Woody O. Sneed II, beloved son of Woodrow B. Sneed and Rose Marie D. Steele and his step-mother, Mercedes Flores; beloved brother of Lucianne Khalaf, Jonathan B. Sneed and Matthew D. Sneed; and beloved uncle of seven nephews and a niece passed away in his home in Alexandria, Va. on April 10, 2017.

Woody O. was born in Provo, Utah on May 22, 1961 and was of Navajo and Eastern Band of Cherokees descent.  Woody O. attended the University of New Mexico and then lived and worked in the D.C. area for most of his life.  He was an avid guitar enthusiast and computer whiz.  Woody O. found comfort and repose among his friends at AA and dedicated his time and service to AA.  He spent his last years dealing with diabetes complications and was awaiting a kidney transplant.  Woody O. managed his condition with good humor, faith and hope.  May he rest in peace with the love and fond remembrance of his family and friends.  His family will condole privately.

Contributions in honor of Woody’s life may be made to the American Diabetes Association, AA or a charity on one’s choice.  Please view and sign the family guest book online at www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com

Rev. Dan Lambert, 90, of the Tow String Community went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 at Cherokee Indian Hospital. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Jess and Cora Lambert. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Lambert; sisters, Cleo Galloway, Floy Mathews, and Eula Sanders.

Dan was pastor of several churches on and off the reservation and was the moderator of the Smokemont Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patsy Lambert; children, Catherine Sutton, Nick Lambert (Karen), Marilyn Lambert, Judy Lambert; two grandchildren, John Hampton (Pipper) and Crystal Nickole Kinnamon (Greg); one great grandchild, Nash Daniel Hampton. He is also survived by a brother, Ray Lambert (Betty); and his sisters, Lela Bales and Tinsa Sanders (Winfred); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, Oct. 5 in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Revs. Tony Lambert and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Tow String Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

Charles Steven (Chuck) Lambert, 54, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday October 12, 2017. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late David Eugene and Golinda Saunooke Lambert. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by one daughter, Stevie Lambert, and two brothers, Crock Lambert and Adam Lambert.

He is survived by his wife of 10 years Teresa; one son, Uriah Evan Lambert of Cherokee; two brothers, Robert Bigmeat and wife Marina of Cherokee, and John Ray Bigmeat of Tennessee; one sister Susie Bigmeat of Cherokee; two stepchildren, Mareia Tippins of Bryson City, and Gary Tippins of Lenoir; six grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a fur baby, King Charles.

The family will receive friends from 12-2pm on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Crisp Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family will accept donations to assist with expenses.

Glenn “Dude” Davis, 70, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 at Mountain View Manor Nursing Home in Bryson City.

Dude was the son of late Jack and Roxie Davis of Cherokee, and husband of eight years to Wanetta Davis. He was a graduate of Swain County High School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran who proudly served his country during Vietnam. He attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. Dude had been a police officer, wildfire fire fighter, and game warden in his life.  But, he was most well-known by friends “too numerous to count” as a coach of Cherokee High School for 20 years. Dude was a family man who would do anything for anyone. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. He loved riding his motorcycle. As a coach, he was the biggest sports fan of Green Bay and Oklahoma football and NC Tar Heel basketball. He shared many friendly rivalries with his family and friends.

Dude is also survived by his children, Glenn Davis Jr. with wife Jessica, Verron Davis and Dawn Dee Davis; brothers, Will and Carl Davis; sister, Vera Davis; 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his very loved fur “baby” Shanikwa.

Dude was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma Davis; grandparents Israel and Margaret Davis; brothers, John “Hoppy” Davis and Mark Davis; sisters, Betty Davis and Jacki Davis; grandsons, Ryan Miller, Leroy and Aiden Davis and granddaughter, Lexi Davis.

The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 16 between the hours of 12-3pm.  No further services are planned at this time.

Lois Ondrea Wahnetah Pensavalle, 83, of Cherokee, made her journey Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Cora Wahnetah.

She was preceded in death by her grandsons, Michael Austin and Robert Lee Wahnetah; daughter, Maria Wahnetah Armachain; and siblings, Samuel Wahnetah Jr., William Johnson Wahnetah, Jean Bernhisel, Betty Joe Taylor, Sybil Starlin, and Patty Sue Monreal.

