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.

Lorraine McDonnell DeRosa

Lorraine McDonnell DeRosa, 96, of Murphy passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 in a Murphy hospital. She was a native of Nutley, New Jersey, but lived in Cherokee County since 2001. She worked for more than 30 years for Hoffman LaRoche until her retirement. Lorraine was a member of Saint William Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling, holidays with family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was the daughter of the late William Joseph and Edna Mae Bennett McDonnell and the wife of the late James V. DeRosa, who died April 21, 2015 after 74 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Chimento.

Surviving are two sons, Anthony J. DeRosa and wife, Frances of Sidney, Australia and James V. DeRosa and wife, Iris of Murphy; five grandchildren, Ellen DeRosa, Todd DeRosa, Anthony P. DeRosa and wife, Corrine, William J. DeRosa and wife, Samantha, and James G. DeRosa and wife, Amy; eight great grandchildren, Ashley O’Connell, Amber Miranda and husband, Raphael, Jesse DeRosa, Danny DeRosa, Josephine DeRosa, Eva Marie DeRosa, Aubrie DeRosa, and Anthony C. DeRosa; cherished nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Lucille Albanese of Bloomfield, New Jersey.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019 in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Nutley, New Jersey. The interment will be in Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 Wednesday evening, March 6, 2019 at the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Nutley, New Jersey.

Stephen Edwin Cobb

Stephen Edwin Cobb, age 67, of Winter Park, Florida, formerly of Murphy, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2019 in an Orlando, Florida hospital.  He was a native of Murphy, where he had lived most of his life until moving to Winter Park, Florida in 2016. He was a member of Church of God of Prophecy. Steve enjoyed drawing, John Wayne western movies, the Space Shuttle, and a good meal.

He was the son of the late Richard Robert and Ruth Margaret Reid Cobb.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Donald Gene Cobb.

Surviving are three sisters, Wilma Carroll of Murphy, Diann Bullington of Maryville, Tennessee, and Judy Dacus and husband, Jerry of Orlando, Florida; a brother, Bobby Joe Cobb and wife, Joan of Phoenix, Arizona; a special niece, Nita Tarbox of Cape Canaveral, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Steve Ware officiating.  The interment was in Reid’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jerry Dacus, Zach Hensley, Dylan Cofty, and Tom Anderson.

The family received friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the service.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Nancy Kay Elwell

Nancy Kay Elwell, 68, of Ponce Inlet, FL, formerly of Springfield IL, died on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 in Murphy, NC. Nancy was born on June 4, 1950 in Morrisonville, IL the youngest daughter of Robert and Marjorie Gowin. She raised two children Brent and Julie with Glenn Forden in Mt. Auburn, IL.

Nancy was a graduate of Morrisonville High School and a graduate of University of Illinois Springfield, Bachelor of Arts in Management, Summa Cum Laude . She worked as a bookkeeper in the Mt. Auburn High School before working as an Executive Assistant for the Illinois Education Association. She also held a Realtor’s license for several years in Illinois.

Nancy loved travelling with family and friends, crocheting baby blankets, gardening, and driving her Miata. She volunteered for many organizations during her time in the Springfield, IL area including the Sangamon County Relay for Life of the American Cancer Society. She was heavily involved in the Habitat for Humanity chapter, establishing the local Habitat ReStore and participated in a Habitat build with Jimmy Carter. She worked with the First United Methodist Church of Springfield to raise funds for school children in Liberia, worked on costumes and sets for the Municipal Opera and was an organist and pianist for the United Methodist Church of Mt Auburn, IL, and a member of the local Miata Car Club.

Nancy was survived by her partner William Beier; son, Brent (Lori) Forden of Morrison, CO; daughter, Julie Taber of O’Fallon, MO; stepdaughter Darla (Rick) Richno of Springfield, IL; grandchildren Claire Forden, Emma Forden, Jessica Kramer, Alexander Kramer, Ryan Richno, and Dylan Richno; brother Robert (Rose) Gowin of Morrisonville. She was preceded in death by her husband Scott Elwell; Parents Robert and Marjorie Gowin; Siblings, Marilyn and Chester.

