Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Ronnie Dale Barker, 67, of the Alarka Community, was called home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2019.  Ronnie was born to Troy and Jessie Barker on March 7, 1952 on Unahala Creek in the Alarka Community. Ronnie served proudly in the United States Marine Corps and held several public service jobs throughout his life, always striving to help those in need while providing for his family.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Jessie Barker; sisters, Wanda Jenkins and Mildred Woodard; and brothers, Fred Barker, Doyle Barker, Arville Barker, and Winfred Barker.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Opal Baines Barker; son, Craig Barker and wife Melissa of the Tow String community; daughters, Kaci Barker of Bryson City and Joselyn Glass and husband Ethan of East Bend; two loving granddaughters, Shalyn Barker and Paytyn Barker; several nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Jim “Frog” Frady.

Ronnie was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor. He loved his family, his home, his country, fishing, and the outdoors. He was known for his great stories, quick wit, and generosity. Ronnie passed the way he lived, on his own terms, doing what he loved to do, in the place he loved the best. Ronnie lived a full life and was a blessing to those who were fortunate enough to know him. The family takes comfort in knowing that Ronnie Dale Barker entered into his true and eternal life, greeted by the warm embrace of those who have gone before him, rising to meet the Author of All Things.

The family sincerely appreciates all of the prayers and condolences. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Disabled American Vets (DAV) on behalf of Ronnie Barker and his family, “Semper Fi.”

The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, April 24  from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at the home of Ronnie and Opal Barker at 327 East Alarka Road.

Sandra “Sandy” Mildred Cucumber, 63, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Monday, April 15, 2019. She passed away unexpectedly in Oklahoma City, Okla. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Joe Jasper Cucumber Sr. and Dorothy Welch Cucumber. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one son, Jeffrey Paul Saunooke; and three brothers, Daniel Monroe Cucumber, Joe Jasper Cucumber Jr., and Alfred Mark Cucumber.

She is survived by one son, Jimbo Wilson and his four children, Cory Wilson Lambert, Dustin, Christian, and Summer; a daughter-in-law, Lystia Saunooke; a special grandson, Joseph Perry Saunooke; a special step-son, Jody Saunooke and children; two sisters, Pam Cucumber and family and Erma McMillian and family both of Cherokee; two brothers, Dino Cucumber and family of Cherokee, and David Garth Berky and family of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and many special nieces and nephews also survived.

She was a faithful member of Yellow Hill Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher, Choir Leader, and participated in Church activities serving others. Sandy loved gospel music and loved to sing. Her beautiful alto voice will be missed. Sandy also served as secretary of the Cherokee Baptist Missionary Association. She obtained a Bachelor Degree in child and family studies from Western Carolina University while being employed at the Qualla Boundary Head Start. Sandy retired after 33 years of employment with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, April 26 at Yellow Hill Baptist Church. Revs. Foreman Bradley and James “Bo” Parris will officiate with burial at Jeffery Paul Saunooke Memorial Cemetery at 1062 Sherrill Cove Rd. in the Big Cove Community.

Sandy will be taken back to Yellow Hill Baptist Church at 5 p.m. on Thursday April 25, 2019 to await the hour of service.

Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Willie Teesateskie, age 71 of the Little Snowbird Community of Robbinsville, passed away, Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at his residence.

He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late George Teesateskie Sr. and Sarah Jumper Teesateskie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Sally Anderson, Angela Teesateskie; brothers, George Teesateskie Jr., Woodrow Teesateskie; sisters, Margaret Welch, Lucy Teesateskie; and his daughter Ella Mae’s fiancé, Teddy William Cape.

