Irene Allen Foster, 85, of Anderson, S.C., passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Rainey Hospice House.  Born Nov. 1, 1934 in Beaverdam, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Allen and Lillie Murphy Allen.  She was married to Paul Edwin Foster for 64 years until his death on Dec. 28, 2019.  Theirs was a story of love – the love for God and each other.  

Irene was a talented musician and played the banjo and guitar.  She was a member of Broadway Lake Baptist church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years.  She was a descendant of the Cherokee Indian Nation.  Irene was devoted to her family and, even prior to her marriage, loved being a caregiver to them all.  

She is survived by her sons Roger Foster of Anderson, S.C., and Donald L. Foster (Cassandra), of Easley, S.C.; daughters, Susan Boggs (Roger) of Anderson, S.C., and Cynthia L VanValkenburg of Fort Worth, Texas; brother Cecil Allen (Evelyn) of Murphy; grandchildren Tim Boggs, Melissa Ambrose, Kaley VanValkenburg, Brandi Strickland, Rudy Martin, Jessica Childress, and Selena Turner; and several great grandchildren.  

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son Neal Foster, five brothers, and one sister.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff at Marchbanks Assisted Living and Memory Care who loved their mother in both the good times and the challenging times. 

The family will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Thursday, July 2, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 3 at 11 a.m. at South Lawn Memorial Gardens.  Social distancing will be observed at both the funeral home and the cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wren Hospice, 955 W. Wade Hampton Blvd, #3A, Greer, S.C., 29650 and Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, S.C., 29621.  

The family will be at the home of Susan and Roger Boggs, 601Tillotson Rd., Anderson, S.C., 29621.

www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com

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Teresa Ann French, 55, of Cherokee, went to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Teresa was known by most everyone as Tracie. The daughter of the late Marvin (Skilly) French and Katherine (Kay) Bain French, she is preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Marvin French. 

Tracie is survived by her children, Gary (Yona) Sequoyah (Taryn Walkingeagle), Redbird Sequoyah (Gatlin West), and Tashina Lynn Sequoyah. In addition, she leaves behind her brothers, Randy French and Eddie French; her sisters, Patsy French and Erin French Tyner. Tracie’s memory will be carried on by her 12 grandchildren,Justiana West, Isiah West, Loki West, Awee Sequoyah, AK Sequoyah, Taliyah Sequoyah, Deacon Sequoyah, Cedar Sequoyah, William Mesteth, Waylon Walkingeagle, Bitiste Pepion, and Julius Pepion. She has many special friends, but her four-legged furbaby daughter, Snookie, was her everything. 

Tracie had at one time been a wildland firefighter. Most recently, she did stonework and masonry. A long-time fan of the Washington Redskins, her favorite basketball team was the Maryland Terrapins. Tracie enjoyed crafting and doing beadwork. She was generous with her humor.  Tracie was a warrior woman who loved her family and her tribe. She wanted what was best for everyone. Tracie was a mom, a dad, an auntie, a sister, and Nana. 

The family will have Visitation for Tracie French at the First Baptist Church of Bryson City on Tuesday, July 7 beginning at 5 p.m. with the Memorial Service to follow at 6 p.m. with Pastor Ted Duncan officiating. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Walter “Jake” Ferguson, 78, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 after an extended illness.

Born in Waynesville on July 18, 1941 to William Noble Ferguson and Sara Orr Ferguson, he lived most of his life in Haywood County. Jake proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1960-66 where he served in the Second Marine Air Wing. He was extremely proud of his military service and his family and passed on a love of God, family and country to his children and grandchildren. He was a living example of hard work, strength and good humor and always stood up for the underdog.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice; and his sister, Margaret.

He was the father of three sons and one daughter, Neil (Julie) of Cherokee, Todd (Wendy Jo) of Etowah, Kirk (Jamie) of Stockdale, Texas, and Teresa Lowman of Morganton; and nine grandchildren, Nicholas, DJ, Sara-Marie, Will, Brandon, Lillie, Israel, Leeah, and Matthew.

