The Charlotte Observer from Charlotte, North Carolina (2024)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2006 LOCAL NEWS CATAWBA VALLEY www.charlotte.com Catawba Valley Death Notices Calendar ALA-TEEN GROUP: Women's Resource Center. (828) 322-6333. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: "Keep It Simple," 10 a.m., Women's Resource Center. (828) 322-6333. BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP: 10 a.m.noon, Frye Wellness and Education Center, 256-A 10th Ave.

N.E., Hickory. Nursing infants welcome. (828) 324-3041. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP: 1:30 p.m., Hospice of Burke County Chapel, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese. For caregivers of people with debilitating terminal illness.

Free. (828) 879-1601, ext. 123. CATAWBA COUNTY CONSUMER AND FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: 6-8 p.m., fifth floor, First Plaza, 1985 Tate Hickory. Group assisting Mental Health Service of Catawba County implement mental health reform.

For primary and secondary mental health service consumers. Public welcome. (828) 323-8030. (828) 323-8030. COLD TURKEY CLUB: Noon-1 p.m., Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

Support group for smokers who want to quit. (828) 757-5448. GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Morganton, 502 W. Union Morganton. Open to anyone who has experienced the death of a parent, family member or friend, Free.

(828) 879-1601, ext. 123. HIV TESTING: By appointment only. Women's Resource Center. Free.

(828) 322-6333. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: Noon, Exodus Missionary Outreach Church, 1763 Highland Hickory. (828) 324-4870. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: 8. p.m., Taylorsville Presbyterian Church, 314 Main Ave.

Drive S.W., Taylorsville. (800) 827-91061. NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m., Saint James Episcopal Church, 806 College Ave. S.W., Lenoir. (828) 754-3712.

ST. STEPHENS KIWANIS CLUB: 7:30 a.m., Four Peas in a Pod Restaurant, 1640 10th Ave. N.E., Hickory. (828) 441-0400. SENIOR CITIZEN'S CARD DAY: p.m., Highland Recreation Center, 1451 Eighth St.

Drive N.E., Hickory. Free for people over age 55. (828) 328-3997. WESTMONT PLAYERS BRIDGE GROUP: 12:30 p.m., Westmont Senior Center, 1316 Main Ave. Drive N.W., Hickory.

Lessons available for beginners. (828) 437-5462. WIDOWS SUPPORT GROUP: 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 502 W. Union Morganton. For women whose spouse has died.

Free. (828) 879-1601, ext. 123. WOMEN'S ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: 8 p.m., Women's Resource Center. (828) 322-6333.

THURSDAY from 9V WEDNESDAY ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS: 7 p.m., Women's Resource Center. (828) 322-6333. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: "Keep It Simple," 10 a.m., Women's Resource Center. (828) 322-6333. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AND AL-ANON: 8 p.m., Taylorsville First Baptist Church, 405 W.

Main Ave. (828) 632-4225. BLUE RIDGE SELF HELP FOR HARD OF HEARING: 4 p.m., Grace Ridge Retirement Center, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton. Open to all. Hearing Assistive Technology available.

(828) 438-5582. CATAWBA CIVITAN CLUB: 6:30 p.m., Main Street Tavern, 200 S. Main Catawba. (828) 241-3735. CATAWBA COUNTY YOUNG REPUBLICAN CLUB: 6:30 p.m., Bennett's Bar-B-Que, 1819 Fairgrove Church Road, Conover.

Open to Catawba Copunty registered republicans between the ages of 18 and 40. CATAWBA VALLEY OBEDIENCE CLUB: 7-9 p.m., Neill Clark Recreation Center, 3404 Sixth St. Drive N.W., Hickory. Dog obedience training classes offered periodically. All levels welcome each week.

(828) 294.4155. CATAWBA VALLEY ROTARY CLUB: 7 a.m., Rock Barn Country Club, 3791 Clubhouse Drive, Conover. (828) 464-1666. CATAWBA VALLEY WOOD CARVERS: 7 p.m., Klingspor Woodworking Shop, 856 21st St. Drive S.E.

