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Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Louis Odell Barnett, 91,

Louis Odell Barnett, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday August 4th at the Elizabeth House surrounded by his family. Louis was a lifelong resident of Hendersonville and was loved dearly not only by his family, but all of his caretakers from Hospice who are deeply appreciated. Louis is survived by a most loving and dedicated wife of 65 years, Mary Lee; a daughter, Pam Peters; a granddaughter, Alycia Hamilton; a grandson, Eric Peters; two great grandchildren; one brother, Ed Barnett and wife Gail; and one sister Mildred Conner. He also had a loving family of sister and brother in laws, Vollie and Flossie Corn (deceased); Flora Cagle, Gordon and Hazel Corn, Jim and Ellazene Corn, Tom and Amanda Davis, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Louis retired from Federal Paperboard after 42 years. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church where he attended faithfully as long as he could. Louis will be remembered for his kind and gentle disposition and contagious smile. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be Monday, August 8th at Ebenezer Baptist at 11:00am, and will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Rev. Steven Blanton of Ebenezer Baptist and Rev. Blair Stewart of Zion Hill Baptist Church will be officiating. The family is gathering at the home of Billy and Karla Anders at 204 Candy Land Lane.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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James C. "Buddy" McCullough, 82

James C. "Buddy" McCullough, 82

James C. “Buddy” McCullough age 82 went home to the arms of his Lord and Savior on

August 6, 2016.

He was the son of the late Bud and Primrose McCullough, also proceeded in death by a brother Gene McCullough and beloved Son-n-law Norman Stepp.

A native of Henderson County, Buddy attended Flat Rock High School and served in the U S Army.

He retired from General Electric after 37 years of service.

He was a member of Shaws Creek Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was recognized as Deacon Emeritus for his many years of service in deacon ministry.

Buddy assisted in establishing Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue. He joined Valley Hill Fire and Rescue in 1960. Holding various offices such as Chief, Assistant Chief, Safety officer, Chaplin, Training Officer and was deputized as a Special Deputy Sheriff. He is a life member of Valley Hill Fire and Rescue.

Buddy is survived by his devoted wife and love of his life for 60 years Nona Sue King McCullough, two daughters Suprina Stepp and Cindy Ward husband Steve Ward both of Hendersonville. Two Grandchildren Courtney Stepp (Sean Lowery) and Ryan Ward (Amanda). Two Great grandchildren Tyler and EmmaLee, numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to thank his sitters Nedra Moles and Fay McDaniel, also his loving caregivers Loraine, Vickie and Doctors at Four Seasons Hospice.

A service will be held at Shaws Creek Baptist Church Thursday August 11 at 2:00. Military honors will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

The family will receive guest one hour prior to service. Fellowship will follow in the Fellowship Hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shaws Creek Church 91 Shaws Creek Church Road Hendersonville, NC 28791 or Four Season Compassion for Life 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731

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Anne Franke Ulinski

Anne Franke Ulinski

Anne Franke Ulinski died on July 18 at Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, NC.

Anne was born in Rochester, NY to Bertha Franke and William B. Franke. Her mother was a suffragette and her father believed in the equality of women, ensuring that all of his daughters went to good colleges. Anne earned a BS at Bennington, a progressive women’s college in Vermont, and was a graduate student at Columbia University in NYC, majoring in Chemistry.

During WW II, Anne left Columbia University to work for a small chemical company supporting the war effort. She volunteered for the Red Cross on evenings and weekends, driving wounded soldiers to doctor’s appointments in Manhattan. She saw firsthand the destruction that war wreaked on young men and was a passionate advocate for peace for the rest of her life.

In 1945, Anne married her college sweetheart, Roger (Rod) Taylor,shortly after he returned from the war. They lived in Brooklyn, NY before moving to Miami, FL where they started a business. Five years after they married, and five months after giving birth to their daughter Carol, Rod died suddenly of a brain abscess.

