Shirley Yonce

08/31/1938 – 05/23/2019

Shirley Yonce, age 80 of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, May 23, 2019 at her residence.

She was born in Clay County, WV and the daughter of the late Arnett Butcher and Hazel Moore Sigmon. Shirley was a US Air Force veteran. She retired from MGM Brakes. Shirley enjoyed her rose garden, drinking coffee on her porch and watching hummingbirds. She also loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she was known as Nannie aka nan-nan. Shirley was a member of Upper Peachtree Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, we was preceded in death by her infant son, Joey Yonce.

She is survived by her husband, Harold Yonce; two sons, Bobby Yonce and James Yonce and wife Melissa; two daughters, Lisa Henson and husband Chris and Jill Kernea and husband Larry of Murphy; one sister, Edna Statts of Lakeland, FL; eight grandchildren, Danielle Williams, Kendall Faircloth, Kailey Bailey, Robert Yonce and Lucas Yonce, Michael Kernea, Elizabeth Reid and Cory Killian; four great-grandchildren, Aayden Williams, Connor Williams, Delaney Reid and Maddox Bailey.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Monday, May 27, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Scott Cole and Rev. Derrick Tilley will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorials Gardens. Pallbearers will be Thristen Bailey, Michael Kernea, Ronnie Chastain, Cory Killian, Timmy Williams and Matthew Lovingood. Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Yonce, Kenneth Panel and Alex Parker.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Monday, May 27, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

A special thank you to Good Shepherd for all your support. We could not have done it without you.

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

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

Kela Keolale’a Grotefend

Kela Keolale’a Grotefend, age 16, of Murphy, died Wednesday, June 19, 2019 in Swain County as the result of an automobile accident. She was born in Dallas, Texas on October 5, 2002. Kela was an upcoming junior at Hiwassee Dam High School and was on the yearbook staff. She enjoyed singing, was a talented writer and editor, and earned her black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 12. She loved animals especially cats. She was a natural counselor to many troubled teens online and passionate about helping others. She touched many lives with her light.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William Henry and Lorena Sims Grotefend.

Surviving are her parents, Donald E. Grotefend and Julie A. Royal-Grotefend of Murphy; a sister Maya M. Grotefend of the home; and maternal grandparents, Frank Ralph and Elizabeth Margaret Hull of Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Mitchell Prince officiating. The interment will be in the Grotefend Family Cemetery. Pallbearers willl be Mike Hull, Jeff Kane, Gary Easter, Dodge Kenyon, Ed Bloom, and Jeff Patterson.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Leon Tatham age 71 of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the son of the late Charles and Daisy Grant Tatham. Leon was a US Navy veteran and served one tour in Vietnam. He retired from active duty with the North Carolina National Guard 210th Military Police in 2008. He continued his involvement with military services through membership in The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve receiving numerous awards for his volunteer services. He was an active member of the Military Officers Association of America. Leon received his Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Western Carolina University. As an advocate for people with developmental disabilities, he served as Chairman of the Board of Industrial Opportunities Incorporated from 1992-2001. He began his career at Tri-County Community College serving in Veteran’s affairs and later as Dean of Instruction. He received his Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Clemson University. He worked for Outboard Marine Corporation as a Human Resources Manager. Leon was dedicated to the improvement of his community and the education of its citizens. He was a member of multiple civic organizations and received a Governer’s Award for Volunteer services in 1995 and 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Treacy Tatham; one son, Lee Tatham; three step-sons; Sam Duncan and wife Karen; Jim Duncan and wife Andria; and Michael Duncan; one daughter, Leslie Wheeler and husband Allen; two brothers, Gary Tatham and wife Margaret and Dickey Tatham and wife Tutti; four grandchildren, three nephews, and one niece.

Funeral services will be held at 3 pm, Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Jerry Tatham will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military gravesite rites conducted by the US Army Fort Bragg. Pallbearers will be the US Army Fort Bragg, Jim Duncan, Sam Duncan, Michael Duncan, Seth Wheeler, Hayden Duncan, and Harrison Duncan. Honorary pallbearers will be Lynn Roper and Dana Jones.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

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

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

David Ronald Rourk

David Ronald Rourk, 78, of Murphy passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 at his residence.

He was born in Charleston, South Carolina on July 3, 1940 to Clarence H. and Mary P. Rourk. There he grew up, attending Saint Andrews area schools, and joining the United States Air Force at age 18. After four years of service, he returned to Charleston, working civil service for the United States Navy for more than 20 years both at the Naval Supply Center and Naval Electronics Engineering Systems. David also worked for State Printing Company in Columbia, South Carolina for 12 years.

