James Edward Palmer Jr., age 68 of Murphy, NC passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at his home.

James was the son of Nina Young and the late James Palmer Sr. He worked for North Carolina Department of Transportation and after retiring he worked for United Grocery Outlet. James attended Murphy Church of Christ.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Palmer.

He is survived by his mother, Nina L. Young; wife of 30 years and caregiver, Mary Ruth Palmer; brothers, David Palmer and Tim Palmer both of Marble; sister, Terry Jo Trantham of Atlanta; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Friday, November 22, 2019 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, November 22, 2019 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Brother Roy Stephenson will officiate. Pallbearers will be Marvin Pace, Dale Fulbright, Kyle Ledford, Brennon Collier, Tyler Ledford, Lynn Pendergrass and Tony Pace. Burial will be in Rowland Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.

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

Charles “Sonny” McTaggart, 73, of Andrews passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019. Sonny lived most of his life in Andrews and worked for the Town of Andrews. He also worked for many years in construction with John Beavers. Sonny enjoyed cooking, spending time with his family, and putting on fish fries for everyone to enjoy.

He was the son of Hilda Leatherwood McTaggart of Murphy and the late Marvin Charles McTaggart. He was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Wanda McTaggart.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife, Sally Morgan McTaggart; two sons, Charles David McTaggart and Jeff McTaggart, both of Andrews; a sister, Linda Scalzo of Hayesville; a brother, Billy McTaggart of Hayesville; four grandchildren, Slade, Bailey, Matthew, and Nick McTaggart; a great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

No services are planned.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Charles “Sonny” McTaggart, please visit Tribute Store.Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit Charles “Sonny” McTaggart Tribute Fund.

Opal Chapman Alvey, 77, of Murphy passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at her residence. She was a native of Cobb County, Georgia and had been residing in Cherokee County since 1990. Opal worked alongside her husband for several years at Bill & Nat’s Food. She also worked for TorCo Carpets, but enjoyed delivering flowers for Carney’s Florist the most. She enjoyed crafting, gardening, and sewing, and had a large collection of sewing machines. She loved spending time with family and friends. Opal also loved spending time and working with her husband.

She was the daughter of the late James Russell and Pearl Turner Chapman. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Grady Chapman.

Surviving are her husband of 52 years, Henry Lewis Alvey; a daughter, Tina Watson-Harris and husband, Bryan of Dallas, Georgia; two sons, Henry Lewis Alvey Jr. of Marietta, Georgia and Jeffery Alvey and wife, Melitha of Powder Springs, Georgia; a sister, Mary Jo Robertson and husband, Sonny of Murphy; six grandchildren, Alice Watson, Keith Watson, Becca Rowland, Trey Alvey, Austin Alvey, and Logan Alvey; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friends, Pat Payne of Dallas, Georgia, and Betty Totherow and her family and grandchildren, all of Murphy.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Lee Griggs officiating. The interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lewis Alvey Jr., Jeff Alvey, Bryan Harris, Larry Bagley, Steve Causey, and Cory Cambron.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 Friday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Opal Chapman Alvey, please visit Tribute Store.

Marie Therese McIsaac, 66, of Andrews, North Carolina passed away peacefully Saturday, November 16, 2019 in a Murphy hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Richard McIsaac of North Andover, Massachusetts and the late Therese Villemaire McIsaac. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Terri McIsaac Emery.

Surviving, in addition to her father, are a sister, Catherine McIsaac Shaw and husband, Edward of North Andover, Massachusetts and their two daughters, Amanda Shaw Larkins of Charlestown, Massachusetts and Catie Shaw Campbell of Los Angeles, California and their spouses; a brother, Richard A. McIsaac of San Francisco, California; a step-sister, Penny Everline of Arlington, Virginia; many cousins; and her loving cat, Ms. Molly.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 Noon Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with Father George D. Byers officiating. The interment will be at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery in Lowell, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Marie Therese
McIsaac to the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 214 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Marie Therese McIsaac, please visit Tribute Store.

