Velma Phillips, age 92, of Murphy passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019 at her residence.

She was born in Haywood County, NC. Velma lived most of her life in Cherokee County, NC. She was a daughter of the late Clearcy Brown and step father William Brown. Velma was a member of Little Glade Baptist Church.

In addition, to her mother and stepfather, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Phillips and sisters, Carolyn Sue Clark, Sadie McGaha and Corrine Mahaffey.

Surviving are her sons, Troy Phillips and wife Cathy and Kenny Phillips and wife Freda; sister, Charlotte “Cricket” Carwile; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Pastor Hoyt Brown will officiate. Burial will be in the Old Martins Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dustin Clonts, Johnathan Hunter, Everett Cook, Melvin Beaver, Danny Truett and Floyd Hughes.

The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 2 ,pm Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.

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

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

Ryan Wayne Clark, 24, of Andrews passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2019 in a Chattanooga, Tennessee hospital. He was born in Palm Beach County, Florida, but lived in Andrews since the age of five. Ryan was a talented football player and played from youth leagues through his senior year at Andrews High School. He was a 2013 graduate of Andrews High School. Ryan loved working in lawn service and had also worked as a plumber and an installer in the propane industry. Ryan received his welding degree from Tri-County Community College. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes, four wheelers, and about anything that got him outside. Ryan was an easy-going person who always had a smile on his face and remained calm and laid back in all situations. Ryan was very kind-hearted and would do anything for someone in need. He had a love for all animals.

He was the son of Steven Wayne and Carolyn Mueller Clark.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his girlfriend, Zoe Drake, who was a major part of his life. Also surviving are the maternal grandparents, Sue and Buzzy Mueller of Andrews; the paternal grandparents, Dana Queen of Diamondhead, Hawaii, and James Clark and wife, Pat of Mesa, Arizona; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family received friends from 1-3 Saturday afternoon, December 21, 2019 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Ryan Wayne Clark to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1235 South Clark Street, Suite 305, Arlington, VA 22202.

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

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

Marjorie Harris, 64, of Andrews, passed away Friday, December 20, 2019 at an Andrews care facility.

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

Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Marjorie Harris, please visit Tribute Store.

Marie Callesen Arrowood, 65, of Murphy passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at her residence. She was a native of Akron, Ohio, but had been living in Murphy for the past 50 years. She was a member of Saint William Catholic Church.

She was the daughter of the late Helge Bjorn and Cecelia Pearl Collins Callesen and the wife of the late Wiley Jay Arrowood, who died September 25, 2015. She was also preceded in death by a son, Jay Arrowood.

Surviving are a sister, Beverly Lino and husband, Jim of Norton, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Marie will be remembered at the 9:00 a.m. mass on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at the Saint William Catholic Church. An inurnment will be in the columbarium. Father Alex Ayala will be officiating.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Marie Callesen Arrowood, please visit Tribute Store.

Darrell Reynolds, age 50 of Hayesville, NC passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at North East Georgia Medical Center.

He was born in Towns County, GA to the late Jerry and Sharon Chastain Reynolds. Darrell worked for Vulcan. He was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Amanda Reynolds.

He is survived by one daughter, Lela Reynolds; and one brother, Jamie Reynolds.

Graveside service will be held at the Shooting Creek Memorial Gardens at a later date. Rev. Billy Rhodes will officiate.

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

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

Jordan Ramon Garcia, age 17 passed away Friday, May 31, 2019.

He was born in Murphy, NC to Kerbin Garcia and wife Christina and Misty Garcia and boyfriend, Josh Collins. Jordan loved playing basketball, football, roller-skating, swimming and anything related to music. He loved his family and friends. Jordan always told everyone, “Peace and love, be safe!”

He was preceded in death by brother, Christopher Teems; great grandmother, Gregoria Paneto; grandfathers, Melvin Canup and Ramon Garcia.

In addition to his parents he is survived by two brothers, Christian and Dakota Kuebler; five sisters, Sierra, Serena and Serenity Garcia and Ivie and Destiny Teems; grandparents, Shirley Sherlin and husband Herbie and Maria J. Torres; great-grandmothers, Hazel Lance and Louise Canup; Uncles and Aunts, Merbin Garcia, Ryan Torres, Dylaina Hampton, Ramon L. Garcia, Daniel Sherlin, Kelley Cross, Veronica Garcia, Oscar Garcia and Angel Garcia; and many other cousins, great Uncles and Aunts.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Rev. Billy Franklin and Rev. Dallas Crowder will officiate. Burial will be in the Fires Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Merbin and Kerbin Garcia, Ryan Torres, Daniel Sherlin, Dylan Curtis and Dalson Stanley.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with funeral expenses, PO Box 10, Murphy, NC 28906.

You may send tributes to the Garcia 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

Shelby Jean Frady Graham, age 78 of Murphy, NC passed away at her home Friday, December 13, 2019.

Jean was the daughter of the late Homer and Ocie White Frady. She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and a graduate of Hiwassee Dam High School. Jean was a homemaker and crafter of leather goods. She enjoyed quilting, making floral arrangements, reading, and collecting books. Jean enjoyed having family and friends in her home, cooking meals, and hosting holiday get-togethers. In her later years she enjoyed watching The Waltons and American Ninja Warrior. Jean was a longtime member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and helped with vacation bible school for many years.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur, Calvin, Bobbie, J.L., James and Mitchell Frady; and sisters, Hazel Frady Crow, Thelma Frady and Wilma Frady Picklesimer.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Kenneth Graham; two sons, William “Bill” Graham and Thomas Graham; one daughter, Tamala Graham Bailey and husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Tessa Bailey Going and husband Jonathan, and Tyler Bailey; great-grandchildren, Elijah and Emalyn Going; one brother Junior Frady, many nieces and nephews; and special caregiver, Missy Rogers. Her family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to Good Shepherd Hospice of Chattanooga for the care given to Mrs. Graham.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, December 16, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Allen Harris and Rev. Greg Swain will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike, Jeff, Tony, and David Frady, Tony, Ashley and Stanley Graham. The family will receive friends from 12 pm to 2 pm, Monday, December 16, 2019 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Progressive SupraNuclear Palsy, CurePSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or www.psb.org

You may send tributes to the Graham 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

Kathy Denise Hughes, age 58, of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA.

