Gwendolyn (Gwen) Laye Freeman

Gwendolyn (Gwen) Laye Freeman, age 82, who died peacefully in her home on December 12, 2024 with her family and beloved fluffy puppy Izzy by her side. Gwendolyn was born on December 6, 1942, in Gaston County, NC, to the late Rev. LB Laye Sr. and Laura Laye.

A memorial service to celebrate Gwen's life will be held at 3 PM Saturday, May 3, 2025 in the chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The CART Fund (Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust) 1053 Maryland Ave, Spartanburg SC 29307 or online at www.mycartfund.org or Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry PO Box 1521, Snellville GA 30078 or online at https://segwinnettcoop.org/donate in her memory.

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David Bruce Odom

David Bruce Odom, 71, of Bat Cave, died on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at his home following a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was born on April 17, 1953, at the Valley Clinic in Bat Cave, the son of the late Bruce Odom and Marie Barnwell Odom.

David was a graduate of Edneyville High School, class of 1971. A lifelong resident of Bat Cave, where he was a founding member of the Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department and dedicated 50 years of service as a lifetime member, always
ready to help those in need. David was also a member of Bat Cave Baptist Church. An avid outdoorsman, David loved fishing and enjoyed spending time outdoors.

David is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lynn Anderson Odom; his brother, John Odom and wife Dianna; his sister-in-law, Linda Anderson and husband Charlie; two daughters, Cindy Odom Fennell and husband Eric and Linda Odom Pryor and husband Adam; two grandchildren, Janielynn and Bruce; niece Brandee Anderson Fulbright; and nephew Curtis Anderson.

The family welcomes friends to visit at the home, 1923 Pilot Mountain Road.

A graveside service was held on Friday, March 14, 2025, 4:00 in the afternoon at Bat Cave Baptist Church, where members of the Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department served as pallbearers. Memorial donations may be made to the Black Mountain Home for Children – designate “Fishing Club,” 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

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Harold Reid

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harold “Hal” Claude Reid, a loving father, devoted husband, and cherished friend, who passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 78 years old. Hal was the son of the late Lieutenant Colonel Joe W. and Edith Kilpatrick Reid.

Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Anita Beddingfield Reid; four children, Matthew K. Reid (Lindsey) of Clinton, Ohio, Ashley Reid-Wormgoor (Ron- Peter) of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Ashley B. Creasman (Steve) of Campobello, South Carolina, and Kenneth E. Forte (Nicole) of Inman, South Carolina; and five grandchildren, Claire & Maxen Reid, Tucker, Porter, and Sutter Wormgoor.

Born in Hendersonville, Hal led a remarkable life filled with experiences that took him around the world. His adventures began as a young man due to his father’s military service which also instilled in him the values of service, kindness, and dedication.

In 1964, he proudly graduated from Porter Military Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. There he formed life-long friendships and a love of Charleston, a place he and Anita continued to visit and where they created numerous memories that will forever be cherished.

Hal continued his education at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he graduated in 1969. Beyond his degree in Political Science, Hal took with him a deep love for Tar Heels Basketball, a passion that stayed with him until his very last day.

Hal served his country as an officer in the U.S. Navy, attending Officer Candidate School for Naval Aviation, where he achieved carrier qualification in June 1970. This qualification was the culmination of a love for airplanes that began as a little boy, and he continued to share the passion, especially when enjoying a nice day watching and identifying the planes passing overhead.

After leaving the Navy, Hal earned an additional degree at Western Carolina University, graduating in 1972 and then going on to become a Certified Public Accountant in 1977. Hal spent the last two decades of his career at Gould Killian CPA Group (formerly Carland & Andersen, LLC).

Known for his dry sense of humor and kind, easygoing nature, Hal was a people-person who found joy in bringing a smile to others' faces. Often not knowing if he was joking or serious, Hal kept his family and friends laughing, even in the most difficult moments. When he wasn't watching a Carolina game, Hal enjoyed dancing with Anita and teaching others the classic South Carolina "shag."
Hal also enjoyed Beach Music and sharing music with others.

Hal will be remembered for his boundless kindness, his love for his family, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, warmth, and a life well-lived.