She is survived by grandchildren, Lois Ondrea Armachain, Carla and Samuel Wahnetah; children, Ricky Wahnetah, Guy Pensavalle, Franky Pensavalle, Tony Mondelli; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Wahnetah French and husband Gary, and Charlotte Maney; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm on Friday, Oct. 20 at Wrights Creek Baptist Church. Brother James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Yellowhill Cemetery.

Judith Kay Welch Biello, 61, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Welch and Julia Brady Welch, and wife of the late Charles Donny Biello. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by one brother, Tony Ray Welch.

She is survived by three children, Jennifer Sequoyah Nelson and husband Ralph of Norman, Okla., Frances Sequoyah and fiancée Neil Owle of Cherokee, and Lewis Sequoyah of Cherokee; seven grandchildren, Connor, Jeremy, Kay, Maggie, Colin, Thomas, and Chloe; two great grandchildren; one sister, Sherry Welch and Mark Lambert; close friends Chihui Whitt, and Karla Winstead; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend Charlie Burgess.

The family will receive friends from 2-4pm on Saturday at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel.

Megan Judi Terrell, beloved mother, sister, soulmate and daughter lost her valiant battle against Systemic Lupus on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, but won the war over this insidious illness.

She was preceded in death by her daddy, Mike Terrell.

She is survived by the sunshine of her life, her daughter, Izabella Wilson(Bellaboo); her loving soulmate, John Wilnoty; siblings Brian and Christina Terrell, Coleman and Tonya Terrell; two loved nephews, Christian and Gabriel; her special sister, Stormi Welch; her momma, Suzie Terrell, and several uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

She touched the lives of so many in her 32 years on this earth. If we learn nothing else from her life and now her passing, let us learn compassion for all who suffer daily behind bright smiles, while they fight an invisible foe of autoimmune diseases! If each of us harnesses just one ounce of her strength, compassion and tenacity, the victory is hers!

When possible, in lieu of flowers donations in her name to the Lupus Foundation of American (or Lupus Foundation of America-North Carolina Chapter) would be her desire so the battle can truly be won!

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 20 from 2-3pm at the Cherokee Methodist Church with a memorial service to follow at 3pm.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Terrell family.

Marion Tooni Teesateskie, 71, of Cherokee, passed away Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 following an extended illness.

She was most recently employed by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians as an intake counselor for Juvenile Services Program.  She was director of community services and served four consecutive terms as Painttown Council Representative.

Marion is survived by two sons, Bobby Teesateskie (wife Dulcie) of Dellrose, Tenn. and Bennie Teesateskie of Cherokee; six grandchildren; sisters, Helen McCoy (husband Robert) and Lillie Smith both of Cherokee; and niece, Arlyce Smith of Cherokee.

Marion was the daughter of Ike and Jennie Hornbuckle Tooni.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Teesateskie, and one daughter, Marlene Junaluska.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 3-6pm at the Painttown Community Center.  Burial will be at the Tooni Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Juvenile Services Program at 85 Boys Club Road, Cherokee, NC  28719.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Teesateskie family.

CLYDE – Christine Parker Buchanan, 96, passed away on Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 at Silver Bluff Nursing Home.

She was a native of Swain County, but had lived most of her life in Haywood, and was a daughter of the late Ben and Flora Lambert Parker.  In addition to parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Hastings Bernard Buchanan, who died in 2004; and a grandson, Chad Buchanan, who died in 2014; four brothers; and three sisters.

Christine was the oldest of twelve children and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  She was born at Smokemont and spent her childhood years on Becks Branch in the Tow String Community.  She later attended and graduated from Big Cove Boarding School.  In 1943, she met a young man from Bryson City at a dance, and went on to marry him the same year.  In 1947, they moved to Canton for HB to go to work at Champion Fiber Company.  Christine was the oldest member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.  During her years at Oak Grove, she was involved in many different activities, and she was a Sunday school teacher.  She was active in the Thickety Home Demonstration Club.  She was a senior 4-H club leader, and was a PTA leader.  Christine enjoyed caring for her family and her home.

