Angel Janetta Pearson, 30

Angel Janetta Pearson, 30, of Hendersonville, NC went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at her mother’s home after a period of declining health.
She was born April 16, 1985 in Cleveland County and lived in Henderson County for all of her life. She was preceded in death by her Nana and Pappy, Roy Bush and Betty Jane Laughter whom she loved with all her heart, her paternal grandparents, James Buck and Annie Mae Pearson and a step-brother, Ricky Manley.
She graduated from Blue Ridge Community College and was of the Baptist Faith.
Angel had a loving heart and strived to please the people she loved. She also loved her mountain heritage that was passed along to her by her Pappy and she instilled that in her daughter. It was with a broken heart that she could not share more of that with her daughter because of her health. She enjoyed entertaining, planning birthday parties, holidays, decorating, music, family and friends, cruising around the mountains and just enjoying life.
She is survived by her daughter, Amerah Jane Pearson, age 4, of the home; her mother, Tammy Manley and her husband Alonzo of Hendersonville; her father, Pres Gene Pearson Sr. and his wife Tena of Blacksburg, SC; six brothers, Jamie and Lonnie Manley, Gene Jr. and Clint Pearson, Mitchell and Chad Rick; two sisters, Deana Westbrook and Ashley Manley and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many-many friends.
A celebration of life/birthday party will be held Saturday, April 16th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Jackson Funeral Service (bring balloons).
Services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 17th at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Steve Scoggins and Rev. Anthony Craver officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
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Phyllis Jane Ruff Rhodes

Phyllis Jane Ruff Rhodes passed away on Tuesday, April 12th after a yearlong battle with breast cancer. Phyllis “Momma”, “Nana” has won the battle overall because she is at rest and in peace now and the cancer can no longer hurt her anymore. Phyllis is in heaven with her dad William "Bill" Ruff and father in law Troy Rhodes Sr., Nephew Chris Nix, and many angles to now help watch over and guide their flock.

Her spirit is living on in the lives of all those she came in contact with. She was loved, respected and cherished by all who encountered her no matter if it's over many years or just a quick passing by at Walmart. Phyllis was born in Henderson County in 1957 and has continued the proud family tradition of the Ruff and the Rhodes family living and rearing their family on Gilliam Mountain.

Phyllis loved life and had a natural zest for people and family. She lived for and ever so loved her husband Troy Frederick Rhodes "Freddie" her children, her oldest Mark Rhodes and his girl Heather Wilson and her youngest Tracy Rhodes Jacobs and her husband Michael Jacobs. In her time as both a career women and a momma she was blessed with two grand babies Alexzander Jacobs "Alex" and Alekzandria Jacobs "Alekzis."

Phyllis has been a very active member in the community serving as a judge for numerous years at the state fair, active merchant at the curb market with her many types of dolls and crafts and her many years of dedicated service to Walmart of over 23yrs.

Phyllis is survived by her husband Freddie, son Mark; daughter, Tracy and son in law Michael; grandchildren, Alex and Alekzis; her momma, Katherine; and two sisters, Margarett and Joy.

The Funeral Service will be held at 3pm on Friday, April 15th at Rhodes Farm; 1833 Gilliam Mountain Rd, Hendersonville NC 28792.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phyllis may be directed to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 and/or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2278, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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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Faith B. Galloway, 74

Faith B. Galloway, 74 of Hendersonville died March 23, 2016 at Golden Living Center. A daughter of the late Joseph and Shirley Boucher, she is survived by her husband, Eric Lee Galloway; children Tracy Nelson and Randy Greene; siblings, Leonard Boucher, Mikki Poirier, Joan Orr, Joey Boucher and Jay Boucher; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the General Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, c/o Bishop Adam Carey, Hendersonville 1st Ward, 109 Chicory Crossing, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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Carroll D. Helms, 74