Anne moved back to NYC and eventually to Washington, DC where she worked for the Executive Office of the President at the White House and married a friend of Rod’s, John Ulinski. Their daughter Susan was born in 1952. In 1953, with two children under the age of four and pregnant with their third child, Anne, John and the two girls travelled on a Norwegian freighter to Jakarta, Indonesia, where John had a fellowship with the Ford Foundation. Anne wrote a series of articles about their 63 days on the ship and their first months in Indonesia, which was published by Buffalo’s morning newspaper, The Courier-Express. She gave birth to two more children, Anthony and Judith, in the Indonesian mountain town of Bandung.

They left Indonesia in 1957. While John returned to the Washington, DC area to begin work as a foreign service officer, Anne and the four children lived in Positano, Italy for six months. She gave birth to her fifth child, Matthew, in 1960.

Anne and the children accompanied John on diplomatic assignments in India and Liberia. She loved to travel and was eager to learn about new cultures. In addition to her many responsibilities as the wife of a diplomat, she volunteered in clinics in Indonesia and Liberia that provided health care to women and children.

After leaving Liberia, they lived in McLean, VA for ten years where Anne worked for several organizations including a Ralph Nader task force and the Madeira School where she was the assistant treasurer.

Anne and John moved to Hendersonville, NC in 1981. She volunteered for Head Start for eight years, tutoring young children.

She loved the mountains and the natural beauty of Western North Carolina and became a self taught botanist. She was instrumental in the formation and implementation of the Henderson County Natural Heritage Inventory in 1994. She and another botanist inventoried the wetlands along the Jackson Park Nature Trail and the Mud Creek Wetlands, both of which were later added to the N.C. Registry of Natural Areas. She and two other botanists inventoried 350 plant species at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. The National Park Service hired her to mount specimens from each plant on archival paper, which are preserved in the Sandburg herbarium. She was a member of the Western Carolina Botany Club and served as its president for two years and the editor of its quarterly newsletter, Shordia, for twelve years. She was a member and supporter of numerous environmental organizations.

In 1994, Anne co-founded the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) and served as its volunteer executive director for four years. She felt strongly about the importance of protecting NC’s beautiful land for the enjoyment of future generations. Since its inception, CMLC has protected more than 30,000 acres. This is one of her proudest achievements.

She was the recipient of several awards, including the Lela McBride Stewardship Award (CMLC) and the Founders Award (ECO). She was an avid birder and a weaver.

She lived an extraordinary life with grace, curiosity, courage and optimism. Shortly before her death, she urged friends to “Live Life”.

Anne is preceded in death by her parents William and Bertha Franke, her sisters Phyllis Fowler and Patricia Kouns, and her husbands Roger Taylor and John Ulinski. She is survived by her five children: Carol Freeman (Hendersonville, NC); Susan Ulinski (New York, NY); Anthony Ulinski (Raleigh, NC); Judith Rodriguez (Dumfries, Va); and Matthew Ulinski (Ithaca, NY); eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, 847 Case St., Hendersonville NC 28792.

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

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JoAnn Robinson Collins, 73

JoAnn Robinson Collins, age 73 of Hendersonville died Thursday, August 4th, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Henderson County; a daughter of the late, Homer Rubin Robinson and Lillian Geneva Glover Robinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Max “Ray” Collins in 2005; her son, Steven Holbert; and her sister, Beulah Scroggins.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County; Mrs. Collins graduated from Edneyville High School and she retired from General Electric. She was of the Baptist faith and was a member of In Jesus Name Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her son, David Scott Holbert and his wife, Marie; one step-daughter, Michelle Morrow and husband, Larry; one step-son, Michael Collins and his wife, Vicky; one brother, David Robinson and his wife, Una Mae; four step-grandchildren, Jessica, Dalton, Savannah, and Mackenzie; one step-great grandchild, Landon, “special grandchild”, Jase; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 8th, 2016 at Shepherd Memorial Park officiated by Pastor Dale Gilbert and Pastor Tracey Fletcher.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service in the Mausoleum Chapel of Shepherd Memorial Park. At other times the family will be at the residence of Mrs. JoAnn Collins.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in JoAnn’s memory be directed to In Jesus Name Church, 2934 Sugarloaf Mountain Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792; or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South 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 are in charge of the arrangements.