Hal was a spiritual man and an active member of St. John in the Wilderness, where his faith and devotion to his beliefs were unwavering. To remember Hal’s giving nature, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John in the Wilderness Backpack Program, 1895 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731.

A memorial service will be held at St. John in the Wilderness on a later date.Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.

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Barbara Taylor Scruggs

Barbara Taylor Scruggs, age 75, died peacefully at her Laurel Park, North Carolina, home on February 25, 2025, surrounded by her immediate family. She was diagnosedin mid-2023 with a neurological disease and made the best of
each day thereafter.

Barbara was born in Greenville, North Carolina, to the late James Athel Taylor and Evelyn Grayson Taylor, both of Western North Carolina. Barbara graduated from the Virginia Tech School of Design and worked for the Chapel Hill architectural firm of Cogswell-Hausler, where she discovered her true calling as an entrepreneur.

In her mid-20s, she moved to Washington, DC, and formed her own company – Washington Associates. She leased three floors in an office building on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House and renovated the space into the then-unknown concept of private executive offices with common meeting rooms and amenities. This concept was highly successful and spawned many imitators across the
country. After more than a decade operating Washington Associates, she sold the business and devoted herself to charity work involving underprivileged children and animal welfare.

Barbara leaves behind her husband of 25 years, John P. Scruggs; nephew James Edgar Taylor (Jamie) of Covington, LA; beloved dog SugarBear; and former husbands Anthony di Santi and Norman Westerbuhr, who both remained her
good friends.

Barbara requested no service be held. Please direct any memorials to an animal welfare organization of your choice.

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Pat Buck

Patricia Waldrop Billingsley Buck (Pat) died Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Carolina Village Medical Center, Hendersonville, NC.

Pat was born on December 29, 1925 in Hendersonville, NC to the late Joseph Carroll and Edna Tebeau Waldrop and moved with her parents and two older brothers (Ed and Howard) to Greenville, NC in 1933, where she finished high school in 1943. She received a bachelor’s degree from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina in 1948.

In 1953, Pat moved to Houston, Texas to work in the offices of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. In 1955 she married James Cavitt Billingsley, Jr. (Jake). Pat, Jake and stepson Jim moved to Austin, Texas where Jake worked as both a priest and structural engineer. While living in Austin, daughter, Mary Carroll, and son, Robert Howard were born. Son, Robert Howard, died as an infant. Pat’s husband, Jake, died in 1974.

Pat worked for the University of Texas at Austin for 13 years before returning briefly to Greenville, North Carolina. In 1989, Pat moved to Hendersonville, NC. In Hendersonville, Pat married Arthur C. Buck who predeceased her. In 2002, Pat moved to Carolina Village where she lived until she died.

In addition to Pat’s many activities at Carolina Village, she was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church and very active in taking care of and promoting the Waldrop Family home in Hendersonville known as Maple Grove.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Mary Carroll Billingsley Brandt of Clinton, Iowa, her stepson James Cavitt Billingsley, III. of Llano, Texas, two granddaughters, two grandsons, three great-grandsons, five nieces: Edna Waldrop, Judy Rhodes, Carol Harper (Earl), Ann Evans, and Trisha Doyle (Charlie), a nephew, Joe Waldrop (Kathie), and her stepdaughter, Suzanne Buck Hardwick (Bob).

A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Immediately following the memorial service, the interment of ashes will take place in the memorial garden at St. James.

The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall at St. James following the interment of ashes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carolina Village Employee Appreciation Fund, 600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to St. James Episcopal Church,766 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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Betty Jackson Baker

Betty Jackson Baker, 97, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025

at Pardee Hospital. Mrs. Baker was born April 3, 1927 in Hendersonville, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents Rupert and Marguerite Jackson and her beloved husband of 61 years, F. Richard “Dick” Baker and a son, Terry Franklin Baker.

She was a 1945 graduate of Hendersonville High School. Mrs. Baker graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC in 1949 with a degree in Education. At Furman she served on the Student Council, the Social Standard Board, a class officer and President of the Women’s Athletic Association. While at Furman she volunteered at the Shriners’ Hospital for Children in Greenville.

