Geraldine Gibson Lominac, 83, of Murphy passed away Monday, July 22, 2019 at Stonehenge Assisted Living in Blairsville, Georgia. Geraldine was born April 21, 1936 to the late Newton Gibson and Edith Anderson Gibson, fondly referred to as one of the “Gibson Girls.”

She was the wife of the late Paul F. Lominac Jr., who passed away in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John and Herbert Gibson; sister, Christine Stovall; and sister-in-law, Marie Whitlow.

Geraldine was a 1954 graduate of Murphy High School and continued to have contact with several of her classmates who celebrated their 65^th anniversary this year.

She was a gifted seamstress, artist, gardener, and jeweler with a smile to light up the room having been blessed with charm and beauty, a former Burley Tobacco Queen. Her talents were shared with many friends and family.

A lifetime member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, she sang in the choir, was active in WMU, and served as president of the cemetery committee organizing yard sales and fund raisers. She was also a member of the Andrews Garden Club.

Her professional career included owning her own boutique in Copperhill, Tennessee Gerry’s Dress Shop and Andrews Jewelers, Andrews, North Carolina until her retirement in 1991.

Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Barry Watson of Murphy; a son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Shannon Curtis Lominac of Sylva, North Carolina; sisters, Kathleen McGuire of Blairsville, Georgia, Madelyn (Curtis) Chambers of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jane (Tom) Stiles of Hiwassee Dam, North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Helen Gibson, Nell Gibson, Mackie (Dale) Garland, and Irene (Jim) Carnes; grandchildren, Emily Watson, Matthew (Kayla) Watson, Lauren (Skyler) Hubbard, and Cody and Caleb Lominac; great-grandchildren, Laylan and William Watson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2019 in the Shady Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. Gerald Derreberry and Richard Mashburn officiating. The interment will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matthew Watson, Cody and Caleb Lominac, Skyler Hubbard, Vaughn Gibson, Kurt Stiles, and Jeff Chambers.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday evening, July 25, 2019 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy where the body will be until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Geraldine Gibson Lominac to Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Lois Menasian, 6 Deweese Street, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Diane Moylan Crawford, 80, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2019 in an Andrews care center. She was a native of Birmingham, Alabama and also lived in Cherokee County at several times in her life. Diane worked as a hotel manager and lived in several other states while working. She enjoyed reading, also drawing and was a talented artist. Diane loved her dogs and sitting outside enjoying the mountain views. She was of the Catholic faith.

She was the daughter of the late Milton C. and Ruth Gulledge Moylan.

Surviving are a daughter, Ruth Limon and husband, Larry of Murphy; a son, James Hallmark of Birmingham, Alabama; a sister, Catherine Ledbettter of Birmingham; three grandchildren, Charles Towles and wife, Alicia, James King and wife, Jessica, and Elizabeth King; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Diane Moylan Crawford to the Veteran Forces, PO Box 712, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Edsel “Ed” Alton Cass, age 78 of Hayesville, NC passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm, Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.

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

Jerry Ford Colbert, age 72 of Murphy, NC passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Vardy and Louise Gaston Colbert. Jerry was a US Army veteran during the Vietnam War. He attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Colbert; four daughters, Evelyn Carr and husband Ronnie, Jeryl Lynn Holbrook and husband Harold, Jr., Celnah Colbert and Michael D. Simpson and Dawn Colbert and Robert Earl McCullough III; two sisters, Hazel Bowman and Mary Hall; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. John Paul Webb, Rev. Lois Grant and Elder Thelena Turner will officiate. Music will be provided by Farrah Eller. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites being 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. Pallbearers will be Zeke Johnson and Kevin Nicely.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

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

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Jessie Brown, age 76 of Marble, NC passed away Sunday, July 21, 2019 at her residence surrounded by family and friends.

