Thomas M Hudson: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 201808/11/1939 – 11/19/2018
Tom grew up and attended school in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He joined the Air Force in 1957 with basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. During part of his service he was briefly on the island of Eniwetok during the testing of Atomic Bombs.
Tom and his wife Shirley of 59 years were married on August 16, 1959 in Chillicothe, Missouri. They have two children, Paul of Hayesville, NC and Jill Chouvelon and husband and children of Boston, MA; five grandchildren, Laurie Beal of St Louis, MO, Brook and Bryce Hudson of San Diego, CA and Alexander and Jonathan Chouvelon of Boston; great grandchildren, Coletin, Landon, Rylie and Jadynn Beal of St Louis.
Tom and Shirley enjoyed taking trips in their travel trailer after retirement and square dancing until Tom’s health forced them to give that up. Even though he was in failing health, he could be seen regularly mowing his grass on the tractor. Tom loved life and enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by friends and family.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Patricia Chance Johnson: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 20187/06/1945 – 11/18/2018
She was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late Frank Boyd and Hazel Pearl Myers Chance. She was a graduate of Hayesville High School. Patricia was employed with Levi Strauss & Company for 25 years. She was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church for 22 years. Patricia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son, Michael David Garrett; and one step grandson, Jonah Blake Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Johnny Johnson; two step-sons, Keith Johnson (Crissy) of Aiken, SC and Mark Johnson (Melissa) of Murphy, NC; one step-grandson, Daniel Johnson (Carleigh) of Chapel Hill, NC; one granddaughter, Samantha Garrett of Murphy, NC; three great-grandchildren and one sister, Sandy Vance and husband Jim of Murphy, NC and Larry Chance of Canton, GA. .
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Edward Carter and Dr. Eddis Dockery will officiate.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1604 Ebenezer Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth Hilman Ledford: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018Kenneth Hilman Ledford
10/30/1926 – 11/03/2018
Cherokee NC Sheriff Office Arrests Man for Sexual Assault of a Minor
Arrest Reports, News, Police & Government November 6, 2018
CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SHERIFF DERRICK PALMER FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, November 05, 2018 For more information call 828.837.2589
MURPHY MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the October 30th, 2018 arrest of Harry James Verner, a 18 year old Murphy North Carolina man for charges stemming from the sexual assault of a minor.
On or about October 15th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a young child had been sexually assault on or about October 13th, 2018 at a residence in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Cherokee County North Carolina. Pursuant to that information an investigation was conducted in which Verner was identified as the suspect which lead to his October 30th, 2018 arrest.
Harry James Verner is currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center for First Degree Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child and Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child. Verner’s secure bond is currently $200,000.00. Verner currently has November 08th, 2018 District Court date.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “We thank the Cherokee County Schools, and the District Attorney’s Office for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation. These are difficult cases for all concerned. Because of the age of the victim and the nature of the crime there will be no further press releases from this office.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Hal Kenneth Osthoff: Obituary
Obituaries November 1, 2018
Hal Kenneth Osthoff
03/30/1947 – 10/13/2018
He is survived by his daughter Audrey Morgan and husband Ricky of Robbinsville, NC.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:30pm, Sunday October 28, 2018 at Shepard of the Mountains Church in Murphy.
Memorial Services will be held at 6:30pm, Sunday October 28, 2018 at Shepard of the Mountains Church in Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Journey Fellowship Church, 1180 Andrews Rd. Murphy, NC 28906.
Cassandra Underhill Moore: Obituary
Obituaries October 17, 2018
Cassandra Underhill Moore, 74, of Vero Beach, Florida and a seasonal resident of Hayesville, passed away Monday, October 15, 2018 in Florida.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.
Cline Hicks: Obituary
Obituaries October 17, 2018
Cline Hicks, 79, of Hayesville passed away Monday, October 15, 2018 at his residence. He was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Cline was a graduate of Hayesville High School class of 1956. He worked in Atlanta briefly before returning to the area. Cline owned and operated Hick’s Service Station for 59 years in downtown Murphy. The service station also served as a local hangout where many good times were had. Cline enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved the outdoors. He was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
He was the son of the late Harley Robert and Farris Breedlove Hicks. He was also preceded in death by a son, Scott Hicks; and a long-term companion, Debi Brendle.