She is survived by three children, Doug and Patty, of Cary, Bill and Paulette, of Clyde, and Cathy and David Boone, of Canton; a grandson, Brian and Angie Buchanan, of Cary; a step-grandson, Shawn Boone of Asheville; two great-grandsons, Parker and Peyton, of Cary; three brothers, Carroll, Don, and Tom Parker; and a sister, Elba Crain, all of Cherokee.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Silver Bluff staff members for the loving care they provided to her these past few years.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Jeff King and Reverend Ned Webb officiating.  Burial will follow at Swain Memorial Park in Bryson City.  The family will receive friends from 11am – 12:45pm prior to the services at the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 39 Robinson Road, Clyde, NC  28721.

An online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

Ronald “Boog” Lambert, 58, of Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017.

Boog was an avid fisherman and was a big Carolina and Braves fan.  He loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his parents, Garfield Ronald Lambert and Bernice Welch Lambert; one son, Brett Brady; two daughters, Ashley Brady and Erica Lambert; one sister, Amanda Sue Lambert; two nieces, Kaiden Lambert and Journie Armachain; two nephews, Dason Bryant and Tristan Armachain; special cousin, Pam Lambert; and several special fishing buddies and co-workers.

Boog was preceded in death by one sister, Theresa Diane Brady; one aunt, Hazel Lambert.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 30 from 12-1pm at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 1pm.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Mary Lambert Family Cemetery on Herman Lambert Road.  Pallbearers will be T.K. Meyers, Rick Maney, Richard Jenkins, Ben “Budda” Fuller, Mark “Fluff” Lambert, and Brett Brady.

ASHEVILLE – Kathleen Moore Byrd (“Kitty”), 88, of Asheville, NC died peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017.

She was born June 15, 1929 in Webster, WV the daughter of the late Dane Wood Moore, Sr. and the late Linnie Brown Patrick.

She was a Registered Nurse graduate of Elizabeth Buxton Hospital School of Nursing in Newport News, VA in 1949 and later went on become a Nurse Practitioner. She retired from the Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee after serving the Cherokee people for 30 years. She was made an honorary member of the Cherokee Tribe.

She was preceded in death by her husband Samuel Lakes Byrd of Bryson City, NC; brother Dane Wood Moore, Jr. of Morgantown, WV; and brother, Marion Edward Moore of Shepherdstown, WV. She is survived by her daughter Judy B. Russell and son-in-law Charles B. Russell of Asheville, NC and stepson Richard E. Byrd and wife Kathy H. Byrd of Whittier, NC; two grandsons, their children and several nieces and nephews.

After retiring, Kitty knew the Lord was calling her to serve Him with her nursing skills in the Mission field. Her missions included two years in Ethiopia and two years in Kazakhstan. She also served Him in many short-term mission assignments including South Africa, Moldova, Ukraine, Belize, Rio de Janeiro, Alaska and New York, as well as being part of a clown ministry.

There will be a memorial celebration on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1:30pm at Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church, 283 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, where she was a long time member. Pastor Larry Basinger will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center online at https://4046.thankyou4caring.org/carepartnersfoundation.org/support-us_give or mailed to CarePartners Foundation, 20 Rotary Drive, Asheville, NC 28803.

Doris “Granny” West Catt, 92, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 at Cherokee Indian Hospital. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Buck and Susie Sequoyah West. She was a member of Big Cove Missionary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Catt; grandson, James “Bug” Wolfe; two sisters, Gladys and Edna; and six brothers, Alfred, Cecil, Jim, Frank, Norman and Don.

She is survived by three daughters, Valerie and Jimmy Wolfe, Marina and Robert Bigmeat, Sharon and Laurence Queen; one sister, Eloise James of Markleeville, Calif.; granddaughter, Lisa Wolfe; great grandchildren, Pig, Chopper, Goat and Obie; great great grandchildren, Stedge, Jade, Ilana, Luci, Esi, and Chelsea; one great great great granddaughter, Serenity (Posssum).

Several step grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive as well as special nieces, Sarah, Shirley, Taya and their families.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Big Cove Baptist Church. Revs. James (Bo) Parris and Foreman Bradley will officiate with burial in the West Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-9pm Tuesday at Crisp Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church one hour prior to the service.

Nathanael Z.  Shinkman, 27, of the Wrights Creek Community in Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Nathanael was a Duke fan.

