Donald Ray Palmer

June 6, 1955 – June 3, 2019

Mr. Donald Ray Palmer, age 63 of Murphy, passed away Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Mission Hospital in Asheville. Mr. Palmer was born June 6, 1955 in Murphy, NC to the late Lewis Palmer and the late Alice Jane Dockery Palmer. Donald attended First Freewill Baptist Church in Hayesville, he was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Tribe and he was the owner/operator of Palmer Monument and Construction. He was a very hard working man and enjoyed his work, he also loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include loving wife, Tracy Radford Palmer, three sons, Darren (Shannon) Palmer, Shannon (Becky) Palmer, and Gabriel Palmer, one daughter, Alyson Palmer of the home, sister, Nancy (Terry) Stroud, brother, Tommy (Frances) Palmer, six grandchildren, Natalee, Cruz, Payton, Isaiah, Caleb and Emma, two great-grandchildren, Nora and Roman, and his best little buddy, Mason Radford. Also several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 7, 2019 at 3:00 pm at the Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Rumfelt officiating. Music provided by Cruz Palmer and Chris Rumfelt and the Rumfelt Family Singers. Interment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers include Ben McNabb, Billy McNabb, William Abernathy, Matthew Kelley, Steve Smith, Barry Anderson, Brent McNabb, and Evan McNabb. Honorary Pallbearers are Jeff Gooch, Todd Hicks, Jonathan Wells, Hubert Wells, Brian Wells, Bill Dahdah, Vinson Sims, and Mark Gacchina.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy on Friday, June 7, 2019 from 1-3 pm. You may send flowers or you can choose to make a donation in Donald’s name to the First Freewill Baptist Church (http://hayesvillefreewill.org/online-giving/).

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Shirley Forest

03/22/1929 – 06/15/2019

Shirley Forest, 90, died peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2019 in Hiawassee, GA.

Shirley was a devoted wife and mother. She loved traveling with her husband Ed of 58 years. Her favorite times were spent in a motor home playing golf and seeing the country. She loved to play bridge and was an accomplished artist. Volunteering was a big part of Shirley’s life, giving her time to Granny’s Attic and St. Vincent De Paul. She was an active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was instrumental of opening a gift shop in the church.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Sandy Jersey and husband Steve of Hayesville; three sons, Peter and wife Lynn from Gainesville, FL, Christopher and wife Belinda from Houston, TX and Henry and wife Stephanie of Goose Creek, SC; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hayesville, NC. Father Alex will officiate. Interment will be at the military cemetery in Bushnell Florida at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Granny’s Attic, 200 Hwy. 64, Hayesville, NC 28904.

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

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

Virginia Dair Curtis

08/17/1937 – 05/22/2019

Virginia Dair Curtis, age 81, of Hayesville, NC passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Hamilton County, TN.

She was a native of Clay County, NC and the daughter of the late John Wesley and Charlotte May Palmer Curtis. Virginia had worked in the electronic component industry. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing and quilting. Virginia was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers, William H. Curtis and Robert H. Curtis.

She is survived by her niece, Casandra Rich; nephews, Bobby Curtis and Quinton Curtis; and special cousins, Rudy Curtis and wife Nancy Curtis and Alan Curtis.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Hayesville. Rev. Hoyt Brown will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Autism Society of America, 4340 East West Hwy. Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

Herschel Dean Morris

08/24/1939 – 06/05/2019

Herschel Dean Morris, age 79 of Hayesville, NC passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at the North East Georgia Medical Center.

He was born in Irondale, OH to the late Bearl and IdellaTwiss Morris. Herschel worked for the Toronto Paper Board Company. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Warne, NC and a former member of the Salinevilla Church of Christ for 20 years.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one daughter, Elaine Morris and one sister, Florence Anderson.

He is survived by his wife Beverly Morris of 59 years; two daughters, Penny Mowen and husband Clark of North Olmsted, OH and Roberta Yakovich and husband John of Rootstown, OH; one brother, Floyd Morris and wife Donna of Alliance, OH; two sisters, Nancy Stuckey of Kensington, OH and Patricia Mowen of Minerva, OH; two granddaughters, Nikki Harris and husband Jacob of Alliance, OH and Karen Wilson; three great-grandchildren, Harlie Harris, John Wilson and Stella Harris.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

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

Glenn H. Brechbill

Glenn H. Brechbill, 87, of Hayesville, died Friday, June 21, 2019 in a Gainesville, Georgia hospital. He was a native of East Canton, Ohio, but had lived in East Canton and Tallmadge, Ohio before moving to Clay County in 1994. Glenn was a retired mechanic with Leppo Inc. and was a sixth-generation farmer. He was a member of Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris.

