Jean Higgins: Obituary

Obituaries

Jean Higgins, 93, of Hayesville, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018 at a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Long Branch, New Jersey and had lived in Boca Raton, Florida before moving to the Pine Log area of Clay County in 1976.  She married Ken in 1948 and they moved to Boca Raton, Florida in 1957 with three children. She received a Master’s degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University and taught elementary school for 11 years. Jean was a member of the Hayesville Presbyterian Church and enjoyed volunteering at the Moss Memorial Library, Granny’s Attic, and Clay County Food Pantry.

 

She was the daughter of the late Ernest Graham and Edna Sutphen Brizell and the wife of the late Ken Higgins, who died in 1996.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Higgins.

 

Surviving are two daughters, Holly Caldwell of Concord, North Carolina and Janet Williams of Biloxi, Mississippi; two sons, Keith Higgins of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts and David Higgins of Boca Raton, Florida; ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind Glenda Clayton of Young Harris, Georgia, a devoted friend and caregiver for many years.

 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jean Higgins to the Hayesville Presbyterian Church, PO Box 646, Hayesville, NC 28904 or Moss Memorial Library, 26 Anderson Street, Hayesville, NC  28904 or Granny’s Attic, 200 Hwy. 64, Hayesville, NC  28904.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Johnny Lowery: Obituary

Obituaries

Johnny Lowery, age 53, of Murphy, passed away Friday, September 7, 2018 in a Murphy hospital. Johnny was born in Tate, Georgia, but had lived in Cherokee County throughout his life.  He had worked for Creative Woodworks as a cabinet maker for nearly 15 years.  Johnny enjoyed racing, fishing, Tennessee football, and practical jokes was his favorite pastime.  Johnny loved being a father and was proud of his family.

 

He was the son of the late Mark Lowery and Roberta James Harrell.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Louise Gulledge.

 

Surviving are his loving wife of 28 years, Shea Lowery; two daughters, Shelby and Morgan Lowery, both of the home; two sons, Heath Goad and wife, Kalie and Kelton Goad, all of Lubbock, Texas; a sister, Doris Pressley of Murphy; two brothers, Harold Lowery and wife, Teresa of Dalton, Georgia and Timothy Harrell and wife, Michelle of Marble; three grandchildren, Avery, Hunter, and Natalie Goad and another grandchild on the way. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

 

The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Guain H. Dockery: Obituary

Obituaries

Guain H. Dockery, 95, of Marble passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at her residence. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Guain retired from Coats America, working in the textile industry for 18 years. She was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble.

 

She was the daughter of the late William Harrison and Rosie Lee Garren Hancock and the wife of the late Rev. Harvey T. Dockery, who died January 7, 2002. She was also preceded in death by a son, Harrison Dockery; three sisters, Wilma Lovingood, Katherine Dockery, and Edna Carroll; and three brothers, Clint, Tommy, and Charles Hancock.

 

Surviving are a daughter, Nadine Lance and husband, Jim of Marble; two sons, Alfred Dockery and wife, Wanda and Danny Dockery and wife, Carolyn, all of Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Joy Dockery of Marble; a sister, Helen Wyke of Marble; nine grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 in the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble with the Revs. Ricky Lance, Darrell Dockery, and Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment will be in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Lance, Bryan Dockery, Hunter Lance, Austin Dockery, Zack Dockery, and Benji Roberts. Mark Farmer, Joey Lewis, and all other grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers.

 

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Oak Grove Baptist Church prior to the services.

 

The family requests memorials be made in memory of Guain H. Dockery to the Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Kenneth Ronald Pylant: Obituary

Obituaries

Kenneth Ronald Pylant, 69, of Murphy passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018 at his residence. He was born July 24, 1949 in Mountain City, Tennessee. Ron was raised in the north central area of Indiana and lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana before moving to Murphy in 2002. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam as a combat medic. He graduated from Indiana University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics. He was a stockbroker for 23 years, retiring in 2000 as a registered principle, and functioning market manager, analyst, and position trader. Ron was a former member of Friendship Baptist Church and something of a student of the works of George W. Truett.

 

He was the son of the late Andrew Allen and Loretta Walker Pylant.