Per his wishes, there will be no memorial service planned. Family will have a private meeting at a later date to scatter his cremains at his beloved beach as well as in the mountains of western North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cherokee Children’s Home or Ernestine Walkingstick Domestic Violence Shelter.

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

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Johnny Lee Thompson, 33, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 9, 2020.  

He was the son of the late Wilson Junior Thompson and surviving mother Anita Swimmer Thompson of the home. Johnny was a fun loving guy. He was a gamer and loved X-box and also did some wrestling.

Johnny was preceded in death by grandfather, Isaac David Swimmer; grandmother, Dorothy P. Swimmer; uncles, David P. Swimmer and Adam, Lawrence, Eugene and Edison Thompson; aunts, Tiny and Lillian Thompson; and cousins, Tsa-ni Youngdeer and Caden Jayce Lossie.

Along with his mother, Johnny is survived by a twin brother, Homer Lee Thompson; sister, Ada Jay “Ducky” Thompson; niece, Addi Taylor; nephew, Calvin Taylor; aunts, Geraldine Thompson, Amanda Thompson, Kina Swimmer, Bobbi George (Russell), Bonnie Youngdeer (Barnie), all of Cherokee, Dinah Melton (Jerry), of Puryear, Tenn.; three uncles, Ben, Juggie and Dean (Lola) Swimmer of Cherokee; many cousins of both Thompson and Swimmer families; and special brothers Keonta, T-Bear, Booger and James.

Johnny will have a graveside funeral service on Monday, July 13 at 11 a.m. in the Thompson Family Cemetery off Wilson Thompson Rd. in the Birdtown Community.  Pastor James “Bo” Parris will officiate with pall bearers being T-Bear Jackson, Keonta Audrey, Booger George, Malaciah Taylor, Dean Swimmer, and other family members.

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Richard Randolph “Dick” Lambert, 88, of Brevard, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.

He was born in Cherokee on March 19, 1932 to the late Hugh and Ava Lambert and was proud of his Cherokee heritage. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Paul, Arthur, Albert (Curly), Mary, Virginia, Hugh Jr, Lloyd, and Johnny. He was also preceded in death by in-laws, Vinessa Neill, Harold Owen, David Jones, Jackie Lambert; and by his best friend/brother-in-law, Lionel McCall.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jency McCall Lambert of Brevard. They were married on June 27, 1954 at Cherryfield Baptist Church in Brevard. He is also survived by his son, Ricky and wife Amanda, of Pisgah Forest. He was the proudest Papaw to his adored grandson Easton and grand-dog Valley. Also surviving are his brother, Roy Lambert of Cherokee; sisters, Betty McCall of Brevard, Sarah Owen Jones of Brevard, and Peggy (Carl) Phipps of Winston-Salem; sister-in-law, Lorraine Lambert of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was a 1949 graduate of Swain High School. After graduation, he moved to Brevard where he attended college, met his wife, and made his home. He enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. Upon discharge, he worked at both Olin and Dupont before working with the late Robert Merrill at Brevard Industrial Storage. After a short retirement and finding himself bored, he began a logging business from which he retired years later.

Richard was a member and helped build Cherryfield Baptist Church. He loved bluegrass music, eating breakfast at Ingles, going to casinos, and fishing. He is well known for the huge gardens he grew on the family farm and his strong work ethic. He can now rest in the arms of his Savior and will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

Special thanks to those who cared for him:  Dr Dale Nash, Wanda and Lynn; Bonita Freeman and Martha Maxwell; and Shirley’s Angels (Becka, Sharon and Crystal).

Services will be held on Friday, July 17 at 2 pm at Cathey’s Creek Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Weekday Children’s Program Playground Fund.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

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Elizabeth Ann Edwards, 62, of Cherokee, went to be with her heavenly father on Sunday, July 12, 2020.  She is survived by her husband, Lee Edwards, of thirty seven years.  She passed away on their anniversary.  She was born in Jamestown, Va. on Feb. 13, 1958 to Inez Welch Soap.  She worked in Cherokee as the manager of Tribal Bingo.

