Obituaries

Skylar Faith Shew, infant, died Tuesday July 1

North Wilkesboro - Skylar Faith Shew, infant daughter of Justin Shew and Heather Henley, died Tuesday July 1, 2008 at Forsyth Medical Center.     

Along with her parents, Justin Shew and Heather Henley, Skylar is survived by a twin sister, Faith Marie Shew, paternal great grandparents, Junior and Virginia Cheek of Hamptonville, maternal great grandparents, Marilyn and Louis Ramos of Sparks, Nevada, paternal grandfather, Gob Shew of North Wilkesboro, aunts and uncles: Donnie and Nicole Tilley of Yadkinville, Tiffany Stamm of West Jefferson, Brittany Massengill of West Jefferson, Sherrie Shew of Wilkesboro, Billy Shew, Angela Bentley both of North Wilkesboro, Michael Stamm of Modesto, California, Robert Hagler of China Grove; Great uncles and aunts, Doug and Teresa Brown of Wilkesboro, Bobby and Teresa Hopkins of West Jefferson, "Sis" of Greenville South Carolina, and a cousin, Bobbie Tevepaugh of West Jefferson.

Graveside services were held Monday, July 7, 2008 at Miller Family Cemetery with the Rev. Junior Church officiating.

 

 

Mrs. Donna Raechelle Kelley-Rash, age 43, died  Monday, July 7

Mrs. Donna Raechelle Kelley-Rash, age 43, of Thurmond Road, Thurmond, passed away Monday, July 7, 2008 at Forsyth Medical Center.  Mrs. Rash was born October 7, 1964 in Harford County Maryland to John & Emily Marshall who preceded her in death.

                Mrs. Rash was President/CEO of Carolina Companions, Inc in Jonesville.  She previously worked for Easter Seal of Delaware and North Carolina.  In 1999 she opened Carolina Companions, Inc to provide homecare services for people with disabilities and MR/DD.  Mrs. Rash was an advocate for persons with disabilities and worked with local case management and others in Wilkes, Surry and Yadkin Counties in the state to provide needed services for people with disabilities.

                Survivors include:  her husband, Wayne Rash of the home; a son, David Rash of the home; four sisters, Valerie Karbley,  Sue Mullins and husband Avery all of N. Wilkesboro, Patricia Peters and husband Bob of Hays, Melinda Sandovel of Newark, Delaware.  Seven nieces and six nephews and very close friends, Crystal Nunnemaker of Thurmond and Junior and Louise Parsons of Elkin.

                Funeral services were held July 10, 2008 at  Hodges Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. John Mullins and Rev. Jeff Collins.  Burial was in Sparta, NC. 

                Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com

                Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin served the family of Donna Kelley-Rash. 

 

 

Mrs. Vermell Byrd Tulbert, age 76,  died Wednesday, July 9

Mrs. Vermell Byrd Tulbert, age 76 of Lyles Street, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.  Mrs. Tulbert was born April 29, 1932 in Wilkes County to Brady & Vesti Wood Byrd.

                Mrs. Tulbert was retired from Hugh Chatham Memorial Hosptial and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Bonson Tulbert; a grandson, Richard Tulbert; a son-in-law, Ricky Vernon Poplin; a brother, Elmer Byrd. 

                Survivors include:  a son, Rodney Blake Tulbert and wife LeeAnn of King; a daughter, Susan Poplin of Thurmond; three brothers, Reece Byrd and wife Ruby of Greensboro, Dwight Byrd and wife Carol, Elton Byrd all of Rock Creek; three sisters, Edith Woods of Rock Creek, Ruth Roope of Thurmond, Carol Theissing and husband Ron of Rock Creek; two grandchildren, Carey Shore Lowe and husband Lon of Dobson, Mary Ellen Tulbert of Clemmons; two step grandchildren, Zack Fox and Kelsea Fox; five great grandchildren, Adam Rose, Casey Wooten, Emily Lowe, Noah Lowe, Ryan Blake Tulbert; a step great grandson, Cole Lowe. 

                Funeral services were held Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Bethel Baptist Church by Rev. Darin Brown and Rev. Gary Byrd.  Burial followed in the church cemetery. 

                Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com

                Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin served the Tulbert family. 

