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Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Shari Eeakes

Shari Eeakes

Shari Eakes 1964-2024

Shari Eakes died April 29, 2024, at her home in North Mills River, following a valiant nine–year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and assisted by nurses from Four Seasons Hospice.

Survivors include Andy Brittain, her husband of 41 years, her son Gabriel Brittain, her mother Ginny (Eakes) Whitehead (Rev. John), sisters Shelly (Joe) Fore, and Laurie (Terry) Brock, brother Kirk (Cheryl) Eakes and several nieces, nephews and in-laws, Joanne, Jere, Phil, Ashley, Doug, and May Brittain.

She was preceded by her father, Rev. Lee Eakes.

Shari was known for her quick sense of humor and contagious laugh. Shari was a graduate in art from Brevard College and studied pottery at Haywood Community College. She was a well-known potter and her clay creations are now considered rare and collectable. Her annual studio open houses were major community events.

Friends and family have greatly admired Andy’s devotion to Shari’s care during the difficult past nine years.

A memorial gathering will be announced for a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice inHendersonville.

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Death Notices 5/15/24

Merle Bleick     90     Hendersonville, NC     05/09/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Appleton Highland Memorial Park     Appleton, WI

Carol Shellington     79     Hendersonville, NC     05/09/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation
 
Nancy Barnett     75     Saluda, NC     05/09/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation
 
Iona "Onie" Carland     90     Hendersonville, NC     05/11/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     May 18  2pm     Emmanuel Baptist Church     Shepherd Memorial Park

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Fred W. Roper

Fred W. Roper

COLUMBIA, SC - 
 
Fred W. Roper, 85, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. He was the son of the late Mrs. Mary Alice Jones and Mr. U. G. Roper. Fred was a nationally recognized scholar and educator in the field of Medical Librarianship. 
 
Fred earned his Master's of Science in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1962. He completed an internship at UCLA before accepting a position in the Biomedical Library there. He completed his PhD in Library Science at Indiana University in 1971. Fred taught for fifteen years at UNC as Associate Professor and Associate Dean. In 1986, he accepted the position of Dean and Professor in the College of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina. As Dean, he introduced the full MLIS program through distance education in South Carolina and to cohorts of students in Georgia, West Virginia and Maine. He integrated computer technology into the curriculum and forged strong ties with the public and academic library communities. 
 
Fred joined the Medical Library Association in 1962. For the next fifty years he served in many leadership roles, receiving countless awards and citations. He co-authored the seminal textbook on medical library information resources. 
 
Fred followed UNC Men’s Basketball with a seriousness unparalleled in sports. He loved cats and babies, his sunroom full of plants, and his trips to England. He baked prize winning pound cakes, and he amassed an enviable collection of pottery and royal memorabilia. He was best known for his kindness, his devotion to his friends and family, and his generosity. 
 
Fred is survived by his spouse, Jon Upson; brother-in- law, Jeff Upson; sister-in-law, Heidi Langston (Jim); nephew, Kai Langston; niece, Kayla Langston, and a host of cousins and friends. 
 
A Celebration of Life service for Dr. Fred Roper will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Chapel of Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. A reception and visitation will follow the service in the Thompson Funeral Home (Greenlawn) Community Room. Woodridge Funeral Home of Lexington is assisting his family.  
 
Fred’s service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend the service. Please read his online obituary at http://www.woodridgefuneralhome.com/ to find the link to view his service (on or after May 18, 2024). The link will be active until August 18, 2024.  
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fred W. Roper Silver Anniversary Scholarship Fund (1B1972). Checks should be made payable to the USC Educational Foundation, 1028 Barnwell Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Please include a note indicating the full name and number of the scholarship, or the Mary Alice and George Jones Fund at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (295921), checks should be made payable to the UNC Chapel Hill Foundation, 216 Lenoir Drive CB #3360, 100 Manning Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. 

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Jon Laughter

Jon Laughter

Jon H. Laughter, PE, RLS

Vietnam Veteran

Jon Harvey Laughter, 84, of Hendersonville NC, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Friday, May 3, 2024, from his home where he was surrounded by his loving wife and four daughters.