He is survived by his daughter, Ella Mae Teesateskie of Robbinsville; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at Little Snowbird Baptist Church.  The Reverend Bo Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow the service at Little Snowbird Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Storm Teesateskie, Lyle Jumper, Dalton Welch, Paden Welch, Shane Welch, Woodrow Teesateskie, Justin McCarter, and Tim Jumper.  The family will receive friends at 5 p.m. Saturday at Little Snowbird Baptist Church.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Teesateskie Family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.WAYNESVILLE – On Tuesday, April 30, 2019, Riley Carl Howell’s life was tragically cut short on the Campus of UNC-Charlotte.  He was 21.

A native of Haywood County, he was a son of Thomas Edward Howell Jr. and Natalie Marie Henry-Howell.  Riley was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dr. Thomas E. “Ted” Howell, Sr.  He attended Tuscola High School and graduated from T. C. Roberson High School.  Riley attended A-B Technical College and was currently a junior at UNC-Charlotte.  

Riley was an adventurous guy who loved the outdoors, whether that was kayaking through inlets on the ocean, canoeing down cold mountain rivers, or screaming with excitement as he tried to do a front flip off the rope swing at Fontana Lake.  His home was a place he cherished for the same reason.  The ponds, tall trees and mountains that he was surrounded by was where he could run with all the dogs, Jake, Dahlia, Delta, Bella, Jack, Cally, Sally, Zinia, Gus, or where he would have lightsaber fights in the yard with his 14-year old brother Teddy.  

He had his own unique and close relationships with each sibling, family member and friend, that reflected his deep-seeded, bear-hug love.  On top of the passion he had for life and all living things, he valued being self-taught, whether that was in regard to learning about cars, cooking, weight lifting and fitness, Looney Tunes, plants and animals, or anything Star Wars- and superhero-related.  He’s the only person we know who would read his entire car manual – for fun!  He had a wonderful sense of humor, with his own quirks, cracking jokes all day, and making anyone feel better no matter the circumstances.  He had several part-time jobs throughout his life, including working at the Corner Kitchen, where he could fulfill his love of food; B.B. Barnes, where he could fulfill his love of all things living and growing, and his job at UNCC, where he worked with Housing to keep other students safe.  He sought out hard work and enjoyed hands-on work.  Even though he sometimes burned it, he loved making fried chicken in a cast iron skillet and trying out new recipes to make for his friends and family.  As much as he loved to cook, he loved to eat even more, especially Albie, Jema, Nan, and Jean’s food.  He could eat an entire extra-large pizza and be hungry enough to polish off everyone else’s leftovers, and still somehow kept up that Thor physique.

In addition to Riley’s parents, he is survived by his two sisters, Iris Kilmer Howell and Juliet Pearl Howell, of the home; a brother, Miles Edward “Teddy” Howell, of the home; maternal grandparents, Mary Hill Henry, of Edneyville and Robert Lee Henry, of Maggie Valley; paternal grandparents, Nancy Howell Blevins and her husband, David Coker Blevins, of Waynesville; Riley’s girlfriend and soulmate, Lauren Ashleigh Westmoreland and her parents, Kevin Paul Westmoreland and Amy Lynn Westmoreland and her brother, Matthew Ryan Westmoreland, all of Asheville; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 in the Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska with Reverend Dr. Robert M. Blackburn officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 in the Wells Events & Reception Center.  “May the 4th be with you”.

The family is profoundly moved by the outpouring of love and support shown by our friends, family, community and people around the country we have never even met.  Riley died the way he lived, putting others first.  Our hope is that his example resonates with everyone.  We hope others will, if ever the need arises, answer the call to be selfless and do the right thing without hesitation.  We hope his example of loving, living large, being kind always and finding laughter in the little things will be remembered as Riley’s gift to us all.

Riley liked to take care of people, animals, and the planet.  Memorials in his name may be made to any of the following:  Southern Highlands Appalachian Conservancy at Appalachian.org; Red Cross at redcross.org.; Wildlife Warriors (Steve Irwin’s foundation) at WildlifeWarriors.org.au; March for Our Lives at marchforourlives.com or Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation at Sargeanimals.org.

