Kent Elliot Cucumber, 54, of Cherokee, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

Kent is the son of Alfred Cucumber and Eleanor M. Bird of Cherokee.

Along with his parents, Kent is survived by his children, Noah Cucumber and Kasey Medford; brother, Aaron Allen Cucumber (son Rodger McCoy); sisters, Carol Cucumber (husband Harvey Smith) and Milly Cucumber; one grandchild; nieces Victoria “LaDawn” Cucumber, Martha Wilson, Arianne Cucumber, Karina Ramirez and Christina Lee Cucumber; nephews, Kenny Wilson Jr., Hugo Ramirez, Derrick Cucumber and Christopher Cucumber; grand-nephews, Dominick “Little Bear” Wilson, Josiah Quisosa, Rain Quisosa and Saith St.Christopher David “Say-Say” Cucumber.

Kent is preceded in death by grandmother, Emmaline Cucumber and one sister, Karen Cucumber.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 25 at Yellowhill Baptist Church from 4pm-12am(midnight) with the funeral service following on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 1pm.  An immediate burial will follow at the Cucumber Family Cemetery with Pall Bearers being Kenny Cucumber, Harvey Smith, Christopher Cucumber, Will Harris, Noah Cucumber, JD Crowe, Derrick Cucumber and Hawk Brown.

Thomas Andrew Littlejohn, 53, of the Wolftown community, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016.

Thomas is survived by his parents, Jim and Ollie Bigwitch; sister Mary Wolf (husband Jonah) and Joyce Taylor (husband Robert); nieces Ginger Cucumber, Shannon Littlejohn and Sharon Taylor; and nephews,  Matthew, Curtis and Phillip Littlejohn, Blaine Wolfe.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 25 at the Pentecostal Church (located on Long Branch Rd) from 4pm-12am (midnight).  The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 11am. Burial will follow in the family cemetery.  Pall Bearers will be among family and friends.

Margaret “Waggie” Sneed, 78, of Cherokee, passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2016.

She was born March 27, 1937 in Cherokee to the late Jonah Thompson and Nannie Catolster.

Margaret was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and wife.  She enjoyed gardening, fishing, and being outdoors.  She also enjoyed spending time with her family and visits from her four grand dogs.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Trina Sneed Owle and her husband Donnie; two sons, Dennis “Fuzz” Sneed and Darren “Dune” Sneed and wife Roberta; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ernest “Bud” Sneed.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 11am – 12pm at Long House Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services to follow at noon.  Rev. Dan Conseen will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Sneed-Hollybush Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Kasdan Saunooke, Aaron Bradley, Rick Sneed, Paul Sneed, Dike Sneed, and Kevin Blackfox.

Dorothy Toineeta, 88, of the Big Cove Community, went home to be with her parents Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late George and Pearl Wolf Toineeta and granddaughter of the late former Vice Chief Loni Toineeta.

She was a member of the Cherokee Methodist Mission.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Howard Toineeta; half-sister, Geneva Toineeta; and half-brothers, Loni and Edwin Toineeta.

She is survived by two sons, Doug Toineeta and Joseph Redcloud of Cherokee; special cousins Fran McCoy and Matthias Crow; and favorite niece, Gail Parker, all of Cherokee.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, Jan. 28 in the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Toineeta Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10-11am Thursday at the funeral home.

Morgan M. Bradley (JB) was born on July 14,1949. He won his battle with cancer on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. We praise God he no longer has cancer anymore or doesn’t have to worry about it coming back. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Helen Reed Bradley; also his paternal grandmother who raised him, Eva Calhoun Bradley; and his maternal grandparents, Johnson and Dinah Reed. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond Bradley, Jimmy (Buggy) Bradley, Don Bradley, and Walter (Biddy) Bradley. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Loretta; two sons, Richard with wife Candy, Michael; one special son, Arab Bradley; and two daughters, Tammy and Dee Dee; two special daughters, Shayna Ledford and Beth Grant with husband Drew; one grandson, Jayden; three special grandchildren, CJ, Mika, and Little Evard (Chum); one sister, Carol Bradley Long with husband Cliff; one brother, Bob Reed; one aunt, Eva T. Reed; two uncles, Jerry Wolfe and uncle Ray Kinsland with wife Jerri; special friends, Connie Keller with husband Richard; and also several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He grew up around his uncles Roy, Jonah and Lawrence Reed, learning how to log and do mechanic work. He worked in Maggie Valley building houses for a few years and later worked full time at the Cherokee’s Factory. He also did odd jobs on the side and horse logged for years. He played in the men’s fast pitch softball league in his younger days, until he found Jesus 36 years ago!