(Sweetwater Road), Hickory. For woodcarvers interested in fellowship of other woodcarvers. (828) 327-2840. CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS: p.m., St. Luke's United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 52 16th Ave.

N.W., Hick- PETS OF THE WEEK Looking for a Home Starfish is a young, male, red Aussie mix with white markings. He loves everyone, is very easygoing, and he is learning to walk on a leash. Starfish is neutered and up to date on vaccines. Teresa is gray and white female tabby that is about three years young and very playful. Teresa does not care for dogs but gets along great with other cats.

Teresa loves attention and is also very independent. She is spayed and vaccinated. Humane Society Shelter Directions: The shelter is located off Robinson Road behind Target. Contact: (828) 327-3878. Internet: View pets online at www.catawbahumane.org.

and Norman remained General Manager until his death. Continuing from its original location in Maiden, the company supplies its product worldwide. Under Norman's leadership, the company has received many prestigious supplier quality awards and is the only company in Catawba County to earn the N.C. Dept. of Labor's highest safety award, The Carolina Star.

Norman devoted his life to the success of the company and its employees and it remains his legacy to the automotive industry. Born September 16, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of the late Norman Herbert Berry, Sr. and Beatrice Schaefer Berry. Norman is an alumnus of Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, his MBA from the University of Michigan, and began his career with General Motors in Latin America.

Later, he served as marketing director for Coca-Cola in Latin and South America and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. In addition to Cherie, his wife of twenty years, he is survived by his daughter, Patricia Berry of Washington, D.C., his son, Norman H. Berry, Ill of Cornelius, NC; two step-daughters, Kimberlee Taylor of Toledo, Ohio and Stephanie Taylor of Huntersville, NC; a brother, Charles Berry and wife, Katharine of Old Saybrook, CT, and several nieces, grand-nephews and a grand-niece. A memorial service was held Saturday, February 4, 2006 at WillisReynolds Funeral Home Chapel in Newton, NC. Rev.

Cynthia Williams will officiate. Memorials to National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina, Inc. 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 550, Charlotte, NC 28210. Funeral arrangements to WillisReynolds Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton and condolences may be sent to them at www.willisreynoldsfuneralhome.com. Margaret D.

Lawing, 81, of Newton, NC died Wednesday, Feb- ruary 1, 2006 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born January 11, 1925 in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Carey Edwin and Martha Icard DeRhodes. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Newton. She had worked for the Pentagon in Washington D.C. during World War II and retired as Office Manager for Catawba Valley Internal Medicine and was also Secretary to Catawba County Medical Society.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Theodore DeRhodes. Survivors include are her husband of 57 years, Forrest Leonard Lawing of the home; son daughter-in-law, Leonard Lawing Julie of St. Simons Island, GA; daughter son-in-law, Karen Windham Dan Hickory, NC; four grandchildren; sisters, Christine DeRhodes Gentry of Hickory; brother, Thomas DeRhodes of Florida; and a number of nieces and nephews. A Service of Remembrance was held Saturday, February 4, 2006 at First United Methodist Church in Newton. The Revs.

Daniel G. Martin: and Amy Foley officiated and burial was in Eastview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Renovation Fund, P.O. Box 926, Newton, NC or to Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658. Condolences may be sent to the Lawing Family at www.willisreynoldsfuneralhome.com.

The Lawing Family has entrusted funeral arrangement to WillisReynolds Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Mrs. Barbara Kaye Carter, 64, of Lake Wales, FL died Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at her residence after a battle with cancer. Born in Morganton on June '21, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Alston B. and Turner Eaker.