Carroll D. Helms, 74, of Zirconia went to be with the Lord Monday, April 11, 2016 at Pardee Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.
Born in Lincoln County, Carroll was a son of the late William Russell Helms and Ocie Viola Huss Helms.
Carroll, who lived most of his life in Henderson County, graduated from Dana High School and Barber School in Winston-Salem. He was a barber for over 45 years and owned and operated Helms Barber Shop for 35 years, retiring in 2011. Carroll was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Tuxedo. He was very loved, and loved everybody.
Recognized throughout the area as a music lover, he and his barber shop were well-known for “Music on Thursdays” and were featured on many national media outlets such as “CBS Sunday Morning” and Hallmark specials.
Carroll is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Judy Ballard Helms of Zirconia; children, Michelle Cress (John) of Asheville; Dean Helms; Jill Hill (Dwayne); and Rhod Helms (Terri), all of Zirconia; seven grandchildren, Blythe, Brooklyn, Keela, Hannah, Joshua, Rachel and Elijah; eight great-grandchildren, Mahalie, Brice, Emalee, Nolan, Dalton, Charleigh, Addison and Grayson; and brothers and sisters, Doris Orr (Walter), Junior Helms (Margaret), Brenda Allen (Ken), Linda Gilbert (Harold), Gale Nanney (Steve) and Thea Butts (Dan).
The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 4 PM Thursday, April 14 at Mountain View Baptist Church in Tuxedo with the Reverend Sherrill Moore officiating.
The family wishes to extend very special thanks to Harold Gilbert for his loving kindness and special friendship during Carroll’s declining health, and to Dr. Bentsen, Dr. Ward and the staff of Pardee Hospital.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Elizabeth Eunice Brogden, 49

Elizabeth Eunice Brogden, 49 years of age passed into eternal life on
April 11, 2016. Beth was born February 27, 1967 in Hendersonville, NC to
the late Albert Green and Nellie Green of Flat Rock, NC. Elizabeth
Brogden, 49 years of age passed onto eternal life on April 11, 2016.
Beth was born February 27, 1967 in Hendersonville, NC to the late Albert
Green and Nellie Green of Flat Rock, NC.

Beth leaves behind numerous family members to carry on her memory including her husband of
24 years, Johnny Brogden; daughters Carolyn Brogden and Katisha
Blackwell of Hendersonville and Camillia Brogden of Ft. Myers, FL. Beth
was the grandmother "Ma" to six grandchildren whom she loved dearly,
including grandsons, Jordan Wynn, Jaylon Wynn, Taye Lynch, Mason
Blackwell and granddaughter, Kaylee Blackwell. Beth is also survived by
one brother, Richard Green and his wife, Summer and niece Mackenzie
Green and nephew Caleb Green. Beth is also survived by a number of
in-laws including father and mother in law, Mitch and Julia Brogden,
sisters in law, Joann Condrey and Ida Brogden, and brother in law Lamar
Brogden and nieces Nichole Fauth and Ava Gilliland and nephews Nathan
Condrey and Trey Gilliland. Beth also leaves behind many other family
members, friends and coworkers who she had a great impact on.

Beth was an active member of Etowah Baptist Church and loved to share her
faith and love of God with others. She worked at Pardee Hospital for
many years helping patients get access to care. She devoted much of her
time to taking care of others, spoiling and loving her grandchildren,
and petting her beloved dog, Beasley. Beth was a selfless person who
lived life to the fullest with a positive outlook despite her cancer
diagnosis. The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses
who cared for Beth throughout numerous radiation and chemotherapy
treatments. As well as Dr. Hicks and the staff at the Elizabeth House
for all of their care and compassion in the last weeks of Beth's life.

Beth will be sorely missed from this Earth but the family is at peace
knowing that their wife and mother is free from pain and suffering. She
has fought the fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith.

A celebration of Beth’s life will be held 6:00 PM Thursday, April 14,
2016 at Etowah Baptist Church with pastor Brian Henderson officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the celebration in the
church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Richard James Roberts, 73

Richard James Roberts, 73 of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, April 07, 2016 at the Charles George VA Medical Center. Dick was a former reserve officer with the Hampden Police Department in Hampden, Massachusetts, was retired from Conrail Railroad and had worked as an independent railroad accident investigator. He was a member of VFW Post 15040 in Pennsylvania and a member of Esoteric-Sherwood Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Feeding Hills, Massachusetts.

He was the son of the late James P. Roberts and Faith B. Roberts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Robin Ruscitti of Ohio.

