Lillian Ferguson Enloe, 91, of Whittier, passed away Monday April 8, 2013. A native and lifelong resident of the Qualla Community in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late H. Glenn and Charlotte Howell Ferguson. Her favorite pastimes were reading the Bible, attending Church, sewing, working in the garden, praying with the ladies prayer group for over 20 years, and caring and nurturing her family. 

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Lenoir Enloe, two sons Dean and Gerald Enloe, brothers Wayne and Hugh Ferguson, sister Mary F.Trull and a granddaughter Bethany Caryl Enloe.

She is survived by 2 Sons- Gene and his wife Ina of Webster, Neil and his wife Elaine of Franklin, and daughter-in-law Brenda Jean Enloe of Whittier, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be at 2pm on Saturday, April 13 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Pastor Steve Harris officiating. The family will receive friends from 12-2pm prior to the service at the Funeral Home.  Graveside burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bethany Enloe Mission Fund, Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church, 207 Mitchell Rd, Greenville, SC, 29615-2644

An online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

ROBBINSVILLE – Jerry Jumper passed away early on the morning of April 3, 2013 after an extended illness, he was 69 years old. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Graham County in the Cheoah Township.

Jerry was the son of the late Bessie Smoker Jumper and Henry W. Jumper, and was preceded in death by two brothers, Jesse Jumper and Joe Jumper, and a sister, Betsy George.

Jerry is survived by his brother Willie Jumper and his sister Anna Belle Welch both of Robbinsville.  He is also survived by his three children: his daughter, Phyllis Elaine Jumper, and his two sons, Ricky Jumper and Nathan Jumper, all of Robbinsville; three grandchildren: Shantel Teesateskie, Lyle Jumper, and T.C. Jumper, all of Robbinsville; four great-grandchildren: Kaniya Teesateskie, Kyzik Teesateskie, Cassidy Sudderth, and Wesley Jumper, all of Robbinsville.  Jerry is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews all of the Robbinsville area, and a special “granddaughter,” Melissa Seay of Robbinsville.

A visitation was held at the Little Snowbird Baptist Church on Friday, April 5 and continued until the afternoon service on the following day, Saturday, April 6.  The Rev. Scott Murray and Rev. James “Bo” Parris officiated.  Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers were Lyle Jumper, Steve Mathis, T.C. Jumper, Kenny Jumper, Kenny Garrett, and Melvin Wachacha.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Memory of Jerry Jumper to assist the family with funeral expenses, and can be sent to: PO Box 2111, Robbinsville, NC 28771.

Ruth Armachain Caro, 80, of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee, NC, passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday April 25, 2013.

She was a hairdresser in Norfolk Virginia for 40 years before returning home to Cherokee.  She was a Foster Grandparent at the Dora Reed Child Care Center in Cherokee for 20 years.  Ruth participated in the Senior Games and won gold medals in several categories.  She enjoyed bowling and square dancing with others at Tsali Manor.  And, she was an avid fisherman until her recent illness.  Ruth was a member of Sequoyah Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Dora Hornbuckle Armachain; three brothers, William “Bill” Armachain, Calvin Armachain and Wayne Armachain; one sister Gladys Armachain.

She is survived by son Joseph Caro and wife Michelle of Norfolk, Va.; daughter, Deborah Caro-Denig and husband Justin of Bryson City; father of the children, Joseph Caro; four grandchildren, Kristina, Joseph and Michael Caro of Norfolk, Va. and Dakota Caro of Bryson City; sisters, Emma “Granny” Walkingstick of Cherokee, Jean Armachain Sill of Norfolk, Va., and Joy Smith and husband John W. Smith of Cherokee; two great-grandchildren, Taylor Caro and Marcellia Sartoro.

A visitation was held at the Bethabara Baptist Church on Sunday, April 28 with a funeral following the next day on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 2pm.  The officiates will be Brother George Welch, Pastor Dan Conseen, Pastor Marty Pressley and Pastor Eddie Sherrill.  A private graveside service will follow the funeral in the Sequoyah Cemetery in the Big Cove Community with Jimmy Craig, James Welch, Bobbie Stamper, Davey Stamper, John Cameron George and Doober George acting as Pall Bearers.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the family in the service arrangements.

Shawn David Calhoun Sr., 47 of Cherokee, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 in a Jackson County Hospital. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Smathers and Savannah Driver Calhoun. He also was preceded in death by a child Shawn David Calhoun, Jr., and one brother Frank Calhoun.

