Paula Jean Raulin Moore, 93

Paula Jean Raulin Moore, 93, died Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the Laurels of Hendersonville, NC. She was married to her best friend and love of her life, James Robert Moore for 69 years before he passed away in 2016. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one son, Scott Moore, as well as her brother, Del Raulin.

Paula received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. She was one of six “Badger Beauties” in 1945 and served as Prom Queen in 1946. After graduation, she worked as an Advertising Account Executive in Madison, WI while her husband, “Jim,” finished his Law degree.

Paula loved cooking and entertaining, and she had a special love for dogs. During her husband’s career as a Special Agent in the FBI and later in Human Resources, Paula was able to volunteer at several hospitals as well as schools while rearing her children in Moorestown, NJ, Brookfield WI, and Carrollton, TX. She and Jim were also very active in every Presbyterian Church they worshiped at. Her warm outgoing personality was a special gift to those who knew her and she was blessed with many dear friends throughout her life.

She is survived by her son, Brant Moore, and his wife, Louise of Flat Rock, NC. She is also survived by three grandchildren with whom she cherished: Jordan “JT”, Matt and Brandon Moore as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 5, 2018 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Pastor Michael McFarland officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Paula’s memory be directed to The Parkinson’s Foundation, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.

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

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Dr. Kermit Townsend Breen, 90,

Dr. Kermit Townsend Breen, 90, of Hendersonville died on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at his home. He was born April 9, 1928 in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Robert and Ethel Townsend Breen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three wives: Jacqueline Reichman Breen, Peggy Walker Breen, and Arlita Lowry Entrekin Breen; and son Barton Breen.

He was formerly of St. Simons Island and Brunswick, GA; Cookeville, TN; Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, FL; and Magnolia, AR. He studied music, voice, conducting and composition at several institutions including the Chicago Conservatory of Music. Following tours of duty with the army during World War II and the Korean War, he received bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a Doctorate from Florida State University.

During his long career in music, Kermit served on the faculty of South Arkansas University, sang as leading tenor in the Repertory Opera Company, an arm of the Shreveport Symphony Society, and helped found and conduct the South Arkansas Symphony. At Florida State University, he served on the faculty in voice and opera and after completing his Doctorate was on the faculty of Tennessee Tech University before returning to Florida where he founded and became Artistic Director and Resident Conductor of the Pensacola Opera and later of the Okaloosa Symphony. Following a brief retirement and relocation to St. Simons Island, GA, he served as Conductor of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia during which period the Coastal Symphony premiered his symphony “Love and Loss” which was nominated by the orchestra for a Pulitzer prize. Later he briefly directed the New Renaissance Singers of St. Simons Island, GA. After relocating to Hendersonville in 2009, Kermit sang with several groups and became involved with the Arts Council of Henderson County, serving as an active and later “Emeritus” member of its Board of Directors. In addition to music, Kermit’s life-long interests included woodworking and sailing.

He is survived by three daughters: Barbara Breen of Grinnell, IA, Heather Breen McKelvey of Covington, GA, and Hilary Breen Hockett of Brunswick, GA; five grandsons; and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his life partner Jean Kuehl Tuech of Hendersonville.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dr. Breen’s memory be directed to the Arts Council of Henderson County, P O Box 767, Hendersonville, NC 28793, Four Seasons Compassion for Life Foundation, 221 N Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792, or a charity of the donor’s 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 arrangements.

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William Albert Morrill, 96

William Albert Morrill, 96, of Hendersonville, died Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only daughter, Kathy Morrill; and a sister, Myrtle Spann. William was a graduate of Boston University and was a US Air Force veteran of WWII. He and his wife relocated to Hendersonville with DuPont in 1968 until his retirement as a comptroller. William was a member of: Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville Country Club where he was a former board member, and the Four Seasons Club.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jeanne Morrill; a son, Robert Morrill of Cary, NC; and a grandson, Landon Morrill of Cary, NC.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Hendersonville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Ralls officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Meditation and Memorial Garden of Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, 204 6th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739 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 arrangements.

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Dorothy Eugenia Moore Lowery, 89

Dorothy Eugenia Moore Lowery, 89, of Fletcher died December 13, 2018 at Park Ridge Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. No formal visitation is planned.
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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June Elizabeth Hutchison, 96

June Elizabeth Hutchison, 96, of Hendersonville died Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Life Care Center of Hendersonville. She was born on June 10, 1922 in Appalachia, Virginia; a daughter of the late John Henry and Ethel May Frazier Hutchison. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a beloved sister, Joanne Hutchison.

