Hazel “Vivian” McCollough, 88, of Whittier, passed away quietly on Thanksgiving evening, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, to be with the Lord. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late General and Julia McCoy Bradley and wife of the late Stribling McCollough. She was a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church. She was active in handy crafts, specifically knitting and crocheting. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Lee Bradley, David Bradley, Jack Bradley, Faye Queen, and Bennett Greene.

She is survived by three sons, Dr. John McCollough of Whittier, Dr. Michael McCollough of Acton MA, and Dr. David Marc McCollough of Oklahoma City, Okla.; grandchildren, Garrett McCollough, Samantha McCollough, Mai-Pia McCollough, Morgana McCollough, Lindsey Tippet, Mandy McCollough, and Bradley McCollough; several great grandchildren, and one sister, Gertrude “Tince” Fann of Johnson City, Tenn.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Monday, Nov. 27 at Shoal Creek Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Jamison will officiate with burial in the Birdtown Cemetery.

Dwight Walkingstick, 67, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017 at his residence.

Dwight enjoyed fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, camping, spending time with his family and friends by the fire, and picking his guitar.  He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Smith Walkingstick; two daughters, Frances Luther and Melissa Walkingstick Fryer and her husband Dillon; his furry son, Lorenzo Lucky Walkingstick; step sons, Gary Wallin (wife Denise), and Bryan Wallin; grandchildren, Tara Walkingstick, Alex Luther, Ozzy Luther, Cherokee Fryer, Lakota Fryer, Chloe Wallin, and Chase Wallin; 10 great grandchildren; brothers, William Walkingstick (wife Wanda), Donnie Walkingstick, Jerry Walkingstick, and Tony Walkingstick; sisters, Linda Sue Walkingstick and special friend Daniel Boone, Lois Mabe and her husband Ray; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Walkingstick and Esther Swayney Walkingstick; one great grandson, Dillon Fryer Schweppe; and two sisters, Fay Locust and Teresa Riviera.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 2pm at the Straight Fork Baptist Church.  Pastor Charles Ray Ball will officiate with burial following the service at the Kate Hill Cemetery in the Big Cove Community.  Pallbearers will be Alex Luther, Ozzy Luther, Andrew Locust, Denver Shepherd, Danny Walkingstick, and Kevin Watty.

Long House Funeral home is serving the Walkingstick family.

Elsie Rogers Kimsey, 100, of Whittier, passed away in her home following a brief illness on Sunday Dec. 3, 2017.

She was born July 24, 1917 to the late Oscar and Edna Warren Rogers in Cherokee County, NC.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Charles Kimsey; two brothers, Clarence ‘Ting’ Rogers and Charles Rogers; four sisters, Alice Rogers, Shirley Arch, Lois Parish, and Ruth Garrett.

Elsie is survived by one brother, Harold Rogers.

Elsie was the mother of six children, four of whom are deceased, Jason Albert Rose, Lillian Faye Rose Shetley, John Wayne Rose, Jr. and Isaac Thomas Rose. The surviving children are daughters, Wanda Lee Rose Weldin (Barry) and Freda Lois Rose Wright (Bud, deceased).

Elsie is survived by 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.

Elsie had many interests and activities.  It was readily apparent to her children the love and concern that she displayed to them and for them throughout her life.  We feel blessed by the Lord to have been with her during her last years.  With sadness and joy she will be missed.

A private graveside service was held on Monday, Dec. 4 and  interment was at Campground Cemetery.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Kimsey family.