He was a deacon at Big Cove Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist Church and most recent Acquoni Baptist Church. He was a big supporter of missionaries and their missions.

He had a special place for kids in his heart. If a child needed something, he would do what he could to help them. When he worked for the Boys Club as a bus driver, he was known as “Uncle Grandpa Morgan” on bus #7.  He was assigned to work in the school cafeteria between bus runs, where he handed out many dollars and coins. He enjoyed that job most of all because he got to see the kids and he helped them when they needed him. He fully supported the Cherokee School System and believed in the Braves, Lady Braves and of course the Dallas Cowboys. He watched all the World Series ballgames from little leagues, college to professional boys/girls. He also loved fishing and NASCAR racing until he could no longer attend.

He will be taken to Acquoni Baptist Church where he was a member on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 5pm where he will remain until the funeral on Thursday at 11am. He will be buried in the Bradley Family Cemetery on Galimore in Big Cove. Evangelist Randy Bane, Missionary Olin Williams, and Pastors Ed Kilgore and Bo Parris will officiate the services.

The Cherokee Boys Club School Bus Drivers and nephews will be the pallbearers. In Lieu of flowers, we would like for people to make donations to Betty’s Place, Cherokee Cancer Support PO Box 2220, Cherokee, NC 28719.

Dalton Scott Gunter, 21, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. A lifelong resident of Swain County, he was the son of Gary Scott Gunter of Whittier and Tiffany and Matthew Pummer of Cherokee.

Dalton was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Linda Sue Gunter; great grandparents, Helen E. Owle and Gentry Gunter; and a special cousin Travis “Brock” Squirrell.

In addition to his parents, Dalton is survived by his beloved son, Maddox Scott Gunter of the home; two brothers, Austin Gunter and Stephen Bird, both of Cherokee; one sister, Madison Pummer of Cherokee; paternal grandparent, Gary C. Gunter; maternal grandparents, Valorie Welch and Bobby Owle; great grandfather, Robert E. Owle; special grandparents, Janice and Timothy Pummer; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and extended family.

Dalton will always be remembered for his loving nature, kindness, and generosity. He enjoyed spending time with his son, family, and friends, and riding four wheelers, and motorcycles, spending days at the lake or in the mountains, and having vacations with his family.

Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Bethabara Baptist Church. Revs. Eddie Stillwell and Phillip Ellington will officiate with burial in the Owle Family Cemetery.

Isabella Unique Jacobs, 5-month-old daughter of Colby Jacobs and Brooke Smith, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016.

In addition to her parents, Isabella is survived by her grandparents, Cynthia Grant, Kenny Watty, Kathy Maney, Buford Smith Jr., and Johnny Reece; great grandparents, Robert Goodson, Sharon Ranger, Buford Smith Sr. and wife Jessie, and Rick and Judy Bird; uncles, Chris Jacobs and Christian Alfaro; aunt, Ashlee Smith; and great aunt, Taylor Bird.

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 29 from 1-2pm at the Long House Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Truman Taylor will officiate.

Edward Hardy Ward, 95, of Whittier, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016 at Skyland Care Center. A lifelong resident of Jackson County, Ward was born June 27, 1920. He is the son of the late John Hardy and the late Elizabeth (Oxyner) Ward. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Margie Cooper Ward; his brothers, Earl, David and Charlie Ward; and sisters, Annie Mae Myers, and Mary E. Reagan.

He worked as a carpenter, building all sorts of things, from birdhouses to barns. He loved building, farming and gardening.  He was a member of the Whittier Church of God.

