Robert Alexander Smith, 71, known as “Bob” went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, with his loving family by his side at his home in the Birdtown Community, Cherokee. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy McCoy Smith.

He was an E5 Sgt. Vietnam Veteran serving a total of three years in active service (1968 – 1971) including one year in the Vietnam War. During this time, he received several recognitions, including medals and badges. He retired after 30+ years from the Cherokee Boys Club where he was the construction manager and completed several homes and projects for the EBCI.

Bob was well known for being a “car craftsman” and “sculptor.” He loved his shop where he would be found sitting in his barber chair getting a vision of the many projects he constructed. Bob was known in every state for being Bob as himself and/or the craftsman he was. He was the President and proud member of the Cherokee Rodders Car Club, WNC Truck Club and organized many car shows over the years beginning in the early 80s. In the early 70s, he operated Rainbow Raceway, Newport Raceway and Smoky Mountain Raceway; he loved dirt track racing. Bob was simply one of a kind and his smile will never be replaced.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Reed Griffin and Rass Smith; and brother, John Ross Smith.

In addition to his wife, Bob was survived by one daughter, Bobbi Lynn Smith of Cherokee and one son, Travis Kent Smith and his wife Kelly Cleona Smith and three grandsons, Zachary Alexander Smith, Kenton Rayce Smith and Koen Dash Smith who always called him “Pops.” He will be greatly missed by a host of close friends, in-laws, and all others who knew him. The pallbearers will be members of the Cherokee Rodders Car Club and WNC Truck Club.

The family will be holding a visitation at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City from 6-10pm on Wednesday, Nov. 4. A funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Bo Parris at 10am on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Crisp Funeral Home with burial at the Bird Hill Road Cemetery located on Adams Creek with military graveside rights conducted by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post # 143.

Frances Pauline Watkins Mathews, 74, of the Towstring Community went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Nov. 6 at her residence. A native of Rockingham County and longtime resident of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late James Monroe and Minnie Watkins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Norma Jean Blankenship; one brother, Phillip Watkins; and one granddaughter, Juleesa Hayes.

She was a member of the Towstring Baptist Church. She was a longtime employee with Heritage Quilts and Tuckaseegee Mills and also a partner in RM Chemicals. She was a very devoted Christian wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 19 years Raymond Mathews; three sons, Timothy Hayes and wife Latresa of Franklin, Terry Hayes and wife Eva of Kenly, and R.L. Mathews and wife Kandice of Cherokee; two daughters, Melissa Barker and husband Craig of Cherokee, and Tammy Moore and husband Jake of Cherokee; 12 grandchildren, Stephanie, Cullen, Brandie, Alex, LaDonna, Katrina, Shalyn, Paytyn, Melah, Addisyn, Tanner, And Dylan; five great grandchildren; one brother, Carl Watkins of Lilburn, Ga.; two sisters, Yvonne McCann and Hilda LaManna, both of Reidsville; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you to our hospice nurses, Kim and Kathrine, and C.N.A Jessie.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, Nov. 9 at the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Rev. Eugene Moore will officiate with burial in Swain Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lifepath Hospice at Great Smokies Health Foundation PO Box 176 Sylva, NC 28779.

Denning (Denny) Andrew Rochester, 54, of Swain County, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 at his residence. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late James D. Rochester Jr., and Delores Browning Davis. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandfather, James D. Rochester Sr. and grandmother, Minnie Bowman Rochester.

Denny was a 1979 graduate of Swain County High School and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Swain County for his outstanding Football career. He received a full scholarship to Georgia Tech to play football and graduated from Georgia Tech in 1984.

He is survived by one son, Drew Rochester of Whittier; one daughter, Jailyn Sloan, of Tucson, Ariz.; one sister, Michelle Atkinson and husband Jamey of Huntsville, Ala.; two brothers, Jeff Rochester and wife Linda of Atlanta, Ga., and Jody Davis and wife Stephanie of Cherokee, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 11am on Monday, Nov. 16 at the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Joseph Snyder will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 10-11am Monday at the Funeral Home.

