Timothy Hill, 35, of the Big Cove Community, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of Sandra Faye Hill of Cherokee and the late Nicodemus Bird. He was a member of Straight Fork Baptist Church and the Big Cove Stickball Team. He was a coach and brother of the Ko-la-nv-yi Indian Ball Team.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse Hill Sr., William and Leona Bird; and his great grandmother, Rachel Watty.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Cyrus; two brothers, Dean Hill and Pat Hill; two sisters, Lena Driver and husband Bill Driver, Joni Hill and fiancée Chris Ledford; grandmother, Yonnie Watty Hill; special companion, Donna Armachain; his right hand man John Cooper; six nephews, and four nieces, all of Cherokee.

His family and friends remember him as a man of strong faith with genuine concern for his son, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He approached life with a light heart and an appreciation for humor. He was actively involved in the Big Cove community where he dedicated many hours coaching youth in basketball and Indian Ball.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 14 at Straight Fork Baptist Church. Revs. Charles Ray Ball and James (Bo) Parris officiated with burial in the Hill Family Cemetery.

Pallbearers were his friends and family.

Percival Mika Allison, 8 months, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.  He was born Sept. 24, 2014 in Asheville to Timothy Michael Allison and Ernestine Roberta Hornbuckle.

Surviving, in addition to the parents, are his guardians, Victoria Simon and Juan Ramirez; brothers, CeeJay Maki Hornbuckle, Ernest Leroy Locust, Jose Salinas, Martin J. Arteaga, and Tymius Allison; sister, Laylauna Allison; paternal grandmother, Jessica Waldroup; and maternal grandparents, Charles Allen Hornbuckle and Nannie Taylor.

Percival was predeceased by his grandfather, Timothy Daniel Allison, and his uncle C.J. Hornbuckle.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 13 at Macedonia Baptist Church with Rev. Noah Crowe officiating.  Burial followed at the New C.J. Hornbuckle Cemetery.  Pallbearers were the fathers, Timothy Michael Allison and Juan Ramirez.

Larry Russell Gailey, 59, formerly of Orlando, Fla., passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015.  He was born June 14, 1956 in Whimple Park, England to the late Alvin Vernon Gailey and Helen Long Gailey.

Larry was pest manager at Walt Disney World in Orlando for 29 years and manager of Frontier Motor Lodge in Cherokee for the past three years.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by a son, Jason Gailey.

Surviving are his wife Rhonda Holton Gailey; two daughters, Christina Ellenburg and son-in-law Jason of Franklin and Naomi Mercer of Frostproof, Fla.; and grandchildren, Logan Ellenburg, Jason Ellenburg Jr., Dakota, Ethan, and Rileigh Mercer.  He is also survived by extended family and friends.

Memorial services are planned for Monday, June 29 at 11am at Long House Funeral Home Chapel.

Odell “Gene” Eugene Earley, 57, of Bryson City, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015.  He was born Sept. 25, 1957 to the late Chinera Earley.

Gene was a Mason.  He was General Manager of different hotels in the local area.

Gene is survived by his wife, Robin Bryson Earley; one daughter, Chelsa Long of Bryson City; one son, William Earley of Cherokee; brothers, Robin Earley of Asheville, and Terry Cooper of Bryson City; one sister, Michelle Rowland of Bryson City.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday June 27 at 1:30 pm at the Deep Creek Baptist Church in Bryson City with Rev. Mike Cogdill officiating.

Bruce David Martin Sr., 68, of Cherokee, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015 at Cherokee Indian Hospital following an extended illness. He was born in Fort Defiance, Ariz., but has lived most of his life in Cherokee. He was a member of Olivet United Methodist Church and most recently attended Cherokee Baptist Church.

He was the son of Sarah Martin who passed away in 1984. His brothers, Thomas, and Dallas Martin also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy Harper Martin; sons, Bruce Martin Jr. and wife Christana of Cherokee, Wesley Martin and wife Angela of Elgin, Okla.; daughters, Connie Detlefsen and husband Kevin of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Sarah Martin of Cherokee; grandsons, Ryan Livengood, Lance Livengood, and Phoenix Martin; and granddaughter, Jorden Livengood. Wesley and Angela Martin are expecting a child which will be the fourth grandchild to Bruce Martin Sr. He is also survived by a brother, George Martin of Cherokee and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bruce was a graduate of the Cherokee High School Class of 1966.  He attended Griswold Academy in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated with an associate’s degree in Drafting.  He was a former employee of the Cherokee Police Department and also served as Chief of Police and Director of Community Services for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  During that time, he was appointed to serve as a United States Deputy Marshal and was the first Native American to be appointed to that position. He later attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia and graduated with the 123^rd Session in 1980.

