Dr. Richard Randolph Oldham, 74

Dr. Richard Randolph Oldham, 74, of Flat Rock died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 14, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dick was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 24, 193,9 to the late Herbert Spencer Oldham and Ada Schweitering Oldham.

At a very early age, it was apparent that Dick was not only going to succeed in academics, but he was a natural born athlete. Dick was an all American swimmer during his years in high school. Up until recently, Dick held the Ohio State Record for the 50 Yard "Freestyle" swim record. After graduating from St. Xavier high school in 1957, Dick received his appointment to the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. He was also a member of their swim team and lettered there for all four years of school as well as the captain of the team.

After graduation from The Naval Academy, Dick entered Submarine School followed by Nuclear Power School. He made three nuclear patrols until retirement in 1965. .

Following his resignation from the Navy, he pursued a career in medicine. Enrolling in Vanderbilt University Medical School in Nashville, Tenn., in 1967. After completing medical school and his residency, Dick went on complete the pathology program at Vanderbilt. He began his pathology practice at Baptist Hospital in Nashville where he served as chairman of the department for many years. He was appointed visiting professor at Vanderbilt Medical School and served as president of Baptist Hospital. He was an extremely well respected member of the Nashville medical community until his retirement in 2006.

Dick was known for his gentle spirit and kindness to all who knew him. He enjoyed photography, studied and spoke fluent Italian and always sharpened his skills on his numerous trips to Florence, Italy. For many years, Dick and his family summered in Montana where he renewed his love of nature and all living creatures especially all of those in need.. Glacier National Park was probably one of his most cherished works of God. He loved his dog Bella and enjoyed her companionship particularly during his declining health.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Susan Eslick Oldham, his two sons: Mark Oldham of St. Paul, Minn., and Jeffrey Oldham of Alexandria, Va.; 3 grandsons: Jeffrey Oldham, Dylan Oldham & Javier Oldham, his sisters: Linda Oldham of New York, N.Y. and Jane Crenshaw of Cincinnati, Ohio; one brother, Jack Oldham and his wife Melanie of Aiken, S.C.; and his very special sister-in-law, Mary Jane and her husband, Lawrence Price of Flat Rock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of The Immaculate Conception in Hendersonville with Father Robert Williams, OFA Cap. officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the St. Francis Room.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Salvation Army of Hendersonville, 239 3rd Ave., Hendersonville, NC; Interfaith Assisted ministry of Hendersonville, 210 Eringhaus St., Hendersonville, NC; Four Seasons Hospice-571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731; Community Partnership for Pets, P.O. Box 1021, Flat Rock, NC 28731

An online register book is available 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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Nereo Condini

Nereo Condini, "Ned" to friends and editors, passed away on May 12, 2014 in Asheville after a brief illness.

Born in Turin, Italy, he became a US Citizen in 1976. Educated in Italy, England, and Berkeley, with a PhD in American Literature, he was a Fullbright Visiting Professor at Vassar and East Texas University, before teaching several years in Westwood, NJ.

A reviewer and journalist for La Stampa (Italy) and the Village Voice, among others, a prize-winning poet, writer and translator, Ned's work reflects a humane understanding of life and a grateful appreciation of beauty and grace. Two of his major prizes are the American Pen Poggioli Prize for translation and the William Butler Yeats Society Prize for poetry.

With Marilyn, his wife of 48 years, he traveled extensively and once interviewed Salvatore Allende, former president of Chile. Ten years ago Ned and Marilyn moved to North Carolina, enjoying the beauty and hospitality of this land. Ned was a founding member of the Lost Playwrights of Western North Carolina.

His blessings go to the nurses, staff, and doctors of St. Joseph Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Montvale, NJ, his home for many years.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Partnership for Pets, P.O. Box 1021, 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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James Robert Armstrong, 88

James Robert Armstrong, 88, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at his residence.

He was born January 14, 1926 in Abbeyville, S.C., to the late Joseph Burrett and Sara Palmer Armstrong. In addition to his parents James was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Nell Fraser Armstrong; children Pat and Jimmy and a sister Emily Beck Jordon.

