Wade H. Vance, Sr., 84, of Ashwood Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC, formerly of Perkins Ave., Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, SC following a period of declining health. Born in Avery County, NC on March 9, 1926, he was the son of the late Howard Vance and Lola Clark Vance. Wade was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and retired from Broughton Hospital after 33 years of employment. He was a ham radio operator for many years and was a member of the Morganton Ham Operators Club. Wade was an avid gardener and fisherman and also raised beagles which he loved to use to hunt rabbits.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Wade is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia Stroupe Vance of the home; children, Judy Loftis and husband, Tony, of Memphis, TN, Wade Vance, Jr. and wife, Debbie, of Morganton, NC, Dianne Walker and husband, Lonnie, of Chattanooga, TN, Michael Vance and wife, Nancy, of Huntersville, NC, Diann Blissit and husband, Alan, of Atlanta, GA, and Mark Vance and wife, Donna, of Myrtle Beach, SC; twenty grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Nancy Pennington and Peggy Travison, both of Morganton, and Tina McNeely and husband, B.W. of Pineola, NC; a number of nephews and nieces; and his best friend, Bill Stewart.

In addition to his parents, Wade was preceded in death by a a son, Steve Clark, and a number of brothers and sisters.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 4, 2010 at Zion Baptist Church with Reverends Dr. Steve Parker and David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. At other times the family will be at 3026 Perkins Avenue, Morganton.

Emma Jayne South Higgins, 67, went to be with our Lord on April 1, 2010 at her home following a lengthy illness. She was born in Watauga County on April 2, 1942 and was the daughter of the late Kermit David and Mojene Bumgarner South. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, James David South. Emma was a loving Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoyed hiking, fishing, and scrapbooking pictures of her family.

Surviving are her husband, Harold Thomas Higgins, Sr. of the home; a daughter, Regina Stacey and her husband, Charles, of Rutherford College; a brother, Benny J. South of Drexel; grandchildren, Christopher Warren Stacey and fiancée, Kate Fagan, of Hickory and Jamie Loraine Montejo and her husband, Teodoro, of Icard; and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2010, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Chaplain Larry Cronk officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

John H. Denton, Sr., 64, went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 1, 2010, following a period of declining health. Mr. Denton was born in Burke County on August 21, 1945, and he was a son of the late John Festus and Ellen Epley Denton. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Roy and Raymond Denton, and by sisters, Eula Horne and Jane Elliott. John was a loving and devoted Daddy and Paw-Paw and was an avid outdoorsman and coon hunter. He retired with 30 years of service from Western Carolina Center and attended South Mountain Baptist, New Beginnings Baptist, and Faith Chapel Baptist Churches.

John is survived by a son, John H. “Bo” Denton, Jr. of Morganton; daughters, Christine Ray and her husband, Anthony, of Morganton and Charity Ellen Denton, of Hickory; grandchildren, Cody Ray and his wife, Amanda, Dustin Ray, and Jessica Ray, all of Morganton; sisters, Bessie Norman, Cordie Shell, Vergie Norman, and Joyce Bollinger and her husband, Jim; Bo and Christine mother, Brenda Denton; and Charity’s mother, Natalie Carroll.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2010, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Reverends Jim Bollinger and Bob Deviney officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. At other times the family will be at John’s home. Memorial contributions may be to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

Angela Smith Metcalf, 40, of Dysartsville Road, Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on August 8, 1969, she was the daughter of Tommy Pete Smith of Morganton and the late Martha Mae Deaton Smith. Angela loved to crochet and ride horses. Well known, she had never met a stranger.

In addition to her father, Angela is survived by her son, Teddy Allen Mayfield; a brother, Johnny D. Smith; a sister, Denise Smith Hopson and husband, Chad; and a special friend, Keith Spurling; all of Morganton.

In addition to her mother, Angela was preceded in death by her husband, Gwyn Richard Metcalf; a brother, Rodney Deon Smith; a sister, Rebecca Dee Smith; her paternal grandparents, Ivy and Lola Smith; and her maternal grandparents, Robert and Ella Deaton.

The funeral will be held at 12:30 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2010 at Mountain View #2 Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Mashburn officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. At other times the family will be at the father’s home on 4817 Dysartsville Road. Memorial contributions may be made to Sossoman Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.