Bernice Welch Lambert, 76, of the Birdtown Community in Cherokee, passed away on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

She is survived by one daughter, Amanda Sue Lambert; special son, Dason Bryant; grandchildren, Erica Lambert, Ashley Brady, and Brett Brady; great grandchildren, Kaiden A. Kristine Lambert, Tristan Armachain, and Journie “Little D” Armachain; two brothers, Kenneth Welch and Calvin Eugene Murphy; one sister, Inez Welch; former husband, Garfield Lambert; cousin, Candler Nations.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Jonah Welch and Olive Lowery Welch; one son, Ronald “Boog” Lambert; one daughter, Theresa Diane Lambert; brothers, Terry Welch, Tommy Welch, Thurman Welch, and Johnny Welch.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 11 from 12-2 pm at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2 pm.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Bernice Lambert Cemetery on Adams Creek in the Birdtown Community.  Pallbearers will be Brett Brady, Jake Welch, Dason Bryant, Michael “Flex” Armachain, Estefan Welch, and TK Soap.

Gary David Lambert Jr., 38, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017 at his residence.

He is survived by his parents, Gary David Lambert Sr. and Angela Joy Smith; three children, Chloe Lambert, Ashton Lambert, and Makula Lambert; brother, Michael Lambert; half brothers, Joshua Lambert, Jacob Lambert, Jordan Lambert, and Jonathan Lambert; half sisters, Kirsten Lambert and Kaitlynn Lambert; step-sister, Jessica Conway Brady; maternal grandparents, John Wilbur Smith and Joy Smith; nephew, Kal-El Lambert; uncles, John Smith, Jr. and Ernie Lambert; aunts, Desiree George, Pamela Smith, Dora Smith, Marie Junaluska, and Sarah Lambert; and several cousins also survive.

Gary was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Guy and Margaret Lambert.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6-8pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 15 at 11am at Long House Funeral home.  Pastors Gary Maney, James “Bo” Parris, and Dan Conseen will officiate.  Burial will follow the funeral services at the Reed Cemetery on Washington Creek.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Patsy Beck Lambert, 86, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Tilson and Bessie Beck and wife of the late Rev. Dan Lambert who she was married to for 70 years.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Dennis Lambert; brothers, Jim and Bob Beck; and her sister, Peggy Fortner.

She is survived by her son, Nick Lambert (Karen); daughters, Catherine Sutton, Marilyn Lambert and Judy Lambert; grandchildren, John Hampton (Piper) and Crystal Kinnamon (Greg); one great grandchild, Nash Daniel Hampton; and her sisters, Betty Lambert (Ray), Zena Lawhorn, Amanda Bevis, and Nell Crowe.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Friday in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Revs. Tony and Danny Lambert will officiate with burial in the Tow String Cemetery.

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

The family would like to thank Harris Hospice and Morningstar Assisted Living for their care of Patsy.

James (Jim) Clifford Smith, 69, of the Birdtown Community, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Victor Clifford Smith and Jeannette McCoy Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Patricia G. Smith; one son, Robert Conchola III; one grandchild, Roman Conchola; one sister, Sheila Lambert and husband Bud; one brother, Mack Fowler; one niece, Vickie Lambert Bradley and husband Dallas; and two nephews, Tommy D. Lambert and wife Myra, and Jack A. Lambert and wife Becky.

A memorial service will be held 11am on Thursday at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel.

Roberta Ann Davis, 54, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 at Mission Hospital in Asheville following a brief illness.

She is survived by her significant other, Maury Lossiah; her children, Samuel Welch (Sheyane), Robert Welch (Natalie), Jennifer Welch (Adrian), and Jeremy Welch (Danielle); grandchildren, Jaden, Dominyk, Avlin, Isaac, Madigan, Jeff, Degan, Ariyana, and Danny; brothers, Nick Davis Jr. (Carol) and Davie Davis (Cheryl); sisters, Lena Walkingstick (Norman) and Brenda French (Walter); and aunts, Ruby, Ethel, Lucille, and Ed.

Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, Nick Davis Sr. and Stella Smith Ball; one brother, Don Davis; one sister, Glenda Arch; Nephews, James Arch Jr. and Charles Welch Jr.; and one niece, Lauren Arch.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 23 at the Rock Springs Baptist Church.  Pastors Greg Morgan and Charles Ray Ball officiated.  Burial followed at the Davis Cemetery in the Big Cove Community.  Pallbearers were among family members.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Davis family.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Rory Gunther left this world and went into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 while at Harris Regional Hospital’s Hospice Care program.