He was the son of the late Earl and Ruth Bosler Brechbill and the husband of the late Elma Krepps Brechbill.

Surviving are his wife, Jayne Cooley Robertiello Brechbill; two daughters, Susie Brechbill of Hayesville and Patsy Brechbill of Akron, Ohio; a son Billy Brechbill and wife, Robyn of Hayesville; two step-daughters, Donna McAllister and husband, Jamie and Ann Marie Robertiello Enriquez both of Savannah, Georgia; two sisters, Shirley Baad of Plantation Key, Florida and Jean Shoemaker of Cleveland, Ohio; a brother, Harold “Bud” Brechbill of East Canton, Ohio; three grandchildren, one step-grandson and two great grandsons.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019 in the Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, Georgia with Rev. Stephen Soulen officiating. The interment will be in Oak Forest United Methodist Church Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of: Glenn H. Brechbill to: Oak Forest United Methodist Church Building Fund, 990 Oak Forest Rd/PO Box 152, Hayesville, NC 28904 or to: Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church Pastorial Discretionary Fund, 1114 Main Street/PO Box 66, Young Harris, GA 30582.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Miriam Beechum

Miriam Beechum, a/k/a “Coach’s wife”, 36, of Hayesville passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019 in a Hiawassee, Georgia hospital. She was a native of Florence, South Carolina and had been living in Clay County for the past three years. Miriam had been employed for 13 years with Assurant in Duluth, Georgia. She was of the Free-Spiritualist faith.

She was a loving wife, mother to six children, daughter, sister, and grandmother, and was a great daughter-in-law. Miriam had such a motherly, nurturing spirit.

She was the daughter of Minister Joe Black of Florence, South Carolina and Lula James Black of McBee, South Carolina.

Surviving, in addition of her parents, are her husband and best friend, Brian “Coach William” Beechum; three daughters, Camille Harrison of the home, and Alicia and Kayla Beechum, both of Memphis, Tennessee; three sons, Ethan Beechum of Atlanta, Nathan Jackson of Hayesville, and Brian Beechum II of Memphis; a sister, Racquell Free of Atlanta; a brother, Jonathan Black of Hampton, Virginia; and a grandson, Tristian Davis.

A Transitioning of the Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 56 Hornet Drive, Hayesville, North Carolina.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of arrangements.

Brian Keith House

Brian Keith House, 49, of Hayesville passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019 in a Murphy hospital. He was a native of Onslow County, North Carolina but lived in Clay County for the past six years. He was owner and operator of Roma’s Pizza in Hayesville.

He was the son of the late Donald C. and Helen Spencer House.

Surviving are his wife, Jennifer Murphy House; three daughters, Jenna House, Mya House, and Shea Smith; three sons, Ashten House, Gage House, and Caleb House; and three brothers, Richard House, Donald House, and Kevin House.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2019 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Phil Goble Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Brian Keith House to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Patricia Ann Moody

Patricia Ann Moody, 80, of Hayesville, formerly of Robbinsville and Andrews, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 in a Gainesville, Georgia hospital. She was a native of Graham County, where she lived most of her life. For many years, she worked as a ward clerk for District Memorial Hospital. Patricia was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church in Robbinsville.

She was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Phillips Nichols.

