Sandra McClure Head

Sandra McClure Head, age 68, of Murphy, formerly of Hayesville, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019 in an Asheville hospital. She was a native of Clay County, where she had lived most of her life. Sandra had worked at an administrative assistant for Clay County Department of Social Services for 30 years until her retirement. She was a member of Chatuge Assembly of God. Sandra will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was the daughter of the late Norman “Jay Red” and Virginia Swanson McClure.

Surviving are her husband of 18 years, Danny Head of Murphy; two daughters, Amanda Edwards of Buford, Georgia and Heather Henderson of Charlotte, North Carolina; a son, James Head and wife, Gail of Murphy; two sisters, Susie Rogers and husband, Matt of Hayesville and Sarah Brown and husband, Jim of Salisbury, North Carolina; three brothers, Herbert McClure and wife, Pam of Zebulon, North Carolina, Michael McClure and Dwight McClure and wife, Teresa, all of Hayesville; five grandchildren, Andrew, Chase, and Madelyn Edwards, Alex and Raveyn Head; and a great grandchild, Angel. She is also survived by four nieces and four nephews.

A memorial service was held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019 at Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Aud Brown officiating.

The family received friends from 5:00-5:50 p.m. Monday at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Sandra McClure Head to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Clarence Woody

Clarence Woody, age 85, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019 at a Hayesville care facility. He was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Clarence had served in the United States Army before returning to the family farm in 1957. There he worked with his father for the remainder of his life where he became a successful poultry farmer. Clarence had also worked for the United States Postal Service for 22 years as a rural mail carrier retiring in 1995. Clarence was of the Baptist faith and had been a past member of Clay Lodge #301. Clarence was an avid fisherman and enjoyed watching and bragging on his children and grandchildren in all of their activities and accomplishments.

He was the son of the late Claude Forrest and Mattie Ledford Woody. He was also preceded in death by a son, Dennis Ray “Denny” Woody; an infant granddaughter, Mattie Jo Woody; four sisters, Madge Woody, Doris Lewis, Dorothy Curtis, and Clyde Rogers; and a brother, Carl Woody.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Joann Hogsed Woody of Hayesville; three daughters, Debbie Patterson and husband, Wade of Roswell, Georgia, Clara Reffit and husband, Gary of Hayesville, and Vickie Benson and husband, Wade of Hayesville; a sister, Audrey Cole and husband, Walt of Hayesville; 15 grandchildren, Clint, Reid, Clay, Stacy, Chad, Joseph, and Megan Woody; Kim Bedgood and Kevin Patterson; Joni Clement, Taylor Baker, and Hope and Robin Reffit; and Tyler and Rachel Benson; and 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and beloved granddaughters and grandsons-in-law.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Jackie Sellers officiating. The interment was in Eagle Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons and honorary pallbearers were granddaughters.

The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Clarence Woody to the Eagle Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, c/o Debra Burch, 198 Burnt Schoolhouse Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements

Linda Lee Schneidewind

Linda Lee Schneidewind, 67, of Andrews passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019 in a Murphy hospital. She was a native of Trego County, Kansas and lived in Newport News, Virginia before moving to Cherokee County in 1989. For several years, Linda worked in retail sales. She was of the Christian faith. Linda had a big loving and giving heart and always helped others in need. Linda was like a mother to many people.

She was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna McAtee Siek.

Surviving are a daughter, Katrina DeHart and husband, Jackie of Andrews; a son, Charles Schneidewind and wife, Misti of Niceville, Florida; and six grandchildren, Logan Bear, Kenneth, Dylan, and Jada DeHart, and Elijah and Hannah Schneidewind.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Linda Lee Schneidewind to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

Lois C. White

Lois C. White, 75, of Hayesville passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Lois was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Lois put her friends and family before herself throughout her entire life. She enjoyed working in her flowers and garden, and also bird watching. She was of the Baptist faith.

She was the daughter of the late March Monroe and Etna Edith Earley Coker and the wife of the late J.C. White, who died September 19, 1996. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Hope Reynolds.

Surviving are a daughter, Holly Lundquist of Hayesville; a sister, Laura Brown of Warne; two brothers, Archie Coker and Vic Coker, both of Warne; two grandchildren, Kenneth Mason of Atlanta and Cory Edwards of Hayesville; and six great-granddaughters.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Lois C. White to Holly Lundquist, PO Box 885, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Mike Ables

Mike Ables, 69, of Hayesville went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, March 7, 2019. He was a native of Apopka, Florida, where he lived most of his life and was a graduate of Apopka Memorial High School Class of “67”. Mike began his career as a volunteer firefighter before becoming a professional firefighter. Mike retired in 1983 following 18 years on the job. Mike and his wife later owned and operated their own retail florist for 20 years. He moved to Hayesville in 2007, where he was a faithful member of Moss Memorial Baptist Church and worked in Vacation Bible School. He was a sports fan and loved watching his granddaughter play lacrosse the most. Mike enjoyed Civil War Reenactments and gospel music. Mike never met a stranger and was known as the local weatherman and walking encyclopedia and “a wealth of useless information”.