Richard Carrington Holladay, age 66 of Hayesville, NC passed away Friday, November 15, 2019. He was born in Virginia to the late Waller Holladay and Harriett Shaver Holladay. Richard was raised in Florida and lived in Hayesville, NC for 41 years.

Richard is survived by his wife of 46 years, Robin Holladay; daughters, Dawn Holladay and Alicia Holladay Brown; brother, Reggie Holladay; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-granchildren.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ernest Lee Clatterbuck, Jr. age 70 of Murphy passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Valley View Care Center.

He was the son of the late Ernest Lee Clatterbuck, Sr. and Easter “Betty” Sunday Carpenter. He was a self-employed painter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Johnson Clatterbuck; sisters, Peggy O’Neil, Sandy Chaffin and Margie Longerbean and step-daughter, Vivian Hughes.

He is survived by his step-son, Allen Graves; step-daughters, Maureen Kent and Sandra Dragoo; step- grandchildren, Dylan Graves, Bryan Kent, Greg Hughes, Jason Hughes, Stacie Graves, Dustin Graves and Jeremiah Graves and 20 step-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Renewed Hope Ministries, 150 Penny Lane Murphy, NC 28906.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

William Wayne “Junior” McDowell, 67, of Hayesville passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019 in a Murphy hospital. He was a native and lifetime resident of Clay County. Junior served in the United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam War veteran.

Junior was a talented gardener and could grow anything. He loved his mountain home and his family above all.

He was the son of the late Major Wayne and Christine Roach McDowell. He was preceded in death by two sons, Brian David and James David McDowell; two sisters, Louise McCray and Janice Carter; and two brothers, Timothy and Henry McDowell.

Surviving are his former wife, Charlene Sutton McDowell of Hayesville; a daughter, Brenda McDowell and Allen Holmes of Hayesville; three sisters, Mary Jones and husband, Gary of Warne, Donna McCray and husband, Jimmy of Hayesville, and Kathy Ledford and husband, Mike of Warne; a brother, Paul McDowell and wife, Veronica of Hayesville; three grandchildren, Tristen Nicholi McDowell, Shelby Elizabeth Holmes, and Cody Allen Holmes; a great-grandson on the way, Tucker Allen Hernandez; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of William Wayne “Junior” McDowell, please visit Tribute Store.

Shelby Ann Hancock Ware, age 71, of Knoxville, TN passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at UT Medical Center. Shelby was of the Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by parents, Clint and Anna Hancock; sister, Shirley Zimmerman; brothers, Jerry Hancock, Gerald Hancock and infant son; sister-in-law, Pat Jones.

Surviving are her husband, Ron Ware; children, Kim (Rondall) Ware and Shannon (Brian) Witt; grandchildren, Brandon and Daniel Witt; sister, Carolyn (Clifford) Hodge; brother, Tommy (Dorothy) Ware; brother-in-law, Wayne Jones; aunt, Lena (Mel) Flynn; special nephew, Keith (Terri) Jones and special friend, Marcia West.

The funeral service will be at 2:00pm Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Farrar Funeral Home with Dr. Sonny Strange officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm until 2:00pm Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. An entombment will follow the funeral service at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.

Farrer Funeral Home, Jefferson City, TN in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Shelby Ann Hancock Ware, please visit Tribute Store.

Helen H. Bryson, 97, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. She was a native and lifelong resident of Murphy. She had a heartfelt love for Cherokee County and its people. She thoroughly enjoyed reading the Cherokee Scout weekly.

Against great odds, she graduated nursing school in 1947 and returned to Murphy to be a RN for Dr. Whitfield for 22 years. She then worked in industrial nursing at Levi Strauss & Co. for 18 years. She truly loved her profession!