Survivors include: his companion of 20 years, Krissie Red; sons Chad M. Roberts of Loganville, GA, Bret K. Roberts and Dale J. Roberts of Ft. Myers, FL, daughter Nicole S. Roberts of Ft. Myers, FL; grandsons, Chad M. Roberts Jr., Brandon A. Roberts and Jordan G. Miller Roberts; brother John P. Roberts of New Hampshire; sisters, Jill Madison of Colorado, Jamie Murphy of California and Cindy O’Donnell of California. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

As per his wishes, no formal services will be held.

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

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Richard James Roberts, 73

Richard James Roberts, 73 of Hendersonville passed away Thursday April 07, 2016 at
the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Arrangements will be announced by Jackson Funeral Service at a later date.

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Lorraine Barends Pribyl, 95

Lorraine Barends Pribyl, 95, of Carolina Village passed away on 6th day of April, 2016 after a lengthy illness. She reached this milestone through the tender loving care received at Carolina Village and the support of a very dear friend.
Born in 1921, she lived her young life in Mineola, NY. In 1941, she married Frank Pribyl, a veteran of many years with the Nassau County New York Police Department. He passed away in 1983. Their son, Jeff, an Air Force Veteran served in Turkey. He worked as a pharmacist on Long Island, NY, and then in the Hendersonville area. Jeff passed on in 2002.
Survivors: sister Arlene and brother-in-law Bob in PA; two nieces; four nephews, and a daughter-in-law throughout the country. She was also predeceased by a sister-in-law and brother-in-law from WA.
Prior to moving to Hendersonville Lorraine and Frank resided in Northville, NY. Lorraine was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville and served for many years in the Stevens Ministry. Throughout her life she had a love for gardening, playing bridge, and was an avid tennis fan.
She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be sorely missed.
Services will be private. Contributions may be made to Carolina Village Resident in Need Fund, 600 Carolina Village Rd, Suite Z, 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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John Everette Fox Sr., 80

John Everette Fox Sr., 80, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Saturday, April 2, 2016.

He was a native of Buncombe County and was a resident of Henderson County since 1962.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde James Fox and Bessie Parham Fox and a brother, Jimmy Rex Fox.

He was a member of the Hendersonville First Baptist Church.

John was well known for owning John Fox House of Flowers for 32 years where he also operated a Limousine Service and a Formal Wear for men for 15 years. He had worked at Jackson Funeral Home for many years since the 50's having worked with three generations of the Jackson family.
He was a past member of the Hendersonville Elks Lodge #1616, the Hendersonville Lions Club and the Jaycees.

John was the Franchise Holder of the Hendersonville Junior Miss Scholarship Program for 32 years furthering the education of young women.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Harriett Marie White Fox; three children, John Everette “Jef” Fox Jr., two daughters, Donna Lynn Fox and Melissa Ellen Fox Owenby all of Hendersonville; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Fox Wiggins of Hendersonville, Jeffrey Scott Owenby and Andrew Raymond Owenby both of the home and a brother-in-law, Thomas V. White and his wife Rose Ann of Forest City, NC and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Steve Scoggins and Rev. Lewis Staton officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

Respecting the wishes of John, in lieu of flowers or contributions, the family suggests you do a random act of kindness for a stranger.

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

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Barbara Wilkie Gosnell, 74

Barbara Wilkie Gosnell, 74, of Zirconia, went to be home with the Lord on Thursday, March 31, 2016. She was a daughter of the late Donvia Dalton and Clarence Gale Wilkie. She was also preceded in death by one brother.

Barb was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and her family.

Survivors include her loving husband of 55 years, Harold Gosnell; two daughters, Rhonda Steppe (Tim) and Betsy Woodring; three sons, Patrick Gosnell (Angela), Earl Gosnell (Greta) and Chris Gosnell (Susie); 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held 2pm on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at Beulah Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Shuler Funeral Home.

