Don Downer: Obituary

Obituaries

Don Downer, age 79 of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, February 14, 2020.

He was born in Denver, Colorado to the late George and Mary Gabriel Downer. Don worked for Car Quest in Blairsville, GA. He was a member of Little Brasstown Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Eric Downer.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Hyatt Downer; one daughter, Karie Clayton and husband Bryan; two granddaughters, Laynee Adams and husband Jerome and Lacie Knight; three great-grandchildren, Harper Clayton, Blakelee Knight and Brixton Adams.

Funeral Services will be held at 6:30 pm, Monday, February 17, 2020 at the Little Brasstown Baptist Church. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate. Music will be provided by Susie Graham.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm – 6:30 pm, Monday, February 17, 2020 at the Little Brasstown Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Little Brasstown Baptist Church Brotherhood, PO Box 12, Brasstown, NC 28902.

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

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

Luciano Perez: Obituary

Obituaries

Luciano Perez, age 55 of Murphy passed away Monday, February 10, 2020.

Luciano was born in Bejucal, Cuba to Luz and Reina Gonzalez Perez. Luciano worked at the ValleyRiver Casino as a steward.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Julie Congleton Perez; sons, Brenton Barber and wife, Haylie and Barrett Barber and wife, Amber; brothers, Augustin Perez and Daniel Perez and wife, Katherine; sister, Maria Perez; grandchildren, Zane, Zoey and Vincent Barber; nephews, Gary Cunningham and wife, Sabrina and Timothy Daigle; great-niece, Emma Cunningham and great-nephews, Kile Cunningham and Camber Daigle.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Murphy.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Euverla Brockman Kent: Obituary

Obituaries

Euverla Brockman Kent, age 88 of Murphy passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Jonathan “Poley”  and Sarah Bell Brockman.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Kent; sons, Richard Kent and Bobby Kent; brothers Vernon and Homer Brockman and sister, Estalena Smith.

Euverla is survived by her children and their spouses, Tony and Kathy Kent, Tommy Joe and Jackie Kent, Brenda Palmer and Janet and Ron Hollifield; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Wednesday February 12, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy. Dr. Rev. Chester Jones will officiate. Pallbearers will be Brandon Kent, Derek Jefferies, Daniel Kent, Bryan Kent, Scott Kent, Shannon Palmer and Darren Palmer. Honorary pallbearers will be granddaughters, Rebecca Jefferies, Kristy Kent-Young and Samantha Eagle. Burial will be in Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11am-1pm, Wednesday, February 12, 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

Georgia “Joy” Shagena: Obituary

Obituaries

It is with laden hearts we announce the passing of our loving sister, and mother, Georgia “Joy” Shagena, February 12, 2020.

Joy was born December 6, 1952 in Harvey, Illinois, but for the last nine years she’s called Murphy, North Carolina her home.

She is preceded in death by both parents: JD and Ruth Garitson, but is survived by daughters: Tammy Lutes and Janie Hill of Kentucky and of Bradenton, Florida; and three loving grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her four sisters: Gail Lapp, spouse (Eli), Judy Colson, (Ray) of Bradenton, Florida and Nancy Clark (James), Robin Kline (Tom) of Murphy NC.

Joy enjoyed attending services and was a member, who attended Messiah Episcopal Church here in Murphy regularly; she also worked diligently in animal rescue.

She had a tenacious heart, and enjoyed volunteering with a passion. It is due to such a passions she found herself working with several local animal outreach programs, including the local Thrift Store—where proceeds are disbursed, and used to provide care for displaced, and sadly, unwanted animals.

It is in closing we humbly invite all community, family, and friends to attend a celebration of life services for Joy on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 1 pm at the Messiah Episcopal Church located at 76 Peachtree Street Murphy, NC.

In lieu of flowers, it was her wish, all proceeds be mailed to: Valley River Human Society 7450 US-19 Marble, NC 28905 in honor of Joy Shagena.

She was a devoted mother, and sister, and Joy to all who knew and loved her. Go rest high on that mountain love; until we meet again. You take a piece of our hearts with you.

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

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

Daniel Luther Braswell, Sr: Obituary

Obituaries

Daniel Luther Braswell, Sr, 90, of Robbinsville passed away Wednesday, February 05 in a Flat Rock care facility.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Daniel Luther Braswell, Sr, please visit Tribute Store.

Mary Samantha West: Obituary

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Mary Samantha West, age 89 of Andrews passed away Saturday, February 8, 2020.

Mary was the daughter of the late Harve and Emily Bryson. She retired from the Lee Co. where she worked as a supervisor. Mary loved her grandchildren, working in her garden and flowers.She was a member of Valleytown Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene West and brothers, Alonzo and Paul Bryson.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Debra Morgan and her husband, Jerry of Andrews and grandchildren, Zachary Morgan, Rebecca Morgan and William Morgan and his wife, Allie.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Chapel of Andrews. Pastor Randy Collins will officiate. Pallbearers will be Zachary Morgan, William Morgan, Jerry Morgan, Larry Rogers, Eddie West and Alan Morgan. Burial will be in Red Marble Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12-1pm, Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Chapel of Andrews.

You may send tributes to the 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

Douglas R. White: Obituary

Obituaries

Douglas R. White, 71, of Brasstown passed away Friday, February 07, 2020 in a Canton, Georgia hospital. He was a native of Freeport, NY, but grew up in Wantagh, NY, and moved to Clay County four years ago. He worked most of his life as a computer programmer, and later retired from Home Depot.

He was the son of the late Peter and Gertrude Wolff White.

Surviving are his fiancé, Mildred Wrenn of Brasstown; a son, Jason P. White of Wylie, Texas; two sisters, Nancy Ullger of Pennsylvania, and Michelle White Mark of Arkansas; two grandchildren, Kiernan White and Arianna White.

No services are planned.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Douglas R. White, please visit Tribute Store.

Leeola McClure: Obituary

Obituaries

Leeola McClure, 82 of Hayesville passed away Thursday, February 06, 2020 in a Blairsville, Georgia hospital.

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

To send flowers to the family of Leeola McClure, please visit Tribute Store.

John, “Pappaw Jake” “Jake” Marion Stiles: Obituary

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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: Obituary

Obituaries

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: Obituary

Obituaries

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: Obituary

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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: Obituary

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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: Obituary

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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: Obituary

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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: Obituary

Obituaries

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

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