Jeannette Sue Rattler Teesateskie, 89, of the Snowbird Community, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 23, 2020. A native of Snowbird, she was the daughter of the late Cain Saunooke and Lucy Smoker Rattler and wife of the late Tom Teesateskie. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, Patrick Teesateskie; two grandchildren, Christopher “Hooty” Teesateskie and Bell Smith; and sisters, Anita Reed, Lillian Locust, and Bell Taylor.

Jeannette was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church. She loved her gardening, her kids, and grandkids. She especially enjoyed watching them play ball. Most of all she loved the Lord.

She is survived by seven children, Ronnie Teesateskie and wife Sandra of Robbinsville, Barbara Owl of Murphy, Blanche Teesateskie of Robbinsville, Christine McCoy and husband Steve of Robbinsville, Donna Sue McCracken and husband Lonnie of Robbinsville, Steve Teesateskie and Wife Donna of Cherokee, and Norma Jean Smith of the home; 22 grandkids; 40 great grandkids; and five great great grandkids; two half siblings, Vivian Ross and Solomon Slick Saunooke both of Cherokee; and her best friend, Linda Saunooke of Robbinsville.

Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27 at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Robbinsville. Pastors James (Bo) Parris and Coy Adams will officiate with burial at Ledford Family Cemetery.

Jeannette will be taken back to the Church at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of Service.

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BLACK MOUNTAIN – Travis Shane Cable, 45, entered into his Heavenly home of peace and solace on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

Shane was born in the fall season of Oct. 16, 1974. He was a native of Buncombe County and had resided in several areas across western North Carolina before making his home in Black Mountain for the past three years.  Shane had been employed with several tree service companies and was also a self-employed tree trimmer and climber. He enjoyed hunting and fishing among the mountains where he was born and raised and also spent many hours digging for ginseng.  The time that Shane spent with his friends were always happy times throughout his life and were wonderful memories that he cherished. 

His beautiful daughter, Cheyenne, was the light of his life and his heart was filled with pride and joy as he watched her excel in playing fast-pitch softball, basketball, and also horseback riding. We give thanks for Shane’s life and will treasure always the great love that he had for his family.

Shane was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dewey and Ann Reed Ammons, and his paternal grandparents, Cecil and Erma Cable.

Left to hold his memory close in their hearts are his mother, Mona Ammons of Murphy; his father, Herve Cable and his wife, Tanya of Bakersville; his beloved daughter, Cheyenne Cable of Weaverville; a sister, Lisa Goldsmith and Russell of Hot Springs and Angela Thornton and William of Tennessee; brothers, Roger Cable and Kim of Marion and Heath Ammons of Asheville; many nieces and nephews.

A private family gathering to honor the life of Shane will be held at Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Buncombe High School, The Girls Softball Program, 890 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville, NC 28787.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Cable family and words of comfort may be shared at www.CrawfordRay.com

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Alan Dean Thompson, 60, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Born July 9, 1959, he was the son of the late Reginald and Lavenia Chiltoskie Thompson.

He is survived by his daughter, Gabby Thompson; son, Dylan Thompson; grandson, Roman; brother, Walter Keith Thompson; and many nieces and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at Thompson Family Cemetery with Brother James (Bo) Parris officiating.

The family will receive friends from 11a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at Crisp Funeral Home.

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Tina Johnson Bowers, 50, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020 at her home in Cherokee after a hard but short battle with cancer. Tina was known for her love of travel and could often be seen out and about with one of her beloved dogs: Simon, Tooky, Buster, Elijah, Ruthie. 

Tina is preceded in death by her husband, David F. Bowers; and her mother, Marilyn Jessie Crowe.

She is survived by her father, Daniel Johnson; her son, Brandon D. Bowers (Nicia Fincannon); her sister, Iris Long (Austin Mathis); maternal grandmother, Lillian Crowe; uncle, Jr. Crowe; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services are on Monday, June 1 at 2 p.m. at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City. Burial will be at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

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Mary W. Youngbird (Nan/Granny), 86, of the Birdtown Community, went home to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, May 27.

