Christopher David “Hooty” Teesateskie, 43, of Robbinsville, went home to be with the Lord. Hooty passed away peacefully at his childhood home surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Hooty will be deeply missed by his friends and family. He was a blessing to his family, a friend to everyone he met, soft-spoken, and mild tempered even when facing adversity.

Hooty will be remembered as a kind, loving and giving man who was proud of his native heritage. He could often be seen at various sporting events including basketball, baseball, softball, and football fields where he loved cheering for his nieces and nephews. Hooty was devoted to caring for and helping others. He always made himself available for his family whether he was driving his grandma Jeanette to Wal-Mart, going to doctor’s appointments, helping Babysit, and caring for animals. He was always eager and willing.

Hooty was the son of the late David Lee Teesateskie and Christine and Steve McCoy of Robbinsville, and the late Josiah and Lorraine Teesateskie. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Johnny Teesateskie.

He is survived by his sisters and brothers, Heather Wachacha and husband Adam, Samantha Teesateskie, Brenda Teesateskie, Alyne Turner and husband J.P., Brian Teesateskie, Perry and wife Margaret, and Joey and Melinda; aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews, Zane, Sierra, Xander, and Xamuel Wachacha, Bently Lambert; a great nephew,  Jonathan Wachacha; cousins, BJ Smith and Precious Smith; and many more nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Funeral Services will be held 2pm on Friday, April 27 at Buffalo Baptist Church. Revs. Noah Crowe and Phillip Ellington will officiate with burial in the Buffalo Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 2pm Friday at the Church.

Ted Raby, 95, of Whittier, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Skyland Care Center in Sylva after a brief illness.

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving in WWII.

Ted is survived by his wife, Pressie Raby; his children, Maria Yvonne Araneta of Italy, Judy Rita Grove of Maryland, Raymond Araneta of Virginia, and Martin Araneta of Manila, Philippines; five grandchildren; and special friends, Orville Weeks and Raye Parker.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Alvin Raby and Alice Virginia Hipps Raby; one brother, Doyle Raby; and one sister, Dorothy Shehan.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 30 at 2:30pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Father James Cahill will officiate.  Inurnment will follow at the Sherrill Cemetery in Whittier.

Mabelle Nokomis Sequoyah Ivey McDonald, age 96, of the 3200 acre tract located in Whittier, passed away Thursday April 26, 2018 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

She was born Jan. 6, 1922 in Cherokee to parents Ammoneeta Sequoyah and Ollie Otter Jumper.

In her earlier years, she enjoyed beadwork and splitting, carving, and dyeing by hand materials for her basket weaving.  One of her baskets was hand delivered to President Jimmy Carter while still in office.  

She was a cast member of “Unto These Hills” for over 30 years.  While in “Unto These Hills” she traveled and visited schools to teach children the ways of her native people.  The care and treatment of children and the elderly was a important part of her life.  She made appearances in several movies which include “Follow the River”, “Last of the Mohicans”, “The Lost Capone”, “Voices in the Wind”, “The Witness”, and a few documentaries.  She eased her mind with trips to Florida to fish and visit family.  She loved fishing!  

Mabelle was considered a remarkable and courageous woman.  She had met the challenges in her life head on and was always there for those who may need a little help to meet challenges of their own.  She had learned a lot from her experiences and the experiences of those around her.  Mabelle was happy with what life had given her, especially her greatest joy, the ability to attend bingo as often as possible, all the way up until two months before her passing.  She had said that when the day comes that she no longer lives among us, she hopes to be remembered for the love and time she had to give to those who were at times, less fortunate than herself.

Mabelle is survived by her children, Alice Dyer, Bonnie Merritt (husband Alan), Charles Ivey (wife Debbie), and Jacob Ivey (wife Phillis); 18 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 19 Great Great Grandchildren; and two sisters, Annie Arch of Cherokee and Lizzie Hull of Whittier.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred McDonald; one son, Bill Ivey; two daughters, Edna Mae Ivey and Shirley Kirkland; and one sister, Leona Eller.