She was a faithful member of Murphy First Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She was an active member of BPW for 30 years. She was a caring, helpful, and generous person to her family and her community. Helen is well known for her homemade fudge and delicious pound cakes.

She was the daughter of the late Frank and Maude Carringer Hampton. Her husband, Hal Bryson, and her son, Gary Bryson, preceded her in death.

Her daughter, Sharon Bryson; daughter-in-law, Pam Bryson; five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren survive her.

A celebration of her life will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home in Murphy with the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. A private burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Her family will receive friends following the service at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

In her retired years, Mills River Life Enrichment Center brought a lot of joy, friendship and laughter into her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MRLEC, 137 Old Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC 28759.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Helen H. Bryson, please visit Tribute Store.

John Wesley Peeler, age 62 of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, November 7, 2019 at his residence.

He was born in Germany to Elizabeth Peeler of Columbus, GA and the late William Peeler. John retired from the US Army; he served in Desert Storm. After his retirement in the Army he dedicated his life for different newspapers.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Reba Peeler.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Peeler; four sons, John Peeler, Jr. of Arizona, Shane Perry of Dalton, GA, Jaiden Peeler and Christian Peeler; three daughters, Rebecca Hampton of Florida, Janie Reaves of Dalton, GA and Jasmine Hampton; two brothers, Glen Peeler and Wayne Peeler of Columbus, GA; and six grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, November 15, 2019 in the Chattanooga National Cemetery (1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404) with military graveside honors being conducted by the US Army.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

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

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

John David Kidd, age 82 of Ogreeta community passed away Friday, November 8, 2019 at his residence.

He was born in Pharr, Texas to the late Luther and Ida Whitener Kidd. John loved playing his guitar, reading, fishing, and going to church. He worked for Emerson Electric.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Frank, Luther and Hobbert Ray Kidd; one daughter, Patricia Kidd; and stepdaughter, Rhonda Crain Byers.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Green Kidd; two sons, John David Kidd, Jr. of Andrews and Charles Kidd of Blairsville, GA; three stepsons, Patrick Crain of Blue Ridge, GA, John Crain of Murphy and Jeff Crain of Cookeville, TN; one daughter, Deborah Kidd Morgan of Marble; one stepdaughter, Sharon Crain Craig of Murphy; one brother, Wendell Kidd of the Hanging Dog community; three sisters, Elizabeth Cannon of the Ogreeta community, Marlene Radford of the Unaka community and Joyce Kephart of Tuscaloosa, AL; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Donald Watkins and Rev. Eddie Duckworth will officiate. Burial will be in the Ogreeta Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm, Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

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

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

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

Fred Byers, age 82, of Warne, NC passed away Thursday, November 7, 2019 in Braselton, GA.

He was a native of Clay County, NC. Fred was the son of the late Charles Woodrow and Irene Byers Byers. He was a self-employed welder. Fred was a US Army veteran. He was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church. Fred loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed football, NASCAR Racing and fishing.

Funeral Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

Vivian Graves Hughes, age 70 of Murphy, NC passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late Betty Clatterbuck and husband Ernie and Kermit Graves and wife Becky of Murphy. Vivian was a store owner/manager.

In addition to her mother she was preceded in death by one brother, Shane Graves.

She is survived by the father of her children, Willard Hughes; two sons, Gregory Hughes and wife Nancy and Jason Hughes; three brothers, Allen, Preston and Todd Graves; two sisters, Sandy Dragoo and Maureen Kent; five grandchildren, Kelce Oliver, Evan Hughes, Robert Hughes, Raygan Hughes and Langston Hughes; three great-grandchildren, Karson Hughes, Jackson Oliver and Easton Oliver; and special friend, Johnny Patton.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, November 8, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Ben Pope will officiate. Burial will be in the Ogreeta Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gregory Hughes, Jason Hughes, Evan Hughes, Dalton Kent, Bryan Kent and Preston Graves. Honorary pallbearers will be Todd Graves and Dylan Graves.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

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

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

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