William “Bill” Jackson Haigler, 71, of Cherokee, passed away Monday, Jan. 22, 2018 at Valley View Nursing Center in Andrews.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley McMahan Haigler; brothers, Larry Haigler (wife Melba), Frank Haigler, Tommy Haigler (wife Rose Marie), Ronnie Haigler, and Norman Eugene Haigler (wife Pam); one sister, Lou; and his special dog Ruby.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Haigler and Cora McLeymore Haigler; three brothers, Leroy, Ed, and Robert Haigler; and one sister, Betty Haigler.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 12pm at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Haigler family.

Sylva-Margareta Anneliese “Liese” Gravier “Rhinehart”, 66, died on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at The Elizabeth House after a long battle with Alzheimers. Liese was born in Erlangen, Germany on May 1, 1951, to the late Robert Shickert and to Anneliese Schiller Whichard. Liese was a free spirited lady who loved playing her guitar and traveling throughout the world. She was a faithful friend who could be counted on to give her all when helping someone in need or working for a cause.

In addtion to her mother, Liese is survived by the love of her life and fishing partner, James Rhinehart; her daughters, Undine McCoy (Kevin) and Tera Gravier; a brother, Jessey Shickert; and her grandchildren, Jacob Gravier, Logan Arch, and Wesley Hooper.

At Liese’s request, no services are planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Elizabeth House in care of Four Seasons Hospice at 581 South Allen Road, Flat Rock NC 28731.

A message of comfort may be left and an online guest registry may be signed at http://www.garrettfuenralsandcremations.com

Tara Renee Pheasant, 41, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of Katie Johnson and Allen (Butch) Hill of Cherokee. Her father was James Pheasant Sr. of Cherokee.

Tara is preceded in death by one sister, Cecily Hill; one brother, Shannon Pheasant; and a traditional mother, Mary Ann Bird.

In addition to her parents, she is also survived by one son, Frank McCoy of Cherokee; one daughter, Alexis McCoy of Cherokee; one granddaughter, Bailey McCoy of Cherokee; brothers, James Pheasant Jr. and wife Dailey, and Douglas Pheasant and wife Amber, all of Cherokee; one sister, Krystal Pheasant of Cherokee; traditional sister, Michelle Long and husband Waylon of Cherokee; traditional mothers, Rachel Littlejohn, Myrtle Driver, Agnes Wolfe; and several Nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 2pm on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Straight Fork Baptist Church. Pastors James (Bo) Parris and Charles Ray Ball will officiate with burial in Katie Johnson Cemetery.

Tara will be taken back to the Church at 5pm Wednesday to await the hour of service.

Pallbearers will be Pat, Dean, Waylon, Tony, Chebone, Nick, Kyler, Tohisgi, Caden, Denili, Esiah.

Rita M. Wildcat, 67, of the Birdtown community, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Andy and Annie Bird Sherrill and wife of the late Charles William Wildcat.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Burt Ute Sherrill; brothers, Lee, Andy, David and John Ute; and her sisters, Julia Queen and Margaret Lossiah.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Sherrill (Jennifer), Tinola Wildcat, Charles Wildcat; sister, Jessie Wildcat (Quincey); special niece, Kina Armachain; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3pm Saturday at Acquoni Baptist Chapel. Pastors Jim Parks and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Sherrill Wildcat Cemetery.

Rita will be taken to the church at 5pm Friday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Wanda Lee (Joe Lou) Smith Bradley, 82, of the Wolftown Community, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.

She was the daughter of the late Charles and Elma (Arch) Smith.  Wanda was a member of the Yellowhill Baptist Church and NAIWA Group.  In her youthful years, Wanda worked as a teacher at the 1^st Start nursery, a tribal housekeeper, and Cherokee Elementary Janitor.  She enjoyed doing beadwork, working on table puzzles and word puzzles, loved the game called BINGO, made many friends at Skyland Nursing Home, and enjoyed all of her grandchildren.  She also loved to go sing with the church choir.

