: OBITUARIES :
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STELLA HENSLEY HOLLIFIELD
Stella Hensley Hollifield, 86, was welcomed home on Monday, October 10, 2011. Stella was born on January 16, 1925 in Yancey County to the late Robert Lee and Pansy Edwards Hensley. Formerly of the Swiss community, she had been making her home with her daughter, Violet Buchanan and husband, Donald, of Spruce Pine for the past three years due to her declining health. Stella was also preceded in death by her husband, Ed Hollifield in 2004 and brothers: Paul and Verona; and sisters: Addie King, Odell Riddle, Thelma Hensley and Ruby Wheeler.
Stella was a kind, humble, loving person who wasn’t afraid of hard work. She loved working in her garden and canning, working in her flower garden, sewing and making quilts, and she loved most, reading her Bible. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She taught Adult Women’s Sunday School class for years at Claymound Baptist Church.
Her heritage continues through her daughter: Violet Buchanan and husband, Donald, of Spruce Pine; grandchildren: Kim Cottrell and husband, Todd, of Gainesville, GA, Samantha Varner and husband, Bruce, of New York, and Roy Thomas and wife, Amy, of Burnsville; great grandchildren: Rachel, Drew and Adam Cottrell of Gainesville, GA, Nicolas Varner of New York and Roy, Gideon, Emma and Audrey Thomas of Burnsville; step granddaughters: Christy Rash and husband, Paul, of Spruce Pine and Renee Duncan of Burnsville; step great- grandchildren: Tonya Capps of Hendersonville, Devin Teague of Spruce Pine and Francesca Duncan of Burnsville; sisters: Eloise Silvers of Burnsville, and Vertie Lou Carver and husband, Roy, of Cherryville; and, brothers: Robert Hensley and wife, Teresa, and Cacciaquida Hensley and wife, Linda, of Burnsville. She had many nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Dianne Surrett.
Funeral services will be held at 8 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Roy Thomas and Rev. Daniel McMahan will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday in the Burton Cemetery at Bald Creek.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.
JOHNNIE CHRISTINE MORROW AUSTIN
Johnnie Christine Morrow Austin, 72, of Burnsville went home to be with the Lord on October 10, 2011. She had suffered a long illness, but God granted her peace and victory. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert Wade Austin; grandson: Dustin Andrew (Andy) Austin; sisters: Jane Delane Morrow and Callie Ann Randolph; and her father: John Grady Morrow, all of whom she loved and missed.
She is survived by her mother: Opha Elnora Morrow; children: Joseph Andrew Austin and wife, Rachel, Kenitra Gail Higgins and husband, Dennis, William Daniel Austin and Scott Wade Austin; grandchildren: Jeremiah Benjamin Styles and wife, Ashley, Maria Harrison and husband, Marshall, Nathaniel Lee Austin, Briana Elnora Higgins, and Lochlin Wade Austin; great grandchildren: Jaden Malachi Styles, Hunter Isaacs and Lakyn Austin; brothers and sisters: Thomas Isaac Morrow and wife, Margaret, Connie Mae Ray and husband, Bobby, William Michael Morrow and wife, Sharon, Deborah Kay Fox and husband, Roger, Mona Marie Honeycutt and husband, Larry, Benjamin Kevin Morrow and wife, Patricia; brother-in-law, J. T. Randolph; 15 nephews, 5 nieces, 19 great nephews, 13 great nieces and 1 great-great niece all of whom she loved and cherished.
Funeral services will be held at 8 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Stacey Elkins will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Thursday in the Wade Austin Family Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of Kenitra Higgins on Sam Robertson Road.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4).
ARNOLD McINTOSH
Arnold McIntosh, 91, of Burnsville went home to be with the Lord Thursday, October 6, 2011. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Ernest and Lucy King McIntosh. A WWII Army Veteran, Arnold was infantry in the South Pacific. He was a member of West Burnsville Baptist Church and the Sgt. E.L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Edith Arrowood and brothers, Ray McIntosh and Jack McIntosh.
Surviving are 3 daughters; Linda McIntosh, Anne Mann and Julie Pond; 5 grandchildren: Adrian, Joel, Hayley, Olivia and Eli all of Oregon, and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first great granddaughter. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Charlie Carroway will officiate. Burial will be in the Bee Log Church Cemetery with Military grave rites conducted by the Sgt. E. L. Randolph DAV.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
TAMMIE SILVER EDWARDS
Tammie Silver Edwards, 51, of Burnsville went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2011. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of Eloise Brewer Harding and the late Hal Silver. Tammie and her husband, Michael, were owners of Prosperity Plants and she was Director of Housekeeping at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care. Tammie was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Michael Edwards; daughter: Sarah Edwards of the home; mother: Eloise Harding and husband, J. C., of Green Mountain; brother: Richard Silver and Olena; sister: Mecheel Stewart and husband, Mark, all of Burnsville; nephews: Jake Silver of Burnsville and Keith Southerns of Greenville, SC; step-sisters: Nancy Silver and husband, Marvin, and Linda Hughes and husband, Danny, of Green Mountain; step-brother: Mike Harding of Granite Falls; sister-in-law: Bereda Lovelace and husband, Jeff, of Asheville and several step nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Jeff Brewer will officiate. Burial will be in the Blue Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Friday at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home.