Andrew Scott Tranbarger, 24, of Sarasota, Fla. passed suddenly at home. “Andy”, as he was known by family and friends, was employed at the Beach Club on Siesta Key and was studying computer programming at Sarasota County Technical Institute. Born in Muncie, Ind., Andrew also lived for a time near Cherokee. He considered all three states, Indiana, North Carolina and Florida as “home”.

Andrew is survived by his mother, Jane Tranbarger; grandparents, Glen and Marilyn Tranbarger; and uncle, David Tranbarger, all of Sarasota. Andrew’s family also includes Barbara Adams of Sarasota and Casey Wright of Seattle, Wash.

Funeral arrangements were made by Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services of Sarasota.

Shaelyn Amayah Ledford, infant daughter of Shane Ledford and Shelena Thomasson woke in Heaven on  Monday, Nov. 16, 2015.

She is survived by her parents and a brother, Syler Crayton Ledford of the home; maternal grandmother, Cynthia Thomasson; maternal grandfather, David and Kris Thomasson; paternal grandfather, Virgil Ledford; paternal grandmother, Daphne and Bobby Evans; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 11am in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services, with burial to follow in the Dillard Cemetery on Hillcrest Street in Sylva. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  An online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Minda Faye Armachain, 54, of Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015 at her home after an extended illness with her family by her side.

She was born April 23, 1961 in Cherokee to the late Nellie Screamer Armachain.

Minda was a loving mother and loved her grandchildren.

She is survived by her significant other, Jeff  Blackfox;  two daughters, Kristan Blackfox and Cassandra Blackfox; one son, Steven Bird; one brother, Rickie “Bud” Armachain;  two very special neices, Roberta Bird and Alexa Armachain; three grandchildren, Dylan Wachacha, Ethan Armachain, and Shaelynn Postoak; special mother-in-law, Nancy “mammaw” Bigmeat; and special friends, Thelma Bird, Faye Wilnoty, Michelle and Dave Wilnoty.

In addition to her mother, Minda was preceded in death by one daughter, Linda Marie Armachain; seven brothers, Bill, Lacy, John, Robert, Tom, and Martin Armachain and Jerry Taylor; and three sisters, Katherine Taylor, Annie Ruth Tramper, and Rachel Armachain.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Rock Springs Baptist Church from 5-11pm.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 20 at 1 pm at the Rock Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Morgan officiating.  Burial will follow at the Armachain Family Cemetery on Swimmer Branch.

Pallbearers will be Chayton, Mikhal, Isiah, Steve, Flex, and Charlie Boy.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Armachain family.

Arthur Hugh “Huey” Roberts, 73, of Cherokee passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015.  He was born Jan. 19, 1942 to the late Fred William Roberts and Alice Annalou Norvell Roberts.

Arthur Hugh “Huey” Roberts was a Christian man who loved to fish and hunt.  He was a professional wrestler in his younger years often partnering with Josh Squirrel, and a proficient house painter in his later years with wife Cathy Roberts.  Huey loved family, food, and a good joke and he knew many of them.  Huey was always ready to lend a helping hand, crack a joke or go hunting or fishing.  He will be sorely missed in the mountains, on the streams, and in the councils of his people and family.

Huey is survived by his wife, Cathy Drye Roberts; one brother, Paul Roberts of Alabama; two sisters, Gladys Roberts Penick of Chapel Hill, Tenn. and Betty Roberts Birchfield of Bryson City; four grandchildren, J.R. Hornbuckle, Candace Hornbuckle, Nathaniel Shinkman, and Kaitlyn Roberts; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, Huey was preceded in death by his first wife, Hazel Welch Roberts; one son, Edgar “Eddie” Roberts; two daughters, Allison Shinkman and Judy Hornbuckle; one granddaughter, Tamara Shinkman; one brother, George Roberts; and two sisters, Lodeema Roberts Collette and Mary Roberts Murphy.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 23 at the Bethabara Baptist Church with Revs. Phillip Ellington and Greg Morgan officiating.  Burial followed at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Pallbearers were grandsons and nephews.