In 1991, he founded Qualla Security, Inc., of which he was still the President and CEO. In 2009, together with his wife, Nancy, and son, Bruce Jr., he established Long House Funeral Home in Cherokee.

The funeral service was held on Sunday, June 21 in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home.  Burial followed at Birdtown Cemetery. The Rev. Percy Cunningham officiated.  Pall Bearers were: Tim Christian, J.D. Raby, Norman Reed, Charles Sheehan, George Elder, Alex Harper, and Joshua Harper.

Anthony “Tony” Richard Saunooke, 38, of Cherokee, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard K. and Mary Joan Robinson Saunooke.  Everyone who ever met Tony instantly liked him and his wonderful charisma.  He was a gentleman that still believed in opening doors for a lady and was a gentle soul. He never met a stranger. He always made you feel better no matter how bad something was. Tony will be greatly missed and was loved by his family very much.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Natalie and Roger Bivens of Maryville, Tenn.; aunts, Marion “Jody” Saunooke Taylor and husband Jonah of Cherokee, Lynda Saunooke and Laura Saunooke both of Robbinsville; cousins, Tracey Saunooke and fiancé Sonny Holder of Robbinsville, Jason Taylor and wife Selena of Cherokee, and Michael Robinson of Knoxville, Tenn.; and fiancee, Amber Carlson of Florida.

The family will receive friends 5-7pm on Wednesday, July 1 at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home in Maryville, Tenn. with funeral services to follow at 7pm. Family and friends will meet at 3pm on Thursday at Grandview Cemetery for the interment.

Henry Queen Littlejohn, 48, of Cherokee, passed away on June 28, 2015 at the Cherokee Hospital following an extended illness.  Henry is the son of Henry Queen and the late Stacy Sequoyah and the adopted son of the late Boyd and Kina Littlejohn.

Henry is survived by his wife Henrietta Martin Littlejohn; children, Joni Martin, Jonathan Martin, Henry Q. Littlejohn III (wife Laura) and Jasmine M. Littlejohn; brothers, Moses Oocumma (wife Peggy); sisters, Annie Oocumma, Peggy Littlejohn, Ahli-sha Stephens (husband Jake), Caron Swayney, Ruth McCoy (husband Tim Taylor), Annie Tramper and Lady Bird Powell; nine grandchildren; two brother-in-laws, A.D. Martin and John A. Martin; two sister-in-laws, Debra Starnes (husband Buddy Starnes) and Doris Honeycutt; other family members surviving are Rosie Hornbuckle and great-aunt Amanda Swimmer. Henry also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Henry is preceded in death by brothers, Jimmy Sequoyah and Levi A. Oocumma; sister Mildred Cisneros; granddaughter Aubrey Littlejohn; nephew Khristopher Hawk Rattler; grandparents, Jasper and Luzane Queen; other family members proceding Henry in death include, Annie Powell, Minnie Q. Smith, Jesse Queen, Lewis Queen, Tom Queen and Eva Wolfe.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at Bethabara Baptist Church from 4pm-12am(midnight). The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 1 at 1pm.  Burial will follow at the family cemetery. Pall Bearers will be: Chip Ledford, Dean Swayney, Tim Swayney, Issac Long, Randy French and Tim Taylor.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Timothy James Ward, 48, of Franklin,passed away Monday, June 29, 2015.  Born in Swain County, he was the son of Mary Jane Kilby Ward and the late Jack Perry Ward. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Ward. Tim owned and operated Tim Ward Landscaping in Highlands. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and NASCAR fan. He was a member of Carolina Hunting Club.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by sons, Jack Perry Ward of Bryson City and Acey James Ward of Harrogate, Tenn.; grandmother, Rosie Owl Marler of Whittier; step-daughter, Lindsay Schooler of Franklin; brothers, Rick Ward of Whittier and Curtis Ward of Bryson City; sister, Angela Anderson of Robbinsville; granddaughter, Lalay Rose Ward; one niece and one nephew.