He is survived by two daughters, Shirley (Charles Ray) Elders and Joyce Sutton; grandchildren, Dewayne Elders, Tommy Sutton and Eddie Monteith; six great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 2pm on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Whittier Church Of God, with Rev. Ned Pressley, Rev. Shane Silvers, and Rev. Marty Pressley officiating.  Burial will follow in Union Hill Cemetery, Whittier. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm before the service at the church. An online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Sibbald Michael “Mike” Smith, 61, of Greenville, SC, passed away Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie Richardson of the home in Greenville; his mother, Mary Catherine Smith of Cherokee; his sister and brother, Cathy Smith Burns of Cherokee, and Gary Smith of South Carolina; his four children, Kellie Bowen and husband Mike Bowen of Maryland, Meggie Carden and husband Tony Carden of Georgia, Jacob Smith and Joshua Smith of South Carolina; and his four grandchildren, Dylan, Anabel, Alice, and Violet.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Sibbald Smith.

Mike attended the United States Naval Academy and Clemson University, and had a successful and extensive career in electrical engineering. A descendant of Chief Nimrod Jarrett Smith, Mike was a proud member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and dedicated his life to the preservation of his family’s heritage. Mike recently worked extensively in Vancouver, British Columbia and received his Professional Engineering license and subsequently his Iron Ring, a symbol usually reserved for those individuals who have attended colleges in Canada.

Mike will have a visitation in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home from 6-9pm on Friday, Jan. 29 followed by a funeral Service on Saturday officiated by Red Bradley of Waterfalls Baptist Church in the Chapel as well.  Pall Bearers will be among the family and friends.  Burial will be in the Blythe Cemetery in the Wolftown Community following the services at Long House.

Rachel Ann Lambert Hornbuckle, 74, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday Jan. 27, 2016.  A lifelong resident of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Louise Gay Goforth Lambert and Joseph Gaston Lambert Sr.

Rachel was a loving mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed gardening, hunting mushrooms, bird watching, and being with her family.  She also loved her many pets.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Lambert Owle and brother, Raymond Lambert.

She is survived by three brothers, George Lambert and wife Peggy of Cherokee, Joseph Lambert Jr. and wife Alice of Cherokee, and Samuel Lambert of Cherokee; two sisters, Mary Collins of Old Fort and Nellie Lambert of Cherokee; two sons, Mingo Hornbuckle and companion Renee of Cherokee, Buddy Hornbuckle and companion Terry of Cherokee; one daughter, Stacey Hornbuckle Harsh and husband Chris of Cherokee; eight grandchildren, Shawntee, Adrian, Hali, Ajai, Chayton, Darius, Avi, and Uriah; and four great grandchildren.

Rachel will be placed at the Bethabara Baptist Church Friday evening from 3-5pm for a visitation with a funeral service to start at 5pm officiated by Pastor Noah Crowe of Robbinsville First Baptist.  There be no other services to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the PAWS no kill shelter in Bryson City.

John Henry “Birdeye” Burgess, 33, of Cherokee, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2016.

He was born April 14, 1982 in Asheville to Charles E. Burgess and Kathy “Rock” Kanott Burgess.  John liked the outdoors hunting and fishing.  He also liked sports.

In addition to his parents, John is survived by son, Dalton Chad Burgess of Cherokee; step-children, Robert Seay, Marcus Hills and Carolyn Lillard all of the home; grandfather, William Henry Kanott; one brother, George E. Burgess; and one sister, Betina Sue Hornbuckle and husband George “Pokey”.

John was preceded in death by grandparents, George Herbert and Bonnie Burgess; and Naomi Bowman.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 11am at Acquoni Baptist Church

with Rev. Ed Kilgore officiating.  Burial will follow at the Burgess Family Cemetery on Bradley Loop Road.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

WAYNESVILLE – Sue Robinson Scates, 92, died on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at Autumn Care Nursing and Rehab. Sue was born in Buncombe County on Nov. 28, 1923, to the late Rex and Irene “Pete” Scarbrough Robinson.  She worked as a teacher’s aide in the school system for many years and was instrumental in starting the church library. Sue genuinely cared about people, especially children. Most of all, she loved her Lord and her family.

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her husband, George Franklin Scates; sister, Bernice Stewart; grandson Christopher Alan Welsh; and nephew, Gerald Stewart.