James served in the US Navy, during WWII on the USS Nevada during the attack on Normandy and later on the USS W.B. Cobb, retiring from the Coast Guard as Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service. He served as a deacon of Double Branches Baptist Church in Cannon, Ga.

Survivors include his three children Joseph, Robbie and Brenda; sisters and brothers, Mary, Jeff, George, Jenora, Katie Ruth, and Sara Jo; twelve grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and his Jack Russell terrier, Ears.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

An online register book is available 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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James R. Green

James R. Green, resident of Flat Rock, passed away peacefully Wednesday night, May 14, 2014, at Elizabeth House of Four Seasons in Flat Rock, surrounded by his loving family. He had been fighting myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, for two years.

Jim was born in Durant, Okla., to Jack and Cathryn Green June 5, 1943. He graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and earned his MS and PhD in Economics from Oklahoma State. He began his career as assistant professor of economics University of Northern Iowa before he began a working with government agencies in Washington, DC – Economist for the Federal Trade Commission, director of economics at the Department of Energy, policy analysis chief for the Office of Management and Budget, ending his government career with the Federal Communications Commission as director of regulatory affairs and public policy.

He later became vice president of marketing for SNET in Connecticut, where he and his family resided for 13 years. In 1997, he became a principal of LECG in the San Francisco Bay Area, a global expert services and consulting firm. While there, he also served as guest lecturer in telecommunications at University of California Berkeley. In 2003, he returned to the East Coast and Washington, DC where he served as director of economics for Verizon until he retired.

Jim and his wife, Lynne, moved to Flat Rock a year ago to enjoy the bounties of the mountains of Western North Carolina. Pursuing his love of nature, he spent much time hiking trails and walking through the gardens of NC Arboretum, the Biltmore Estates, Carl Sandburg Home and taking many back road trips to find waterfalls, beautiful mountain vistas and just be out in nature. He also loved the local art galleries and fairs and the music that abounds this area.

Music was always Jim's passion. He began his love of music as a youth, playing piano and guitar. He and a friend formed a folk singing duo, playing the campus circuit. His beautiful tenor voice graced choirs and choral groups everywhere he lived. He was a member of the Asheville Symphony Chorus, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, DC, Oratorio Society of Washington, Paul Hill Chorale, and the New Haven Chorale.

He loved traveling, domestically and to Europe, especially Paris and the French countryside. He made many trips and loved being immersed in the French culture and food.

Jim was a lifelong member of the ham radio community, which began at age 10 as a hobby with his father. His long-standing call sign W3HUN will go silent.

Family was the most important part of Jim's life. He spent as much time with his family as he could and loved seeing them grow and follow their dreams. He was happiest when he was with his family.

His religious faith and church community were an integral part of Jim's life. He as always an active member and sang in the choirs of the Methodist Church in each of his residences. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynne Leaf of Flat Rock; two daughters, Mary Cathryn Maher and husband Jim of Milford, Conn., and Carrie Mongillo and husband Scott of Cheshire, Conn.; two brothers, Jack Green, Jr. and wife Pat of Tulsa, Okla., and John Green and wife Bethany of London, England; five grandchildren – Caitlin, Chelsea and Joe Mongillo and Emmett and Sydney Maher; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2014, in the sanctuary of the Brevard First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broadway Street, Brevard, NC 28712. Later, in a private service, his ashes will be inurned in the beautiful Meditation and Memorial Garden at the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his name to MPN Research Foundation (myelofibrosis research). His family plans to donate a bench in his memory at his beloved North Carolina Arboretum.

An online register book is available 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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James R. Green

James R. Green of Flat Rock died Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Memorial services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Brevard First United Methodist Church.

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

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Sarah Jane Moore, 87

Sarah Jane Moore, 87, of Hendersonville died Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Sarah was born Feb. 24, 1927, in Henderson County to the late Norman Reed Jones and Lula McCarson Jones Buckland. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Hillard H. Moore; sister Charlotte Ruth Jones; brothers Norman Seymour Jones and Albert Milton Jones.