Memorial services will be held Monday, July 6 at 7pm in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Pastor Greg Bartram will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the House of Hope Church of God, 1111 Tessentee Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Edward Francis Jackson (Frank), 88, of the Wolftown community, passed away unexpectedly June 30 at Mission/St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was the son of the late Margie Arneach and Edward and Ella L. Jackson.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in WWII on the USS Raccoon Tanker. He was employed by General Motors in Flint, Mich. for a number of years and a member of the Qualla Co-Op as an active pottery maker. He was also an active member of the Wolftown Community Club.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth Bigmeat Jackson; sons, Perry and Gary Jackson; daughters, Charlotte Margaret and Gwendolyn Conseen; grandchildren, Davey Smith, Krystan Saunooke and Tahnee Arkansas; sister, Katie Conseen Lambert and brothers, William and Jacob Jackson; nephews, Denny and Jacy Jackson.

He is survived by daughters, Paulette Smart, Sheila Arch, Annette Jackson, Jennifer Jackson, Kim Jackson, Lula Jackson and husband Abe Queen all of Cherokee, Rosalyn Jackson of Flint, Mich., and one foster daughter, Patricia Brown of Cherokee; six sisters, Geraldine Thompson and Edith Crowe of Cherokee, Lou Jackson and Shirley Oswalt of Robbinsville, Ethel Moose and Ester Williams of Hickory; one brother, Gilliam Jackson of Cherokee; 18 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 16 great great grandchildren; 10 nephews and four nieces.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 3 at 2pm at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Revs. Greg Morgan and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Bigmeat Family Cemetery.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

Michael Allen Bryson, 58, passed away on June 30, 2015 at Mission Hospital.  Originally from South Carolina, Michael and his family have made Cherokee their home for the past several years. Michael is the son of the late Clyde Bryson and Ruth Lee.

Michael is survived by his wife, Joann Bryson and children, Sally–Jo Bryson (husband Jamie), Jenna Leigh Bryson (husband Rob), Dakota Bryson (wife Rosie) and Hawk Ensley, all of Cherokee; grandchildren, Greyson, Rylan, Leighton, Kayd and Jeb; sisters, Nanette Smith of South Carolina, Diana Smith of South Carolina and Charlene Henderson of South Carolina; brother-in-laws, Joey Ensley of Canton, Clement Ensley of Bryson City and Billy Ensley of Cherokee. Michael also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends that will miss him.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, July 2 at Long House Funeral Home.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Phillip H. Smith, 86, of Cherokee, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Mission Hospital. Phillip is the son of the late Noah Smith and Stella Sneed. Phillip retired from the education industry as a teacher and coach.  He is also a United States Army Veteran who served during the Korean War as a paratrooper in the 82^nd Airborne Division.

Phillip is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lillie Mae Tooni Smith and children, Kathi, Jan, Phyll, Duke, Laura and Arlyce; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, John, Susie and Phyllis; special friend, Ray Kinsland and many former student-athletes.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7 from 5pm-7pm at the Acquoni Baptist Church fellowship hall.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Charles “Inky” Crowe, 71, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at the Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center.  Born in Swain County on Dec. 12, 1943, he was the son of the late Betty Crowe George.  Inky was an active member of the Deaf Mission at First Baptist Church.

He moved to Morganton in 1950 to attend North Carolina School for the Deaf (NCSD).  He played football for the school and was twice recognized as a Deaf All American.  After receiving numerous sports accolades during his high school career, he was inducted into the NCSD Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 and to the Burke County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.  After graduation, he went to work for ENCSD for a number of years.  In 1974, he moved back to Morganton to work at NCSD where he enjoyed working and coaching until his retirement.  Charles served as treasurer of the NCSD Alumni Association, on the North Carolina Deaf Golfers Association, and on the North Carolina Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Crowe is survived by his wife of 48 years, Georganne Brown Crowe of the home; sons, Dee Crowe and his wife, Mary, of Scottsdale, Ariz. and their daughter, Vivvy Crowe, and John Crowe and his wife, Kristin, of High Point; sisters, Kathryn Verran of Grapevine, Texas, Donette Lossiah of Cherokee, and Aubry Bigmeat of Cherokee.

In addition to his mother, Inky was preceded in death by two brothers, Sonny and Don Crowe; and a sister, Glenda C. Niccum.

