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

Charles Gary Bull, age 77 of Murphy passed away Friday, January 24, 2020. He was the son of the late Wallace and Grace Bull. Charles was a great story teller and spent alot of time on his computer. He had a great love for all his animals and his home in North Carolina.

Charles is survived by his wife, Roberta Bull; son, Jim St.James; brother, John Bull; sister-in-law, Helen Bull; sister, Marlene Parella; grandchild, Rebecca St.James and many nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Eugene Stiles, age 86 of Andrews, NC passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Erlanger Medical Center.

He was born in Swain County, NC to the late Harley and Arizona Styles Stiles. Eugene was a self-employed rock mason. He retired from Four Square Community Action. Eugene was a member of the McClelland Cove Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Stiles; one brother, Colbern Stiles; two infant brothers; and two sisters, Betty Cagley and Lois Stiles.

He is survived by his daughter, Emogene Stiles of Ellijay, GA; one sister, Hazel Hodge of Andrews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Rev. Steve West will officiate. Music will be provided by Ken and Debra Wiggins. Burial will be in the Valleytown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the McClelland Cove Baptist Church, 4506 Pisgah Road, Andrews, NC 28901.

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

Russell Robert Reed Jr., 73, of Murphy passed away Friday, January 24, 2020 at his residence.

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

To send flowers to the family of Russell Robert Reed Jr., please visit Tribute Store.

Lois Browning Woodard, age 92 of Brasstown, NC passed away Sunday, January 19, 2020.

She was born in Harlan, KY to late Boyd and Rachel Jones. Lois loved going to church, her family and visiting others. She was member of Hickory Stand United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one son, Paul L. Browning, Jr.; two daughters, Sherri and Nova Browning; four brothers and two sisters.

She is survived one son, Mike Browning and wife Kris of Cincinnati, OH; one daughter, Marla Browning Heberger and husband Steve of Brasstown; one sister, Linda McClain of Adairsville, GA; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Hickory Stand United Methodist Church. Rev. Bryan Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

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

Teresa Diane Boring, 62, of Murphy, North Carolina passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 at her residence. She was a native of Maryville, Tennessee before moving to Cherokee County, North Carolina. She worked as a medical assistant and secretary in the healthcare industry. Teresa loved her Lord and Savior. She was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church. She enjoyed her mission trips in Belize. She never met a stranger and left everyone with a smile. Teresa enjoyed cooking, crafting, and working in her flowers, but most of all, she loved spending time with her husband.

She was the daughter of Louie and Dixie Luttrell Harris of Maryville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sarah Moore.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her loving husband, Ernie Boring; two daughters, Amber Wills and husband, Justin of Hiwassee Dam, North Carolina and Erin McFaddin and husband, Brandon of Alexander, North Carolina; two sons, Isaac Boring and wife, Anne of Hiwassee Dam, and Barry Moore and wife, Andrea of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; a sister, Kelly White and husband, David of Maryville; a brother, Ronald Harris and wife, Chris of Maryville; six grandchildren, Christian, Jake, Savannah, Jared, Lillian, and Brody; two nieces, Cara and Caitlin; and two nephews, Britt and Chandler.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Revs. Tim Dickey and Richard Roberson officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5-5:50 Friday evening, January 24 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

A second memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Smith Mortuary in Maryville with the Rev. Russ Cooper officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 Saturday evening, January 25 at the Smith Mortuary prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Teresa Diane Boring to the Liberty Baptist Church, 12760 Highway 294, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Teresa Diane Boring, please visit Tribute Store.

Derick Randal Canup, age 29 of Hayesville, NC passed away Friday, January 17, 2020.

He was born at Murphy Medical Center to Randy and Donna Rhodes Canup of Hayesville. Derick worked for Robert Penland Builders Poured Walls. He attended Hayesville Church of God.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Nevaeh; and paternal grandfather, Paw Marvin Canup.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his sister, Whitney Canup; two nephews, Braleyn Thompson and Bently Canup; maternal grandmother, Martha Rhodes; and paternal grandmother, Louise Canup.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Rev. Ricky Rogers will officiate. A eulogy will be given by Drew Garrett. Pallbearers will be Jason Thompson, Josh Bailey, Terry Smith, Shane Fuller, Casey Canup, Cameron Canup and James Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Braleyn Thompson and Bently Canup.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.

