Joseph John Schwartz, 90

Joseph John Schwartz, age 90, of Flat Rock died Monday, February 25, 2019 at The Elizabeth House.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce Arrangements.

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Melinda Gail Leatherwood, 61

Melinda Gail Leatherwood, 61, of Hendersonville died on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Pardee Hospital after a period of declining health. A Henderson County native, she was born March 25. Gail was a daughter of John Herman Jr., and Mary Ann “Bunny” Burton Leatherwood. She was preceded in death by her brother, Garry Leatherwood.

Gail was a loyal “Bearcat” graduating from Hendersonville High School with the class of 1975. She then continued her education at Wingate University. She enjoyed the hospitality industry and was employed as a Food and Beverage Manager at Fatz Café in Hendersonville prior to her illness. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville and enjoyed performing with Sound of Singing Youth Group, and was a member of the B.P.O.E. #1616 Elks Lodge of Hendersonville. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

 In addition to her parents, she is also survived by a brother John Herman Leatherwood III; and a sister Carrie Lynn Leatherwood Cox and her husband, Kip all of Hendersonville.

 A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel officiated by the Reverend James Walker. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Gail’s memory be made to Pardee Oncology Department, 805 Sixth Ave. W., Suite 100, 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 arrangements.

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James Alan Rieger, 70

James Alan Rieger, 70, of Hendersonville passed peacefully into eternal life on Monday, February 25, 2019 surrounded by family and friends. He was a son of the late Milton Jason and Blanch Evelyn Nick Rieger. In addition to his parents, Alan was also preceded in death by one son, Stephen, one granddaughter, Candice as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Alan was a long time resident and community leader of Hendersonville. He was very well respected as a land developer with uncanny vision. He continued to be active in local real estate until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Noel, as well as three sons: Ken (Krisi), Matt (Audrey), Ben (Ashley), two step daughters: Heather Bauer and Alyssa Salas; six grandchildren: David, Stephanie, James, Jonathon, Wendell and Pierson. He is also survived by seven step-grandchildren: Alani, Noeime, Irineo, Leo, Lazaro, Skylar and Caleb; three great-grandchildren: Kearsey, Isabelle and Silas as well as one daughter-in-law, Linda.

A memorial service in remembrance of Alan will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Hendersonville First Presbyterian Church with Pastor William Campbell officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Alan’s memory be directed to Four Season’s Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC, 28731.

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

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William Eugene “Gene” Orren, 72

William Eugene “Gene” Orren, 72, of Mills River, died on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Campus in Asheville. He was born July 25, 1946 in Statesville; a son of the late Mason Eugene and Katherine Sharpe Melton Orren.

He lived most of his life in Henderson County and was a 1966 graduate of West Henderson High School. He was a self-employed grading contractor. He enjoyed wildlife preservation, hunting, fishing, and Nascar.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mahala Shipman Orren; a daughter, Bridgett Orren Brudever and her husband Robert of Canton, GA; a sister, Judy Souther and her husband Gary of Fletcher; a granddaughter, Macie Elizabeth Brudever; a niece, Mary Souther Cruse of Fletcher; as well as numerous great nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Reverend Richard Merck officiating. The family will receive friends 11:00 – 11:45 am prior to the service at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude - http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=5632597&fr_id=39300&pg=personal.

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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Steven Carl Ward, 64

Steven Carl Ward, 64, of Hendersonville passed away suddenly and went home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2019. Born in Presque Isle, Maine to a military family in 1954, and after a time in Louisiana & Mississippi, his family came to Henderson County in 1965. He was the son of Thelma Ward and the late Bill Ward. Steve was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and adventures with his close circle of hunting and fishing buddies. Above all things, Steve loved family. Steve was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle “unc” and friend who will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. He was an exceptional man of exceptional intelligence who was a jack of all trades. He never found anything broken that he couldn’t repair or repurpose. He was good, honest and fair, and selfless in his consideration of others. He was quiet when there was nothing to say, and full of words and wisdom when he had something meaningful to say, or when he wanted to bring laughter and joy into the lives of those around him. Steve retired after 40 years of service with General Electric at the end of 2015. From that time forward he devoted his time to his family and friends, spending time out in nature and just spending time doing the things that he loved. In the Summer of 2018 Steve set out on a final adventure of a lifetime with the love of his life, his wife Cindy. They travelled across the country taking in the beauty of the countryside, enjoying each other’s company, and visiting landmarks and friends and family all along the way. They were so blessed to have this final adventure together before his untimely passing.
Steve is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cindy McCullough Ward, their son, Ryan (wife, Amanda), a granddaughter, EmmaLee, Steve’s mother, Thelma Ward, a brother, Lee (wife, Beverly), a mother-in-law, Nona Sue McCullough, 2 nieces, Courtney Stepp Lowery (husband, Sean), Lana Ward Bagwell (husband, Eric), a nephew, Brett Ward, and a great nephew, Tyler Stepp Lowery. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Bill Ward, his father-in-law, James “Buddy” McCullough, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norman and Suprina Stepp.
Steve leaves a void that can never be filled, but the legacy of his loving kindness will live on through the generations that he touched. He will be dearly missed here on Earth, but we all rejoice at our reunion in the eternal life to come.
A visitation will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Shaws Creek Baptist Church with service to follow at 2 PM. The Reverends Danny Pridmore and Jerry Mullinax will officiate.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Peter E. Bedoian, 86

