Sgt. S. Matthew Baynard

NAPLES — Sgt. S. Matthew Baynard, 23, of Naples, died on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington State.

A native of Henderson County he lived in Naples for 18 years, graduating from Heritage Hall International School before deciding to serve and defend our country in the United States Army.

He was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a member of Army Airborne Reconnaissance Special Forces, Charlie Company, 3rd Squadron, 38th Calvary Regiment, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, I Corp. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, two overseas bars, Airborne Wings and an Expert Marksmanship badge.

He was of the Baptist faith and a member at Oak Forest Baptist Church. He loved to go fishing, his dogs, his family and the Carolina Tar Heels! He was a five time All-American wrestler, belonging to the Strong & Courageous Wrestling Club in Hendersonville.

He is survived by his loving wife, Katie Chalker Baynard of Puyallup, WA; his son, Winston Baynard of the home; his parents, S. Randall Baynard and Cheryl Sinyard Baynard of Naples; his sister, Zebbi Baynard Sampler and her husband, Jason, of Naples and his brother Alec Baynard of the home. He is also survived by his Mamaw Jerry, his Poppy Harold Myers, his Gramma Judy, his Popa K.W. Wright, his Gramma Lou Baynard, his Mamaw Nina, his Papaw C. Don Reynolds; his aunt Cheree and uncle Mat Tallant, his aunt April Baynard; his nephews, Rome and Farris; his nieces, Adrienne and Ava; his cousins, Cody, Tyler and Jace Myers, Autumn and Jayde Tallant.

He had a contagious smile and will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at Naples Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul B. Chandler. Jr and the Rev. Richard Merck officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2012, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. A memorial service will be held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with service information being announced at a later date.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Ruth Brown Mashburn, 103

HENDERSONVILLE — Ruth Brown Mashburn, 103, of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, July 20, 2012 at Sunnybrook Assisted Living.

She was a western North Carolina native and member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David T. Mashburn Sr., three sisters and a brother.

She is survived by her son, David T. Mashburn Jr., and his wife, Mary and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at Green Hills Cemetery, 25 New Leicester Highway, Asheville NC with Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Four-Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Mary Lucille “Lucy” Heffner Holmes

LAUREL PARK — Mary Lucille "Lucy" Heffner Holmes, 88, of Laurel Park formally of Mills River, died at her residence on Sunday evening, July 15, 2012, after a period of declining health. She is a native and life long resident of Henderson County and a daughter of the late Bonnie Louise Nichols and Albert Granville Heffner.

She was married to the late Thomas James Holmes who died in 1999. She was also preceded in death by four brothers; Thomas Granville Heffner, Joe Lee Heffner, Bobby Sherrill Heffner, and Ray Ward Heffner; her sister, Elizabeth Heffner Orr.

She was a 1941 graduate of the former Mills River High School where she was the class Salutatorian. She attended Berea College in Berea, KY for two years. Upon her return to Mills River she then joined the Ecusta Paper Corporation in Pisgah Forest as a librarian and as the Assistant Recreational Director. Born with a beautiful voice and plenty of rhythm she soon endeared herself to the many musical activities that Ecusta offered to its employees under the direction of John Eversman. She traveled with the Ecusta Band as a vocalist including a trip to New York City as well as performing in many local venues. With a song in her heart and her love for the stage she enjoyed summer stock with the blossoming Flat Rock summer theatre of Robroy and Leona Farguar as a Vagabond Player. She made her film debut in "This is the Lord's Acre" in 1959, which dramatized the international Lord's Acre project of the Farmer's Federated filmed in the Mills River Valley.

Her love for being around young people endeared her to a 12-year-old volunteer, Kathy Quinn Brown, during her role as director of the Jr. Red Cross Chapter in Buncombe County. Their friendship has thrived and provided them both with more than 50 years of memories.

After her marriage in November of 1954, she settled into her cherished role of a doting mother, not only to her daughters, but later her grandchildren and to the many students whose lives she touched as a substitute teacher for more than 30 years in the Henderson County and Hendersonville City school systems. She continued to enjoy music as a charter member of the Hendersonville Chorale as well as a choir member of Mills River United Methodist Church and First Congregational Church for numerous years. She returned to the stage in 1979 in Hendersonville Little Theatre's production of "H.M.S. Pinafore" where she was perfectly cast as "Buttercup." She was a faithful member of the Mills River Chapter of the Ladies Red Hat Society, and was an instrumental volunteer in obtaining petition signatures to help with the incorporation of Mills River. She was proud of her Southern heritage, and growing up during the Depression provided her the ability to take weeks to eat a candy bar. She never met a stranger and found that diversity of people, different cultures and beliefs was simply a learning opportunity. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry and respected the solace that listening to nature brought her.

She is survived by her three daughters, Holly H. Yoest and her husband, Bill, of Raleigh, Melody H. Shepherd and her husband, Thos. R. of Flat Rock, Cherie R. Holmes and her husband, Mark Sandborn, of Asheville; her two granddaughters, Scarlett B. Pittillo of Hendersonville, Ashley E. Vaeth of Raleigh; her grandson, Tyler J. Sandborn of Winston-Salem; her great-grandson, Roman W. Pierson of Hendersonville; her step-granddaughter, Audrey Y. Lysko and her husband Paul of Cary, and many nieces and nephews.