He is survived by three children; David Ray Calhoun, Lita Raylene Calhoun, and Candace D. Calhoun, two brothers; Clement Calhoun, and William D. Calhoun, three sisters; Annabelle Shuler, Susanna Finger, and Flora Shelton, 7 grandchildren, four nephews, and three nieces.

Funeral Services will be held 2pm on Wednesday, May 1 at Straight Fork Baptist Church. Revs. Charles Ray Ball and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Smathers Calhoun Cemetery.

The body will be taken to the Church at 4pm on Tuesday, April 30 by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service. 

David Lee “Kid Rock” Blackburn, II., 41, of Cherokee, and formerly of Asheboro, peacfully went home to Heaven on May 6, 2013 at the St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospitals.  His loved ones were by his side.

He was the son of father Mr. David Lee Blackburn, Sr. and step-mother Rose of Asheboro, and mother Helen Nance Brady and husband William Brady, of Cherokee; two daughters, Tiffany Blackburn and Alicia Blackburn of Asheboro; two brothers, Kevin Blackburn and Jonathan Gooch, of Asheboro; one sister, Wendy Blackburn of Asheboro; one grandson; four nieces and one nephew; several aunts and uncles and beloved friends and his fiancé, Diane Railey of Cherokee.

David will have a visitation on Wednesday, May 08 between 5-7pm in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home in Cherokee.  A funeral Service will follow the next day at 10am in the Chapel of Long House with Pastor Foreman Bradley officiating.  A graveside service will follow in the Randolph Memorial Park in Asheboro on Friday, May 10 at 4pm. 

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

James Marcus George, 64, passed away on May 10, 2013 at Med West Haywood in Clyde following a brief illness.  James was a resident of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee. He is the son of the late Sam George Sr. and Ollie Reed George.  On May 6, 2013, at 7:49 pm, he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and is now doing the “DC Stroll” down the streets of gold.

Along with his parents, James is preceded in death by one brother, Fred George.

James is survived by two daughters, Jessica Jumper and Winnie Jumper; one son, James “Cheese” George Jr, all of Cherokee; sisters; June Smith, Nell Sneed, Donya George and Genevieve George; special sister, Genevieve Lambert; one brother, Sam George Jr.

A visitation will be held at Long House Funeral Home on Monday, May 13, 2013, from 5-9pm with Ray Kinsland handling the singers.  A funeral service will be held at Long House Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 14 at 1 pm with Brother Greg Morgan and Rev. James “Bo” Parris officiating.  A burial will follow at the James M. George Cemetery located on Washington Creek Road in Cherokee. Pall bearers will be James “Buddy” Lambert, James “Woody” Walkingstick, Dustin Sneed, George Burgess, Charlie Burgess and Robert Wahnetah.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the family in the arrangements.

Katie Smith, 4 months, passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2013 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital ER.

Katie is the infant daughter of Tina Smith and James Hunt Jr. of Cherokee. She is survived by her brother, Keith Allen Smith and sister Nessa Mae Smith of the home; grandparents, maternal grandmother Mary Reed and JC Klutts; maternal grandfather, Harry Smith; paternal grandparents Sharon Hunt and James Hunt Sr.

Katie is also survived by God parents, Becky and Brain Crawford; uncles, Robert Smith and Jay Hunt; aunts, Linda Vega, LaSheena Carroll, Margaret Hart and Alfreda Hart; great uncle and aunt, Eddie Carroll and Enda Carroll; several cousins, Benjamin, Shameeka, Winnie, Elena, Serena, David and Aracely.

A visitation is planned on Tuesday, May 14 from 5pm – 12am at the Yellowhill Baptist Church in Cherokee with a funeral service following on Wednesday, May 15 starting at 2pm with Pastor Foreman Bradley and Rev. James “Bo” Parris officiating.  An immediate burial will follow near the mother’s home in Cherokee. 

Jim Noe, 70, passed away on May 16, 2013 at Mission Hospital following a brief illness. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Jim had lived in Cherokee for many years and was employed at KOA.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen Noe and his daughter Sarah Noe of Buffalo, NY.  He is also survived by a son-in-law Carlos Figueroa Jr. and long time friends Mark and Myra Jones.  Jim also leaves behind two grandchildren; Carlos Figueroa III and Nicolas Jones.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 20 at the Christ Fellowship Church in Cherokee from 5-8pm with Pastor Rich Sneed officiating.  Jim will then return to his home in Buffalo, NY.

Long House Funeral Home assisted family with arrangements.