Gunther was born in Milwaukee, Wisc. on Aug. 22, 1953.  He was one of six male siblings and was the son of Ross Richard Gunther and Audrey Helen Schmeichel Gunther.  Early in his up-bringing, his interest and desire to perform music was apparent.  He took up playing the trombone as soon as his arms could hold one.  Throughout his school years, he participated in everything from marching band to school orchestra and was eventually honored by being chosen for membership in the Continental Youth Band and performed nationwide.

Following his formative school years, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he majored in music.  From there, he played professionally in various blues and jazz bands throughout the midwestern and southern United States.  While in North Carolina and writing music, he met and married Sandra Kay Locust, his wife of over 20 years.  Sadly, Sandra preceded him in death in July 2016.

Being a dedicated and devoted husband, Rory no longer traveled that “lonesome highway” of road musicians but did perform locally with such groups as the Eastern Blue Band and most recently the Will Hayes Band.  He was also very active with the praise and worship team of Christ Fellowship Church and held employment at Harrah’s Cherokee and Con-met in Bryson City.

Gunther is survived by his mother, Audrey Gunther; brothers, Kim, Rick and Guy Gunther, all of the Milwaukee area, and Lyn Gunther of the Springfield area of Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive as well as his step-daughter, Victoria Cook Duncanson of Lithia Springs, Ga.

A memorial and celebration of life event will be held at Christ Fellowship Church some time after the New Year.  Day, date, and time will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the music department of Christ Fellowship Church, PO Box 653, Cherokee, NC  28719.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Gunther Family.

Joseph Melvin Driver “Junebug”, 41, of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017.

He is survived by two sons, Melvin Anthony Driver and Joshua Henry Dale Driver; one step-son Allen Theodore Ledford Jr.; one sister, Josephine “Jo Jo” Teesateskie; one nephew, Lloyd Jim “Junior” Teesateskie; and many aunts and uncles also survive.

Junebug was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Driver Jr. and Arbara J. Teesateskie Driver; one nephew, Lloyd Teesateskie III; and one niece, Arbara Joyce Teesateskie.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017 at the Driver Cemetery in the Big Cove Community.  Rev. Jack Russell will officiate.  Pallbearers were among  family and friends.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Driver family.

Jack Saunooke, 80, of Whittier, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday evening Jan. 4, 2018. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Cowney Saunooke and Geneva Toineeta Welch. Jack was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Cherokee and was a U.S.Army veteran as well as a member of Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 in Cherokee.

An avid Green Bay Packer fan, what Jack enjoyed most was babysitting for his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, George Anthony Saunooke; a granddaughter, Anna Saunooke; his second wife, Theresa Curran; and by his two brothers, Jim Bushyhead of Oklahoma and Mody Saunooke.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Mary Ellen Saunooke; two sons, Robert Mark Saunooke of Dillsboro and his mother Maggie (Harmer) Weichel, Timothy Warren Saunooke and his wife Anna Wolverton of Raleigh; two daughters, Toineeta Marie Saunooke Kirkland of Whittier, Samantha Amanda Saunooke of Whittier; seven grandchildren, Anthony Welch Saunooke, Dylan Michael Saunooke, Ellyssa Rose and Riley Theresa Saunooke, Trey Caulkins, Blaykeleigh Victoria Roland, and Davis Cooper Kirkland; and one great grandchild, Kamryn Xain Saunooke.

Funeral Services will be held at 2pm Tuesday, Jan. 9 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Everett Fredholm officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6-8pm at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Campground Cemetery.

Samuel Brady Jr., 82, of Whittier, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018 at his residence following a brief illness.

Samuel was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Bethabara Baptist Church.  He retired from the DOT.

