Marsha Kay Kloustin Downs, 75

Marsha Kay Kloustin Downs, 75, of Hendersonville died on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at the Elizabeth House after a long battle with cancer. She was born September 29, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan; a daughter of the late Jack Ashton and Irene Esther Raass Kloustin.

She grew up in Berkley and Royal Oak, MI. For many years she worked as a surgical nurse in Michigan while rearing her two sons in West Bloomfield. She moved to Hendersonville in 2010 and became a dedicated volunteer at Schenck Job Corps in Pisgah Forest as the Co-Coordinator of the Fresh Start Closet, a shop that provides clothing and home goods to disadvantaged students, as part of an incentive program for the kids. In 2013, she married her husband, John Downs, at the English Chapel in Pisgah Forest. Initially, she and John made their home in The Oaks but later moved to Carriage Park where they became involved in many community activities.

In addition to her husband, John; she is also survived by her two sons: Michael Underwood of Troy, MI and Otis “Chip” Underwood and his wife, Amy of Aurora, IL; her three beloved grandchildren: Jacob, Ian and Ella.

Her memorial service in her memory will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2018 in Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Alex Knight officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either The Elizabeth House Hospice, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or the Fresh Start Closet, 98 Schenck Dr., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Col. Victor Sumter Vierra, (US ARMY, Ret.), 85

Col. Victor Sumter Vierra, (US ARMY, Ret.), 85, died at home at Tryon Estates in Columbus on October 14, 2018 following a lengthy illness. He was born November 5, 1932 on Sullivan’s Island, SC; a son of the late Francisco Joseph and Maria Angelina Costa Vierra. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved adoptive father Thomas Horton, his foster mother Sue, as well as three brothers Fred, Edwin, and Vernon, and four sisters, Dorothy, Mildred, Jean, and Patricia.

As a youth, he was fondly known to all as “Vicky”. He was adopted by Rev. Thomas Walter Horton of the Presbyterian Church who would be his lifelong mentor and spiritual guide. He was a graduate of Presbyterian College, class of 1957. He excelled in his college career where he was tapped for the Blue Key Honor Society and president of Scabbard and Blade among many other honors and leadership positions. Upon graduation, he was commissioned by the U. S. Army which lead to a distinguished 28 year career. His first assignment was as a Second Lieutenant in the Armor Branch which took him to Fort Knox, Kentucky where he met Jean Stewart, the love of his life. They married on February 28, 1959. As an Army couple, their life together would be filled with frequent moves, but, also, steadfast love and respect.

His military career would take him all over the world, including assignments to Vietnam as an advisor in the Mekong Delta to the AfSouth Nato Headquarter in Naples, Italy. Stateside his assignments included the Pentagon, Ft. Benning, Ft. Leavenworth, Ft. McPherson, and Ft. Ord. He was noted for his articulate, practical and incisive style. As one of his commanding officers noted, if there was a difficult or complex job to be done, turn it over to Victor. The military achievement of which he was most proud was his command at Pan Mun Jong, Korea. It was at this time the infamous North Korea’s “axe murder” of two American officers occurred. His swift, insightful action is credited for preventing a renewal of hostilities between North and South Korea. This event and the actions of Operation Paul Bunyan and Task Force Vierra are the subject of an upcoming National Geographic documentary. The Republic of Korea has honored Victor with the Samil Medal believing that his actions and the staunch support by the Americans at this time gave Korea the confidence to develop from principally agrarian culture to an industrial leader. In 2015, he was inducted into the Presbyterian College ROTC Hall of Fame.

Upon his retirement from the Army, he and Jean moved to Hendersonville where he enjoyed his favorite pastimes of auction going, antique refinishing, gardening, woodcarving, and traveling. He became an active member of Grace Lutheran Church where he was a member of the Church Council and a Board member of Interfaith Assistance Ministry. Throughout his life and various assignments, he was very involved in the church serving often as a Sunday School teacher as well as serving on advisory council. His family and faith were always his touchstones in all matters.