She moved to Verna, Wales in 1981 from Oviedo, FL. She was an accountant for the County Commission, an artist and member of the Bartow Art Guild. Mrs. Carter is survived by her husband, Vince Carter of Lake Wales; son, Vincent V. Carter, and his wife, of Asheville, NC; sister, Gayle Eaker of Atlanta, GA, and two grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2006 at the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Drexel Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6000 Fairview Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.

of Claremont died Thursday, February 2, 2006 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born November 13, 1965 in Mecklenburg County, she was the daughter of Nancy Huffman Shook of Claremont. She was a member of Claremont First Baptist Church Survivors include her mother stepfather, Nancy John Shook of Claremont; Randy Spivey of the home; brothers sisters-in-law, Dale Tracy Shook of Conover, Ricky and Louellen Shook of Claremont, Rex and Donna Shook of Mooresville, Roger and Tina Shook of Claremont; two nieces, four nephews, many cousins A of Remembrance will be 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Service, February 5, 2006 at Claremont First Baptist Church. Rev.

Jason Guyer and Dr. Dennis Richards will officiate. The body will be placed in the church from 1:00 to 2 2:00 p.m.. Burial will follow at Claremont Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Randy Spivey, Dale Shook, Ricky Shook, Rex Shook, Roger Shook, Ricky Turner, Daniel Bradshaw and Gary Pettigrew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in honor of Ann to: Claremont First Baptist Church, PO Box 489, Claremont, NC 28610. Condolences may be sent to the Barnes family at www.drumfuneralhome.com. The Barnes family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home Cremations in Conover, NC. Mary Etta Gantt, 86, passed away on February 3, 2006, at the home of her daughter in Augusta, Georgia. Born January 18, 1920, she the daughter of the late Fred and Lillie Morrow of Claremont, NC.

She iS preceded in death by her parents as well as two brothers, Boyd and Pete Morrow, and her husband of 51 years, Lenwood Gantt. Kathleens survived and by two Evenlyn sisters, Kirk, both of Claremont; a son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Brenda Gantt of Newton, NC; a second son, Dr. Ronald B. Gantt of Advance, NC; a daughter and son-inlaw, Mary Lynne Richard Peyton of Augusta, Georgia; seven grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary Etta Gantt was a lifelong member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in Conover, NC.

She worked with the youth of the church as children's Sunday school superintendent and was active in the Women's Guild. Her faith was a very strong part of her life and she loved her church and the Lord. She worked as a lunchroom cashier in the Newton-Conover School system until she retired, and was a seamstress for individuals and organizations for many years. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Her great joy was her family, and she took great pride in her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She enjoyed her travel to almost all fifty states in the U.S. and delighted in sharing these experiences with others. Family will be receiving friends from p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at the chapel of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in Conover, NC. Rev.

Merlin Batt will conduct a funeral service following the receiving at 2:00 p.m. on Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in Conover. Interment will be at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory. At other times the family will be at her residence, 715 2nd Ave PI NE, Conover, Memorials may be made to Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 217 2nd Ave NE, Conover, NC 28613, or to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton NC 28658 or Portsbridge Hospice, 1365 Interstate Parkway, Augusta, Georgia 30909. Condolences may be sent to the Gantt family at www.drumfuneralhome.com.

The Gantt family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home Cremations in Conover, NC. Ogretta Kierbow Redding, 91, of Hickory, NC, died on February 3, 2006 at Brian Center in Viewmont. Born on May 14, 1914 in Carrollton, GA, she was the daughter of the late Lela Parker Kierbow. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, David B. Redding; one brother, Glen Kierbow; and one sister, Rosa Lee Kierbow.

She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church of Bowdon Junction, GA and retired in 1962 from Sewell Manufacturing of Bremen, GA. Survivors include one daughter, Fran Redden of Hickory; one grandson, Robert Redden of Philadelphia, PA; one granddaughter, Angela Redden of Philadelphia, PA; one brother and sister-in-law, Carlos and Elsie Kierbow of Carrollton, GA; and a number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at a later date at Harmony Baptist Church in Bowdon Junction, GA. A receiving will beheld from 8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2006 at Bass-Smith Funeral Home in Hickory.

