Billy Joe Swayney, 62, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

He was born Jan. 9, 1955.   He loved his family.  He loved to play music and be with his friends.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife Norma (Corky) Swayney; two daughters, Stephanie and Lindsey; three sons, Jamie, Toby, and Bill; one brother, Floyd; one sister, Joyce; 16 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 2 at Long House Funeral Home from 12-2pm with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Derek Frady will officiate.

Dennis Reagan, age 69 of Whittier, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 30, 2017. He is the son of the late Candler and Nellie Sue (Hipps) Reagan. He was married for 43 years to his wife, Michele Reagan.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and tending to his garden. He was an avid bird watcher and loved being out in nature. Dennis was a family man and enjoyed spending time with them and he never met a stranger.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Jessica Rowland and her husband Darrell of Asheville; three grandchildren, Dakota Johnston, Levi Rowland and Lexi Rowland; one sister, Karen Gibson and husband Claude of Whittier; many nieces and nephews; and a beloved cat, Gracie.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 3 at 1pm at Olivet United Methodist Church with Rev. John Ferree officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the service at Reagan Family Cemetery.

Appalachian Funeral Services are handling arrangements.

Amy Autumn Crowe, 33, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 4, 2017.

Amy was born and reared in Cherokee but resided in Mint Hill at the time of her death.  She was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church and got saved on July 14, 1994.  Amy was such a kind and loving person who never met a stranger.  She made people laugh, and sometimes she would make you laugh so hard that you would cry but it was good tears that she would give you.  She knew how to lift your spirit.  She was full of stories that I wished she would have written a book.  Because her kindness will be missed, she was a friend to many and her beautiful smile will be missed.  She was a ray of sunshine to a lot of people.  Maybe this was her purpose in life.

Amy is survived by her father, Eugene Harlan, and her mother, Jeanne Crowe Lira; one daughter, Marley Jais Crowe; step-father, Carlos Lira; one sister, Luci Lira; grandmother, Liz Crowe; uncle Albert and Lisa Crowe; uncle Tunney and Sarah Crowe; aunt Rhonda and Kenny Long; uncle Ed Walkingstick, all of Cherokee; special friend, Beth Kinney; cousins whom she thought of as her brothers and sisters, Summer, Rebecca, Izzy, Abb, Jr., Jake, Tyler, Paige, Gina, Nikki, and Travis; also many loving children of her cousins.

Amy was preceded in death by her grandfather, Gene Crowe; and one aunt, Sharon Crowe.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7 beginning at 5pm at the Bethabara Baptist Church where the body will remain until the hour of service on Thursday, June 8 at 11am.  Brother Denny Crowe, Brother Richard Pickup, and Brother James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Elizabeth “Lizz” Inez Soap, born Jan. 23, 1989 went home to be with the Lord on June 8, 2017.  She passed away at Memorial Mission Hospital with family by her side.

Lizz is the daughter of Elsie and John Biddix of Cherokee and Thomas Soap of Tahlequah, Okla.  She has two sons, Tomas Soap, age 7, and Tobias Soap, age 2.  She has six brothers, Robert Soap, Rodney Soap, TK Soap, James Soap, Shaun Soap, and Lucas Soap; two sisters, Mariah Mahan and Jacklyn Soap; one special little sister, Kyla George of Cherokee; a special aunt, Jessica Hornbuckle; and her nana, Inez Welch.  She has several nieces and nephews and cousins that loved her dearly.

Lizz was preceded in death by two uncles, William and Gene Cornwell of Cherokee.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 12 beginning at 5pm at the Cherokee Church of Christ where the body will remain until the hour of service on Tuesday, June 13 at 2 pm.  Pastors Ben Reed and Jim Sexton will officiate.  Burial will be at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Thomas (T.K.) Soap, Rodney Soap, Robert Soap, Dean Hill, Joseph Cornwell, and Billy Cornwell.

Ronson Rickman, 42, of Cherokee, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2017 at his residence with his family by his side.

Ronson was doubted by some, but he proved to be the best man and father any family could ask for.  He was known to help others in time of need and protect those he loved.  He will always be remembered as our best friend, best father, and best Grandfather.  He believed in family and friends.  We will miss his laughter, jokes, and smile.