Left to cherish her memory is a son, Rusty Scates; a daughter, Terrie Welsh; and Janica Stewart.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at Hazelwood Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Patrick Womack officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12-1pm prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hazelwood Presbyterian Church or to Autumn Care Nursing and Rehab.

Burial will follow services at Green Hill Cemetery.

Online guest registry and condolences may be made at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com

CLAYTON, Ga. – Hazel Saunooke-Stalcup, 75, born May 9, 1940, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016.

A native of Cherokee, she resided in Clayton, Ga. most of her life. She was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Cherokee.

Hazel attended Western Carolina University where she earned a degree in teaching. She taught school in New York, Atlanta, and Cherokee. She was also a successful businesswoman for many years in the Cherokee community. Hazel will be remembered for her witty sense of humor and the ability to lighten a room with her presence.

Hazel was the daughter of the late Osley Bird Saunooke Sr. and Bertha Smith Saunooke of Cherokee. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Alan Stalcup; sister, Pat Saunooke; brother, Osley “Butch” Saunooke Jr.; and grandson, Matthew Leopard.

Surviving are her son, Anthony Stalcup of Woodstock, Ga.; grandsons, Robert and Ryan Stalcup of Buford, Ga.; sister, Donna Ball and husband Sam; brother, Charlie Saunooke, all of Cherokee; and many nieces and nephews and her best fur friend, Scooby.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City. The family will receive friends from 1-2pm on Saturday prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Cherokee at the Saunooke Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Cherokee.

Wesley Morris Lambert, 59, passed away on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. Wesley was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and spent his life living between Vermont and North Carolina . Wesley loved to fish and was a champion horseshoe game tosser.

Wesley is the son of Clyde and Mary (Davis) Lambert. Also surviving is brother, Gary Lambert of Leesburg, Va.; sister, Laura Shuttle of Williamstown, Vt.; life-long friend, Mark Priestly; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Wesley is preceded in death by grandparents, Benjamin F. Davis and Roberta (Snyder) Davis, John A. Lambert and Sallie-Ann (Standingdeer) Lambert.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Long House Funeral Home is serving the Lambert family.

Lois Rose Ball, 84, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, and all her loved ones gone on before her on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016.  She was surrounded by all her family who loved her dearly.

She was born March 12, 1931 in Graham County to the late William Rose and Bessie Millsaps Rose.

Lois was a wonderful loving mother, grandmother, and friend.  She had a very humble spirit that loved helping people.  She was a great cook.  She loved to read, camp, and most of all spend time with her family whom she was very proud of.

She is surived by three sons, Andy Ball and wife Sharon, Mike Ball and wife Angie, and Scott Ball and wife Wanda; one daughter, Donna Watson and husband Robbie; six grandchildren, Chris Ball, Misty Adams, Nicole Woods, Courtney Ball, Ryan Ball, and Katlin Watson; four great grandchildren, Alyssa Ball, Austin Ball, Abby Adams, and Aiden Adams; and one sister, Myrtle Ghormley.

In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Ball; two brothers, Lyle Rose and Jack Rose; three sisters, Hazel Ford, Dorothy Randall, and Juanita Rose.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 6 from 1-2pm at the Long House Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Rev. Jesse Adams will officiate with burial at the Drama Cemetery in Cherokee.

Long House Funeral Home is serving the Ball family.

Frances Lorene (Hornbuckle) Wahnetah, 75, of Cherokee, passed away in her home on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 following an extended illness.

Frances was the daughter of the late Russell Hornbuckle and Stacey (Crowe) Hornbuckle of the Cherokee Community.  She was primarily a homemaker but had worked as a seamstress at the Vassar and White Shield companies for extra income.  She was member of the Wright’s Creek Baptist Church.  She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend.   She was the widow of the late Robert Johnson Wahnetah, her husband of 52 years.  She has missed greatly since his passing in 2011.  She’s gone to be with him now.

Frances is survived by three children, Roberta Wahnetah Long, Russell Lee Wahnetah, and Howard Keith Wahnetah, all of Cherokee; one brother, Alex Hornbuckle; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Frances was preceded in death by one son, Robert Johnson Wahnetah II; and two grandsons, Robert Lee Wahnetah and Michael Austin Wahnetah.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 5-11pm at Wrights Creek Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 12 at 11am at Wrights Creek Baptist Church with Pastor Ed Kilgore and Forman Bradley officiating with burial in the Wahnetah Family Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Eddie George, Tom Wahnetah, and Robbie Wahnetah.

