Gwyndolyn Cline Ayers, 88, of Bryson City, passed away peacefully at Cherokee Indian Hospital on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018.  A native of Swain County and an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, she was the daughter of the late Luzene and Fred Cline.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Boyd Ayers.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicky Jenkins and husband Richard of Cherokee; grandson, John Ayers and wife Nikki of Cherokee; granddaughter, Nashley Jenkins of Cherokee; great grandchildren, Novalee and Harold Ayers; sister, Melba Haigler and husband Larry of Cherokee; and brother, Marcel Cline and wife Barbara of Cherokee; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 – 8pm Thursday, Oct. 11 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City.  The funeral will begin at 10am Friday, Oct. 12 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City.  Burial will immediately follow at the Birdtown Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her nieces, Nita Roy and Sonja McCoy, for spending many days and overnights with her during her stay in the hospital.

Pallbearers will be Charles Lawson, Stan Robertson, Trent Winchester, Heath Robertson, Jacob Reed, and Colt Carroll.  The Reverend J. Gilbert will officiate the funeral services.

Raymond “Chucky” Owle III, 47, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines.

Chucky is survived by his parents, Raymond Owle Jr. and Madge Lambert Owle; his children, Tank Rattler of Robbinsville and Tai-Lee Owle of Robbinsville; grandmother, Margaret Owle; Brothers, Dean Owle, Earl Owle, Manuel Watty and Stephen Watty; sisters, Alicia Lambert and Monica “Tigger” Lambert; several aunts and uncles, close cousins; and many friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dock and Helen Lambert; grandfather, Raymond Owle Sr.; brother, Ray Owle; uncles, Mike Lambert and George Owle; and aunt, June Nephew.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, Oct. 14 at Long House Funeral Home.  Pastor Ben Reed and Bear Lambert officiated.  Burial followed at the Tow String Cemetery with military honors provided by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143.

William P. Standingdeer, 57, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Joseph and Beatrice Davis Standingdeer.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice Taylor Standingdeer; foster parents, Ray and Jerri Kinsland of Cherokee; brothers, Robert Standingdeer of Cherokee and Jess Standingdeer of Sylva; sisters, Cynthia Standingdeer of Cherokee, Debora Foerst of Cherokee, and Dora Robinson of Sylva. He was known as dad to Trudy Taylor, Anna Bigwitch, and Christopher Martinez and Papaw to Zayden, Anali, Jolden, Newton, Alicia, Sammy, Timothy, Nyla, and Keiffer. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Tuesday, Oct. 16 at Acquoni Baptist Chapel. Revs. Ned Pressley, Jim Parks and James (Bo) Parris will officiate with burial in the Davis Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4pm to 12am Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cherokee Children’s Home, PO Box 507, Cherokee, NC 28719.

Crisp Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Johnnie Ruth Maney, 63, of Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018 after an extended illness.

Johnnie Ruth was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and memaw to her family, a dear friend to many, and had a positive and lasting impact on many lives during her time as an assistant teacher at Cherokee Central Schools. She was active in preserving the Cherokee heritage through her sewing, pottery, and beadwork. Johnnie Ruth was a kind and loving soul and will be truly missed by many.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Charles Wolfe; her father, John Henry Maney (Delores); one daughter, Shannon Swimmer (Kevin) of Cherokee; grandchildren, Naomi Swimmer of the home, and Elijah Bryant of Cherokee; two brothers, Kenneth “Buff” Maney (Julie), and William Maney; three sisters, Nancy Maney, Charla Crowe (Melvin), and Mollie Grant (Rodney); special others, Paulette Smart, Stanley and Euphemia John.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise Bigmeat Maney; and brothers, Don Maney, Ronnell Maney.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 19 starting at 5pm at Rock Springs Baptist Church where the body will remain until the hour of service on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 12pm at the Rock Springs Baptist Church. Pastors Foreman Bradley and Keith Carson will officiate. Burial will follow at the John Wolfe Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Seger Williams, Two Bears Williams, Richard “Bocephus” Williams, Micah Swimmer, Wes Wolfe, Kenny Panther, Robert “Toad” Arch, and Dwayne “Tuff” Jackson.
Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Maney family.

Charlotte Welch Taylor, age 88, of the Painttown Community, went to her heavenly home on Oct. 17,2018. She was born on Nov. 10,1929 in Cherokee. 

