Richard Evans Bristol, 88, of Hayesville went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 8, 2019 in the comfort of his home.

Richard was a Clay County native who lived on and worked the same land he was born on. An 8th generation farmer, Richard his wife, Joann, continued on a legacy that dates back 162 years. Farm life was not always easy, but Richard was a hard worker as was evident from his massive, muscular hands cultivated from a long life of toil. Many will remember a friendly, firm handshake from those crushing hands, as well as the jovial laugh he had when talking about days gone by. He was never too tired to lend a helping hand or give some farming wisdom to a friend. He could often be seen tinkering on a tractor or maintaining some machinery for the upkeep of his farm.

In 1985, Richard was proud to be recognized as the first Century Farm in Clay County and in 1987, he was given the distinction of Clay County Farm Family of the Year. Richard had his hand in a variety of farming endeavors, but found his greatest success raising Burley tobacco and trellis tomatoes. He served on the Clay County ASCS Committee, as well as the Clay Soil and Water Conservation Committee. Richard was also a member of the Clay County Masonic Lodge No. 301 and a 49-year long member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masons. Both he and Joann attend First Free Will Baptist Church.

Richard was the son of the late Samuel Johnson and Nina Evans Bristol. He was also preceded in death by seven brothers, John, George, William, Sam J., Gene, Edgar, and Wallace Bristol.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joann Ledford Bristol; a daughter, Debra Bristol Puckett and husband, Robert of Hayesville; one granddaughter, Julie Woody Joyce Overlin and husband, Stacey; two great-granddaughters, Abby and Marlo Joyce, all of Hayesville.

Funeral services were held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in the First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Rumfelt officiating. The interment was at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019 in the Hayesville Baptist-Presbyterian Cemetery. Pallbearers were Terry Woody, Emmett Arrowood, Chad Sisum, Dewayne Maney, and Ricky and Daniel Anderson.

The family received friends from 4-5:45 Wednesday afternoon at the First Free Will Baptist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Richard Evans Bristol to the Hayesville Baptist-Presbyterian Cemetery at United Community Bank.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Richard Evans Bristol, please visit Tribute Store.

Roger B. Edkin, 90, of Hayesville passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 in a Clay County care facility. Roger was a native of Madison County, New York and he had served in the United States Air Force. Roger worked in the funeral business for ten years and owned Whitford-Edkin Funeral Home in Oneida, New York. Roger graduated from the State University of New York at Morrisville. He later became a manager for Kraft Foods while living in Lakeland, Florida. He retired to Hayesville in 1980. Roger was active working in management with the American Red Cross and volunteered as scout master with the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed wildlife and the outdoors and was a member of the Whitetail Deer Association. He was an active member of Shooting Creek Fire Department and was an E.M.T. Roger was a member and past master of the Masonic Lodge in Oneida, NY and was a member of the Ledford’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

He was the son of the late Charles and Lydia Burton Edkin. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Otto Warren Edkin.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Marilyn Genge Edkin; four daughters, Elaine LaBarr of Lilburn, Georgia, Sheree Triplett and husband, George of Elgin, Oklahoma, Karen Edkin of Hayesville, and Diane Goss and husband, Jeff of Whitehall, Michigan; two sons, Roger Edkin Jr. and wife, Kathy of Bull Shoals, Arkansas and Eric Edkin and wife, Beth of Vidalia, Georgia; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Rev. Jackie Sellers officiating. The interment will be in Ledford’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Hayesville VFW Post 6812, Hayesville American Legion Post 532, and Murphy American Legion Post 96.

The family will receive friends from 12-1:45 Monday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Roger B. Edkin to the Shooting Creek Fire Department, PO Box 1334, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Roger B. Edkin, please visit Tribute Store.

Dorothy “Dot” Allison, 74, of Andrews was called home by the Lord on Thursday, December 12, 2019. She was a lifetime resident of Andrews. Dot worked for many years at United Community Bank until her retirement in 2015. She attended Andrews First Baptist Church. Dot was a very loving mother and grandmother.