Betty VanHorn Cantrell, 64, died Saturday, April 03, 2010, at Burke Palliative Care Center following a brief illness. She was born in Burke County on February 28, 1946 and was a daughter of the late John Fred and Genelia Elizabeth Mitchem VanHorn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a husband, Julian “Jay” Cantrell; and a brother, Johnny VanHorn. Betty was a former member of High Peak Baptist Church who loved to socialize and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her sons, James Cantrell, Stephen Cantrell, and John Cantrell, all of Morganton; her daughter, Neelie Thompson and her husband, Richard, of Valdese; grandchildren, Lindsay Cantrell and Amy Cantrell both of Morganton, Adam Ward and Jaydon Thompson both of Valdese, and Phillip Cantrell of Seattle, WA; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Hank VanHorn and his wife, Brenda, of Morganton; a sister, Peggy Webb and her husband, Guy, of Valdese; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon Tuesday, April 6, 2010, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Dewayne Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral. At other times the family will be at the home of John Cantrell, 226 Sequoyah Circle, Morganton.

Henry F. “Hank” Ilnicki, 101, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC died Monday, April 5, 2010 at Grace Ridge. Born November 25, 1908 in Schenectady, NY, he was the son of the late Sigmund and Pearl Magusewski Ilnicki. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Morganton. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Helene Curtin Ilnicki.

Surviving are his sisters, Alyce I. Fisher of Hilton Head, SC and Alfreda I. Infield of Hinsdale, IL; nephews, Jeffrey Fisher of Richmond, VA and Clayton P. Fisher of Columbia, MD; a niece, Cynthia Fick of Hinsdale, IL; and his special friend and companion, Eleanor Davis of Grace Ridge.

At this time no service is planned. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to the Grace Ridge Scholarship Fund, 500 Lenoir Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Lewis Ernest “Ernie” Pearson, Jr., 59, of Ruritan Dr., Morganton, NC went to be with his Lord and other loved ones on Tuesday, April 06, 2010 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on January 27, 1951, he was a son of the late Lewis Ernest Pearson, Sr. and Brunie Murray Pearson. Ernie was a retired employee of the Burke County Public Schools with over twenty years of service. He loved farming, working on any project especially if was outside, and making sure that everything was in its proper place. Ernie was a “Jack of All Trades” and was an exceptionally talented and honest man. He was a devoted and loving family man whose grandchildren were the light of his life. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a niece, Tiffany Carswell.

Surviving are his wife, Diann Wellman Pearson of the home; sons, Christopher Scott Pearson and Jeffery Todd Pearson and his wife, Kelly all of Morganton; step-daughters and their husbands, Lorrie and Mike Harris, Wendy and Jeff Houk, and Dana and Brandon Hensley all of Morganton; brothers and their wives, Phifer and Shirley Pearson and Howard and Tammy Pearson all of Morganton; sisters, Anne Roper and her husband, Vernon and Cathy Carswell all of Morganton; grandchildren, Libby, Brittany, Chelsey, Ethan, Hannah, Aubrey, Chesney, Lacey, and Ryan.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Burkemont Baptist Church with the Rev. Marty Bess and Mr. Vernon Roper officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday 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 charity of the donor’s choice.

Dr. John Allen Dyer, 86, of Grace Ridge Retirement Community, Morganton, NC, formerly of Rochester, MN, died Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at Grace Hospital. Dr. Dyer was born to Vernon and Ruth Hickle Dyer in Petersburg, WV on July 28, 1923. He was educated at Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA, received his B.S. degree from Haverford College, Haverford, PA, and his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA.

After completing an internship at Reading Hospital, Reading, PA, he entered a general practice residency at Memorial Hospital in Cumberland, MD, after which he opened a private practice in Cumberland.

He served as a Flight Surgeon in the Medical Corps of the United States Air Force from 1951-1953, after which he came to Rochester as a fellow in Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic for three years. During this time he received a Master of Science Degree in Ophthalmology from the University of Minnesota Graduate School of Medicine. He joined the staff at Mayo in 1956 as a Consultant of Ophthalmology and rose to the rank of Professor in Mayo Medical School. He was the author of a textbook: Atlas of Extraocular Muscle Surgery, co-author of The Orbit in Thyroid Disease and also co-author of a text entitled Binocular Oculomotor Imbalance. He was author of some 60 publications in ophthalmic journals. Dr. Dyer was a member of the American Ophthalmological Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and served as President of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology and President of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists. He was a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the American Medical Association, Minnesota and Zumbro Valley Medical Association, the Society of Sigma XI, the Mayo Alumni Association, and the Doctors Mayo Society. He retired from active practice at Mayo Clinic in December 1998 after 42 years as a staff Physician in Ophthalmology.

Dr. Dyer was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Rochester, MN where he served on the Session and as the Clerk of Session for many years and was a member of the Chancel Choir. He was known for his love of golf and expertise in gardening and landscaping.

Dr. Dyer is survived by his wife, Rena Yount Dyer; a son, David Dyer and wife, Nina, of Vila Velha, Brazil; a daughter, Carolyn Kath and husband, Dr. Philip Kath, of Morganton; grandchildren, Katie Kath of Morganton, and John David and Lydia Dyer both of Vila Velha; and a sister, Susan Oliver, of Allentown, PA.