 

Surviving are a brother, Steven Pylant and wife, Kay and a nephew, Matthew Pylant, all of Leesburg, Indiana.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Dick Stillwell officiating. The interment will be in Friendship Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ed Crooks, Ron Epple, Dennis Wood, David Burrell, C.B. McKinnon, and Chris Dickey.

 

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 Friday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Kenneth Ronald Pylant to the Truett Baptist Association, 2235 NC Highway 141, Marble, NC 28905.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Leon Gee: Obituary

Obituaries

Leon Gee, age 85, of Murphy, passed away Friday, September 21, 2018 in an Asheville assisted living facility. He was a native of Union County, Georgia, but had lived most of his life in Murphy.  Leon had served in the United States Air Force and was a Korean War Veteran.  He had worked at Olin-Matheson in Brevard, North Carolina before moving to Murphy in 1965.  Leon had worked as a letter-carrier for the US Postal Service for over 40 years.  He was a member of the Murphy Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and also a member of the Murphy Jaycees.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed working for Jacky Jones Chevrolet. Leon was a member of the Murphy First Baptist Church.

 

He was the son of the late Mack L. and Bertie Cook Gee and husband of the late Peggy A. Gee, who died October 2, 2012.

 

Surviving are two sons, Danny Gee, his wife Barbara, and their daughters, Kristen and Lauren, all of Arden, North Carolina, and Robert Gee, his wife Joy, and their son, Robert, all of Knoxville, Tennessee; and a special daughter, Sonya Cabe and husband Mark of Murphy.

 

The family would like to thank Leon’s dedicated, loving, and kind caregivers,Vivian Allison, the staff of Brookdale Overlook, and Brookdale Walden Ridge.

 

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Aud Brown officiating.  The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Danny Gee, Robert F. Gee, Robert M. Gee, Mark Cabe, Melvin Cook, and George Postell.

 

The family received friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 25th at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Leon Gee to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Pat Taylor: Obituary

Obituaries

Pat Taylor, 83, of Asheville, formerly of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at her residence. She was a native of Summit County, Ohio, but lived in Murphy for three years before moving to Asheville in 1976. She was owner of Fairview Tax Service.

 

She was the daughter of the late Wanda J. Kelley and the wife of the late Halsey J. Taylor, who died November 8, 2002. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Pilleggi; and a son, Ronnie Pilleggi.

 

Surviving are three daughters, Laura Lee Brady and husband, Jesse of Asheville, North Carolina, Ramona Taylor and husband, Ray Green of Marion, North Carolina, and Cindy Chastain and husband, Bruce of Murphy; a son, Halsey Jack Taylor Jr. and wife, Becky of Fairview, North Carolina; a sister, Janet Bassett of Murphy; 13 grandchildren, Nick, Johnny, Jennifer, Amanda, Michelle, Sharon, Candace, David, Justin, Hayley, Brittany, Devon, and Steven; and 14 great grandchildren, Madison, Joey, Jackson, Hayden, Hunter, Hannah, Abby, Alex, Sammy, Joshua, Christopher, Mason, Lilah, and Alexandria.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Pastor Darrell McClaren officiating. The interment will be in Old Martins Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steven, David, and Justin Taylor, Joe Kime, Justin Sigmon, and Mike Pressley.

 

The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 Saturday morning at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Pat Taylor to the Old  Martins Creek Cemetery Fund, c/o Billy Stiles, 2299 Martins Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Virginia T. Gibson: Obituary

Obituaries

Virginia T. Gibson, age 93, of Hayesville, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 in a Clay County care facility.

 

No services are planned at this time.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Martin Simonds: Obituary

Obituaries

Shirley Martin Simonds, 80, of Andrews passed away Monday, October 1, 2018 at her residence. A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Shirley lived in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Andrews in 1976. Shirley and her husband, Bishop Jack Simonds dedicated their lives to the Church of God. They were responsible for the founding and development of the Andrews Church of God. Shirley was currently a member of Peachtree Church of God.

 

She was the daughter of the late Cecil Wade Martin and Emma Davis Martin Wright and the wife of the late Bishop Jack A. Simonds, who died May 15, 2010. She was also preceded in death by two great grandchildren, Jacob Laney and Marcus Jett; and a sister, Christine Smith.

