Obituaries

Mr. Thomas "Tommy" Winford Beaman, age 49, died Saturday, September 8

Mr. Thomas "Tommy" Winford Beaman, age 49, of Mill Ridge Road, North Wilkesboro, died Saturday, September 8, 2007 at his home. Mr. Beaman was born March 28, 1958 in Sacramento, California to Donald W. and Ruby Burchette Beaman.

            Surviving are one son, Chris Beaman and wife Brianne of North Wilkesboro; one daughter, Tonya Dimmette and husband Michael of North Wilkesboro; his mother and step father, James and Ruby LaFevers of North Wilkesboro; three brothers, Donald Beaman and wife Jamie, Jimmy Beaman all of Wilkesboro, Bobby Beaman of North Wilkesboro; one sister, Sue Rhodes and husband Tommy of Hays; and five grandchildren.

            Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 14, 2007 at Miller Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Leon Church officiating. Burial will be in Haymeadow Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will be at Miller Funeral Service from 6:00 until 8:00 o'clock Thursday night.

 

 

Mrs. Lillian Emma Koch Kokora, age 78, died Tuesday, September 11

Mrs. Lillian Emma Koch Kokora, age 78, of Bethany Church Road, Moravian Falls died Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Forsyth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Friday 11:00 AM, September 14, 2007 at First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro with Dr. J. Christian Wilson officiating.

Mrs. Kokora was born August 1, 1929 in the Bronx, New York to Henry and Emma Ulzheimer Koch.  She worked for the Rockefeller Institute as a lab technician.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of North Wilkesboro and an active member of the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club.

She is survived by: her husband, Joseph Kokora of the home; three daughters, Susan Kokora and husband John Combs of Asheville, Patricia Kokora of Longmont, Colorado, Janet Eagles and husband, Ray of Wantage, NJ; one brother, Henry Koch of Brighton, MI; three grandchildren,       Joseph William Bender of Asheville, Bryan Eagles and Garret Eagles both of Wantage, NJ.

The family will receive friends at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Thursday evening from 6 until 8.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

On line condolences may be made at reinssturdivant.com.

 

 

Mr. Millard Lee Shew, age 80, died Sunday, September 9

Mr. Millard Lee Shew, age 80, of Pondview Drive, Wilkesboro died Sunday at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday 2:00 Pm, September 12, 2007 at Fishing Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Darrell Poole and the Rev. Charles Edwards officiating.  The body will be placed in the church at 1:30.   Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mr. Shew was born October 9, 1926 in Wilkes County to Tom and Emma Pennell Shew.  He was retired from Flavorich Dairy and was a member of Fishing Creek Baptist Church.  Mr. Shew served in the United States Army.

A brother, Jerry Shew and a sister, Mary Wooten preceded him in death.

He is survived by: his wife, Frances Adams Shew of the home; two daughters, Cyndi Eaton and husband, Tom of Kernersville, Becky Reeves and husband, Danny of Wilkesboro; two sisters, Lynda Branson of Dixon, KY, Emma Lou Simpson of Arkansas; five brothers, Ray Shew, Russell Shew both of Winston-Salem, Homer Shew, Tommy Shew both of Columbia, SC, Johnny Shew of North Wilkesboro; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren

and his dog Sam.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Fishing Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1191 Old 60, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

On line condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

 

 

 

Mrs. Martenia Elizabeth Haley, age 75, died Sunday, September 9

Mrs. Martenia Elizabeth Haley, age 75, widow of George William Haley, Jr., of Camp Jo Harris Road, North Wilkesboro, died Sunday, September 9, 2007 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Haley was born September 18, 1931 in Wilkes County to James Hubbard and Rhoda Harris Rousseau. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband.

            Mrs. Haley joined Rickard's Chapel AME Zion Church at an early age and was very active until her recent illness. She received her formal education in the Wilkes County Schools (Lincoln Heights Schools). She continued her education and received her certificate in cosmetology from Winston Salem Beauty School. She loved her family and was devoted to her church. She was a Missionary Life Member, a Deaconess, Youth Choir Advisor, member of the Usher Board and Mass Choir. If you looked for her you would probably find her at home, at one of her children's home or at Wal-Mart (her second home). She loved to laugh, talk, and interact with people.