Mike loved the Lord and his prayer and hope were that family, friends, and all would come to the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

He was the son of the late James Preston and Frances Wylie Ables. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Ables.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Mary Tryon Ables; a daughter, Mendy Ables Hendren of Longwood, Florida; a son, Matthew Nelson Stephens and wife, Carly of Apopka, Florida; five grandchildren, Madison Jane Hendren, Skyla Rose Griswold, Blane Joseph Stephens, Faith Mary Stephens, and Trinity Mae Stephens; a special sister-in-law, Barbara Jean Caruthers of Hiawassee, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019 in the Moss Memorial Baptist Church with the Revs. Charles Shelton, Johnny Foster, Derek Tilley, and Eddie Duckworth officiating. The interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Preston Woody, Mike Dalton, Carl Maxwell, Paul Rohs, Billy Swofford, and Joe Jack Sellers.

The family received friends from 1-2:45 Sunday afternoon, March 17 at the Moss Memorial Baptist Church prior to the services.

Memorials can be made to Moss Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 1198, Hayesville, NC 28904 to help with funeral expenses.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Terry Samuel Silvers

Terry Samuel Silvers, age 52, of Hiawassee, Georgia, died Saturday, February 23, 2019. He was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Terry was a carpenter. He loved football, racing, and his family.

He was the son of R.J. Silvers of Hiawassee, Georgia and the late Sally Louetta Moss. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Lynn Silvers.

Surviving, in addition to his father, are three daughters, Terra Silvers of Hayesville, Alisha Silvers of Virginia, and Autumn Silvers of Ball Ground, Georgia; two sons, C.J. Silvers of Hiawassee and Tyler Arrendale of Charleston, South Carolina; three sisters, Linda Jean Setser of Jasper, Georgia, Debra Davis of Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Nancy Ledford of Hiawassee; three brothers, Larry Silvers of Hayesville, and Travis Silvers and Denny Mark Silvers, both of Hiawassee; and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in the Hayesville Church of Christ with the Rev. Robert Seibert officiating. The interment will be in Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon, Kenny, and A.J. Silvers, Dustin Ledford, Chris and Mitchell Davis, and Brad Chastain.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 Wednesday afternoon at the Hayesville Church of Christ prior to the services.

Bessie Smith Carter

Bessie Smith Carter, 100, of Murphy passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Tate, Georgia, but lived in Murphy most of her life, since 1937. Bessie was a dedicated member of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as past church secretary, Sunday School teacher, Missionary Circle treasurer, and secretary of the Sunday School Association. Bessie loved everyone and enjoyed cooking and feeding her friends and family.

She was the daughter of the late Tom Henry and Arena Roach Smith and wife of the late Nathaniel Robert “Shike” Carter, who died July 17, 1997. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julia Buchanan; and a son, Wilburn M. “W.M.” Smith. She was the last surviving of her 13 siblings.

Surviving are a son, Harry Pickens of Murphy; a special niece and nephew, whom she helped raise, Vivian Pickens and Richard Pickens, both of Murphy; ten grandchildren, Mary Allen, Ann Smith, Lena Smith, Frances Green, Wilburn Smith Jr., Mark Pickens, Kendra Pickens, Kendall Pickens, Gerald Buchanan, and John Buchanan; 29 great-grandchildren, 32 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Revs. John P. Webb and Louis Grant officiating. The interment was in the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Eddie Blount, Dwight Bennett, Tyrea and Kevon Allen, and Benny and Jake Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Andre and Joseph Smith.

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

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Salvatore Joseph “Sal” DeVito

Salvatore Joseph “Sal” DeVito, 72, of Murphy passed away Monday, February 25, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Brooklyn, New York, but lived in Lake Worth, Florida before moving to Murphy in 1992. Sal had been a plumber for more than 50 years. Sal played softball for a local league for more than 20 years.

He was the son of the late Salvatore Joseph DeVito Sr. and Rose M. Tristaino DeVito. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Rocco Varvaro.

Surviving are his wife, Lois Faulkner DeVito; two sons, Salvatore Joseph DeVito III of East Tawas, Michigan and Anthony Augustus DeVito of Winter Haven, Florida; a brother, Michael Varvaro of Brooksville, Florida; and six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Vista Realty, 75 Pine Lane, Murphy, North Carolina with Rev. Joy Stein officiating.

