Mary Marie Bridges passed away Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 at the age of 85. She was born Feb. 10, 1930 in Cherokee to John David and Ollie (Sutton) Smith. Mary was very proud of her Cherokee heritage. Mary married George LeRoy Bridges in 1953 in North Carolina. She and George moved to Eugene, Ore. in 1956. She was a homemaker and self-employed housekeeper for several prominent families in Eugene. She loved to go elk hunting in eastern Oregon. She also loved fishing, gardening, canning the fruits of her labors, cooking and baking. On their many fishing trips to the beach, Mary enjoyed searching for and collecting many different kinds of rocks, especially Agates. She enjoyed reading and spoiling her grandchildren.

She was very active and dedicated in her church. Mary is survived by her daughter, Hazel Beeley and her husband, Bob of Eugene, Ore.; her grandchildren, Keith, Kim, and Kent of Eugene, Ore.; her siblings, Ned Smith, Sam Smith, Lily May Tucker, Jannie Smith, George Smith, and Doris Ellen Smith all of North Carolina, and Hillard Smith of Idaho.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, George LeRoy Bridges; her daughter, Doris Delzer; grandson, Kevin Beeley; and siblings, Dorothy Smith, Rosie George, and John Smith.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Sept. 4 at West Lawn Memorial Chapel.  Mary was laid to rest at Gates Cemetery in Crow, Ore.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Chapel of Memories Funeral Home at West Lawn.  You are invited to sign the guestbook online at www.musgroves.com

Ellie Sue Johnson, infant daughter of Ronnie Hriar Johnson and Misty Danielle (Moon) Johnson, passed away Monday, Sept. 21, 2015.

In addition to her parents, Ellie is survived by one brother, Corliss Johnson; one sister, Emre Johnson; paternal grandparents, Jan and Carolyn Riggle of Clinton, Okla.; maternal grandparents, Steve and Faye Moon of Bryson City; one uncle, Charlie Johnson of Clinton, Okla.; two aunts, Doris Johnson of Cherokee, Whitley Smith (husband Justin) of Bryson City.

Ellie was preceded in death by one sister Emma Leigh and one brother Steven Lee.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, Sept. 24 at 2 pm at the Yellowhill cemetery across road from the Yellowhill Baptist Church in Cherokee.  Rev. Tim Barker will officiate.

Sharon Killian Derrick, 57, of Whittier, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 after a hard battle with cancer.  Family was by her side.  She was born Nov. 14, 1957 in Asheville.  She was a long-time residence of Asheville.

Surviving are her husband, Robert Lee Derrick; five children, Erin K. Hubbard (Rebel), James W. Killian (Jamie), Adam V. Sequoyah (Kristy), Jackie Diana, and Frankie R. Lipe; three step-children, Christy Derrick, Misty Seawright, and Robert Derrick Jr.; one brother, James H. Killian; one sister, Debbie Christoffer; 18 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Sharon was preceded in death by her mother, Sylvia Wilnoty; her father, William Killian Jr.; and brother, William Edwin Killian III.

A memorial service was held at Long House Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, Sept. 28 with Rev. Billy Lance officiating.

Sherry “Lynn” Owle, 43, of Cherokee passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 27, 2015 at her residence on Old Mission Rd. in Cherokee.  Sherry is the daughter of Gilbert Smith and the late Ella Mae Owle.

Sherry is survived by children, Phillip Joseph Owle, Reyna-Mae Owle and Korrina Lynn Owle; sister, Lilly Mae Seagle; great uncle Phillip Owle Jr.; two special friends, Dee Wike and Bunny George, all of Cherokee.

Sherry was laid to rest in the Blythe Cememtery in Cherokee on Monday, Sept. 28 with a private memorial service to be held by the family at a future date.

Long House Funeral Home assisted in the final arrangments.

Allen Dale Rowland, 69, of the Birdtown Community, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Sept. 28, 2015. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Dewitt Owle and Roxie Wiggins and stepson to the late Walter Wiggins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Michael Owle and Grady Macarther Owle and two sisters, Bessie Owle Long and Esther Owle Waldroup.

Allen is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a member and former Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church of Coopers Creek. He was also a former Pastor of Galbreath Creek Baptist Church.