William Franklin Vickers Jr., 71 of Sevierville, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. He was retired from long haul Trucking Roadway and enjoyed watching westerns. William enjoyed old rebuilt cars and attending car shows. He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Vickers Sr. and Mignon James; and step-grandchild, Crystal.

William is survived by his wife, Blanche McCoy Vickers; step-sons, Robert and wife Betty, James and wife Theresa, Rocky, William (Bill) and wife Helen, and Ralph (Chuck) and wife Tracy; step-daughter, Keri and husband Dale; special step-daughter, Carmalita Brady; step-grandchildren, Justin and Nellie, Rindy, Jeremy, Amber, John-Casey, Honey, Austin, Wade, Silas, Ashley, John, Andy, Dakota, Katy, and Ashley Goins; 21 great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Hamlin and husband Jesse; and Jean; nieces, Dawn, Wanda, Kim, and Karen; special son, Wade Eugene Brady; special grandson, Trey Eugene Brady; and several more nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour, TN 37865 (277-2807). Online condolences may be made at (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)

Diamond Brown Jr., 59, of Snowbird, renowned Cherokee educator, cultural leader, and former EBCI Council representative joined the creator in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016.

Blessed with a bold charisma and unbridled optimism, Diamond blazed a unique and visionary path through life highlighted by entrepreneurial accomplishments, personal honors, and dedicated public service.  In 2000, along with his wife, Sandy, the couple founded a successful cultural education enterprise, Touch the Earth with Native People.  At its height, the family-operated business employed more than 20 full-time performers and staff, and traveled extensively throughout the United States celebrating Native American culture and heritage with programs featuring dazzling living history exhibits, authentic tribal regalia, and electrifying dance performances.  He touched tens of thousands of lives who experienced his unique blend of education and entertainment, a phenomenon he titled “Edutainment” and was a highly sought presenter for schools, universities, historical societies, museums, and state capitals.

Diamond was an innovator and early leader of a movement to restore knowledge and appreciation of traditional Cherokee culture. A member of the Deer Clan whose Cherokee name Go-Sti translates as “Sharp”, he personified strength, leadership, and a warrior’s spirit.  A code of honor he described first and foremost as a man’s responsibility to love, protect, and provide not only for his family but also his community.

In 2009, Diamond was elected to the EBCI Tribal Council and served two terms as Snowbird/Cherokee County representative.  Working tirelessly on behalf of his Cherokee people, he brought a traditional and balanced perspective to tribal government.  The newly-opened Cherokee Indian Hospital and EBCI Justice Center, the tribal casino in Cherokee County, enrollment DNA testing, and a Snowbird HIP Housing Development are just a few successful projects he either led or supported while in office.

Diamond Brown Jr. was born March 20, 1956 in Cherokee, the first of three sons to Diamond and Frieda Brown Sr.  From an early age he displayed a natural gift for storytelling and often entertained relatives with riveting tales that earned pocket change for ice cream cones and candy bars.  Little did he know at the time but he was honing skills that would someday mesmerize eager audiences far beyond the forested hills of western North Carolina.  Later, while captain of his middle school football team he succeeded in changing the team’s colors for one season from black and silver to green and yellow, so they would resemble his favorite team the Green Bay Packers.

At the age of seventeen he moved to Georgia and later, while working as a meat cutter in a grocery store, met the love of his life, Sandra Fenn.  They were married in the fall of 1981 and started a family two years later.  Proud parents to three beautiful daughters, all of whom continue his legacy of love and culture, the couple were inseparable and continued their educational efforts, environmental advocacy, and community service right up until his final months.  A devoted husband and father he worshipped his daughters often telling them “I live my life for you girls”.

In addition to an engaging personality and charming disposition Diamond possessed strikingly regal physical features and a powerful stature that left an indelible impression on everyone he met.  His image and likeness were the inspiration for numerous artistic renderings including hand painted portraits, photographs, statues in Dahlonega, GA and Sawnee Nature Center, and hand carved personal quotes displayed in Hayesville.