Along with her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her loving husband, Nick “Shorty” Bradley Jr.; sisters, Ossie Smith and Snookie Elders; one brother, Delbert Smith; a daughter, Janet Lee Beck; and a grandson, Chester Ray Sequoyah.

Wanda is survived by her children, Frankie Bradley, Dean Bradley and wife Terri, Pebbles Blankenship and husband Jerry, Bobby Bradley, Victoria Bradley, and Brian Waldroup; sisters, Nancy Smith and husband Kenneth, Connie Cabe, Joan Henry and husband Ralph, Linda Raby, Rebecca Bridges and husband Taylor.  Wanda also leaves behind five grandchildren, all of Cherokee; three great grandchildren, one great great grandson; many nieces and nephews; and many friends at Skyland Nursing Home.

The family will receive friends from 6pm – 12midnight on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Yellowhill Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Yellowhill Baptist Church at 1pm.  Pastor Foreman Bradley will officiate with burial to follow at the John Bradley Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Tony Cabe, James Raby, Terrence Cabe, Lehman Bradley, Tommy Cabe, and RD Allison.

Long House Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Russell Lee Walkingstick, infant son of David Edwards and Ardina Walkingstick passed away on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

In addition to his parents, Russell is survived by one sister, Ma-Li Mae Littlejohn; paternal grandparents, Lee Edwards and Liz Edwards; maternal grandparents, Liz Sequoyah and Mike Walkingstick; great grandmother, Annie Arch; paternal uncle, Andrew Edwards of Cherokee; paternal aunts, Krystal Edwards and Hayley Edwards, both of Cherokee; three uncles and one aunt on the maternal side; 13 cousins and a special cousin Cayden also survive.

Russell was preceded in death by great grandparents, Johnson and Bobbie Sequoyah and Russell Walkingstick; one Aunt, Kina “Slugg” Lossie; and one Uncle, Jerry Lee Maney Jr.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 9 from 1-2pm at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2 pm.  Pastors James “Bo” Parris and Roger Roland will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Sequoyah Cemetery in the Big Cove Community.

Jeannie Elizabeth Grant, 77, of the Piney Grove Community in Cherokee, passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.

She is survived by five children, Billy and Tonya Rattler, Michael and Bridget Rattler, Julie and Kevin Alford, Thomas and Leandra Miller, and John and Billy Jo Miller; three step children, Ernest Grant, Maria Grant, and Michael Grant; five step grandchildren; two sisters, Susan Hicks and Geneva Stegall; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond Grant; brothers, Ross and Daniel Everhart; and one great grandson, Jediah Blake Miller.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 2pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at the Grant Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Laury Kay Orvis Brady, 65, of Whittier, passed away Monday, Feb. 12, 2018 at her residence.

She is survived by her children, Misty Brady Buchanan (husband Omer Buchanan Jr.), Wendy Brady, Nathan Brady (wife Jessica), and Jonathan Brady; 11 grandchildren, 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, and Tanner (Tannie) Brady; one great grandchild, Journey Buchanan; one brother, Herb Orvis; three sisters, Dora Orvis, Erma Orvis, and Judy Orvis; and many very special friends also survive.

Laury was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Brady Jr.; her parents, Karl Orvis and Loretta Dossil Orvis.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Brady family.

Kenneth Earl Locust, 80, of Whittier, passed away on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018 at his residence.

He is survived by his children, Michelle L. Baker, Charlene D. Jennings, Kenneth E. Locust II, and Alicia Caron; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; one brother, Johnson Locust; and one sister, Louise Locust.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Law Locust; parents, McKinley Locust and Mable Buff Locust; and three brothers, Rufus, McKinley, and Stanley Locust.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18 from 12-2pm at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Pastor Mary Brown, of the United Methodist Church in Andrews, will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Locust Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Kenneth E. Locust II, Michael Locust, Keevon Allen, Jordan Elkins, Jermiah Raymond, Damien Raymond, and Monte Jennings.