Her children called her the best mother you could ever have.  She was very family oriented and loved spending time with her family and loved being a grandmother and great grandmother as well.  Elizabeth was always looking forward to gardening and any other activity to spend time in her yard with her flowers. She loved to cook for her family as well.  Another favorite hobby was arts and crafts and making decorations.  In addition she shared a love of traveling with her husband.  They had recently returned from a trip to Amish country in Pennsylvania and from another trip to Niagara Falls.  She had traveled to Israel several times as well with their church group.

In addition to her husband, and mother, she is survived by three daughters, Sandi Cox, Krystal Long, and Hayley Edwards; one stepdaughter, April Edwards; two sons, Andrew Edwards and David Edwards; one stepson, Scott Daniels; sixteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one sister Elsie Biddix; a very special friend, BG George and numerous nieces, nephews, and other special family members.  She is preceded in death by two brothers, Gene Cornwell and William Cornwell.

A funeral service was held on July 15 in the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home.  Pastor Donnie Walker officiated.  Burial followed in the Birdtown Cemetery.  

Crisp Funeral Home assisted the Edwards family with arrangements.

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Rosalee Teesatuskie, 74, born March 2, 1946, passed away following a period of declining health on Friday, July 17, 2020 while at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville.

Rosalee was an elevated, loving, caring, wife, sister, mother, and friend to all who knew her.

Rosalee is preceded in death by her father, Jonah Teesatuskie; her mother, Estella (Arch) Teesatuskie; brothers, David Arch and Richard Teesatuskie; and a nephew, Jason Teesatuskie.

Rosalee is survived by her husband of 35 years, Don Smiley; one daughter, Andrea “Dre” Teesatuskie; three brothers, Raymond Teesatuskie, Roy Teesatuskie, and Ruben (Maxine) Teesatuskie; two sisters, Rowena Teesatuskie and Ramona Standingdeer; and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Monday, July 20 at the Drama Hill Cemetery in Cherokee with the Rev. James “Bo” Parris and Brother James Smiley officiating.  Pallbearers were among friends and family with Estella Millsaps and Latyra Maney acting as Honorary Pallbearers.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers – donations be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, one of Rosalee’s favorite organizations.

Long House Funeral Home was honored to assist the Teesatuskie family.

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Henry Whiperwil Mahsetky, 38, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 19, 2020. The son of Patrick Mahsetky of Oklahoma and Janet Wolfe Wildcat of Cherokee, he is preceded in death by his grandfather, Ned Wolfe; and his sister, Erica Watty. 

Known as Goolie by his friends and family, in addition to his parents, he is survived by his children; Terrance, Vecca, Vonda, Shonda, Malik and Shadrick(Samantha); four grandchildren, Cella, Lighza, Niiya and Aaliyah; his brothers, Russell Wolfe Jr. Mahsetky and Kevin Watty; his sisters, Minda Mahsetky Hill (Andre) and Christine Mahsetky, both of Oklahoma; his aunt, Vicki Driver; his uncle, Darrell Wolfe; his grandmother, Inez Wolfe; and a special brother, Richard Driver. 

The family will have a graveside service for Henry on Friday, July 24 at 12 p.m. at the Soggy Hill Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. Pallbearers will be Richard Driver, Jodi Wolfe, JR Mahsetky, Taylor Wolfe, Kevin Watty, Stan Watty, Damion Kalonaheskie, and Stevie Watty. Reverend James “Bo” Parris will be officiating. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Adam Conseen, 93, of Waynesboro, Va., went peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at his residence.  He was born in Whittier on March 12, 1927, the son of the late James Conseen and Caroline Toineeta Conseen.

Adam was an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokees and a fluent speaker.  He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force and served during WWII and the Korean Conflict.  Following his many years of service, he worked in the heavy equipment, logging and construction industry.  He loved fishing and walking the mountains of North Carolina and was an avid Washington Redskins fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Womble Conseen.  He was the last remaining sibling of his four brothers and four sisters: West Driver, Richard Driver, Macadoo Driver, Irving Conseen, Ruth Driver Bushyhead, Lucy Ann Conseen Queen, Emily Conseen McCoy, and Nancy Conseen.