Cremation rites will be accorded by Ivie Funeral Home in Murphy, NC.

Family and friends are encouraged to gather at The Barrel Head, 1577 Wabash Springfield, IL 62704 to celebrate Nancy’s life from 3:00pm – 5:00pm, Saturday, 03/02/19

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers in Nancy’s memory to the Sangamon County Relay for Life of the American Cancer Society, 687 East Linton Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703 or to Habitat for Humanity Sangamon County, 2744 S. 6th St. Springfield, IL 62703.

Dr. Stephen T. Masty D.D.S.

Dr. Stephen T. Masty D.D.S., 92, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in a Clay County care facility.

He was a native of Detroit, Michigan.

As an Eagle Scout, Stephen earned 52 merit badges, more than anyone in the region.

He served in the United States Army from 1944 through 1946 during World War II, stationed in Korea. Stephen also served in the signal corps and until recently could transcribe Morse code hearing it just one time.

Dr. Masty graduated from Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan followed by the University of Michigan Dental School, where he received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He practiced dentistry in Birmingham, Michigan for nearly 40 years. Stephen was a founding member of the Oakland County Dental Association and had been active in the Michigan Dental Association.

Aside from dentistry, his interests included cooking, fly fishing, and carving realistic duck decoys.

He was the son of the late Stephen James and Lillian Hazel Bergman Masty and the husband of the late Ellen Douglas Bergman. He was also preceded in death by a son, Stephen James Masty; and a brother, James August Masty.

Surviving are a son, Thomas Masty and wife, Linda of Andrews, North Carolina; a step-granddaughter, Ivy Elliott; and two step-great grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be announced at a later date.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews is in charge of arrangements.

Mary F. Crain

Mary F. Crain, 77, of Murphy passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019 in a Murphy hospital.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Jamie Beth Bryant

Jamie Beth Bryant, 43, of Murphy was called home by her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 18, 2019. Jamie was born on January 12, 1976 in Marietta, Georgia, but was raised in Murphy from the age of two. She was a 1994 graduate of Murphy High School. She attended Young Harris College and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Jamie worked for Randstad as a human resource manager for the past 15 years. She was exceptional at drawing, enjoyed music, and was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. Jamie loved her family very much.

She was the daughter of James L. and Barbara Verner Bryant of Murphy.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her fiancé, Eddie Temple; a daughter, Harper Madeline Temple of the home; a step-son, Isaiah Temple of the home; a sister, Heather Lepper and husband, Cory of Excelsior, Minnesota; a niece, Hutton Hadley Lepper; a nephew, Asher Alexander Lepper; a favorite aunt, Linda Ledford; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Memorial services were held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Jerry Helton officiating.

The family received friends from 5-6:45 Saturday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made payable to Harper Madeline Temple and taken to any State Employees’ Credit Union or mailed to the Murphy branch at PO Box 1038, Murphy, NC 28906.

Martha Ann Whitener

Martha Ann Whitener, 68, of Murphy, passed away Sunday, February 17, 2019 at her residence. She was a native and lifetime resident of Murphy where she had lived for over 42 years at her home on Reservoir Road. Martha loved her Lord and Savior and showed that same love to her children and grandchildren.

She was the daughter of the late Stanley and Eunaiviee Clark Whitener. She was also preceded in death by a son Edward Lynn Johnson, Jr., two sisters, Wilma York Whitener and Joy Faye Whitener and a brother, James Ted Whitener.

Surviving are a daughter, Eunaiviee Raper and husband, Jeff of Murphy; a son, Stanley Johnson of Murphy; a brother, Tex S. Whitener of Blue Ridge, Georgia; five grandchildren, Jesse James, Jordan and Alyssa Johnson, Tara and Tasha Raper; her special nieces and nephews, James Ted Whitener, Jr., Gloria Whitener Lewis and her 3 children, Steven, Matthew, and Anna Lewis, Rodella Sunshine Patterson and her 2 children, Kayla and Dusty Patterson, William Howard Ledford, Jr., and is also survived by several other nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2019 at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Doyle Lloyd officiating, and music was provided by Erica Tague, Frankie Sneed, Rev. Doyle Lloyd and his family.