A private family service will be held at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Rev. David Doster officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 100 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55904. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Rosa Lee Battle Graybeal, 84, died Friday, April 9, 2010 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born on January 13, 1926 in Burke County to the late Joseph Walker Battle and Bessie Lee Clay Battle. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Kester Graybeal; brothers, James Franklin Battle, Herbert Walker Battle, and Charles Milton Battle; sister, Mary Elizabeth Fleming Harbison; half-brother, William Allen Kincaid; and half-sister, Betty Sue Wiley. Mrs. Graybeal was a life-long member of North Morganton Baptist Church.

Surviving are her son, James Graybeal, Jr. and his wife, Trisha, of Atlanta, GA; daughters, Irish Hatchel and her husband, Ron, of Morganton and Nancy Vecchio and her husband, Bob, of Charlotte; grandchildren, Janina Linens, Marc Hatchel, Rob Vecchio, Jennifer Robins, and Julie Vaughn; and seven great-grandchildren, Hatchel, Lily, and Spencer Linens; Emily Hatchel, Maddie and Eli Vaughn, and Abby Robins.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home. Private burial will be at a later time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Burke United Christian Ministries Soup Kitchen, 305-B W. Union St., Morganton, NC 29855.

Tom Riddle, 67, of First Court, Morganton died unexpectedly Friday, April 9, 2010 at Grace Hospital. He was born in Mitchell County on November 17, 1942 and was the son of the late Frank Howard and Emma Edwards Riddle. Tom was a good friend to all he met, and he loved his dog, Zippie. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Glen Alpine.

Surviving are his wife, Jessie Day Riddle, of the home; sons, Kenny Riddle of Spruce Pine, and Mike Riddle and his wife, Jennifer, and Keith Riddle all of Nebo; his sister, Barbara Riddle Johnson and her husband, Fred, of Spruce Pine; stepsons, Chuck Franklin of Morganton and Darrell Franklin and his wife, Angel, of Edinburgh, IN; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a nephew, Tim McKinney and his wife, Julie, of Marion.

Private services will be held with Rev. Michael Brown officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals, PO Box 1884, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Terry Woodie, 48, of Morganton, NC went home to be with his Savior on Friday, April 9, 2010 at Grace Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Burke County, NC on March 6, 1962, he was the son of Joyce Corinne Earley Cordell of Morganton and Charles Harrison Woodie. Terry worked in the mental healthcare field for many years. He was a great lover of animals.

In addition to his mother, Terry is survived by his step-mother, Sandy Woodie of Morganton; cousins, Rhonda W. Dale, Kale Wright, Dwayne Pritchard, Ronnie Richards, Skip Dehetre, Dennis Self, Sandy Miller, and Von, Robbie, and Mark Mosteller; and friend, Mike Smith.

In addition to his father, Terry was preceded in death by a close friend, Ron Poteat, and his four-legged companion, Shelby.

A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 12, 2010 at St. Matthews United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Shuffler officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Lueyane “Lou” Powell Braswell, 58, of N. Anderson St., Morganton, NC died Friday, April 9, 2010 at Grace Hospital. Born in Burke County, NC on May 5, 1951, she was the daughter of the late Corlie Powell and Almer Mae Webb Powell. Lou was a member of Calvary Assembly of God.

She is survived by her husband, Howard Braswell of the home; a son, Tim Hall and wife, Angela, of Morganton; a daughter, Lisa Abee of Morganton; grandchildren, T.J. Hall and Tabitha Hall, and Chelsea and James Middleton; and sisters, Martha Whisnant, Mary Clark, Doris Mather, Kathy Walker, Frances Powell, and Trish Whisnant.

In addition to her parents, Lou was preceded in death by a brother, Homer Powell, and a sister, Jean Pendley.

The funeral will be held at 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2010 at Calvary Assembly of God with Rev. Mike Whisnant officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Elwood “Woody” McCleary, Jr., 57, of Wilbur Newton St. in Morganton died Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC following a period of declining health. He was born December 30, 1952 in Burke County, and was the son of the late Rev. Elwood McCleary, Sr. and Aileen Virginia Buchanan McCleary. Elwood was a member of the Morganton First Assembly of God. He was a registered interpreter for the deaf, and always volunteered to interpret for college students. Woody was a selfless giver, and put the needs of other people before his own. He and his son, Timothy, enjoyed collecting rare items. Elwood was a loving and devoted father. He served 10 years in the Air Force and 17 years with the National Security Agency as an interpreter.

He is survived by his son, Timothy Allen McCleary and fiancée, Casey Anne Crouch, of Stevensville, MD; a sister, Diane “Sissy” Irvine, PhD. and husband, David, of Austin, TX; and a niece, Elizabeth Anne Goble Brammer of Jersey City, NJ, and step-children, Robert Morelli of Stevensville, MD, Anna Drake of Edgewater, MD, Mike Drake of Camp Pendleton, CA, Brian Drake of Mattoon, IL, and Kimberly Kimball of Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 16, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday one hour before the service.