A special thanks to the Yellowhill Singers, Bo Parris, and all who took time to drop by visit and help in any way possible.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 7 – 9pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 29 at 2pm.  Pastors James “Bo” Parris and Gil Breedlove will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Ivey Homeplace Cemetery in Whittier.  Pallbearers will be grandsons.

Henry Wyman Huskey, 82, of Cherokee, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2018 following an extended illness.

He was a business owner and hard worker of Huskey Rentals.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Birdie Huskey; brothers, Mickey Huskey, Stanley Huskey; and a grandson, Brandon Cunningham.

Henry is survived by his daughter, Alita Cunningham (husband Harley); one son, Eddie Huskey of Cherokee; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one brother, Robert Huskey; three sisters, Laverne Land (husband Wayne), Loretta Crowe (husband Sylvester), and Arlene Huskey Cochran (husband Fred); and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28 from 12 – 2pm at the Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Pastor Timothy James will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Huskey Family Cemetery in the Yellow Hill Community.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

David James Kalonaheskie, 87, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva after a brief illness.

He is survived by his wife, Joann S. Kalonaheskie; his children, Wanda Kalonaheskie, David T. Kalonaheskie (wife Luchene), and Kathryn Kalonaheskie; 12 grandchildren, Chase Kalonaheskie, Zane Kalonaheskie, Cassidy Kalonaheskie, Jack Wachacha, Bill Wachacha, Joanna Kalonaheskie, Stephanie Maney, Donnie Maney, John Perry Sampson, Dustin Sampson, Jordan Sampson, and Cherice Huskey; 19 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; special friend, Earl Martin; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Kalonaheskie and Ella Long Kalonaheskie; one son, Don E. Maney; and sisters, Elsie Marie Long Smith, Josephine Kalonaheskie, and Kathryn Long Bradley.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 3 at 1pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Long Family Cemetery on Long Branch Road.  Pallbearers will be Billy Wachacha, Jack Wachacha, John Perry Sampson, Dustin Sampson, Chase Kalonaheskie, Jordan Sampson, Earl Martin, and other grandsons.

Clarence Welch, 84, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday May 8, 2018. A lifelong resident of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Theodore Anthony “Tony” and Hattie Welch.

A U.S. Navy veteran, he was a member of Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143. He was a member and Deacon at Cherokee First Baptist Church and was an avid fly fisherman and ham radio operator. He loved technology and oil painting.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Louise Sneed Welch; one daughter, Deborah E. Welch; one son, Anthony Vincent “Tony” Welch (Shannon) of Sylva; two granddaughters, Julianna and Rebecca; sisters-in-law; Patsy Lambert and Carla Bellew; brother-in-law, Skipper Sneed; and he was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 11am Friday, May 11 at Cherokee First Baptist Church with the Rev. Percy Cunningham officiating.  The family will be receiving friends Thursday evening from 6 – 8pm at Appalachian Funeral Services in Sylva. Burial will be in the Henry Lambert Family Cemetery in Birdtown.

James Myron  (Jamie) Long 59, of Cherokee went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 7, 2018. An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokees, he was a son of the late Johnny Long and Bessie Owle Long.

Jamie was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He retired from the Eastern Band of Cherokees with 28 years of service.

Jamie started playing football at a young age, and he played from the youth league all the way through high school in Cherokee. He was also a wrestler for Cherokee High School. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He also loved to work in his garden. He was a longtime member of Bethabara Baptist Church. He loved to ride his Harley Motorcycle and loved his Classic Cars and going to car shows. He loved his grandson.  He was the apple of his eyes.

He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Long; his grandson, Xaldin James Bird; a sister, Alyne Stamper and husband Dave; two brothers, John Dewitt Long (Karen), Ray Barton Long (Michelle); and a very special nephew, Johnny Long, all of Cherokee.

He also leaves behind numerous, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, and many cousins and cherished friends.

Funeral Services will be held 1pm on Wednesday, May 9 at Bethabara Baptist Church with the Revs. Denny Crowe and James (Bo) Parris officiating. Burial will be at Birdtown Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Stamper, Dwayne Stamper, Ben Stamper, Gene (Tunney) Crowe, Curtis Arneach, Bill Waldroup, Robert (Bob) Long, Pete Long, Don Long, Albert Crowe, Brian Waldroup, Shane Owle, Chris Maney, and Cain Ross.