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Milton Sheppard Thompson, 82

Milton Sheppard Thompson, 82

Milton Sheppard Thompson, 82, of Heatherly Heights Road, Saluda, died Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC after a period of declining health.

He was born on St. Simons Island, GA, the son of the late Sara Sheppard Thompson and Milton Linton “Dad” Thompson. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Alberta “Albie” Dziadosz Thompson.

He was a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in animal husbandry.  He was planning to become a veterinarian, instead joined the U. S. Marine Corps.  He retired in 1977 from the Marine Corps after 23 years of service, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel earning many military decorations.

Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, he was employed as Vice President of Maintenance with Hawaiian Airlines in Honolulu, HI; as the Manager of Aircraft Spares for the DC-9/MD80 Aircraft at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach, CA; and Thorlo Sock Company in Statesville, NC.

Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Jane Holgerson Thompson of the home, a son, Milton Alexander Thompson of Phoenix, AZ, a brother Edwin Thompson and his wife Marianne of Milledgeville, GA, his nephews, Edwin Thompson, Jr. and his wife Dana and Brett Thompson and his wife Dana.  

He loved his creatures: Lucky, the rescued Boykin Spaniel, accompanied him everywhere for 14 years, and rescued cats through the years, Da Puss, Amber, Boots, Iris, Penny, Bella and Skylar. He and Jane enjoyed traveling extensively, sharing both mini-adventures and occasional misadventures, bringing Lucky along whenever possible.

He was a member of The Episcopal Church of Transfiguration, 72 Charles Street, Saluda, NC where a Celebration of Life and Holy Eucharist will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 13, 2016, followed by interment in the Columbarium. The family will receive friends after the service in the Parish Hall of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Milton can be made to Boykin Spaniel Rescue Society, c/o Katherine Garstang, 1624 Yorktown Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901; or to the Saluda Church of Transfiguration Endowment Fund for Preservation, PO Box 275, Saluda, NC 28773.

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

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Charlotte Elizabeth MacDaniel 89,

Charlotte Elizabeth MacDaniel 89, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday August 03, 2016
at Life Care Center of Hendersonville. No service is planned.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the MacDaniel family.

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Margie Watts Green

Margie Watts Green

Margie Watts Green passed away peacefully July 30, 2016, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Hendersonville, NC. surrounded by her family and after a long and meaningful life.
Born in Shreveport, La., August 5, 1921, Margie was preceded in death by her husband, R. Don Green, and a young son, Donnie Jr. She was the daughter of the late Cora Moore and Jay Daniel Watts, and younger sister of Edith Watts DeBroeck, Loy Hinton Watts, Faye Watts DeBroeck and J.D. Watts Jr.
Margie moved to New Orleans in 1966, and after a few years became a valued employee in the corporate offices of J. Ray McDermott, until her retirement in 1994. Margie took pride in everything she did, and was meticulous and considerate in all her responsibilities in both public and family life.
As a young woman she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport, and on moving to New Orleans, her spiritual home became Oak Park Baptist. After moving to NC in 2004, the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville became her holy ground. Her faithfulness is likely still remembered in corners of these 3 churches.
She is survived by her daughter, Loy Lauden-Stowell of Zirconia, NC; her grand-daughters Lacey Loy Lauden and Lorelei Lauden Scollin of Hendersonville, and Lindsey Lauden Miguelez of Asheville, NC.; 6 great-grandsons: Aaron Romano, Kevin Roberts, Justin Legnon, Ian & Jude Scollin, and Adrian Miguelez; and 2 great-grand-daughters: Megan Legnon and Naomi Miguelez, plus beloved son & grandsons-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services to celebrate her life on her 91st Birthday will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5th, 2016 in Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel officiated by the Reverend Howard Hanger.
The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service in the chapel.
Graveside Services are planned for the afternoon of August 10th in Shreveport, La. at Forest Park East.
In lieu of flowers, donations are invited to The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County NC, P.O. Box 1460 Hendersonville, NC 28793.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