Memorials may be made to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Newton, NC 28658. Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Redding family. Rama Harris Whisnant, 63, of in Morganton, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, February 2, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born September 20, 1942 in Burke County, NC, and was a daughter Mary Jo Crump Harris of Morganton, and the late Rev. Robert Lee Harris.

Rama was a graduate of Oak Hill High School, and was a lifelong member of Grandview Baptist Church where she was the church secretary for over 45 years. She was employed as a clerk at the News Herald, and worked for many years as the office manager of Grand Piano Kincaid Furniture Co, and Mallonee Surveying. Rama was co-owner of Rivercraft, Inc. in Vale, NC. She was a "giver" and an ardent humanitarian.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by daughters, Janice Whisnant Diab of Morganton, and Jerri Whisnant Cook and husband, Joe of Nashville, TN; a brother, Wayne Harris of Morganton; a sister, Betty Jo Whisnant husband, John of Morganton; one grandson; her beloved friend, Joe Kincaid; and three nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2006 at Grandview Baptist Church with Rev. John L. Whisnant, Jr. officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 1478 Harris Whisnant Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Baptist Church Building Fund, 1290 Harris Whisnant Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Mattie Lee Faircloth Stewart, 90, of Taylorsville passed away Thursday, February 2, 2006 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. She was born August 31, 1915 to James H. Faircloth and Katie Green Faircloth in Cumberland NC. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Derr Austin Stewart; her stepmother, Clara Finncannon Faircloth; two brothers, Bob and Bill Faircloth; one half-brother, James Faircloth, and an infant sister, Ida Mae Faircloth. Mattie was a First Baptist Church in Taylorsville.

She was a homemaker during the majority of her life. Loved ones left to cherish her memory include; one son, Lanny Stewart and wife Patsy of Taylorsville; two grandsons; three great three brothers, Leslie Faircloth of Scotts, NC, Fred Faircloth of Florida and Calvin Faircloth of California; one sister, Helen Sanford of Maiden; along with a number nieces and nephews; and a special caregiver Aleese Canter. Visitation will be Sunday, February 5, 2006, 2-3 pm at Alexander Funeral Service. Funeral service will follow 3 pm. in the AFS Chapel.

Rev. Paul Schronce and Rev. Leon Roland will officiate. Burial will follow in Taylorsville City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be deacons of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, PO Box 305, Taylorsville, NC 28681. Funeral arrangements provided by Alexander Funeral Service, Taylorsville, NC. Condolences to the Stewart family may be emailed to James (J.W.) Willard Revels, 82, of Hickory, NC, departed from this life on Thursday, February 2, 2006. Born on September 23, 1923 in Gaston County, he was the son of the late James A. and Daisy Honeycutt Revels of Hickory.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother. He was an active member of Providence Baptist Church. He served in both WWII and the Korean War as a Master Sergeant in provisional support units. Mr. Revels was a member of the American Legion and retired from textiles after 35 years of service as a logistic supervisor with Burlington Industries.

The greatest joy of his life was his family. Loved ones left to cherish his memory include his wife, Dovie Walker Revels; two daughters, Marie Hardin and husband, Rick of Conover, NC and Linda Reinhardt and husband, Terry of Hickory; five grandchildren, Teresa Propst and husband, Randall of Newton, Karen Witherspoon and husband, Greg of Newton, NC, Vicky Warf and husband, Jimmy of Granite Falls, NC, Sherry Chucci and husband, Anthony of Granite Falls, NC, and Kelvin Bowman and Vicky of Newton, NC; three sisters, Dorothy Ollis of Hickory, NC, Betty Brooks and husband, Hubert of Hickory, NC and Barbara Kearns and husband, Tom of Conover, NC; along with numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service will I be held at 2:0 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at Providence Baptist Church in Hickory with Dr. Carson Moseley officiating.