Royal Marty Catolster, 50, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at home.

He was the son of the late Menoch and Mary Catolster. He was a Carolina Tarheel Fan.

He is survived by his brother, Eddie Catolster; two sisters, Dinah (Mark) Grant and Nellie (Eddie) Smith; three nephews, Brant, Raven, and Menoch Grant; two nieces, Samantha (Jamie) and Tabitha (Tony) Smith; five great nephews, Tee Smith, LD Lequire, Billy Ray, Malaki and D.J. Smith; three great nieces, Rebecca, Vanesa, and Lily Corona-Smith; and a special cousin, Maggie Armachain.

He was preceded in death by his two sons, Steven and Mathew Catolster; his brother, Will Catolster; and nephew, Billy Ray Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Friday, May 11 at Cherokee United Methodist Church. Pastor Larry Dials and Rev. Bo Parris will officiate with burial in the Menoch Catolster Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to 12 midnight Thursday at the church.

Pallbearers will be Brant Grant, Raven Grant, Menoch Grant, Tee Smith, LD Lequire, Billy Ray Smith, Malaki Smith, and Randy Catt. Honorary pallbearer will be DJ Smith.

Sidney Lee Myers, 78, of Camp Creek, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at his residence. A native of Blount County, Tenn., he was the son of the late Charles and Mary Wear Myers. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He worked 50-plus years for the government at the Oconaluftee Job Corps.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Myers; three children, Tammy Mathews of Cherokee, Bill Myers and wife Karen of Townsend, Tenn., and Peter Myers of Toccoa, Ga.; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sisters, Patsy Tipton of Townsend, Tenn., Nancy Huitt of Townsend, Tenn.; brother, Ronnie Myers of Townsend, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4pm Saturday at the Oconaluftee Job Corps Gymnasium. John Mitchell, Danny Muse, Joe Johnson, and Calvin Carter will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 3 – 4pm Saturday at the Oconaluftee Job Corps Gymnasium.

Mary Bradley, 57, of the Painttown Community of Cherokee, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 5:30am while at the Cherokee Indian Hospital following an extended illness.

Mary was the daughter of the late Rowena Bradley of the Cherokee community.  She was a member of the Rock Springs Baptist Church and was a homemaker who had experience in basket making and had made her way in housekeeping at one time.

Mary is survived by her children, Savetta Bradley and Reva Bradley; one person she thought of as a special daughter, Angel Bradley; brothers, Foreman Bradley and Joseph Bradley; sister, Kitty Sneed; five grandchildren; and two very special best friends, Faye Catolster and Lisa Taylor, all of Cherokee.

Along with her parents Mary was preceded in death by a son, George Bradley.

Mary will be placed at the Yellowhill Baptist Church on Monday, May 14 from 6:45 – 11pm for an open visitation and service.  No further services are planned.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donation be made in Mary’s memory to the Cherokee Cancer Support Group at PO Box 2220, Cherokee, NC 28719.

Long House Funeral assisted the family in the final arrangements.

Carla Francine Lossiah, 48, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018 unexpectedly while in her Mother’s arms.

Carla is the daughter of Jack and Ruther (Tooni) Lossiah of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee and was a member of the Straight Fork Baptist Church.  She was loved by so many in the community, and although she was stricken by Cerebral Palsy she was a fighter and center of a loving family. She leaves behind many broken hearts. She will be missed.

Carla was preceded in death by a brother, John Russell Lossiah.

Carla will be taken to the Straight Fork Baptist Church for a one-day service with a visitation being held on Tuesday, May 15 from 10am – 2pm with the funeral service starting at 2pm.  An immediate burial will follow in the Lossiah Cemetery next to the home near 175 Galamore Rd., Cherokee, NC.  The Rev. Charles Ray Ball will officiate and the pall bearers will be Terry Holt, Albert Martin Jr., Eddie Bird, Jerry Taylor, and friends among the Big Cove Free Labor and Tribal Construction groups.

Long House Funeral Home assisted in the final arrangements.