He is survived by his wife Jean, of almost 60 years. His two sons: Victor Sumter Vierra, Jr. and his wife Beth Ann of Warren, Pa; Kent Stewart Vierra of Fort Walton, Fl and his daughter Lisa Hope Vierra-Moore and her husband, Joel of Laurel Park. In addition, he is survived by three brothers: Moultrie Vierra of Camarillo, Ca; David Vierra of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Thomas Horton of Ft. Mill, SC as well as two sisters: Mary Brown Schepper and Susan Horton Van Zile both of Rock Hill.

The two lights of Victor’s later life were his two granddaughters, Abby and Madeleine Hatch. They gave him much joy, and they delighted in his playful nature and gentle guidance he bestowed on them as he had done with their mother, Lisa.

He is remembered with great love and respect by his many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces, as well as his colleagues, friends and church members.

His memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 are appreciated.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Dr. James Victor Volk

HENDERSONVILLE – Dr. James Victor Volk of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord Saturday morning, October 20, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Edwin and Anita Volk. A proud Eagle Scout, Dr. Volk attended Valparaiso University where he met his future wife, Barbara Glennon, on the train from Chicago to northern Indiana. He attended Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree. He completed his first two years of pediatric residency at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and his third year of residency at Wake Forest/Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem.
Dr. Volk joined Hendersonville Pediatrics in 1975 where he became a partner and served the community as a caring doctor to thousands of children in Henderson, Polk, Transylvania and the surrounding counties until he retired in 2016. He served as Chief of Pediatrics at both Pardee and Park Ridge Hospitals and worked to establish the area’s first pediatric neonatal intensive care unit.
An active member of the community, Dr. Volk was involved in numerous activities including Four Seasons Rotary Club, Children and Family Resource Center, United Way of Henderson County, French Broad River Foundation, Riverlink, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, and Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.
His dedication to children’s health was not limited to his own community. He served on numerous medical mission trips to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, and Haiti.
In 2016, Dr. Volk was awarded the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award, a culmination of a life filled with community service and dedication.
Dr. Volk is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Glennon Volk; his son, Peter and wife, Susan and their sons, Kyle and wife, Helena Harahus, Kraig Harahus, and Cody Harahus; and his daughter, Carrie Powers and husband, Jason. He was a proud and loving Bumpa to Aiden and Zachary Powers and Alexia, Jocelynn, and Cason Harahus. Additional family are his brother, John and wife, Arlene; sister, Janet and their children; and brother-in-law, James Glennon.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends at a reception in the church fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made for the Haiti Mission Fund at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792; the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), 801 Seminary Place, Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105; or to a charity of your choice.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of the arrangements.

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Phyllis Lucille McCall Adcock, 88

Phyllis Lucille McCall Adcock, 88, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018 at Pardee Hospital. She was born August 8, 1930 in Transylvania County; a daughter of the late Justin and Bertha Long McCall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Thomas Adcock who died in 2001.

She loved the outdoors, long walks, traveling and camping. One of her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters: Patsy Nix and her husband Eddie of Hendersonville, Diane Sargent and her husband Greg of Canada, and Pamela Barnwell and her husband John of Spartanburg, SC. Her four grandchildren: Eric Orr and Corey McCall both of Hendersonville, Jonathan Barnwell and Olivia Barnwell both of Spartanburg, SC. Her four great grandchildren: Kade Orr and Alyssa McCall both of Hendersonville, Kamden Barnwell and Riley Barnwell both of Spartanburg, SC.