LEW JESSIE AYERS
Lew Jessie Ayers, 55, a life-long resident of the Red Hill community in Mitchell County, went to be with the Lord, Friday, September 30, 2011 at his home. He was a son of Rheba Hughes Ayers of Red Hill and the late Charles Ayers. A truck owner-operator, Lew had traveled extensively throughout the United States. Over 30 years, he visited 48 states and logged more than a million miles. In the summer of 2010, he made his last cross-country trip, during a summer vacation, visiting the Southwestern deserts, Grand Canyon, California Coast and High Sierras with his brother. He was a journeyman, farmer and mechanic and loved working with animals, caring for two wolves since 1994. Lew suffered a debilitating stroke in 2009; after which, his health steadily declined. Lew was, at heart, a soft-spoken and caring man who many times helped neighbors during difficult times.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are a brother: Rev. Dorne Ayers of San Diego, CA; and nephews: Jeremiah Ayers of California City, CA and Dr. John Ayers of Boston, MA.
Funeral services will be held at 7 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Revs. Dorne Ayers and David Garland will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
MILAM McCURRY WILLIAMS
Milam McCurry Williams, 83, of Burnsville, passed away Monday, September 26, 2011. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Burgess and Drucilla Watts McCurry. Milam was also preceded in death by 4 brothers: Fred, Tilman, Sam and Bacchus; 2 sisters: Trula and Ruby and 2 great grandchildren: Andrea Shultz and Cody Wise.
Surviving are two sons: Gerald Phillips and wife, Kathey, and Greg Williams and wife, Inge, all of Burnsville; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; a brother: J. C. McCurry of Johnson City, TN; 2 sisters: Gladys Erwin of Erwin, TN and Mary Edwards of Burnsville. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 8 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Clifton McCurry will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Thursday in the Watts Cemetery on Lotties Creek.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.
ELIZABETH "JEAN" FOX
Elizabeth “Jean” Fox, 69, of Burnsville, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2011 at her home. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Hattie Laws Fox. She was also preceded in death by 2 brothers: Ross Fox and Clyde Fox; and 4 sisters: Lois McCurry, Jackie Runion, Hazel Fox and Thelma Hensley. Jean was an employee of Bantam Chef for the past 37 years.
Surviving are 3 brothers: Homer Fox and wife, Neta, and Clay Fox all of Burnsville and Albert Fox and wife, Rebecca, of Weaverville and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Larry Sprouse will officiate. Burial will be in the Academy Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
PAMELA ANDERSON PATE
Pamela Anderson Pate, 87, of Hickory Lane, passed away Friday, September 23, 2011, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine. A native of Madison County, born to the late Dewey and Vernie Brigman Anderson Stanley, she was the adopted daughter of the late Joe and Alice Robinson. She was also preceded in death by a sister: Bernice Banks; and, brothers: Ernest, Horace and Preston Anderson. Palama loved her family, spending time with her grandchildren, and gardening.
Surviving are her husband of 68 years: Ransom L. Pate; two sons: Donald Lee Pate of the home and Gerald Pate of Micaville; a daughter: Jeanie Chrisawn and husband, Keith, of Micaville; a granddaughter: Leigh-Ann Capps and husband, Jeffrey, of Weaverville; a grandson: Alan Chrisawn and wife, Amanda, of Nebo; 3 great grandchildren: Colby and Callie Capps and Joshua Chrisawn; and, 2 step great grandchildren: Kasey and Rodney Kinser.
Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Sunday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Revs. Keith Blankenship and Ricky Ray will officiate. Burial will be in the Eddie McMahan Cemetery at Low Gap.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home of Jeanie Chrisawn on Cane Branch.
Memorials may be made to the Gideons International, P. O. Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.
THOMAS DEAN McINTOSH
Thomas Dean McIntosh, 68, of Burnsville went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Tom and Ruth Jarrett McIntosh. He was a Cum Laude graduate of Appalachian State Teachers College where he earned a teaching degree in mathematics. During his 31 years of public school teaching, he touched many lives. Tommy was an avid member of Burnsville First Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are a sister: Susan Wilson and husband, Robert, of Lenoir; a brother: Ronnie Vic McIntosh and wife, Midge, of Newdale; 2 nieces: Tamara Coffey and Cathy Harmon of Lenoir; a nephew: Jeremy McIntosh of Newdale; 2 great-nieces: Kirsten Coffey and Aubrey Harmon and a great-nephew: Corbin Thomas Coffey and numerous cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Maggie Lauderer and Dr. Bill Lindeman will officiate. Burial will be in the Lily Branch Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 PM Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Burnsville First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 635, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645.
MAUD KATHLEEN HENSLEY HIGGINS
Maud Kathleen Hensley Higgins, age 95, of Burnsville, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, September 18, 2011. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Wesley B. and Atlas Banks Hensley. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William A. Higgins, in 1996, a retired magistrate of North Carolina for Yancey County, two brothers, Edgar B. Hensley and Brooks C. Hensley, and a grandson, Douglas A. Fisher.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Ann Higgins Fisher and Colonel Donald L. Fisher of Bend, Oregon; two grandsons, William Blackburn of Colorado Springs, Colorado and David Fisher of Bend, Oregon; a great-grandson, Brandon Blackburn; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Evelyn Hensley Divers and John D. Divers of Cloverdale, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Wilhelmina A. Hensley and Joyce R. Hensley of Burnsville; six nieces, two nephews, special friend, Yvonne Edge, and a host of cousins and friends. Mrs. Higgins was owner and operator of Maud’s Beauty Salon in Burnsville for 30 years. She was a member of Higgins Memorial Methodist Church since 1934.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. John D. Divers and Pastor Wes Sharp of the Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Banks Cemetery on Bolens Creek.
The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
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