Sharon Darlene Wolfe, 62, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

She is survived by her mother, Inez Wolfe;  three sons, Victor Wolfe (Evannia), Jonah Watty, and Stan Watty; one daughter, Mary Wolfe (husband Richard); grandchildren, Taylor Wolfe, Jodi Wolfe, Nick Wolfe, Christian Driver, Brittany Wolfe, Jason Wolfe, Jaiden Welch, Sulley Wolfe, Trevor Wolfe, Yoni Beckman, Letitia Driver, Courtney Driver, Jake Driver, and Levi Driver; one brother, Darrell Wolfe; two sisters, Vickie Driver and Janet Wolfe; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Ned Wolfe; one son, Ned “Duke” Wolfe; two brothers, Eric and Leonard Wolfe; and one sister, Edith Wolfe Santiago.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 17 from 6 – 8pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 18 at 2pm at Long House Funeral Home.  Pastor Charles Ray Ball will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Soggy Hill Cemetery in the Big Cove Community.  Pallbearers will be Taylor Wolfe, Jodi Wolfe, Kevin Watty, Richard Driver, Daniel Reed, and JR Mahsetky.

Ronald Eugene Long passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 15 at his residence.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert “Bob” and Nancy Long and a brother Eddie Long.

He is survived by his beloved partner, Connie Cooper of the Yellowhill Community; daughters Faith and Hope; sons Jacob and Uriah; granddaughter, Maleigha; granddog Aquilla and Tom Cat; and brothers Robert (Joann), Pete (Vickie), Donald (Bernadine), and Kenneth (Rhonda).  Ronnie also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ronnie resided in the Yellowhill community with his beloved partner Connie.  He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.  He was a stranger to no one and always willing to lend a hand if able.  He loved to cook and share his specialties with his many friends and family.  He was an avid fisherman and loved to spend time in the beautiful mountain streams.  He was also a motorcycle enthusiast who loved to tour our wonderful mountain scenery.

He attended the Cherokee School System and participated in football and wrestling where he excelled.  He went on to work at the Cherokee Boys Club in their Printing department for almost 28 years.

Ronnie enjoyed family and friend get-togethers where he could be found cooking fish, barbecuing, or finding other ways to make the time enjoyable for all who attended.  He loved to laugh and hear his friends laugh.

The family will celebrate his life with a memorial service at the Big Y Community Club on Thursday, May 17 from 6 – 8pm.  Please come by visit and share his life with us.

Elizabeth Ann Owle Crowe, 77, of the Birdtown Community, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, May 18, 2018.

A native of Cherokee in Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Dewitt Owle and Eva McCoy Owle.

She was married to the late Gene Crowe Sr. for 40 years.  She was a loving housewife, mother, and grandmother.  She was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Sharon Crowe; one granddaughter, Amy Crowe; sisters, Bessie Long, Esther Waldroup; and brothers, Grady “Mac” Owle, and Mike Owle.

She is survived by her sister, Frances O. Arneach; brother, William Paul Owle; children of Liz and Gene are Jeanne Crowe Lira (Carlos), Albert D. Crowe Sr. (Lisa), Gene ” Tunney” Crowe Jr. (Sarah), Rhonda Crowe Long (Kenny); grandchildren include Summer, Tyler, Albert Jr., Paige, Travis, Gina, Nikki, Jake, Becca, Lucy; and great grandchildren Marley, Bailey, Cher, Laila, Izzy, Gia, Saphira, Eldon, Aurora.
The pall bearers will be nephews.
The funeral services will be held at 1pm Monday, May 21 at Bethabara Baptist Church. Revs. Richard Duke Pickup, Denny Crowe and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Birdtown Cemetery.

Roy Vance Allison, 55, of Whittier, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.

He loved to fish and hunt.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Truesdell; one brother, Eric Allison; and several nieces and nephews.

Vance was preceded in death by his father, Donald Alvin Allison; one brother, Timothy Allison; and one sister, Donna Allison Stigman.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 23 from 12 – 2pm at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Pastor Roger Roland will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Michael Edwin Walk Sr., 60, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018 at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. after a battle against cancer.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Delbert Walk; mother, Beatrice Smith-Walk; and three sisters, Delcey Walk, Sandy Ward, and Rachel Walk.