She was the daughter of the late William and Leuna Grant Day. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, John Wright; her sisters, Darlene Day Hatchet and Gail Irene Day Bateman, and an infant sister, Margie Day.

Surviving are her husband of 52 years, Terry Allison; a daughter, Jennifer Stephens and husband, Josh of Robbinsville; a son, Dusty Allison and wife, Amy of Asheville; three grandchildren, Bridger Allison, Campbell Stephens, and Smith Stephens; several nieces and a nephew; and several special friends.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2019 in the Andrews First Baptist Church with Dr. Calvin Bobo and Rev. Marlon Blaylock officiating. A private inurnment will take place in Valleytown Cemetery.

A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Dorothy “Dot” Allison, please visit Tribute Store.

Jack L. Shingler, 72, of Murphy, passed away, Friday, December 13, 2019 at his residence.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Ivie Funeral Home.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Jack L. Shingler, please visit Tribute Store.

Eva Jean Brannon Murphy, 88, of Murphy, passed away Friday, December 13, 2019 in a Murphy care center. She was a native of Cherokee County, but had lived in Ellenwood, Georgia before moving back to Murphy in 1986. Eva was a homemaker and a faithful member of the Unaka Baptist Church where she had sung in the choir. Eva loved her church family. She enjoyed gathering her family on Sundays’ for homecooked meals and she enjoyed crafting dolls.

She was the daughter of the late Robert P. and Mollie Whitener Brannon and the wife of the late Norvell J. Murphy, who died January 19, 2015. Eva was also preceded in death by two sons, Randy and Larry Murphy; three sisters and three brothers.

Surviving are a daughter, Brenda Kay York and husband, Gary of Murphy; five sons, Jack Murphy and wife, Gail of Conyers, Georgia, Robert Murphy of Cartersville, Georgia, Ricky Murphy and wife, Debbie of Jasper, Georgia, Ray Murphy and wife, Stacey of Conyers, Georgia, and Glen Murphy of Covington, Georgia, and Murphy; a brother, R.L. Brannon of Albany, Georgia; 19 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 7:00 pm Monday, December 16, 2019 in the chapel of the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Randall Brown officiating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:45 Monday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial be made in memory of Eva Jean Brannon Murphy to the Unaka Cemetery Fund, c/o Glenn Crowe, 11931 Beaver Dam Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Eva Jean Murphy, please visit Tribute Store.

Fay Coker, 88, of Warne passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 in a Murphy care facility.

She was the daughter of the late Ira and Allene McClure Hogsed.

Surviving are three sisters, Reba Hubbard of Blairsville, Georgia, Barbara Cooper of Mt. Holly, North Carolina, and Sharon Wallin of Elkhart, Indiana; a brother, Mike Hogsed of Marble; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Dennis Miles officiating. Pallbearers will be Timothy and Chris Hogsed, Jonathan Weaver, Jon and Evan Leinbach, and Rex Ledford.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Fay Coker, please visit Tribute Store.

Wayne Wazny, 76, of Murphy passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in a Buncombe County, North Carolina V.A. hospital. He was a native of Cicero, Illinois. Wayne served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1967. He worked at Chicago Manufacturing Company, retiring as Chief Financial Officer. Wayne moved to Cherokee County in 2004 after living in Winder, Georgia and Bogart, Georgia. Wayne was of the Catholic faith.

He was the son of the late John and Mary Mutino Wazny and the husband of the late Cheryl Faye Dean Wazny, who died August 13, 2013.

Surviving are his brother, Raymond John Wazny and wife, Patricia of Downers Grove, Illinois; a close brother-in-law and friends, Cliff Roberts and wife, Kaye of Hoschton, Georgia; two nieces, Michelle Arnold and Marjorie Schubert, as well as several other nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Mr. Carl Hubbell officiating and military honors conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Wayne Wazny to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Wayne Wazny, please visit Tribute Store.