Stephen Eric Lossiah, 29, of Travelers Rest, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 at his residence.

Stephen had a passion for cooking and music.  He was proud to be a husband and father.  Stephen will be missed immensely by his friends and family.  Rest in Peace.

He is survived by his wife, Kristen Marie Lossiah; his children, McCully David Howard, Peyton Sawyer Boyt, and McKayla Brooke Lossiah, all of the home; his mother, Myra Barron; maternal grandparents, Leonard Phillips and Carolyn Long; paternal grandparents, Thomas Lossiah and Molly Lossiah; maternal great grandmother, Lillian Oliver; uncle, Irvin Lossiah; great uncle, Dale Phillips; cousins, Raven Powers and Jason Phillips; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Donald Thomas Lossiah.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 23 from 1-2:15pm at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2:30pm.  Pastor Johnny Seay, of the Lima Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, SC, will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Donald Lossiah Family Cemetery on Swimmer Branch.  Pallbearers will be Jason Phillips, Dale Phillips, Brian Rapp, Jonathan Boyt, Dylan Jacks, and Kevin Nealey.

Kirby Lind Dunlap, 63, of Cherokee, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Odell and Kathryn Craig Dunlap. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Jack Dunlap.

Kirby was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the 101^st Airborne Division.

He is survived by three daughters, Regina Phillips of Asheville, Casey Blakeley of Hopkinsville, Ky., and Jamie Dunlap of Asheville; one son, Stephen (Hank) Dunlap of Hopkinsville, Ky.; four grandsons, Davis, Cameron, Danny, and Tyler; one sister, Cathy Dunlap and one brother, Bob Dunlap, both of Whittier; three nieces, Paige, Payton, and Norah; and one great nephew, Beau.

Funeral Service will be held 12pm on Saturday at Whittier United Methodist Church. Revs. David Baxter and Danny Lambert will officiate with burial in Birdtown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11am – 12pm Saturday at the Church.

Joel D. Toineeta, 35, of the Wolftown Community, went to his Heavenly Home Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of Pamela Cucumber of Cherokee and the late Danny Tioneeta. He was the husband of the late Jennifer Dugan Toineeta.

He participated in many sports and loved being outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jayda Elizabeth Toineeta; maternal grandparents, Joe and Dorothy Cucumber; and paternal grandparents, Jeff and Elizabeth Toineeta.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sons, Jayce B. Toineeta and Evan Standingdeer; his infant daughter, Gemma M. Toineeta; brothers, Nehemiah (Nehi) Toineeta and wife Reva, Michael R. Toineeta of Starkville, Miss., Darrell E. Toineeta, Kerry Reed; aunts, Erma McMillan, Sandy Cucumber, Veronica Toineeta; uncles, Donald Cucumber, Garth Berky of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and his companion, Savetta Bradley.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Sunday at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Pastor Greg Morgan and Bro. Nehi Toineeta will officiate with burial in the Joe Cucumber Cemetery.

Joel will be taken to the church at 5pm Saturday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Jamison Bear French, 44, of the Big Cove Community on Straight Fork, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of Marilyn Swimmer of Cherokee and the late Elliott Dump French. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by three uncles, Herbert Dave Swimmer, McKinley Mac Swimmer, and Marvin Skilly French.

In addition to his mother, he is also survived by two brothers, Elliott (Seymour) French and wife Stephanie of Cherokee, and George French of Cherokee; one cousin/brother, Randall French of Cherokee; one sister, Melvena Swimmer of Cherokee; grandmother, Amanda Swimmer of Cherokee; favorite aunt, Juanita Swimmer of Cherokee; favorite niece, “Baby Girl” Jill Swimmer of Cherokee; 11 nieces and nephews; two uncles; and several aunts and uncles on both sides of the family.