Ronson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Powell; his parents, Tommy and Vera Rickman; three daughters, Samantha L. Powell, Darion J. Powell, and Haleigh E. Powell; one granddaughter, Jaylyn Ryleigh Lecco; brothers, Patrick, John, Glenn, Gene, and Tommy Lee Rickman; one sister, Kelly Rickman Stanberry; two uncles, Glenn (Dude) Davis and Will Davis; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by several aunts and uncles.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.  Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Rickman family.

Angela was born to Jennifer Jackson and James Ledford on May 15, 1975.  Angela, 42, also had her step-dad, Eugene Harlan, her “Gran”, Paulette Smart, and “Di”, Dianne Panther, who all played an important part in her life.  Angie, a graduate of Smokey Mountain High School, former tribal employee and a resident of the Birdtown Community, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 11, 2017.

She is survived by her mother, Jennifer Jackson; father, James Ledford; and step-dad, Eugene Harlan; companion, Gavin Groenewald; son, James “Jay” Bradley; daughter, Antoinette (Tia) Mae Toineeta; grandchild, Astrid Saylor; sister, Ugina “Bean” Harlan-Pheasant; husband, David Pheasant; brother, Michael Harlan and his companion Vanessa Tiger; four nephews, Ethan Jackson, Michael Harlan Jr., Zavian Hyatt, and Conner Pheasant; four nieces, Kendall Jackson, Annee Hyatt, Jacie Jackson-Bradley, and Mica Harlan; 15 aunts, Paulette Smart, Sheila Arch, Annette Jackson, Rosalyn Jackson, Lula Jackson, Kimmy Jackson, Geraldine Thompson, Edith Crowe, Lou Ella Jackson, Shirley Oswald, Ethel Jackson, Ester Jackson, Susie Plummer, Renee Ledford, and Regina Rosario; four uncles, Abe Queen, Kenny Panther, Gilliam Jackson, and George Rosario Sr.; close cousins, George Rosario Jr., Shauna Consee-Teesatuskie, Nikki Waybrant, Abe Jackson, Sharlotte Jackson, Ceana Jackson; and many other cousins, family, and friends.

She is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Edward “Frank” and Elizabeth Bigmeat Jackson; and paternal grandparents, James Ledford and Nellie Goings Ledford.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, June 16 at Rock Springs Baptist Church.  Pastors James (Bo) Parris and Greg Morgan will officiate with burial in the Bigmeat Cemetery.

Angela will be taken to the church at 2pm Thursday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Arnessa Mae Littlejohn Wilnoty, 62, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

Arnessa was a very loving and kind mother.  She had many friends who loved her for her silliness, always making people laugh.  She loved her family, friends, and especially great grandkids, nieces and nephews.  She always opened her doors to friends that needed a place to stay.  My mother will be greatly missed by family and friends that knew her.  May she rest in peace.

Arnessa is survived by her daughter, Frances Littlejohn; her companion, Robin Toineeta Jr.; six grandchildren, Amber Sherrill, Devan Sherrill, Justina Bigwitch, Justin Littlejohn, Camden Owle, and Shira Littlejohn; three great-grandchildren, Ayeisha Shell, Cole Shell, and her very very special great granddaughter, Hayden Littlejohn; three sisters, Betty Locust and Yohnie Squirrell, both of Cherokee, and Laura Saunooke of Robbinsville; one uncle, James Bigwitch; and a special friend, Marina Jumper, of Robbinsville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Agnes Littlejohn; two sons, Gary Littlejohn and Kirk D. Smoker; two brothers, Ammons and Johnson Littlejohn; and one sister, Annabell Cucumber.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 17 at the Macedonia Baptist Church with Pastor Noah Crowe officiating.  Burial followed at the Littlejohn Cemetery on Washington Creek.  Pallbearers were special nephews and friends.

John W. Arnold Jr. left this world for a place of no more pain, but endless joy and peace, on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the age of 76.  He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lorraine Longnion Arnold, of Sylva; two sons, John Arnold III and David L. Arnold of Kannapolis; and one brother, Robert D. Arnold, and family of Burleson, Texas.