Survivors include his stepchildren, Patricia Engleman and Virginia Trimble; step grandchild and caregiver, Jenni; other step grandchildren, Kim, Sarah and Chris; step great grandchildren, Catie and Jayden; step great, great grandchildren, Afton, Ava, and Jack.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, the children of his siblings, and his special dog, Daisy Mae.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the VA Home Based Primary Care Team.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 30 in the Chapel of Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, 619 Lifecore Drive, Fisherville, VA, conducted by his nephew, Pastor Dan Conseen.  Mandatory Covid-19 regulations will be observed, interment, with Military Honors will follow in Oak Lawn Memory Gardens, Staunton, Virginia.

The Family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Share memories and condolences at www.charltongroomefuneralhome.com.

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Carol Sequoyah Standingdeer, 71, of the Big Cove Community, went home to be with the Lord Monday, July 27, 2020 at her residence on Big Cove. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur Sequoyah and Lula Wolfe Sequoyah. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by siblings, Lewis Sequoyah, Charles R. Sequoyah, Sharon Moore, and Kori Penland; and a daughter, Missy Bradley.

Carol is survived by her husband of 28 years, John C. Standingdeer; children, Joe Holiday and wife Lina, and Karen Holiday all of Cherokee; step-children, John Standingdeer Jr., Shan Standingdeer, Vicki Daggs (Steve), and Sheila Toineeta (Gary) all of Cherokee; grandchildren, Amelia Holiday, Alex Holiday, Siah Holiday, and Carys Holiday all of Cherokee; and siblings, Cindi S. Ayers (Paul) of Bryson City, Frances Sequoyah, Reva Sequoyah, Loleta Lossiah (Randy), and Sammi Sequoyah all of Cherokee.

A private graveside service will be held at Standingdeer/Holiday Family Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Davis, Kensen Davis, Jeremy Hyatt, Damian Solis, Travis Hicks, Joseph Solis, and Alfred Welch.

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Frank Black Miller, MD. November 6, 1947 – July 30, 2020. It is with profound sadness and tremendous love that Dr. Miller’s family announces he passed away on Thursday morning, July 30.  

For over ten years, Dr. Miller met and overcame numerous health challenges, always with fierceness, dignity, a warrior-like courage, and a tremendous sense of humor. His life was intensely unique. He was born in New Mexico, and lived in Colorado, Tennessee, Israel, British Columbia, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, and South Carolina. He spoke English, Hebrew, and Spanish. He was valedictorian of his high school class at Holston High School in Knoxville, Tenn. and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for one year before he transferred to the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.  There he was asked to enter the accelerated BS/MD program and was able to skip undergraduate studies and receive both degrees early so that he could do extensive rotations in neurosurgery. Because he paid for his own education, he held many jobs during medical school, including doing autopsies, working at Ypsilanti Forensic Center and at the children’s unit at the University of Michigan hospital. 

In 1974 he received his MD from the University of Michigan and moved to Duke University Medical School where he received residency training in psychiatry. Frank was a uniquely gifted psychiatrist, touching the lives of an estimated 150,000 patients in his over 45 years of dedication to psychiatry. He was certified in adult, geriatric, and child psychiatry. He was one of the first physicians in western North Carolina to be certified in opiate recovery medicine. He was also gifted at diagnosing patients with symptoms that often stumped his colleagues.  He was so beloved by his patients that several followed him for decades.

He loved teaching and took great care in passing on his wisdom to the upcoming generations of psychiatrists. One of his proudest accomplishments was twice receiving the Golden Apple Award for teaching Psychiatry. In addition, he was named one of the Ten Top Physicians in the state of North Carolina. He was also an acclaimed blogger about mental health reform, a subject he was passionate about and which he studied tirelessly. Another blog he published is called Pen and Psychiatrist. While he leaves us with a heavy heart in his passing, he leaves a legacy of touching so many people’s lives through his unending dedication to his work and his heartfelt care for his patients.  Often noted for his goofy persona and famous for his jokes, Frank was also a generous, warm, and funny soul as well as a deeply loyal friend to those in his orbit.