She graduated from Appalachia High School and attended Radford College. During WWII, she worked for the Draft Board in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. She and her sister were inseparable. They enjoyed doing many things together. They worked together for the United States Forest Service until their retirement. While working, she was an active member of Business and Professional Women (BPW). She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a very kind and generous friend to everyone she met.

She and her sister shared events of life’s journey with the McCleerey and Sparks family, who also made sure both were well taken care of and loved.

She is survived by cousin, Linda Gilbert, of Virginia; as well as numerous cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Fruitland Baptist Church cemetery with Reverend David Sparks and Reverend David Gilbert officiating. No formal visitation is planned.

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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Linnea Soderlund Coblentz, 88

Linnea Soderlund Coblentz, 88, was received in the arms of her Lord on December 4, 2018. She was born on May 27, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois; a daughter of the late Carl Edward and Elizabeth Frances Soderlund.

She married Donald “Don” Raymond Coblentz on January 22, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. Their first child, Donald Michael Coblentz, was born in Chicago. They moved to Boca Raton, Florida in 1957 and had three more children: Caryllynn, Jo Anne, and Elizabeth Frances.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher. She embraced life in every sense of the word. Besides family, she had a passion for many things including sailing, dancing, reading, traveling, exercising, Catholicism and, most of all, her many close friends. She was a pioneer in her own right. She worked full-time, raised four children and was in the first graduating class of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 1965. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education and continued her education at FAU and earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling. In 1968, FAU opened a developmental research school, Alexander. D. Henderson University School. Linnea became its director of physical education and a team coach for the next twenty-five years. She was also an Adjunct Physical Education Professor at FAU.

After retiring from FAU, she and Don moved to Sebastian, Florida and lived there for fifteen years. In 2007 they moved to Etowah, NC.

She is survived by her husband Don of 63 years (January 22, 2019, would have marked their 64th wedding anniversary); four children: Donald Michael Coblentz, Caryllynn Coblentz, JoAnne Coblentz Williams, and Elizabeth Frances Coblentz; six grandchildren: Josh Yost, Kandi Yost, Brian Michael Coblentz and his wife Amy Coblentz, Michael Daniel Coblentz, Grayson Michael Coblentz, Danielle Linnea Williams , Karis Elizabeth Coblentz , Caden Edward Coblentz; five great grandchildren: Kayla Anne Coblentz, Kylie Brooke Coblentz, Hannah Yost, Camden Yost, and Sumter Yost; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be two services held. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 21, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Martin officiating. Another memorial service will be held Friday, January 4, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 370 SW 3rd Street, Boca Raton, Fl 33432.

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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Lloyd (Lefty) Williams, 83

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, Lloyd (Lefty) Williams, 83, went home to be with the Lord following a brief illness at The Elizabeth House.
A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Ernest and Ruth Williams. Lefty was preceded in death by his wife Dollie Jean Mckinna Williams who passed in 1993; a daughter, Sharon Brogden who passed in 2017; two brothers, Claude and Bud; and two sisters, Jeanette and Sarah.
Lefty retired from Ecusta Corp. in 1997 and then retired from Apple Country Transportation in 2016. Lefty was a member of Etowah Baptist Church and a former member of Etowah-Horse Shoe Fire Department where he served as Chief of Department and as a Board of Director. Lefty was a former member of the Etowah Lions Club where he was very proud to be a member of the team that worked tirelessly to establish and begin building the current Etowah Park. He served the Etowah community in many other ways such as Scoutmaster, bus driver and just helping a neighbor in need.
Lefty is survived by a daughter, Nancy Williams Durmire and her husband Robert of Dana; a son, Mike Williams and his wife Cathy of Etowah; a son-in-law, Lathe Brogden; six grandchildren, Christopher and his wife Brittany, Courtney and her husband Brandon, Brittney and her husband Derek, Holly, Cameron, Cassandra; four great grandchildren; and his friend and companion, Naia Parker.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 6-8 pm at Thos. Shepherd & Son in Hendersonville. A funeral service will be held at Etowah Baptist Church at a later date due to inclement weather.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Etowah Baptist Church, Promise Center Fund 6508 Brevard Rd, Etowah, NC 28729.
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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Margaret Stonecipher Thomas, 87

Margaret Stonecipher Thomas age 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 after a brief illness. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of over 46 years, Royce P “Bo” Thomas, her sister, Mary Stonecipher Skinner Tichy, as well as her son-in-law, Stephen Vieira.

