Gary Stephen Thurston, 77, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at his home in Hayesville, North Carolina. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to the late Elizabeth Forrest Roberts and Guy Frederick Morgenstern.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cecile Jehle Thurston; daughter, Heather Thurston Miller; several stepchildren and grandchildren; brother, Robert Thurston and sister, Barbara Martensen of Phoenix, Arizona.

Gary served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and has been active in the Shooting Creek Community for many years.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from noon to 2:00pm at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Hayesville, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Hayesville. Eulogy will be given by Sam Durrance. Full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, NC and the Marine Corp League Marble, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shooting Creek Volunteer Fire Department, 18 Eagle Fork Rd., Hayesville, NC 28904.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the Thurston family at www.townson-rose.com
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Mary Chastain Reece, age 79 of Pine Log, North Carolina passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 in the company of her daughters who adored her.

She was born in Hayesville, North Carolina to the late Gordon and Betty Chastain.  As an adult she lived in Tampa, Florida and Athens, Georgia before returning to North Carolina upon retirement.

Mary was an extraordinarily devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She was an accomplished seamstress, artist, gardener, cook and baker.   Professionally she served as an Executive Assistant for several architectural and accounting firms as well as an economics professor at the University of Georgia.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Melvin “Buck” Reece.  She is survived by her daughters Taunya Faulkner of Calhoun, Ga and Selena Kairys of Fredericksburg, VA; son-in-law Chuck Faulkner; grandchildren Matthew Kairys, Joseph Kairys, Mackenzie Kairys, Collin Faulkner and Dylan Faulkner; granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Kairys; and sister Virginia Hunt as well as numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 ? 2:00 pm, followed directly by a memorial service Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.

Her family asks you consider a donation to Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd (PO Box 162, Rome, GA 30163) in lieu of flowers.

Tashina Shaylee Welch Miller, age 23 of Robbinsville, NC passed away Thursday, November 28, 2019 at Duke University Hospital.

She was born in Buncombe County, NC to Freeman Welch of Coleman, FL and Lynn Welch and Benny Smith of Murphy, NC. Tashina was a homemaker.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Brian Miller; two sons, Brian Miller, Jr. and Landen Miller; two brothers, Dalton Welch and Ryan Garrett; three sisters, Sarah Welch, Justice Welch and Chantel Garrett; nieces, Iva Welch, Rory Wachacha, LaikLynn Palmer, Hadley Welch and Ollie Bradley; and one nephew, Dwayne Wachacha.

Funeral services will be held at 12 pm, Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Thomas Camacho and Pastor Bo Parris will officiate. Burial will be in the Little Snowbird Baptist Church Cemetery in Robbinsville. Pallbearers will be Freelin Welch, Reggie Welch, Dave Jumper, Corey Jumper, Jake Smith and Paul Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

You may send tributes to the Miller family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Emma Elizabeth Smelcer, age 95 of Brasstown, NC passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019 at her residence.

She was born in Pella, Iowa to the late Arie and Nola Phillips Veenschoten. Emma was a water color artist and she painted till she was 89. She enjoyed helping everyone in her community. Emma was a really fine woman who leaves behind many friends. She was a member of the Ranger United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Smecler of 40 years.

Funeral services will held at 2 pm, Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Lee Tanner will officiate. Burial will be in the Bellview Community Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

You may send tributes to the Smelcer family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Leta Rose Cutshaw Grubbe, 63, of Andrews, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019 at a Murphy hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Ivie Funeral Home.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Leta Rose Cutshaw Grubbe, please visit Tribute Store.

Valorie Schechinger, 67, of Hayesville, passed away November 30, 2019 at her residence.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Ivie Funeral Home.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Valorie Schechinger, please visit Tribute Store.

Jerry Palmer, 79 of Marietta, GA and formerly of Montgomery, AL passed away Monday, November 25, 2019.

He was born in Montgomery, AL to late Clarence and Frances Bagley Palmer. Jerry was a self-employed resident developer.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Locklear Palmer; one son, Justin Palmer; two daughters, Jill Mastin and husband John and Beth Anne McCormick and husband Tim; special Aunt, Wanda Barnes; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, November 29, 2019 at the Hyatts Cemetery in Murphy.

You may send tributes to the Palmer family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Melanie Renee Revis, 47, of Marble passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019 in a Black Mountain medical facility. She was a native of Cherokee County and worked at Industrial Opportunities Inc. and Young Harris College. Melanie was a happy, loving, and caring person who loved animals. Her family was very important to her. She managed to see the good in everyone. Melanie was a member of the Marble Springs Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of Holly Tirrell and husband, Ed of Stockbridge, Georgia and the late Robert “Bobby” Revis.

Surviving, in addition to her mother, are a sister, Kelli Floyd and husband, Donnie of Hampton, Georgia; two brothers, Robbie Revis of Andrews and Jonathan Revis of Hiawassee, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with the Rev. Donald Watkins officiating. The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robbie and Jonathan Revis, Donnie Floyd, Cody Curtis, and Nathan Stewart.