He was a committed partner to his wife, Judy Shelton Miller, transforming her life as a loving husband, a devoted father, and truly admirable life partner. Their attachment was indescribable, and she was his true emotional center. He leaves behind a sister, Ann Miller Ammons, and a brother-in-law JD Ammons, with whom he had a deep, remarkable bond.  He also leaves behind his daughters, Carolyn Miller Yentsch and Megan Elizabeth Miller, and his son, Jesse Zachariah Miller. He leaves a legacy of two granddaughters, Madeline Elizabeth Yentsch and Dakota Rose Szeman, and three grandsons, William Andrew Yentsch, Maxwell Edward Szeman, and Gabriel Jaxon Szeman, and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins, all for whom he had endless affection.

Dr. Miller will be buried at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3. There will be Shiva services at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4 and Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the Miller home in Morganton, and over Zoom. Please contact the Congregation Beth HaTephila in Asheville 253-4911 for more information.

Dr. Miller loved to make people laugh, so in conclusion here is his last laugh: A psychiatrist is a person who will listen to you as long as you don’t make sense. We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Donate-to-NAMI or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, https://themmrf.org/.

Morris Funeral Home is serving the family and condolences may be sent to them through our website at www.Morrisfamilycare.com.

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Becky Ann Walker transitioned from this life on Friday, July 31, 2020 at the age of 47.

Becky was born into the Deer Clan July 9, 1973 in Cherokee (of Eastern and Western Cherokee and Lakota Sioux ancestry).

Her spiritual beliefs followed traditional Cherokee and Lakota values.  Becky had a deep love for not only her people, but all people.  Becky’s children Cameron (TsuWaYuGi) Jackson, KoDeSgi Jackson, and Haley Smith were the loves of her life.

Becky received her bachelor’s of science degree in anthropology from Western Carolina University and her masters in social work degree from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  She worked as a counselor at both the White Path Center (Children’s’ Home) and Analenisgi.  She also worked as program manager of BIA Social Services/Cherokee Agency.  

Becky spent many of her days in Cherokee Tribal Council fighting for her people.   Her final resolution submitted to and approved by Tribal Council was named “Becky’s Law”.  Becky’s joy of crafting, beading, and sewing will be remembered through all of the women that she taught how to make ribbon skirts, and how to do traditional beadwork.

Becky is survived by her children, Cameron Jackson (TsuWaYuGi), KoDeSgi, and Haley Smith (Noqwisi); her mother, Amy Walker; siblings, Alvin Shawn Grant, Mark Grant (Dinah), Dakota Melody Parker (Dwight), Tina Wildcat, Angela Hutchinson, Julio Casas, Sam Stover, and Stan Crowe;  niece, Nevada Bone; nephews, Brant Grant, Mr. Bone (Caity), Keawe Bone, Raven Grant, Menoch Grant, and Beau Wildcat; special sister, Trina Rhinehart; and Becky’s Ace Boon, Rahkie Mateen.  She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Walker, (Cherokee Nation).

Final ceremony presenting Becky to the Creator was held on the day of her passing.  Pipe ceremony was conducted at Kituwah (Mother Town) at sunset per her wishes.  The ceremonial songs were sung by John John Grant, Ute Grant, Amy Walker, and Dakota Parker.  Ceremony was conducted by General Grant (Uncle).

A memorial foundation will be established at a later day and the community will be notified.  The appreciation committee would like to thank the many visitors, and friends of Becky that provided food, flowers, and fellowship.  Becky received care from Four Seasons Hospice, and her sisters.  Appalachian Funeral Services assisted the family. An online registry is available at: www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

The community saw the way Becky advocated for her people through constant appearances at Tribal Council and through her Cherokee and Lakota values and beliefs and Becky said, “I didn’t leave here a colonized Indian.”

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John Robert Hornbuckle, 37, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Thursday, July 30, 2020.  The son of the late Larry Robert Hornbuckle and the late Judith Ollie Roberts, he is preceded in death by his brother, Nathaniel Shinkman.

John is survived by his fiancé, Amanda Patrick, along with his sister, Jessica George. John also leaves behind his nieces, Kyla and Makayla George, Rosa and Maria Reyes; and nephews, Joshua Hornbuckle and Khadijah Soap.