Joseph Feather, 72, of Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

He was born Sept. 11, 1943 in Cherokee to the late Jonah Feather and Minnie Smith Feather.

Joe was a vibrant character.  When he entered a room, his presense was demanded, not only by his size and build, but also by his colorful personality.  He was a great storyteller and artist by nature.  In his younger days, he played stickball, football, and boxed.  He was said to have been the best football player in Swain County having only played one game he said.  A favorite memory shared with his son, Dane, and granddaughter, Jatanna, was when they went to Phoenix, Ariz. to compete in the world Hoop Dance competition.  It was the first time a grandfather, a son, and a granddaughter competed in the same year.  He placed fourth.  Joe can be remembered best for his paintings, storytelling and flute playing.

He is survived by the love of his life, Carol Love; his children, Jonathan Dane Feather, Corinna Feather, Plumita Feather, Chadwick Tyler Feather, and Birdie K. Feather; five grandchildren; favorite sister, Ella Lee Lossiah; sisters, Darlene Ledford, Betty Sue Feather, Elsie Feather, Mary Lou Taylor, and Rosanne Feather; and the family dog Geetle U-gi-da-li.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by sons, Joseph Lee Feather and the twins; brother, David Robert Feather; sisters, Julie Ann Feather and Nancy Feather.

The funeral service was held at Piney Grove Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 28.  Rev. James “Blue Jay” Sequoyah and Rev. Noah Crowe officiated.  Burial followed at the Feather Family Cemetery.

Pallbearers were among family.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Feather family.

Lana Jo Lambert, 40, of Waynesville, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015.  Lana was born in Sylva on June 17, 1975 to Joyce Buchanan Todd and Virgil Lambert.  She was an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Lana was a 16-year employee of Vocational Opportunities of Cherokee. She was the program services coordinator and oversaw the clients from the Adult Developmentally Delayed Program.  Over the years, she took them to many, many activities, introduced them to the community and generally fussed over them like a “mother hen”.  The clients include: Emily R, Robert K, Mia Faye L, Dinky J, Jennifer R, Will T, Will P, Gil B, Alyssa W, Thomas, Brandon P, Lolita, Marlana T, Tony W, and many others.

She was the Qualla Boundary Coordinator for Special Olympics of N.C. for 13 years, and received special recognition for 10 years of service from Special Olympics in 2012. Over the years, she took the athletes to many games in Raleigh and all across the state.  She hosted the Spring Games in Cherokee several times, planning and coordinating with all the surrounding counties.

She graduated from Smoky Mountain High School in 1993, and earned a bachelor’s of science degree from Western Carolina University in 1999. She also earned a certificate in advanced study from East Carolina University in 2006.

Lana also was selected to participate in the Right Path Adult Leadership program and graduated in 2013. She also graduated from the 2013-2014 Native Leadership Institute at UNC Chapel Hill, which is a culturally-tailored training program for emerging Native leaders.

Lana won numerous awards and honors during her career, and in 2013 she received the Frell Owl award, which goes to a special individual who best exemplifies the character and accomplishments of Mr. Owl and who have significantly contributed to the welfare of Cherokee Children and Families.

Lana was a member of the Cherokee Runners Club where she participated in many activities including half marathons.

She loved to travel and was so adventurous traveling to Las Vegas many times, Panama City, California, Baltimore, New York City, Canada, and many others…..

She is survived by her parents; aunts; uncles; her best friends, Michelle “Shelli” Rabb, Tammy  Dillard, John Smith, Kay Conner, Kim Hall, and Missy Sutton; and also her co-workers; her clients; her special Olympic athletes and a multitude of friends from all over the United States and abroad.