 

Surviving are seven daughters, Evelyn Anthony and husband, Bob of Calhoun, Georgia, Patricia Pritt of Charlottesville, Virginia, Jackie Smith and husband, Jerry of Hickory, North Carolina, Linda Waldroup of Murphy, and Carolyn Anderson, Roxanne Cosner and husband, Ed, and Loretta Huskins and husband, David, all of Andrews; two sons, Jack Simonds and wife, Tammy of Magnolia, Kentucky and David Simonds of Bryson City, North Carolina; two sisters, Wanda Ranson and Carol Cutsal, both of West Virginia; two brothers, Wayne Wright and Jimmy Wright, both of West Virginia; 19 grandchildren, Viten and Jack Anthony, Tina Fann, Jerry and Joseph Moneymaker, Dyan Hoke, Amanda Thomasson, David and Andrew Jett, Shirley Rogers, Crystal McCabe, Wade Hamby, Andrew and Drew Simonds, Cynthia Hollif, Marty and Michael Huskins, Pamela Greer, and Jennifer Nelson; 32 great grandchildren, and 22 great great grandchildren. Shirley is also survived by 76 foster children including Elizabeth Sutherland and Tony Goodson.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with the Revs. Curtis Ledford and Kevin Crooks officiating. The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Huskins, David Jett, Wade Hamby, Jerry Moneymaker, Viten Anthony, and Drew Simonds. Kaleb Laney will serve as honorary pallbearer.

 

The family will receive friends from 5-8 Thursday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Jim Wood: Obituary

Obituaries

Jim Wood, 87, of Aquone passed away Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in a Clyde, North Carolina care facility. He was a native and lifetime resident of Macon County. Jim worked construction for ten years and also worked at Magnavox for ten years. He was a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service until his retirement. Jim was a member of the Aquone Baptist Church.

 

Jim enjoyed researching local history and making it available to everyone on his webpages, www.nantahalanc.com and www.aquonenc.com.

 

He was the son of the late Ralph and Della Martha Jones Wood and the husband of the late Savannah Faye Jacobs Wood, who died November 8, 2017. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Sue Nance; and three brothers, John Wood, Jack Wood, and Bob Wood.

 

Surviving are a daughter, Suzie Roper and husband, Frank of Weaverville, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Sandi Faye Roper of Wesley Chapel, Florida and James Frank Roper of Weaverville.

 

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jim Wood to the Aquone Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 71 Old School Road, Topton, NC 28781.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Dorothy Swanson: Obituary

Obituaries

Dorothy Swanson, 88, of Hayesville passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 in a Towns County, Georgia care facility. She was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Dorothy had worked in the dress factory for over 25 years. Her most enjoyable job followed her retirement when she was able to care for and take part in all her grandchildren’s upbringing. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she was the preschool teacher for 25 years. Dorothy was devoted to her family and loved hosting Sunday lunches.

 

She was the daughter of the late Joe and Lou Garrett and the wife of the late Everett Swanson, who died March 18, 2012. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary; a sister, Hazel York; and a brother, Calvin Nichols.

 

Surviving are three daughters, Glenda Cheeks and husband, Herbert, and Teresa Davenport and husband, Kenny, all of Hayesville, and Gloria Swanson of Hiawassee, Georgia; a son, Marvin Swanson and wife, Christine of Locust, North Carolina; a sister, Clara Kell of Cumming, Georgia; a brother, Don Nichols and wife, Jean of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

 

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 19 in New Hope Baptist Church with the Revs. Brian Davenport, Johnny Foster, and Robbie Moss officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Brian and Austin Davenport, Glen Cheeks, Stephen and Curtis Swanson, Chris and Conner Bradley, and Jerry York. Honorary pallbearers were Scotty Robinson, Randolph Cunningham, Eddie Ferguson, Carroll, Farrell, and Allen Curtis, and David Swanson.

 

The family received friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville where the body remained until placed in the church at the service hour.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dorothy Swanson to the New Hope Baptist Church, c/o Gloria Swanson, 147 Highway 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Oliven Thomas Cowan: Obituary

Obituaries

Oliven Thomas Cowan, 95, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 16, 2018.

 

He was the son of the late Henry Cowan and wife, Lucy Hall Cowan.