John was an avid Xbox   player, with his current favorite game being Call of Duty, Warfare. One of his favorite pastime activities was riding around with his fiancé and looking at waterfalls. In his younger days, he enjoyed running and playing basketball. His love of basketball continued into being a Duke Fan.

The family had a private, graveside service for John Robert Hornbuckle on Friday, July 31 at the Hornbuckle Cemetery. Reverend James “Bo” Parris officiated. Pallbearers were among family and friends.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to the Cherokee Fire Department as well as the Cherokee Tribal EMS for all of your assistance, kindness and respect that they have shown throughout this difficult time. All of the love and prayers the family has received is much appreciated.

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Jane Lossie Taylor, 83, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Long Term Care Center in Asheville. She was the daughter of the late John Rome Lossie and Charlotte (Welch) Lossie of the Big Cove Community. 

Jane will be welcomed to her Heavenly home by her husband, Jeff Taylor; her sons, Ted, Michael, and Dennis Taylor; her brothers, Paul, Charlie, Larch, Homer, John-Adam, Noah, and Woodrow; along with her sisters, Mary, Luzene, Frieda, Frances, Martha, Maggie and Dorothy. She will also be reunited with her nephews, Anthony Lossiah, John Russell Lossiah; great nephews, Martin Perez Jr.; great grandson, Mickey J. Meuse; and son-in-law, Richard Meuse Sr..

Jane is survived by her children, son, Jeremiah Taylor; daughter, Cynthia Ann Meuse of the home; brothers, Jack Lossiah (Ruth) and Willard Lossiah.  In addition, she is survived by six great grandchildren, eight grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jane was a member of the Straight Fork Baptist Church where she will be remembered for being active in supporting and showing love for anyone that she came in contact with. As well as a  fluent Cherokee Speaker, she was a  basket maker and a member of the Qualla Arts and Crafts Cooperative. Jane worked at Barclay Home Products for 30 years before she went to work at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Later on, she worked at the Grand Hotel. Jane had a wonderful sense of humor that she would share with anyone around her. One of her favorite past times was loafing around and going shopping. Jane was loved by those who knew her. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her and loved her.  

The family will have visitation for Jane Lossie Taylor at Straight Fork Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 7 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Jane will then be taken to Lossiah Family Cemetery at 2 p.m. for graveside service with Reverend James “Bo” Parris officiating. Pallbearers will be Earl Martin, Albert Martin, Noland Crowe, John Lossiah, Eddie Bird, Kirk Lossiah, Maury Lossiah, and Dwayne Bird. 

Long House Funeral Home Assisted with arrangements.

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Paulette Rae Littlejohn Taukchiray, 38, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020. She will be greeted at Heavens Gate by her late mother, Sue Ellen Littlejohn. 

Paulette is survived by her husband of eight years, Wesley Taukchiray.  She is also survived by her father, Paul Mitchell Taylor of Franklin. Paulette leaves behind many friends that were dear to her including Johnny and Alice Locklear along with their children, Leshawn, Bostic, and LeBreslea Lowery; Herb and Pam Squirrel, Reva Toineeta; as well as many others. 

Paulette was a wonderful person who loved animals and enjoyed traveling by Greyhound in the company of her husband, Wes, to visit her friends and relatives all over North Carolina and South Carolina. She had ambitions to visit Austin, Texas and Barbados. Paulette had a beautiful soul and will be missed here on Earth by those who knew and loved her. 

The family will have visitation for Paulette Rae Taukchiray on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Long House Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 12 p.m. with Reverend James “Bo” Parris officiating. Internment will follow at the Littlejohn Family Cemetery on Tooni Branch Road. If you plan to attend, please be aware that face masks are required. Thank you. 

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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John Grady (Skeeter) Sneed Jr., 80, of Rock Hill, S.C. and Cherokee, N.C. went to his heavenly home on Monday, Aug. 3, 2020. He was born July 23, 1940 at Cherokee Indian Hospital to the late John Grady Sneed Sr. and Rachel Blythe Sneed of the Wolftown Community.  He was the grandson of the late Osco Daniel Sneed and Arvazene Rogers Sneed of the Birdtown Community and the late James and Mary Dormire Blythe of the Wolftown Community.