Jean Dickey White

Jean Dickey White, 93, of Murphy passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in a Clay County care facility. She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County. Jean was an assistant to the superintendent for Cherokee County Schools in her younger years. Jean was the sole surviving charter member of the Archibald D. Murphey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the Murphy Presbyterian Church. Jean enjoyed reading cookbooks and spending time with friends and family.

She was the daughter of the late W.S. and Kate Gentry Dickey and the wife of the late Robert Murray White, who died June 4, 1970. She was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary Catherine Dickey; and two brothers, Dr. Harry Dickey and Jack Dickey.

Surviving are a daughter, Sherry Crisp and husband, Robert of Hayesville; two step-grandsons, Josh Crisp and Jarrod Crisp, both of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Johnny Foster officiating. The interment was in Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jasen West, Steve, Jonathan, and Tony Dickey, Sam Davis, and Charlie Spence.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jean Dickey White to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906 or the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Richard Babcock Smith

Richard Babcock Smith, age 79, of Murphy passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019 in a Blairsville, Georgia hospital. He was a native of Providence, Rhode Island, but had lived most of his life in Neptune City, New Jersey before moving to Murphy in 2000. Richard was a veteran of the United States Navy. He had been a commercial truck driver for over 40 years, last driving for McDonald’s in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Richard was a member of St. William Catholic Church and the Marine Corps League, Cherokee County Detachment.

He was the son of the late Albert V. and Nancy E. Babcock Smith.

Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Michele Murphy Smith; a step daughter, Stephanie Mansfield Ambrosio and husband, Joe of Wall Township, New Jersey; a step son, Brian J. Mansfield and wife, Lisa of Neptune, New Jersey; and two step grandsons.

Funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, March, 1, 2019 in St. William Catholic Church with Father Alex Ayala and Deacon Carl Hubbell officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the columbarium.

The family will receive friends from 11:00-11:50 a.m. prior to the service and also following the service at the St. William Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Richard Babcock Smith to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 36148 or to Covenant House, Time Square Station, PO Box 731, New York, NY 10108-0900.

Martha Inez Swafford Davis

Martha Inez Swafford Davis, age 82, of Lula, Georgia, formerly of Marble, passed away Friday, March 1, 2019 at her residence. She was a resident of Cherokee County where she had lived most of her life before moving to Lula with her family. She was a member of Hyatt’s Creek Baptist Church. Inez enjoyed gardening and spending Saturdays with her husband yard selling.

She was the daughter of the late Harley Lyle and Debrada Lee Swafford and wife of the late Clint “Pap” Davis, who died July 4, 2008. She was also preceded in death by a son James Larry Davis, a grandson Christopher Heath Davis, and fifteen siblings.

Surviving are a daughter, Carolyn Passmore and husband, Junior of Lula, Georgia; two sons, Virgil Davis and wife, Susie of Charlotte, North Carolina and Marvin Davis of Marble; a brother, Junior Swafford and wife, Evelyn of Candler, North Carolina; nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with Rev. Ross Sparks officiating. The interment was in Briartown Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Josh Garrett, Josh Palmer, Jason O’Dell, Chase Davis, John Parker, and Jerome Walker. Honorary pallbearers were Matt Scott and Rocky Spagnuolo.

The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, March 4th at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.

Family requests memorials be made in memory of Martha Inez Swafford Davis to: Briartown Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Sidney May, 877 Briartown Church Road, Topton, NC 28781.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Lisa Dianne Maliska

Lisa Dianne Maliska, 38, of Gainesville, GA, formerly of Hayesville passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 at her residence. She was a native of Florida, was raised in Hayesville, where she was a 1998 graduate of Hayesville High School. Lisa had attended UNCW, where she was a heptathlete. She lived in Dajiangyan, China for seven years, where she taught at Guangya School. Lisa was currently teaching English to diverse ethnic groups at Brenau University. She pursued education all of her life, obtaining various degrees from several universities. Lisa was an encourager to all and an advisor to many. She chased her dreams and pursued her passions all over the world, and encouraged others to do the same, expressing her devotion to God in everything she did.

She was the daughter of Susan Maliska and the late Paul William Maliska.

In addition to the mother, she is survived by two sisters, Sarah Niccole Maliska Woodard and husband Carl of Bluffton, SC, and Lady-Guinevere Magers and husband, Brenton of Hayesville, NC; four brothers, Thomas Beery and wife, Katie of Orlando, FL; Paul William Maliska and wife, Andrea of Arvada, CO; Jared Clark Maliska and wife Candice of Asheville, NC; and Zachary Caleb Maliska of Boone, NC; and 10 nephews, and four nieces who adored her.

The family received friends from 6-8 Monday evening, February 25, 2019 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville.