David “Skin” Long , 66, of Cherokee passed away on May 16, 2013 at his residence following an extended illness. “Skin” was a member of the Sequoyah Baptist Church and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War.

“Skin” is the son of the late Wilbur Long and Pauline George Long. He is preceded in death by four brothers, Gus George, Duke Long, Rick Long and Mooch Long.

“Skin” is survived by his wife Clora Smith Long; brother, George Long;  Sisters, Jessie Maney, Fern Saunooke and Frostie Adams; Children, Crystal Long Rhynes and husband Bill Rhynes of Whittier; Elizabeth Long Bowers and husband Michael Bowers of Bryson City, NC and Steven Lewis Saunooke of Cherokee.  “Skin” also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at Long House Funeral Home on Saturday, May 18 with Pastor Timothy James officiating.

Long House Funeral Home assisted family with arrangements.

Larry Denman peacefully met his Lord on May 18, 2013. He was lovingly known as Mr. Fudge or Mr. D, and gave God the glory for a blessed and wonderful life.

Larry was born on May 1, 1930 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. to Frederick and Nelly Denman of Toronto, Canada, who were the first to greet him in Heaven along with sister, Dot. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Maureen and three sons: Chris and wife Sandy of Waynesville, along with their sons, Stephen, Michael, and Matthew; Dr. Derrick and wife Amy of Mooresville, along with their children, James, Lyle, Lake, Patricia, and Jessica; and son Todd and wife Mary of Greenville, SC, with their children, AnnaMarie, Luke, Laura, Andrew and Scott.

In life, Larry honorably served his country in the Korean War (1950-1952). He faithfully worked at Southern Bell Telephone Company, where he met Maureen. They were married shortly thereafter on June 16, 1957. After settling in Bryson City in 1976, the Denmans opened the doors to Heavenly Fudge Shoppes in Cherokee.

Larry’s passions included playing golf, cooking and eating delicious food, as well as spending time teaching his wife and grandchildren. Larry’s greatest legacy was his love for Jesus Christ and that was his greatest joy.

Tammy Theresa Smith Crowe, 47, formerly of Cherokee passed away May 22, 2013 in a Buncombe County Hospital. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of Mildred Myers Smith of Cherokee and the late Wesley Smith, Jr. She also was preceded in death by a sister, April Kirkland.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by three children, Louis Earl Raines, Jr. of Murphy, Brett Alan Raines of Bryson City, April Summer Raines of Cherokee; four sisters, Nancy Teague of Canton, Donna Mann of Kings Mt., Bonnie Maney of Mulga, AL, Ruthie Griggs of Bryson City; five brothers, Furman Smith of Cherokee, Tom Smith of Almond, Alvin Smith of Clyde, Sam Crowe of Cherokee, Andy Smith of Clyde; former husband, Louis Raines of Waynesville; and significant other, Benny Franklin of Waynesville.

Funeral services will be held at 3p.m. on Saturday, May 25 in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Rev. Jimmy Lambert will officiate with burial in the Birdtown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-3p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Joseph Allen Owl, 74, of Old # 4 Rd. went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at his residence. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Samuel and Callie Smith Owl. He was a U.S. Army Veteran.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Sam, John, Alfred, Ben; and two sisters, Dora and Lucille. 

He survived by four children, Joseph Mitchell Owle and wife Sandra of Cherokee, Ronda Owle and companion Eddie Bird of Cherokee, Denise Owle of Cherokee, Mark Littlejohn and companion Artith Parton of Cherokee; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two brothers, Irvin and Charlie Owl both of Cherokee; and two sisters, Ethelyn Roberts of Cherokee and Betty Jane of California.

Funeral services will be held at 2p.m. on Friday, May 31 at Cherokee United Methodist Church. Rev. John K. Ferree will officiate with burial will be in the Owl Family Cemetery.

The body will be taken to the church at 4p.m. on Thursday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Jeff ”Hoss” Howard, 45, passed away on May 22, 2013 at Duke Medical Center in Durham. Jeff was a Nashville recording artist and songwriter. He made his home in Cullowhee, but also had resided in the Wolftown community in Cherokee for many years. Jeff is a native of Walnut Ridge, Ark. and is the son of Bill Howard Sr. and the late Jennifer Davis Howard Womack of Arkansas. 