Surviving are two daughters, Denise Roach Lunsford and husband, Barry of Hayesville and Stephanie Roach Thacker and husband, Chris of Cleveland, Tennessee; two sons, Greg Roach and wife, Barbara of Toccoa, Georgia and Stephen Roach of Young Harris, Georgia; a sister, Peggy Phillips Sutton and husband, Jack of Elizabethton, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Bryan Lunsford and wife, Jamie, Michelle Lunsford Young and husband, Jeff, Kyle Lunsford, Lauren and Max Thacker, and Emily, Natalie, and Abby Roach; and five great grandchildren, Jenna, Taylyn, and Mason Young, and Elin and Dylan Lunsford.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Revs. Jeff Young and Johnny Foster officiating. The interment was in Bear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeff Young, Barry, Bryan, and Kyle Lunsford, Chris Thacker, and Chris Britt.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Patricia Ann Moody to the Clay County Care Center Resident Project Account, 86 Valley Hideaway Drive, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Elizabeth Christina Fascitelli

Elizabeth Christina Fascitelli, age 80, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019 at her residence. She was born May 6, 1939 in Randolph, Massachusetts. Betty had worked as a coordinator in various healthcare businesses. She later retired to Hayesville in 2009.

She was the daughter of the late Michael and Dorothy Hersey Murphy. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Joan Murphy and a brother, Bill Murphy.

Surviving are her husband, Steve Fascitelli of Hayesville; two daughters, Dorothy Moser and Lisa Treptow; three sons, Richard Murphy, Robert Cutting, and Mark Cutting, several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

James Crandall Moffitt

James Crandall Moffitt, age 84, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019 in a Chattanooga, Tennessee hospital. He was a native of Clay County and had lived locally throughout his life. Crandall had taught at Nantahala, Ranger, and Peachtree, but had spent the majority of his career at Martins Creek Elementary as both teacher and principal. Crandall had inspired a love of reading and learning with his students. He enjoyed gardening and was well known for his tomatoes, a trait that his son carries on. Crandall loved trading guns and knives. He also enjoyed playing checkers and listening to bluegrass music. Crandall had a contagious sense of humor and loved to tell a good joke. You never saw him without a smile on his face. He was a devoted husband and father.

He was the son of the late Fred Charles and Eula Blanche Eller Moffitt. He was also preceded in death by a young brother, Javana Moffitt.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Joann Cross Moffitt; a daughter, Suzann Ledford and husband, David of Hayesville; a son, Kent Moffitt and wife, Jackie of Murphy; a sister, Minnette Moore and husband, Gene of Hayesville; and a grandson, Justin Moffitt of Murphy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with Rev. Johnny Foster officiating. Music was provided by Rebecca White and the Pressley Girls. The interment was in Bethel Cemetery.

The family received friends from 5:00-6:45 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 James Crandall Moffitt to the Kids Food Bag Ministry, Attn: Dorcas Brooks, PO Box 427, Andrews, NC 28901.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.

Steven J. Plummer Jr.

Steven J. Plummer Jr., 17, of Brasstown passed away Monday, May 20, 2019. Steven was a native of Amityville, New York and moved to Clay County in 2015. He played football, baseball, and ran track for Hayesville High School. Steven received a scholarship offer, but decided to join the Army following his graduation. He had been an honor roll student throughout high school. He was well-known through his participation in sports and was liked by all who knew him.

Steven set goals for himself and strived to meet those goals. He was ambitious and persistent in everything he set his mind to.

Surviving are his mother, Mildred Mariea Wrenn; guardian, Doug White; father, Steven A. Plummer; three brothers, Riicky Wren, Raheem T. Wrenn, and Shaun Henton Plummer; maternal grandmother, Mildred R. Wrenn; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Plummer; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service was held in Amityville, New York.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of local arrangements.

Robert Richard Lynch

Robert Richard Lynch, 58, of Murphy passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 at his residence. Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois and had lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in his early 20s. He worked alongside his father in the bread business. He moved to Dearborn, Michigan in 1999 to be near his sister, Nora, and her family. Bob also worked in restaurants and had a passion for cooking. Following the death of his mother, he moved to Murphy in 2017. He loved dogs and music, and spending time with family. He was of the Catholic faith.

He was the son of the late Edward Richard and Virginia Rose Berglund Lynch. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael Thomas Lynch.

Surviving are two sisters, Nancy Kay Schwebke of Murphy and Nora Ann Brock of Brighton, Michigan; three nieces, Katrina Silver of Fenton, Michigan, Colleen Brock of Brighton, Michigan, and Katherine Cope of Bryson City; and a nephew, Patrick Schwebke of Honolulu, Hawaii.

A private memorial service will be held.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Norma Jean Bird

Norma Jean Bird, 89, of Murphy passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 at the residence of her son in Sandusky, Ohio.