She attended and graduated from Cherokee schools and Haskell Indian College in Lawrence, Kan. She worked many jobs through the years. After graduating from Haskell, she worked in El Reno, Okla. as a dorm matron. Upon returning home, she sold crafts at Caldwell’s and then worked at various placed including “Unto These Hills” ticket office, the Community Action Program (CAP), Home Extension, the Cherokee Hospital as a cook, and her favorite job was being the Community Health Representative Program Director. Charlotte was also a member of several organizations such as: NAIWA and Charter member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She served on the Health board for many years and was a life-long member of Rock Springs Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was the best mother and grandmother anyone could ever ask for.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James G. Welch and Lottie Tramper Welch; her loving husband of 65 years, Frank J. Taylor Sr.; brothers, Irvin and Oscar Welch; sisters, Regina Crowe, Amy Reid, Myrtle Youngbird, and Mary Jane Taylor; and son, Don Taylor.

She is survived by her children, Lois Dunston, Pete Taylor, Gayle Guilford (Don), Rod Taylor (Lana), and Lisa Taylor all of Cherokee; grandchildren Marlana Taylor, Quiana Tiger (Dwayne Stamper), Alan Taylor, Vanessa Tiger (Michael Harlan), Erin Taylor, Sage Dunston, Josh Taylor, and Cindi Guilford (Cy Young); brother, Bobby Taylor; great-grandchildren Kyndra, Kyleigh, Jake and Kamia Wiggins, Keiffer Taylor, Mica Tiger-Harlan, Zayden Crowe, Luke Stamper, Trigger Young, Kynleigh Taylor, Mikey Tiger-Harlan, and Liza Young all of Cherokee. She is also survived by a special nephew and niece ,Eddie Welch and Fran Walkingstick, and special son, Buff Maney.

Funeral services will be held at Rock Springs Baptist Church on Sunday, Oct. 21at 2pm with Pastors Bobby Watts, Keith Carson, and Bo Parris officiating. Burial will follow at the Welch Family Cemetery, Wrights Creek Road.  Crisp Funeral Home will be assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Sage Dunston, Josh Taylor, Jake Wiggins, Darrell Toineeta, Buff Maney, Patrick Lambert, and Will Wright.

Zachariah Lightning Rattler, 40, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. 

He is survived by his father, Joe Harris; his grandmother, Elsie Rattler; his children, Zebe Rattler, Julie Ann Welch, Kahya Cucumber, Khlloe Cucumber, Seth Tiger, and Xavier Squirrel; one grandchild, Liana Ledford; and two sisters, Brittani Harris and Jessica Harris. 

Zachariah was preceded in death by his mother, Polly Ann Rattler. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 21 from 12 – 2pm Noon at Long House Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2pm.  Rev. Jim Park will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Rattler Mountain Cemetery in the Birdtown community. 

Roman Gregory West, 39, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018.

He is survived by his brother Patrick West (spouse Chantele Lossiah) and his sister, Sis West. Alongside his brother and sister, he is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Amy West-Thompson; aunt, Deb West; uncle, Richard Sneed Sr.; several nieces and nephews and Victoria Sandoval, and Pam Farmer.

Roman was preceded in death by both his father, Paul “Bucky” West, and his mother, Mary West. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Walter and Sally Jackson, as well as a paternal grandparent, Cecil West.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 22 at Acquoni Baptist Chapel from 5 – 10pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 2pm at Acquoni Baptist Chapel and will be laid to rest at the West Family Cemetery. Pastor James “Bo” Parris and Rev. Jim Parks will officiate.

The Pall Bearers will be as follows: Brandon Sneed, Tim Junaluska, Brian Hartline, James Raby, Chino West, Abe Jackson, and Mark Ledford.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the West family.

Robert S. Youngdeer, 96, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018.

He was born on April 13, 1922 to the late Jess and Martha Jane Owl Youngdeer.  He was a past Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a 20-year Marine Corps and Army veteran.  Serving in World War II, he was combat wounded, sustained a bullet entering his mouth, through his teeth and gums, just below his nose, going through his neck, barely missing the brain stem.  Severely wounded, he was evacuated to the Silver Stream Hospital in Wellington, New Zealand.  After healing in the hospital, miraculously, he returned to the Pacific and participated in the OKINAWA campaign.  He was discharged from the Marine Corps in July 1948 and enlisted in the Army in November 1948.  He was later a member of the 82nd Airborne, an experienced Paratrooper, with 74 Jumps and was a certified Airborne Jumpmaster, from Jumpmaster School Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Robert Youngdeer retired from Military Service in October 1960 and served Native Americans many years in BIA Law Enforcement assignments on eight different Indian Reservations.