            Surviving are four sons, James Harris and wife Brenda, Milton Harris and wife Marnita, Leonard Harris and wife Linda, Rufus Harris and wife Pam; one daughter, Lucy Elaine Harris Cobb and husband Rufus of High Point; seventeen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; one uncle, Charles Harris of Cincinnati, Ohio; and a host of family and friends.

            Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at Rickard's Chapel AME Zion Church with the Rev. Richard Watts officiating. Burial will be in the Harris Cemetery.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

 

 

Mrs. Grace Ball Smithey, age 88, died Saturday, September 8

Mrs. Grace Ball Smithey, age 88, of Brushy Mountain Road, Moravian Falls died Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Cherry Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Philip Moore, the Rev. Robert Duncan and the Rev. Roger Elmore officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Smithey was born November 1, 1918 in Wilkes County to Ivory and Laura Marlowe Ball.  She was a member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

Her husband, Plato Smithey; two infant children; a son, Dwight Smithey; a daughter, Shirley Cardwell; a grandson, Doug Neal; a brother, Merlin Ball; two sisters, Annie Childress and Viola Weaver preceded her in death.

She is survived by: two daughters, Virginia Alexander and husband, Jim of Statesville, Wanda Brookshire and husband, Paul of Hiddenite; three sons, Jerry Smithey and wife, Betty, David Smithey and wife, Lois all of Moravian Falls, Darrell Smithey and wife, Debra of Hickory; one son-in-law,     Arland Cardwell of North Wilkesboro, two sisters, Minnie Millsaps of Hiddenite, Dottie Stafford and husband, R. C. of Kannapolis; three brothers, Mansfield Ball and wife, Geraldine of Statesville, Ancil Ball and wife, Betty of Hays, Earl Ball and wife, Agnes of Wilkesboro; sister-in-law, Ila Ball of Taylorsville; special aunt, Verdie Ball of Taylorsville; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great, great-grandchildren.

On line condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

 

 

Mr. Dewey Albert Blevins, age 75, died Thursday, September 6, 2007

Mr. Dewey Albert Blevins, age 75, of Boone Trail, North Wilkesboro, died Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Mr. Blevins was born December 27, 1931 in Wilkes County to Landreth Issac and Clemmie Mae Caudill Blevins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Katherine Blevins; a step daughter, Mary Louise Sparks, two brothers, James Blevins, Claude Blevins; and two sisters, Phoebe Bell, Lonia Benge. He was a member of Christian for Christ in Ronda.

            Surviving are two step sons, Dennis Patrick Sparks and wife Della Blevins Sparks, Lewis Harvey Sparks all of Ronda; several nieces and nephews; and special caretaker, Brenda Triplett.

            graveside services were held Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Mountlawn Memorial  Park with the Rev. Chris Richardson officiating.

 

 

Amber Jean Billings, age 21, died Thursday, September 6

Amber Jean Billings, 21 of DAV Road Hays, died Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. 

                   She was born January 31, 1986 in Baltimore, MD, to Kay Nell Hinton and the late Daniel Paul Billings.  She was a member of the Christian Faith Assembly in Wilkesboro. 

                 Surviving, in addition to her mother of North Wilkesboro, are: four foster children Marissa Jade Nicholas, Alyissa Kaye Nicholas, Jason Kyle Nicholas, Sebastian K. Nicholas, all of the home; two brothers, Erven Andrew Billings and Daniel Alexander Billings of Wilkes County.

                 A memorial service was conducted  Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Faith Christian Assembly with Rev. Eric Jones officiating.

                Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association, 222 S. Church St., Suite 336M, Charlotte, N.C. 28202.

                Condolences may be e-mailed to the Billing Family at adamsfunerals.com.

                Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes assisted the Billings Family.

 

 

Mrs. Hazel Church, age 95, died Thursday, September 6

Mrs. Hazel Church, age 95, widow of Barney Church, of Seventh Street, North Wilkesboro, died Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Church was born June 6, 1912 in Wilkes County to Turner and Hattie Staley Horton. She was a member of Hinshaw Street Baptist Church.