Mary joined her parents, John R. and Sarah B. Wolfe, her brothers Johnny and Van; her daughter, Shirley Thomas; her grandson, David Shawn Blanton Jr.; and great grandsons, Brendan Tye Blanton and Trenton B. Thomas.

She is survived by her daughters, Faren Y. Fleetwood (Dennis), Sarita Y. Harjo (David), Jeanell Youngbird; her sister, Sadie Bradley; and brother, George Wolfe. Her grandchildren include Sara Fleetwood, James Fleetwood (April), Heith Harjo (Den`e), Jeremy Harjo, Russell Blankenship, Jim Blankenship (Destiny), Brittney Thomas and Chad Thomas (Tess), 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and special family member, Michaela Blanton Lowe.

Mary was an active member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church where she served as VBS teacher and treasurer for many years.

In 2003, Mary retired from her duties as bookkeeper and administrative assistant with the Cherokee Central School system.

Never one to be idle, she enjoyed learning new skills, such as weaving baskets with her mentor Stacey Wolfe, and adding to her well-established talents of sewing, quilting, and cooking.

Her family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. Masks are required, as well as social distancing. Pastor Gil Breedlove will officiate. A private graveside service will follow for immediate family only.

Pallbearers are James Fleetwood, Chad Thomas, Davey Bradley, Heith Harjo, Russell Blankenship and Jim Blankenship. Honorary pallbearers are Jeremy Harjo and Joey Henderson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice at Four Seasons Foundation (828) 513-2440.

Special thanks to Vita for always being there and to Savannah for her tender loving care.

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Matthew Lee Littlejohn, 48, of Whittier, passed away Friday, May 15, 2020. He was born in Swain County and was raised by Robert Taylor and his mother Joyce Taylor. 

He is survived by his wife, Mae Christine Loftis Littlejohn. Matthew was a woodsman and he loved to hunt and fish and anything to do with the outdoors. Most of all, he loved to teach people about Native land and Native culture. He loved being around family and friends and was a very caring and loving man who would do anything for anybody. 

He is survived by five children, Brystyn Littlejohn, Matthew Zander Tacket, Christopher Todd Manning, Kimberly Hope Loftis, and Kayla Denis Loftis; five grandchildren; two sisters, Sharron Taylor and Shannon Littlejohn; three brothers, Curtis Ray Littlejohn, Bo Taylor, and Duke McCoy and his dog Peanut also survives. 

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.  

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Deanna Allene Beck, 25, made her way to her Heavenly home on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Deanna will be greeted at Heaven’s Gate by her grandmothers, Janet Beck and Bernadine George; along with her grandfather; Guy George Jr, her uncle, James T. Beck II; and her sister, Stephanie Beck. 

Deanna leaves behind her parents, Jack Beck and Teri Jo Beck, along with her beloved twins, Alex and Avery Taylor and their father, her longtime companion, Daniel Taylor. Carrying on the memory of Deanna will be her brother, Brandon Beck; her sisters, Jackie Beck, Amber Beck, and Camille Davis; as well as her aunts, Denise (Manuel) George, Julie (Kenneth) Maney, Jeanne Beck, Jilinda Beck; and her uncle, Joey Beck. In addition, she is survived by her grandfather, James Beck Sr.; her nieces, Jaicelyn (Jaicee) Beck, Caydence Davis, and Aaliyah Collins; her nephews, Jordan (Crissi) Bennett and their son Waylon, Xavion Davis and Benjamin Collins; her special extended family, Karen Taylor and Angela Taylor. Deanna had so many family, friends and acquaintances that knew her and loved her. 

Deanna enjoyed beading and had talked about how she wanted to start beading more in the future. She loved cookouts, especially with family and friends. One of her favorite things to do was ride the Parkway or take her twins swimming at Deep Creek. In the spring, you could find her digging ramps or having fun with a smile and laughter that was shared with everyone who knew her. She loved her family and the color pink. 