He is survived by one son, Merritt E. Youngdeer Sr. and wife Lulie of Cherokee; one daughter, Judith A. Nelson and husband John of Lawton, Okla.; grandchildren, Connie S. O’Neill of Groton, SD, Audra L. Vogel of Aberdeen, SD, Lauren Armachain of Cherokee, Angela M. Nelson of Atlanta, Ga., Carla Alene Williams of Lawton, Okla., and John R. Nelson of Sylva; great grandchildren, Taylor Lynn and husband Skyler Spellman of Aberdeen, SD, Payton N. Maine of Groton, SD, Ashley S. Vogel of Aberdeen, SD, Zack Vogel of Aberdeen, SD, Orion D. Holmberg of Cherokee, Kenneth C. Williams of Lawton, Okla., and Robert C. Williams of Lawton, Okla.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Geneva Alene Youngdeer; one grandson, Merritt E. Youngdeer Jr.; and one brother, Jesse Henry Youngdeer.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 5 – 11pm at the Cherokee High School Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center at 11am.  Pastor Dan Conseen and Lew Harding will be officiating.  Private burial will follow at the Youngdeer Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be John R. Nelson, Daniel Conseen, Warren DuPree, Orion Holmberg, Eddie Welch, and Wilbur Paul.

Long House Funeral Home is serving the Youngdeer family.

Nancy Watty Garcia, 64, of Tuckasegee, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018.

She is survived by her children, Jr. Wolfe of Cherokee, Roberta Wolfe of Franklin, Charles Wolfe of Waynesville, and Tiyona Wolfe of the home; 19 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brothers, Littlejoe Watty and Michael Watty; sisters, Annabelle Valdez, Sarah Swayney, Jennie Salinas, and Judy Goldsmith; one aunt, Inez Wolfe; several friends, and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Watty and Edith Wachacha; one daughter, Crystal Wolfe; and two brothers, Quincy (Duke) Watty and John Henry Watty.

A visitation will be held at the Yellowhill Baptist Church in Cherokee on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 5 – 11pm a funeral will follow on Friday, Oct. 26 at 2pm.  Pastors Noah Crowe and Foreman Bradley will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Watty/Swayney Cemetery in the Birdtown Community.

Long House Funeral Home is serving the Garcia family.

Garfield Henry Long Sr., 72, of Cherokee, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018.

Garfield was a kind, considerate man. He never met a stranger and was faithful to share his love for the Lord with others. He had friends everywhere and is known both locally and away from here as a Cherokee craftsmen. He is well known locally by most stickball players and has supplied ball sticks, especially at fair time, for many years.  A wood carver and dough bowl maker, his talent was endless.

Garfield loved most of all to play and sing gospel music. He started singing with his mom and dad at an early age. Garfield has tried to pass along his love for the Lord by example to many people, especially children. He has also taught them to carve and carry on Cherokee traditions. A first language speaker, he always shared the Cherokee language and taught others as he could. Garfield went out of his way to help others, never asking for anything in return. He will be missed by many.  He worked in maintenance at the Cherokee Museum for 14 years until he retired and was a member of the Bethabara Baptist Church.

Garfield is survived by his wife, Gail Panther-Long; his children, Garfield Long Jr. of Cherokee, James Long of Cherokee, Eugene Long of Cherokee, Charles Welch of Cherokee, and his step-children, Deino Panther, James Panther, Rodney Panther, Allana Panther, Jared Panther, and Delbert Ross.  Garfield is also survived by eight grandchildren, Mason Long, Cody Long, Sadie Long, Teresa Long, Maggie Welch, Hunter Welch, Emily Welch, and Walker Welch; three great grandchildren, Me-li Long, Delilah Long, and Elijah Townsend; step-grandchildren, Kendra Panther, Nevayah Panther, Kylan Panther, Jalee Panther, Marla Panther, McKyan Panther, Timbi Panther, Draylon Panther, Kayandra Youngdeer, Ostani Youngdeer, Elijah Youngdeer, Jeremiah Locust III, Emaliyah Wolfe, Ares Paul, and A.J. Terry; brother, John Long; and his special friends, Ken and Bea Smith.

