John, “Pappaw Jake” “Jake” Marion Stiles, of the Peachtree community, age 80. After a brief battle with acute myeloid leukemia, John passed peacefully into heaven on Monday, February 3, 2020 at his home surrounded by family.

John, the son of Howard B. and Mattie Taylor Stiles was one of nine children. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph Stiles (Lila) and R.T. Stiles (Nelda) and five sisters, Wyline Clonts (Ules), Iona Barron (Oscar), Emma “Amy” Sneed (Alvin), Kay Middleton (Bill) and Francis Hall (Bill).

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. John was best known in his community for selling local honey, produce and beagle dogs. He also raised cattle and chickens. John belonged to the International brotherhood of Boilermakers and was a member of Local 454 for 30 years. After retirement, he encouraged many of the current members of the Local 454 to follow in his footsteps. John was a member of the Upper Peachtree Baptist Church since his baptism in 1971.

He loved his family, nature, gardening, animals, children and “shooting the bull” with friends at local stores and flea markets. He particularly enjoyed being “pappaw” to several dozen children of family and friends. “Pappaw’s kids” maintained their relationships with him into their adulthood, visiting, often with their own children, up until his passing.

John touched everyone who met him with his humor, love of life, positive outlook and unique philosophy. He is surely missed.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Retha Ethelene Farmer Stiles; two daughters, Jackie Ella Stiles Moffitt (Kent Moffitt) and Shelley Marian Stiles Booe (Ken Booe) all of the Peachtree community; grandson, Justin Moffitt, step-grandson, Phillip Booe (Becky Nichols Booe); two step-great grandchild, Alex and Katie Booe of Hebron, CT; one sister, Maida Stiles Taylor of the Peachtree community; two sister-in-law’s, Lila Stiles of Hayesville and Nelda Stiles of Covington, GA; one brother-in-law, Bill Middleton (Rowayne) of Englewood, OH; and countless nieces, nephews, honorary grandchildren, families and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Harold Stiles and Rev. Derrick Tilley will officiate. Music will be provided by the Upper Peachtree Baptist Church choir. Burial will be in the Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ethan Palmer, Jason Payne, Eric Payne, Tyler Anderson, David Anderson, Ryan Farmer, John Farmer, Eric Steele and Matt Steele. Honorary pallbearers will be Elizabeth Palmer (Bibbit) Heather Bradshaw Palmer, Kela Payne, Amy Leatherwood Tart, Bethany Leatherwood Wyatt, Kimberly Hayes, Amber Leatherwood Mayo and Whitney Leatherwood Wilke.

The family will receive friends from 11 am to 1 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2020 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

Thelma Rose Martin, born in Bassett, Virginia on December 24, 1931, passed on February 4, 2020. Survived by her five children: Terry Clay Martin of Hayesville, NC, Michael Anthony Martin of Laurel Fork, Virginia, Patrick Edward Martin and his wife Lena of Murphy, NC, Lisa Rochelle McMain of Cumming, Ga and Scott David Martin of Asheville, NC. She now joins her husband Joseoh O. Martin and son John. Thelma had a long, wonderful life full of ups and downs as you would expect. However there is something important to be remembered here as she passes. Something at risk of being forgotten in today’s complex world of technology and superficial social connection.

Thelma was born in Bassett, Va and grew up in My. Airy, NC, a small town in rural America. Her husband Tony worked away most of their married life on board oil tanker ships and later, as an iron worker constructing suspension bridges and high rise buildings such as the Pan Am building in New York City and the Wachovia Bank building in Winston-Salem,NC, so he was often away from home. Thelma and her children ran a farm in southwestern Virginia for many years. During this time all of the responsibility of the homestead fell on Thelma’s shoulders. She raised the children, tended the animals and garden, paid the bills and dealt with every adversity with determination and grit.

She would turn heads when she put on her makeup and got all “dolled-up” to go out with her husband. She was strikingly beautiful and wonderfully graceful as she aged. If you were kind to her and her family, she loved you to death. But if you crossed her or those she loved, her stare would make you shake in your shoes. She was fiercely loyal to her family. She was honest deep down to her bones. She was a lovely, wonderful woman who bore the responsibilities of the time and age she lived-in with a smile. She loved babies with a passion and stated at the ripe old age of 88 that she would have another baby today, if she could.