A graveside service will be held for Deanna A. Beck on Thursday, June 11 at 11 a.m. at Hicks Cemetery off of Stillwell Branch. Please bring a mask if you plan to attend. Ben Reed and Harley Maney Jr. will be Officiating. Pall bearers will be among family and friends.

The family has set up a Memorial Fund at Mountain Credit Union to help Deanna’s young twins, Alex and Avery, along with their father Daniel, who were the lights of her life. All donations will go towards helping them cope with their loss and find a way of moving forward from this loss. The family appreciates all of the love and support from family and friends. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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On June 10, 2020, William “Bill” Smith Jr. decided he was ready to leave his earthly home and head off to his next adventure. He is preceded by his father, William Augustus Smith and his mother, Gertrude Smith. 

Bill said goodbye to those he left behind which include his loving wife of 20 years, Marian Smith; his brothers, Bob Waterston and Buford Smith; along with his nine children, 25 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He loved his children so much, each and every one of them. Bill had so many family members that he loved and that will carry on his memory as well as his funny stories. 

Bill was very proud of having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. A number of people will remember Bill as a ray of sunshine on the Qualla Housing  Authority Team for many, many years. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. Bill loved to read and will be remembered for his love of books, animals, and women, but he loved his wife Marian the most. His smile and humor will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. 

William “ Bill” Smith Jr will have a funeral procession leaving Long House Funeral Home on Monday, June 15 at 1:15 p.m. which will take him to the Yellowhill Veterans Cemetery where he will have a Graveside Service with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143 at 2 p.m. Pallbearers will be among family and friends. 

Long House Funeral Home Assisted with arrangements.

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Robert Marvin (Marty) Bishop, of Lincolnton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 15, 2020.  

Robert leaves behind his parents, William (Bill) and Jane Bishop; one daughter, Ashley Flowers; and grandson, Sailor Abele. Also carrying on his memory are his brothers, Edward (Kent) and wife Sandra Bishop and William Anthony (Tony) Bishop; along with one sister, Angela Sabrina (Angel) Bishop. He is also survived by his nephews, Wesley and Thomas; his nieces, Kaytelyn and Sarah; along with one great niece and one great nephew. 

Robert worked assembly at a manufacture plant. He will be remembered as an avid fishermen who loved the outdoors as well as singing with his friends and family. If you had the pleasure of knowing him, then you know he had a rare sense of humor and that his presence will be greatly missed. He left this world much too soon. 

The family will receive friends and a memorial will be held Wednesday, June 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Flowers or memorials can be sent to Pastor Terry Rudisill. 706 S.Madison St. Lincolnton NC 28092. Earmark Bishop Family. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Joseph Gabor Watson, 58, of Cherokee, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020 after an extended illness at Harris Regional Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Watson and Frances Owl. 

Joseph’s memory will be carried on by his loving wife he leaves behind, Jackie Watson along with his children, Tanner Watson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Zachary Watson of Schaumburg, Ill. along with his stepchildren, Scott Voyles of Cherokee and Kenneth Lynch of Louisville, Ky. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Stephen Watson of Indianola, Wash.; his sisters, Catherine Watson of Saudi Arabia and Olivia Watson of Seattle, Wash.; along with his first wife and the mother of his children, Kimberly Czaplicki. 

Joseph served in the United States Marines from 1982-88 at which time he received several medals and decorations. After having served his country, he found happiness in becoming a cook as well as a restaurant manager. He really enjoyed being in a kitchen and cooking for others. He loved fishing, car shows and the Seattle Seahawks. Joseph enjoyed music but was a big fan of classic Rock n Roll with his favorite musician being Tom Petty. Joseph is looking forward to seeing him again in concert in Heaven. 

The family will be having a Memorial Service for Joseph Gabor Watson on Saturday, June 20 at 1 p.m. at Long House Funeral Home. Pastor John Ferree will be Officiating. A representative of the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143 will be presenting the Veteran Flag to Mr. Watson’s Beloved Widow. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Karen Wayhyahneetah Parks, 81, daughter of the late William Leroy Wahnetah and Emma Cornsilk, passed away on June 13, 2020 in Phoenix, Ariz.  