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

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

Florica “Sam” Spence, age 75 of Marble, NC passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Erlanger of Chattanooga.

She was born in Madrid, Spain to Frank and Ola Bell Belcher. Sam began her nursing career at Providence Hospital in Murphy, NC. She also worked at District Memorial in Andrews, NC before obtaining her RN. She worked many places before retiring from Personal Touch Assisted Living. Her life always consisted of caring for others.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two daughters, Cammy Spence and Nikki Crisp and one granddaughter, Krystal Millsaps.

Sam is survived by two daughters, Pam (Rick) DeVore and Abby Spence and one son David “CB” (Bennie Jo) McKinnon all of Marble, NC; grandchildren Shannon (Jeremy) Silvers, Sam (Barry) Cross, Shonda (Seth) McClure, Aaron (Candace) DeVore, Brittany (Dustin) Davis, Amanda Amos, Ben McKinnon, Jameson Bartholomew, Megan and Tasha Crisp; great grandchildren Dakoda Silvers, Chance and Coda Blair, Bryson Bolling, Brock and Kylie Cross, Myah and Scarlett McClure, Austin Davis; best friend, Pam Daniel and a special little friend, Payton Hyde.

A memorial service will be held at 7 pm, Friday, January 17, 2020 at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Pastor Chuck Davis will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm, Friday, January 17, 2020 at 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

Sally Stiles, 80, of Andrews passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020 in a Chattanooga, Tennessee hospital. She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Sally was a homemaker and was a member of the McClelland Cove Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late Floyd and Emma Williams Hodge. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Bertha Clark, Mary Jo Stevenson, and Ruth Welch; and three brothers, Bill, John, and Claude Hodge.

Surviving are her husband, Eugene Stiles; a daughter, Emogene Stiles of Ellijay, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with the Rev. Steve West officiating. The interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Roger Stanley, Michael and Phillip Hodge, Shawn Clark, Tony Hall, and Brody Holloway. Bobby Grindstaff served as an honorary pallbearer.

The family received friends from 12:30-1:45 Thursday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

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

Robert Stiles Jr., 76, of Andrews passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 in an Andrews care facility. He was a native of Cherokee County and a United States Army veteran. He lived in Athens, Georgia for several years before moving back to Cherokee County. Robert worked throughout his life as an over-the-road tractor trailer driver. Robert was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed watching Rev. Charles Stanley on television.

He was the son of the late Robert Thad Sr. and Janie Carroll Stiles and the husband of the late Minnie Allen Stiles and his second wife, Delthia Melton Stiles. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Vickie Stiles; six sisters, Ola Pope, Erna Postell, Carolyn Morris, Cleo Dockery, Ruth Ballew, and Pauline Stiles; and three brothers, Frank, Dillard, and Grant Stiles.

Surviving are a daughter, Sandra Berry of Murphy; two sons, Robert Stiles III of Dalton, Georgia and Rick Stiles of Andrews; a sister, Margie Ashe and husband, Vernon of Locust Grove, Georgia; a granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

An inurnment will be in Bellview Community Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Robert Stiles Jr. to help with his funeral expenses.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Robert Stiles Jr., please visit Tribute Store.Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit Robert Stiles Jr. Tribute Fund.

Mildred G. Ward, age 100, of Andrews, passed away Friday, January 10, 2020 in a Haywood County care facility. Mildred was a native of Rock Springs, Wyoming. She had lived in Henderson County before moving to Andrews in 1959.

Mildred was a past member of Eastern Star Alpha Chapter #1 in Laramie, Wyoming. She was a member and treasurer for the Connaheta Club in Andrews and was a member of Andrews United Methodist Church.

She was the daughter of the late Franklin Leonard and Elizabeth Thomas Gates and wife of the late Sam Ward, who died January 1, 2014. She was also preceded in death by a son, Douglas Lee Ward. She was the last surviving of her siblings.

Surviving are a daughter in law, Jaimi Ward of Waynesville, North Carolina; a granddaughter, Charlotte Ward; three step-grandchildren, Cade Holsey, Adam Holsey, and Megan McGuinness and husband, Zack; and a great grandson, Scott Thomas McGuinness.

The graveside service and inurnment will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with. Rev. Thomas Jolly and Rev. Mary Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Mildred G. Ward to: Andrews United Methodist Church, PO Box 1310, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Mildred G. Ward, please visit Tribute Store.