If you knew her in her later years you would never know about her challenges in raising a family because she believed life was about “doing what you are supposed to do”. Thelma never complained. She felt a sense of honor in making sure the life of everyone around her ran as smoothly as could be.Thelma raised her family quietly and confidently. Without Thelma, and the many women like her, America would not be what it is today. Women like Thelma Rose Martin deserve to be remembered.

A memorial service will be held at 5 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Calvin Murphy will officiate.

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

Howard Matheson, 88, of Hayesville was called home by the Lord Tuesday, February 4, 2020.
He was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Howard had worked as a truck driver for over 30 years with Duncan Oil. He loved to play the fiddle and enjoyed listening to Bluegrass music. He was a member of Hayesville Church of God.

Howard was the son of the late Burton and Laura Hampton Matheson. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Hazel Coleman, Myrt Barnard, Maude Neal, and Margie Cherry; and two brothers, Bill and Johnny Matheson.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Clyta Russell Matheson; two daughters, Elaine Bearden and husband, Barron of Dalton, GA, and Kathy Ledford of Young Harris, GA; two grandsons, Stephen Bearden of Chattanooga, TN; Tim Bearden and wife, Amy of Chattanooga, TN; four great grandchildren, Jayden, Caedmon, and Peyton Bearden; and Nate Bearden; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 8, 2020 in the chapel of the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Mitchell Totherow officiating. Interment will be at Laurel Hills Memory Gardens in Young Harris, GA. Pallbearers will be Stephen, Tim, Caedmon, and Peyton Bearden, Tommy Gifford, and Stan Martin.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Howard Matheson, please visit Tribute Store.

Juanita Hendrix Martin, 82, of Hayesville passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, February 02, 2020 in an Asheville hospital. She was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Juanita was a devout member of Oak Forest United Methodist Church. She was passionate about God and had served as treasurer for the church for many years. Juanita had sponsored Native American Charities, many children’s charities, as well the World Changer Ministries. She was an avid reader, loved watching old movies, and never met a cat she didn’t like. Juanita enjoyed being outside on walks, taking in God’s creation.

She was the daughter of the late Albert and Eunice Price Hendrix, and the wife of the late Harley Martin, who died June 03, 1996. She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Chet Haley Martin, and a brother Kenny Hendrix.

Surviving are a son, Troy Martin and wife, Melissa of Newland, NC; a grandson, Gabriel Martin; two step daughters, Wilma Archie of Colorado Springs, CO, and Carol Davies and husband, Bob of Blairsville, GA; four step-sons, Johnny Martin and wife Lucille, and Ervin Martin and wife, Vivian, all of Blairsville, GA, Malcolm Martin and wife, Kathy of Salisbury, NC, and Ricky Martin and wife, Robin of Hayesville, NC; 16 grandchildren; many great grandchildren, and several great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, February 7, 2020 at Oak Forest United Methodist Church with Revs. Brian Wilson and Guinell Hunter officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 Friday afternoon at Oak Forest United Methodist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Juanita Hendrix Martin to the Oak Forest United Methodist Church, PO Box 295, Hayesville, NC 28904 or to Native American Heritage Association at www.naha-inc.org.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Juanita Hendrix Martin, please visit Tribute Store.

Karine Walker Hogan, 73, of Murphy passed away Monday, February 03, 2020 in a Murphy care facility. Karine was a native of Clay County and had lived in this area her whole life. She had worked at MOOG throughout her life and retired as a supervisor. Karine enjoyed traveling and had visited 49 states. She was of the Baptist faith.

She was the daughter of the late Alvin and Pauline Trout Walker.

Surviving are her husband, James R. Hogan of Murphy; a son, James R. Hogan, II and wife Kim of Murphy; a sister, Christine Hogan and husband, Jack of Brasstown; two brothers, Richard Walker and wife, Renate of Arkansas, and A.J. Walker and wife, Evelyn of Ringgold, Georgia; two grandsons, Jonathan Hogan and Jake Hogan; and many nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Karine Walker Hogan, please visit Tribute Store.

Jeanette Donaldson Smith Teems, age 70, of Hayesville, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020 at her residence. She was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Jeanette had worked as a nurse throughout her life and spent most of her career working for Mountain Home Nursing Service. She enjoyed living and working on the dairy farm with her husband. She also enjoyed good country cooking. Jeanette was a loving lady and was of the Baptist faith.

She was the daughter of the late Hubert and Pansy Robinson Donaldson. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Grady Wayne Smith and second husband, Henry Lee Teems and a brother Stephen Richard Donaldson.