The care of Riley has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at http://www.wellsfuneralhome.com

Wanda Winchester, 57, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 4, 2019. A native of Georgia and longtime resident of Bryson City she was the daughter of Wade Mason of Bryson City and the late Lucille Mason.

In addition to her father, she is also survived by one daughter, Angelina Winchester; one son, Tyler S. Taylor and loved one Jaelisa Caldwell; nine grandchildren, Darius, Damian, Tylina, Taylor, Kalina, Kaden, Shalina, Simeon, Karlie; two great grandchildren, Kaius, and Nalayah; one brother; five sisters, and a lot of extended family.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Sam McMahan will officiate with burial at Watkins Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday at the Funeral Home.

Russell Gerardo Ledford, infant son of Sonya Ledford and Luis Gomez, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

In addition to his parents, Russell, is survived by his maternal grandmother, Christine Walkingstick; great grandmother, Annie Arch; three sisters, Annleata Montoya, Aida Martinez, and Yoana Meza; uncle, Stanley Ledford; and aunt, Sheena Walkingstick.

Russell was preceded in death by his grandfather, Allen Walkingstick; and great grandfather, Russell Walkingstick.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 10 at the Macedonia Baptist Church.  Pastors Dan Conseen and James “Bo” Parris officiated.  Burial followed at the Birdtown Cemetery.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Ledford family.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Sam Saunooke, 80, of the Birdtown Community in Cherokee, passed away on May 11, 2019 while recovering from a period of illness at the Tsali Care Center in Cherokee.

Sam was the son of the late Stillwell Saunooke and Martha (Long) Owle of Cherokee. Sam was a member of the Cherokee Baptist Church and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He worked in public transportation as a bus driver to support his family during his career days in the state of California.  Sam was also the loving husband to his wife Clara (Bird) Saunooke for more than 50 years.  Sam was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be missed by those that knew him.

Along with his wife, Sam is survived by his sons, Daniel Saunooke of Cherokee, and David Saunooke (wife Terri) of Anaheim, Calif.; three grandchildren, David Joseph Saunooke, Brenna Marie Saunooke and Peyton Marie Saunooke all of California; two cousins, Joyce Bradley and Jackie Bradley of Cherokee; and many friends from the church community.

Along with his parents, Sam was preceded in death by a daughter, Lila Saunooke.

A public viewing and visitation is planned from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home in Cherokee with a funeral following in the Chapel the next morning Friday, May 17 at 11 a.m.  The services will be officiated by Rev. Percy Cunningham of the Cherokee Baptist Church and Rev. James “Bo” Parris of the Cherokee Baptist Missionary Church of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee.  Military Honors will be rendered at the Chapel in recognition of Sam’s service.  A private graveside service will follow in the Partridge Cemetery on Bird Hill Rd. as requested by the family.  Flowers are welcome. Pall bearers will be among the Steve Youngdeer, American Legion Post 143 Honor Guard.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family in the arrangements.

Doug Mathews, 74, of the Towstring Community, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Seab and Floy Lambert Mathews.

He was a faithful servant of the Lord.

Doug is survived by his wife of 47 years, Glenda Mathews; two sons, Scott Mathews and wife Jeanne of Sylva, and Brian Mathews and wife Juanita of Cherokee; three grandchildren, Crystal Mathews, Ricky Mathews, and Eli Mathews.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Towstring Cemetery. Randall Watkins will officiate.

Doug will be taken back to Towstring Baptist Church at 5:00 PM Wednesday to await the hour of service.

Clara “Mama Sue” Dills, 92, of Webster, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her family, Monday May 27, 2019. A native of Jackson County she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Amanda Holderman.

Mama Sue was a member of Sylva First Baptist Church and cherished her Ruth Sunday School Class. She loved to read, cook, do arts and crafts, and especially loved spending time with her granddaughters. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, John Robert Dills; and her four sisters; Nellie Mae Higginbotham, Dorothy Hoppes, Bueton Fercken, and Iva Jean Harrison.