In summer of 1969, he met his future wife at choir practice at Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Charleston, where they were married the following November. After she graduated from seminary, David and Maggie settled where she served: Columbia, South Carolina; Fairfax, Virginia; Portland, Oregon; and since, 2017, Murphy, North Carolina.

David was without fail a loving husband, son, father, and grandfather. He cherished his friends, and always shared his joyful sense of humor and his solid faith that the gift of this life is all grace.

In addition to his wife, the Rev. Dr. Marguerite M. Rourk, David is survived by his sons, David Edwin (Beth) of Portland, Oregon and Daniel Matthew (April) of Asheville; two grandchildren, Tiernan and Santana; his brother, Clarence H. Jr. of Charleston; and a host of precious friends near and far.

A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019 in The Episcopal Church of the Messiah with the Rev. Dr. William Breedlove officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of David Ronald Rourk to The Episcopal Church of the Messiah, PO Box 67, Murphy, NC 28906 or The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 72123 or Saint Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King Street, Charleston, SC 29405 or to the charity of your choice.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Willie Kendall Barnett, age 88 of Marble, NC passed away Thursday, August 15, 2019.

He was native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Aurther and Nettie Queen Barnett. Kendall was a US Army veteran; he served in the Korean War. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming. Kendall attended Vengeance Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death three brothers, Joe, Ralph and Roy Barnett and four sisters, Lillie Mae Wilson, Ellen Palmer, Bernice Huskins and Kate McClure.

He is survived by wife, Sarai Barnett; one son, Stanley Barnett and wife Michele; four daughters, Inas Couey and husband Scott, April Roberson and husband Jeff, Hope Garrett and husband Harold and Vandia Sneed and husband Nathan; six grandchildren, Brandi, Justin, Kent, Jacob, Caity, Issac and two deceased grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, Riley and Colby; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Ethan Story and Rev. Jim Pressley will officiate. Music will be provided by the Vengeance Creek Baptist Church Choir. Burial will be in the Canyon Road Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rex, Blaine, Jimmy and Josh Barnett, Danny Wilson and Bucky Kelly. Honorary pallbearers will be Jan Barnett, Buddy Wilson and Marvin Guffey.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

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

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

Belinda Smith Walker

Belinda Smith Walker, 65, of Brasstown passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019 in a Gainesville, Georgia hospital. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Belinda was employed by Carolina Farm Credit, retiring with 20 years of service. She was a member of the Little Brasstown Baptist Church.

Belinda liked to do crafts and loved helping people. Her passion was to make blankets for needy children and turbans for cancer patients.

She was the daughter of the late Douglas Holmes and Blanche Scroggs Smith.

Surviving are her husband, William Earl Walker; a daughter, Melanie Estes and fiancé, Mike Hayes of Brasstown; a son, Terry Laney and wife, Tiffany of Charlotte, North Carolina; two step-daughters, Cortney Walker Giles and husband, Brandon of Auburndale, Florida and Alicia Lewis and husband, Craig of Murphy; a grandson, Nathan Laney; and four step-grandsons, Drake, Brayden, and Zeke Lewis, and Jrue Giles.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 16, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Nathan Laney, Scott Helton, Tim Brown, Justin Scroggs, Alan Mauney, and Robert Caldwell. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Carringer, Clay and Mike Logan, Ralph Myers, Danny Wilson, and Tim Timpson.

The family received friends from 6-8 Saturday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Belinda Smith Walker to Meals on Wheels, Attn: Peggy Graham, 69 Alpine Street, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Lou Jean Dailey Tredway, age 83 of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

She was born in Clay County, North Carolina to the late Glenn and Mattie Dailey. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse (Larry) Franklin Tredway.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane Martin of Greenville, SC and her son and daughter-in law, Dr. Ron Tredway and Cathy Tredway of Knoxville, TN, along with six grandchildren, Jason Cheek, Joshua Cheek, Sharlie Martin, Aaron Tredway, Kyle Tredway and Scott Tredway; and two sisters, Paula Stilwell and Linda Rogers.