Arthur “Ott” Norman, 83, of Mt. Olive Church Road, Morganton, NC died Monday, April 12, 2010, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Burke County on April 29, 1926 and was a son of the late John and Nancy Epley Norman. Ott was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother-in-law who never met a stranger, and who enjoyed hunting. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Grover Norman, and by a sister, Cordie Epley.

Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Wilma Ward Norman, of the home; sons, Gilbert Norman and his wife, Wanda, and Jerry Lee Norman, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Steve Norman and his wife, Melanie, of Asheville, Jeff Norman and his friend, Melanie Bowden, of Morganton, and Phillip and Kevin Norman, both of Old Fort; great-grandchildren, Heath and Alysa Norman, and Hannah Bowden; a brother, John Woodrow Norman and his wife, Clara, of Morganton; and a sister, Lissie Dellinger of Rutherford County.

The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2010, in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Sid Houk and Rev. Jack Moses officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Alpine Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. At other times the family will be at Wilma Norman’s residence.

Betty Jean Stamey, 77, of E. Union St. in Morganton died Monday, April 12, 2010 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born January 28, 1933 in Burke County, and was the daughter of the late Ervin Alexander Stamey and Mary Brown Stamey.

She is survived by a son, Gregory E. Stamey of Morganton.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 16, 2010 at Enon Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Gary Garner officiating. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mary Hefner Hern, of Oak St., Morganton, NC died Monday, April 12, 2010 at her residence following a period of declining health. Born in Alexander County, NC on September 19, 1918, she was a daughter of the late James Postelle Hefner and Mary Etta Benfield Hefner. Mrs. Hern was a lifelong member of North Morganton Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, George Alexander Hern; a daughter, Tammy Jean Hern; brothers. Marvin Esley Hefner, Sam Edward Hefner, and Arthur Hefner; sisters, Hattie H. Fox, Ada H. Cline, Hester Ellen H. Hoyle, Ida Irene H. Starnes, Alice H. Lloyd, and Anna H. Reid; and a niece, Ethel H. Hall.

She and her late husband were instrumental in the construction of North Morganton Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 40 years and remained an active member throughout her life.

Her career began as a looper at the Blackstone Hosiery Mill in Valdese before becoming a hairstylist and finally working as a well respected and knowledgeable sales clerk in the downtown shopping area for many prominent retailers. She ultimately retired from Hallie’s Dress Shop.

Mary was loved by all for her humorous, enticing story telling which described her family’s memories and life on the farm, as well as history seen through her eyes.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, Marry is survived by her son, Andy M. Hern and his wife, Brenda of Morganton; her daughter, Joy Hern-Guzman and her husband, Collin of Morganton; granddaughters, Wendy A. Hern and Taylor R. Hylemon; and a host of nephews and nieces.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 15, 2010 at North Morganton Baptist Church with the Reverends Kenneth Baker and Bob Deviney officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church before the service from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to North Morganton Baptist Church, 101 View St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Sallie Townsend West, 97, of Grace Ridge Retirement Community, Morganton, NC went home on April 13, 2010 after a period of declining health. She was born in Lunenburg County, VA on June 18, 1912. Mrs. West’s Christian Faith was a huge part of her life. She delighted in sharing it with everyone. Her life was filled with wonderful experiences from the first automobile, to riding in a seaplane during her 1934 honeymoon in Miami, FL, to jet travel, to full utilization of her personal computer which she began using at age 88.

She was known for her outstanding performance on the Richmond, VA, DuPont softball team when she worked there in the 1930s. She was an entrepreneur for 14 years with her gift shop in the Richmond area. While living in South Hill, VA, her gardening skills were admired and appreciated. Additionally, she made delicious sour dough bread. Morganton has been her home since 1998. Sallie loved playing Uno and was always ready for a game.

Mrs. West was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Robert Livingston West. One of five children, she was also preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. Sallie is survived by her daughter, Margaret W. Miller and husband, Fred; granddaughters, Sallie Usher and husband, John, of Perrysburg, OH, and Diana Chiaravalloti and husband, Gino, of Charlotte, NC; and two great-grandsons, Nicholas Miller Chiaravalloti and John West Usher.