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Carol Sue Thompson Case, 72

Carol Sue Thompson Case, 72

Mrs. Carol Sue Thompson Case, 72, of Flat Rock, died Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. She was born December 14, 1943, in Polk County, to the late Joe and Ina Mae Jackson Thompson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Betty Hoots, Mossie Goble, Dorothy Meeks, Hubert Thompson and Monroe Thompson.

Mrs. Case lived most of her life in Henderson County, graduating from Hendersonville High School after which she worked many years as an R.N.

She is survived by her husband, of 53 years, Carroll Richard Case; son Brent Eric Case and his wife Patricia; sisters Bessie Jones of Flat Rock and Mary Duvall of Campobella, SC; 2 grandchildren Matthew Case and Dara Case and by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Thos. Shepherd & Son, Church St. Chapel, with Rev. Harley Case officiating. No formal visitation is planned.

In lieu o
f flowers, memorials may be sent 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.thosshepher.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Wilma Stepp Garnes, 83

August 1, 2016 Hendersonville, NC Wilma Stepp Garnes, 83, of Hendersonville, NC went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 31, 2016. She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Terrell and Mae Bell Bishop Stepp, her husband, Andrew Garnes and three children, Cheryl, Gary and Robert Duncan. She is survived by three daughters, Saundra Condrey (David), Joy Kent (Jim) and Susan McCarson (Gene); a son, Todd Duncan (Carla) all of Hendersonville; thirteen grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and eight siblings, Frances Bokirk, Bertha Lou Brewer, Paul Stepp, Ann Stroup, Geraldine Wyatt, Agnes Grasty, Barbara Frasier and David Stepp. A funeral service will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday, August 3rd at the Hendersonville First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM prior to the service in the church and at other times will be at the home of Saundra Condrey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carolina Village Employee Appreciation Fund. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Joan Edith Vokes, 88

Joan Edith Vokes, 88

Joan Edith Vokes, age 88 of Hendersonville, passed away on Wednesday, July 27th, 2016.

She was born August 5th, 1927 in NW London, England, to the late Llewellen and Edith Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Denys Williams of London, England.

She is survived by her loving husband, Alan J. Vokes.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 30th, 2016 in Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Arthur R. Mack officiating. All of her friends are welcome to attend.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Joan’s memory be directed to Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.

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 the arrangements.

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Joan Edith Vokes, 88

Joan Edith Vokes, 88

Joan Edith Vokes, age 88 of Hendersonville, passed away on Wednesday, July 27th, 2016.

She was born August 5th, 1927 in NW London, England, to the late Llewellen and Edith Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Denys Williams of London, England.

She is survived by her loving husband, Alan J. Vokes.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 30th, 2016 in Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Arthur R. Mack officiating. All of her friends are welcome to attend.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Joan’s memory be directed to Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.

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 the arrangements.

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Karen Marie Flodin, 69

Karen Marie Flodin, 69, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday July 27, 2016 at her residence.
A memorial service will be held at 3PM Saturday at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses , 2375 Howard Gap Road Hendersonville, NC 28792. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Colonel Carl Byrd Fisher Sr

Colonel Carl Byrd Fisher Sr

Colonel Carl Byrd Fisher Sr., (U.S. A.F. Ret.)95, died Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at his residence. He was born in Andrews, NC. He was the son of the late James Oscar Fisher and Hattie Love Fisher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Oscar “J. O.” Fisher, one son,James Michael Fisher and his wife of 67 years, Mary Byles Fisher.