He was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Arizona and New Mexico. After moving to North Carolina with his new family, he was employed by Cherokee Central Schools located on the Qualla Boundary for a total of 41 years.  He retired from Cherokee Central Schools in 2008.  He continued his association and close friendships with many folks in Cherokee.  He considered it an honor and privilege to serve as Personnel Director for CCS for 18 years, and later on, as a mentor and counselor for his cherished friends on the Cherokee Boundary.  He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Sylva since 1976 and the weekly Men’s Community Bible Study for over 10 years.  Limited mobility and many health challenges did not stop him from serving others in any way that he could physically accommodate.  He will be missed, and yet forever cherished in our hearts by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Sylva First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 21 at 2pm.  Family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts in memory of John Arnold be sent to First United Methodist Church in Sylva, for financial needs and/or for the Cherokee Children’s Home on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, NC.

Lida Fay Locust, 60, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly following a short illness on Friday, June 23, 2017 around midnight at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Fay was attended by her faithful sons.

Born on Aug. 19, 1956, Lida was commonly known by Fay to those that knew her.  Fay was born to the late Edwin Walkingstick and Esther (Swayney) Walkingstick of Cherokee.  She was a member of the Bethabara Baptist Church and a resident of the Birdtown Community of Cherokee.  Fay was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend to those she touched.  She worked as a waitress in her time living in Asheville and had trained as a Certified Nursing Assistant which she applied for some time.  Her main livelihood though was she was a homemaker and a caring mother.

Fay is survived by her children, John Locust (Cindy) of Cherokee, Rickman Noah Locust of the home, Andrew Locust (Randi) of Cherokee, Arlene Locust Lanning, Doe Locust and Deb Locust Lee (Lewis) all of Cherokee; brothers, William Walkingstick (Wanda) of Maryville, Tenn., Dwight Walkingstick (Patricia) of Cherokee, Donnie Walkingstick (Opal)(Dec.) of Duncan, Okla., Jerry Walkingstick of Stone Mtn., Ga., Tony Walkingstick of Cherokee, and Ronnie Sellers Walkingstick of Maryville, Tenn.; sisters, Linda Walkingstick of Weaverville, and Lois May (Ray) of Franklin; aunts, Inez Wolfe and Marie Swayney of Cherokee; sister-in-law, Edna Hornbuckle and a special family friend, “Daniel Boone”. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Aside from her parents, Fay was preceded in death by a one sister, Teresa Riviera.

A funeral is planned at Bethabara Church on Tuesday, June 27 starting at 12pm.  A burial will immediately follow in the newly announced Lida Fay Memorial Hill near Fay’s home.  Pall Bearers will be among the family and friends.  Furman Smith will officiate all services.

Long House Funeral Home is providing assistance to the family.

Starlenn Estrella Hernandez, infant daughter of Martin Hernandez and Rebecca Jenkins, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.

In addition to her parents, Starlenn is survived by her grandparents, J.D. Williams and Becky Williams; great grandparents, Junior Jenkins and Frieda Jenkins; sisters, Savannah Calhoun, Rihanna Calhoun, Becky Calhoun, and Gracelynn Sanchez.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 27 at 4 pm at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Pastor Lloyd Watkins will officiate.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Hernandez family.

James Edward Ledford, 51, of Cherokee, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville.

James was a loving father and grandfather.  He was a loving father of five children.  He never let us down.  He always told us what was right from wrong.  Even though he only had five children, he took in more and they called him Daddy as well.  James was a Truck Driver.

He is survived by his wife, Minnie Ledford; his parents, Driver Pheasant Jr. and Lula Ann Ledford; his children, Mitchell Ledford, Mason Ledford, Robert Ledford, Nigel Ledford, and Kale-Nud Ledford Chavez; six grandchildren; brothers, Calloway Ledford (wife Martha), David Ledford (wife Patsy), and Wilson Sneed; sisters, Rose Sneed (husband Skipper), Christine Walkingstick, Velva Powell, Lora Powell, Nancy Jane Pheasant, Minda Pheasant, and Jackie Pheasant.