The loving attentive care by Dr. James J. Caserio and his entire staff provided "Miss Lucy" with the ability to stay in her home, in conjunction with the professional and caring staff of Spring Arbor West as well as the round the clock care of her Bayada nurses. She felt very loved and comfortable

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at St. James Episcopal Church with the Rev. Eunice R. Dunlap officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Mills River Public Library, 124 Town Center Dr # 1, Mills River, NC 28759.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

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Maxine Champion Luther

Flat Rock — Maxine Champion Luther, 89, of Flat Rock, died on Sunday, July 15, 2012. at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Panagiota Anastasakis

FAIRVIEW — Panagiota "Penny" Anastasakis, 91 died Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Born in Karitsa, Evrytanias, Greece, she was the daughter of the late Demetrios and Efrosini Dimopoulos. She married Demetrios Anastasakis in 1945 in Klafsion, Evrytanias. In 1966 she immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Asheville, NC as a homemaker.

Mrs. Anastasakis was preceded in death by her husband James. She is survived by her son Ted Sakis and wife Kiki; her daughter Helen Sakkas and husband Angelo; daughter Frances Copanos and husband Lefteris.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Joann Christodoulias and husband Jimmy, Yiota Gianopoulos and husband Sammy, Kosta Sakkas and wife Virginia; three great-grandchildren, Roxanne Gianopoulos, Angela and John Christodoulias; sister, Theodora Katsigiannis and brother Christos Dimopoulos of Athens, Greece; brother -in-law Andrew Sakis and wife Eoanna ; several nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville, NC 28814 on Sunday, July 15, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m., with prayer (Trisagion) at 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 16, 2012 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park, Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

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Nancy Elizabeth Walker

FLAT ROCK — Nancy Elizabeth Walker, 69, of Flat Rock, died on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at her home. A native of Weirton, WV she was born to the late Charles Aperfine and Wilma Seaman. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Mike and Joe Aperfine.

For the past 11 years she worked in Wal-Mart deli on Four-Seasons Blvd. More then anything she enjoyed the joys of life. She was a loving wife, mother and friend who enriched every life she touched. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 11 years, Terry Walker; her three children, Kim Corbitt of Asheville, Tracy Hall and her husband, Carl, of Flat Rock, Brian Jones and his wife, Tina, of Miami, FL; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren with the eighth on the way. She is also survived by a brother, Charles Aperfine of Destin, FL; five sister-in-laws and special friends, Sharon Walker, Kay Miller, Sandra Buckner, Tammy McWhirt, and Sharon Gilbert

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Reverend Jim Parks and Reverend Scott Pace officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Maria Ann Sullivan

Maria Ann Sullivan, 85, of Hendersonville, died on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at her home. A native of Lakewood, NY, she was born on Aug.t 12, 1926, to the late Arvid Mortensen and Anastasia Morrissey Mortensen.

She retired from IBM after 20 years of faithful service. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, enjoyed Royal Family and Crossword Puzzles.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Thomas E. Sullivan Sr.; her daughters, Linda Godfrey of Hendersonville, Maura LaRocca and her husband Louis of Kent, Conn., Anne Miscoski and her husband Walt of Bristol, Tenn.; her sons, Thomas E. Sullivan, Jr. and his wife, Kim, of Hendersonville, Michael Sullivan and his companion, Joy Cook of Concord; her grandchildren, Christopher & Jennifer Whaley, Sally and Nicholas Sullivan, Eric LaRocca, and Robbie Miscoski. She is also survived by Regina Watkins, his CNA, friend, companion and caregiver who was invaluable the last six months. The family would also like to extend there gratitude to the wonderful staff from Four Seasons Compassion for Life.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today, July 11, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Immaculata Catholic School, 711 North Buncombe Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Gladys Carmen Miller

Gladys Carmen Miller passed away July 9, 2012 at the age of 98 in Hendersonville, where she moved in September 2007 to be with her family. She was born on Sept. 13, 1913, in Bartlesville, Okla., to Elmer Elnor and Bessie Lee Campbell Breneman. She is preceded in death by her husband, one son, one brother, and four sisters.

Carmen attended Pittsburg Senior High School in Pittsburg, Kan., for one year before moving to Vicksburg, Miss., to finish school. She married Thomas Paul Miller in Shreveport, La., on Jan. 25, 1931. Thomas preceded her death on July 31, 1987. They had one son, William Robert Miller, who died July 8, 1994.