He is survived by his father, Larry R. Hornbuckle; one brother, John R. Hornbuckle; two sisters, Candice S. Hornbuckle and Jessica K. Hornbuckle; one nephew, Joshua Hornbuckle whom he thought of as a son; and nieces, Kyla George, Makayla George, Rosa Reyes, and Maria Reyes.

Nathanael was preceded in death by his mother, Judith O. Hornbuckle; paternal grandparents, Huey Roberts and Hazel McQueen; one sister, Tamara Shinkman; and one uncle, Edgar Roberts.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7 beginning at 6pm at the Wrights Creek Baptist Church where the body will remain until the hour of service on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 2 pm.  Pastors Bo Parris and Eddie Sherrill will officiate.  Burial will be at the Hornbuckle Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Shinkman family.

Joseph Saunooke, Sr., 67 of the Yellowhill Community, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Steve and Josephine Swayney Saunooke. He was a member of Straight Fork Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Saunooke.

He is survived by his children, Jody Sounooke Jr., Jerry Swimmer, Kasdan Saunooke and Dewayne Littlejohn; five grandchildren; one sister, Annie Owens and husband Guy; lifelong friend, Sandy Cucumber; two aunts, Inez Wolfe and Marie Swayney; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday at Acquoni Baptist Chapel. Pastors James (Bo) Parris and Foreman Bradley will officiate with burial in the Drama Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to Midnight Monday at the church.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Crisp Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Lucetta Hill Ward, 56, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee suddenly went home to be with her Savior on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017.

Lucetta was a life-long native of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee.  While Lucetta was most recently a Cherokee language teacher, she has been an integral part in many student’s lives.  Lucetta spent her earlier years teaching in the HeadStart & Childcare programs on the Boundary.  She worked at Youngdeer child development, Big Cove Head Start, Dora Reed Head Start, and finally Cherokee Central Schools.  Ms. Lucetta, as many of her students called her, was recently honored as a Distinguished Citizen on Ned Long Day.  She was chosen because she cared about every single one of her students and loved them like her own.  She was also a beloved singer of southern gospel songs that she often translated into the Cherokee Language.  She passed on this gift as she taught many students who were part of the traditional singing group of Cherokee Elementary School.  She was a member of the Straight Fork Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Larry Ward; three children, Consuela B. Girty (husband Jeff) of Cherokee, Toby Ward of Tennessee, and Joseph Ward; 14 Grandchildren; one brother, Calvin Hill; three sisters, Laura Pinnix (husband Keith), Maxine Stigman (husband Gene), and Mary Hill.

Lucetta was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob J. Hill and Golinda Armachain Hill; one brother, Dennis Hill; and two sisters, Jeanette Ward and Rachel “Punkin” Hill.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 6-11pm at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center at the Cherokee High School.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 2pm at the Cultural Arts Center with a visitation prior to the services from 12-2pm.  Services will be officiated by Bruce Weeks, Skeeter Hindman, Lois Orr, and Ann French.  Burial will be at the Hill Cemetery on Soggy Hill Road in the Big Cove Community.  Pallbearers will be Eugene Hill, Brandon Ward, Keith Pinnix, Jeff Girty, Dean Hill, and Pat Hill.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Ward family.

Michael Wilson “Mike” McCauley, age 69, of Whittier, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 at home. He was the husband of Rege McCauley and the son of the late George and Sue McCauley.

He was a retired mental health professional. He was a member of the Cherokee Church of Christ and loved his family dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rege; one son, Ian (Jessie) McCauley; four grandchildren, Lyric, Dorian, Selena, and Ollie; and two foster daughters, Raven and Rosa. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Kevin Ansley and Dave (Mei) Ansley as well as by one aunt, Thelma Cheramy.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Nov.  18 at 11am at the Cherokee Church of Christ with Jim Sexton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cherokee Church of Christ or to a charity of your choice.

The family also wishes to thank Bayada Home Health for their excellent home health services.

An online registry is available at: www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Appalachian Funeral Services is serving the family.

Melissa Ann Jumper, 41, of the Big Y Community in Cherokee, passed away Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital after a period of declining health.