Garfield was preceded in death by his father, Posey Long; mother, Bessie Catolster Long; brothers, David and Wilbur Long; sister-in-law, Barbara Long; and uncle, Abel Catolster.

A visitation will be held at Bethabara Baptist Church on Friday, Oct. 26 from 6pm 12midnight and the funeral service will be held at the church as well on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2pm. Bro. Ernie Stiles and Pastor Eddie Sherrill will officiate. Burial will follow at the Long Family Cemetery on Long Branch Rd.  The pallbearers will be as follows, Cody Long, Delbert Ross, Eugene long, Deino Panther, Walker Welch, Tylor Keffer, and Farrell Oocumma.

Long House Funeral Home is serving the Long Family.

Joseph Eugene Long, better known as Joe Long, was born May 29, 1942, at St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville to Joseph George Long and Evelyn Ruby Louise (Helton) Long.

Joe spent part of his life on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina and part in Southard, Maryland. He attended Soco Elementary School and Cherokee High School, completed police training in North Carolina and was a member of the Cherokee Police Department. In addition, he was commissioned by the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.

After moving to Tahlequah, Okla., he carried a special deposition by the Cherokee County (Okla.) Sheriff’s Department and the Tahlequah Police Department. Joe had also furthered his education by attending Maryland State University, Portland University in Oregon, the University of California at Berkeley, and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Joe’s career covered a wide range of occupations, starting with commercial fishing in Maryland, the United States Marine Corp, serving in Okinawa, Japan, Police Officer, apartment and restaurant management, Tribal Housing Management, to his final career with the US Public Health Services as Health Systems Manager for 22 years.

He said his most difficult but enjoyable and rewarding position was serving as Administrative Officer at the W. W. Hastings Indian Hospital at Tahlequah. He worked at the Old Hastings Hospital and was the first Administrative Officer at the new Hospital in Tahlequah.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother; father; and sister, Patricia Ann. He is survived by his wife, Loretta of the home; one daughter, Joelene Steelmon; one step-daughter, Raelyn McDonald; three granddaughters, Lauren and Meryl McDonald and Tiffany Steelmon; one brother, Johnny K. George, of Cherokee; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

WAYNESVILLE – Robert Lee Goodson, 62, passed away at Mission Hospital on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leona Locust Goodson; brothers, Tony and Steve Goodson; great granddaughter, Isabella Jacobs; one niece, Silvia Ann Goodson; nephew, Michael Dillon Goodson; great niece, Karla Buchanan; and his grandparents, Homer and Hazel Locust, John Fannon Goodson and Lucy Inman Shuler.

Robert is survived by his fiancée, Leigh Pettus; daughters, Cynthia (Johnny Reece) and Crystal Goodson; brothers, John Michael (Sheryl) Goodson of Sylva and Randy Darrell (Cindy) Goodson of Waynesville; sisters, Patricia (Jimmy) Hoyle and Kathy (Frank) Deaver both of Waynesville; sister-in-law, Barbara Goodson; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews

Robert was a small business owner who specialized in flooring with his brother.  He also attended Rocky Branch Baptist Church and he knew he was saved. Robert loved to be outdoors, fishing, camping, going to the beach and ginseng digging.

Funeral Services will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1 at Smoky Mountain Chapel with Rev. Steve Rhinehart, Rev. Billy Rogers and Rev. Charlie Creasman officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Smoky Mountain Cremations and Funeral Service of Clyde is caring for the family and the online register is available at www.smokymountaincremations.com

George Henry Lambert, 89, of Cherokee, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 after fighting a brief illness.  He was among his loving family.

George was the son of the late Joseph Lambert Sr. and Louisa (Goforth) George and was a member of the Sequoyah Baptist Church in the Big Cove community. George served in the U.S. Army and retired with more than 24 years of service.  George was known to stay busy following his military retirement.  He attended classes back home through Southwestern Community College and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Masonry.  He worked for and retired from the Cherokee Historical Association in many functions.  He later worked for Franchise Enterprise, Inc. providing maintenance services for Hardee’s Restaurants throughout the southeast.

George is survived by his wife Peggy R. Lambert; daughter, Theresa Frasher (husband Harold) of Cherokee; son, George Brian Lambert (wife Roberta) of Racine, Wisc.; and daughter, Jennifer Blanton (husband David) of Whittier; 10 grandchildren; and 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Joseph Lambert Jr. and Samuel Lambert; sisters, Nellie Lambert and Mary Blackwell; and by his beloved dogs, Lola and Sassy.