Jeff proudly served in the United States Army from 1985-91. During his time in the service, he went to basic training at Ft. Jackson. Upon completion he was stationed at Ft. Gordon, Ga. He then moved on to the NATO Shape base in Belgium. Jeff was also stationed in Heidelberg, Germany with the German 2nd Signal. While stationed in Germany, he was deployed to Kuwait with the 39th Signal Battalion in support of Operation Desert Storm. During his deployment Jeff was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal. In 1991, Jeff departed from Shape in Belgium as a highly decorated soldier with an honorable discharge.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Della “Tinker” Bradley Howard and his 3 sons, Elias Howard and wife Nicole of Maryland, Evan and Jared Howard of the home. Also surviving are his brothers; Bill Howard Jr. and wife Jennifer of Missouri and Matthew Womack of Arkansas. Sisters; Emily Womack of Missouri, Angie Roberts and husband Shawn of Arkansas. Three grandchildren; Ewan, Aeriss and Mirela Howard and grandmother, Louise Davis of Arkansas. Jeff also leaves behind many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Jeff is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, Ray and Darlene Bradley of Cherokee; brother-in-law Ray “Brad” Bradley Jr. and wife Mindy of Bryson City; sister-in-law, Patty Jenkins and husband Johnny of Mississippi, along with nieces and nephews.

Jeff was a member of the Hoss Howard Band and will be greatly missed by his band brothers, cherished fans and valued friends.

A visitation was held at the Wolftown Gym on May 27.  A funeral service (Celebration of Life) followed.

Visit “Hoss Howard is all heart” on facebook or Reverbnation.com/hosshoward to post condolences and what Hoss meant to you personally.

Once again, please send any cards to P.O. Box 82, Cullowhee NC, 28723. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the donation page http://www.gofundme.com/2xiaew

James Edward Youngbird, 50, of Cherokee, passed away on May 26, 2013 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital following an extended illness.

Eddie is the son of the late James Youngbird and Jean Hornbuckle Youngbird. He is preceded in death by a brother Johnny Youngbird.

Eddie is survived by his fiancée Kelli, one son Saughee Youngbird of the home and Kelli’s children Landon and Shyane Chiltoskie; maternal grandmother and special friend Cindy. Eddie is also survived by three brothers, Taylor Bridges, Ronnie Hornbuckle and David Youngbird; two sisters, Joyce Bowman and Marguerite Owle; one nephew, Lazarus Youngbird, all of Cherokee.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, May 30 at Rock Springs Baptist Church starting with Brother Greg Morgan and Ray Kinsland officiating.  Burial followed at the Amazing Grace Cemetery located on Bradley Branch Rd. Acting as pall bearers were Danny Crowe, Johi Griffin, Bunsy Crowe and Colen Bradley.

Long House Funeral Home assisted family with arrangements.

(Note: This obituary was amended by the Long House Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30.) 

Tommie Ruth McCoy, 55, of Adams Creek, passed away, Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at her sister’s residence. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Emily McCoy. She was also preceded in death by one brother, William McCoy, and one niece Peaches Casso.  

She is survived by a son Franklin McCoy of Waynesville; eight sisters, Bertha Braddock of Odom, GA, Maxine Burgess, Frances McCoy, Peggy Oocumma, Agnes Bradley, Mildred McCoy, Mary McCoy, and Faye McCoy, all of Cherokee; five brothers, Richard, Albert, Jay, Larry, and Ray McCoy, all of Cherokee; a cousin/sister, Rosie McCoy of Cherokee; best friend, Tisa Squirrel of Cherokee; favorite niece and caregiver Crissy, and several other nieces and nephews. 

Funeral Services will be held 2pm on Friday, May 31 at Bethabara Baptist Church. Revs. Eddie Sherrill and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Birdtown Cemetery.

The body will be taken back to the Church at 4pm on Thursday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service. 

BRYSON CITY – Jordan Ensley, 33, of the Coopers Creek Community passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, May 28, 2013. A native of Swain County, he was the son of Virgie Webb Smith of Bryson City and her husband Charles, and David Ensley of Cherokee and wife Brenda. He was an employee of Wells and West Construction Company in Murphy.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one brother, Brian Ensley of Whittier; one sister, Rebecca Ensley of Bryson City; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 2p.m. on Sunday, June 2 in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Rev. Danny Lambert will officiate with burial in Swain Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1-2p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Adam Eugene Lambert, 53, passed away on May 22, 2013 at his residence following a brief illness. Adam was a resident of the Birdtown Community in Cherokee.

Adam is the son of the late David E. Lambert and Golinda Saunooke Lambert and is preceded in death by a daughter, Caretta Lambert.