Funeral Services will be held 2pm Monday at Acquoni Baptist Chapel. Rev. James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial at Sequoyah Family Cemetery.

Bear will be taken back to Acquoni Baptist Chapel at 4pm Sunday to await the hour of service.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Big Cove Free Labor.

WEAVERVILLE – Joyce Sprinkle, age 80 of Weaverville, passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 in Johnson City, Tenn. at the home of her son, Lewis, who was her caregiver.

Mrs. Sprinkle was born March 24, 1937 in Swain County to the late Dock and Martha Bradley Smith. Joyce was raised on the Cherokee Reservation and was extremely proud of her heritage as a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She attended Baylor University in Texas and Lees McRae College for her degree in registered nursing. She was an RN at St. Joseph Hospital and Yancey County Hospital in Burnsville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Lewis Sprinkle who died in 2014.

Surviving are her sons, Lewis Sprinkle and Kelly Sprinkle and wife Michelle; sisters, Jean Jones, Ruth Ann Jeans, Mary Ward and husband Jim, Linda Bryson and husband Mike and Cindy Smith; brothers, John Smith and wife Joann, Dock Smith Jr. and wife Althea Mae, and Bill Smith and wife Arlene;  grandchildren, Aden and Addison Sprinkle; and many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service was held Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Locust Grove Baptist Church with Rev.’s Ben Whitmire and Cecil Hopps officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 305 Locust Grove Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Sprinkle’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.

Christy Lou Wachacha, 43, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

Christy was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend.  She always had a kind word for everyone she met.  She worked at the Cherokee Casino as a lead in the EVS department.  Christy loved working with her friends at the casino and was very proud of her time there.  Every night before she left for work she would always give her babies a hug and a kiss and told them she loved them.  Her pride and joy were her kids, Julian, Gali, Beatriz, and Rande.  Christy is not alone.  She is now in heaven with God, Jesus, holding her baby Rande and with her family.

She is survived by her children, Julian, Gali, and Beatriz Wachacha, all of the home; sisters, Gail Wachacha, Tina Saunooke, and Mary Jane Smith (husband Alan); nieces, Shalana Wachacha and Daryn Smoker; aunts, Marie Swayney, Darlene Davis, Lucille Smith, and Wilma Taylor; uncles, Bob Taylor (wife Joyce) and Ed Taylor (wife Cleo); and special friend, Dailey Pheasant.  She is also survived by many other family, cousins, and friends.

Christy was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Tom Wachacha Sr. and Edna Ruth Taylor Wachacha; one son, Rande Wachacha; and two brothers, Tommy Wachacha Jr. and David Wachacha.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 2 from 10:30am – 2pm at the Acquoni Baptist Church with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Pastors Noah Crowe, Jim Parks, and James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Wachacha-Taylor cemetery.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Wachacha family.

Victor Raydean French, son of Mary Lee Christie and Edward French was born May 21, 1964 in Tahlequah, Okla. and departed this life on Feb. 21, 2018 in Stilwell, Okla., at the age of 53 years.

Victor loved singing and was a past member of the Kingfisher Quartet. He also enjoyed fishing, cooking, spending time with family, and he worked at E&E Brake Parts in his younger working career.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Florence York and Jess Christie, Amie Pickup and Jess French; aunts, Laura Wolf and Lavonna Farrell; and four uncles.

Victor is survived by a loving family that includes his son, Edward Eli French of Tahlequah, Okla.; grandson, Reign French; mother, Mary Thompson of Stilwell, Okla.; father, Edward French and companion Diane, of Briggs, Okla.; siblings, Laura Killer and companion Loyd Berry, David Thompson, all of Stilwell, Okla., Edward French of Minnesota, Pamela French, Robert French of North Carolina, Arrow French of Bluejacket, Okla., and Brett French of Oregon.

Several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends also survive him.

John Ricky Lossiah Jr. (Critter), 37, of the Yellowhill Community, went home to be with the Lord where he was greeted by his son, Caden Jayce, on Sunday, March 4, 2018.