Family will receive friends from 2-3 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 pm on Saturday, August 17 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Pastor Chris Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Jackie Moss

Jackie Moss, 84, of Cocoa Beach, Florida and seasonally of Murphy, North Carolina died Saturday, June 8, 2019. He was a native of Terre Haute, Indiana and had been living in Cocoa Beach since 1969. Jackie was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Navy. He worked at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida for 35 years, retiring in 2005. Jackie was a lifetime member of the Twelve Points Masonic Lodge No. 769 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

He was the son of the late Roland James and Helen Lavada Piker Moss.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Belt Moss; three daughters, Michelle “Shelly” Beck of Vero Beach, Florida, Melissa “Misty” Bratlie of Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Christine Slusher of Peoria, Illinois; three grandchildren, Clayton and Leah Bratlie, and Megan Mobeck; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Florida. The inurnment will be in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Titusville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jackie Moss to a charity of your choice.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Leon Tatham, age 71 of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Treacy Tatham; one son, Lee Tatham; one daughter, Leslie Wheeler and husband Allen; three step-sons, Sam Duncan and wife Karen, Jim Duncan and wife Andria and Michael Duncan; two brothers, Gary Tatham and wife Margaret and Dickey Tatham and wife Tutti; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, three nephews and one niece.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Jerry Tatham will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites being conducted by the US Army Fort Bragg.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

You may send tributes to the Tatham 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

Dr. Lok King Kong

Dr. Lok King Kong, 81, of Murphy passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at his residence. Dr. Kong was born in Malaysia of Chinese heritage. He met and married his wife, Ai Choo Kong on July 14, 1967. Dr. Kong received his medical training at National Taiwan University and finished in New York City before moving to Murphy in 1978. He was the first OBGYN in the area and began at Providence Hospital. He designed and established the OBGYN suite at the new Murphy Medical Center. Dr. Kong also volunteered at the local Cherokee County Health Department. He had a big heart and truly cared for his patients, having practiced medicine for more than 30 years. Dr. Kong introduced the area to Chinese cuisine upon the opening of his motel and restaurant “The Dragon Palace”. He enjoyed watching American westerns and especially John Wayne. Dr. Kong was a loving and dedicated family man who raised three successful children.

He was the son of the late Luk and Kwee Chun Teoh Kong. He was also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Ai Choo Kong; a daughter, Lin Min Kong and husband, Talley Sherwood of Los Angeles, California; two sons, Li Sheng Kong and wife, Lana Shiu-Kong of Thousand Oaks, California, and Li Kuo Kong and wife, Xiaoli Qin of San Mateo, California; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Patrick Garrett officiating. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Li Sheng Kong, Li Kuo Kong, Tom Sui, Shane Hurto, Hua Ying Ling, and Gary Gong.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Dr. Lok King Kong to Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 US Highway 64 West, Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Irene Mariano Albert, age 84, of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, August 9 th, 2019 after an extended illness. She was surrounded by family. She was born in Mahwah, New Jersey to the late John and Mary Brennan. Irene was best known for her kindness, her feistiness, and most importantly her faith. She was a devoted wife to her husbands, mother to her children, and Mimi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of whom she loved very much.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, and first love of her life, Frank Mariano Sr., her four brothers Joseph, John, Bill, and Tom Brennan, and one sister Helen Hennion.

She is survived by her husband, and the second love of her life, George Albert; one son, Frank Mariano Jr and wife Missy, two daughters; Susan Mariano Rhodes and husband Thomas, Linda Mariano Elvin and husband Ron; step-children Harold Albert and wife Stephanie, Robert Albert, and Terry Vandercourt and husband John; grandchildren Jaime Elvin, Jennifer Deetz and husband Gary, Danielle Rhodes and fiancé Jessica, Joseph Mariano, and girlfriend Rachel, Anthony Mariano and wife Jessica, and several step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren Seth, Brody, Morgan, Logan, Peyton, Kaitlyn, Carson, and several step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Logan’s Run Rescue in honor of Irene as she loved animals, especially hers.

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

David Burgess Avery

David Burgess Avery, 96, of Murphy passed away Monday, June 3, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Winthrop, Massachusetts. David served in the United States Navy and was a WWII veteran. He later attended college followed by law school. David practiced law in Boston and Plymouth, Massachusetts for more than 30 years. He moved to Cherokee County in the 1970s. David was called into the ministry and continued preaching at various times throughout his life. David enjoyed working outside and wasn’t afraid of a hard day’s work.