She taught in Greensboro, NC, Altavista, VA, Randleman, NC, St. James Episcopal Church School for Little Folks and the Hendersonville City Schools. Mr. & Mrs. Baker owned and operated Hendersonville Credit Bureau, Hendersonville Business Services, and Baker Realty. They and Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Parmele established the House of Towels.

Mrs. Baker was past president of P.E.O. Chapter O and a member of the Pilot Club. She volunteered at the Henderson County Chapter of American Red Cross and United Way of Henderson County.

Betty never met a stranger and had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a smile on her face. She was a devoted wife, mother and daughter, taking care of multiple generations of the family. Betty was a true animal lover starting from her childhood riding horses to traveling with her daughter to dog agility trials. She enjoyed traveling and walking on the beach collecting seashells. Betty was blessed to have lived a long fulfilling life.

Mrs. Baker is survived by her son, Richard Gary Baker and wife Hope, of Winnsboro, SC, and daughter Karen Elizabeth Baker, of Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or a charity of your choice.

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John Lee Freeman

John Lee Freeman, 88, of Harrisburg, North Carolina passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024.  John was born January 1, 1936 in Edneyville, NC to the late Walter Lee Freeman and the late Ida Barnwell Freeman. He was married for 63 years to his loving wife Dolores Greig Freeman. John was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. 

He attended NC State University and received a bachelor's degree in Ceramic Engineering in 1957.  John graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of Theta Tau and Army ROTC.   After graduating he served in the United States Army and Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery until 1965.  He began his engineering career at Harbison-Walker Refractories in Pittsburgh, PA.  In 1970 he founded Cer-Met, Inc. in Charlotte, NC to sell and install refractory materials in the southeastern US and help establish the South’s growing steel industry. He remained the owner and president until the time of his passing. 

John was inducted into the inaugural class of the Materials Science and Engineering Hall of Fame at NC State in 2015.  He also served on the Materials Science and Engineering External Advisory Board and the NC State Engineering Foundation Board of Directors.  John and Dolores endowed the Walter and Ida Freeman Distinguished Professorship to attract or retain renowned researchers in the MSE department.

John and Dolores were long-time members of All Saints Episcopal Church in Charlotte NC where John served many years as a volunteer on the Mission Committee and coordinating church fundraisers.

John’s life began in a log cabin near Clear Creek in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the Great Depression.  To support the family his mother wove Appalachian looper rugs and his father grew apples.  John’s upbringing taught him the value of hard work and perseverance, the family eventually owned a large orchard and packing house by the time John left for college.  He strongly believed in helping others with the fruits of his labors and made many philanthropic contributions throughout his life.

John enjoyed gardening, playing golf, travelling and fishing and boating at their house on Lake Tillery.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren especially on their annual family beach vacation.

Survivors include wife, Dolores Freeman of Harrisburg, NC, daughter, Karen (John) Bisi of Apex, NC.; son, John Freeman (Michelle Mastenbrook) of Charlotte, NC.; grandchildren, Alex (Anna) Bisi ; Lauren Bisi; great-grandson, John Michael Bisi; sisters, Elizabeth Enloe, Patricia Freeman (Chip Webster); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by sister, Jean Freeman Lancaster.

The family will hold a memorial service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edneyville, NC at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1669 St. Paul’s Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Freeman family.

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Therese Louise McGannon

Therese Louise McGannon (“Terri”) was born August 28, 1950 in Norwalk, CT, the third daughter in a large Irish Catholic family of 10. Her late parents were Bob and Rita McGannon, a dentist and homemaker/hospice caregiver respectively. Therese died on October 8, 2024 in Augusta, ME of a neurological degenerative disease she suffered the past 10 years.

Therese was born an introverted aesthetic; passionate about beauty found through art and the natural world. She became a CPA in her mid-life to support her self and her family, but her deep interests resided in form and color. She received a BA in Art from West Chester University, near Philadelphia. She was an accomplished stained glass artist and southern-zone certified master gardener having studied both in her respective residences, Mills River, NC and St. Petersburg, FL. Prior in her life, she lived in China, ME and a much beloved home in Sanibel Island, FL.