She was born in Towns County, GA to the late Ed Dills and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Garrett Dills Newton. Jessie fought a long battle but she always kept the faith no matter what problem or situation she was facing. She always had a smile on her face and was a blessing to all who knew her. Upon first meeting Jessie, her sweet loving spirit was obvious. When others were worried she would often say, “You have to keep looking up.” Jessie always put others before herself. She was a devoted wife, mother and nana to her grandchildren whom she loved so very much. Jessie retired from Levi Strauss. She was an active member of Tomotla Baptist Church. The church was a big part of her life.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her step-dad, Johnny Newton; one son, Ronny Brown; two brothers, Gerald and E.J.; four sisters, Geneva, Jeanette, Eva and Ruby; and one granddaughter, Leah Brown.

She is survived by her husband, Allen Brown; one son, Randy Brown and wife Jimmie who was more like a daughter; one daughter, Karen Hogsed; one brother, Lamar Newton and wife Susie; and grandchildren, Colby, Jacob, Katie, Isaac and Jessie.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Tomotla Baptist Church. Pastor Harold Stiles will officiate. Burial will be in the Tomotla Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Colby, Jacob, Isaac and Robert Brown, Billy Ray Palmer, Phil Craig and Mike Welch. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Brown, Lloyd Clark and Dan Brown.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Tomotla Baptist Church.

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

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Jean Dell Dotson, age 89 of Woodstock, GA and formerly of Murphy, NC passed away Sunday, July 21, 2019 at the Powder Springs Nursing and Rehab in Powder Springs, GA.

She was born in Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late James and Willie Haygood Cook. Jean was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Her profession was a real estate agent.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Walter Dotson; and brothers and sisters, Alden, Robert, Charles and James Cook and Geneva Mills and Anita Pontwood.

She is survived by one son, Stephen Dotson and wife Sara of Woodstock, GA; one daughter, Karen D. Doerrer and husband Greg of Ackron, OH; six grandchildren, Jennifer Goodman (Keith), Heather Hufstetler (Neil), Ashley Baggett, Jarad Doerrer (Jennifer), Jonathan Doerrer (Jennifer) and James Doerrer and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Macedonia Baptist Church. Charles Cook will conduct the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

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

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Gary Douglas Jenkins, age 68 of Simpsonville, SC passed away Thursday, July 18, 2019.

He was born in Polk County, TN and the son of the late Winford and Lorraine Clore Jenkins. Gary was a contractor and an auto mechanic.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Jenkins; children, Christy Jenkins, Jenny Jenkins and Aaron and Jackie Patterson.

Funeral Services will be held at 4 pm, Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the Harris Chapel Church of God. Rev. Jim Hall will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rick Gingrass, Dewayne Darty, Tommy Schaffer, Ray Outzs and Nick Collins.

The family will receive friends from 3-4 pm, Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the Harris Chapel Church of God.

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

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Bonnie Lou Luther 92, of Andrews passed away on July 18th at her residence surrounded by her loving family after several years of declining health.

Bonnie was born December 11th 1926 in the Fires Creek Community of Clay County the daughter of the late William Taylor and Edna Mae Roach Brendle. She was the second of four siblings. In 1946 she married Giles Luther of Andrews and had made her home there ever since. Over the years she held various employments at places such as Berkshire Knitting Mills and Jack’s Five and Dime, and most notably helping to keep the family farm running by always keeping the work hands well fed. Her greatest success however came at raising and caring for her family. Bonnie was a gifted painter, quilt maker, basket weaver, gardener and very talented cook. She was a long time member of the Valley River Baptist Church and was a strong and devout Christian devoted to her Bible until the ravages of Alzheimer’s took that joy from her.

In addition the her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her loving husband Giles Vinson Luther and sons Corbert Cecil Luther and Hardy Cline Luther, a granddaughter, Sonia Lynn Gregory, her brother Fred Edward Brendle, and sisters Flora Elender Ledford, and Nettie Lee Stalcup.