Surviving are a daughter, Lynn Lowdermilk and husband, Jeff of Asheville, North Carolina; a granddaughter, Shelby Smith of Asheville; four sisters, Doris McCray, Joyce Hogan, and Judy Logan and husband, Clay, all of Hayesville, and Carolyn Dills and husband, Bernell of Duluth, Georgia; a brother, Ray Hicks and wife, Gail of Hayesville; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. The interment will be in Fires Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike, Jamie, Luke, and Coy Logan, Roger Gibson, Mark Ritz, Jimmy Robinson, and Roger West. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Phillips, Bill Hughes, Jack Killian, Donald Coleman, Steve Crawford, L.B. Ledford, James Hogan, Ray Morrow, Rubin Blount, Danny Rich, Reggie Pendley, Ricky Cantrell, and all of his friends from Hick’s Service Station.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday evening, October 25 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Cline Hicks to the Fires Creek Cemetery Fund, 448 Rebel Lane, Hayesville, NC 28904.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Pearl Chumbley Price: Obituary
Obituaries October 17, 2018
Pearl Chumbley Price, 88, of Murphy passed away Friday, October 12, 2018 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Cleveland, Ohio and had lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before moving to Murphy in 1974. Pearl worked as a telephone operator for AT&T for several years. She was a member of the Murphy First United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer of the Helping Hands Program and sang in the choir. Pearl was also a member of the Joy Ringers handbell group.
She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Evelyn Cook Chumbley and the wife of the late Zack Stephen Price, who died May 13, 2013.
Surviving are her adopted children, Bob and Theresa Smith of Murphy; three sisters, Evelyn Addison and husband, Lonnie of Palm Bay, Florida, Janet Smith and husband, Robert of Tamarac, Florida, and Lorrain Kinsey and husband, Jerry of Atlantic Beach, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018 in the Murphy First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wil Posey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Pearl Chumbley Price to the Murphy First United Methodist Church (Building and Memorial Fund), PO Box 86, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Fay Parrish: Obituary
Obituaries October 9, 2018Fay Parrish | 09/29/1938 – 10/08/2018
She was a native of Owen County, Indiana and was the daughter of the late Virgil and Kathleen Livengood. She enjoyed playing bingo and traveling. Fay loved spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Parrish; son, Danny Parrish; sister, May Knight and brother, Morris Livengood.
She is survived by her daughter, Grace Blanton and husband David of Murphy; two sisters, Ginny Sutton of Collins, GA and Katie Bright of Guton, GA; six grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Saturday October 20, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Pastor Ricky Lane will officiate.
You may send tributes to the Parrish family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Jean Higgins: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
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.
Roger James Berrong: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Roger James Berrong, age 82, passed away Friday morning, September 21, 2018 at his home.
He was born March 16, 1936 in Clay County, NC to the late Jesse Bon and Jessie Scroggs Berrong.
He attended Hayesville School and had to quit in the eighth grade to work. When he was 17, he went to Chicago, Illinois to work for 11 years before coming back to Clay County. He owned and operated the Sinclair Station in Murphy for 10 years. During this time he built and raced his own car #3 at Tri-County Raceway for three years. Red Skylar always called him Hard Luck Berrong in his articles in the Scout. After selling the station he went to work for Good Year in Murphy as the service manager for four years. He then went to work for Burch Motors as service manager for seven years. Roger then worked for the NC Department of Transportation as a mechanic for 19 years until his retirement in 1999. He raised gardens, worked in his shop and loved to sit on his porch. Roger was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir and testifying his love for his Lord and Savior.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Evelyn Crisp Berrong; and two brothers, Terry and Ralph Berrong.
He is survived by two daughters, Vicki Queen and husband Robbie and Debbie Mills and husband Keith all of Hayesville, NC; one son, Brad Berrong and Laurie Terry of Murphy, NC; one sister, Carolyn Rogers of Hayesville, NC; three brothers, Don Berrong of Hayesville, NC, George Berrong of Powder Springs, GA and Johnny Berrong of the Bellview community; grandchildren, Blake Brooks, of Hayesville, NC, Tara Robinson of Hayesville, NC, Justin Berrong of Hayesville, NC, Jordan Berrong of Marble, NC, McKenzie Terry of Charlotte, NC and Cody Terry of Murphy, NC; and seven great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 30,, 2018 at the Townson Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Hayesville, NC. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Gloria Swanson, 147 Hwy 180, Hiawassee, GA 30546 or to The Gideon’s International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com
Austin “Dump” White: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Austin “Dump” White, age 87 of Andrews, NC passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at Erlanger Murphy Medical Center.
He was the son of the late McClain and Parlee Gibby White. Austin was a US Army veteran. He retired from the Nantahala Power after 34 years of service.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sons, Iran “Bo” White, Byran “Bimby” White and Philip White; brothers, Fred, Lester, Otis, Grover and Aaron White; and sisters, Willie Belle, Ellen and Christine.