The wonders of the world fascinated and inspired Therese, and she was always up for an adventure especially when it involved, history, geology or culture. She hitchhiked all over Europe, India and Afghanistan in her 20’s, and traveled frequently throughout her adulthood. Her last foray was to Alaska in 2019, accompanied by two of her siblings.

Introspective by nature, Terri studied Buddhism in her early life, was a Unity Church board member (Treasurer) and an avid AA member, especially close to her NC group where she acted as a local and regional officer and Treasurer. Therese is survived by her 2 daughters both Maine residents, Whitney Cail Arsenault, Marianna Cail Whitaker, 5 much loved grandchildren and 7 siblings. Terri was loved and appreciated by many far and wide and will be missed both for her quiet attention and ascerbic sense of humor. God speed our lovely!

Condolences may be shared to Terri’s siblings through Shauvon Powell:  rpowellfam@aol.com.  and/or her daughters:  Whitney: happyhomemaker1111@gmail.com, Marianna: marianna_cail@yahoo.com.

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Death Notices 11/6/24

Patricia Bieterman
Age: 97
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Deceased: 10/30/24
Arrangements by: Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Barbara Logsdon
Age: 72
Location: Zirconia, NC
Deceased: 10/31/24
Arrangements by: Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Jefferson Bruton
Age: 85
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Date of Death: 11/02/24
Arrangements by: Church Street Funeral & Cremation
Service Location: Church Street Funeral Chapel Nov 9, 11am

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Pamela Knight Sacco

Pamela Knight Sacco, musician, philanthropist, ardent volunteer, and generous person passed away at her home on October 16, 2024 from natural causes.

Pamela was born in Miami, Florida in 1944 to artist Thomas Ansel Knight and singer Genevieve Harris Knight.  After attending Coral Gables High School, Pamela received a degree in elementary education at the University of Miami where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.  She then went on to receive a Master’s degree in Medical Record Administration at the University of Pennsylvania.  

After leaving school, while working as a medical record administrator at Saint Agnes Hospital in Morristown, NJ, she met her husband, internist and geriatric medicine specialist John Russell Sacco.  Seeking a milder climate, they decided to move to Hendersonville where Pamela had fond memories of the time spent with her family at their vacation home near Saluda.  Pamela managed Russell’s medical practice and they made a beautiful life for themselves in Hendersonville.

Inspired by Russell’s passion for healing and bolstered by her background in healthcare administration, Pamela became a powerful force for supporting and advocating for local healthcare providers and those in need of treatment.  Pamela volunteered with the Henderson County Medical Auxiliary to support doctors in this community and became president of the NC Medical Auxiliary.  Later, she was instrumental in the formation of Friends of Children United Services (FOCUS), a unified alliance of services for attending to victims of sexual abuse, enabling a victim-centric approach to care and helping to reduce the burden and suffering experienced by victims.  FOCUS later came together with the domestic violence center here and formed Safelite.  To raise money for this important cause, she organized a fundraiser in which the doctors and lawyers of Hendersonville came to together to play basketball: the JAWbones vs. SAWbones game.   

Russell began a drive to form a free clinic for those that could not afford healthcare in Henderson county.   After much effort, the first free clinic opened in 2001.   Pamela worked continuously to raise money and also donated in other ways to keep the free clinics growing and thriving even after Russell passed away.

Pamela’s work extended beyond healthcare into conservation efforts near the rural Green River Gorge area of Henderson County where her childhood mountain cabin was located.  Eventually, Pamela and others were able to conserve over 200 acres of land with assistance from Conserving Carolina.

A gifted musician with both the oboe and English horn, Pamela played for many years in the Hendersonville Symphony (as well as serving on the Board), the Brevard Philharmonic, the Asheville Symphony, and the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra.  

Passionate about remedying Hendersonville’s lack of a sizable performing arts center and yearning for a place where her beloved Hendersonville Symphony could play, she worked tirelessly on an architectural competition to create a downtown performing arts center.  Although it never came to fruition, her work made the community more aware of the importance of a large performing arts center.