The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Calvary Baptist Church with Reverends Larry Thompson and Michael Riley officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence of her daughter, Margaret Miller, on Camelot Drive, Morganton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690 or to the Grace Ridge Scholarship Fund, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655, or to a charity of one’s choice. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ruth Cook Keller, 75, of Old NC 18, Connelly Springs, NC died Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Shaire Center in Lenoir following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on November 3, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Aaron David Cooke and Junie Chapman Cooke. Ruth was a member of Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church. She retired from Broughton Hospital in 1986 after 30 years of service. She was an avid gardener and seamstress, loved to cook and was dedicated to her church while she was able to attend.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Hilda Keller York and husband, Johnny Robert York, Jr., of Raleigh, NC; a brother, Robert Cooke of Vale, NC; a sister, Catherine Cook of Valdese, NC; and grandchildren, Abby Marie Mulchi and husband, Matthew, and Javan Johnny Keller York, all of Raleigh.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Javan Johnny Keller; brother, J.C. Cooke and D.B. Cooke; and a sister, Joann Abee.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 16, 2010 at Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Burl Sain officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Caldwell County, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645, Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church, 5292 Walker’s Chapel Road, Morganton, NC 28655, or to the Javan Keller Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Elbert Swink, 3115 River Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Mrs. Annie Stewart of Morganton, NC was reunited with her beloved husband, Raleigh, on April 13, 2010 when she passed from this life into her heavenly home. Her passing was peaceful and gentle – with her children near her – befitting the way she lived her life on earth.

Born in Morganton, NC on December 30, 1916, she was the sixth of ten children born to parents, the late Barbra Jane Cook Moore and Joseph W. Moore. Educated in Morganton schools and finishing at Morganton High School, Mrs. Stewart went to work at Pine Burr Hosiery in Valdese during the World War II era. After the war, she married her sweetheart, Raleigh Stewart, and they began an adventure of 62 years, traveling and living in several states as Mr. Stewart pursued commercial construction projects. Mrs. Stewart always made sure the family found a church to attend in each city. Later, they returned to their hometown of Morganton and her home church of Pleasant Hill Baptist where she served as a Sunday school teacher, and as an active member of the WMU, the GA organization, and the Bereavement Committee. Both she and Raleigh were involved with the Sunshine Club. Annie lived her life as an example of her Christian faith.

Mrs. Stewart later worked for the Burke County School System at Mull School and Morganton Junior High in the cafeteria from which many of the children still remember her. Being an excellent cook, she and Raleigh were known for their green beans and dill pickles.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raleigh L. Stewart on December 24, 2007; sisters, Sudie Walker, Donnie Tolbert, Mary Childers, and Alma Moore; and brothers, Cossie, Walter, and Paul Moore. Survivors include her four children, Doris S. Smith (Perry), Margaret S. Coffin (David), Jim L. Stewart (Martha), and Linda S. Miller (William Lippard), all of Morganton; seven grandchildren, Angela B. Smith (Kenny) and Laura B. Johnson (Thad) of Morganton, Justin Coffin (Anna) of Winston-Salem, Melissa S. Wellman (Jeff) of Warner Robbins, GA, Natasha Stewart and Jeremy Stewart, both of Morganton, and Jessica Stewart of Charlotte, NC; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Vergie Cook, and a brother, J. C. Moore, both of Morganton; along with cherished nieces, nephews, friends, and other family members.

Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Lee Stewart will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Larry Cline and Rev. Lloyd Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes before the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, The Gideons International, PO Box 678, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Sunshine Club, 2396 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Wilson Edward Deal, born May 10, 1920 in Catawba County to the late Prince E. Deal, Sr. and Grace Burns Deal, passed away peacefully at his home on Enon Road in Valdese on April 14, 2010 after a period of declining health.

Surviving are Wilma Franklin Deal, his loving wife of 71 years; daughters, Martha and husband, David (Rosie) Howell, of Valdese, Jennie Duncan of Morganton, and Joyce McCall of Drexel; grandchildren and their spouses, Susan and Joe Schwind, Cindy and Tom Randolph, Julie and Skip French, Jennifer and Brent Fulbright, Angie and Jason Webb, and Andy and Stephanie McCall; great-grandchildren, Joey and Chelsea Schwind, Will and Callie Carswell, Thomas, Jr. and Julia Randolph, Erika and Emilee French, Grant, Blane, Brentani and Kreg Fulbright, Connor and Macey Webb, and Makynna McCall. Wilson is also survived by a brother, Prince E. Deal, Jr. and his wife, Bertha, of Valdese; a sister, Mary McClelland, of Tucson, AZ; sisters-in-law, Aileen Deal and Montene Deal; a brother-in-law, Lyvon Deal and wife, Millie, of Valdese; a step-brother, Rev. Larry McCaw and Maxine, an uncle Harrison Burns and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, James Edward Deal, brothers, Gilbert and Richard Deal; sisters, Pauline Brown and Jane Deal; and step-mother, Margaret McCaw Deal. Wilson loved and was very devoted to his wife, his family, his church, his country, and his community. He was employed with Drexel-Heritage for over 33 years as Plant 1 Quality Control Supervisor. For many years, he and his wife also operated Midway Grocery.