She was an alumnus of Haskell Indian School in Lawrence, Kan. and Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Ariz.  Parks was a longtime employee of the Department of Health and Human Service, Indian Health Service, Rockville, Md. (August 1958 to June 1994). An enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Karen is survived by her husband, Mitchell L. “Sandy” Parks, of the home. She is also survived by her daughter, Nanci L. Easter; son, Jonathan H. Easter; and grandson, Dylan Easter, all of Phoenix.  In addition, Karen is survived by her stepson, Todd V. Parks, Scottsdale, Ariz.  

Karen will be laid to rest at the family’s cemetery, Hickory Gap, in the Snowbird Community at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24. Crisp Funeral Home, Bryson City, is in charge of final arrangements.

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Jean Clara Tahquette Bushyhead, 86, went to be with her loved ones in Heaven on Saturday, June 20, 2020. She was the daughter of Glen Tahquette and Claudia and Robert Seay. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Minda Faye Ross and son-in-law Red Ross; her son, William (Peter Gun) Lambert; as well as the father of her children, Herbert Lambert; her husband, Robert Bushyhead; her brother, John A. Tahquette; and her daughter-in-law, Lisa Lambert.

Carrying on her memory here are her three sons, Robert (Mary) Lambert of Cherokee, Jody Lambert of Anderson, S.C., and Darrell (Tammy) Lambert of Cherokee. Jean is also survived by seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, her sister-in-law Betty Tahquette, one niece, and one nephew.

Jean was a teacher aide at Cherokee Schools for a short time. She will be remembered for her love of animals, especially her numerous cats, dogs, and birds. Jean was known to tell it like it was.

The family will have a graveside service on Wednesday, June 24 at 2 p.m. at Tahquette Seay Cemetery off of Bob Seay Rd. Ben Reed will be officiating. Pallbearers will be among family and friends.

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Monika French Toineeta, 44, of the Big Cove Community, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Mike French and Diann Bark; brother, Xavier Ryan French; grandparents, Guy and Martha Bark and Roy and Mary French; uncles, Peanut French and Don Reed; aunt, Lawanda Myers; and father in law, Jesse Toineeta.

Moni is survived by her husband of 22 years, Jesse B. Toineeta; son, Jesse Toineeta (wife Jordyn); grandsons, Easton and Kyler Toineeta; brother and sister, Bruce and Sunshine Toineeta; niece and nephew, Kendall and Anthony Toineeta; godson, Darius Thompson; goddaughters, Jade and Madison Ledford; aunts, Ruby, Thelma, Velma, Roberta Bark, Genevieve Lambert, and Karen, Sharon and Angie French; uncles, Goodlow Bark, Richard and Walter French; and mother in law, Betty Toineeta.

A graveside service will be held at the Swayney Family Cemetery, Tuesday, June 23 at 1 p.m. with James “Bear” Lambert officiating.  Pallbearers will be Anthony Toineeta, Lucas Woodard, Raymius Smith, Craig Barker, Jim Oocumma, Preston Bark, and Frank Driver.  Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher Hornbuckle and Brian Matthews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cherokee Central Schools.

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(Photo courtesy of A&M Photography)

Jeannie Oocumma Driver, 47, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 21, 2020 while at Mission Hospital Memorial Campus. She is preceded in death by her mother, Annie Oocumma; her sister, Kina Darlene Youngdog; her grandmother, Kina Littlejohn; her grandfather, Boyd Littlejohn; her biological grandfather, Joseph Oocumma; her grandfather, Amos Youngdog Sr and grandmother, Dora Around Him Youngdog; and her uncles: Lexi Oocumma, Henry Queen Littlejohn, John Jr., Wild Bill, Henry Queen, Lewis Queen, and Henry Oocumma.