She is survived by son, John Daniel Dills (Glenda) of Webster; daughter, Susan Farris of Webster; three granddaughters, Shelley Dills of Stallings, Natalie Lester of Matthews, Brooke Drum (Todd) of Dillsboro; and two great granddaughters, Abbie and Mia Lester.

Funeral Services will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at Sylva First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Mathis officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the Service at the Church.  Burial will follow in Dills Cemetery on Fisher Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Raise the Roof Campaign, c/o Sylva First Baptist Church, 669 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779. An online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Carl Johnson Nations, 91, of the Ela Community, passed on May 30, 2019.  Carl was a lifelong resident of the Whittier Community, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and the owner of Nations Well Drilling and Pump Services for over 40 years before retiring.  He was an avid beekeeper for many years, sharing honey with friends, family and neighbors throughout the years.

Carl was the son of Candler Vester Nations and Mary Love Parris Nations.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen McCoy Nations; brother, Earl Lewis Nations; and grandson, Jeremy Lee Nations.

Carl is survived by sister, Mildred Hester Nations; son, Candler (Elnora) Nations, son Perry (June) Nations, and daughter Brenda (Allan) Nations Oocumma; grandchildren, Lisa (Aaron) Nations Birchfield, Kristy (Tince Cabe) Nations and Kevin Nations; great grandchildren, Christian Birchfield, Caleb Birchfield, Grace Cabe and Kaylee Love Nations; many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and faithful companion Zoe.

Services will be held Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Nations Family Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Willie Teesateskie, age 71 of the Little Snowbird Community of Robbinsville, passed away, Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at his residence.

He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late George Teesateskie Sr. and Sarah Jumper Teesateskie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Sally Anderson, Angela Teesateskie; brothers, George Teesateskie Jr., Woodrow Teesateskie; sisters, Margaret Welch, Lucy Teesateskie; and his daughter Ella Mae’s fiancé, Teddy William Cape.

He is survived by his daughter, Ella Mae Teesateskie of Robbinsville; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at Little Snowbird Baptist Church.  The Reverend Bo Parris will officiate.  Burial will follow the service at Little Snowbird Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Storm Teesateskie, Lyle Jumper, Dalton Welch, Paden Welch, Shane Welch, Woodrow Teesateskie, Justin McCarter, and Tim Jumper.  The family will receive friends at 5 p.m. Saturday at Little Snowbird Baptist Church.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Teesateskie Family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.WAYNESVILLE – On Tuesday, April 30, 2019, Riley Carl Howell’s life was tragically cut short on the Campus of UNC-Charlotte.  He was 21.

A native of Haywood County, he was a son of Thomas Edward Howell Jr. and Natalie Marie Henry-Howell.  Riley was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dr. Thomas E. “Ted” Howell, Sr.  He attended Tuscola High School and graduated from T. C. Roberson High School.  Riley attended A-B Technical College and was currently a junior at UNC-Charlotte.  

Riley was an adventurous guy who loved the outdoors, whether that was kayaking through inlets on the ocean, canoeing down cold mountain rivers, or screaming with excitement as he tried to do a front flip off the rope swing at Fontana Lake.  His home was a place he cherished for the same reason.  The ponds, tall trees and mountains that he was surrounded by was where he could run with all the dogs, Jake, Dahlia, Delta, Bella, Jack, Cally, Sally, Zinia, Gus, or where he would have lightsaber fights in the yard with his 14-year old brother Teddy.  