He attended Cherokee Elementary and Sylva Webster High School. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1958-62, where he was stationed in Texarkana, Ark. and Kotzebu, Alaska. He started his career in 1965 at Norfolk Southern Railway where he was stationed in Waynesville; Morganton; Birmingham, Ala.; and Rock Hill, S.C. where he retired after 30 years in 1995.

He loved playing golf and making golf clubs, restoring CB radios, and making his own bullets, and he later took up of the hobby of HAM radio operating where he was treasurer of the York County Amateur Radio Association in Rock Hill.  He was an avid storyteller of stories from his youth growing up in Wolftown and of his time in the service. He never met a stranger.  He would strike up conversations anywhere. He was very proud of his family and his tribe, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He was a member of the Oakland Baptist Church in Rock Hill.

He was preceded in death by his son, John G. (Booster) Sneed III; son-in-law, Douglas Lambert; and great granddaughter, Maverick Harper Blythe Sampson.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elaine Justice Sneed of the home; two daughters, Kimlyn Blythe Sneed Lambert of Cherokee and Jennifer Sneed (Ghi) Gavin of Charlotte; three grandchildren, John Daniel (Jessica) Hall of Dandridge, Tenn., Jordan Travis (Sasha) Sampson, and Jessica Rose (Josiah) Lambert of Cherokee; six great grandchildren, Travis, Rachel and Andre Hall, and Korbin, Kollin, and Hermione Sampson of Cherokee; three great great grandchildren, Noah and Bronson Hall of Cherokee, and Lydia Grace Leach of Dandridge, Tenn.; and many cousins including Sneed’s, Sanders’, Smith’s, Bradley’s, Blythe’s and others.

In memory of Mr. Sneed, donations may be made to Maverick’s Tsalagi Sunshine, PO Box 1912, Cherokee, NC 28719.

A graveside funeral service was conducted in Rock Hill, S.C. on Aug. 7 where he was laid to rest at Grandview Memorial Park.

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Helen Harriet Jackson, 85, of Cherokee, made her final journey to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020. The daughter of the late Roy Bradley and Alice Crow Bradley, she is preceded in death by her son, Vincent Henry Jackson; her daughter, Lawanda Sue Jackson; and her sisters, Elsie Marie Youngdeer (Muggie), Frances Thelma Parker (Bobie), and Mildred Elizabeth Appleton (Dissy). 

Helen leaves behind her daughter, Mary Mackalene Smith of the home, along with her grandchildren, Donnie Boyd Smith, Vincent Dexter Smith, Jason Dewayne Smith, Jeremy Justin Raby, John Welsey Raby, Alexandria Jade Jackson, Victoria Jackson, and Christopher Jackson; along with 10 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Erma Louise Otter and Geraldine Nancy Bradley along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Helen was a seamstress and had a love of all kinds of animals. Helen also loved flowers but especially her Zinnia’s, commonly known as Old Maids. She loved the different colors and they brought her almost as much as her children and grandchildren did. Helen was a loving woman who was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

The family will have a Graveside Service for Helen H. Jackson on Saturday, Aug. 16 at Jackson Cemetery on Moody Reed Road beginning at 2 p.m. Services will be conducted by Bishop Cornelius, with Opening Prayer by Driver Pheasant, Eulogy by Brother Lee Jenks, and Grave Dedication for Helen by Bishop Cornelius. Pallbearers will be Blaine Smith, Mike Walk, John Raby, Steven Youngdeer, Tristan Walk, and Allen Mills.

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.        

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Douglas Swimmer, 72, of Cherokee, passed away peacefully at his home, after an extended illness, on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. The son of the late Thomas Swimmer and Alice Sherrill Swimmer, he is preceded in death by his late paternal great grandparents, John Swimmer and Lucy Toe; his late maternal great grandparents, John Ute Sherrill and Mollie Tramper; his sisters, Betty (Sherrill) Smith, Sarah M. Swimmer; brothers, Robert W.  Sherrill, Thomas E. Swimmer, Ammons Swimmer; and his nephews,  Donald Smith and Robert “Dinky” Sherrill.