Jeannie is survived by her father, Marvin Youngdog; her husband, Jerry “Bear” Driver; along with her children, Elizabeth Oocumma, Jamison Cain Oocumma; her special sons, Tavi Rivera and Raymond Taylor; along with her special sister, Stephanie Snow and sister, Terri Rodriguez; as well as one grandchild, Preeya. In addition, her memories are carried on by her uncles, Mose Bub Oocumma, Clint Oocumma, Ray Oocumma, Dave Oocumma, Jerry Oocumma, Seymour Youngdog Sr. of Batesland, S.D., Amos Youngdog Jr. of Batesland, S.D., Myron Youngdog Shield Sr. of Garryowen, Mont.; as well as her aunts, Peggy Littlejohn, Nellie Ahli-Sha (Jake) Stephens, Norma Oocumma, Susan Oocumma, and Caroline Oocumma, Nancy Rouillard and Virginia Irving of Batesland, S.D.; along with great uncle, Simpson Queen; and great aunt, Myrtle Bird.

Jeannie, whom was also known as Jen, was full of laughter and love. She will be remembered for being a loyal and valued friend. As much as she loved her many friends, she loved her family even more. Her laughter and personality could light up a room and will be missed by many. Jen loved her kids, Liz and Cain, and would do anything for them. She adored her Bear so much! She loved all her fur babies and spoiled them. Preeya was the light of her life and brought so much joy into her world. Jen refused to be called grandma so she got the new nickname Momma Jen. She loved to travel and play softball tournaments which is where she made many lifelong friends. She loved her lady MVP Teammates. She loved her sports especially Duke Blue Devils Basketball and the Florida State Football Team. Jen loved to laugh and joke around no matter where she was. If she knew you were sad then she would do anything to make you laugh because she was a firm believer that laughter was good medicine. She attended Haskell Indian Nations University and obtained her degree from Southwestern Community College. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be greatly missed.

The family will be having a graveside service on Friday, June 26 at 1 p.m. at Annie Oocumma Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Troy Arch, John Martin, Frank Oocumma, Jim Oocumma, Frank Driver, Mike Caldwell, Tim Smith, Duke McCoy, Raymond Taylor, Tavi Rivera, Mike Oocumma, Justin Lambert, and Eric Crowe. Pastor Mathew Tooni will be officiating. We ask that those in attendance, please wear a mask.

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Cheryl Leigh Garner, 49, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 22, 2020 in Bryson City.

Cheryl was the daughter of the late Jess T Martin and Thelma “Mickey” Sampson, both of Cherokee. She worked as a waitress to support herself over the years and is remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend by those that knew her. She was known to be a Nascar Racing fan of Kyle Bush, die-hard Tennessee Volunteers and San Francisco 49’s fan and a love for Pepsi. 

Cheryl is survived by her children, daughter, Jessica T. Lossiah and son, Johnnie R. Lossiah, both of Cherokee; sisters, Henrietta Sampson, Harriet Sampson, Inez Sampson, Una Lea Sampson, and Leauna “Tootsie” Gloyne; as well as her brothers, Delbert Sampson and Leon Sampson; her aunt, Gwen Wildcat, as well as Andy Gloyne and Sarah Teesateskie. She also leaves behind three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Cheryl was preceded in death by brother, Gary Martin; sister, Sally Martin; grandson, Elijah Lossiah; grandmother, Leauna Crowe; aunts, Lily Wolfe, Elsie Martin, Joann Kalonaheskie, Tunnie Catt, Lawand Maney; and uncle, Duffy Sampson.