Allen is survived by his wife, Ella Mae Rowland; one son, James Rowland and fiancée Heather Queen of Cherokee; one stepson, James Paul Crisp and wife Alicia of Bryson City; two grandsons, Caleb Rowland and Coy Rowland of Cherokee; two granddaughters, Callie Cook of Franklin and Autumn Rain Crisp of Bryson City; four sisters, Gaynelle Estes, Dorothy Brady Owle, Elizabeth Owle Crowe, and Frances Dee Arneach all of Cherokee; one brother, Paul Owle of Cherokee and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 3pm on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Rev. Roger Roland will officiate with burial at Birdtown Cemetery immediately following the service at the Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 1-3pm Wednesday at the Funeral Home.

Everett Cucumber, 83, of Beckley, WV died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, at the Beckley VA Hospital.  He was born in Cherokee on Dec. 16, 1931, and is the son of the late James and Elizabeth Reed Cucumber.  In addition to his parents, those gone on before him are four sisters, Geneva Tooni, Amanda Wachacha, Ollie Hornbuckle, and Nellie Welch; five brothers, Dave Cucumber, Mason Cucumber, Sr., Lawrence Cucumber, Calvin Cucumber, and Rev. Johnny Cucumber; wife and mother of his children, Letha Saunooke Cucumber; son, Marion (Sonny) Cucumber; and granddaughter, Casey Bradley.

Those awaiting to join Ed’s joyous celebration party with The Lord include Kelly (Pinoke) of Princeton, WV, his love and best friend for the last 18 years; one sister, Francis Cucumber of Cherokee; two sons, Melvin Cucumber of Cherokee and Raymond Cucumber of Asheville; three grandchildren, Erica Bradley, Cayla Cucumber and James Cucumber, all of Cherokee; five great-grandchildren; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and special nephew Frank Cucumber, wife Judy, and their daughter Angela of Cherokee.

Ed is 15/16 blood Cherokee Indian. Today, Ed is no doubt the happiest he has ever been, having entered a city called Glory, so bright and fair, with the Angels meeting him there, going down the streets of Heaven, he assuredly by his faith beholds the face of the one who died for all, his beloved Jesus. Special thank you to the staff of the 4^th & 6^th floors at Beckley VA hospital and to Dr. William Boyd.

A gathering to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at 2p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Erma Jean Hudgins officiating.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Park Cemetery in Princeton.  The Mercer County Veteran’s Council will conduct military graveside rites.  Friends may call at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until the service hour Friday.  Online condolences may be made and complete obituary viewed by visiting www.seaverfuneralservice.com

Gary Lynn “Dino” Littlejohn, 50, of Cherokee passed away Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 at Med West Harris Hospital in Sylva.

She was born Aug. 19, 1965 in Charlotte to the late Annabelle Littlejohn Cucumber.  She made her way thru life by working as a housekeeper in the lodging industry and was a loving mother to her children.

Surviving are her step-father, Alfred Cucumber; three sons, Wilfredo Thomas Gomez of the home, Armando Mendoza and Florentino Mendoza, both of Stewart, Florida; two daughters, Selena Ann Herrera of the home and Adrianna Mendoza of Stewart, Florida; three brothers, Jonathan Dwight  Littlejohn, Alfred R. Cucumber, and Eric Cucumber; two sisters, Pauline Sixto and Heather Cucumber; Aunts, Yahnie Squirrell, Arnessa Wilnoty, and Laura Saunooke; one special aunt Betty Locust; special cousins, Victoria Locust and Adrianne Locust; Close friends, James and Minnie Ledford; and 10 grandchildren.

In addition to her mother, Dino is precededed in death by a son, Christen Anthony Gomez; grandparents, Owen Littlejohn and Agnes Bigwitch Littlejohn; and uncles, Ammons Littlejohn and Johnson Lee Littlejohn.

Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 2 at the Long House Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James “Bo” Parris officating with burial following at the Annabelle Littlejohn Cemetery on Washington’s Creek.  Pallbearers were Wendell Locust, Thomas Gomez, Armando Mendoza, Florentino Mendoza, Jonathan Littlejohn, and Ethan Larch.

Nannie “Bunny” Sampson Morris, 52, of Cherokee, passed away Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.  She was born April 10, 1963 in Cherokee to the late Enoch Sampson Sr. and Lucinda L. Sampson.

Bunny made her way through life as a self-employed artisan making arts and crafts.