Critter was a loving father, son, brother, and friend. He was an avid Carolina fan with a sense of humor like no other. His heart and love for others was immeasurable.

He is survived by his sons, Colby James Lossie and Colin Ja’Rae (Dragon) Lossie; his companion, Sammi Sequoyah; his parents, Charlotte Littlejohn, Rick and Kim Lossie; sister, Leslie Lossiah (Jesse Sneed); brother, Travis Lossie; sister-in-law, Leigh-Anne Ledford; nieces, Amila Lossie and Anna Watty; nephew, Keedan Lossie; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John Henry and Willa Mae Lossiah; maternal grandparents, Jim and Mollie Littlejohn; aunt, Elsie Wolfe; and uncles, Jim, Leonard, and Mike Littlejohn, all of whom were there to welcome him home.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 7 from 11am – 1pm at Acquoni Baptist Church with funeral services to follow at 1pm. Pastors Patrick Odell and Ercell Green will officiate. Burial will be at the Piney Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Channing George, Brant Grant, Jason Thompson, Cricket Driver, Mike Drakeford, and Travis Calhoun.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Lossiah family.

Ralph Edward Brady, 55, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

He was retired and a veteran of the US Army.

Ralph is survived by his special partner, Tracy Manis; his mother, Blanche McCoy Vickers; his children, John A. Brady (wife Ashley) of Sevierville, Tenn., Dakota Brady (wife Ashley) of Sevierville, Tenn.; Katie Brady, Ashley Heflin (husband Justin), and Adam Dean Deleary; eight grandchildren, Nathan Brady, Jase Brady, Jordan Goins, Korbin Heflin, Gabby Brady, Nevaeh Brady, Nova Brady, and Hailey McClure; brothers, Robert Brady Jr., Frank James Brady, Rocky Eugene Brady, and William Joseph Brady; sisters, Keri Lynn Brady and Carmalita Brady; auntie Jan McCoy; and numerous cousins also survive.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, Robert Brady Sr.; special daughter, Crystal M. Brady; and special grandpa, Frank McCoy.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at Long House Funeral Home from 12 – 2pm.  No further services will be conducted.

Charles “Ronald” Tomlinson, 73, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at his home.

He lived in Lakeland, Fla. for 51 years.  He was a long haul truck driver and was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Lambert Tomlinson; his children, Lisa Tomlinson of Lakeland, Fla., Patricia Ricks of Cherokee, Monica Ricks of Knoxville, Tenn., and Ray Ricks of Cherokee; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Donald Tomlinson of Lakeland, Fla.; one sister, Sharon Phillips of Lakeland, Fla.; and grandchildren who were the light of his life, Houston Reed, Rayna Ricks, and Dallas Ricks.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Morgan Tomlinson and Willa Mae McKinsey Tomlinson; and two brothers, Jimmy Tomlinson and Jackie Deloy Tomlinson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 7 from 5 – 7pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 8 at 2 pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Rev. Randall Miller will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Tow String Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Charles Young, Everett Reagan, Willie Lambert, William Lambert, Richard L. Lambert, Stephen Kirkland, Harold Reagan, Kasey Reagan, and Mike Ricks.

Juanita George, 87, of Whittier, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, March 11, 2018. A native of Whittier, she was the daughter of the late James and Delphia Shehan, and wife of the late Columbus George. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by one son, Billy Ray George; brothers, Jack Shehan, Joe Shehan, and Woodrow Shehan; and a special cousin, Nadine Orders.

Juanita is survived by her children, Ruby George, Carol Lynn George, Harold George, and Peggy George, all of Cherokee; 13 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and sisters, Betty Kinsman of Sylva, Janie Capolla of New York, and Mary Grant of Ohio.

Funeral Services will be held at 1pm Tuesday in the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 11am – 1pm Tuesday at the Funeral Home.