A tentative service is set for Friday, June 26 in the chapel of Long House Funeral Home with a possible viewing of Cheryl from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a short funeral service in the chapel as well starting at 6 p.m. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Reverend Charles Ray Ball, 79, of the Balltown Community in Swain County, went to his heavenly home Thursday, June 25, 2020. He was an ordained Baptist Preacher and faithfully served the Lord by preaching God’s Word for the past 59 years. He was the current Pastor of Straight Fork Baptist Church in Cherokee which he loved so dearly for the last 20 years, and was beloved by untold numbers of people in the communities of Swain County, where he had touched many lives.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Bryson City and Swain County. He uplifted the name of Jesus until his death and gave God the glory for all things in his life. As 2nd Timothy says, he fought a good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Albert Ball and Nota Mae Dowell Ball; and two sons, Ronnie Ball Sr. and Mitchell Smiley.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Bradley Ball; one daughter, Pat Smiley; grandchildren, Shae Deck and husband Josh, Kayla Gregory and husband Travis, Aaron Smiley and wife Sarah, Ronnie Ball Jr. and wife Ashley; and great grandchildren, Ayden Smiley, Gracelynn Deck, Willow Smiley, Aizleigh Gregory, Fischer Deck, Addison Gregory, and Charlie Ball.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Revs. Tony Cochran and Caleb King will officiate with burial at Cline Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday at the Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Alan Ball, Josh Deck, Aaron Smiley, Travis Gregory, and Larry Roland. Honorary Pallbearers will be James Driver, Sam Watty, Ayden Smiley, and Fisher Deck.

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Robert Cain Bigmeat, 71, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020 after a brief illness.  Robert was born in Swain County on Feb. 14, 1949 to the late Welch and Golinda Bigmeat.  He served on the Cherokee Fire Department and retired after 33 years.

Robert is survived by his wife, Marina Catt, of 39 years.  In addition, he is survived by two daughters, Sonya Agustin and Robyn Bigmeat; one son, Beejay Bigmeat; eight grandchildren, Dana, Robert, Alejandra, Cara, Crystal, Wade, Rabekka, and Tehya; 11 great-grandchildren, Silas, Dominique, Julia, Romero, Dante, Bree, Xavier, Zander, Maxx, Dalilah, and Emmalyn; one sister, Susie Bigmeat; one brother, John Ray Bigmeat; numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends and his fur babies, Ms. Kitty and Fat Boy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alicia Wolfe and three brothers, Crock Lambert, Adam Lambert, and Chuck Lambert.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at 1 p.m. at Yellowhill Baptist Church.  Reverends Forman Bradley and Eddie Morrow will officiate.  The Cherokee Fire and Rescue Department will serve as pallbearers.  Burial will follow at the West Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, June 29.  The family requests that no fresh flowers be sent.

Crisp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Betty Bradley Ball, 78, of the Balltown community in Swain County, followed her husband Charles Ray to their heavenly home to walk the streets of Glory hand and hand on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Known for her compassion and love for others, she continuously wanted to tell others about the Lord and how good He had been to her. As Proverbs 31:10 says “who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies”. Her heart’s desire was for people to know the Lord.

Betty was a life-long native of Swain County. She worked hard and retired from Con Met in 2015. She enjoyed camping at Smokemont with her best friends, but most of all she enjoyed loving on her great grandbabies. She adored her great grandchildren. She sung “Jesus Loves Me” to them and showed them how to live for Jesus.

In addition to her loving husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, Pomeroy and Irene Bradley; and two sons, Ronnie Ball Sr. and Mitchell Smiley.

She is survived by her daughter, Pat Smiley; four grandchildren, Shae Deck and husband Josh, Kayla Gregory and husband Travis, Aaron Smiley and wife Sarah, and Ronnie Ball Jr and wife Ashley; seven great grandchildren, Ayden Smiley, Gracelynn Deck, Willow Smiley, Aizleigh Gregory, Fischer Deck, Addison Gregory and Charlie Ball.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, June 29 at Crisp Funeral Home. Revs. Tony Cochran, Caleb King, and Marty Pressley will officiate with burial at Cline Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Monday at the Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be David and Ethan King, Robbie Bumgarner, Woover Partridge, Jesse Gonzalez, and Ayden Smiley.