He is survived by four kids, Nancy Walk (fiance’ Shannon Blanton), Michael Walk (wife Tonya), Sam Walk, and Beatrice Walk (fiance’ Deane Beytes); nine grandbabies, Alyssa, Trixie, Amber, Tristan, Hayden, Ella, Ryland, and Skyler; his significant other, Kathy Jenkins; two brothers, Dennis Walk (wife Vicky) and Delbert Walk (wife Kyma); and a lot of nieces and nephews.

By his wishes, no services will be held.

Annie Lynn Cucumber, 49, of Cherokee, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

She is survived by her father, Henry Queen Sr. of Cherokee; her children, Kaila Cucumber, Jacob “Hunter” Rattler, and Kierstan Cucumber, all of Cherokee; two grandsons, Payne Rattler and Kaden Cucumber of Cherokee; four sisters, Ruth McCoy, Leslie “Caron” Swayney, Lady Bird Powell, and Marlena “Mel” Toineeta all of Cherokee; one sister-in-law, Henrietta Littlejohn of Cherokee; one Aunt, Rosie Hornbuckle of Cherokee; one great aunt, Amanda Swimmer of Cherokee; many nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.

She was married to Robert Lee Tramper.

Annie was preceded in death by her mother, Stacey Sequoyah; adopted parents, Wesley Powell and Annie Powell; brothers, Henry Queen Littlejohn Jr., Lloyd Toineeta, Alvin Toineeta, and Jimmy Sequoyah; one sister, Mildred Cisneros; one nephew, Khrystofer “Hawk” Rattler; and one great niece, Aubrey Littlejohn.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 30 beginning at 5pm at Bethabara Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 31 at 1pm at Bethabara Baptist Church.  Pastors James “Bo” Parris and Greg Morgan will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Sequoyah Cemetery in the Birdtown Community.  Pallbearers will be Dean Swayney, Tim Swayney, James Swayney, Jesse Queen, Henry Littlejohn III, and Jacob Smith.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Cucumber family.

Dennis Ray Taylor, 41, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018 at Mission St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville.

He is survived by his mother, Jane Lossiah Taylor; one brother, Jeremiah Taylor of the home; one sister, Cynthia A. Meuse of Cherokee; two nephews; six nieces; four great nephews; two great nieces; one aunt, Dolly Taylor; great aunts, Mollie Herbold and Annie French; uncles, Jack and Willard Lossiah.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Jeff Taylor; paternal grandparents, Julius and Julia Taylor; maternal grandparents, John and Charlotte Lossiah; two brothers, Michael Taylor and Ted Taylor; great nephew, Mickey J. Meuse; several aunts, uncles, and brother-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 7 at Straight Fork Baptist Church beginning at 4pm.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 8 at 2pm at the Straight Fork Baptist Church.  Pastors Charles Ray Ball and James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Lossiah Cemetery.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Taylor family.

Diann Bark, 60, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Mission Hospital.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Guy and Martha Reed Bark; a brother, Don Reed, and the father of her children, Mike French.

Diann is survived by her children, Xavier Ryan French and Monika French Toineeta (husband Ben); grandson Jesse Toineeta (wife Jordyn); and great grandson, Easton.  She is also survived by her sisters, Genevieve Lambert, Ruby, Thelma, Velma, and Roberta Bark; her brother, Goodlow Bark; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 11 from 1:30 – 2pm at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  James “Bear” Lambert will officiate.  Burial will be in the Bark Family Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be her nephews Brandon, Christopher, Preston, Woodrow, Kevin, and Darrin.

Barbara Jean Pettus Long, 67, of Cherokee, passed away Friday, June 8, 2018 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.

She is survived by one sister, Rebecca Long; and one brother, Kenneth Pettus (wife Claudean).

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Rodger David Long; her parents, Frank and Frances Pettus; and four brothers, Curtis, Paul, Donald, and Odell Pettus.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 12 from 12 – 2pm at the Cherokee Church of God.  Funeral services will follow at 2pm.  Pastor Ned Presley will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Long Cemetery on Long Branch.  Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Long family.