Surviving are three nephews: William Donaldson and Steven W. Donaldson both of Hayesville and Michael Donaldson of Murphy.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. The inurnment will take place in Moss Memorial Cemetery.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Jeanette Donaldson Smith Teems, please visit Tribute Store.

Michael Danny Martin, age 69 of Hayesville, NC passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020.

He was born in Macon County, NC to the late John Henry and Virginia Dare Martin. Michael was the owner/operator of Mike Martin’s Electric for the past 34 years. His business will be carried on by his son, Jeremy Martin. Michael was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and former Deacon.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janis Martin; two sons, Jeremy and Nathan Martin; one brother, Johnny Martin; one sister, Janice Hicks and husband Robert; and one granddaughter, Ava Martin.

A memorial service will be held at 12 pm, Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Rev. Phil Goble, Jr. will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 10 am – 12 pm, Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.

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

Grace Cecilia Austin, age 94 of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Murphy Rehab & Nursing.

She was born in Liverpool, England to the late Austin and Henrietta Jerabeck Williams. Grace was an operating room technician.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one daughter, Dana Oliver.

She is survived by one daughter, Lee Epstein; one sister, Gladys Herdst; two grandchildren, Eric Austin and Nicholas Oliver; and one great-grandchild, Evan Austin.

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

Marion Maiorana, 79, of Murphy passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at her residence. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was very proud of her family and her role as matriarch of five generations.

She was the daughter of the late Vance and Dorothy Sleighter Shank.

Surviving are her loving husband of 61 years, Gene Maiorana; a daughter, Shawnee Williams and husband, Keith of Casselberry, Florida; a son, Vance Maiorana and wife, Teresa of Winter Springs, Florida; a sister, Barbara Parker and husband, Brian of Orlando, Florida; a brother, John Shank and wife, Chris of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Joshua and Brandon Williams, and Christi Maiorana; and four great-grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Marion Maiorana to ASPCA, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 or www.aspca.org.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Marion Maiorana, please visit Tribute Store.

Jo Ann Stiles, age 74 of Murphy, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Jo Ann had worked at Levi’s for 18 years until its closing. Her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She took pride in raising and caring for her family. Jo Ann also enjoyed cooking, working in her flowers, and pitching horseshoes. She had a competitive spirit and enjoyed watching her kids and grandkids play sports. She had kept her membership at Ebenezer Baptist Church since a young age.

She was the daughter of the late Joe and Susie Young Allen and wife of the late Herbert Stiles who died August 16, 2014. She was also preceded in death by a brother, James Allen.

Surviving are her daughter, Connie McClure and husband, Tony of Hiwassee Dam; two sons, Eddie Stiles and wife, Cyndi and Dewayne Stiles and wife Mandy, all of Hiwassee Dam; a sister, Frances Howard and husband, C.C. of Murphy; a brother, Robert Allen and wife, Thelma of Murphy; four grandchildren Brittany Reid and husband, David, Bryson and Allison Stiles, and D.J. McClure; and a great grandson, Grant Reid.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 28th at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Ledford officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Bryson and Steve Stiles, Cody Howard, David Reid, Russell Loudermilk, and Donnie Lovingood. Honorary pallbearers were Chris Britt, Matt, Chucky, and Kevin Stiles, Dwight Estep, Brian and Eric Davis, and Israel Campbell.

The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, January 27th at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jo Ann Stiles to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Tonya Wiggins, 540 Aerial Lane, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Jo Ann Stiles, please visit Tribute Store.

Jack Ernest Earley, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 87 on Jan. 26, 2020 in Marshall, North Carolina.

Jack was born on August 16, 1932 in Polk County, North Carolina, the son of Charlie E. Earley and Odessa Searcy Earley. He retired as N.C. Cooperative Extension chairman for Cherokee and Clay counties, as the first chairman in the state to serve two counties simultaneously. He graduated Mill Spring High School in 1949 and Spartanburg Junior College in 1952. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Berea College in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Alaska.

Jack loved God, his family, his friends, and his community. He was a teller of stories with heart, humor and purpose. He found joy in singing and playing guitar and mandolin, fishing, reading, and growing and sharing his apples, peaches, blueberries, vegetable gardens, Christmas trees and shrubbery. He was a retired Murphy Rotary Club member and past club president, with special ties to club Christmas tree sales. He and wife Maxine were Paul Harris Fellows. He was a member of Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church and also attended Marshall Presbyterian Church.