Bunny is survived by her daughter, Amber Cruz and husband Alex of Powell, Tenn.; two brothers, Kenny Lambert and Enoch Sampson Jr.; three sisters, Marietta Toineeta, JoAnn Notargiacomo, and Dorothy Sampson; three grandchildren, Taneyah, Camden, and Xander; and several neices and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Bunny was preceded in death by two brothers, Don Lambert and Bud Sampson; and one sister, Cynthia Kersey.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Cherokee Wesleyan Church beginning at 4pm.  Bunny will remain at the church until the hour of service on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11am.  The service will be officiated by Rev. Bo Parris and Patricia Crockett.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Morris family.

Charles Ervin Buchanan, 66, of Cherokee, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015.  Charles is the son of the late Robert Buchanan and Bertha Watty. Charles worked in the restaurant business for 30 years as well as the commerce/trade industry (Merchant Marine). He was of the Baptist faith and was a special gifted man that loved the Lord, animals and people less fortunate than him. He had a lot of challenges in his life that he managed to overcome. Charles has a complete, full life and is now with his Lord.

Charles is survived by one sister, Hollis Bird of Waynesville, and several nieces and nephews.

Charles is preceded in death by two brothers, Omer Buchanan Sr. and Carroll Buchanan.

A funeral service was held at Long House Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 9.  Music for the service was provided by Sherry Ingle of Cornerstone Fellowship Church (Balsam) and burial was at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Rev. David A. Williams and Rev. Shane Powell officiated.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Donald Edward Maney, 63, of Cherokee, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 at his residence. Don is the son of John Henry Maney and the late Mary Louise Bigmeat Maney. During his adulthood, Don also formed a relationship with his natural father David “Pinhead”Kalonaheskie(living).  Don was fortunate to grow up being a part of three families:  the Maney’s, the Jackson’s and the Kalonaheskie’s. Donald recently retired from the Cherokee Boys Club on Aug. 13.

Donald is survived by his two children, Stephanie Maney Tushka and husband Will of Cherokee, and Donny Maney and girlfriend Stephanie Fernando of Lawrence, Kan.; three grandchildren, Alannah Tushka, Kevonna Tushka and Nashoba Tushka; brothers, Kenneth Maney, William Henry Maney and David Kalonaheskie; sisters, Johnnie Ruth Maney, Nancy Maney, Charla Crowe, Mollie Grant, Kathryn Kalonaheskie and Poochie Kalonaheskie; special family members, Sheila Arch, Paulette Smart, Annette Jackson, Jennifer Jackson, Lou Jackson, Kim Jackson and Pat Brown, along with many other special friends, family, nieces and nephews.

Donald is preceded in death by brother, Ronnell Maney.

The funeral service was held on Sunday, Oct. 11 at Rocksprings Baptist Church.  Pastor Foreman Bradley officiated.

Cherokee Indian Police Department Patrol Officer Anthony “Tony” Lossiah died at Mission Hospital, in Asheville, on Tuesday, Oct. 6. (CIPD photo)

Anthony “Tony” Edward Lossiah, 38, of Cherokee, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Mission Hospital. Tony is the son of the late Woodrow and Velma (Ledford) Lossiah.

Tony is survived by his wife, Candy (Bird) Lossiah, and children, Anthony Chase Lossiah, Zachariah Lossiah, Jaylen Evans, Nathaniel Evans and Isaiah Evans; brothers Kirk Lossiah (wife Julia), Maury Lossiah (significant other Roberta Davis) and Brent Lossiah; sisters Vanessa Lossiah (significant other Horace Arch) of Robbinsville, Nancy Jackson (husband Jack) and Brittany Welch; uncles Jack Lossiah, Willard Lossiah, James Ledford, Calloway Ledford and David Ledford; aunts Maggie Lossiah, Jane Tiger, Dorothy Thompson, Rose Sneed Christine Walkingstick and Lula Ledford; great-aunts Nicey Rattler and Amy Smoker of Robbinsville; and one grandchild, Kenadee Evans. Tony also leaves behind 10 nephews and seven nieces.

Tony is preceded in death by grandparents, John and Charlotte Lossiah, Mason and Lillian Ledford; aunts Martha Ross and Arlene Watty; and uncle Noah Lossiah.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 12 from 5pm-12am(midnight) at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the Cultural Arts Center starting at 2:30pm. Burial will follow at the Lossiah Family Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be among family, friends and the Cherokee Police Dept. Pastor Dan Conseen, Pastor Charles Ray Ball and Ben Reed will officiate. Family is receiving friends at the home of Charlie and Francine Watty at 445 Hoot Owl Cove Rd located in the Wolfetown Community.