James was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Driver Pheasant Sr. and Nettie Pheasant; maternal grandparents, Mason Ledford and Lillian Ledford; sisters, Velma Lossiah and Arlene Watty; and one aunt, Nicey Rattler.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 30 from 5-10pm at the Macedonia Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1 at the Macedonia Baptist Church with Pastors Dan Conseen and James “Bo” Parris officiating.  Burial will follow at the Ledford Cemetery in the Snowbird community in Robbinsville.  Pallbearers will be Kirk Lossiah Jr., Chris Ledford, Josh Owl, Allen Ledford, Calloway Ledford, Jr. and other family and friends.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Ledford family.

Elizabeth Ann (Pan) Gass Bryson, 84, of Whittier, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, June 30, 2017 with her family by her side. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Marshall and Lillian Blankenship Gass, and wife of the late Jack Dempsey Bryson, who passed away in 1986. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by one sister Wanda Sue Harris, and three brothers, Billy, Buddy, and Junior Gass.

She enjoyed painting, gardening, and arrowhead hunting. She cooked for Smoky Mountain Elementary School, and Tsali Manor, and also worked at Qualla Supermarket. She was a member of Patterson Chapel Baptist Church. She was an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

She is survived by three children, Jack Bryson and wife Elise of Bryson City, Debbie Nations and husband Zeb of Whittier, and Charles Bryson  and wife Teresa of Bryson City; five grandchildren, Aaron Williams and wife Amanda, Kevin Bryson, Laura Carson and husband Phillip Jr., Glenn Lowe and wife Lesea, and Earl Lowe; six great grandchildren, Cody and Mason Williams, Damien and Felix Bryson, and Emmarie and Hattie Carson, Garrett, Dawson, Andrew, and Maddie Lowe; one sister-in-law, Jonell Gass; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 3pm on Monday, July 3 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Revs. Rusty Wolfrey and Danny Lambert will officiate with burial at Union Hill Cemetery.

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

Jessie Ross-Swimmer, 75, of the Big Cove Community, went home to be with the Lord Monday, July 3, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her parents, McKinley Ross and Lillie Mae Wahnetah; step-father, John Wahnetah; and her brother, Bob Ross.

She was a member of Yellowhill Baptist Church. She was a God-fearing woman, a loving sister, aunt, mother, and friend.

Jessie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Virgil Swimmer; two daughters, Tracy Swimmer and Tina Swimmer; granddaughter, Taran Swimmer; sisters, Mary Visage and husband Wayne, Gig McCoy; half-brothers, Stanley Ross and Franklin Ross; sisters-in-law, Merina Swimmer, Flora Bradley and husband H.J., Marilyn French; brother-in-law, Don Swimmer; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Friday, July 7 at Yellowhill Baptist Church. Brothers Foreman Bradley and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Yellowhill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11am – 2pm Friday at the church.

Nephews will be pallbearers.

Crisp Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Devan Whisper Jackson, 21, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 1, 2017. 

He enjoyed fishing, basketball, soccer, listening to music, spending time outdoors, and being with his friends and family.

Devan is survived by his mother, Marsha Jackson; two sisters, Shayla and Kaleigh Jackson; one nephew, Amias McLaurin; maternal grandmother, Brenda (Walt) French; maternal grandfather, John Grant; paternal grandmother, Sarah Bradley; 11 uncles, three aunts, as well as numerous great aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Dennie Jackson; and paternal grandfather, William Jackson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8 at 2pm in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Scott Carter officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

The family asks that only house plants be sent in memoriam. 

Appalachian Funeral Services has been entrusted with all arrangements.

Nova Lis Esquivel, 5 months old daughter of Kami Elisha Esquivel, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 2, 2017 at her home in Sylva.

In addition to her mother, Nova is survived by her grandmother, Angela Esquivel; great grandmother, Betty Maney; one brother, Avery Samuel Eugene Haze Owle; one sister, U-Wo-Du-Hi Layla Grace Esquivel; aunts, Emma Bernhisle, Olivia Bernhisle, Jaylynne Esquivel, and Bryton Esquivel.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6 beginning at 5pm at the Big Cove Baptist Church where the body will remain until the hour of service on Friday, July 7 at 11am.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Nova Lis Cemetery on Indian Creek.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Esquivel family.