George was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Lambert Sr.; mother, Louisa (Goforth) Lambert; brother, Raymond Lambert; and his sisters, Rachel Hornbuckle, and Pauline Owle.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Bethabara Baptist Church from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral service to directly follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Tim James and Rev. James “Bo” Parris will officiate. A burial will follow the funeral service in the Birdtown Cemetery with Military Rites honoring George’s service to our Country. The following gentlemen will act as Honorary pall bearers; Dylan Woodard, Jeffrey Marley, Wyatt Woodard, Aaron Lambert, Brent Ammons, and Jesse Blanton.

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

Ongeequay A-Ki-Ta Walkingstick (Quay), 22, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018.

She is the daughter of Daniel Dean Walkingstick Sr. and the late Donna Roberta (George) Walkingstick. Alongside her father, she is also survived by her brothers, Johnny Walkingstick, William Walkingstick, and Shane Walkingstick, as well as her sister, Carla Walkingstick. Quay was preceded in death by her mother as well as her brothers, Daniel Walkingstick Jr., and Nicky Jack Walkingstick.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Nov. 1 at Long House Funeral Home.  Pastor Dan Conseen and Rev. James “Bo” Parris officiated. Burial followed Thursday’s service at the Walkingstick Family Cemetery.

The pall bearers were among friends and family.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Jon Mitchell Smith, 54, of Cherokee, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 following a two-year battle with cancer.  He was among his loving family.

Jon was the son of the late Jack C. Smith and the late step-father Franklin L. Rich and mother Mary Anne (Crowe) Rich of Cherokee.  Jon was a landscaper and a cook who loved his children and family.

Jon leaves behind children, Delilah Smith of Sylva, Damon Smith of Jacksonville, Fla. and Destiny Smith of Jacksonville, Fla.; brothers, Robin Lambert, Greg Smith and Richard Smith; sisters, Julie Anne Smith and Crystal Rich; one aunt, Martha Sherrill, all of Cherokee.

Along with his father and step father, Jon was preceded in death by his loving spouse, Monica Singer.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the chapel of Long House Funeral Home.  A funeral service will follow the visitation on Friday at 1 p.m. with Pastor Merritt Youngdeer officiating.  An immediate burial will follow the funeral service in the Katie Jessan Cemetery along Lambert Branch with pall bearers being Richard Smith, Kyle Smith, Greg Smith, Damon Smith, Jon Smith and Robin Lambert.

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

Dorothy Frances (James) Farmer, 87, Whittier, and past resident and birth home of Miami, Fla., passed away on Friday, Nov. 2 following an extended illness and a brief stay on Hospice care while at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

Dorothy was the daughter of the late Robert William James and Lydia Frances (Holland) James.  She was a member First Presbyterian of Sylva and a past member of Riverside Baptist of Miami.  Dorothy graduated Miami High School in 1949 and then attended Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. She later married Walter Lewis Farmer in 1952 and lived a good life celebrating the birth of their children and a long marriage for more than 65 years.  She was a loving homemaker for their family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  She lived a full life and will be missed by those she leaves behind.

Along with her husband Lewis she is survived by her children, sons, James Walter Farmer of Whittier, Charles Thomas Farmer of Jacksonville, Fla., Richard Alan Farmer of Orlando, Fla. and daughter, Lydia Frances Farmer Hobday of Derry Beach, Fla.; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Along with her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by a brother, Robert William James Jr.

A planned Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, Nov. 10 in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home in Cherokee.  The service will be ministered by Pastor Blake Daniels of First Presbyterian Church, Sylva, and music will be performed by Balfour and Carol Anne Knight of the Balsam Community.  Future plans will take Dorothy back home to Miami where she and husband will rest among the family.

Friends of the Long House Funeral Home assisted the family in the final arrangements of Dorothy.