Lana never met a stranger and made friends everywhere she went. She was full of spirit, always had a big smile on her face and could find good in everyone.  She lived life to its fullest and was a joy to everyone that knew her. She will leave a hole in everyone’s hearts and will never be forgotten. Rest easy sweet angel, we will love and remember you forever.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 2-4pm at Wolftown Recreation Center (Gym), 27 Long Branch Rd, Cherokee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Special Olympics/Qualla Boundary at PO Box 653, Cherokee, NC 28719.

Yonnie W. Hill, 82, of the Big Cove community, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 in a Cherokee Hospital. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Rachel Tooni Watty and wife of the late Jesse Hill Sr. She was a member of Straight Fork Baptist Church. She was one of the few fluent speakers remaining from the Eastern Band and was a volunteer foster grandparent for the Big Cove Head Start and the New Kituwah Academy. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny Watty and Anderson Watty; two sisters, Lorene Watty Arch and Winnie Watty Long; one granddaughter, Dani Hill; and one grandson, Timothy Hill.

She is survived by one daughter, Sandra Hill, of Cherokee; four sons, Silvester (Sonny) Hill, Lawrence (Eddie) Hill, Allen (Butch) Hill, Jesse (Jay) Hill Jr., all of Cherokee; one special son, Marty Medina; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; one sister, Maybelle Watty of Cherokee; three brothers, Samuel Watty and wife Elsie, Joseph Watty and wife Marie, and Quincy Watty, all of Cherokee; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, Dec. 3 at Straight Fork Baptist Church. Pastors Charles Ray Ball and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Hill Family Cemetery.

Yonnie will be taken to the church at 5pm on Wednesday, Dec. 2 by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Friends of the family will be pallbearers.

Nicey L. Rattler, 99, of the Birdtown community, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 in a Cherokee health care facility. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Sampson and Nancy Wachacha Ledford and wife of the late Ammons Rattler and June Mark Welch. She was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and a member of the Qualla Co-Op. She was a longtime employee of the Cherokee Historical Association Oconaluftee Indian Village.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tina Marie Ledford; brothers, Mason Ledford and Wilson Ledford; nephew, Tony Lossiah; nieces, Velma Lossiah and Arlene Watty; and step children, Bobby, George, Wilber, Maxie and Nelson Rattler and Lewis and Mona Brown.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Callaway and Martha Ledford, David and Patsy Ledford, James and Minnie Ledford, Lula Ledford, Rosalee and Skipper Sneed, Christine Walkingstick, all of Cherokee; Dean and Ellen Ledford of Washington; and many other nieces and nephews; and step children, Anona Lambert and Freida Brown.

She was one of the few remaining fluent speakers of the Cherokee Language and taught the language for many years.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Revs. Greg Morgan, James (Bo) Parris, Dan Conseen and J.B. Smith will officiate with burial in the Ledford Cemetery in Snowbird. Special singer will be Lane Smoker.

She will be taken to the church at 4pm on Monday, Dec. 7 by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Lloyd Kyle Johnson, 23, of Robbinsville, passed away, Friday, Dec. 4, 2015.

He was a native of Graham County and the son of Tony and Kathy Garrett Johnson.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James and Emma Jackson Garrett, and his paternal grandparents, Pete and Dorothy Johnson.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Lindsey K. Johnson; step sons, Brayden and Kayden; brother, Brian Johnson and his wife, Aimee of Robbinsville; sisters, Lisa Johnson, April Johnson of Robbinsville; father-in-law  and mother-in-law, Tony and Pam Krizsan of Robbinsville; brother-in-law, Brady Krizsan; and sister-in-law,  Kelsey Krizsan.

Funeral Services were held Monday, Dec. 7 at the Townson-Smith chapel.  The Reverend Wayne McGuire officiated.  Burial followed at the Lone Oak Cemetery.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

Louisa Wachacha Grindstaff, 69, of the Little Snowbird Community of Graham County, passed away Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born May 2, 1946 in Graham County to the late Henry Wachacha and Dinah Teesateskie Wachacha.