The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. A military tribute by American Legion will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Hickory. Pallbearers will be Kelvin Bowman, Jimmy Warf, Anthony Chucci, Greg Witherspoon, Randall Propst, and Lutheran Whitener. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba County, 3975 Robinson Newton, NC 28658. The family wishes a very, special thanks to all the wonderfully staff at Hospice Care for all their unfaltering love, support, and guidance.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Revels family. Ronald Ernest McClure, 63, of Hudson, NC, died on Thursday, February 2, 2006 at Catawba Valley Medical Center after brief illness. Born on November 14, 1942 in Pontiac, MI, he was the son of the late Elmo Ernest and Valeta Lillian McClure. He self employed as waste reas water treatment plant operator and was an Honor Guard for President John F. Kennedy from 1960-1963.

He was also in the motor pool for the Pentagon. Mr. McClure was an Army Veteran in Vietnam War. Survivors include his Elaine Carlton of NC; three daughters, Jenny of Clarehuaciute mont, NC, and Valarie M. McClure and Debbie M.

McClure Grindstaff, both of Elizabethton, TN; two sons, Wayne McClure of Icard, NC and Ronnie McClure of Elizabethton, TN; two sisters, Kathleen Guy of Southern, MD and Peggy Arthur of Baltimore, MD; two brothers, David McClure of Indiana and Butch McClure of Baltimore, MD; and ten grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eugene Cantrell officiating. Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Virginia Williams Sigmon, 82, of Hickory, NC, died on February 2, 2006 at Carolina Rehab Center. Born on July 2, 1923 in Cleveland County, she was the daughter of the late Julius C. and Effie Young Williams. She was a member of West Hickory Baptist and member of the Own Sigmon Sunday School Class. She was retired from Kayser Roth Inc.

and member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine serving as worthy matron. Mrs. Sigmon graduated from Valdese High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Owen Sigmon; five sisters, Vada Keever, Ira Hiller, Annie Mitchell and Etta Mae Stephens; and three brothers, Henry Goodson, Ed Goodson, and Lester Goodson. Survivors one son and daughter-in-law, and Pat Siginclude, mon of Hickory; one granddaughter, Channing Sigmon of Hickory; special family friend, Mozelle Keever of Hickory; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at West Hickory Baptist Church with Revs. Scott Frady and E.B. Elmore officiating. Burial will follow in Catawba Memorial Park.

A receiving will be held from p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at the church. Memorials may be made to West Hickory Baptist Church, Building Fund, 40 12th St. NW, Hickory, NC 28601 or to Alzheimer's Association, 260 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601. Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Sigmon family.

Betty Lou Hefner Fowler, 77, of Hickory, NC, died on February 3, 2006 at Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Newton, NC 28658. Born on May 14, 1928 in Catawba County, she the daughter of the late Arthur Obie and Gertrude Starnes Hefner. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was a graduate of Lenoir Rhyne College. Mrs. Fowler retired from Home Indemnity Insurance Company.

After her retirement, she was a very active member of the Democrat Party at both the county and the state level. In the 1970's, she was active in the Business and Professional Women's Club, serving as president of the club for several years. She also taught adult education classes at Caldwell Community College. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Calvin Fowler. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Pamela F.

Nicholson and Britts of Charlotte, NC; one son and daughter-in-law, Joe Calvin Fowler, Jr. and Lois of Hickory, NC; one brother, Arthur Obie Hefner of Charlotte, NC; one sister, Mildred Hefner of Kalamazoo, MI; two grandsons, Joe Calvin Hefner, Ill and Kellan Albert, -both of Hickory, NC; one granddaughter; and four great grandchildren A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2006 at Bass-Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. William W.

Leathers, Ill and Rev. Pat Pearce officiating. A receiving will be held from p.m. on Monday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Memorials may be made to either, Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Newton NC 28658 or to First Baptist Church, 339 2nd Ave.

NW, Hickory, Ne 28601. Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Fowler family. -A.

The Charlotte Observer from Charlotte, North Carolina (2024)

References