brackett, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the services. Memorial contributions may be made to Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church Youth, P.O. Box 603, Glen Alpine, NC 28628. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ruth Riddle died on Monday, January 25, 2010 at the Heritage Home Nursing Facility in Florence, South Carolina. Ruth was born on February 1, 1942 in Burke County, North Carolina to Marcus Pinckney Webb and Louise Elizabeth Phillips Webb. She was married to the Reverend J.C. Riddle on June 19, 1960.

She leaves behind four children and their families: Randy Riddle and his wife Lee Ann of Madison, Mississippi; Jeff Riddle and his wife Llewellyn of Charlottesville, Virginia; Chris Riddle and his wife Casey of Florence, South Carolina; and Judi Riddle Bex and her husband Clint of Charlotte, North Carolina.

She leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Anna, Matthew and Benjamin Riddle of Madison, Mississippi; Hannah, Lydia, Samuel, Isaiah and Joseph Riddle of Charlottesville, Virginia; Jay and Pinckney Riddle of Florence, South Carolina; and Owen Bex of Charlotte, North Carolina.

She is survived by three sisters: Elizabeth Kincaid of Morganton, North Carolina; Irene Overcash of Gastonia, North Carolina; and Ruby Butler of Angier, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and one brother, Steve Webb.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC with Rev. Bill Pore officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Attention: Ruth Riddle Memorial, Post Office Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607 or online at samaritanspurse.org. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Katherine Jane England, 85 years of age, passed from her earthly life to her Heavenly life on Tuesday, January 26th in her home in Colfax, NC. Katherine was born in Stokes County on April 28, 1924 to the late Thomas Wade and Lula Paris Tuttle. A graduate of Pine Hall High School, she attended Appalachian State Teachers’ College after which she taught school, first in Wilkes County, NC, then in Florida, and later in Burke County. She was wed on April 29, 1944 to the late Norman Watkins England, with whom she remained married for almost 63 years until his death in February, 2007. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton, she was actively involved with her Sunday school class and visitation of homebound members until her health declined and she moved to River Landing retirement community in Colfax.

In addition to her parents and husband, Katherine was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Peay of Madison, NC, brothers, Ralph and Tom Tuttle of Madison, NC, and Roger and Ronald Tuttle of Florida.

Survivors include a son, Ron England of Martinsville, VA: daughters, Jane Beam and husband Dan of Honey Brook, PA and Shirley Wagner and husband, Ric of Pfafftown, NC; grandchildren, Kate Matikonis and husband, Rob, Paige Santmyer and husband, Dan, Jennifer Hood and husband Ritchie, Lesley Beam, Nathan Wagner and Matthew Wagner; and two great grandchildren, Maggie and Colin Santmyer. Also surviving are one sister, Marjorie Duncan of Ridgeway, VA and one brother, Bob Tuttle of Hendersonville, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Katherine’s grandsons, Nathan and Matthew Wagner; her granddaughter’s husbands, Rob Matikonis, Dan Santmyer, and Richie Hood; and nephew, Tony Tuttle. The family will receive friends Friday one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262, or to the First Baptist Church, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Billy Tellis Smith, 78, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010 following a brief illness. He was born on December 31, 1931 in Burke County and was a son of the late Tellis Herman Smith and Hixie Marie Poteat Smith. Mr. Smith was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church. He was an avid sports fan having played sports in high school and refereed high school football for a number of years.

Surviving are his wife Modean Mae Tallent Smith of the home; his son, Michael Smith of Morganton; and sisters, Yvonne Turner of Morganton and Maxine Anderson of Augusta, GA.

The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2010, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate, Memorials and Tribute Processing Center, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.

Christine Day Clements Handley 87, of Rutherford College, NC died Thursday, January 28, 2010, following a brief illness. She was born in Irwin County, GA on May 22, 1922 and was the daughter of the late Robert Newton Day and Samantha Jane McElroy Day. Mrs. Handley was the last surviving child of eleven. She was musically inclined and was self-taught on the autoharp and the harmonica.

Surviving are her son, Toby Clements, of Rutherford College; daughters and their husbands, Brenda and Steve Blevins of Connelly Springs and Jo and David Oliver of Chamblissburg, VA; grandchildren, Tammy Blevins, Sherri Barron and her husband, Chris, Allen Clements, and Kelley Oliver; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Christine was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Calvin Clements, and by a son, Clyde Clements.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2010, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Eddy Bunton and Rev. Brian Skeggs officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Daniel Preston Smith, 53, of Rocky Ridge Rd. in Connelly Springs, NC, died Thursday, January 28, 2010 at his residence. He was born November 11, 1956 in Wilmington, DE, and was a son of the late Jack and Emma Granger Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Coleman and Cumi Smith, and Fred and Cleo Carswell.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Ava Presnell Smith of the home; brothers, Tommy Smith and Nelson Smith, both of Morganton; and sisters, Beverly Smith and Greta Newton, both of Drexel; step-children, Karalee Ballard and husband, Robert, and Waylon Mace and wife, Kathy, all of Marion, NC; and five step-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 1, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Ralph May officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence on Rocky Ridge Rd. in Connelly Springs.

Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joan Helene St. Louis passed away in her sleep at her home in Morganton, NC on January 29, 2010. She was born April 21, 1928 in Buffalo, New York. She was preceded by her parents Rudolph Wenke and Helen Kittleman Wenke, and her son Michael Myles. She is survived by her siblings Lois Zach, Donald Wenke, and Susan Warfle. In addition, she is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ernest E. St. Louis of the home. She will be missed by her children: son, Michael Myles (deceased) and wife Judy; daughter, Jackie St. Louis and husband Doug; son, James Myles and wife Alice; son, Daniel St. Louis and wife Sandra; daughter, Karen Young and husband Rob, and daughter, Toni Deal and husband Kirk. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michelle Brown and husband P.J., Kelly Gibson, Bryan Myles and wife Dandy, Kevin Myles, Jonathan Myles and Noelle, James Myles and wife Chrise, Matthew St. Louis, David St. Louis and wife Hilary, Benjamin St. Louis, Steven St. Louis, Jennifer Chang and husband Rick, Margaret Buchanan, Patrick Jenkins, Heather Deal, Eli Myles, Joshua Gibson, Grace Myles, and James Myles.

Joan lived a full and active life as a loving wife of 50 years and dedicated mother to six children and grandmother to twenty three. She and her husband Ernie enjoyed life to the fullest and relished time spent traveling with family and friends. After enjoying fun-filled years living at Fripp Island, South Carolina, Joan moved back to Morganton, North Carolina with Ernie. They also treasured spending time at their mountain home in Seven Devils, North Carolina. She was an avid golfer and was a member of both Mimosa Hills and Blowing Rock Country Clubs. She was also an accomplished gardener, impressive dancer, and skillful Bridge player. Joan enjoyed improving the Seven Devils Resort Club, and her dedication to the landscape design there leaves a lasting tribute. Throughout her life, she was very active and was involved in many activities, some of which included Red Cross Lifesaving Instructor, Girl Scout Leader, collaborator on Seven Devils Cookbook, and mountain trail hiker. She was also an excellent cook who dared to try new dishes and always succeeded in making them delicious. Joan and her talents will be missed greatly, but she will continue to live on through her loving children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at noon on Saturday, February 20th, 2010 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655. The family will receive friends after the memorial in the church hall. Also, a special memorial ceremony will be scheduled in June for family and friends at Seven Devils, NC at a date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, (800) 4-CANCER, or Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690, (828) 879-1601. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Melba Fowler, 68, of Ridge Blvd., Morganton, died Friday, January 29, 2010. She was born in Cleveland County, March 5, 1941 to the late Zero Lee Jones and Minnie Humphries Jones. Mrs. Fowler was a member of Smart’s Grove Baptist Church and had retired from Century Furniture Case Goods Plant in Hickory. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie McFarland.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Allen Fowler of the home; sons, Neal and Wayne McFarland both of Cleveland County, NC and Bobby McFarland of Conover; daughters, Cindy Rickman and her husband, Ron and Andrea Spencer and her husband, Bryan both of Hickory; grandchildren, Christopher McFarland, Kindle Rickman, Landon Rickman and Amelia Spencer; brother, Roy Lee Jones of Cleveland County; and a sister, Iva Mellon of Hickory.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at Smart’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Lewis officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Memorial Gifts, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mildred Martin Whisnant, 91, formerly of North Green St., Morganton, died Sunday, January 31, 2010. Mrs. Whisnant was born March 3, 1918 in Alexander County to the late Newton Ray Martin and Ola Warren Martin. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Morganton where she taught children’s Sunday School and GA’s, was active in the choir, the Baptist Training Union, and the W.M.U., and was a member of the Dorcas Sunday School Class. She was a Girl Scout leader and was a member of the Morganton Optimrs Club. She also assisted her husband, the late Ransom Whisnant, in his business, Whisnant Electric. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a wonderful homemaker and caregiver for her parents and husband in their later years.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Cren Neitzel and Analeen Deal.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Andrea Whisnant Denton of Charlotte, Jerry Whisnant of Morganton, and Karen Whisnant Robinson and her husband, Tony, of Valdese; brothers, Kester Martin of Statesville, and James Martin of Charlotte; a sister, Wilma Lackey of Statesville; grandchildren Chuck Denton and his wife, Elizabeth, of Carlsbad Calif; Lee Whisnant, Katie Whisnant Bradshaw and her husband Brian, of Morganton; Kelly Robinson of Valdese and Chris Robinson of Huntersville; great-grandchildren, Julia Denton, and Jenna Denton, of Carlsbad, Calif.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service in the church parlor. Memorial contribution may be made to First Baptist Church, Children’s Ministry, PO Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680.