 

 

 

Mrs. Virgie Pauline Hayes Marshall, age 86, died Saturday, July 12

Mrs. Virgie Pauline Hayes Marshall, age 86, of Wayne Marshall Road, passed away Saturday July 12, 2008 at her residence.  Mrs. Marshall was born in December 28, 1921 in Wilkes County to Tom and Docia Scott Hayes. 

                Mrs. Marshall was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.  In addition to her parents she was preceded by her husband, John Marshall, three grandchildren, Jennifer Williams, Katherine Nance, Debbie Young, Five brothers, Walter Hayes, Fred Hayes, Willie Hayes, Robert Hayes, Richel Hayes. 

                Survivors include; three sons, Wayne Marshall and his wife, Jessie, Warren Marshall, Wade Marshall; two Daughters, Jeanettie Layell and Janice Marshall; two Brothers, Harvey Hayes, Denver Hayes and wife Martha; one sister, Bonnie Wood and husband Henry all of Elkin; three grandchildren, Micheal Marshall, Jonathan Marshall, Phyllis Darnell; five great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. 

                Funeral services were held Monday July 14, 2008 at Mulberry Primitive Baptist Church by Rev. Odell Sisk and Rev. Michael Darnell.  Burial followed in the Church cemetery. 

                Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com

                Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin served the Marshall family. 

 

 

Mrs. Pauline Frances Wyatt Shew, age 76, died Saturday, July 12

Mrs. Pauline Frances Wyatt Shew, age 76, of Finley Avenue, North Wilkesboro died Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Shew was born August 23, 1931 in Wilkes County to Oscar and Clara Taylor Wyatt.  She retired from the Neonatal ICU at City Hospital in Baltimore, MD and also from Belk's in Wilkesboro.

A daughter, Deborah Butz and a brother, Howard Wyatt preceded her in death.

She is survived by: her husband of 58 years, Lee Shew, Jr. of the home; one son, James Shew and wife, Diana of McDonough, GA; three daughters, Wanda MacLeod and husband, Bill of North Wilkesboro, Patricia Amig and husband, Bryan of Baltimore, MD, Linda Schreiber and husband, Philip of Hampshire, England; three sisters, Ruby Johnson of Yadkinville, Mary Gaines of Lewisville, Carol Burt of Sparta; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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

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

 

 

 

Mr. Robert Ervin Tharpe, age 81, of Tharpes Mill Road, died Sunday July 13

Mr. Robert Ervin Tharpe, age 81, of Tharpes Mill Road, passed away Sunday July 13, 2008 at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center.  Mr. Tharpe was born March 1, 1927 in Wilkes County to John Koontz and Pansy May Byrd Tharpe. 

                Mr. Tharpe retired from R.J. Reynolds and was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Marsha Louise Tharpe and three sisters, Mary Jane Cousins, Nell Flynn, Maxine Bradley. 

 Survivors include; his wife, Doris McCann Tharpe of the home; two sons, Dolan Queen of North Wilkesboro and Brian Keith Tharpe of Ronda.  A daughter, Beth Noah of Dobson.  Two brothers, J.K. Tharpe and Ralph Tharpe both of Ronda.  One sister, Phyllis Cheek of Ronda.  Eight Grandchildren. 

                Funeral Services were held Tuesday July 15, 2008 at Hodges Funeral Home Chapel by Dr. Gary Byrd.  Burial followed at Pleasant Home Baptist Church Cemetery. 

                Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Pleasant Home Baptist Church Cemetery Fund. 

                Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com

                Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin served the Tharpe family. 

 

 

Mr. Reece Arlie Pardue, age 73, died Wednesday, July 9

Mr. Reece Arlie Pardue, age 73, of Cloverdale Lane, Wilkesboro died Wednesday, July 9, 2008.

                Funeral services were held Friday, July 11, at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Dr. Jerry White and the Rev. Shannon Critcher officiating.  Entombment was in Scenic Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Mr. Pardue was born in Wilkes County, March 26, 1935, to Wilson Woodrow and

Eva Key Pardue.  He was a member of Millers Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Pardue was preceded in death by two brothers, his twin, Wayne Pardue and Donny Pardue.

Mr. Pardue is survived by his wife of 52 years, Naydell Sebastian Pardue of the home; one daughter, Lynn P. Fronk and husband, Patrick of Albuquerque, NM; one son, Dennis James Pardue of Winston-Salem; two sisters, Mary Zell Blackburn and husband, Buford and Shelby Sloop and husband, Gilbert all of North Wilkesboro; four grandchildren; one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Respite Care of Wilkes, PO Box

2695, North Wilkesboro, NC  28659.