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

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Gabrielle Eve Jackson

Gabrielle Eve Jackson, infant daughter of Wesley and Marinel Jackson of Lyman, SC went to be the our Lord Tuesday, March 29, 2016.
A private burial was held at Mountain Home Baptist Church in Edneyville, NC.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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John Littlefield Crawford, 97

John Littlefield Crawford, 97 of Franklin, NC passed away peacefully on March 30, 2016. A native of Macon County, he was the son of the late John L. Crawford and Annie Crawford Higdon and stepfather Alfred R. Higdon. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister‑in law Doris Hudson.
He attended UNC Chapel Hill where he met his future wife Dorothy Rose whom he married on March 12, 1942 in Victoria, TX where he was a pilot in the US Army Air Corps during WW II.
He was in flight training at Goodfellow Field, San Angelo, TX on Pearl Harbor Day. Following basic flight training, he went on to advanced flight training in fighter planes. After receiving his wings and commissioned as a 2LT in the Army Air Corps, he became an instructor in advanced flight training school for fighter pilots, training not only American pilots, but many allied pilots from Turkey, Bolivia, Peru, France, and other countries. Although he requested overseas action as a fighter pilot, he was told he was more valuable as an instructor so he remained at Moore Field, Mission TX, moving up the chain of command from Assistant Squadron Commander all the way to Group Commander. A member of the “Greatest Generation”, he helped close Moore Field following the end of WW II and was discharged from active duty. He remained active in the Army Air Corp Reserves and later the US Air Force Reserves until retiring from the reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1969.
Following the war, he returned to Franklin and worked for his step‑father for many years at Franklin Hardware which he closed in 1962 following Mr. Higdon’s death. He became a permanent letter carrier for the US Postal Service in 1956 from which he retired in 1984. He was active in the American Legion serving as various officers including Commander in 1954‑55. For several years he was a director of the Bank of Franklin which later became First Union. He was a former member of the Lion’s Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and Chamber of Commerce, and Volunteer Fire Department serving as an officer of the last three organizations. He was a charter member of the Franklin Gem and Mineral Society and the Macon County Cultural Arts Council. In recognition of extraordinary service to Macon County, along with his wife Dorothy, the Macon County Senior Services Center was renamed the Dorothy R. and John L. Crawford Senior Center.
He was a founding and active member of the Franklin Church of Christ serving as an elder.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 74 years Dorothy Rose Crawford, sons John L Crawford, III and wife Donna of Flat Rock, NC; Thomas R. Crawford and wife Jae of Sylva, NC; seven grandchildren Caroline Heubel and husband John of Ft. Mill, SC; Robert Crawford of Charlotte, NC; Molly Moore and husband Parker of Washington, DC; Kate Fuquay and husband Jason of NY City; Thomas R. Crawford, Jr and wife Michelle of Chapel Hill; Kathryn McMillan and husband Tom of Port St. Lucie, FL; Holly Conlin and husband Scott of Sylva; fifteen great‑grandchildren; sisters Julia Green of Burlington, NC, and Beverly Moore of Franklin; brothers Alfred Higdon and wife Ann of Atlanta, and Thomas Higdon and wife Patricia of Las Cruces, NM; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Franklin Church of Christ, 90 McCollum Drive on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 2:30 pm with Minister Radford Penland officiating. Pallbearers will be John Heubel, Robert Crawford, Thomas Crawford, Jr., Benn Grant III, Ben Swafford, and Carey Patton, Jr., Jacob Stewart and Donald Fisher. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 ‑ 2:30 pm, prior to the service. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery with Military Rights.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin Church of Christ McCollum Drive Scholarship Endowment, and mail to: North Carolina Community Foundation, 4601 Six Forks Road‑Suite 525, Raleigh, NC 26609, or donate on line: www.nccommunityfoundation.org or contributions to Angel Medical Center Foundation, PO Box 1209, Franklin, NC 28734, or to one’s favorite charity.
Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are available at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

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John Martin Curtis, 92

John Martin Curtis, 92 of Mills River passed away Saturday March 26, 2016 at the Elizabeth House.
He was the son of the late Dewey and Frances Curtis and husband of the late Virginia McGrath Curtis who died in 2000. He was preceded in death by two sisters.
A US Army veteran, he was a member of the 101ST Airborne, and had received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Metal and Presidential Citation for Meritorious Service. He was an avid bowler and fisherman. He loved baseball and was a huge Duke fan.
Survivors include one son, Michael Curtis and his wife Linda of Mills River, two daughters, Jean Foster and her husband Donnie of Liverpool, NY and Christine Edwards of Hendersonville, one sister Joan Tetrault of NY, eight grandchildren, Teresa Curtis, Zack and his wife Telisha Curtis, Dillon Curtis, Kelly Green and her husband Josh, Cameron Edwards and Gina Clayton and five great grandchildren.
No service is planned.
Memorials may be made to: Four Seasons Compassion for Life; 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the Curtis family.