            Surviving are one son, Ronald Church and wife Ann of North Wilkesboro; two daughters, Abby Sparks and husband James of Columbia, N.C., Patsy Hawkins and husband Jerry of Charlotte; five grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.

            Graveside services were held Sunday at Mountlawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Jim Gore officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, Mountain Region Office, 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, NC 28801-2644.

                Miller Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

 

 

Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Sarratt Shigley, 91, died Wednesday, September 5

Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Sarratt Shigley, 91, died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, September 5, 2007. She lived in her home in Hays until recently when she moved to Mayview Convalescent Center to be close to family, with whom she enjoyed sharing happy memories just days before she died. Sarah will be remembered by those who knew and loved her for her toughness, determination, and sweetness.

            Sarah was born on April 4, 1916 in Gaffney, South Carolina to Edward Sarratt and Sarah Huskey Sarratt. She was one of 10 children and her childhood was spent on a farm with a combination of hard work and fun times. After high school, she complete nursing training and earned an R.N. degree. She went to work in Asheville, N.C. where she met and married Ralph Shigley. They lived in Asheville and Winter Park, Florida before retiring in Hays, N.C.

            Sarah was preceded in death in 2003 by Ralph, her husband of 64 years. She is survivied by her son, Wayne and wife Mary of Fruitland Park, Florida, son, Hal and wife Sally of Raleigh; grandchildren, Emily and Jennifer of Raleigh, David and wife Meri of Morrisville, Hank and wife Anna of Alpharetta, Georgia, June and Mark of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Allan and wife Patti of San Diego, California; six great great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. Sarah is also survivied by two sisters, Delia Pendry of Hays, and Alice Hendrick of Chesterfield, South Carolina.

            A graveside service was held Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Mt. View Baptist Church Cemetery in Hays. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disabilities, 739 Chappell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, where Sarah's granddaughter, Jennifer, is a resident.

                Miller Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. 

 

 

Mrs. Carrie Wagoner Osborne, age 86, died Tuesday, September 4

Mrs. Carrie Wagoner Osborne, age 86, of Friendship Cross Street, North Wilkesboro died Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held Friday, September 7, 2007 at Friendship Church of the Brethren with the Rev. Gary Benesh officiating.  Burial was in Peak Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Ashe County. 

Mrs. Osborne was born September 6, 1920 in Wilkes County to Isaac and Laura Belle Royal Wagoner.  She retired from Holly Farms and was a member of Friendship Church of Brethren. 

Her husband, J. Don Osborne and a son David Wade Osborne preceded her in death.

She is survived by: five daughters, Brenda Osborne of the home, Carol Edminston and husband, Robert of Wilkesboro, Glenna Sebastian and husband, Doug of Hickory, Phyllis Billings and husband, Ronnie of North Wilkesboro, Donna Strouse of Cape Canaveral, FL; three sons, Rex Osborne, Gene Osborne and wife, Pansy,  Doyle Osborne all of North Wilkesboro; two sisters, Mabel Royal, Reatha Pike both of North Wilkesboro; two brothers, Harley Wagoner, Able Wagoner both of North Wilkesboro; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Friendship Church of the Brethren, 464 Friendship Cross Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

On line condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

 

 

Ms. Melinda Gail Andrews, age 24,  died Tuesday, September 4

Ms. Melinda Gail Andrews, age 24, of Old Traphill Road, passed away Tuesday, September 4, 2007.  Ms. Andrews was born July 15, 1983 in Surry County to Martin J. & Susan Lynn Wagoner, Jr. 

                Melinda was a waitress and was a member of Billings Hill Baptist Church. 

                Survivors include  a son, Nickales Davion Call of Ronda; a daughter, Aaliyah Jade Call of Ronda; her father, Martin J. Andrews, Jr. and his wife Julia of Ronda, her mother, Susan Lynn Blevins of Traphill; a brother, Martin J. Andrews, III; two stepbrothers, Jeffery Adam Snow of Thurmond, Steven Parker of Ronda; a stepsister, Grace Parker of Ronda.

                A memorial service was held Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Hodges Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Bobby Dameron. 

                Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com

                Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the Andrews family.