Adam is survived by his wife Carlotta Crowe; four children, Adam “Chris” Lambert, Michael Lambert, Celine Lambert and Bobby Allen Crowe; three brothers,  Robert Bigmeat, John Ray Bigmeat, Chuck Lambert; one sister, Suzanne Bigmeat.  Adam also leaves behind seven grandchildren. 

Adam remained at Acquoni Baptist church until hour of service on Friday, May 24.  Brother James “Bo” Parris officiated.  An immediate burial took place in the Birdtown Cemetery with Elder Steve Dolbee handling the graveside services.   Pall Bearers were David Brady, Steve Brady, Tom Saunooke, Dewayne Lossiah, Jamy Saunooke and Josh Lossiah. Honorary pall bearers are Bobby Crowe, Freeman Littlejohn and Darius Lambert.

Long House Funeral Home assisted family with arrangements.

Mary Ann Johnson Bird, 54, passed away on June 11, 2013 at Memorial Mission Hospital following a brief illness. Mary was a native of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, but made her residence in the Yellow Hill Community. 

Mary is the daughter of the late Charles Davis Johnson and Cecelia Birdie Driver Johnson. Mary is also preceded in death by a sister; Nancy Helen Johnson, and 3 brothers; Charles Johnson Jr., Andrew Johnson and John Wayne Johnson.

Mary is survived by her husband, Edwin “Tony” Bird, daughters; Olivia Gail and Kimberly Ann Owle of the home, step-children; John, Sam and Sophilia Bird and Roscoe Youngdeer. Also surviving are Mary’s sisters; Rachel Littlejohn, Agnes Wolfe, Katie Johnson and Myrtle Driver Johnson, all of Cherokee.  Mary also leaves behind four step-grandchildren and three granddaughters; Nina, Kaelyn and Evelyn, as well as two special nieces; Brenda Johnson and Myrna Climbingbear.

A visitation was held on June 13 at the Macedonia Baptist Church.  She remained  at the church until hour of service on June 14.  Burial took place, following the service, at the Charlie Johnson Family Cemetery located on Big Cove Loop Rd.  Pall bearers were Justin Walker, Danny French, Fidel “Porky” Raya, Michael Raya, Chebon Postoak, Tohiskie Climbingbear and Isaac Climbingbear II. Services were conducted by Rev. Charles Ray Ball, Pastor Wayne Carson and Brother James “Bo” Parris.

Long House Funeral Home assisted family with arrangements.

Harold Leroy (Buster) Biddix, 79, of the Birdtown Community, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, June 22, 2013 in a Buncombe County Hospital. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late John Taylor and Jane Bradley. He was a U.S. Army Veteran having served during the Korean Conflict. He was preceded in death by a sister, Alzena Bradley and a son, Michael Biddix.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Nancy W. Biddix; six children, Harold Biddix Jr. and wife Sheila of Ramseur, Henderson Biddix of Cherokee, Polly Bigwitch and husband James of Cherokee, John Biddix and wife Elsie of Cherokee, Garrett Biddix of Cherokee, and Fred Biddix of Cherokee; 17 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, June 26 in the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Rev. James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Birdtown Cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 in Cherokee.

The family will receive friends from 3-9pm on Tuesday, June 25 at the Funeral Home.

Anita Driver Ellwood, 56, of Cherokee, passed away on June 18, 2013 after an extended illness. Anita was a member of the Big Cove Baptist Church and was also a teacher with Tribal Child Care.

Anita is the daughter of the late Nick Driver and Emmaline Sequoyah Driver. She is also preceded in death by two brothers; Nicky Driver and Thomas Driver.

Anita is survived by her children; daughter, Janice Driver and husband Joseph Driver of Cherokee, one son, William Ellwood and wife Sherry Ellwood and a special daughter Josephine Teesateskie. Also surviving are Anita’s brothers, Ernest Panther, Floyd Panther and wife Frieda Panther, Alfred Panther and wife Caroline Panther. Surviving sisters are; Loretta and husband Morgan Bradley, Velma Bradley, Alice Kekahbah, Katherine Panther, Hattie Panther, Wilma Pheasant, Alma Jones and special friend Mary Ann Crowe Gronwald. Anita also leaves behind many grandchildren; A.J., Shayna, Melvin, Josh, Marshall, Jalynn, Will Jr., special grandson Junior Teesateskie and several nieces and nephews.

Anita remained at the Big Cove Baptist Church until the hour of service on June 21. Following the funeral, service burial was at Straight Fork Cemetery.  Anita’s nephews were pallbearers. Brother James “Bo” Parris and Brother Ed Kilgore officiated.

Long House Funeral Home assisted family with arrangements.