Donna Kim Hawkins Cowling, 59, of Cherokee, was called to be with her heavenly father on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015.

She was born on April 20, 1956 to the late Leland Don Cowling and Dorothy Elaine (Tap) Moles.

She was preceded in death by both parents; a grandfather, Kyle Moles; a grandmother, Vera Bradley Moles; and one aunt, Carolyne Moles.

She is survived by three children, Jean Nichole Dozier of Cherokee, Rachel Danielle Arden of Ada, Okla., and Charles Bradley Hawkins of Byars, Okla.; two son-in-laws, Dennis Dozier of Cherokee and David Arden of Ada, Okla.; two sisters, Pamela Marks and Carolyn Beth Rossiter, both of Cherokee; one brother, Denny Moles of Thailand; two aunts, Janice Sutton and Maxine Bumgarner, both of Gastonia; two uncles, William Moles of Hartsville, SC and Billy Sutton of Gastonia; five wonderful grandchildren, Noah Hornbuckle, age 17, Madalynne Dozier, age 5, Mecca Dozier, age 2, Maverick Arden, age 5, and Emaleigh Arden, age 2; two nieces, Kathy Polk and Amy Rossiter; two nephews, Travis Moles and Jeffery Kowalzek; and various cousins and many friends.

Donna lived most of her life in Oklahoma.  She was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints.  She was a homemaker who stayed home and raised her kids, and she did a wonderful job at doing it.  When Donna started having grandchildren, it changed her life for the better.  Her five grandchildren were her world.  Donna has always enjoyed life to the fullest.  There was no way of ever slowing her down, especially when it came to mentioning the casino.  You couldn’t catch her.  She had some very special friends that meant the world to her.  She definitely valued her friendship with all of them.  Donna was a woman that will be cherished by all.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the Church of Latter Day Saints located on 441 in Whittier starting at 6 pm.  Donna will remain at the church until the hour of service on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 2pm.  Bishop Cutler will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Bradley Cemetery in Cherokee.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Hawkins family.

Lena Smoker Martin, 61, of Marble, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 at Murphy Medical Center.

Lena was a native of Swain County but lived most of her life in Cherokee County. She was the daughter of the late Owen and Ida Teesateskie Smoker. Lena worked for many years for the Murphy Public Library and was a former member of the Cherokee County Indian Community Club.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Martin Sr.; three brothers, Sam Teesateskie, Davidson Smoker and Owen Smoker Jr. and one sister, Alice Jumper.

She is survived by her best friend and companion, Dwayne Ledford; two daughters, Helen Martin, and Angela Martin and husband Joseph of Marble; two sisters, Bonnie Teesateskie and Agnes Adams both of the Snowbird community; and four grandchildren, Maleaha Brings Plenty, A.J. Martin, Otter Weston McMillan and Olivia Martin.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Katherine Martin officiated. Burial was in the Martin Family Cemetery in Marble. Pallbearers were Cliff Owl, Randy Adams, Dwayne Ledford, Kenny Jumper and Ricky Rice.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Lena Smoker Martin to the charity of your choosing.  You may send tributes to the Martin family at www.townson-rose.com

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

Shirley Jean West Welch, 65, of Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital with her loving family by her side.

She was born July 11, 1950 in Cherokee to the late Alfred West Sr. and Geneva Wolfe West.

Shirley was employed by the Cherokee Historical Association in “Unto These Hills” and the Oconaluftee Indian Village for many years.  She was also a member of the Qualla Arts and Crafts Co-Op as a finger weaver.  Shirley was a member of Straight Fork Baptist Church where she sang in the choir as she had a great love for singing.