Online  condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

 

 

Mr. Thomas Lee "Tommy" Caudill, Sr., age 85, died Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Mr. Thomas Lee "Tommy" Caudill, Sr., age 85, of  North Wilkesboro died Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at Avante Nursing Home.

A graveside service was held Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Mountlawn Memorial Park with Dr. N. Nelson Granade, Jr. officiating.

Mr. Caudill was born July 10, 1922 in Wilkes County to James Sanford and Ollie Lee Brown Caudill.  He served in the United States Army  as a Platoon Sergeant during World War II in the Pacific.  Mr. Caudill retired in 1984 from Stanco, Inc.  He was a life long member of the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, where he worked as a Sunday School Secretary for more than 40 years and served as a Deacon. 

He is survived by: his wife, Yolande Desmond Kerbaugh Caudill of the home; one daughter, Sharon Caudill Adams and husband, Jack of Clemmons; two sons, Thomas Lee Caudill, Jr. and wife, Vickie, James Sanford "Jim" Caudill and wife, JoAnn  all of  Wilkesboro; five grandchildren, Michael Brent Caudill, Brian Trent Caudill, Andrea Adams Turner, Geoffrey Thomas Adams, Sara Ann Caudill; five great-grandchildren, Matthew Brent Caudill, Brandon Alexander Caudill, Brennen Trent Caudill, Lilly Kate Turner and Savannah Claire Turner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, P O Box 458, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

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

 

 

Mr. Rufus Plato Spears, age 81, died Thursday, July 10

Mr. Rufus Plato Spears, age 81, of Casey Branch Road, Purlear died Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Margate Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held Sunday, July 13, 2008 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with the Rev. Randell Greene and the Rev. Gary Watson officiating.  Burial was in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens in Boone.

Mr. Spears was born June 5, 1927 in Wilkes County to Rome and Ethel Bumgarner Spears.  He retired from American Drew Furniture.

A sister, Louise Caldwell and a brother, Ray Spears preceded him in death.

He is survived by: his wife, Evalee Belvia Watson Spears of the home; two daughters, Marie Baldree and husband, Mike of Grifton, Darlene Griffith and husband, Gary of Ferguson; five sons, Garland Spears of Washington State, Charles Spears and wife, Sharon of Purlear, Joe Spears of Hays, Samuel Spears and wife, Tina of North Wilkesboro, Jimmy Spears and wife, Mary of North Wilkesboro; two sisters, Verlee Harrold of Hays, Mildred Griffin of North Wilkesboro; one brother, Carl Spears of North Wilkesboro; 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

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

 

 

Mrs. Vernell Lucendy Combs Dowell, age 82, died Tuesday, July 8

Mrs. Vernell Lucendy Combs Dowell, age 82, of Ray Dowell Road, Roaring River, widow of Ray Millard Dowell died Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
              Funeral services were held Thursday, July 10 at Rachel Baptist Church with Dr. Leon Mikles, the Rev. Earl Dowell, the Rev. Donnie Shumate, the Rev. Jason Dowell, and the Rev. Lester Carson officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Dowell was born in Yadkin County, November 17, 1925, to James Franklin and Joyce Owens Combs. She was a member of Rachel Baptist Church where she had perfect attendance for 34 years. Mrs. Dowell had been a poultry grower since 1960.
               In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Dowell was preceded in death by a grand daughter, Judy Swaim Cothren.
               Mrs. Dowell is survived by one daughter, Joy Swaim and husband, James "Pete" of Roaring River; two sons, Gary Ray Dowell and wife, "Melba" and Perry Lyn Dowell and wife, "Edna" all of Roaring River; five grandchildren, James Calvin Swaim, Jr., Tracy Ray Dowell, Jason Dowell, Clint Dowell, and Tony Lyn Dowell; nine great grandchildren, Nicole Cothren, Jessica Whitley, Houston Reynolds, Weston Swaim, Elijah Ray Dowell, Mordecai Christopher Dowell, Josiah Wise Dowell, Gavin Blake Dowell, Hayden Rae Dowell.
                Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Rachel Baptist Church, 6388 White Plains Road, Roaring River, NC 28669.