The family will receive friends from 1-3pm on Saturday, July 11 at First Baptist Church of Morganton.  The funeral will be held in the church at 3pm with the Rev. Tom Lineberger officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to NCSD Foundation, P.O. Box 1397, Morganton, NC 28680 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.

Wilena Olivia Cox, 61, of Rutherfordton and born of Cherokee, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Rutherford Regional Hospital following a short illness.

She had been living and enjoying life among friends she made at the Sunny Side Retirement home in Forest City.

Wilena was the daughter of the late Edwin Clement Crowe and Cindy Crowe Owl. She enjoyed talking and relaxing with her friends, days out and getting her nails done when she got a chance.

Wilena is survived by a son Franklin George Hornbuckle with wife Dawn of Sylva; brothers, Joe, Kenny, George, Eddie and Jackie Crowe; sisters, Roberta Rice, Mollie Price and Ruby Price and three grandchildren; special friends and caregivers Lisa Wilson and Tammy Jones, who cared for Wilena for the past six years and developed a close friendship.  She will be missed.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Ronnie Ray Hornbuckle Jr.; brother, Billy Crowe; sister, Sally Ann Ensley and grandchild, Madison Paige Hornbuckle.

A funeral service was held on Monday, July 6 in the chapel of Long House Funeral Home with Brother Ben Reed officiating.  An immediate burial followed in the Jarrett Blythe Cemetery in the Wolfetown Community with pallbearers being Rex Price, Lex Price, Lee Price, Sammy Crowe, Kane Crowe and Aaron Mullen.

Richard Joseph Meuse, 53, of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015.  He was born Oct. 11, 1961 in Cohoes, New York to the late Oliver J. Meuse and Lorraine LaFond Meuse of Troy, New York.

Richard was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Cynthia Ann Taylor Meuse; two sons, Richard J. Meuse, Jr. and Steven J. Meuse; six daughters, Julie A. Meuse, Amy L. Meuse, Stephanie L. Meuse, Kimberly C. Meuse, Holly A. Meuse, and Lori D. Meuse; two brothers, Oliver Meuse, Jr. (Sue Perrier) of New York, James Meuse (Toni) of North Carolina; two sisters, JoAnn Oathout (the late Paul) and Judy Marble (Benjamin) both of New York; also surviving are five grandchildren and several neices and nephews.

Services will be held from 5-8pm on Tuesday, July 14 at Long House Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Ray Ball officiating.

Samuel Ross Owle, 71, of Kingston, Tenn., passed away Saturday July 11, 2015.  He was born Sept. 17, 1943 in Cherokee to the late Samuel Owle and Minnie Ross Owle.

He had made his home in Kingston, Tenn. in Roane County for the past several years.

He is survived by one sister, Rosemary Powell of Cherokee.

A short funeral service will be held Thursday, July 16 at 2pm at Long House Funeral Home Chapel with immediate burial to follow at the Jarrett Blythe Cemetery.  Rev. Greg Morgan will officiate.

Pauline Lucinda Knight (Cindy Huskey), 57, died Monday July 20, 2015 in Memorial Hospital of Gulfport, Miss.  She was born Aug. 10, 1958 in Cherokee to the late Roy Benjamin Dowdle and Elsie Jenny Arch Dowdle.

She loved to travel and was a very happy person.

In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by her husband, Mike Huskey, and a brother, Buddy Walkingstick.

Surviving are one daughter, Brittany Huskey and husband Van Downs of Bryson City; two granddaughters, Tenley Downs and Haven Downs; two sisters, Ann Evans and Sallie Smith, both of Cherokee; four nieces, Lula Davis and husband Kenny, Yolanda Saunooke and husband TW, Loleta Queen, and Stormi Welch, all of Cherokee; also a special friend, Daryl Silver.

Graveside services will be held Friday, July 24 at 11am at Tow String Cemetery with Rev. Danny Lambert officiating.

Wade Hoyle, 70, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Sunday, July 26, 2015 in a Buncombe County hospital. A native of Jackson County, he was the son of the late Luther and Mary Williamson Hoyle.