Louisa worked for over 20 years at Stanley Furniture Company as a detail sander to support herself and her family.  She loved watching birds and other wildlife from her window even until her final moments here on Earth.  We can only imagine what she is seeing now.

She is survived by one son, D.J. Grindstaff and companion Lacy Yeargin of Robbinsville; five daughters, Sandra Teesateskie and husband Ronnie, Maureen Jackson and husband Clarence Jackson Jr., Mary Fortenberry, Marenna Jumper, Terry Grindstaff and companion Buddy Hornbuckle, all of Robbinsville; five step-children, Debbie Bird, Greg Grindstaff, Jeff Grindstaff, Telaka Holbrook, Rhonda Garrett, and Ryan Grindstaff; three brothers, Herman Wachacha, Leroy Jumper, and Phillip Wachacha; one sister, Lucinda Wachacha; one aunt, Amy Smoker; 12 grandchildren, Rocanne Teesateskie, Holly Swimmer, Joe Jumper, Will Wolfe, Dara Wolfe, Sasha Sampson, Brett Crowe, Hanna Crowe, Riley Crowe, Elijah Wachacha, Senea Fortenberry, and Haley Grindstaff; 14 great grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Louisa was preceded in death by three brothers, Andy, Josh, and Reno Wachacha; and three sisters, Lawanda Shurtleff, Marenna Locklear, and Dempsey Jumper.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 5 pm at the Zion Hill Baptist Church in the Snowbird Community of Graham County.  She will remain at the church until the hour of service on Thursday, Dec.  17 at 1pm.  Rev. Michael Rattler and Rev. Noah Crowe will officiate with burial in the Ledford Cemetery on Little Snowbird.  Pallbearers will be Jeremiah Bird, Reno Wachacha, Levi Wachacha, Darrell Fortenberry, Greg Grindstaff, and Joe Jumper.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Grindstaff family.

Mark Robert Holt, 58, of Cherokee, passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 31, 2015 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Hospice Unit surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Mark was born March 2, 1957 in Miami, Fla., but he lived most of his life in Cherokee.  He was a graduate of Sylva-Webster High School and was a retired hard rock miner.  After returning to Cherokee, Mark worked for the Cherokee Boys Club for several years and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

He is the son of Jean Craig Holt of Cherokee and the late Norman Holt.  He is survived by two daughters, Jennifer and Samantha of Chicago, Ill. and two grandchildren, Veronica and Richie which he loved and adored.  Also surviving is one sister, Norma Moss and husband Ted and one brother, Mike Holt, all of Whittier; one aunt, Peggy Angel of Rock Hill, SC and one uncle, Jan Springer of Sacramento, Calif. and many cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Hazel Bradley King and grandfather, Tom King, and paternal grandparents Robert and Mary Holt of Cartersville, Georgia.

Honorary pall bearers were Ben Parker, Rick Webb, Claude Ward, Sam Evans, Tyler Blankenship, Curt Millsaps, Travis Smith, Mitch Woods and Russell Gibby.

Services were held at the Long House Funeral Home on Sunday, Jan. 3.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

ARNAUDVILLE, La. – Norman Lindsay, 59, passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2015 in Breaux Bridge, La.

Lindsay was a native of Lafayette and a resident of Arnaudville for the past eight years.  He was employed with Sampson Wire Rope.  Lindsay was a veteran of the military having service in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era from 1974-78.

Survivors include his mother, Ella Theriot of Duson, La.; one brother, David Wayne Lindsay of Scott, La.; and two sisters, Brenda Lee Monceaux of Duson and Debra Hebert of Arnaudville.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mozard and Hilda David, and Viola French, and his father, Jack Lindsay of Cherokee.  He is also preceded in death by numerous aunts and uncles in both Cherokee and Lafayette, La.