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Ellen Julia Lance, 71

Ellen Julia Lance, 71, of Hendersonville, NC, died peacefully on March 19th with hospice and her sister by her side. Ellen was born in Reading, PA to the late Floyd Leighton Lance and Kathryn Mohn Lerch Lance. She attended Wyomissing High School and in her Junior year went to the Charles E. Ellis School for Girls where she graduated in 1965.
She started her long career as a nurse’s aid at St. Joseph's Hospital, but in October 1967 she joined the United States Army stationed at Ft Bragg, Fayetteville, NC. There she trained as a Dental Hygienist receiving several certificates of appreciation and achievements before her honorable discharge as a Specialist E5 three years later. The next several decades she worked for various printing companies, including the print department at Fayetteville State University. She loved running the various printing presses, and was especially gifted at color separation. Beginning in early Jan 1995 Ellen was trained and became a certified Hospice Nurses Aid for the New Jersey State Nurses Association. There she was rewarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her hard work and dedication to her patients, whom she loved dearly. In the year 2000 she retired, moving to her home in the mountains of Hendersonville, NC.
Ellen adored her wild birds, photography, camping and ocean fishing, genealogy, being generous of her time with her friends, tooling leather, woodturning and gardening.
Surviving are her sister Sandra L. Lance and her husband Frank E. Wolf of Ripton, VT, an elderly Aunt Polly Lerch Lehman and cousin John Lehman of Wyomissing, Pa , a cousin Kathy Coyle Guenter and her husband George from the Philadelphia area, and a dear cousin Barbara Lance Ruth of Greensboro, NC.
A celebration of Ellen's life will be held at a later at her home. Ellen asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society no kill animal shelter at 88 Centipede Ln, Hendersonville, NC, the Charles George Veterans Hospital, 1100 Tunnel Rd., Ashville, NC 28805, or the Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC.
Arrangements are by the Jackson Funeral Home, Hendersonville.

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Minty Lucile Howard, 76

Minty Lucile Howard, 76, of Dana, NC went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, March 22, 2016.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was the daughter of the late David and Eula Stepp Carlisle.

She was a lifelong member of Refuge Baptist Church. She worked at Ingles for the past 15 years and had volunteered for Meals on Wheels.
She loved to bowl and work in her garden.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Howard of Marion, NC; a granddaughter, Tiffany Mosley of Hendersonville and four nephews, Troy, Danny, Darren and David. She is also survived by her Ingle’s Family and many friends.
A funeral service will be held 2PM Monday at Refuge Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Perry officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and at other times will be at the home.
Flowers can be sent to the funeral home or donations may be made to Refuge Baptist Church.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Eloise Whitaker Praytor, 88

Eloise Whitaker Praytor, age 88 of Mills River went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016 at the Elizabeth House. She was born on September 27th, 1927 in Akron, Ohio; a daughter of the late Lloyd Riley Whitaker and Viva Marie Parker Whitaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Liston Praytor in 2006; and her sister, Margaret Bryson.

Her family returned to Mills River during the Depression. She was reared in Mills River and was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. She loved nature, hiking and gardening.

She is survived by her three children, Roanell Praytor Hardin, Jerry Lee Praytor and his wife, Jane and Robert Liston Praytor and his wife, Mary; nine grandchildren, Jimmy and David Hardin, Shannon Lynn Hamby, Candy Goings, Laurana Smith, Jason Lee Praytor, Rachel Tabor, Austin Praytor and Ashley Gilliam; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and her three sisters, Thelma Case, Norma Jean Miller and Viola Sitton.

The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25th, 2016 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church conducted by the Reverend Robert Ponder. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends this evening, Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home.