Freida W. Panther, 62, of Cherokee, passed away Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

She was an avid UNC fan, white oak basket maker, and an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Freida was preceded in death by her parents, Simpson Welch and Agnes Lossiah Welch, and one brother, Sam Welch.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Floyd E. Panther; her children, Virgil Panther (Marie), Janell Panther, Roberta Panther McCoy (Carl), Sharri Panther, JR Panther, Alma Panther, Kyna Panther, Darius West (Samantha), Kelsey N. Crowe (Rolo), and Bekah Panther; she was a loving grandmother, which they called her “Nana”, to: Carl “Mater” McCoy, Adam Panther, Ayden and Alyssa Queen, Hallah, Kedrick, Qinyen and Joseph Panther, Jax and Jex Panther, Tye and Shane West, Sophie, Chloe, and Loshi Crowe, Perry Arkansas, Damian Blanton, and Brennan Laney; also survived by two great grandbabies, Keagan Arkansas and Kaius Blanton; brothers from Cherokee, James Welch (Donna), Joe Welch (Totsie), Jesse Welch, Davis Welch (Doolie), Charlie Welch (Pat), Abe Welch (Brittany), Tommy Welch, and Mickey Welch; two sisters, Mattie Wildcatt and Sharyn Panther (Sam); and several nieces and nephews from the Panther and Welch families.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Straight Fork Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Straight Fork Baptist Church.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate.  She will be taken home on Straight Fork Road where she will be laid to rest.  Pallbearers will be nephews of the Welch / Panther family.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Panther family.

Edbert Wilson Walkingstick, 60, of Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.  He lived on the 3200 Acre Tract and retired as transportation coordinator at Dora Reed Headstart after 35 years of service.

Wilson was preceded in death by his father, Russell Walkingstick; a brother, Allen Walkingstick; a sister, Juanita Hornbuckle; and grandmothers, Ollie Jumper and Alice Walkingstick.

He is survived by his wife, Jonnie Walkingstick; his mother, Annie Arch of Cherokee; two sons, James “Woody” Walkingstick (wife Brooke) and Stephan Walkingstick; one daughter, Shelly Head of Shelby; grandchildren, Melina of Shelby, Zoey and Kale (Buzz) Walkingstick of Sylva and their mother Brandy Rattler (husband Jon); one brother, Mike Walkingstick (wife Joann); three sisters, Martha Sampson of Whittier, Margaret Walkingstick of Cherokee, and Melinda Walkingstick (Agustine) of Whittier; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, one aunt, and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Boiling Springs Baptist Church in Whittier.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at Boiling Springs Baptist Church.  Pastors Gil Breedlove and Dan Conseen will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Birdtown Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Woody Walkingstick, Stephan Walkingstick, Austin Sampson, Stanley Ledford, Kurt Stewart, and Tim Hull.

Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Walkingstick family.

Julia Leigh Bushyhead (aka Juls, Judo, JuJu) of Alexandria, Va., died in her residence of cardiac arrest on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Her light went out but her shine lingers on and sparks in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by Jake Ryan, her sweet French Bulldog (who will live with his grandma); mother, Yvonne F. Bushyhead of Cherokee; two sisters she adored, Beverly R. Bushyhead of St. Paul, Minn. and Denise B. Curlee of Chapel Hill; her nieces and nephews, Kyle Bushyhead, Matthew Curlee, Loren and Hana Bushyhead, and Ty Curlee.

Important people are her best friend, Leigh Hathaway Roy from Broken Arrow, Okla. and the late Bridget Steele, who undoubtedly was waiting with open arms on the other side.

Julia loved her classmates and popular life at Tahlequah High School in Tahlequah, Okla. As was Julia she then focused on her future 123 percent!

She earned a Communications degree at American University in Washington, DC and immediately landed her dream job at Conus Communications in Washington. Julia then mastered another love…marathon running. First, she finished the Marine Corps Marathon. When she learned she was only four minutes from qualifying for the Boston, she put 123 percent into that goal. Her second marathon was Chicago where she qualified to run the Boston. She surprised herself by finishing the Boston with an awesome time and got a tattoo to prove it!

Julia loved everything about living in Mount Vernon and the DC life! Her happiest days were working at Apple as a Briefing Coordinator.  Her loves were traveling, running, tennis, she sent the best gifts and thoughtful cards, and you…her friends meant everything.

Julia would hate us to mourn, but instead would want us to…run, play tennis, do something we always wanted but never had the courage. Do it for Julia! And, from those of us closest to Julia – please take addiction seriously.

Patsy Sue Ledford Maney, 74, of the Birdtown Community, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Bill Murphy and Caroline Ledford, and wife of the late Roy D. Maney. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Ledford Smith and Julia Griffin.

Patsy is survived by two daughters, Sherry A. Maney (Roy), and Teresa P. Gibson (Bill) both of Cherokee; one sister, Dorothy Ledford of Lexington; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 9am on Tuesday at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Birdtown Cemetery.