In April of 1941, Carmen joined the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Pittsburg, Kansas, where she served as Deaconate, taught Sunday School in the Junior Department for twenty-five years, was Financial Secretary for three years, served on the Stewardship Committee for a number of years, was a member of the hand bell choir, and served as chairman of the Mary Martha group, a sewing circle dedicated to producing items for charity, for fourteen years. Carmen also served as a volunteer of the Red Cross blood mobile for a number of years. She was also a mentor to elementary students at Lakeside School in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Carmen is survived by two grandsons, Mark Miller of Hendersonville, Matt Miller of St. Simons, GA; one granddaughter, Jill Wells of Knoxville, TN; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; five nieces; and four nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Mills River United Methodist Church Cemetery with Reverend Paul Thompson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Carmen's name to the American Red Cross, Western North Carolina Region, 100 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC 28804.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Ruth Margaret Justus Hill Waters, 84

Ruth Margaret Justus Hill Waters, 84, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 9, 2012, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV, with her loving family by her side.

Ruth was a lifelong resident of Hendersonville and was a devout Christian by faith. She was born on July 17, 1927 in Henderson County, NC. She was the daughter of the late Hobson Volney Justus and Susan Margaret Fletcher Justus.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Susan Hill Shepherd and husband Brooks of Charlotte, NC and Shirley Hill Ogden and husband Dr. Gerald of Bridgeport; two grandchildren, Brooks E. Shepherd, III (Tres') and Courtney Shepherd Perkins and her husband Wright all of Charlotte, NC; a sister Rebecca Latt and husband John of Hendersonville, along with several nieces and nephews and her devoted pet Coocoo.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband; Paul Z. Hill (former sheriff of Henderson County for many years); three brothers Victor, William and Preston and one sister Annette Starnes.
Ruth owned and operated a beauty salon for several years in Hendersonville, and was an avid bridge player and bowler in her younger years. Ruth loved her family deeply and was devoted to her two grandchildren. She spent her later years at her home with her dog who was her loving companion, spending many hours' playing cards on her computer. Excellent cooking was one of the many gifts that she possessed, and Ruth enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family and friends.

Family and friends will be received at the Jackson Funeral Home, 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC Saturday, July 14th from 1 p.m. until time of service at 3 p.m. with the Reverend H. Alexander Viola officiating. Interment will follow at Shepherd's Memorial Park in Hendersonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to: First Baptist Spartanburg, 250 East Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com.

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Catherine E. Boggs, 84

Catherine E. Boggs, 84, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012.

She was preceded in death by his brother Robert Boggs and her sister Catherine Boggs.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 13, 2012, at Lanning-Pittillo Cemetery.

Jackson Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

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Peggy Pace Reid Garren

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Peggy Pace Reid Garren passed away June 30, 2012 at Landmark Hospital in Athens, Georgia.

She was predeceased by her son, William Scott Reid, her parents, Grady and Nora Pace, two sisters, Louise Lamb and Mildred Pace and two brothers, Eddie Pace and Pete Pace who passed away July 1, 2012.

She is survived by two granddaughters, Tiffany Reid and Marie Reid, a great granddaughter, Nevaeh Reid; three sisters, Ruth Edwards, Sara Pressley and Doris Moffitt. Also a very special life long friend, Freddie Mayberry. She also had several special nieces and nephews who loved her very much.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Mud Creek Baptist Church with Tim Lawson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please help with funeral expenses in care of Doris Moffitt.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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James Earl Thompson (Jim)

James Earl Thompson (Jim), 78, of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, in the loving embrace of his wife. After a courageous and dignified five-year battle with cancer he passed from this life peacefully and with dignity into the loving arms of our Lord.

He was born on October 24, 1933 in Carroll County, Virginia to the late James Henry Thompson and Ethel Lummie Spence.

Jim graduated from Guilford College in 1957 and was a veteran of the United States Navy. Jim met and married his soul mate and "the most beautiful woman in the world," Janet Taylor. They married November 14, 1959, "the happiest day of my life."Jim retired in 1988 after a successful career in the oil business. Jim and Janet moved to Hendersonville, NC in 1997 and both became active members of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church.

He was a loving and loyal husband who cherished his wife. He was a caring and nurturing father who loved his children unconditionally. To his sixteen grandchildren (and an expected great grandchild),who adored him, he was fondly and lovingly known as Paupaw. He placed family above all else and lived everyday of his life that way.

To his family, "adopted families" and friends who enriched Jim's life, he loved you all. You made his time here a blessing and he was grateful to have shared his journey with you.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Taylor Thompson and his four children, James Earl Thompson Jr. of Memphis, Tenn., (wife Cindy and children Lauren Sargent (and husband David), Cameron and Emlyn), Jennifer Eileen Thompson of Winston-Salem, (husband Frank and children Morgan, Brittany and Blake), Joseph Ellis Thompson of Frisco, (wife Tami and children Ellisa and Elijah) and Janet Thompson Barnard of Alpharetta, Ga., (husband Andrew and children Joshua, Jordan, Justin, James, Jessica, Jennifer, Jaxon and Jason).

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, July 6, 2012, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church (1905 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock) with Rev. John A. Morton, Rev. H. Alexander Viola and Deacon Joyce Beschta officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to two charities that were close to Jim's heart. They are: Children and Family Resource Center Scholarship Fund (828-698-0674 or www.childrenandfamily.org/support-us/) and Four Seasons Compassion for Life (828-692-6178 or www.fourseasonscfl.org/donate/).

"There can be no love without honor and respect so let me hold your hands and let's soldier on."

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangement.

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