Mrs. Moore was retired from Southern Bell Telephone Co. where she was a Broadcast Service Coordinator for NC Radio and TV in Charlotte. She was also a member of Grace Lutheran Church, National Society of Daughters of American Revolution, Life Member of Telephone Pioneers of America and Member of Outer Banks Lighthouse Society.

Survivors include a sister Beulah Mae Kyser; brother-in-law James M. Ivey; step son-in-law Alan H. Moore and wife Susan; step daughter-in-law Karen Smith and husband Terry; 6 step-grandchildren; 10 step-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ken Langsdorf officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be Grace Lutheran Church 1245 6th Ave. West Hendersonville, NC 28791 or the Elizabeth House 571 South Allen Road Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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William "Bill" Vance Trantham, 74

William "Bill" Vance Trantham, 74, of Fletcher died Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

He was born in Henderson County on May 4, 1940, to the late Hubert Vance Trantham and Margaret Wineferd Watkins Trantham. He was also preceeded in death by his cousin, Conrad Watkins.

Mr. Trantham was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master's Degree in education. "Bill" began teaching in the Henderson County School system in 1962 and taught elementary education for the next 35 years, retiring in 1997. He attended Fletcher First Baptist Church.

He enjoyed geneolgy not only of his ancestors but also enjoyed helping people at "Old Buncombe" every Monday searching for their roots as well. He spent countless hours cataloging the history that will be cherished for generations of Western North Carolina families.

Survivors include many, many special friends including: Jeff Smith and wife, Pamela and their children, Savannah and Branson; Shirley Cunningham, Arlene Watkins and her daughters, Connie Stewart, Angela Brumfield, Kelly Franklin and her husband, Rodney; Vickie and Francis Wilder all of Hendersonville; Mike Brown of Asheville, Buddy Gosnell of Charlotte. Other survivors include numerous cousins and not to be forgotten, he is also survived by his loving pets Baby and Boy.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, at Patty's Chapel Cemetery in Fletcher conducted by Reverend Roy Waldroup and Reverend Norris Wright.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Patty's Chapel Cemetery c/o Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library Road, Fletcher, NC 28732.

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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Jay Brandon Russell, 29

Jay Brandon Russell, 29, of Saluda died Tuesday, May 13, 2014, in Saluda.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was the son of Boyce Russell of Saluda and the late Cynthia S. Russell who died in 1991. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, J.B. Russell and Rosa Lee Burns Russell, and maternal grandparents, James Monroe Surles, Jr. and Catherine Smith Surles.

Brandon was a member of Mountain Page Baptist Church.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his sister, Jessica Marie Russell and stepbrother, Danny Eugene Griner, both of Saluda; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, at Mountain Page Baptist Church with the Reverends Jimmy Owens and Billy Jarvis officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Charles Alan Hreha Sr., 58

Charles Alan Hreha Sr., 58, of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, May 9, 2014.

He was a native of Long Island, N.Y., and a resident of Henderson County for more than 20 years. Charles was a son of the late Charles Edwin and Gertrude Hreha and was an employee of The Coca-Cola Company.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Pam Hreha; sons, Charles A. Hreha Jr. and wife Helen, and Christopher J. Hreha; step-mother, June Hreha; all of Hendersonville; several brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home.

An online register book and sympathy card is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Nereo N. Condini, 73

Nereo N. Condini, 73, of Hendersonville died Monday, May 12, 2014 at the St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospital.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Paula Gayle Penland, 71

Paula Gayle Penland, 71, of Etowah went home to the Lord on May 8th, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Johnson City, Tenn. She later moved to Asheville where she worked for Whitley's Communication and later retired after 32 years. Mrs Penland was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Jim Penland, of the home; her four legged children, Skunky and J.R.; a son, Jimmy Penland, of Cornelius; her granddaughter, Whitney Penland, of Fairview (and her mother, Lori Penland); two sisters, Sonia Hubbard (husband, Larry) and Evonne Whitehead (husband, Robert) both of Johnson City, Tenn.; brother-in-law, Jack Penland (and wife Barbara), of New Market, Tenn.