He had his own unique and close relationships with each sibling, family member and friend, that reflected his deep-seeded, bear-hug love.  On top of the passion he had for life and all living things, he valued being self-taught, whether that was in regard to learning about cars, cooking, weight lifting and fitness, Looney Tunes, plants and animals, or anything Star Wars- and superhero-related.  He’s the only person we know who would read his entire car manual – for fun!  He had a wonderful sense of humor, with his own quirks, cracking jokes all day, and making anyone feel better no matter the circumstances.  He had several part-time jobs throughout his life, including working at the Corner Kitchen, where he could fulfill his love of food; B.B. Barnes, where he could fulfill his love of all things living and growing, and his job at UNCC, where he worked with Housing to keep other students safe.  He sought out hard work and enjoyed hands-on work.  Even though he sometimes burned it, he loved making fried chicken in a cast iron skillet and trying out new recipes to make for his friends and family.  As much as he loved to cook, he loved to eat even more, especially Albie, Jema, Nan, and Jean’s food.  He could eat an entire extra-large pizza and be hungry enough to polish off everyone else’s leftovers, and still somehow kept up that Thor physique.

In addition to Riley’s parents, he is survived by his two sisters, Iris Kilmer Howell and Juliet Pearl Howell, of the home; a brother, Miles Edward “Teddy” Howell, of the home; maternal grandparents, Mary Hill Henry, of Edneyville and Robert Lee Henry, of Maggie Valley; paternal grandparents, Nancy Howell Blevins and her husband, David Coker Blevins, of Waynesville; Riley’s girlfriend and soulmate, Lauren Ashleigh Westmoreland and her parents, Kevin Paul Westmoreland and Amy Lynn Westmoreland and her brother, Matthew Ryan Westmoreland, all of Asheville; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 in the Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska with Reverend Dr. Robert M. Blackburn officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 in the Wells Events & Reception Center.  “May the 4th be with you”.

The family is profoundly moved by the outpouring of love and support shown by our friends, family, community and people around the country we have never even met.  Riley died the way he lived, putting others first.  Our hope is that his example resonates with everyone.  We hope others will, if ever the need arises, answer the call to be selfless and do the right thing without hesitation.  We hope his example of loving, living large, being kind always and finding laughter in the little things will be remembered as Riley’s gift to us all.

Riley liked to take care of people, animals, and the planet.  Memorials in his name may be made to any of the following:  Southern Highlands Appalachian Conservancy at Appalachian.org; Red Cross at redcross.org.; Wildlife Warriors (Steve Irwin’s foundation) at WildlifeWarriors.org.au; March for Our Lives at marchforourlives.com or Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation at Sargeanimals.org.

The care of Riley has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at http://www.wellsfuneralhome.com

Wanda Winchester, 57, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 4, 2019. A native of Georgia and longtime resident of Bryson City she was the daughter of Wade Mason of Bryson City and the late Lucille Mason.

In addition to her father, she is also survived by one daughter, Angelina Winchester; one son, Tyler S. Taylor and loved one Jaelisa Caldwell; nine grandchildren, Darius, Damian, Tylina, Taylor, Kalina, Kaden, Shalina, Simeon, Karlie; two great grandchildren, Kaius, and Nalayah; one brother; five sisters, and a lot of extended family.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Sam McMahan will officiate with burial at Watkins Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday at the Funeral Home.

Russell Gerardo Ledford, infant son of Sonya Ledford and Luis Gomez, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

In addition to his parents, Russell, is survived by his maternal grandmother, Christine Walkingstick; great grandmother, Annie Arch; three sisters, Annleata Montoya, Aida Martinez, and Yoana Meza; uncle, Stanley Ledford; and aunt, Sheena Walkingstick.

Russell was preceded in death by his grandfather, Allen Walkingstick; and great grandfather, Russell Walkingstick.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 10 at the Macedonia Baptist Church.  Pastors Dan Conseen and James “Bo” Parris officiated.  Burial followed at the Birdtown Cemetery.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the Ledford family.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Sam Saunooke, 80, of the Birdtown Community in Cherokee, passed away on May 11, 2019 while recovering from a period of illness at the Tsali Care Center in Cherokee.