There are many more volunteer efforts, too many to mention. Pamela was a generous supporter to many area nonprofits.  She was relentless in securing backing for many causes she believed in and was not afraid to ask others to join committees and give financial support.  She was a force to be reckoned with because it was hard to say no to Pamela, as anyone who knew her is aware.  Her passing is a loss to our community.

Pamela was a devoted friend, aunt, great aunt, stepmother and step grandmother.  There was a constant stream of cards and gifts that she rushed to the post office to get off to all of those dear to her.  She tried to attend as many graduations and  special events of family and friends as possible.  All the community admired her loving attention and care for Russell especially when he experienced failing health.

Left to carry her memory are: sister, Connie Knight (Richard Johnson);  nephew, Jordan Glassman (Beth Bennett), and grand nephew River Bennett Glassman, Durham, NC;  niece, Ariel Glassman (Dan Davidson), Miami Beach, FL; niece Elisabeth Edwards (Josh Wainwright),grand niece Alexandria Edwards-Wainwright, Gainesville, FL; stepson Russell Sacco Jr., Delray Beach, FL, step grandson, Craig Sacco (Julia Sacco), Palm Beach, FL, step granddaughter Stacy Sacco, Poughkeepsie, NY;  stepson, Geoffrey Sacco, Ithaca, NY; stepson, Jon Sacco, (Cathy Sacco), step granddaughter, Emma Sacco, Denver, CO, and step granddaughter Allie Sacco, Phoenix, AZ; numerous brothers and sisters in law, and countless friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Ansel and Genevieve Harris Knight, and sister, Karen Estelle Knight.

A celebration of Pamela's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Safelight, the Hendersonville Symphony, or Conserving Carolina.

Pamela was robust in life and liked to say, “I am not afraid of tomorrow for I have seen yesterday and I love today.”  Celebrate Pamela’s memory with us: do something good for our community. 

Church Street Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and an online register can be found at  www.churchstreetfuneralhome.com

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Death Notices 10/30/24

Stephen Vickness
Age: 78
Location: Etowah, NC
Deceased: 10/21/24
Arrangements by: Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Leonard Lemmons
Age: 85
Location: Mills River, NC
Deceased: 10/21/24
Arrangements by: Church Street Funeral & Cremation
Burial: Oct 31 at 2 pm, First Baptist Hendersonville

Jenny Flingos
Age: 95
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Deceased: 10/22/24
Arrangements by: Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Joan Sitton
Age: 87
Location: Mills River, NC
Deceased: 10/24/24
Service Location: Mills River United Methodist Church
Burial: Nov 6 at 2 pm, Mills River United Methodist Cemetery

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Death Notices 10/23/24

Xan Hicks     92     Hendersonville, NC     10/17/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation Oct 24  1pm     Pinecrest Presbyterian Church

Sherry Almond     75     Hendersonville, NC     10/19/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation 

Pamela Sacco     80     Laurel Park, NC     10/16/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 10/9/24

Philip Lartey, MD     57     Hendersonville, NC     9/21/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Oct 12  10am     Trinity Presbyterian Church     Shepherd Memorial Park

Campbell Boyd     79     Flat Rock, NC     9/24/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Oct 12  1pm     St James Episcopal 

Samuel Evatt     75     Hendersonville, NC     9/25/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     

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Death Notices 9/25/24

Jeffrey Overbagh 65 Etowah, NC 9/16/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 9/18/24

Stephanie Bradshaw     74      Etowah, NC     9/13/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 9/11/24

Alan Kaufman     81     Hendersonville, NC     09/01/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation 

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Death Notices 9/4/24

Margie Reece     83     Arden, NC     8/29/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Sept 3  2pm     Church Street Chapel     Shepherd Memorial Park

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Death Notices 8/28/24

Margarida Schmieder 77 Hendersonville, NC 8/24/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Helen Hagen 87 Hendersonville, NC 8/24/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 8/21/24

Leonard Wood, III     82     Hendersonville, NC      8/12/24     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 8/14/24

Carol Anderson 87 Hendersonville, NC 8/6/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Aug 30 2pm Church Street Funeral Chapel

Pierre Fleurant, III 96 Hendersonville, NC 8/10/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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