He was preceded in death by four siblings, Lucille Padgett, and Clyde, Glen and Jim Hoyle.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Diane Hicks Hoyle; two children, Jason Hoyle and Tanya Wilson both of Bryson City; one stepson Eric Hicks and wife Amber of Summerville, SC; two grandchildren, Bryn and Amber; two step grandchildren, Bailey and Zack; one sister, Mildred Lunsford; and two brothers, Monroe and Michael Hoyle; and a special friend, James Sizemore.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 30 at 7pm in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Rev. Charles Ray Ball will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Thursday at the funeral home.

John Daniel Murphy, 63, of Cherokee, passed away on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

John is the son of the late Lawrence Alvin Murphy and Mary Elizabeth (Roberts) Murphy and was a carpenter by trade.  However, his family made note that he was an arts craftsman who made his way by his own hands.

John is survived by “his honey” Evelyn Thompson; children, Melinda Earlene Murphy and Lawrence Daniel Murphy; step-children, Kasey Leary, Leslie Leary and Davie Leary; brothers, Carl, Archie, Tom, Clawrence and Doug Murphy; sisters, Wanda Rogers, Beverly Smith and Trish Hornbuckle; aunts, Gladys Pennick and Betty Birchfield; uncles, Huey and Paul Roberts; grandchildren, Duke Price, Anissa Price, Samantha Price, Megan Brooke Howell, Dillan Murphy, Cody Leary, Jordan Huskey, Savannah Huskey, Dana Leary, James Leary, Wesson Baines, Layne Baines and Haven Leary; great-grandchildren Kryssa Danielle Elles and Marlie Grace Price. John is also survived by many friends, said the family, especially, Earl Lambert, Alvin, Travis “Pinky”, Denny, Jeremy and Gina.

John is a widower and is preceded in death by wife Linda Earlene Burris; one son, Alvin Dwight Murphy; sister, Ruby Lucille Murphy; and friend, Franky.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Bethabara Baptist Church starting at 5pm with John remaining till the hour of service on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 2pm.  The Rev. Marty Pressley of the Church of God Bryson City will officiate.  An immediate burial will follow in the Murphy Family Cemetery with the  pall bearers being Christopher Murphy, Josh Queen, Dillan Murphy, John Swimmer and Ryan Laws.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family in the final arrangements.

Linda Marie Armachain, 35, of Cherokee, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Linda is survived by her parents, Jeff Blackfox and Minda Armachain; two sons, Dylan Wachacha and Ethan Armachain, both of Cherokee; one brother, Steve Bird of Cherokee; three sisters, Roberta Bird, Kristan Blackfox, and Cassandra Blackfox, all of Cherokee; also surviving  is a “best all around” uncle Bud of Cherokee; special neice, Shaelynn Postoak of Cherokee; and her significant other Mondo Bird of Cherokee.

Visitation will be held starting at 4pm on Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Pentacostal Holiness Church in Cherokee with Linda remaining until the service hour on Monday, Aug. 17at 3pm with Rev. Tim Melton and Rev. Greg Morgan officiating.   Burial will follow the funeral service at the Armachain Cemetery on Swimmer Branch Road in Cherokee.

David Wilburn Swayney Jr. 56, of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

David was the son of the late David Wilburn, Sr. and Katie Calhoun Swayney both of Cherokee.  He was a handyman and made his way through self-employment.  He was a member of the Straight Fork Baptist Church, but had attended Rock Springs Baptist recently. He was a good father and friend to those who knew him.  He will be missed by all.

He is survived by his two children, Davina Swayney Ricco and husband Sal of Surprise, Ariz. and Christopher Swayney and wife Rosemarie of Sylva; brother, O.D. Swayney; sisters, Shirley Cloer, of Bryson City and Clara Driver of Cherokee; aunts, Waneema Driver, Marie Taylor Swayney and Inez Swayney Wolfe, all of Cherokee; brother-in-law, Albert “Junior” Sluder and two grandchildren, Gray and Gunner Ricco of Surprise, Ariz.

David was preceded in death by sisters, Kathy Wolfe and Brenda Sluder.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Aug. 24 at the Straight Fork Baptist church from 6-11pm with a funeral service at 2pm the following day of Tuesday, Aug. 25.  Pastor Charles Ray Ball and Pastor Greg Morgan will officiate the services.  An immediate burial will follow the service in the Swayney Family Cemetery with pall bearers being Roland Bradley, Buck Cloer, James Driver Jr., Steven Watty, Two Leaf Sluder and Billy Lambert.

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.