Carl graduated Brevard College, received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State and earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Carl had a distinguished military career including the U.S. Army Calvary Reserve, U.S. Army Air Corps. Signal Corps, and Royal Air Force 1942. He was 2 D-Day minus one survivor for which he received the Bronze Star. He received the Legion of Merit and the Air Force Commendation Medals. He retired as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

His civilian career included serving as technical director of the Airways Modernization Board, and was the first technical director of the Bureau of Research and Development, Federal Aviation Agency. He was Assistant to the President of the Autometics Division of North American Aviation,director of the advanced development and planning section of the Budd Information Science center in Arlington, and Manager of the Arizona Systems Center of Philco Ford Corporation’s Communication and Electronics Division in Tucson, Arizona.

The latter part of his working life he became a land developer, real estate broker, and custom home builder, developing the western Flat Rock communities of Woodhaven and Pleasant Hill. Carl was an amazing man who was friendly and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a caring, loving father, husband, and grandfather.

He is survived by one son, Carl Byrd Fisher, Jr. of Flat Rock. Two grandsons: Anderson Fisher of Charlotte, and Dr. Taylor F. Fisher and his wife Dr. Laurie Fisher of Chapel Hill;One granddaughter, Elizabeth Fisher Burleson and her husband, Wesley, of Charlotte. He is also survived by one great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Marie Fisher of Chapel Hill.

A memorial service to celebrate Carl’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 1, 2016 in the St. George Chapel of St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, of which he was a member.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. James Episcopal Church, 766 N. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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 the arrangements.

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Percy Hillier, 94,

Percy Hillier, 94, of Arden, NC passed away peacefully Thursday, July 21, 2016.
Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory will announce the arrangements.

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Ollie Mae Hoots, 74

Ollie Mae Hoots, 74

Ollie Mae Hoots, 74 of Edneyville died after an extended illness on Tuesday July 20, 2016 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation. She was the daughter of the late Fate and Florence Green Metcalf. She was preceded in death by her son Ronnie Hoots.
She was a member of Mt Moriah Baptist Church.
Survivors include her loving husband of 50 years, Eugene Hoots, son, Donne Hoots of Chesnee, sister Pauline Edwards, brother Clyde Metcalf and sister in law Mae Dalton.
A funeral service will be held Sunday at 2pm at Mount Moriah Baptist Church with the Rev. Brian Melton officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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William Michael Meurisse, 81

William Michael Meurisse, 81 of Hendersonville passed away Sunday July 17, 2016 at the Brian Center of Hendersonville.
No service is planned.
Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the Meurisse family.

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Barbara Ann Moore, 76,

Barbara Ann Moore, 76, of Edneyville, NC passed away Monday, July 18, 2016 after an extended illness.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents Gaither and Gladys Merrill Moore and a grandson, Joshua Ford.
She was a member of the Hendersonville First Baptist Church and the Edneyville Grange.
Barbara loved gardening, cooking, sewing and doing for others.
She is survived by a son, Michael Jones and his wife Mercedes of Florida City, Florida; two daughters, Sandra Hall and her husband Rick of Winston-Salem, NC and Kathy Williams and her husband Gregg of Gallatin, Tennessee; two grandsons, Joseph and Aron Jones both of Florida City, Florida; two brothers, Donald Moore and his wife Doris of Edneyville and Billy Moore and his wife Aileen of Edneyville; two nieces and two nephews.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Barbara Ann Moore, 76,

Barbara Ann Moore, 76, of Edneyville, NC passed away Monday, July 18, 2016 at Spring Arbor.
Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arranements.