Shirley is survived by one son, Alfred Welch of Cherokee; one grandson, Kingston “King” Everett Welch; brothers, Nathan West (wife Carolyn) of Robbinsville, Villareal West, Angelo West (wife Kelly) and Gator West of Cherokee; sisters, Oneva Garcia (husband Joe) of Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, Vivian Solis (husband Lupe), Gloria Hyatt (husband Lavon), and Lavinia Hicks (husband David) all of Cherokee; special friend, Dave Gingrich; aunts, Doris Catt of Cherokee, Eloise James of Woodsford, Calif.; the Oconaluftee Indian Village family, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Welch; brother, Alfred West Jr.; and sister, Inell West.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Oct. 22 beginning at 5 pm at the Straight Fork Baptist church in the Big Cove Community.  Shirley will remain at the church until the hour of service on Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 pm with Revs. Charles Ray Ball and James “Bo” Parris officiating.  Burial will follow at the Wolfe Cemetery in the Big Cove Community.  Pallbearers will be Conan Tchakarides, J.R. Wolfe, Jeremy Hyatt, Lupe Solis, Gatlin West, Stan Watty, Damian Solis, Travis Hicks, and “Big Al” Taylor.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Welch family.

James Don Ashe, age 94, of Sylva, passed away Tuesday morning, Oct. 20, 2015. He was the son of the late Garland Hiram and Margaret Hooper Ashe. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise Paxton Ashe.

He was a WWII veteran serving in the European Theater from 1942-1945. He received five major battle stars during his time in the Army. He retired after 24 plus years from the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Cherokee Agency in 1984. Don was well known for his woodworking and carving. He also loved gardening and spending time with his family. He could be found horse trading at any local flea market or yard sale. He cherished his mountain heritage and the work ethic that evolved from being raised one of 13 siblings in the Speedwell Community.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by one daughter, Donna Ashe Lucas of Cullowhee and one son, Jimmy Ashe of Sylva; three grandchildren, Matt Lucas of St. Augustine, Fla., Paxton and Callie Ashe both of Sylva; two brothers, Cliff Ashe of Lawndale and David Ashe of Southlyon, Mich.; and one sister, Fannie Edgerton of Rutherfordton.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2pm in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. David Powell, Del Reid and Rev. Avery Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens.

Appalachian Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Anacleto Hump-koo-dra Montelongo, 67, of Cherokee passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was born May 13, 1948 in Grand Rapids, Mich. to the late Anacleto Montelongo and Nora Thompson Montelongo of the Yellowhill  community.

A loving father, grandfather, and friend, he was a member of the Native American Church.  Cleto was a member of the Long Hair Clan.  He was head of security on the longest walk in 1978 which began a lifelong dedication to Native American rights and activism.  He was instrumental in passing legislation in the state of Georgia to protect native burial sites.  He co-founded Echoes of the People, Inc. and the American Indian Center in Atlanta.  He retraced the Trail of Tears Walk in 1992.  He was a licensed drug and alcholism counselor who genuinely loved people.  He enjoyed native crafts which included bead and leather work.  If you were fortunate enough to have met him, I know you surely will never forget him.

Cleto is survived by his ex-wife, Leslie W. Montelongo; his children, Cleto Montelongo of Cherokee, Angie Montelongo of Cherokee, Wetha Montelongo of Stevens Point, Wisc., Mato Montelongo of Baraboo, Wisc., Yona Montelongo of Baraboo, Wisc., Mayta Montelongo of Stevens Point, Wisc., Elaina Montelongo of Newnan, Ga.; step-son, Dorian Grant of Marietta, Ga.;  brothers, Raymond Montelongo, Dave Montelongo, Danny Montelongo, Mark Espinosa, and John Espinosa; sisters, Sarah Montelongo, Ester Montelongo, Linda Montelongo, and Lisa Montelongo; 15 grandchildren, one great grandchild; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to the parents, Cleto was preceded in death by brother, Manuel Bo Montelongo; sister, Elvia Montelongo; adopted brothers, Rev. Anthony Senith, and Ken Rhyne.

Private graveside services were held Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Yellowhill Cemetery.  Pallbearers were: Adam Montelongo, Justin Montelongo, Ray Montelongo, Michael Montelongo, and Raymond Taylor.

Nickyjack David Walkingstick, 29, of Cherokee passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva with his family by his side.

He was born June 24, 1986 in Cherokee to Daniel Walkingstick and the late Roberta George Walkingstick.

Nickyjack made his way through life by being self-employed as a Native American Dancer entertaining and educating tourists who stopped by to watch him dance.

He was loved by Russell and Bobbi George (Mom and Dad); Vickie Jones (Mom); and T.J. (brother).