A special thanks to the team at Park Ridge Hospital and the staff at Four Seasons Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2014, at the home of Paula and Jim.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the memorial of Paula Penland at Asheville or Blue Ridge Humane Society or The Lung Cancer Foundation, website:
https://lcfamerica.myetap.org/fundraiser/PaulaPenland/

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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Charles Alan Hreha, Sr., 58

Charles Alan Hreha, Sr., 58, of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, May 9, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Elsie Morgan Pace, 85

Elsie Morgan Pace, 85, of Hendersonville died Saturday May 10, 2014, at Elizabeth House.

Mrs. Pace was born April 8, 1929, in Henderson County to the late Monroe and Angie Russell Morgan. She was married to the late H.P. Pace, Jr... In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters Alvere Pace, Guerry Justus, and a brother Roy Morgan.

She is survived by sisters Wilma Campbell and Joyce Reed both of East Flat Rock, and a brother Glenn Morgan and his wife Laura of Saluda. Other survivors include two sister-in-laws Evelyn Greene, Joan Morgan, and a brother-in-law Carroll Justus, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday May 13, 2014, at Mountain Page Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Billy Jarvis and Dr. Jerry Russell. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Mountain Page Baptist Church, P.O. Box 836, Saluda, NC 28773, or to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, 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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William Edward "Zeke" Hawkins, 71

William Edward "Zeke" Hawkins, 71, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.

William was born April 28, 1943, in Henderson County to the late Edward LeRoy Hawkins and Zoda Mae McCraw Hawkins of Hendersonville. He taught math and physics at Hendersonville High School for many years. He also was a regional manager for Wendy's restaurants across the South. William was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife Linda Dean; son Derek and wife Stacey Hawkins; granddaughters Allea, Blaire and Eden Hawkins.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd Church Street Chapel with Rev. Bryan Bradshaw officiating. The family will receive friends from 1–2 p.m. before the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Four Seasons Hospice 571 S. 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 and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Minnie Lee Jones, 87

Minnie Lee Jones, 87, of East Flat Rock was called to her eternal home on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

She was born of Walter Levi Jones and Bessie Ellen Jones on Aug. 29, 1926, in Henderson County. Minnie Lee lived in the area all of her life, the majority of which was spent living in the home that Edgar "Wimpy" Jones, her late husband, built. As a child, she used to walk to school past the lot where the house now stands, admire the huge oak tree and promise herself that she would one day live there. And she did, raising three children and later bringing light to the lives of her three grandchildren.

During her long and joyful life, Minnie Lee worked as a receptionist for dentist Dr. Richard K. Bowling. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of East Flat Rock. One accomplishment of which she was most proud was her volunteer service with the Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital. She volunteered there for more than 30 years, leaving behind a legacy of love and service to others.

Of all the memories cherished by her family and friends, Minnie Lee will be most remembered for her resilience, her sense of independence, and her determination to stay positive in the face of adversity. Through all of the ups and downs of life, Minnie Lee exuded a beautiful and unwavering strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edgar "Wimpy" Odell Jones, her son, Eddie Jones, her daughter, Leesa Jones Schoeberle, and her four brothers, Herbert Jones, Hughes Jones, Calvin Jones, and Luther Jones.

She is survived by her daughter, Rita Jones Jordan; her sister, Elizabeth Jones Freeman; and her three grandchildren, Gloria Elaine Schoeberle, Thomas Luke Schoeberle and Kaylee Renae Jordan. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, her two sons-in-law, Thomas Jordan and Stephen Schoeberle, and her sister-in-law, Mary Joyce Corn.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2014 at Thos. Shepherd Church Street Chapel with Pastor J. Brent Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital volunteer program or to the Council on Aging for Henderson County.

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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Beverly Sorrells Jones

On May 5, 2014, Beverly Sorrells Jones, precious wife, mother and grandmother, surrounded by her family, passed from this Earth into Heaven and straight into the arms of Jesus. We are thankful that she is fully healed and made whole.