Lindsay enjoyed fishing and sports, and he will be missed by his family and friends.

Melancon Funeral Home of Carencro, La. was in charge of arrangements.

James Arnold Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, died Jan. 6, 2016.  He was born to Arnold and Myrtle Cooper on May 31, 1929—their first son and fifth of nine children.  An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Swain County native, he was educated in the Swain County School system graduating with the Senior Class of 1947.

He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1949, and shortly thereafter, served as a full-time missionary in the Northwestern States Mission for two years.  Completing his mission in October, 1952, he started for North Carolina via the state of Utah.  In Provo, Utah, he decided to enroll in Brigham Young University and eventually met his sweetheart, Janene Moyle of Alpine, Utah.  They married in the Salt Lake City Utah Temple on March 22, 1954.  He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1956, with a bachelor’s degree in education.  He taught school in Oregon until 1959, when the family moved to Hickory, NC, and he worked for Clement Brothers Construction Company.  He was very active in church, serving in various leadership positions for many years.

In 1973, he and his brother, Candler Cooper, became business partners with the opening of the Holiday Inn (now the Chestnut Tree Inn) and later the Best Western-Great Smokies Inn and Hampton Inn.  He has served on various boards including the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, the Cherokee Historical Association, and the Board of Trustees for Western Carolina University.  He has been recognized throughout his life for his entrepreneurial skills, philanthropic efforts, and community service.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janene, and children: Debra MacCourtney (Tim), Cooper (Amy), (Russell), Chase and  Sean; Susan Spees (John), Caitlin, Jillian Jensen (Trenton), and Camden; Laurel Cooper, Dustina Cooper, Haley, Walker, and Kennedy; David Cooper, Carrie and Amelia, and Janene (Pooh) Lancaster (Todd), Nick Lyons (Kayla), Madison and Andrew.   He is also survived by sisters, Dixie Arneach, Wilma Morris, Sue Owle and brothers, Candler Ray Cooper, Robert Cooper and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jonathan, and three sisters, Jessie Clement, Frances Collins and Barbara Strickland.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 15 from 5-7 ppm at the Chestnut Tree Inn (formerly the Holiday Inn) Hwy. 19 S (37 Tsalagi Rd.). Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 16 at 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Hwy. 441 S., Whittier.  Interment will be in the Alpine City Cemetery, Alpine, Utah, on Monday, Jan. 25 at 1pm.  In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice.

Eugene Thompson, 81, of the Painttown Community, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at his residence. A native of Swain County and longtime resident of Jackson County, he was the son of the late Wilson and Martha Owl Thompson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Enis Thompson, Adam Thompson, Simon Thompson, Lawrence Thompson, and Wilson (Junior) Thompson. Eugene was a U.S. Army Veteran, a member of the Cherokee United Methodist Church, and also served on Tribal Council, representing the Painttown Community.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Geraldine Thompson; five daughters, Rita Driver and husband Bob, Vickie Thompson, Charlene Otter and husband Sam, Donna Sequoyah and husband James, and Eugenia Guess and husband Sequoyah all of Cherokee; two sons, Eugene Newman Thompson and wife Amy of Rock Hill, SC, and Edward Lawrence Thompson of Cherokee; 10 grandchildren, Amanda, Miranda, Jeremy, Joshua, Stephanie, Brian, Anthony, Cliff, Austin, and Michael; 10 great grandchildren, Asija, Meli, Raelyn, Landon, Grayson, Marleigh, Camaron, Ezekiel, Zacheriah, and Logan; one sister, Amanda Thompson of Cherokee; one brother, Ed Thompson of Cherokee and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, Jan. 11 at 1pm at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Revs. James (Bo) Parris and Greg Morgan will officiate with burial in the Thompson Family Cemetery, with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143,  in Cherokee, NC.

Pallbearers will be members of Cherokee Tribal EMS, Police Department, and Transit.

Honorary Pallbearers will be extended members of the Cherokee Tribal EMS.