Her celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Chapel with her niece, Karen Bayne officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Phyllis to the Alzheimer’s Association 31 College Pl #103, Asheville, NC 28801.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

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Mary Burton Weess, 86

Mary Burton Weess, age 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, October 8, 2018 at her home in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Born in Asheville, North Carolina, Mary was the daughter of Charles and Annie Mae Wilson Dotson. She was blessed to be born into the “Dotson Tribe,” her very large and God loving family of ten brothers and one sister.
In 1948 she was married to Wirron Wallace Burton, and during their 50 year marriage the couple lived in Asheville, North Carolina, Hickory, North Carolina and Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1997 the Burtons moved to Flat Rock to be closer to family, and in 1998 Mary’s husband, Wirron died.
Mary was wed to Allan Weess of Hendersonville from 2001 until 2004 when he passed away. In 2005, Mary met her “Soul Mate,” dear friend, and constant companion, Edward Erickson. Mary and Ed greatly enjoyed playing bridge together with friends they made at the former Opportunity House and Thoms Park prior to her illness.
Mary was educated in Asheville where she attended Oakley High School. When the Burton family moved to Hickory in 1958, she sought employment in the field of textiles as a receptionist and later became the secretary to the plant manager at Ivey Weavers. After working in the Hickory plant, she accepted a position at the corporate headquarters of Burlington Industries in Greensboro, where she worked until her retirement as a Cost Analyst and an Economic Analyst.
A person of great faith, Mary attended First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina until health problems ensued.
Mary is survived by two daughters, Marcia Burton Caserio and her husband, James Joseph Caserio, M.D. of Flat Rock, North Carolina and Sonya Burton Trull and her husband, Steven Gregory Trull, of St. Charles, Missouri.
Mary is also survived by five grandchildren, Steven Creighton Trull and wife, Jodi Lynn Trull of Thompsons Station, Tennessee, Christina Caserio Corn and husband, Brian Michael Corn of Orlando Florida , Maria Patrice Caserio of Los Angeles, California, Kemper Burton Trull and wife, Jamie Lee Trull, of Franklin, Tennessee, Anthony James Caserio of New York City and five great grandchildren, Emily Taylor Trull, Abigail Lynn Trull, Steven Eli Trull, Miles Kemper Trull and Norah Lee Trull.
Mary is also survived by two brothers, Garry Don Dotson of Asheville, North Carolina and Tony Dotson of Brevard, North Carolina, over 20 nieces and nephews, and by her loving caregivers, Mary and David Spanton of Black Mountain, North Carolina and Andrea Stone of Hendersonville, North Carolina
A Celebration of the Life of Mary Burton Weess will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at Oakley United Methodist Church in Asheville, North Carolina at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Kelly Dotson, niece of the deceased will officiate. The family will receive guests immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church. A private interment will be held for the immediate family at the graveside in the Gashes Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Mary will rest in peace beside her beloved husband, Wirron Wallace Burton.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Pardee Hospital Foundation, 561 Fleming Street, Hendersonville, North Carolina, 28739, the Carolina Village Employee Fund, 600 Carolina Village Rd., Hendersonville, North Carolina, 28792 or Interfaith Assistance Ministry, 310 Freeman St., Hendersonville, North Carolina, 28792.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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Merritt Franklin “Little Mutt” Johnson, Jr., 74

Merritt Franklin “Little Mutt” Johnson, Jr., 74, of Hendersonville died on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation after a period of declining health. He was born November 9, 1943 in Las Vegas, New Mexico; a son of the late Merritt Franklin Johnson, Sr. and Rosemary Holland Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Johnson Tidrick.

He spent his formative years in both Hendersonville as well as Sanford, FL. He excelled in athletics especially in football when he attended Hendersonville High School. He graduated in 1962 from Seminole High School in Sanford, FL. He and his family resided for numerous years in Marietta, GA before returning to Hendersonville. He was involved with several companies over the years. He lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his son, Merritt Franklin “Scott” Johnson, III and his wife, Angie of Sherborn, MA. His three grandchildren: Wade, Nash, and Annascott Johnson all of Sherborn, MA. One brother, Berry H. Johnson of Hendersonville. He is also survived by many relatives of the “Johnson Clan”.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018 in Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel officiated by the Reverend Dr. Mark Ralls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Mr. Johnson’s memory be made to Addis Cure, c/o Christi Johnson, 19520 West Catawba Avenue, Suite 200, Cornelius, NC 28031.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

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