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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Benjamin Hardy Freeman, 75

Benjamin Hardy Freeman, 75, of Hendersonvile, passed away Monday, March 21, 2016.
He was a native of Henderson County and the son of the late Paul and Agnes Freeman. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jack Ludolph.
Benjamin served in the U.S. Airforce for four years and retired from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Freeman; daughters, Susan Freeman and Sherri Holbert and husband Rick; son, Mark Freeman and wife Emily; step-daughters, Laura Freeman and Allyson Myers and husband Graham; step-son, Eric Weaver and wife Evelyn; sister, Donna Ludolph; and nine grandchildren.
A memorial service will be 10:00 am, Thursday, March 24, 2016 in the Kirby Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Ralls officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office STAR Program (Sheriff’s Teaching Abuse Resistance), 100 North Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792. This program is being taught to Henderson County 5th graders by school Resource Deputies and school health nurses.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Charles Buddy Wilkie, 79

Charles Buddy Wilkie, 79, of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 18, 2016.
Born in Henderson County, he was the son of the late Joe and Nena Wilkie. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Staton, and four brothers, JB, Norman, Buck and Billy Wilkie. Before retiring, Charles was employed by Fletcher Brick Company for 43 years.
Charles is survived by his three children, Brenda Estrada (Augustine), Robert Wilkie, and Terri Clark (Kip); two grandchildren, Marcus Wilkie (Shannon) and Leticia Wilkie; three great-grandchildren, Carson, Haleigh and Shelby; extended family to whom we owe many thanks, Polly, Carolyn, Kristen and Jade; three sisters, Ailene West (Ken), Betty Griffin (Larry) and Louise Cox (Bobby); and two brothers, Wendell Wilkie (Dorothy) and Gene Wilkie (Cathy).
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 am Friday, March 25, 2016 at Truth Missionary Baptist Church. The Reverend Don Birchfield will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life or to the American Heart Association at www.tmcfunding.org.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Thomas Eugene “Gene” Franks

Thomas Eugene “Gene” Franks, 81, of East Flat Rock went to be with his Heavenly Father in his permanent home, walking the streets of gold with his daughter Renee, on March 15, 2016. Born in Glenville, he was a son of the late Leroy Filmore and Martha Elizabeth Bentley Franks. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Shirley, Fred, and Ray; and two sisters, Mildred and Ruth.
Gene was drafted by the Marines in 1953, after which he worked as a truck driver. During this time, he met his wife, Louise and they were married September 9, 1956. Later they moved to Austel, GA where he worked as a police officer and prison guard. Twelve years later they moved to Hendersonville where he worked as an instructor at Blanton Truck Driving School. Later he worked at and retired from AmeriGas. He was a member of Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene.
Gene will be remembered by his family with smiles, as he always had a smile for everyone, never holding a grudge, and was a friend to all.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Louise; his sons, Tim (Angie) Franks, Chris (Joelle) Franks, and Kerry (Suzette) Franks; his daughter Denya (Sam) Stanchak (twin to Renee); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dot Bryson.
Funeral services will be at 11am Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Sherman Waters officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Military graveside rites will be conducted at Forest Lawn Memorial Park following the service.
Cards may be mailed to Louise Franks at Cherry Springs, 358 Clear Creek Road, Room 38A, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please visit forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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William M. Merwitzer, 75

William M. Merwitzer, age 75 of Hendersonville died Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at his residence. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; son of Helen Kramer Merwitzer of Miami, FL and the late Charles S. Merwitzer.

William received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Duquesne University and proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. He was a Rotarian and had a special interest in the Alzheimer’s Association and was associated with Business Network International (BNI). He was a member of the Agudas Israel Congregation.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 28 years, Eydie Merwitzer; two sons, Craig Merwitzer and his wife, Roseann and Ken Merwitzer and his wife, Tracie all of Miami, FL; daughter, Randi Silverberg and her husband, Stephen of Miramar, FL; two step-sons, Jeffrey Marmins and his wife, Liz of Folsom, CA and David Marmins and his wife, Amanda of Atlanta, GA; brother, Robert Merwitzer and his wife, Belle of Scottsdale, AZ; and his sister, Marji Rudolph and her husband, Allen of Miami, FL; grandchildren, Justin, Mark, Samantha, Noah and Evan Merwitzer, Marty and Ian Silverberg, Alec, Tatum, Hannah, and Cole Marmins.

The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Agudas Israel Synagogue, 505 Glasgow Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28739, conducted by Rabbi Rachel Jackson. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in William’s memory be directed to City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 or online at www.cityofhope.org.

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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