Jon was born in his Grandmother’s house in Etowah on May 11, 1939 to the late Jesse Harvey and Madge Jones Laughter.  He was a graduate of Hendersonville High School, then went on to study engineering and surveying at NC State College (home of the Wolfpack!).  In 1962, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he returned to Hendersonville and married the love of his life Linda Connell Laughter.  They had four daughters, Stephanie Laughter Sudano, Cynthia Laughter Pope, Jennifer Laughter Mills, and Jessica Laughter Poole.  

Jon joined the Air Force late in 1962 where he served in both the Tactical Air Command at Pope Field and Red Horse Squadron in Republic of Vietnam 1967, attaining the rank of Captain, and being awarded both Bronze Star and Air Force Commendation Medals for service to his country. Upon return to civilian life, Jon became the NCDOT District Engineer for Henderson County.  In 1974, he started a private engineering and land surveying company in downtown Hendersonville.   Laughter Austin and Associates, PA provided professional services in western NC and SC for 50 years.

Jon was a long standing member of the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville NC.  He greatly influenced his children in the importance of a lifelong relationship with Christ.  He also served his community as a Rotarian, a Hendersonville City Councilman, a member of the City of Hendersonville Board of Education, an appointee to both the County Board and the NC Association of Public Health, and many more.  Jon was always seeking to serve the community in various positions.  His contributions in community service have left an indelible mark on the City of Hendersonville NC, Henderson County, western North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Jon was also a visionary in the engineering field.  His contributions to the Hendersonville community can be seen almost anywhere you turn.  Some more recognizable projects include Kenmure, Carolina Village, Carriage Park, City Racquetball Courts, Kanuga Conference, various summer camps and public facilities, numerous water and sewer lines, water storage tanks, stormwater facilities, bridges, highways, pedestrian bridge and gazebo, parks, sidewalks, greenways,  business locations, and numerous property surveys.  There are too many to list from 50 years of service to the community.  Jon was also instrumental in long range transportation planning for the area, proposing the long considered Balfour Parkway which would have improved east west mobility in Henderson County.

In Jon’s own words, “In addition to working and contributions to my community, my most important work done over the last 50 years has been in becoming a father and grandfather to FOUR daughters and a rather indulgent loving grandfather to NINE grandchildren.”   Since the time he wrote those words, TWO great grandchildren have been added to the list.

Jon is survived by his loving wife Linda, four daughters Stephanie Laughter Sudano (Tim),  Cynthia Laughter Pope (Randy), Jennifer Laughter Mills (Bob), and Jessica Laughter Poole (Shane), and nine grandchildren Jinna Pope Morgan (Blake) , James Hannon Sudano (Marian), Brooke Sudano Davis (Andy), Jonathan Sim Pope, Matthew Tyler Poole (Ashley), Rachael Sudano Meekins (Christian), Shelby Elise Poole, Lindsay Katherine Mills, Caroline Grace Mills, and two great grandchildren Sophia and Grayson.  In addition, Jon is survived by his brother Samuel J. Laughter.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville NC on Saturday May 11th with visitation at 10 am and service at 11 am, with the Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the SECU Family House of Winston Salem NC (familyhousews.org), Four Seasons Hospice in Hendersonville NC (fourseasonscare.org), or First Baptist Church of Hendersonville NC (fbchnc.org).

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Laryon Owens

Laryon Owens

Laryon Cecilia Dayton Owens died peacefully on April 18, 2024, at the age of 91. Laryon was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Navy Commander John Gary Owens: her parents Lawrence E. Dayton & Marion Weinberger Dayton, and her sister Teryl. She is survived by her children: Dayton (wife Sharon), Alycia, Daryck, Myche Owens Taylor (husband Jason), and her grandchildren: Lindsay, Allyson and Michael. Laryon was a classically trained concert pianist who was taught by and performed with Ruth Slenczynska (the last surviving student of Rachmaninoff). Laryon was an artist, architect and teacher. Laryon graduated UC Berkeley and was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. She volunteered as a pianist for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hendersonville Little Theater, Pat’s School of Dance and as accompanist for many instrumentalists and symphony events. She was an ardent fundraiser and advocate for the Epilepsy Society and for people with disabilities. Laryon founded The String Bees for Henderson County school symphonies and with her husband co-founded The Bounty of Bethlehem community Christmas dinner for the under privileged. Laryon and Gary were owners and chefs of The Main Spot restaurant in Hendersonville. For those who would like to honor Laryon, the family requests donations be made in her name to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.