Fredrick Jackson Bradley, 84, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, July 7, 2017. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late General and Julia McCoy Bradley.

He is survived by two sons, Danny Ellis of Cherokee, and Ear Thomas Carroll; four grandsons, Zack, Jeremy, E.J., and Cabe Carroll; two great grandchildren Neva, and T.J. Carroll; several nieces and nephews; and a dog named Smokey.

Funeral Services were held on Sunday, July 16 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel.

Jessie Long Maney, 76, of Cherokee, passed away Monday July 10, 2017 at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She was a member at Rock Springs Baptist Church.  She worked at the Cherokee Boys Club at the Elementary School Cafeteria for 30 years where she retired as manager.  She was an avid sports spectator.  She loved watching the Cherokee Braves play.  She was also a huge Carolina Tarheels fan and Washington Redskins fan.

Jessie is survived by two daughters, Kim Driver (husband Will) and Tudie Cox (husband Jeff); four sons, Cubby Maney (wife Vickie), Brian Maney, Chris Maney, and Lee Maney (wife Justina); grandchildren, Kristen, Pooter, Jessica, Tonya, and Dalton; nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Frosty Adams (husband Eddie) and Fern Saunooke (husband Soup); and special family friend, Greg Panther.

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Ed Maney; one son, Rusty Maney; one daughter, Robin; parents, Wilburn and Pauline Long; and six Brothers.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11 at the Rock Springs Baptist Church from 5pm until 12 midnight.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12 at the Rock Springs Baptist Church at 2pm.  Pastors Greg Morgan and James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Wrights Creek Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Scott Chekelelee, Pokey Hornbuckle, Chad Carver, Nunnie Davis, DJ Wolfe, and Jason Howell.  Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Adams, Soup Saunooke, Jason Ornsby, and John Perry Sampson.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Maney family.

Rosie Owle Marler, 89, of Whittier, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017 at Tsali Care Center in Cherokee.

Rosie was born Jan. 10, 1928 in Whittier to the late Mark Alven Owle and Belva Smith Owle.  Rosie was a potter and worked at the Oconaluftee Indian Village.

She is survived by one daughter, Mary Jane Ward of Whittier; one son, John Henry Kilby Jr. of Michigan; five grandchildren, Angie Anderson, Ricky Ward, Curtis Ward, John Michael Kilby, and Brian Kilby; three great grandchildren, Damien Grey Ward, Evan Ward, and Veronique Anderson; several great great grandchildren; one brother, Raymond Owle; and one sister, Emmoline Lambert.

In addition to her parents, Rosie was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Michael Anthony Ward and Timothy James Ward; brothers, Ralph, Oscar, Eugene, Jarrett, Jack and Jake Owle; and two Sisters, Viola Owle and Edna McMillan.

Graveside services will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Boiling Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Whittier.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Ethel M. Lambert, 101, of the Birdtown community, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 13, 2017. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Marinda McCoy Murphy and wife of the late Willard Lambert.

She was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirlene McCoy; and two sons, Robert and Willard (Bill) Lambert.

Ethel is survived by five children, Shirley Stepp, Inez Huskey, Caroldene Higgins, Alice Owle, and Walter (Bud) Lambert; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 15 in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Pastor Ricky Stepp officiated with burial in the Birdtown Cemetery.

Elnora Nell Owle Maney, 73, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.

She was born Aug. 19, 1943 in Cherokee to the late Thomas B. Owle and Dinah Queen Owle.

Elnora is survived by her husband, Winfred Maney; three children, Jack D. Maney (wife Jenny), Dona Sue George, and William George; three step-children, John Maney, Ricky Maney, and Ellen Maney Rector; eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; two brothers, Buddy Adam Owle (wife Alice) and David C. Owle; and eight nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents, Elnora was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Queen; three sisters, Elizabeth Queen Calonaheskie, Norma Kaye Owle Ledford, and Mary Lucille Owle; and one foster sister, Dinah Welch.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 19 at Long House Funeral Home from 10am – 12noon.  Funeral services will follow the visitation at 12noon at Long House Funeral Home.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Winfred Maney Cemetery in the Big Cove Community.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.