Bonnie is survived by a daughter, Deborah Young and husband James, and daughters-in-law Shelia Luther and Marilyn Luther all of Andrews; a granddaughter Tonia Lands and husband Tommy of Hayesville; a grandson David Williams and wife Tina of Andrews; a grandson in-law Jeff Gregory of Andrews; a step granddaughter Kimberly Young of Corolla and step grandson Edward Young of Clayton, GA; three great granddaughters, Heather Rogers and husband Dylan of Hayesville, Hannah Bowers and husband Drew of Bryson City and Lauren Lands of Hayesville; a step great granddaughter Blake Hamilton and family of Robbinsville; two great grandsons, G. Lukus “Luke” and Zachariah “Zack” Williams of Andrews; great great grandchildren Mason and brother Luke Bowers and Kynlee Rogers as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 21 from 2 pm until 3 pm at the Valley River Baptist Church with a funeral service commencing immediately following visitation The Reverend Roy Phillips will officiate. Interment to take place following the service in the Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery with Brian Darcy, Jeff Gregory, Tommy Lands, Cecil Warren, David and Luke Williams serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages you to make a donation in her memory to Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 1189, Andrews, NC 28901.

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

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Stella Mae Burgess Stiles of Peachtree passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was the daughter of the late Winslow and Dovie Burgess and a native of Cherokee County. Stella is preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Charles Arvil Stiles who passed away on May 5, 2007; brothers, Weldon Burgess and Arnold Burgess; and sister, Ruth Burgess Lankford.

Stella worked hard starting as a young child and instilled hard work to all of her family as a necessity to life. She worked at Peachtree Products where she retired only to continue hard work homemaking and always making sure the family was loved, taken care of and most importantly fed. Stella was an avid member of South End Baptist Church until she was unable to go. She loved attending church, singing in the choir with her buddy Trevor Grant and preparing meals for homecoming dinner with an all-time favorite banana pudding.

After a long life of hard work and dedication she leaves behind two sons, Pastor Harold C. Stiles and wife Brenda of Marble and Jearold Stiles and wife Sally of Murphy; two daughters, Carol Hale and husband William of Chapel Hill, TN and Brenda Mathis and husband Richard of Peachtree; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren which she loved each and every one of them the same. Also surviving three sisters and one brother.

For the past year Stella was taken care at home by her family with special care from Linda Gentles, Kathy Leitner and Sheila Jones. The family cannot express how thankful they are to these special people and her granddaughter Tammy Powell and staff of Personal Touch Assisted Living. Stella leaves behind a lifelong legacy and will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved her.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. RL Martin and Rev. Ronald Patterson will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Arron, Adam, Jimmy Joe, Kevin, Mason and John. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe, Brian, Jeremy, Brian, James, David, Stevie and Paul.

The family will receive friends from 7-9 pm, Monday, July 22, 2019 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Clara “Cissy” Williams, 75, of Hayesville passed away Monday, July 8, 2019 in a Clay County care facility. She was born in Alexandria, Indiana and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Cissy later met her future husband in Indianapolis, whom she was happily married to for 53 years. She worked throughout her life as a jewelry and costume designer. She worked locally with the Licklog Players and the Peacock Playhouse. She was a mother and caregiver to her two sons and many other family members. Cissy moved to Clay County in 1992.

She was the daughter of the late Relfe and Clara Haney Woodruff and the wife of the late Rea Colfax Williams Jr., who died November 5, 2016. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Christopher and Gregory Williams; and two brothers, J.B. and Garland Woodruff.

Surviving are a son, Geoffrey Williams of Hayesville; a sister, Sandra Moore of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and a few nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Gene Ponkauskas, 79, of Hayesville passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Joliet, Illinois. Gene served in the United States Air Force. He met his wife, Myrna, in California in 1972 and married December 31, 1975. He enjoyed playing golf and kept busy with woodworking and many projects around the house. Gene enjoyed rescuing Dobermans and giving them a good life.

He was the son of the late Joseph and Lucille Schwab Ponkauskas. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Mike Ponkauskas.