Friends will remember him as a proud son of the Eastern Band and man of the world who found joy in an impressive collection of cruiser motorcycles, vintage pick-up trucks, and bright red corvettes.  He loved strong coffee and delicious home cooked meals, especially breakfast; disdained any kind of pessimism or negativity; gave friendly ribbings to those he liked, and enjoyed simple pleasures like coloring Easter eggs and watching classic TV shows, Andy Griffith and Bonanza.  Others will remember him as a loyal friend and brother who never backed down from a fight or denied someone in need.  One of those rare buddies you could call at 3am to help pull a car out of ditch on a deserted, icy back road.

Diamond was preceded in death by a brother, Merlyn Brown of Snowbird in 2002.

He is survived by his faithful wife of 34 years, Sandra Marlene Fenn Brown of Snowbird; daughters Brooke, Dakota, and Wahlalah Brown, all of Cherokee; granddaughters, Celeste Spruce and Winter Wildcatt, both of Cherokee; parents, Diamond Brown Sr. and Frieda Rattler Brown of Snowbird; brothers, Verlyn Brown of Snowbird and Russell Selph of Atlanta, Ga.; and countless family, friends, and relations.

Services are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 12 at 1pm at Snowbird Complex with Long House Funeral Home of Cherokee entrusted with preparations.  A traditional burial will follow at the Brown Family Cemetery.  Kituwah fire keepers, Benny Mendia and Eddie Paul, will make medicine.  DJ Robinson, James Fenn, Corey Fenn, Eli Selph, Cassidy Galaviz, and Cruz Galaviz will serve as pall bearers.  Honorary pall bearers are Eddie Chekelelee, Scott Chekelelee, Robbie Lewis, Israel Weeks, Robin Jumper, and Terry Rattler.

The family also extends its deepest appreciation to the dedicated and caring staff at Cherokee Indian Hospital; to longtime friend Ruben Teesateskie and volunteers for hosting a recent benefit dinner in Yellow Hill; to the family of the late Wayne Henderson for a precious gift of seven long glorious years; and the many relatives and friends across Indian Country who have offered love and prayers during Diamond’s prolonged illness.

“Spirituality is way of life for me and my people, with these teachings I hope the people can and will understand the Native way of life here on Mother Earth” – Diamond Go-Sti

Samuel Alfred “Snake” Panther, born on April 29, 1945 went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016.

Samuel is the son of the late Emmaline Driver and Samuel Panther Sr. both of the Cherokee Community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Wilma Pheasant, Anita Ellwood and Frances Welch; and three brothers, Charlie Davis, Tommy Driver and Nicky Driver.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Carolyn Panther; three daughters, Christina Panther with Blaine Wolfe, Frances with husband Frank Oocumma, LeeAnn Panther with Mike Oocumma; son Mark Panther; eight grandchildren, Jordan, Jorree, Jaidan, Ryanne, Jamy, Jayce, Moira and Levi; five great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, LJ, Briley, Myla and Francis Faith;  step children, sons, Dooner Driver with wife Kerra, Lopper Driver; one stepdaughter, Darlene Reed with Justin; with twelve grandchildren, Keisha, Jordan, Tiara, Laurel Reece, Blake, AJ, Caidyn, Conner, Elle, Colton, Emery; one great-grand daughter, Tye and one special grandson-Little Uton; nine sisters, Alice Kekahbah, Alma Johns, Katherine Panther, Hattie Panther, Loretta Bradley, Jean Bradley, Gloria Panther French, Patsy Panther and Deborah Panther; five brothers, Ernest Panther, Floyd Panther with wife Freida, Kenny Panther with wife Diane, Rich Panther with wife Kathy, Patrick Panther with wife Sharon and Jim Panther with Trina; several nieces and nephews all of the Cherokee Community.

A funeral service is planned for Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Big Cove Recreation Center along Big Cove Rd. starting at 2pm with Rev. Denny Crowe, Rev. James “Bo” Parris and Paster Ben Reed officiating. An immediate burial will follow near the home on Straight Fork.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Cherokee Cancer Support at PO Box 2220 Cherokee, NC with Attention Beatrice Smith for the support of Cancer Victims in the Cherokee Community.