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Jesse “J.P.” Huggins, Jr., 90

Jesse “J.P.” Huggins, Jr., 90, of Mountain Home went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 14, 2016.
A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was a son of the late Jeannie Belle Greer and J.P. Huggins, Sr. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evaughn Allison Huggins and their two sons, Thomas Marlowe Huggins and Jesse “John” Lamar Huggins and a brother, Harold Hampton Huggins.
J.P. graduated from Etowah High School and served in the US Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater in World War II. He owned and operated J.P. Huggins & Son Construction. J.P. was a founding member of the Mountain Home Fire Department and a lifetime member of Naples Baptist Church where he served as deacon for many years. He was also a past Grand Master of the Kedron Masonic Lodge, #387, as well as a past Worthy Patron of the Hendersonville Chapter 61, Order of the Eastern Star.
J. P. is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jeanne Trice Huggins; sister, Jeanne Huggins Revis; daughter in-law, Donna Smith Huggins, wife of the late John L. Huggins; granddaughter, Allison Smith Huggins; nephew, Tim Revis of Royston, GA; niece, Diane Travis, and her sons Al and Matt Travis, and their father Craig Travis; step-daughters, Debbie Blackwell and husband Kenny, Donna Stanley and husband David; and their children, Trisha and Brooke Blackwell and Tiffany Stanley; and great-grandson, Matheu Reeves.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, July 17, 2016 at Naples Baptist Church with the Reverend Richard Merck officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park with military honors. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:30 – 2:30 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Naples Baptist Church or to the Shriners at www.tmcfunding.com, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements

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Mary Kellogg Bell, 100

Mary Kellogg Bell, 100

Mary Kellogg Bell died at the age of 100 on July 11, 2016, at the Carolina Village Medical Center in Hendersonville, NC.

Mary was born on May 4, 1916, in Chamblee, Georgia, where her mother was a teacher and her father was State Insurance Commissioner. She attended the University of GA where she was very active in both academic and extracurricular activities. She was on the Dean’s List and graduated with Honors in 1937, with a degree in Physical Education. Mary worked at several camps before meeting her soon-to-be husband, Joseph O. Bell, Jr. at a camping convention in Western NC. Joe had just started Camp Arrowhead for boys in 1937. They married in 1939 and settled in a home on Lake Summit in Tuxedo, NC. Mary taught school and led numerous improvements in the operations of Camp Arrowhead.

In 1950, with Joe’s encouragement, Mary started Camp Glen Arden for girls in Arden, NC – which became a most successful venture with very loyal alumnae. She was the first woman on the Henderson County Board of Education where she served for 17 years. In this capacity, she successfully addressed the NC State Legislature on behalf of teacher salary raises. Mary also founded and hosted the Outdoor Education Program for all fifth graders in Henderson County, which is still going strong nearly fifty years later. She was a Charter Member of the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame. She also volunteered extensively at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville and was recognized several times in the Marquis Who’s Who as a leader in the community and by the Honorable Heath Shuler of North Carolina in the US House of Representatives for a life dedicated to helping others in North Carolina.

In 1972, she moved Camp Glen Arden to Tuxedo and shared the Camp Arrowhead site, where it remained under her ownership for over 30 years. Her husband, Joe, died in 1982 and in 1996, she and the family decided to sell the camps. In 1993, Mary moved to Carolina Village in Hendersonville, where, true to form, she was an active member of the community.

Mary Bell, as she was known to many, exerted a profound and spiritual impact on the lives of hundreds of young people who were strongly influenced by her love of camping and the Blue Ridge Mountains that she cherished. Many girls and women will remember the magical summers at Camp Glen Arden and the wonderful experiences that they will share with each other forever – her persona made the whimsical tales of the Tajar, Madam Witch & the Range Ranger live in the hearts of young girls from around the world.

Mary is survived and loved by her four sons: Joe Bell and his wife, Norma Jo, Ed Bell and his wife, Sinikka, John Bell and his wife, Vicki, and Steve Bell and his wife, Toni; twelve grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

The service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for the Joe and Mary Bell Endowment at Blue Ridge Community College, 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731; or the Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28732.

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

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