Eugene will be missed by his family, friends, and Co-workers, and the people he served throughout the Qualla Boundary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cherokee Cancer Support Group.

Thomas Lee George, 72, of Whittier, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 at St. Josephs Campus Mission of Asheville.  Thomas was born Nov. 23, 1943 in Swain County. He is the son of the late Tom and the late Ida (Seay) George.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sons, Robert Lee George and John William George.

He was employed as a construction driller for a rock quarry.  He was a member of Victory Baptist Church, a “trophy of God’s Grace”. He was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on vehicles.  He would travel to hear the preaching of Evangelist Tom Farrell. He loved his family and his God.

He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Letitia Biddle George; his son, Thomas N. George; his daughter, Loreina Hernandez; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 11am at Victory Baptist Church with Revs. Rusty Wolfrey and Benny Bagwell officiating. Burial will follow in the George Cemetery in Cherokee. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday, Jan. 19 from 6-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victory Baptist Church Building Fund, 278 Victory Church Road, Sylva, NC 28779. An online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Reverend James Harvey Gass, of Whittier, born Sept. 10, 1927 to Taylor and Hazel Gass, took God’s hand on Jan. 19, 2016 and crossed over to the Promised Land. He is walking the Streets of Gold with wife Dorothy and son Joel Gass now. Harvey was also preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers.

Reverend Gass leaves behind seven kids, Leslie and Linda Gass of Barkers Creek, Jimmy and Alice Gass of Whittier, Brenda (Bimbo) Gass of Whittier, Marilyn (Cookie) Plemmons of Bryson City, Steve Gass and Maryann of Inman, SC, Rick and Cindy Gass of Whittier, and Rhonda Gass of Whittier, who has devoted the past 10 years of being Harvey’s caregiver; one sister, Iva and LC Gouge of Oregon; 19 grandkids; 35 great grandkids; and 9 great great grandkids; and special care takers Bill and Susie Haynes who were there day or night when needed.

Harvey worked at Drexel for 27 years. He preached at churches in Swain and Jackson counties. He loved the Lord and raised his kids to love the Lord. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved having his family close. He also served time in the U.S. Army.

The family will receive friends at Crisp Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 1-3pm with services immediately following the visitation. Rev. Randy Watkins will officiate with burial at the Thomas Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Andy, Ricky Jr, Jon, Donnie, Kevin, Michael, Stephen, and Jesse Gass, and Adam Smith, Chris Potts, and Erik Plemmons.

Sherry Taylor Southards, born July 23, 1965, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 with her husband at her side.

She is survived by her husband, Christopher Southards; two sons, Larch Taylor and Jose Guerrero; a daughter, Cleo and husband Dustin Golden; four grandchildren, Stephanie, Sam, Austin and Blake; father and mother Jonathan Taylor Sr. and Cleo Proctor Taylor; sisters, Frances Taylor, Edith McCall and husband Jim, and Savannah Wilnoty and husband Mike; one brother, Dennis Edward Taylor and wife Katrina and several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly along with aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Olin and Emma Proctor of Bryson City and Larch and Dixie Taylor of Cherokee; a brother, Jonathan ”Topper”  Taylor and a dear nephew, Michael Wilnoty, both of Cherokee.

She loved her family dearly and the grandchildren were the love of her life.  She will be greatly missed by her large family and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at Acquoni Baptist Church in Cherokee, of which she was a member, on Monday, Jan. 25 at 10am. Revs. Denny Crowe and Ed Kilgore will officiate with burial in the Blythe Cemetery in Cherokee following the service

The family will receive friends at the church from 5-11pm on Sunday, Jan. 24.

Pallbearers will be Mike Wilnoty, Jim McCall, Derrick Taylor, Jack Crowe, Dawson Wilnoty, Tom Driver, Braden Taylor Damon Taylor, and Dustin Golden.

Crisp Funeral Home, Bryson City, is in charge of the arrangements.