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.

Mary Ruth Ledford, 79, of Hayesville passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2019 in a Blairsville, Georgia hospital. She was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. She worked as a sewing machine operator and supervisor in the textile manufacturing industry most of her life. She later worked in housekeeping at Clay County Care Center until her retirement. She enjoyed reading love-inspired books and watching western movies on television.

She was the daughter of the late William Thomas “Tom” and Oma Long Mason and the wife of the late Kenneth “Red” Ledford, who died August 26, 2010. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Kate Mason, Helen Nichols, and Hazel Nicholson; and four brothers, Frank, Jack, Charles “Hoss”, and Bill Mason.

Surviving are her caretaker, friend, and special daughter, Mary Nichols of Hayesville; two sisters-in-law, Jesse Mason of Hayesville and Sandy Mason of Blairsville, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews.

The interment will be in Myers Chapel Cemetery.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Rev. Harry Hawk, 85, of Andrews passed away Monday, August 5, 2019 in an Andrews care facility.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.

Denora Ramsey, 97, of Warne passed away Monday, August 5, 2019 in a Clay County care facility. She was a native of Elkhart, Indiana and had lived in Florida, residing in Pompano Beach for more than 30 years. She was a 1943 graduate of Florida State College for Women, now known as Florida State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Denora taught physical education and science at Pompano Beach Junior High School for 25 years, retiring in 1983 when she and her husband moved to Warne. She was in the women’s auxiliary of the Jaycees in Florida and served in the Good Shepherd Home Health Auxiliary in Hayesville. Denora was a member of the Hayesville Presbyterian Church. She volunteered at the Moss Memorial Library and Granny’s Attic Thrift Store.

She was the daughter of the late Harley W. and Ada Ella Burhans Ecker and the wife of the late Ted Ramsey, who died April 29, 1995.

Surviving are a daughter, Barbara Volpitto and husband, Paul of Augusta, Georgia; a son, Andy Ramsey and wife, Lynn of Irvington, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Justin and wife, Mary, Greg and wife, Jennifer, Jennifer and husband, Peter, Christi and husband, Al, Jessica and husband, Michael, and Leslie and husband, Derrick; and 14 great-grandchildren. A special thank-you to her friend and personal caregiver, Glenda Clayton.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Hayesville Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Denora Ramsey to the Moss Memorial Library, PO Box 900, Hayesville, NC 28904 or the Hayesville Presbyterian Church, PO Box 646, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville is in charge of arrangements.

Cecil Carl Derreberry, 97, of Andrews, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at his residence.  Carl was born October 31, 1921 to Napoleon (Poley) and Betty Curtis Derreberry.  He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.  Carl was a loving and caring husband, father, son, and brother.  Carl was a carpenter by trade and loved to build with his hands.  He also loved to garden and share his produce with friends and neighbors.  He was a lifetime member and deacon of Valley River Baptist Church and a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Grace Luther Derreberry who died May 14,2016, infant daughter, Glenda Lou, grandson Clark Earwood, son-in-law Ron Hicks, four brothers Clyde, Claude, Ward and Hoyle Derreberry, and six sisters, Ruby Adams, Bonnie Barker, Mae Phillips, Marie West, Maggie Derreberry, and Bettie Sue Love Parker.

He is survived by three daughters, Linda Hedrick and husband, Jerry of Rutherford College, North Carolina, Vickie Hicks of Andrews, and Shirley Owenby and husband, Dick of Dillon, Montana, grandson, David Owenby and wife, Kelley of Erie, Colorado, brother Austin Derreberry and wife, Dot of Andrews, and sister, Joyce Foster of Advance, North Carolina. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a special caregiver, Angie Payne.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Valley River Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Phillips and Rev. Roger Derreberry officiating. Music will be provided by Tony Pace and Angie Payne. The interment will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites provided by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers will be Danny Derreberry, Steve Adams, Jimmy Morgan, James Young, Cecil Warren, Eddie and Matthew Wood.  Honorary pallbearers will be David Williams, Bill Phillips, and Alvin Gunnels.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Valley River Baptist Church prior to the servce.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Cecil Carl Derreberry to:  Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Pearl Warren, PO Box 1189, Andrews, NC  28901 or to: Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC.  28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Henry E. Hatterman Jr., 79, of Warne passed away Friday, August 2, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Stamford, Connecticut. Henry also lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Hendersonville, North Carolina before moving to Warne in 2005. He had served in the United States Coast Guard. He was a truck driver with Carolina Freight, retiring with 30 years of employment. Henry was a member of the Teamsters, the Elks Lodge in Florida and Hendersonville, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Henry enjoyed collecting toy trucks and he loved animals.

He was the son of the late Henry Ernest and Gertrude Pelosi Hatterman and the husband of the late Patricia Hatterman. He was also preceded in death by a son, Henry Hatterman; and a brother, Vincent Hatterman.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Thiel Hatterman of Hayesville; a son, Vincent Hatterman of Lakeland, Florida; a step-daughter, Kimberly Franz of Black Mountain, North Carolina; a step-son, Kevin Sorrell of Florence, Kentucky; a granddaughter, Jessica Hatterman; and a great-grandson, Jonathan James.

No services are planned at this time.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Bernadine L. Capies, 95, of Gainesville, Georgia passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 in a Clay County care facility. She was a native of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Bernadine was a homemaker.

She was the daughter of the late John and Ethel Tougher and the wife of the late Harry E. Capies.

Surviving are a son, John M. “Jack” Capies and wife, Joanne of Gainesville, Georgia; two grandchildren, Michelle Moon and Natalie Coffman and husband, Mike; five great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Joshua, and Logan Trossevin, and Acadia and Delaney Coffman.

A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2019 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The inurnment will be in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Bernadine L. Capies to the Clay County Care Center, 86 Valley Hideaway Drive, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.