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Death Notices 5/8/24

Josephine Aiken 91 Hendersonville, NC 4/29/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Janice Montgomery 81 Sebring, FL 4/15/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation May 11 11AM Oakdale Cemetery

Martha Chovan 92 Hendersonville, NC 5/5/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Terry Blackwell

Terry B. Blackwell, 77 of Dana, died Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Pardee Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, she was a daughter of the late Woodrow Barnett and Ruth Gillespie Barnett and wife of the late James B. “Jimmy” Blackwell who died in 2010.

A graduate of East Henderson High School and Warren Wilson College, she retired from Hendersonville Junior High School where she taught science. 


In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, L.E. “Bud” Barnett and her sister, Lorraine B. Trantham. 


Surviving is her son Jason G. Blackwell and his wife Athena Brooks; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial mass will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, April 25th at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church.

Church Street Funeral & Cremation is assisting the Blackwell family. To offer online condolences, visit www.churchstreetfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church.

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Death Notices 4/24/24

Elizabeth Policoro 96 Hendersonville, NC 4/14/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Tess Tindle 80 Hendersonville, NC 4/18/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation April 26 2:00pm Church Street Funeral Chapel

Melvin Pinkston 86 Hendersonville, NC 4/18/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 4/17/24

Terry Blackwell 77 Hendersonville, NC 4/10/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Shirley Netz 83 Flat Rock, NC 4/10/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation April 28 2pm Church Street Funeral & Cremation 

Ronald Turner, Sr. 82 Hendersonville, NC 4/10/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 4/3/24

Mrs. Dean Westmoreland     88     Hendersonville, NC     03/25/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation      Apr 6  2pm     Forest Lawn Mausoleum Chapel (Interment)

 
Catherine Sigmon     76     Hendersonville, NC     03/25/2024      Church Street Funeral & Cremation
 
Brenda Hughes      76     Hendersonville, NC     03/25/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation
 

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Death Notices 3/20/24

Roseann Pflum     89     Arden, NC     3/12/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Annette Simpson     86     Mills River, NC      3/12/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Mar 18   2:00pm     Church Street Funeral Chapel

Michael Dietzel     75     Hendersonville, NC     3/12/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Janet Atherton     91     Hendersonville, NC     3/14/2024      Church Street Funeral & Cremation      Mar 21  11:00am     Church Street Funeral Chapel

Michael Fender     73     Hendersonville, NC     3/14/2024      Church Street Funeral & Cremation 

Patricia Pope     87     Horse Shoe, NC    3/17/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation        Mar 21  4:00pm     Church Street Funeral    

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Death Notices 3/13/24

Joan Ricchezza     87     Greenville, SC     03/06/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Mar 11  2:00PM     Shepherd Memorial Park

 
Elizabeth Rogers     106     Hendersonville, NC     03/04/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Apr 6  2:00PM      1st United Methodist of Hendersonville     

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Death Notices 3/6/24

Matthew Lavell 86 Flat Rock, NC 02/26/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Feb 29 2pm Shepherd Memorial Park

Theresa Justus 73 Hendersonville, NC 02/27/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 23 3pm Crab Creek Community Center

Orrin Brown 85 Hendersonville, NC 02/25/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

Delores von Kolnitz 73 Hendersonville, NC 02/28/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 5 11AM Church Street Funeral

Joan Engle 80 Hendersonville, NC 02/29/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 9 2pm Marie's Chapel

Emily Fox 78 Hendersonville, NC 02/29/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 8 2pm Covenant Presbyterian Church

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Death Notices 2/28/24

Helen Hood 85 Hendersonville, NC 02/19/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation Mar 2 1:00pm Church Street Chapel

William Ward 94 Hendersonville, NC 02/21/2024 Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 2/21/24

Wayne Bastedo     75     Hendersonville, NC     02/15/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

 

Richard Thaler     75      Hendersonville, NC  02/15/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation
 