She was the wife of the late Howard Ashley Bird, who died May 9, 1995. She was also preceded in death by a son, Howard Ashley Bird Jr.

Surviving are two sons, Steven Bird and wife, Ruth of Murphy, and Dennis Bird and wife, Vicki of Sandusky; and ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

An inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Donald Ray “Don” Stroud

Donald Ray “Don” Stroud, age 70, of Harrison, TN, died May 11, 2019 at his home. A native of Hayesville, NC, he was the son of the late Charlie and Nettie Stroud.

Don was a devout Christian and a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church. He loved to teach Sunday school, sing, work out, ride bikes and fish.

In 1995, Don retired from Washington, DC as an Army SGM. He also served in Vietnam in his early career. He was dedicated to serving his country.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Margie Foster Stroud, a beloved son, Scott Stroud (Kimberly), and two grandchildren, Jacob and Kathryn Stroud, all of Toccoa, one sister, Linda Cheeks (Pete) of Hayesville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Maple Grove Baptist Church, 9525 Birchwood Pike, Harrison, TN with Revs. Ronnie Dotson and Andy Bell officiating. Deacons of Maple Grove Baptist Church served as honorary pallbearers.

The family received friends Saturday, May 18 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Maple Grove Baptist Church prior to the services.

A memorial service was held Sunday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m. at Truett Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny Foster officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Don to Warriors Veteran Outreach, Attention: Dan Miller, P.O. Box 134, Murphy, NC, 28906.

Helen G. Holland

Helen G. Holland, 83, of Murphy passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019 in the Murphy hospital. She was a native of Cherokee County. Helen lived in many places such as Atlanta, New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles due to her career in retail working with Sak’s 5th Avenue and Neiman Marcus. She returned to Murphy following her retirement around 2002 and then worked at Brasstown Valley Resort. Helen was a member of the Murphy First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed oil painting and was a talented artist. Helen was very proud of her great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was the daughter of the late William G. and Jessie Jane Sneed Holland. Helen was the last surviving child of 11 children.

Helen is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in the Murphy First United Methodist Church with the Revs. Wil Posey and Aud Brown officiating. The inurnment was in Sunset Cemetery.

The family received friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Wednesday at the Murphy First United Methodist Church prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Helen G. Holland to the Murphy First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 86, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Steve Douglas Raper

Steve Douglas Raper, 67, of the Hiwassee Dam Community, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019 in an Atlanta, Georgia hospital following an extended illness. Steve had worked for Tennessee Chemical Company in the mines for many years. He later worked for IPI Industries as a pipefitter and welder. Steve was raised on the family farm and was on the tractor from a young age. He was proud of his farming heritage. Steve enjoyed fishing and Hiwassee Dam basketball. Steve was a member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

He was the son of the late Jack Clifton and Gillie Mae Quinn Raper. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Barbara Ann Allen and Willa Lou Hedrick and two brothers, Clem and George Edward Raper.

Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Juanita Raper of Hiwassee Dam; two daughters, Julie Ann Raper Boring and husband, Tim of Hiwassee Dam and Stefanie Tanner and husband, Jason of Blairsville, Georgia; four sisters, Nell Britt of Hiwassee Dam, Juanita Stiles of Woodstock, Georgia, Sue Boring and husband, Pat of Hiwassee Dam, and Carol Picklesimer of Murphy; a brother, Paul Quinn Raper of Doraville, Georgia; four grandchildren, Amber McDonald, Chelsea Foster, Dakota Sneed, and Seth Tanner; two great grandchildren, Dax Foster and Deacon McDonald. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and his dog and sidekick, Sam.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Morrow and Rev. Josh Ledford officiating. The interment was in Old Reid’s Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dakota Sneed, Seth Tanner, R.L. Howard, Matt Stiles, Michael Allen, and Marshall Boring. Honorary pallbearers were Adam, Bob, and Bill Crisp, Ed and Phil Stiles, Leroy and James Hedrick, Eugene Morrow, Chris Britt, Keith Allen, Tony Graham, Israel Campbell, Cliff Raper, Jeff Hamby, and Joe Helton.

The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, May 13th at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy where the body remained until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.

Family requests memorials be made in memory of Steve Douglas Raper to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.