Jack was blessed with two loving marriages, to Maxine Randolph Earley for 59 years before her death in 2014, and to his best friend Nan Earley, who survives him. He also is survived by sons Douglas and Gary (fiancé, Elizabeth Griffis); daughter Lynn Roberson (Glenn); grandson Connor Roberson; granddaughter Katie Moser (Drew) and great-grandson Chase; stepdaughters Faith Ashe and Maria Wise and their families; sisters-in-law Kaye Earley and Reba Earley, and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. His parents and his brothers William “Bill” and Charles preceded him in death.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Chester Jones and Rev. Noah Crowe officiating and military honors conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Carson, Jim Lunsford, Roy Gilbert, Fred Lockaby, Rick Ramsey, Franklin Barnett, Scott Freel, J.B. Reeves, and Tommy McGuire.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, 1650 NC Highway 141, Murphy, North Carolina prior to the services.

Memorials may be made to Industrial Opportunities, Inc., P.O. Box 1649, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Jack Ernest Earley, please visit Tribute Store.

Wilma “Jane” Kidd, age 79 of Murphy passed away Saturday, January 25,2020 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Jane was the daughter of the late Andrew and Cora Marie Green. She enjoyed canning, cooking, sewing and making quilts. Jane was an active member of the Grape Creek Homemakers Club and Ogreeta Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, John David Kidd; daughter, Rhonda Byers; stepdaughter, Patricia Kidd; brothers, Andrew, Samuel, Mickey, Daniel, Paul and Larry Green and sisters, Dot Sanders, Mary Crawford and Connie Walker.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Sharon Crain Craig; sons, Jeffrey Calvin Crain, John Jefferson Crain and Patrick Matthew Crain; stepsons, John David Kidd Jr.; and Charles Edward Kidd; stepdaughter, Deborah Kidd Morgan; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Murphy. Rev. Eddie Cook will officiate. Burial will be in Ogreeta Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons.

The family will receive friends from 1-2pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

You may send tributes to the Kidd family at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangments.

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

John Walton Swanson, age 89 of Waynesville and formerly of Hayesville passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Autumn Care Center in Waynesville. A lifelong resident of Western North Carolina, he was the only child of the late Gwen Swanson and Dessie Stansberry Swanson.

John had many professions. He worked mostly in retail auto parts and automotive restoration. He was an auto parts manager for several companies in western North Carolina. He also owned a backhoe business and Swanson’s Grocery located in Brasstown. He was an avid fan of fishing, Nascar, and card games. John was a Korean War Veteran and entered the Army in February of 1951. He was awarded the combat infantry badge for excellent performance of duty under fire. Swanson was a gunner in the 180th Infantry Regiment’s Company L. He also wore the Korean Service Ribbon and the UN Service Medal. John was active in the VFW in Hayesville. John was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Hayesville United Methodist Church. He resided in Clay County Nursing Home for four years before going to Autumn Care in Waynesville for seven years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Louise Rebecca Caldwell Swanson and son, Gary Lamoin Swanson.

John is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Lynn Smith of Waynesville and her husband, Bert. His grandchildren, April Swanson Woody and husband, Anthony of Hayesville, Rebecca Smith Wells and husband Rockford of Wilmington, NC, and John Heyward Smith and wife Alicia of Floyd, VA. His great-grandchildren, Faith Helaina Woody, Bryan Maddox Wells, Elise Smith Wells, and Madison Autumn Smith. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Charlie Caldwell and wife, Lenora of Brasstown.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate. Burial will be in Scroggs Family Cemetery in Brasstown.

The family will receive friends from 2-3pm, Tuesday, January 28,2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte, NC 28215-3220.

You may send tributes to the Swanson 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

Gladys Garrett Ware, age 82 of Murphy passed away Monday, January 27, 2020.

Gladys was a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of Dave and Nellie Garrett. She enjoyed playing with her grandbabies, camping, fishing, and NASCAR races (Dale Jr. was her favorite).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill B. Ware; brother, David H. Garrett; and sisters, Christine Dockery, Edith Wilkerson, Icey Garrison and Dean Rogers.

Gladys is survived by her son, Eugene Ware; grandchildren, Christopher, Crystal and Chad Ware; and great-grandchildren, Jaidyn Palmer and Jesse Ware.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Harold Stiles and Rev. Tony Ware will officiate. Pallbearers will be Christopher Ware, Chad Ware, Harold Garrett, Ted Rankin, Brian Rodgers and Michael Morrow. Burial will be in Moss Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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