He was the son of the late Herbert Spaulding and Alma Anderson Avery. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Sturgiss and Polly Bechard; and two brothers, Richard and Alden Avery.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Shelby Eller Avery; two daughters, Faith Anne Avery of Schaumburg, Illinois and Allison Avery of Plymouth, Massachusetts; a son, Jonathan Avery of Murphy; two sisters, Dale Benson and Connie Mix, both of Virginia Beach, Virginia: a granddaughter, Taylor Avery; and several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Patrick Joseph Lyons, age 70 of Miami Lakes, FL passed away Sunday, August 11, 2019.

He was born in Dade County, FL to the late John and George Lyons. Patrick was a US Marine veteran; he served in Vietnam. He retired after 35 years of service with the Miami Dade Fire Rescue as a Battalion Chief and was a family owner of Jack Lyons Truck Parts, Inc. Patrick was a founding member of the Downhill Danger Rangers Mountain Biking Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Alan Lyons.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Lyons; son, P.J. Lyons and wife Christina and; two daughters, Katelin Lyons and Kristin Smith; step-sons, Ryan Warshaw and wife Allie and Troy Warshaw; one brother, Jack Lyons, Jr. and wife Vicki; four grandchildren, Christopher Wadsworth, Josephine Lyons, Juliana Quijano and Amelia Warshaw; three step-grandchildren; and niece, Jaclyn Garcia and nephew, Jack Lyons III.

Services will be announced at a later date.

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

Pauline “Polly” Josephine Pack Farmer

Pauline “Polly” Josephine Pack Farmer, 90, of Marble passed away Thursday, May 30, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Polly was a loving mama, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She was a caregiver to many of her family members and was “Granny” to many other children of the community throughout the years. She was of the Baptist faith.

She was the daughter of the late John Harley and Miza Elvira Ledford Pack and the wife of the late Robert Lee Farmer, who died April 25, 1978. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Gene and Lonnie Farmer; four sisters, Joy Hicks, Dorothy Dockery, Mildred Pack, and Irene Pack; and four brothers, Cecil, Edward, Junior, and Dennis Pack.

Left to carry her legacy are children and their spouses, Linda and Tommy Curtis of Beech Island, South Carolina, Brenda and Don Goff of North Augusta, South Carolina, Paul and Shelley Farmer of Murphy, Brian and Debbie Farmer of Marble, and Mark and Tammy Farmer of Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Donna Sue Farmer of Beech Island, South Carolina; three siblings, Ralph Pack of Youngstown, Ohio, Clarence Pack of Andrews, and Kenny Pack of Ranlo, North Carolina; and many grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Revs. Blake Ritz and Randall Moss officiating. The interment was in Maltby Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dusty Farmer, Justin and Austin Haffly, Dustin Phillips, Eric Goff, and Cruz Ledford. Honorary pallbearers were Clayton and Dewayne Trantham, and William Phillips.

The family received friends from 1-2:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Pauline “Polly” Josephine Pack Farmer to the Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Linda Elaine Martin Nelson, age 71 of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2019.

She was born in Benham, Kentucky to the late Donald and Beulah Gilley Martin, Sr. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Phillip Martin, Jr.

She is survived by three daughters, Melissa Burnette (Ty) of Monteagle, TN, Jennifer Loflin of Winston-Salem, NC and Andrea Epperly (Dennis) of Aiken, SC; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.

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

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

Irene Mariano Albert, age 84, of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, August 9 th, 2019 after an extended illness. She was surrounded by family. She was born in Mahwah, New Jersey to the late John and Mary Brennan. Irene was best known for her kindness, her feistiness, and most importantly her faith. She was a devoted wife to her husbands, mother to her children, and Mimi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all of whom she loved very much.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, and first love of her life, Frank Mariano Sr., her four brothers Joseph, John, Bill, and Tom Brennan, and one sister Helen Hennion.

She is survived by her husband, and the second love of her life, George Albert; one son, Frank Mariano Jr and wife Missy, two daughters; Susan Mariano Rhodes and husband Thomas, Linda Mariano Elvin and husband Ron; step-children Harold Albert and wife Stephanie, Robert Albert, and Terry Vandercourt and husband John; grandchildren Jaime Elvin, Jennifer Deetz and husband Gary, Danielle Rhodes and fiancé Jessica, Joseph Mariano, and girlfriend Rachel, Anthony Mariano and wife Jessica, and several step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren Seth, Brody, Morgan, Logan, Peyton, Kaitlyn, Carson, and several step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Logan’s Run Rescue in honor of Irene as she loved animals, especially hers.

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