In addition to his father, Nickyjack is survived by his beloved companion, Grace George; one son, Julius Pierce Walkingstick “Little Man” who was his pride and joy; three brothers, Shane, Adam, and Will Walkingstick; one sister, Carla Ongeequay; aunts, Emily West and Eloise Maney; and close friends, Vincent Taylor and John Taylor.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by one brother, Daniel “Dino” Walkingstick.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, Oct. 30 at 1 pm at Long House Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dan Conseen officiating.  Burial will follow at the Walkingstick family cemetery on Tooni Branch.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Walkingstick family.

Amoneeta (Junior) Sequoyah Jr., 70, of the Cherokee and Whittier community passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital following a brief illness.

Amoneeta was commonly known as “Junior” to most that knew him and was born to the late Amoneeta Sequoyah and Ella Mae (Pheasant) Sequoyah.  He was a member of the Victory Baptist Church, but had been attending Cherokee Baptist of late. Junior made a living by operating his company Sequoyah Towing and was well known among the people in his community.  He was a loving father, grandfather and friend.  And, he was a loving husband of more than 51 years to his wife Kathy (Welch) Sequoyah. He will be sadly missed.

Junior also leaves behind his son, Anthony Kelvin Sequoyah and wife Jessica of Whittier; sister, Rachel Mashburn with husband David, Vera Wildcatt and Mary Swayney with husband Ben; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; many friends.

Junior was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Carroll.

A visitation is set for Saturday, Oct. 31 in the chapel of Long House Funeral Home from 5-9pm for the general public.  Junior will be taken to the Cherokee Baptist Church for a funeral on Sunday, Nov. 1 set to start at 2pm and officiated by Rev. Percy Cunningham and his close friend David Blanton of Old Savannah Church of Sylva.  A burial will conclude the services in the Blythe Cemetery along Highway 19 N. in the Soco Valley with Pall Bearers being among Junior’s Firefighting friends.

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

Maggie Lossiah, 80, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 while among her loving family at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late John Rome Lossiah and Charlotte (Welch) Lossiah, both of the Cherokee community.  She was a member the Straight Fork Baptist Church of the Big Cove Community and a life-long resident of Cherokee.  She worked for Vassar as a seamstress in her past and with the Cherokee’s Retailer making arts and crafts.  She also worked for a short time at the Cherokee Trout Farm.  Privately, she made her own arts and crafts which she sold through the Qualla Arts and Crafts Co-Op.  She was a kind and loving mother who was a mother figure to all.  It was said she’d never let anyone go hungry!

Maggie is survived by her children, daughter, Genoa Lossiah of Cherokee; son, Thomas Lossiah with wife Charlene of Clyde; daughter, Charlene Lossiah of the home; brothers, Jack Lossiah and Willard Lossiah of Cherokee; sisters, Jane (Lossiah) Taylor and Dorothy (Lossiah) Thompson; aunts Elsie Watty, Molly Herbold and Annie French; one grandson, John Nathanial Lossiah; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Maggie is preceded in death by brothers, Paul, Charlie, Larch, Homer, John-Adam, Noah and Woodrow; sisters, Mary, Luzene, Frieda, Frances, and Martha; Nephews, Tony Lossiah and John Russell Lossiah; and great nephew, Cylas.

Funeral services were held at Straight Fork Baptist Church on Monday, Oct. 19.  Rev. Charles Ray Ball, James “Blue Jay” Sequoyah, and James “Red” Bradley officiated.  Burial followed at the Lossiah Family Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Little Ed, Perry Shell, Dwayne Bird, Eddie Hill, Jerry Taylor, Arab Bradley, Dennis Taylor, Earl Martin, Kirk Lossiah, Albert Martin, Maury Lossiah and Nolan Crowe.

Manuel Henry Watty Sr., 76, of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was born Dec. 19, 1938 in Cherokee to the late Jessan Watty and Wallie Pheasant Watty.

Manuel honorably served in the US Army during the Vietnam Cold War Era as a construction equipment operator and an engineer equipment operator.  He made his way through life as a fish hatcheries manager.

He is survived by four children, Manuel H. Watty Jr, Marlene W. Arch, M. Stephen Watty, and Kevin R. Watty, all of Cherokee; one sister, Wanda W. Bradley; and seven grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Manuel was preceded in death by three brothers, Jerome Watty, David Watty, and Steven Watty; and one sister, Winona Reed.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 2 pm at the Wolfe Family Cemetery in the Big Cove Community with Rev. Charles Ray Ball officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Watty family.