She was lovingly known as "Grana" by her family. She is the daughter of the late Luther Edgar Sorrells and Elsie McClure Sorrells of Atlanta, GA. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years Sidney Lamar Jones; children Alan Lamar Jones (wife Amanda) and Lisa Jones Hill (husband Travis); grandchildren Julia Garren Adkins (husband Grant), Tyler Hill, Noah Jones and Micah Jones; brother Stanley Sorrells and sisters Lynda Frank (husband Bill) and Karen Holliday (husband Buddy), and sister-in-love Cathy Kuykendall (husband J.R.).

Born in 1942, Beverly was raised in East Point, GA, and married Sid in 1963. Sid and Beverly moved their family from Atlanta to the mountains of western North Carolina in 1970. Beverly spent most of her working career at E.I. DuPont as a member of the computer help desk. Shortly after her retirement in 2003, she began a second career working part-time at Belk in the Blue Ridge Mall. Quiet by nature, she flourished at Belk as every customer she helped became a friend to her. She loved being at work with her Belk family, meeting new people and occasionally getting to see her old friends from DuPont.

Beverly was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville where she was a member for over 35 years. She adored so many members of the church. She loved being a greeter every Sunday morning, and she always talked about how much she loved her Sunday school class!

Our "Grana" was the most beautiful woman – both inside and out. Her class and her beauty required no effort on her part. She was so kind and helpful to others. She was faithful to our family and her commitment to always be there for us. She adored her grandchildren, and they brought her so much joy. Grana's spirit will live on in each of us. We will all treasure the sweet memories that we have spent a lifetime making with her.

We will celebrate Grana's life on Monday, May 12, 2014, at First Baptist Church Hendersonville. Friends will be received from 4 – 5 p.m. and a memorial service will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either First Baptist Church Crosswalk Ministry, 312 5th Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28739 OR the Elizabeth House at Four Seasons, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Alvis Henry Stephens, 89

Alvis Henry Stephens, 89, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Carolina Village after a short illness.

He is survived by Linda Kidd Stephens, his wife of 62 years, and sons Scott and David (Mark McKenzie). Also mourning his passing are nieces and nephews Elizabeth Maynard Avett (Fred), Janet Stephens Davis (John), Jimmy Stephens (Joyce), and Tommy Stephens (Pat). Al Stephens will also be missed by grandchildren Jake, John (Carrie), and Joshua Stephens (Rosanna), and Mary Stephens Pohl (Neal), and great-grandchildren Abigail Stephens, and Clare, Judah, Jane Catherine, and Shiloh Pohl, and Keyla Hendsill.

Al Stephens was born in 1925 in Ape, son of Dr. Romulus and Dovie Stephens, the youngest sibling after Kenneth and Romulus Stephens, and Catherine Stephens Maynard.

After high school graduation, Al briefly attended University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and then joined the US Navy, commissioned in September 1945. Al returned to his hometown to marry Linda Kidd at Apex Baptist Church on Oct. 20, 1951. Al went on to serve 26 years as a naval officer and aviator, which included assignments to California, Hawaii, Florida and Washington, DC. A 1966 tour on the aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt as CIC officer earned him a Navy Commendation for his re-design of the Combat Information Center. Other postings included the Polaris missile project and work at the Pentagon, and while there, he graduated from George Washington University in 1963.

Al retired from the Navy in 1971 and worked in real estate in Northern Virginia before he and Linda moved to Hendersonville in 1985. His interests over the years included the clarinet, and golf, at which he excelled.

He and Linda counted their blessings as they traveled the Southeast in later years, often in October remembrances, sharing a love for history and new places. Al supported the United Methodist Church faithfully, and also counted Carolina Village as one of their blessings.

A memorial service for friends, family, and acquaintances will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville. A private family celebration will immediately follow.

Memorial gifts may be made in Al's name to First United Methodist Church, Mission Fund, 204 Sixth Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Marjorie C. Polhemus, 99

Marjorie C. Polhemus, 99, of Hendersonville died Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Park Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville.