Kathy was the daughter of ML and Genive McDonald Totherow. She was a lifetime resident of Murphy, NC. She was a member of Grand View Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister. Kathy was a caretaker for all that were in need. She loved helping others. She devoted her life for her family and friends. She loved to cook for large gatherings.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Ted Hughes; son, Teddy Hughes and girlfriend Rebecca Worley; daughter, Tabitha Popular and husband Donnie Popular; brothers, Jimmy Totherow and Connie of Murphy, and Mike Totherow and Lavita of Blairsville; favorite niece, Jenny Rhodes; and three grandchildren, John Popular, Ana Popular, and Dalton Hughes.

Funeral Services will be held at Hanging Dog Baptist Church Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 2:00pm. Rev. Chris Matheson and Rev. Donald Cook will officiate. Music will be provided by the Grandview Trio. Pallbearers will be Jenny Rhodes, Ana Popular, Teddy Hughes, John Popular, Jeremy Totherow, and Mikie Whittemore. Burial will be at Hanging Dog Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 12:00-2:00 on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Hanging Dog Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations for funeral expenses.

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

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

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

Gerald Fred “Todd” Phillips passed away peacefully at the Clay County Care Center on Monday, December 9. He was 93 years old. He passed away just a few days shy of his 94th birthday.

Todd was a life-long resident of Clay County. He was a barber on the town square In Hayesville, NC for 60 years with many local kids getting their first haircut from him. The barber shop was also a hang out for many men who dropped by throughout the day to find out the local news, swap stories about hunting and fishing, and try to solve all the problems in the world. He was an active member of the Lions Club for many years, served as president of the Clay County School Board of Education for eight years, and was the Scout Master for a local Boy Scout Troop. He was also one of the longest serving members of the Clay County Masonic Lodge No. 301 having been a member for 66 years. Last year he was awarded a special plaque for his 65 years of masonic service. He was also a Scottish Rite of Free Masonry member and a member of Oasis Shriners. He was a devout member of Truett Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir for many years.

In his free time, Todd was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman, He had a great love for animals, especially horses and dogs. He also loved to travel. He visited many states up and down the east coast and throughout the midwest and the west. In retirement, he finally went on his dream vacations to Alaska and Hawaii.

He was the son of the late Fred Phillips and Minerva Stillwell Phillips. He was also preceded in death by his two older brothers, Edward and Leonard Phillips and his two older sisters, Alice Stover and Louise Bentley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Virginia Penland Phillips; one son, Greg Phillips of Santa Monica, CA; one daughter, Kim Bauer, son-in-law Michael Bauer, and his beloved grandchildren, Madeleine Armstrong and Erich Bauer all of Atlanta, GA; and of course his granddogs, Flora Bauer and Fosse and Gershwin Phillips. His only surviving sister, Joanne Segner, lives in Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and cousins who have been a great source of support and love and laughter throughout his life.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 14 at Truett Memorial Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC. The Rev. Johnny Foster officiated. The interment was held following the service at Marshal Chapel UMC Cemetery in Shooting Creek, NC with masonic graveside rites conducted by the Clay County Masonic Lodge No. 301. Pallbearers were nephews, Keith Henderson, Floyd Phillips, Jimmy Stover, Jerry Stover and cousins, Dan Phillips and Jason Rhinehardt.

The family received friends from 1 pm to 2:15 pm prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Truett Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 464, Hayesville, NC 28904 or the Marshal Chapel UMC Cemetery fund, c/o Ray Rogers, PO Box 185, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Gerald Fred “Todd” Phillips, please visit Tribute Store.

Joseph Dennis Mickens, 67, of the Hiwassee Dam Community, passed away Friday, December 13, 2019 at his residence. He worked many years at Tennessee Chemical Company. He enjoyed attending auctions and spending time in Florida. He was known for selling thousands of peanut butter eggs each year at the annual fund raiser for The Church of God on Highway 294. He was also an avid Nascar fan and loved spoiling his grandkids.

He was born February 17, 1952 in Ducktown, Tennessee, and was the son of Jewell Mickens Murphy and the late Goldman Mickens of Hiwassee Dam.

Surviving are his two sons, Jeremy Mickens and girlfriend, Kaitlyn of Murphy and Justin Mickens of Murphy; two sisters, Ava Anderson and husband, Tom and Joan Higdon and husband, Gary all of Hiwassee Dam; a brother, Dee Mickens and wife, Sheila of Copper Hill, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Brandon, Kinsley, Trinity, and Tanner Mickens.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2019 at The Church of God on Highway 294 with Rev. Earl Hughes officiating. The interment will be in Liberty Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Blake Rodriguez, Chase & Keaton Mickens, Jacob Wallace, Tyler Wallace, and Hunter Williamson. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Higdon, Tom Anderson, Junior Mickens, Tommy Stiles, Kenneth Davis, Dennis Baty, Dick Higdon and Joe Parsons.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Joseph Dennis Mickens to: Parkinson’s Association of the Carolinas,601 E. Fifth Street, Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

To send flowers to the family of Joseph Mickens, please visit Tribute Store.

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.