Wilson loved the Lord and his church. He was an active member of the Drexel First Church of God since birth in 1920—almost 90 years. He received an award in 2009 for having perfect attendance for 20 consecutive years in Sunday School. Wilson was also a faithful member of the church choir for 72 years and the Men’s Bible Class, serving as treasurer.

Wilson was respected and loved by many. His family knows their Dad, their grandfather, and their great-grandfather taught them both by word and example the way one should live their life—loving the Lord, their family, their church, their community, and their country.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2010, at Drexel First Church of God with Reverend Don Smith and Reverend Colin Deal officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Children’s Choir or Hand Bell Choir at Drexel First Church of God, PO Box 218, Drexel, NC 28619.

Dorothy DeShazo Carter, 85, of NC Hwy 126, Morganton, NC died Friday, April 16, 2010 at her residence. Born in Jefferson Co., AL on November 22, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Edward S. DeShazo and Elizabeth DeShazo. Dorothy graduated from Birmingham Southern College with a B.S. in biology, graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in nursing, and had worked at Northport Hospital. She was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Ralph W. Carter, Jr. and wife, Deborah, of Ocala, FL; a daughter, Dorothy “Beth” Carter and partner, Linda Medlock, of the home; grandchildren, Chris Carter and Candace Carter; and a number of nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Ralph W. Carter, Sr., and a sister, Betty Burgess.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Rev. Bill Hall officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home.

Allen I. Blackwell, 76, died April 18, 2010. He is survived by his sons, Don and Keith Blackwell.

No services are planned at this time. Inurnment will be held in Laurel Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery at a later date. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

William Edward “Willie” Thompson, 84, of Stoney Top Dr. in Morganton died Sunday, April 18, 2010 at his residence. He was born January 14, 1926 in Burke County, and was a son of the late William Vance Thompson and Bessie Louise Franklin Thompson. William was a US Army World War II veteran, and a retired employee of Drexel-Heritage Furnishings. An avid hunter and fisherman, Willie was a member and caretaker of Bellvue Hunting Club.

He is survived by daughters. Judy Thompson Reed and husband, Danny, of Valdese, Linda Thompson Stamey and husband, Larry, of Henderson, NV, Wilma Thompson Parsons and husband, Jamie, of Morganton, and Carol Fleming and husband, Roger, of Holden Beach, NC; a brother, Bobby Thompson and wife, Jettie, and a sister, Nina Anderson, all of Morganton; grandchildren, Tania Coffey and husband, Bryant, Lisa Hemmings and husband, Kenneth, Allen Carlisle and wife, Sharon, Travis Carlisle and wife, Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Lincoln Lynn, Baylee Lynn, Kelli Hemmings, Kyle Hemmings, Landon Carlisle, Sydney Carlisle, and Caitlyn Carlisle; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Sarah Thompson and Mildred Leonhardt.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm, Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Burke Memorial Park with Mr. Jamie Parsons officiating and military honors by Valdese American Legion Post 234. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.

William J. “Bill” Gamble, Jr., 88, of Rockview Lane, Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Grace Heights. Born in Gaston County, NC on April 27, 1921, he was the son of the late William J. Gamble, Sr. and Beulah O’Brien Gamble. Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he had served as a deacon, elder, and Sunday school teacher. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University. He worked for the state of NC for over 40 years as a state auditor, business manager of NCSD, and retired from Broughton Hospital as assistant director. He was a member of the Morganton Kiwanis Club, a Mason, a Shriner, and the Scottish Rite.

Bill is survived by his wife, Anne Crawley Gamble of the home; a daughter, Judy Walker of Fairfax, VA; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Somes Gamble of Hattiesburg, MS; a sister, Grace LaDuke of Bessemer City, NC; grandchildren, Sterling Yager, Ashton Walker, Amy, Ginny, and Elizabeth Gamble; and a great-grandson, Crew Yager.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Phillips Gamble; a son, William J. Gamble, III; and a sister, Rachel Carew.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 25, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church in Morganton with Rev. Michael Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Betty Anderson-Young, 79 of Bost Rd., Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 22, 2010 at her residence. Born November 1, 1930 in Lincoln County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Dock and Mammie Schronce Self. Betty was a retired employee of Valdese Weavers. She was a former member and past Worthy Matron of the Winyah Chapter #138 of the Order of the Eastern Star in Georgetown, SC and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Morganton.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands, Raymond Anderson and Samuel S. Young; a son, Gary Wayne Anderson; brothers, Luther, James, and Johnny Self; and sisters, Rachel Wilkinson, Louise Anderson, and Beatrice Self.