He is survived by five grandchildren, Levi White and wife Misty, Heather Drennan and husband Michael, Amanda White, Shasta Martin and husband Jamie and Cody White, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Randall Young will officiate. Burial will be in the Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew Chastain, Lennie Cutshaw, Roger Dale Roberts, Matthew White, Landon White, Scottie Baker and Harold Brooks. Honorary pallbearers will be Hayden, Lauren and Caitlyn.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com
Ex Detention Officer and Inmate Charged
Press Release June 15, 2018Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 7th, 2018 arrest of 48 year old Kathy Carlene Leitner, and 42 year old Barry Wade Allen, both of Murphy North Carolina on charges involving the possession of a mobile phone in a detention facility.
On or about April 24th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into allegations that previous Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Kathy Leitner had brought a mobile phone into the Detention Facility and had given it to incarcerated inmate Barry Wade Allen.
During the investigation information became known that Leitner and Allen had become involved in an inappropriate relationship which included several voice calls and letters exchanged between the two. Sometime during the months of January to April 2018 Leitner brought a mobile phone into the detention facility and gave it to Allen. Additionally, information became known that Leitner had conveyed a message to Allen from another inmate in which Allen was to harm a third inmate. At the time of the allegations Allen is charged with Child Sexual assaults. This information was presented to the June 4th. 2018 Grand Jury who handed down indictments on both Leitner and Allen. Kathy Leitner was arrested on June 7, 2018 and taken before the North Carolina Magistrate who set a $15,000.00 secure bond. She is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center. Barry Wade Allen, is currently in the Macon County Detention Center was served on July 07th, 2018 and given additional bond. Both Allen and Leitner were also given conditions of bond to have no contact with each other until after the matter is settled in court. Both are expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 02nd, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “This conduct can never be tolerated and will not be. We strive to maintain high standards of professionalism.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Registered Sex Offender Charged with New Child Sex Offenses
Press Release June 15, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 6th, 2018 arrest of Ricardo Gamez Dockery, a 37 year old Murphy North Carolina man for a sexual assaults on children.
On or about May 07th, 2018 a report of suspected child sexual assault was taken by a deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office which involved acts reportedly committed during the month of April 2018. Pursuant to that report an investigation was undertaken.
As the investigation was conducted the services of HAVEN CAC, and contracted Department of Social Services Investigators were utilized to further the investigation. The information from HAVEN CAC, the contracted DSS Investigators along with other information gathered during the investigation was presented to the June 4th, 2018 grand jury which returned true bills of indictment for Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child by an Adult and three counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child.
Ricardo Gamez Dockery was arrested at his residence in Clay County North Carolina where he had moved once the allegations were made. Dockery was taken before the North Carolina Magistrate where he is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $560,000.00 secure bond. Dockery is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 02nd, 2018.
Ricardo Gamez Dockery is currently a registered sex offender on the North Carolina Registry. Dockery was convicted of four counts of Indecent Liberties with a Minor in January of 2008.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “We can not over stress the importance of the team concept in these terrible investigations. This further reinforces the need for continued monitoring of sex offenders.”
Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victims no further information will be released concerning this incident.
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Sex Offender Arrested for Failing to Report New Address
Press Release June 13, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the May 31st, 2018 arrest of Michael Anthony Cantrell, a 31 year old Murphy North Carolina for violation of the sex offender registry.
During the month of May 2018 deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were making verification checks of individuals that are currently registered on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry and living in Cherokee County North Carolina. During the checks information became known that Michael Anthony Cantrell was no longer living at his registered address which had been in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Cherokee County. Deputies began a search and we able to locate Cantrell at a new residence in the town of Murphy. Cantrell was arrested and confined in the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Cantrell has made a $10,000.00 secure bond and is scheduled to be in Cherokee County District Court on June 12th. 2018.
Michael Cantrell was convicted in Cherokee County Superior Court in December of 2011 of two counts of Third Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (being in possession of child exploitation images or videos commonly referred to as child pornography).
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Excellent team work in bringing Cantrell back in compliance. This is part of the reason we enlist the help of our community to help ensure these individuals maintain their responsibilities pertaining to the Sex Offender Registry.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Andrews man arrested for sexual assault of a minor
Press Release May 30, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the May 25, 2018, arrest of 33-year-old Ryan Alexander Hamilton, of Andrews, North Carolina, for charges stemming from a sexual assault investigation.
Following a May 5, 2018, report of a sexual assault of a minor female child committed in the town of Andrews, North Carolina, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation, which included the assistance of the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center. From that investigation, Hamilton was identified as a suspect in the case. Information gathered during the investigation was presented to the North Carolina Magistrate, who issued warrants for the arrest of Hamilton.
Ryan Alexander Hamilton was arrested at his residence without incident. He was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the magistrate set a $10,000 secure bond for the charges of sexual battery and assault on a female. Hamilton is currently incarcerated at the detention center awaiting a June 12, 2018, District Court date.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “We want to reach out and thank the staff of HAVEN for their invaluable assistance they provide, not only in this particular case, but in all the cases involving our youth!”
To report suspicious activity or suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].