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Mary Ross Visage, 82, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Blairsville, Ga., made her journey to her heavenly home on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. She was the daughter of the late McKinley (Mac) Ross and the late Lily Mae Wahnetah, both of the Yellowhill Community. Mary is preceded in death by one brother, Robert (Bob) Ross of the Yellowhill Community; one sister, Jessie Ross-Swimmer of the Big Cove Community; and one son, Myron (Mike) A. Ledford of the Birdtown Community.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Clyde Wayne Visage of Blairsville, Ga.; her sister, Gig McCoy, of the Yellowhill Community; her brothers, Frank and Stanley Ross; her sons, William J. Ledford (wife Loretta Ledford) of Albuquerque, N.M., Gary R. Ledford and Ethan W. Ledford, both of the Birdtown Community, and Shannon Ross of the Yellowhill Community; and daughter in-law, Colene Ross. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jason Ledford, Damin Ledford, Jarin Ledford, Julian Ledford, Ashley Ledford, Alannah Ledford, Storm Ledford, Travis Ledford, Katelynn Ledford-McCoy, Amber Ledford, Joseph “JD” Ledford, Xavier “Ace” Ledford, Joanna Ledford, Dalton Ledford, Brianna Ross, DJ Williams, Taylor Williams; and 16 great grandchildren.

Mary was born and raised in Cherokee and was a proud member of the EBCI. She was a devout active member of the Jehovah’s Witness until she could not physically be, a NAIWA member for many years, she loved to cook, and do embroidery. She was also a very hard working woman. She earned retirement after 34 years at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and worked five years in social services. She would sometimes work two or three jobs even while raising her kids.

Mary was a very kind and loving woman. She will always be remembered as the epitome of what unconditional love is. She took time to be intentional with the way she loved each of her family members, and as well as her beloved friends. Grandchildren of hers can recall her beautifully humming soothing tunes while doing busywork like cooking and cleaning, and she would also tell fairy tales to her grand-babies. She was a very gentle woman. She would make sure to message each of her family members to let them know that she was thinking about them, and was a pro with using emojis. She loved to take a trip home and invite all the family to come eat lunch at Granny’s Kitchen. One thing that will always be unforgettable were the hugs that she would give. When she embraced people into her arms, you could actually feel the warmth and love radiating from her.

As she would say in the last few months she spent here on earth with us… “Love you mucher.”

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, Ga is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

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Mary Seonia Fuller Lambert, 80, of Cherokee, went to her Heavenly home on Monday, June 29, 2020 surrounded by loved ones. Mary will be greeted at Heavens Gate by her late husband, J.D. Lambert, and sons, Will Lambert and Rick Lambert. The daughter of the late Richard Fuller and Jessie Wolfe Fuller, she will also be rejoined with her sister, Miriam Wolfe; her brother, Ben Marmon; and her grandchildren, Jessica Owle and Boyd Owle Jr. 

Left behind to cherish her memory are her children: Denise Ballard (Poncho), Buddy Lambert (Debbie), Mark Lambert (Sherry), all of Cherokee, along with her son Lumpy Lambert (Tia) of Murphy. Mary also leaves behind her grandchildren: Amanda Smoker, Neil Owle, Melanie Lambert, Michael Lambert, Miss Bea Sampson, Jessica Lambert, Allyson Lambert, Logan Lambert, Livia Lambert, Trista Welch, Brandi Lambert, Brianna Lambert, and Charlie Lambert; along with 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Carol Long (Butch), and her sister-in-law, Brenda Grady. Mary also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends. She loved, supported, and took great pride in her family.

She was a member of Wrights Creek Baptist Church where she attended until her health declined. She was a pillar of strength in the community, always helping others in their time of need. Mary retired from the Cherokee Indian Hospital. She was known by most as Granny Mary. Many know her as being the #1 Cherokee Braves and Lady Braves fan. She enjoyed spending time on the lake fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, reading, and crocheting. 

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 1 at 1 p.m. at Mose Owl Cemetery. Pastor James “Bo” Parris and Pastor Eddie Sherrill will officiate. Pallbearers will be among her grandsons and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Betty’s Place or Cherokee Children’s Home. The family wishes to thank everyone in the community for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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