Brenda Louise Jacobs Conley was born on a Saturday, April 5th, 1947. She was born at home in a little house that sat on top of the Nantahala Dam. She was the first born child to Ruby Morgan Jacobs and Charles Austin Jacobs, and both preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by a precious nephew, Ryan Harper. Brenda left peacefully on December 1, 2019 surrounded by family. She is now gone from our sight, shucking her fragile earthly body to join her parents Ruby and Austin in Heaven.

She had six brothers and sisters and she is survived by all six; sister Judy Harper, brother James (Jim) Jacobs and wife Rhonda; brother Howell Jacobs and wife Vivian; Brother Tim Jacobs and wife Michelle; sister Debbie Bryson and husband Mike; and sister Lisa Jacobs. As the oldest child, she held the responsibility of often being the caretaker for her siblings whom all she dearly loved. At age 17 she married Austin Conley of Andrews who also survives his beloved wife. At 23 she began motherhood and became the mother to their three daughters: Jeana Conley, married to Randy Bryant of Andrews; April Tallant and husband Mack Tallant of Robbinsville; and Susann McWhorter of Caledonia Mississippi. She was the proud Nana of three precious grandsons; Alex Hardin of Atlanta, GA, Chase Hardin of Charlotte, and Jackson Tallant of Robbinsville. Brenda was a dedicated wife, mother and first and foremost, she treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nana. She is also survived many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors who were frequent visitors to her during her extended illness. Her sister-in-law Vivian, already a precious friend, gave selflessly to enable the family to keep her comfortable and allow her to live and spend her final years at home. Her three daughters are so grateful to have been able to spend and share such valuable time with their mother.

She spent 28 years dedicating her life to children, working as an assistant and eventually a Director of a SouthWestern Child Development Center both in Andrews and in Marble. In 28 years she shared her love with hundreds of children and help set them on the right path as they began school. Although one sentence or sentiment cannot possibly describe Brenda Conley, the primary memory most will have of her was her love of children and kindness to everyone.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with the Rev. Jim Postell and Howell Jacobs officiating. The interment was in Valleytown Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons Alex Hardin and Chase Hardin; brothers Howell Jacobs, Jim Jacobs, Tim Jacobs; son-in-law Mack Tallant; and nephews Justin Jacobs, Marty Jacobs, Arron Jacobs, Cameron Jacobs, Dusty Bryson, Corbin Bryson, and Cody Roberts. Grandson Jackson Tallant served as Honorary pallbearer.

The family received friends from 12-1:45 Wednesday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Brenda Louise Jacobs Conley, please visit Tribute Store.

Gerald Dwight Holland, 63, of Hayesville passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019 in a Towns County, Georgia hospital. He was a native of Gainesville, Georgia, where he lived most of his life. Gerald worked as a heavy equipment operator with his father’s construction business. Gerald moved to Clay County in 2015. He enjoyed watching Andy Griffith and Green Acres and teasing his friends. Gerald was of the Baptist faith.

He was the son of the late Elmer and Tommie Lord Holland. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Jackie Reynolds and Vicky Lawrence; and an infant brother.

Surviving are his fiancé, Dori Pilato; two daughters, Brandy and Bama Holland; a son, David Holland; seven grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to help with funeral expenses.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Gerald Dwight Holland, please visit Tribute Store.Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit Gerald Dwight Holland Tribute Fund.

Albert Harry Dockery, 85, of Murphy, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019 in a Hayesville care facility. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Ivie Funeral Home.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Albert Harry Dockery, please visit Tribute Store.

Annie Doloris Aiken Mann, age 81 of Murphy passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019.

Annie was born in Danielsville, Georgia to the late James and Amy Argo Mann.

Annie was predeceased by her husband, Donald Leslie Mann.

Annie is survived by her three sons, James, Charlie and Robbie Mann.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Maislee Passmore, age 82 of Topton, NC passed away Thursday, December 5, 2019.