He is survived by his wife, Laury Kay Brady; his children, Sam Brady (wife Sheryl), Misty Brady Buchanan (husband Omer Buchanan Jr.), Wendy Brady, Nathan Brady (wife Jessica), and Jonathan Brady; 13 Grandchildren, Jason Brady, Christy Jones, Glenn Jones, Samantha (Tuffy) Buchanan, Cody Buchanan, Mandy (Boogie) Buchanan, Omer Buchanan III (Boy), Santanna (Peek) Buchanan, Megan (Sassy) Wolfe, Eric Wolfe, Jaylynn (Bug) Brady, Bradix (B-rad) Brady, Domnix (Domie) Brady, Tanner (Tannie) Brady; four great grandchildren, Lucy Brady, Jacoby Jones, Julian Jones, and Journey Buchanan; one brother, Daniel Brady; one sister, Dorothy Owle; and many very special friends also survive.

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Brady Sr. and Mattie Patterson Brady; one son, Larry Brady; and two sisters, Jesse Welch and Julie Welch.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the Goose Creek Baptist Church beginning at 5pm where the body will remain until the hour of service on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 2 pm.  Rev. James Gunter will officiate.  Military honors will be provided by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Brady family.

Robert Lee Queen, 65, of the Soco Community in Cherokee, passed away Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018 at his residence.

He is survived by one aunt, Lydia Queen; cousins, Maggie Catolster Armachain, Trina Sneed, Dennis Ray Sneed, Darin Sneed, Dinah Grant, Nellie Smith, Eddie Catolster, Marty Catolster, Mark Parker, Mike Queen, Karen Queen, Kathy Queen, Charlie Queen, Danette Queen, Daniel Queen, Hugh Queen, Steven Queen, Joel Queen, Lori Queen, and Reba Queen.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Saunooke Queen; his parents, Sam Queen and Amanda Catolster Queen; and one brother, Jerry Queen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 5pm until 12 midnight at the Macedonia Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 12 at 1pm at the Macedonia Baptist Church.  Pastors Dan Conseen and Jim Parks will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Queen Cemetery.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Queen Family.

Heaven gained an angel on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, after Davina Jean “D.J.” Swayney Ricco, 38, of Surprise, Ariz. lost a courageous battle with cancer.

Davina “D.J.” was a native of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee. She was the daughter of the late David Swayney Jr. of Cherokee and Shirlene and David Loyer of Sylva.

Left to cherish her memories are her loving family including husband, Sal Ricco;her two sons, Gray and Gunner; one brother, Chris Swayney and wife Rose of Sylva; in-laws, Sal Ricco of Surprise, Ariz., and Linda Seckeler of Brentwood, NY; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

There was not one soul that was left untouched by D.J., as she was loved by many.

In addition to her father, D.J. was preceded in death by all her grandparents, including Katie Calhoun Swayney of Cherokee, who was a hero to D.J.; her loving aunts, Kathy Swayney Wolfe and Brenda Swayney Sluder, both of Cherokee.

Palm Valley Funeral Home of Sun City, Ariz., is assisting the family. There will be a celebration of D.J.’s life at a later date in her home of Cherokee.

In lieu of flowers, donations to help the Ricco family may be made at GoFundMe #SupportTheRiccoBoys.

HICKORY – Catherine Hunt Powell Lockman, 100, of Hickory, passed away on Jan. 10, 2018 at Catawba Regional Hospice.

Born on April 13, 1917 in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Amanda Roper Hunt. Kat was a member of West Hickory Baptist Church, and she taught Sunday school in the 3-year-old class for over 20 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Kat loved the color red and she loved to dance. She celebrated her 100^th birthday last year with her family and received the keys to the city of Longview and Hickory.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, William Tate Powell; infant son, William Darryl Powell;  second husband, Mack Blair Lockman; three brothers; and one sister.