Surviving are her daughter, Anita Anderson Fox and her husband, Kermit of Morganton; grandsons, John Anderson “Andy” Fox and Jacob Alan Fox and his wife, Hannah Pitts Fox all of Morganton; a great grandson, Greyson Fox; nieces, Patricia Costner and Alice Williams and her husband, Bill; nephews, Allen Henderson and his wife, Sherry, Tom Henderson and his wife, Diane, Gene Henderson, Larry Self, and Ronald Montgomery; and a number of great nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 25, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Granite Falls. At other times the family will be at the residence, 410 Bost Rd., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Youth Fund, 407 S. Green Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

J. C. Gantt, 87, of NC 181, Morganton, NC died Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Grace Hospital. Born in Gaston County, NC on December 18, 1922, he was the son of the late Clarence Gantt and Rosie Mitchem Gantt. J.C. was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of WWII, having served 18 months in the Italian Theatre. On April 9, 1944, J.C. was married in Our Redeemer Church in Herington, KS to his wife of 66 years, Lola Chalker Gantt.

In addition to his wife, J.C. is survived by his children, Gerrald Gantt of Fairfax, VA, Charles Gantt and fiancée, Vickie Salveson, of Morganton, Jeffory Gantt and wife, Mary, of Morganton, Kathryn Leonhardt and husband, Derr, of Raleigh, NC, Kathleen Curtis and husband, Dionne, of Morganton, and Kevin Gantt and wife, Nora, of Morganton; grandchildren, Amy VanHook and husband, John, Chuck Gantt and wife, Tona, Tracey Bolick and husband, David, Lisa Doherty and husband, Frank, Kimberly Garrison and husband, Keith, Allen Curtis and wife, Dara, and Sandra Burnette; step-grandchildren, Adam Powell, and Kristopher Huffman and wife, Tracy; twelve great-grandchildren; and sisters, Jessie Whitener of Morganton and Pauline Braswell of Morristown, TN. He will also be greatly missed by his canine companion, Brown-Eyes.

In addition to his parents, J.C. was preceded in death by a brother, Summie Gantt, and a sister, Elsie Cook.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 26, 2010 at Calvary Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Riley officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military honors provided by Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the residence on 181. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 119 N. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

Roy Reed Wilson, 57 of Spickard, MO, formerly of Morganton, NC and a resident of Southport, NC for 16 years went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 23, 2010 after a brief battle with cancer. Roy was the owner of Wilson’s Old Fashion Hamburgers in Southport before moving to Missouri. Roy was a loving father husband, grandfather, and brother to his family. He loved horses and go-cart racing. He graduated from Hudson High School with 12 years of perfect attendance. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Laura Wilson; grandparents, Robert and Mary Lou Wilson, and Charlie and Amelia Jones. He attended Spickard Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Knox Wilson of the home; daughters, Sherri Fenick and husband Sean of Boiling Springs Lake, NC, Lisa Whitt and husband, Eddie of Clayton, NC; grandchildren, Brittany and Kristen Fenick, and William Reed Whitt; brother, Robert James Wilson and wife, Lyna of Spring Lake, NC; sisters, Nancy Webb and husband, Claude and Brenda Penley and husband Troy, all of Morganton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 28, 2010 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Curtis officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Moravian Falls, NC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the Penley residence, 1664 Piedmont Rd., Morganton, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cancer Treatment Center of America, Attn: Lois Conklin, 1336 Basswood Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173.

Jacqueline Crowell Trotter, 56, of Little Mountain Lane in Morganton died Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Grace Hospital following a brief illness. She was born October 21, 1953 in Oxford, MS, and was a daughter of the late Jack Wesley Crowell and Alene Cloud Crowell. Jacqueline was a social worker at Broughton Hospital.

She is survived by her husband, Alan Trotter of the home; and a sister, Caron Crowell of Rulevile, MS.

There are no services planned at this time. Memorial contributions in Mrs. Trotter’s memory may be made to American Cancer Society, Attn: Memorial Gifts, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The Rev. Mary G. “Christina” Condit, member of St. Mary’s Episcopal, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. Cristina was a Chaplin at the Western Youth Institution for the past 8 years. She formerly taught Nutrition at Appalachian State University. While a member of the Church of the Holy Cross in Valle Crucis, she answered the call to the ministry. After Seminary, she became Rector at the Church of the Transfiguration, Saluda for 8 years, and then came to St. Stephens, Morganton. She was active in Hispanic Ministry, prison outreach and a volunteer Spanish translator, and on the Committee to Dismantle Racism.

Christina was preceded in death by her parents Peggy and Nelson and leaves behind her caring, older brother, Tom.