She is survived by her father, Charles “Hoss” Jumper; step mother Hazel; her children, Dylan West, Daquan Jumper; step brother, Bobby Cucumber; special brothers, Matthew and John Tooni; niece, Kyleigh Porter; nephews, J.C. Porter, Lee Porter, and Robert Porter; aunts, Mary Jumper, Alice Driver, Lucille Blackfox, and Carolyn Driver Tooni (husband Larch); uncles, Ben Swayney (wife Mary), Robert Swayney (wife Kay), and John Norman Driver (wife Linda); special friends, Emma Hull, Sheronda Watty, Tsali Ammons, Heather Cucumber, and Diane Montelongo; and brother-in-law, James Porter.

Melissa was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanette Driver Jumper; one sister, Jacqueline Porter; maternal grandparents, John G. Driver and Nellie Thompson Driver; paternal grandparents, Lily Sampson Wolfe and Alvin Walker Swayney; aunts, Laura Lee Jumper and Nancy Poncho; uncles, Roy Driver, Sr., Joe Driver, and Adam Blackfox.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6pm until 12midnight at the Rock Springs Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 17 at 2 pm at the Rock Springs Baptist Church.  Pastors Greg Morgan and James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Driver Cemetery.  Special music will be provided by Matthew Tooni at the graveside.  Pallbearers will be Benji Swayney, Bear Driver, David Jumper, Frank Driver, Charlie Blackfox, Tsali Ammons, and David “Chunky” Jumper.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Jumper family.

Skilly French, 77, of Cherokee, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 20, 2017. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Meroney and Viola Twinn French. He was a U.S. Navy veteran.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Standingdeer and Winnie Scott; six brothers, Landon, Roy, Johnny, George and Dump French, and Jack Lindsey; and one son, Daniel French.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Bessie French; children, Tracie, Eddie, Randy and Patsy French and Erin Tyner; two stepchildren, Sunshine Toineeta and Tammie Ledford; 26 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; and Kendall and Anthony, the light of his life.

He is also survived by three sisters, Delores Maney, Yvonne Bushyhead, Lucetta French; one brother, Gary French; and longtime childhood friend, Bert Swimmer.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Friday at the Cherokee United Methodist Church with Don Turman and Jess French officiating. Burial will be in the Yellowhill Veterans Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143.

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

Pallbearers will be grandsons.

Edna Locust Hornbuckle, 84, of the Birdtown community, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 20 surrounded by her loving family. She worked at the Cherokee Boys Club for 27 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Johnny S. Hornbuckle Sr.; two sons, William Jefferson Hornbuckle, Samuel Ray Hornbuckle; one daughter, Carol Sue Hornbuckle; five sisters, Mattie Brady, Josie Standingdeer, Bessie Ashe, Martha Ashe, Tennie Ewart; eight brothers, Fred Locust, Andrew Locust, Arthur Locust, Homer Locust, Russell Locust, Lewis Locust, Clarence Locust, and Albert Locust; and two infants who died at birth. She was the daughter of the late William Noah Locust and Pearl Smith Locust.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara H. George (J.C.), Lillie H. Bradley (Aaron); two sons, Jack Hornbuckle, John Sampson Hornbuckle Jr. (Brenda); and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Saturday at Goose Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Eddie Stillwell will officiate with burial in the Locust Family Cemetery.

Edna will be taken to the church at 4pm Friday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Robert Glenn Haigler, 32, of the Birdtown Community of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 after a long illness at Medwest Harris Regional Hospital.

He is survived by his father, James Harold Haigler of the home; one brother, John J. Morales; two aunts, Annette Rodrigues and Sheila Hyatt of Cherokee; one great aunt, whom he called grandma, Judy Addy.  He was very close, and cherished his time with cousins, Nakisha Myers, Nneka Brisco, and Hunter Myers.  Other close relatives were Richard and Elizabeth Myers.

Robert was preceded in death by his grandmother/mother, Anna Lee Murphy Laws; great grandparents, Robert and Edna Murphy; and his Papa, BJ Laws.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 starting at 11am at the Bethabara Baptist Church in the Birdtown Community with the Rev. Charles Ray Ball officiating.  The family plans on receiving friends on Monday, Nov. 27 at the church starting at 4pm.  Following services, an immediate burial will take place in the Birdtown Cemetery with Pallbearers being among his friends and family.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family in the final arrangements