Shirley was the daughter of the late Ruport McLean and Bernice Hyde McLean. She worked as a seamstress for Owenby’s Manufacturing. Shirley was a member of Red Marble Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son, Clifford Andrew Passmore and sisters, Kathy Denny and Revia Dockery.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Vernon Passmore; daughters, Olivia “Dinky” Rogers and Loretta Queen and husband, Billy; sisters, Alomia Mashburn and husband, Steve and Linda Thompson and husband, Emmitt; brothers, Gary and Larry McLain; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Bethel Hill Baptist Church in Topton. Rev. Darrell Dockery, Rev. Eugene Taylor and Rev. S.J. Waters will officiate. Pallbearers will be Curtis Moore, Tanner Moore, Tucker Dockery, Logan Wagoner, Kevin Freeman, Randy Freeman, Derrick Queen and David Moore. Burial will be in Bethel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Topton.

The family will receive friends from 6-9pm, Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Chapel of Andrews.

You may send tributes to the Passmore family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Gary Stephen Thurston, 77, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at his home in Hayesville, North Carolina. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to the late Elizabeth Forrest Roberts and Guy Frederick Morgenstern.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cecile Jehle Thurston; daughter, Heather Thurston Miller; several stepchildren and grandchildren; brother, Robert Thurston and sister, Barbara Martensen of Phoenix, Arizona.

Gary served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and has been active in the Shooting Creek Community for many years.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from noon to 2:00pm at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Hayesville, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Hayesville. Eulogy will be given by Sam Durrance. Full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, NC and the Marine Corp League Marble, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shooting Creek Volunteer Fire Department, 18 Eagle Fork Rd., Hayesville, NC 28904.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the Thurston family at www.townson-rose.com
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Mary Chastain Reece, age 79 of Pine Log, North Carolina passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 in the company of her daughters who adored her.

She was born in Hayesville, North Carolina to the late Gordon and Betty Chastain.  As an adult she lived in Tampa, Florida and Athens, Georgia before returning to North Carolina upon retirement.

Mary was an extraordinarily devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She was an accomplished seamstress, artist, gardener, cook and baker.   Professionally she served as an Executive Assistant for several architectural and accounting firms as well as an economics professor at the University of Georgia.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Melvin “Buck” Reece.  She is survived by her daughters Taunya Faulkner of Calhoun, Ga and Selena Kairys of Fredericksburg, VA; son-in-law Chuck Faulkner; grandchildren Matthew Kairys, Joseph Kairys, Mackenzie Kairys, Collin Faulkner and Dylan Faulkner; granddaughter-in-law Jennifer Kairys; and sister Virginia Hunt as well as numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 ? 2:00 pm, followed directly by a memorial service Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.

Her family asks you consider a donation to Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd (PO Box 162, Rome, GA 30163) in lieu of flowers.

Tashina Shaylee Welch Miller, age 23 of Robbinsville, NC passed away Thursday, November 28, 2019 at Duke University Hospital.

She was born in Buncombe County, NC to Freeman Welch of Coleman, FL and Lynn Welch and Benny Smith of Murphy, NC. Tashina was a homemaker.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Brian Miller; two sons, Brian Miller, Jr. and Landen Miller; two brothers, Dalton Welch and Ryan Garrett; three sisters, Sarah Welch, Justice Welch and Chantel Garrett; nieces, Iva Welch, Rory Wachacha, LaikLynn Palmer, Hadley Welch and Ollie Bradley; and one nephew, Dwayne Wachacha.

Funeral services will be held at 12 pm, Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Thomas Camacho and Pastor Bo Parris will officiate. Burial will be in the Little Snowbird Baptist Church Cemetery in Robbinsville. Pallbearers will be Freelin Welch, Reggie Welch, Dave Jumper, Corey Jumper, Jake Smith and Paul Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

You may send tributes to the Miller family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.