 

Dr. Cowan served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II as a member of the 388th Fighter Squadron of the 365th Fighter Group of the 9th Air Force. He was a fighter pilot and flew a P-47 Thunderbolt in 88 combat missions over Europe. Dr. Cowan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal plus 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, a Presidential Unit Citation as well as citations from Belgium and France.

 

Dr. Cowan was a graduate of Western Carolina Teachers College, received a Master’s Degree from George Peabody College for Teachers, in Nashville, Tennessee, and received a Doctoral Degree in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

During his 44 year career in education Dr. Cowan served as principal of Webster School, principal of Oakboro School, the first principal of West Stanly High School, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Stanly County Schools and Associate Superintendent of Burlington City Schools.

 

Dr. Cowan was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesville and previously a member of the First Baptist Church of Burlington.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Louise Edwards Cowan, and by his brothers, Hoyt Cowan and Edward Cowan.

 

Dr. Cowan is survived by his sister, Mary Sue Cowan Norris, his son, Mack Cowan and wife, Betty Sue Cowan, his daughter, Angelique Cowan Kymmell and husband, Max Kymmell, five grandchildren, David, Joe and Andrew Cowan, and Hannah and Allison Kymmell, and eight great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Natalie, Jonathan, Liam, Julia, Chloe, Rachel and Stephanie Cowan.

 

The family received friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, North Carolina.

 

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, Murphy, North Carolina, with Reverend Chris Furl officiating.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.

Tony Ellis: Obituary

Obituaries

Tony Ellis, age 58, of Hayesville went home to be with the Lord, Friday, September 28, 2018 in a Gainesville, Georgia hospital. Tony had lived in Clay County throughout his life.  He began his career as a dispatcher with Clay County Sheriff’s Department in 1991.  Tony went on to serve as a road deputy, D.A.R.E. instructor, and investigator before returning to a D.A.R.E. instructor as working with the children was his passion.  Tony also operated Tony’s Garage for many years.  Tony enjoyed going to car shows, antique cars, and restoring and showing antique cars.  He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where he had been a substitute Sunday School teacher and also worked in the Grapple youth program.  Tony was also involved with Rock Bottom Recovery and Support.

 

He was the son of James Edward Ellis of Hayesville and Barbara Ann Adams Ellis Townson of Murphy.  He was preceded in death by a son, Mitchell Anthony Ellis and two brothers, Bryan Eugene Ellis and Duane Stephen Ellis.

 

Surviving, in additon to his parents, are his wife of 34 years, Vikki Ellis of Hayesville; four grandchildren, Caleb, Brenson, Adam, and Layla Ellis; Tommy Brown, who was like a son to Tony, and Fred Green, who was like a brother. He is also survived by several nephews, aunts, and uncles.

 

A Celebration of Life service was held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Rev. Phil Goble and Rev. Jim Payne officiating.

 

The family received friends from 5:00-6:50 p.m. Tuesday, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church prior to the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Tony Ellis to the Rock Bottom Recovery and Support, 182 West Vineyard, Hayesville, NC  28904.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Patricia Quinn Werdin: Obituary

Obituaries

Patricia Quinn Werdin, 75, of Hayesville passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018 in a Chattanooga, Tennessee hospital. She was born in Iowa, but lived many places with her father and family who were serving in the United States Navy. Pat moved to Hayesville in 1990. Pat and David operated Oaks Home & Yard Maintenance for many years together. Pat was a member of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir. She also enjoyed taking part with the Licklog Players and the Peacock Playhouse.

 

She was the daughter of the late Robert and Viola Quinn.

 

Surviving are her husband, David Werdin; two daughters, April Worshner and husband, Phil of Mableton, Georgia and Amy Center and husband, Tim of Tallahassee, Florida; two sons, David Subers of Stuart, Florida and Eric Owen and wife, Mari of Marietta, Georgia; a sister, Kay Krohne and husband, Ted of Coronado, California; a brother, Robert Quinn Jr. and wife, Karen of Atlanta, Georgia; and three grandchildren, Hayden Center, and Neil and Dain Owen. She is also survived by step-daughters, nieces, and nephews.

 

A memorial service was held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018 in the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.

 

A reception followed in the parish hall and an Irish wake was held at the residence following the reception.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Patricia Quinn Werdin to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

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