Survivors include her children, Larry Joe Powell and wife Martha of Conover, Doris LaRue Huffman and Jerry Sampson of Cherokee, Sheila “Chi Chi” Lail of Hickory; grandchildren, Tim Powell (Debbie), Tammy Adams (Dennis), Rev. Michael Huffman (Genia), Darren Huffman (Debbie), Jason Lail, Cory Lail (Katy); great grandchildren, William Powell, Brandon Powell (Jennifer Hollar), Luke Adams, Joshua Huffman (Denise), Faith Gaffney (Carl), Catherine Huffman, Jesse Huffman, Jami Huffman, Zachary Huffman, Atticus Lail, Penelope Lail; great great grandchildren, Jack Huffman, Anya Powell; and numerous nieces and nephews across the United States.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 14 at 2pm at Catawba Funerals & Cremations with Pastor Scott Frady officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 PM at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

Kat’s Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.

Emmaline Lambert, 86, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Mark and Belva Smith Owle. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one son, Nick Lambert and several brothers and sisters.

Emmaline loved flower gardening, and was a lover of all animals especially dogs and cats.

She is survived by one son, Verlin Lambert and fiancée Beverly Beasley; one daughter, Charmin (Stormie) LeQuire and husband Darrell; one brother, Raymond Owle and wife Helen; and four special young men, Stan, Heath, Brett, and Chip Robertson.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Tsali Care Center. Emmaline was at Tsali Care for three years and loved all the CNAs and Staff.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Crisp Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Iona Marinda Jean Sneed, 83, of Cherokee passed away Tuesday,  Jan. 16, 2018 at Tsali Care Nursing Home.

She is survived by one son, David Sneed; two daughters, Deborah Roberts and Vickie Sneed; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one brother, Herbert Partridge.

Iona was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Sneed; her parents, John Partridge and Alice Murphy Partridge; and one sister, Mary Helen Jones.

Private services will be held.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Sneed family.

Wesley Queen, 57, of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Wesley was born May 8, 1960 in Swain County.  He was a carpenter.

He is survived by his companion, Peggy Teesateskie; one sister, Cindy Queen; three brothers, Abraham Queen (wife Lou), Lawrence Queen (wife Sharon), and Kevin Smith; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Wesley was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Queen Smith; his father, Edgar A. Smith, and one brother Alan Boyd Queen.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 5pm until 12 midnight at the Cherokee Methodist Church.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 2 pm at the Cherokee Methodist Church.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Minnie Queen Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be among nephews and friends.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Queen family.

Wayne A. “Bear” Carver, 94, of Robbinsville, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.

He was the son of the late Ed and Ada Whittaker Carver.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Ann Carver Adams; and his brothers, J.D. Carver, James Carver, and Howard Carver.

Wayne was a veteran of World War II having served his country proudly in the US Army.  He was one of the oldest members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in the Snowbird Community.

He was a man of quiet strength.  He faithfully attended New Hope Baptist Church for many years.  His devotion to his faith influenced many throughout the years.  He always had a smile and a kind word.  He was happy to provide the latest schedule of the Atlanta Braves to all his friends every spring.

Bear is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marie Davis Carver; his granddaughters and their husbands, Tonja and David Styles and Lavonia and Dustin Day; his great grandchildren, Austin White and wife Katy, Grace Styles, Destinee Schell, and Riley Crisp; his son-in-law, Hollis Adams; and his sister, Burnette Bridges, all of Robbinsville.  He has six great great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 20 at New Hope Baptist Church.  Reverends Kevin Brooks, Patrick O’Dell, and James York officiated.  Burial followed at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery where military rites were conducted by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home served the Carver family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

Virginia Maxine Bumgardner Gibson, 80, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Monday Jan. 22, 2018. A native of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late John and Bessie King Bumgardner and wife of the late Robert Lee Gibson. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by one sister, Jean, and one brother John.

She is survived  by two daughters, Debbie, and Jennifer; five sons, Terry, Ronald, Steve, Michael, and Billy; grandchildren, Rebecca, Andrew, Joshua, Nicholas, Jessica, Autumn, Constance, and Trevor; great grandchildren, Scarlett, Rick, Jimmy, and Tommy; and sisters, Karen, and Sharon.

Funeral Services will be held 1pm on Friday, Jan. 26 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Old Settlers Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12-1pm Friday at the Funeral Home.