Surviving are his loving wife of almost 45 years, Myrna; two daughters, Melissa Ruille and husband, Joseph of Hemet, California and Cindy Martinez of Corona, California; six sisters, Rosemary, Genny, Beverly, Stella, Pamela, and Joanne; a brother, Richard; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Gene Ponkauskas to any local animal rescue organization.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Ralph Jackson “Jack” Wood Jr., 67, of Marble passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at his residence. He was a native of Nantahala, where he had lived most of his life. Jack worked in tunnel construction for W.L. Hailey & Company. He later went on to become a machinist with OMC.

He was the son of the late Ralph Jackson Sr. and Evelyn Morgan Wood and the husband of the late Mary Plumer Wood. He was also preceded in death by a son, Daniel Jeremy Wood, who died March 10, 2006.

Surviving are a son, Jason K. Wood and wife, Christy of Nantahala; and a brother, Bart Wood and wife, Lora of Nantahala.

No services are planned at this time.

An inurnment will take place at Aquone Community Cemetery at a later date.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Addison Matthew Wareham, 92, of Placida, Florida passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Venice Regional Bayfront Health.

He was born on March 2, 1927 in Lake Linden, Michigan.

Mr. Wareham served in the US Navy during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion.

He was known as “Mr. Fix-It” and could design anything as well, including a two-story home in the mountains of North Carolina. He had a special ability to make people laugh. Singing in the Church Choir and in a mixed chorus known as ENCORE were favorite activities.

He was ultra conservative, yet he contributed anonymously to many philanthropic causes.

He was the son of the late Raymond and Esther Wareham. He was also preceded in death by a son, Greg.

He is survived by his partner of 9+ years, Virginia “Toni” D. Samsel; his daughter, Marcia Stockard; and three grandchildren.

Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 in the Rowland Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Marble.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made in his memory to the Salvation Army, PO Box 495126, Port Charlotte, FL 33949.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of local arrangements.

Joyce Allen, 87, of Murphy passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019 in a Murphy care facility. She was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, where she worked for Community Bank for 29 years before moving to Florida. She then worked at Bank of America for 14 years before retiring to Murphy in 1995. Joyce was a dedicated animal lover and supported local animal rescue organizations and also rescued many animals herself. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed cooking.

She was the daughter of the late George Lyman and Evelyn Harper Alcorn and the wife of the late Howard Ulma Allen, who died July 31, 2001.

Surviving are a brother, Gehrig A. Alcorn and wife, Robyn of Colorado; and several special nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Joyce Allen to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906 or Logan’s Run Rescue, 3000 US Highway 64 West, Suite 118, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Lamont (Monty) Johnson, 62 of Murphy passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019 following an extended battle with cancer.  Monty was a native of Warren, Michigan, born in Detroit.  He was a Vietnam veteran having proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.  Monty was a U. S. Merchant Marine Officer and for over 25 years, worked on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers as well as the inter-coastal waterways as a tugboat captain.  He held a 1600 ton ocean going license but preferred the inland waterways for their scenic beauty.  Prior to deciding upon his career on the waterways, Monty sampled various careers that involved traveling; truck driving, limo driving, and car transport.  Detroit was in his blood.  He was also a master carpenter (but kept this to himself so he did not get recruited by friends and neighbors.)

Survivors include his wife, friend and companion of 30 years Melody Ann Bond-Johnson of Murphy; his mother Reba Henry and brother Kim Johnson both of Las Vegas.  He is also leaving behind his four legged buddies; Rita, Ruby, Munchkin, Spray and Tuks.  He was preceded in death by his father, Wilmont Johnson of Michigan; his first wife Donna Chupa and his younger brother, Duane Johnson; both of Detroit.

Monty lived an amazing life; enjoying every opportunity and his adventures to the fullest.  He never met anyone who remained a stranger for long with his big smile, hearty laugh and generous heart.  Heaven has a new captain; keeping St. Peter busy laughing and supervising those who will listen at the Pearly Gates.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date for two locations; Murphy, North Carolina and Sarasota, Florida.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lamont Johnson to his favorite local animal charity, Valley River Humane Society, P.O.Box 658, Murphy, NC, 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy is in charge of arrangements.