Sam was the son of the late Stillwell Saunooke and Martha (Long) Owle of Cherokee. Sam was a member of the Cherokee Baptist Church and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He worked in public transportation as a bus driver to support his family during his career days in the state of California.  Sam was also the loving husband to his wife Clara (Bird) Saunooke for more than 50 years.  Sam was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be missed by those that knew him.

Along with his wife, Sam is survived by his sons, Daniel Saunooke of Cherokee, and David Saunooke (wife Terri) of Anaheim, Calif.; three grandchildren, David Joseph Saunooke, Brenna Marie Saunooke and Peyton Marie Saunooke all of California; two cousins, Joyce Bradley and Jackie Bradley of Cherokee; and many friends from the church community.

Along with his parents, Sam was preceded in death by a daughter, Lila Saunooke.

A public viewing and visitation is planned from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 in the Chapel of Long House Funeral Home in Cherokee with a funeral following in the Chapel the next morning Friday, May 17 at 11 a.m.  The services will be officiated by Rev. Percy Cunningham of the Cherokee Baptist Church and Rev. James “Bo” Parris of the Cherokee Baptist Missionary Church of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee.  Military Honors will be rendered at the Chapel in recognition of Sam’s service.  A private graveside service will follow in the Partridge Cemetery on Bird Hill Rd. as requested by the family.  Flowers are welcome. Pall bearers will be among the Steve Youngdeer, American Legion Post 143 Honor Guard.

Long House Funeral Home assisted the family in the arrangements.

Doug Mathews, 74, of the Towstring Community, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Seab and Floy Lambert Mathews.

He was a faithful servant of the Lord.

Doug is survived by his wife of 47 years, Glenda Mathews; two sons, Scott Mathews and wife Jeanne of Sylva, and Brian Mathews and wife Juanita of Cherokee; three grandchildren, Crystal Mathews, Ricky Mathews, and Eli Mathews.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Towstring Cemetery. Randall Watkins will officiate.

Doug will be taken back to Towstring Baptist Church at 5:00 PM Wednesday to await the hour of service.

Clara “Mama Sue” Dills, 92, of Webster, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her family, Monday May 27, 2019. A native of Jackson County she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Amanda Holderman.

Mama Sue was a member of Sylva First Baptist Church and cherished her Ruth Sunday School Class. She loved to read, cook, do arts and crafts, and especially loved spending time with her granddaughters. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, John Robert Dills; and her four sisters; Nellie Mae Higginbotham, Dorothy Hoppes, Bueton Fercken, and Iva Jean Harrison.

She is survived by son, John Daniel Dills (Glenda) of Webster; daughter, Susan Farris of Webster; three granddaughters, Shelley Dills of Stallings, Natalie Lester of Matthews, Brooke Drum (Todd) of Dillsboro; and two great granddaughters, Abbie and Mia Lester.

Funeral Services will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30 at Sylva First Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Mathis officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the Service at the Church.  Burial will follow in Dills Cemetery on Fisher Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Raise the Roof Campaign, c/o Sylva First Baptist Church, 669 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779. An online registry is available at www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Carl Johnson Nations, 91, of the Ela Community, passed on May 30, 2019.  Carl was a lifelong resident of the Whittier Community, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and the owner of Nations Well Drilling and Pump Services for over 40 years before retiring.  He was an avid beekeeper for many years, sharing honey with friends, family and neighbors throughout the years.

Carl was the son of Candler Vester Nations and Mary Love Parris Nations.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen McCoy Nations; brother, Earl Lewis Nations; and grandson, Jeremy Lee Nations.

Carl is survived by sister, Mildred Hester Nations; son, Candler (Elnora) Nations, son Perry (June) Nations, and daughter Brenda (Allan) Nations Oocumma; grandchildren, Lisa (Aaron) Nations Birchfield, Kristy (Tince Cabe) Nations and Kevin Nations; great grandchildren, Christian Birchfield, Caleb Birchfield, Grace Cabe and Kaylee Love Nations; many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and faithful companion Zoe.

Services will be held Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Nations Family Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.