The family will receive friends from 12-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Melanie Renee Revis to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Ave., Suite 902, New York, NY 10018, making checks payable to HDSA.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Melanie Renee Revis, please visit Tribute Store.

Morris Bateman, age 78 of the Nantahala community passed away Monday, November 18, 2019.

He was the son of the late Claude and Elda Neal Bateman. Morris was an outstanding basketball player at Nantahala School. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, VFW #529 of Andrews and Vietnam Veterans of America. Morris was well known for Nantahala cabbage and honey bees. He was a Vietnam veteran.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, James, T.A., Johnny, Charles, Todd and Jerry Bateman and sisters, Mary Williamson and Geneva Mosteller.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Angelia Bateman; brother, Wendall Bateman; special nephew, Zach Postell and special nieces, Debbie Mosteller and Angie Mealer.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Rev. SJ Waters and Rev. Doyce Waters will officiate. Pallbearers will be Brian Bateman, Corey Bateman, Greg Hyleman, Darren Holden, Zach Postell, Doug Bryant and Paul Bradley Bryant. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Ashe, Buddy Packhan and Carl Edwards. Burial will be held in the Aquone Cemetery in Topton, NC with full military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, NC, the Marine Corp League Marble, NC, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

You may send tributes to the Bateman family at www.townson-rose.com.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

James Edward Palmer Jr., age 68 of Murphy, NC passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at his home.

James was the son of Nina Young and the late James Palmer Sr. He worked for North Carolina Department of Transportation and after retiring he worked for United Grocery Outlet. James attended Murphy Church of Christ.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Palmer.

He is survived by his mother, Nina L. Young; wife of 30 years and caregiver, Mary Ruth Palmer; brothers, David Palmer and Tim Palmer both of Marble; sister, Terry Jo Trantham of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Friday, November 22, 2019 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, November 22, 2019 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Brother Roy Stephenson will officiate. Pallbearers will be Marvin Pace, Dale Fulbright, Kyle Ledford, Brennon Collier, Tyler Ledford, Lynn Pendergrass and Tony Pace. Burial will be in Rowland Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

You may send tributes to the Palmer family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Donald Lowen Kephart, age 82 of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at his residence.      He was the son of the late Robert Harve and Nellie White Kephart. Donald was a mechanic for Cherokee County School System and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

He is survived by his son, Donald Harvey Kephart; daughter, Tenia Gibson; companion, Georgia Hughes; sisters, Edna Lovingood and Zelda Decker; grandchildren, Marcus Kephart, Sean Kephart and Donovan Byers; niece, Diane Holloway; nephews, Donnie Lovingood and Dwight Kephart and several great nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

You may send tributes to the Kephart family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Charles “Sonny” McTaggart, 73, of Andrews passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019. Sonny lived most of his life in Andrews and worked for the Town of Andrews. He also worked for many years in construction with John Beavers. Sonny enjoyed cooking, spending time with his family, and putting on fish fries for everyone to enjoy.

He was the son of Hilda Leatherwood McTaggart of Murphy and the late Marvin Charles McTaggart. He was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Wanda McTaggart.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife, Sally Morgan McTaggart; two sons, Charles David McTaggart and Jeff McTaggart, both of Andrews; a sister, Linda Scalzo of Hayesville; a brother, Billy McTaggart of Hayesville; four grandchildren, Slade, Bailey, Matthew, and Nick McTaggart; a great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Charles “Sonny” McTaggart, please visit Tribute Store.Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit Charles “Sonny” McTaggart Tribute Fund.

Opal Chapman Alvey, 77, of Murphy passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at her residence. She was a native of Cobb County, Georgia and had been residing in Cherokee County since 1990. Opal worked alongside her husband for several years at Bill & Nat’s Food. She also worked for TorCo Carpets, but enjoyed delivering flowers for Carney’s Florist the most. She enjoyed crafting, gardening, and sewing, and had a large collection of sewing machines. She loved spending time with family and friends. Opal also loved spending time and working with her husband.

She was the daughter of the late James Russell and Pearl Turner Chapman. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Grady Chapman.

Surviving are her husband of 52 years, Henry Lewis Alvey; a daughter, Tina Watson-Harris and husband, Bryan of Dallas, Georgia; two sons, Henry Lewis Alvey Jr. of Marietta, Georgia and Jeffery Alvey and wife, Melitha of Powder Springs, Georgia; a sister, Mary Jo Robertson and husband, Sonny of Murphy; six grandchildren, Alice Watson, Keith Watson, Becca Rowland, Trey Alvey, Austin Alvey, and Logan Alvey; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friends, Pat Payne of Dallas, Georgia, and Betty Totherow and her family and grandchildren, all of Murphy.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Lee Griggs officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lewis Alvey Jr., Jeff Alvey, Bryan Harris, Larry Bagley, Steve Causey, and Cory Cambron.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 Friday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Opal Chapman Alvey, please visit Tribute Store.