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Morganton on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to: Burke Sunrise Inc. (Rotary Club), PO Box 2936, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

William Hardie Walker, 82 of Glendale St., Morganton, NC died Saturday, April 24, 2010 at his residence. Born June 27, 1927 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Lois Walker McNeely. Mr. Walker was a career U.S. Navy veteran serving in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. For many years following his retirement from the Navy, he enjoyed driving a taxi in Morganton. In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by a sister, Nina Ledford and brothers, Ira and Marvin Walker.

Surviving are his wife, Lillian “Patsy” Brittain Walker of the home; a step-son, Thomas T. Staver and his wife, Lavone of Morganton; step-daughters and their husbands, Mona and Donald Odom and Connie and Bobby Denton all of Morganton; a step-grandson, Stoney Staver and his wife Katherine; a step-great grandson, Benjamin T. Staver; and a niece, Diane Walker of Morganton.

At the present time no services are planned. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Ruth Hensley Welborn Clark, 72, of West Parker Rd., Morganton, died April 26, 2010 at Grace Hospital. She was born July 14, 1937 in Yancey County to the late John Henry Hensley and Belle Edwards Hensley. Mrs. Clark was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of Friendly Freewill Baptist Church and had retired from Broughton Hospital with 23 years of service.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.

Mrs. Clark is survived by her husband, Richard Clark of the home; a son, John Welborn, and wife, Donna of Morganton; daughters, Deborah Welborn Benfield, and husband Steve of Lenoir, Connie Farris, and husband, Dwayne of Morganton, Loretta “Bunny” Welborn, and Mike Holsclaw of Morganton; two step-sons, Tommy Clark of Banner Elk and James Eric Clark of Morganton; two brothers, Connoe Hensley and Willard Hensley both of Burnsville; a sister, Thelma Hensley of Burnsville; grandsons, Jonathon Welborn, Christopher Farris, Matthew Welborn, Devante Staples, Dalton Welborn, Bryson Holsclaw; granddaughters, Amanda Welborn, Savannah Welborn, Shelby Welborn and Lacy Jane Ruth Holsclaw; great-grandchildren, Xavier Allen Avery, Travis Lee Benfield, Jr.(TJ) and Aliyah Lynn Farris; and step-grandchildren, Craig, Joey, Andrew, McKenzie, Dawn, Ashley and Travis.

Mrs. Clark’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April28, 2010 at Friendly Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Dan Hensley officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Sossoman Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the residence of Loretta Welborn at 2606 Old NC 18.

Johnny “Coach” Tate, 70 of Pineburr Ave. SE, Valdese, NC was called home to glory on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Valdese General Hospital after a brief illness. Coach was the son of the late Samuel Alexander Tate and Louise Caldwell Tate Eddington. He was a member of Harvest Praise Church. He retired from Drexel Heritage after 44 years. He coached recreational league basketball and football in Drexel for over 35 years.

Mr. Tate is survived by his son, John Thomas Tate, Jr. of Cary, NC; daughters, Phrantceena T. Thate of Charlotte, NC, Justina A. Tate of Morganton, and Rosina Tate Laney and husband, Shannon, of Apex, NC; his fiancée, Tami Grady, of the home; grandchildren, Tara Pratt and husband, Jason, Alex Bryan, Jami Bryan, Seth Laney, and Sean Laney; a great-grandchild, Grace Camryn Pratt; brothers, Samuel A. Tate, Sr. and Cliff Edington, Jr.; sisters, Doris Cameron Smith, Melodee Leyshon, and Sharon Lytle; Tami’s children and grandson, Justin Crump, Julie Crump, and Jillian Grady and grandson, Dalton Jack Smith; and a host of nephews and nieces.

The funeral will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 1, 2010 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson, III and Pastor Barry Camp officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m. Friday at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes before the funeral. A Coach Johnny Tate Athletic Youth Foundation Trust has been established. If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please contact Mrs. Jeanie Fusco, Trustee, at 6130 Sugar Loaf Road, Connelly Springs, NC 28612.

Donald “Andy” Starrett, 64, of Poe Street, Drexel died Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Valdese Hospital. He was born in Volusia County, FL on June 20, 1945 and was a son of Donald Lee and Nell Lambeth Starrett. Andy was a member of Catawba Valley Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Trudy Gatchell Starrett, of the home; sons and their wives, Patrick Allen and Doris Starrett of Blythewood, SC and Mark Anthony and Beth Starrett of Morganton; a daughter, Donna Marie Starrett Brodeur of Catawba, NC grandchildren, Christopher, David, Hannah, and Emma; brothers and their wives, Don and Karen Starrett and Juan and Betty Starrett; and sisters and their husbands, Bonnie and Duanne Wallace and Mitzi and John Webster.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 2, 2010, at Catawba Valley Baptist Church with Reverends Clyde Buckner, Mike Odom, and Jeff Beach officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Catawba Valley Baptist Church Building Fund, 107 Valley View St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke County Right to Life Chapter, 3752 Harry Brittain Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.