Charles Rush     85     Flat Rock, NC     02/15/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation
 
Ima Jean Oliver     81     Hendersonville, NC      02/15/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation

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Death Notices 2/14/24

James Barroll     71     Hendersonville, NC     02/05/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation      Feb 11 @ 2:00  Church Street Funeral Chapel

Vickie Worsham      79      Hendersonville, NC     02/05/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Feb 12 @ 1:00   Church Street Funeral Chapel      

 

Sanford Weiss      75     Hendersonville, NC     02/06/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation
 
 
Jack Hill, Sr.     91     Etowah, NC     02/07/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation    Interment: Oak Forest Cemetery  
 
 
Scott Swanton      57     Hendersonville, NC     02/09/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation    Interment:  Boylston Baptist Church Cemetery
 
 
Hazel Shelton    98     Hendersonville, NC     02/11/2024     Church Street Funeral & Cremation     Feb 15 @ 11:00     Shepherd Memorial Park    Interment:  Shepherd Memorial Park

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Death Notices 1/24/24

Marc Carlton - 68 - Hendersonville, NC  01/15/2024 - Church Street Funeral & Cremation - (interment at) Shepherd Memorial Park

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Death Notices 1/17/24

Shirley Gross 86 Biltmore Forest, NC 1/8/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation  (interment at) US Naval Academy Cemetery

Janice Liebler 84 Hendersonville, NC 1/10/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation --

Barbara Worcester 91 Hendersonville, NC 1/12/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation --

Therese Holberton 96 Hendersonville, NC 1/14/24 Church Street Funeral & Cremation --

 

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Darryl Dunlap

Darryl Dunlap

Horse Shoe, NC - Darryl Rich Dunlap, 76, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at Regency Hospital in Greenville, SC.

Mr. Dunlap was born in Buffalo, NY to the late Acton and Rhea Rich Dunlap. He grew up in Delevan, NY.

Darryl had always dreamt of moving to the mountains of NC one day after working up North. He was an Army Veteran and worked with Eastman Kodak as an apprentice working his way up to supervisor and then switched careers to an HVAC specialist later on. His passion and love were antique cars and street rods. He especially loved the 1930’s classics and the 1960 corvettes. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and had a special bond with his dogs, Elvis and Morgan.

Darryl is survived by his wife, Connie Valentine Dunlap; a sister, Lynn Bednarek (Paul); a brother-in-law, Neil Valentine (Diane); a sister-in-law, Bonnie West (Jim) and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and many good friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in the spring at the WNC State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

A guest register is available online at www.grocefuneralhome.com.

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Karen Maw Hughes

Karen Maw Hughes, 55, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 24, 2023, after a courageous 20-month battle with cancer. She grew up in Six Mile, SC and had lived in Hendersonville for the past 23 years.

Throughout her life, Karen made a lasting impact on those around her. Karen was a graduate of Daniel High School and Southern Wesleyan University (formerly Central Wesleyan). She was a Pharmacy Clerk at Publix and prior to that worked at Kyocera. However, it was her role as a loving mother and devoted wife that truly defined her. Karen found joy
in attending her daughters' soccer tournaments, cheering them on with unwavering support. She also cherished her time at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) at church when her daughters
were young.

Karen had a zest for life and enjoyed indulging in her interests. She was an avid fan of Clemson football, proudly supporting her team through every game. Additionally, she found solace and fulfillment in crafting, allowing her creativity to shine through her beautiful creations. Karen's faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church and attended Biltmore Baptist in Arden.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Maw, and her mother, Carole Atkinson Maw.

She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Heath Hughes, who stood by her side throughout her illness. Karen was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Cayla Hughes and Sarah Hughes, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She also leaves behind her brother, Chris Maw, and his wife, Pam; her step-sister, Lyndia Sexton; a half-brother, Dale Maw; several nieces and nephews; as well as her many close friends.

Services to honor and celebrate Karen's life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Pardee Cancer Center or to the Sarah
Hughes 529 Plan at www.tmcfunding.com.

To offer online condolences, visit www.churchstreetfuneral.com. Church Street Funeral & Cremation is assisting the family.

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