Douglas is survived by his brother, Dwight (Linda) Swimmer; nephew, James “Spooky” Sherrill; his nieces, Rowena Smith, Cynthia Williams, and Salina (Chris Lee) Swimmer; and he also leaves behind several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Douglas was an outdoors man. He enjoyed a life of logging in his younger day but always enjoyed hunting and fishing. If weather permitted, he would be outside. Douglas was a quiet man, but once you got him going there was no stopping him. He was a funny man who enjoyed joking around as well as being a Master Fish Storyteller. His presence will be greatly missed.

The family will have a graveside service for Douglas Swimmer on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 12 p.m. at the Thomas Swimmer Cemetery on Swimmer Branch. Reverend James “Bo” Parris will be officiating. Pall bearers will be Jimmy Smith, Adam Smith, Jacob Wilnoty, Anthony Lee, Matthew Lee and James “Spooky” Sherrill.

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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Gary Dean (Boots) Smith, 64, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020.  A lifelong resident of Cherokee, he loved gardening and the outdoors.

Boots is the son of the late Fancheon L. (Snook) Elders of Wildwood, Fla.  He is the grandson of the late Charles Smith and the late Elma Arch Smith.  He is preceded in death by his son, Kevin B. Smith; sisters, Ernestine Smith Crowe and Nancy Taylor; aunts, Osceola Smith, Wanda Lee (Joe Lou) Bradley, Nancy Smith, and Linda Sue Raby; uncle, Delbert Smith; and two cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Bradley Smith; four stepchildren, AJ Owle, Tonya Owle, Phillip Pannell, and Cody Pannell; two daughters, Deanna Smith and Becky Chiltoskie; four grandchildren, Joseph Smith, Kayla Smith Garcia, Levi Winstead, and Meli Winstead; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Libba Smith Wolfe and Debra Smith Rameriz; aunts, Connie Cabe, Joan Henry and Rebecca Bridges; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 21 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City.  Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. followed by the service at 2 p.m. conducted by Pastor Foreman Bradley of the Yellowhill Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cherokee.

Pallbearers are special friend, Allen McCoy, and cousins Terance (Tince) Cabe, Tommy Cabe, Tony Cabe, James Raby, and Dean Bradley.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the family requests friends and family to wear face masks.

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Dec. 6, 1946 – Aug. 19, 2020

Joseph Clifton Gibson, 74, of Cherokee, passed away in his home on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. The son of the late, Bill Gibson and D. Louise Leavell, he is preceded in death by his late wife, Patria Sue Gibson (Gravley); his sister, Carolyn Gibson; his brother, Eugene Gibson; sons, Jody Stevens and Lynn Stevens; and his daughter, Debra Cummings (Debbie). 

Joseph is survived by his sons, William Gibson and James Gibson; daughter, Tina Gibson; stepson, Randall Bettis; along with his sisters, Lillian Gibson Richey and Barbara Gibson Stone; in addition to many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Joseph and his wife raised their family in White, Ga. North Carolina is where they liked to spend every weekend for some much earned relaxation.  They built a beautiful cabin where he spent his retirement – enjoying the place he loved the most, with his friends and family. Lifelong friends of North Carolina included Cricket Driver, Jerry Pritchett (Big Jerry), B-bop Crosby, Bob, and Charles. These are just a few of his friends. 

JC never met a stranger, everyone loved him. He’s always been a hard worker, he built a wonderful life for his family that anyone would be proud of. When he wasn’t working, he spent his time with family and friends, having cook outs, watching Nascar, wearing a bandana and either a red solo cup or an ice cold beer in his hand. He touched everyone’s heart and brought out the best in everyone. He had a huge love and talent for growing and canning his own crops. He was immensely proud of his canning abilities. He will forever be loved and missed by everyone that knew him.

Joseph will be laid to rest with his wife, Patria Sue Gibson (Gravley) at the Rolling Hills Memorial Gardens in Acworth, Ga.

Long House Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

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