Born in Long Island, NY, she was a daughter of the late Frieda and Walter Polhemus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan Hernandez Marshall Hansen, and a grandson, Bruce A. Marshall. She was employed by Bell Labs in New Jersey and was of the Presbyterian faith. After her retirement, she spent over 30 years operating her guest houses in Puerto Rico.

Surviving are her grandsons, James (Becky) Marshall and Philip (Carla) Marshall of Sumter, SC and David (Sandi) Marshall of Orangeburg, SC; great-grandchildren, Lydia (Brent) Johnston of Charleston, Andy Marshall of Sumter, Cindy (Joey) Mathis of Manning, Wendy Shirley of Sumter, Kelly Marshall of Columbia, Weldon Marshall of Columbia, David Marshall of San Francisco, Calif., and Kristin Marshall of West Columbia; great-great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Timmy, Cameron Jacob, Emily and Kaliq.

Funeral Services will be private. Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Henderson County Library, PO Box 2317, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mary Catherine Harris-Gates

Mary Catherine Harris-Gates passed away peacefully at The Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. Her memory will be cherished by her family and friends

Mary was born in Newburgh, NY, and lived there until her move to North Carolina in 1987. She was the daughter of Chester and Mary Judson of Newburgh, NY.

Mary was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, The Order of The Eastern Star, the YWCA and UMW organization while in Newburgh. After her move to Hendersonville, she was a member of the Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church in Brevard. She was very active in various craft and quilting groups and a book club at Etowah Reach. She and her husband Richard Gates were very active in a hiking group.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years, Harold C. Harris and her brother, Chester Judson.

Mary is survived by her husband, Richard Gates. She has two daughters, Susan Shipp and her husband David of Hendersonville and Wendy Harris Turnbull and her husband Ken of Houston, Texas. She has four grandchildren, Adria Shipp and Evan Shipp of Hendersonville; Alyssia Makarewicz Brashear and Jessica Vick of Houston, Texas. She has three great-grandchildren, Camden Shipp, Seth Turnbull and Ariana Brashear. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Lena Harris of Newburgh, NY and Margaret Schuhle of Pittsfield, Mass.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, May 10, 2014, in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Her family will be at 140 Circleview Drive in Hendersonville after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Memory Maker Quilt Ministry, 312 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Bruce Needham, 98

BEDFORD, TEXAS — Bruce Needham, 98, joined his wife of over 76 years in eternal life on May 5, 2014, at Emeritus at Oak Hollow Memory Care Facility.

Mr. Needham was born in Knoxville, Tenn., to the late Ed and Nina Needham. After business school in Knoxville, he married Melba Snodderly on Sept. 11, 1937. He worked for Security Mills and JC Penney in Knoxville,  then managed Penney stores in Corbin, Ky., and Hendersonville, N.C.. He retired in 1976. Mr. and Mrs. Needham moved to Texas in 2013.

Mr. Needham was a member of First Baptist Church where he enjoyed cooking on Wednesdays after retirement and where he felt especially close to his "money buddies" for many years. He and his wife shared fond memories of their church trip to Egypt and Israel. He was a 50-year member of the Kiwanis Club. He tutored elementary school students in arithmetic at Fletcher Elementary School. Bruce Needham was proud of his 34 years with Penney's, his family of employees, and the loyal patrons who have kept up with him through the decades.

His family members extend special thanks to the loving staff of Emeritus at Oak Hollow and Grace Hospice in Texas and to those of Pine Park and First Baptist Church in Hendersonville.

Bruce Needham was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Melba Needham. Survivors: son, John Needham and wife, Dolaine, of Richmond, Ky.; daughter, Diana Williams and husband, Tom, of Euless, Texas; grandchildren, Bryan Needham and Mark Needham of Kentucky, Tara Bowman and husband, Chad, and Joy Swacker of Texas; three great-grandchildren, William, Benjamin and John Paul Bowman; and many cousins.

Close to the heart of Bruce Needham is the mission of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville; and to the family, memorials to The Alzheimer's Association (2630 West Frwy, Ste. 100, Fort Worth, TX 76102, or www.alz.org).

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.., Friday, May 9, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 8, 2014, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

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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