A private family graveside was held at Meadow Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Thomas Beery, Paul, Jared, and Zachary Maliska.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lisa Dianne Maliska to the ON Language at Brenau University, 3rd Floor, Pearce Building, 500 Washington Street SE, CB 84, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, https://www.gofundme.com/yqdaq-english-language-learning?fbclid=IwAR1olVCPpHNOfIz2E3RRHrmeKAWaRsSg4TPCbZRewTMPKOxroOAmmaJzsWQ

Betty Kilpatrick Moore Mintz

Betty Kilpatrick Moore Mintz, 84, of Andrews passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at her residence. She was a native of Marble. She was a 1952 Valedictorian graduate of Andrews High School. She attended Western Carolina University and later received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Betty taught at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte for 30 years. She received the North Carolina High School Biology Teacher of the Year Award. She was also listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She was a member of the Andrews First Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed researching geneology, playing bridge, and reading in her free time.

She was the daughter of the late Frank Edgar and Beryl Alma Trull Kilpatrick. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Jerry Moore.

Surviving are her husband, William R. Mintz; two sons, Michael Moore and wife, Kathy of Takoma Park, Maryland, and Kelly Moore of Asheville, North Carolina; two step-daughters, Jane Mintz Sanders and husband, William, of Acworth, Georgia, and Julie Mintz Goins and husband, John, of Hendersonville, North Carolina; a step-son, Andrew Mintz of Andrews; a sister, Pat Swanger and husband, Carroll, of Waynesville, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Casey, Charlotte, and Natalie; three step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 in the Andrews First Baptist Church with Dr. Calvin Bobo officiating. The interment will be in Moss Cemetery in Marble. Pallbearers will be David Swanger, Mark and Steve Mintz, William Sanders, and John and Wilson Goins.

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday at the Andrews First Baptist Church prior to the services.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Marcia Campbell

Marcia Campbell, 72, of Murphy passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 at her residence. She was born in Saint Louis, Missouri and lived in Durango, Colorado most of her adult life where she worked as an executive assistant for Fort Lewis College. She later moved to Sarasota, Florida where she also worked as an executive assistant for Sarasota County. She moved to Murphy in 2010. Marcia was a Master Gardener.

She was the daughter of the late Francis Leroy and Olive Berniece Robinson Reeve. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Darrell Allison Reeve and Wesley F. Reeve.

Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Dee Campbell; a son, Mark D. Campbell and wife, Sharon of Sarasota, Florida; a step-daughter, Leigh Ellen Bane of Cortez, Colorado; two grandchildren, Megan Campbell and Emily Campbell; and two great grandchildren, Aubrey Schurr and Sydney Schurr.

No services are planned at this time.

Vernon Dean McLean

Vernon Dean McLean, 64, of Gibsonton, Florida and formerly of Andrews passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019 in a Hillsborough County, Florida hospital. He was a native of Andrews and was a former Andrews police officer. Vernon served in the Unites States Marine Corps. He was currently working at Advance Auto Parts in Florida. Vernon was of the Baptist faith.

He was the son of the late Robert W. and Thelma Gibby McLean. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Harold “Cotton”, and Robert McLean.

Surviving are two daughters, Heather O’Donovan and husband, Charles IV of Murphy and Lacey McLean of Robbinsville; a sister, Margaret Tatham and husband, Gary of Andrews; a brother, Carroll McLean and wife, Judy of Andrews; two grandchildren, Charles O’Donovan V and Benjamin O’Donovan; and several nieces and nephews.

The interment will be in Valleytown Cemetery with the Rev. Eddie Hardin officiating.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

Jean Gray

Jean Gray, 84, of Hayesville passed away Monday, February 25, 2019 in a Gainesville, Georgia hospital. Jean was a native of Atlanta, Georgia and lived in Palm Harbor, Florida before moving to Hayesville in January 2000. She was a secretary at Curlew Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida for ten years, retiring in 1996. Jean was very active in Granny’s Attic Thrift Store and was a member of the Truett Memorial First Baptist Church.

She was the daughter of the late George Ivey and Emma Ruth Miles Callaway. She was also preceded in death by a son, Christopher Gerald Cook.

Surviving are her husband, Samuel Dent Gray; a daughter, Sally Ann DiMiceli and husband, Greg of Pueblo, Colorado; a son, Jeffrey Allan Cook and wife, Kathy of Hayesville; a sister, Betty Webb of Roswell, Georgia; and six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 in the Truett Memorial First Baptist Church with the Revs. Johnny Foster and Troy Long officiating. The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Ben Smith, Tommy Evans, Donald Reott, Steven Cook, Greg DiMiceli, John McLaughlin, and Bill Webb.

The family received friends from 12-1:45 Friday afternoon at the Truett Memorial First Baptist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Barbara Jean Gray to the Truett Children’s Home, 75 West Vineyard Lane, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.