 A Henderson County native, Margaret Cecille Stonecipher was born on March 21, 1931 at Patton Hospital, a daughter of the late Blenda Latt Stonecipher and Cecil Fullerton Stonecipher. She graduated with the class of 1948 from Hendersonville High School and continued to remain active in the Hendersonville High School Alumni Association as a loyal “Bearcat.” She graduated first in her class from Southern Seminary College in Virginia in 1950. She married the love of her life, “Bo” Thomas in 1951 and lovingly reared their three children. She worked as the Chief Financial Officer for many years for Thomas Brothers Produce Company until her retirement in 2012.

She was an active member of the Hendersonville Lions Club and held several offices with PEO respectfully. An active philanthropist in the community, she was an ardent supporter of Blue Ridge Community College as well as the preservation of The Historic Hendersonville Courthouse. She loved to play bridge with her favorite bridge partner, Nancy Wert, and loved ballroom dancing. She loved Duke Basketball and attended many games and tournaments and was a lifetime member of The Iron Dukes. She enjoyed traveling not only in the United States with her friends, Bobbye Lucas and Eleanor Morrow, affectionately referred to as the “Golden Girls” as well as having traveled extensively visiting five different continents as well. She was baptized in and was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville.

 She is survived by her three children: James Royce Thomas, Mary Thomas Vieira and Richard Latt Thomas and his wife Sherry. She is survived by her four grandchildren:
Stephen Alexander Vieira; Weesie Vieira Thelen and husband Colby; Margaret Vieira Riach and husband Kyle; and Chapman Karlsson Thomas and wife Leanne. She is also survived by her cousin, John Latt and his wife Becky,as well as numerous members of the Thomas Family.

A Celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, December 7, 2018 at the Hendersonville Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Kathryn Cameron officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the Thomas residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions for Margaret's lifelong church, First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville. 816 4th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739

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

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Boyd Gregory Pittillo, 73

Boyd Gregory Pittillo age 73 of Hendersonville died Tuesday December 4, 2018 at The Laurel’s of Hendersonville.

He was a native and life long resident of Henderson County and a Hendersonville Bear Cat. A son of the late Boyd and Thelma Pittillo.

He retired after 36 years with G.E.. He was a former member of East Flat Rock United Methodist Church

where he taught Sunday School and Disciple Bible Study and was a current member of First United Methodist Church.

He is survived wife of 50 years Martha Gail Johnson Pittillo, one daughter Melanie (Rodney) Edwards of Concord, NC, one son Brian (Jennifer) Pittillo of Hendersonville; as well as three grandchildren; Benjamin Edwards, Matthew Pittillo, and Kaitlyn Pittillo.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday December 15, 2018 at First Methodist Church of Hendersonville. With the Rev. Mark Ralls and Rev. Sidney Lanier officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hendersonville First Methodist Church Back Pack Fund. 204 6th Ave West. Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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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Sarah Brown Gilbert, 99

Sarah Brown Gilbert died December 2, 2018 at the Carolina Village Care Center in Hendersonville, NC. She was born April 19, 1919 in Fairmont, NC to Harold Vardell and Ossie Clark Brown. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband William Leon (Bill) Gilbert III, a son William L. Gilbert IV and her brother Harold V. Brown Jr.

She is survived by her son Harold Brown Gilbert (Linda) and her daughter Sally Moffitt ( Dr.Ron) of Hendersonville. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Chip Gilbert (Cathey) and Jennifer Gonzales (Vincent) of Hendersonville, Abby Downing (Henry) of Johns Island, SC and Lindsay Dunn (John) of Glastonbury, CT. In addition she is survived by four great-grandchildren: Rylee and Emily Gonzales and Carter and Emerson Dunn.

After moving to Hendersonville in 1962 she became an active volunteer for Hendersonville City Schools, served on the Boards of the Mental Health Association, Habitat for Humanity and the Henderson County Council for Women. She was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA and a charter member and Elder of Trinity Presbyterian Church.

A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, December 7, 2018 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville with Reverend Mark Stanley officiating.

In lieu of flowers Sarah requested that donations be made to Henderson County Habitat for Humanity, 1111 Keith Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792, the Carolina Village Residents’ Assistance Fund, 600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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