Peter E. Bedoian, 86 of Hendersonville, NC, died Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Carolina Village.
A native of Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Israel & Anna Bedoian. He is also preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Diane C. Bedoian, who died in 2012; and one sister, Mary Wodziak.
Pete lived in Lowell, IN, Calumet Park, IL, Blue Island, IL, before moving to Saluda, NC, 23 years ago. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War and was stationed in Iceland. Pete retired from Linde Air Products in East Chicago, IN. In retirement, he worked at Langen Realty in Lowell, IN; Carquest in Hendersonville, NC; Camp Green Cove and Camp Mondamin in Zirconia, NC.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, where he volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister. Pete was a member of Knights of Columbus and Youche Country Club. He was elected Township Trustee in IN and in IL. Pete enjoyed playing golf, playing the accordion, and, most of all, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by a son, Michael Bedoian and his wife Shanda of Saluda, NC; three daughters, Susan Gavin and her husband Bill of Goodyear, AZ, Sharon Wagner and her husband Jeff of Winamac, IN, and Laura Langen and her husband Doug of Zionsville, IN; his loving companion, Joan Wright of Hendersonville, NC; three brothers, John Bedoian and his wife Judy, Charlie Bedoian, and Bob Bedoian and his wife Pat; one sister, Margaret Novak; seven grandchildren, Jacquelyn Jeanes and her husband Zach, Nicholas Williams and his wife Caroline, Steven Wagner, Micayla Bedoian, Jenna Langen, Alyssa Wagner, Cyrena Bedoian; two great-grandchildren, Ella June Jeanes and Cameron Kai Williams; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, February 22, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Praveen Turaka officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Burial will take place at St. Peter Cemetery in Winamac, IN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in his honor.
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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James Ervin Crouse, 84

James Ervin Crouse, 84 of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

A native of Boone, Iowa, he was the son of the late Ervin Crouse and Katherine Varak Crouse. He is also preceded in death by a wife, Mary Ellen Tucker Crouse who died in 2000; a daughter, Linda Crouse; and a sister, Judy Buche.

James was a graduate of Iowa State University. He had prior residences in Boone, Iowa, Fairview Park, Ohio, and Allegany, New York before moving to Henderson County 19 years ago. James was employed for NASA and Dresser Rand Industries as an engineer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville. James was involved with the N.C. Trail Volunteers, and avid bridge player, and a Bridge Life Master.

He is survived by a son, Don Crouse and his wife Amy of Cincinnati, Ohio; a brother-in-law, John Buche of Boone, Iowa; three grandchildren, Katherine Crouse, Timothy Crouse, and Elizabeth Crouse; two nephews, Bob Buche and David Buche; and his ex-wife, Sylvia Crouse.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville with Rev. Mark Ralls officiating.

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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Norbert Sternad, 85

Norbert Sternad, 85 of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Life Care Center of Hendersonville.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 great years, Anne Sternad; two step-sons, Scott Sheff and William Sheff.

A private service will be held at a later date.

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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Steve Mihocka, 89

Steve Mihocka, 89 of Hendersonville, passed away January 21, 2019 at Pardee Hospital of cardiac arrest.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, J. Christine Mihocka and his son, Stephen Edward Mihocka. He attended Barberton High School, received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and his Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Steve’s entire professional career was with the YMCA. In retirement, he was a consultant in risk management for the National YMCA Board. He was the Director of Annual Support Campaigns for the YMCA of Greater New York. He was the Executive Director for the following: Staten Island YMCA of Greater New York, Central Branch YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Missouri, YMCA of Siouxland, Sioux City, Iowa, South Shore Branch, YMCA of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Adult Education Director of Akron Central Branch, Akron Ohio.

Steve was a Captain in the U.S. Army and a Commander in the Ohio National Guard. His community activities included: Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Jaycee “Outstanding Man of the Year”, Meals on Wheels, 32nd Degree Mason, Shrine Foot Patrol Unit in Sioux City, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri, Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Service to others was the cornerstone of Steve’s life. His relationships with family and friends, in the U.S. and abroad were very important to him. He will be missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Christine Mihocka; three nephews, John Mihocka, James Mihocka and David Mihocka along with their mother Christine Seely Mihocka; and several cousins in Slovakia.

The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, February 8, 2019 in the theatre at Lake Pointe Landing, Hendersonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org.

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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James Chester Ward, “ J.C.” 74

James Chester Ward, “ J.C.” 74, of Zirconia, left this world at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation in Hendersonville on Saturday, February 2, 2019 and was welcomed into heaven by Our Sweet Jesus. He was also reunited with his loving mother, Minnie Ward, whom he dearly loved. In addition to his mother, he was also preceded in death by his father, John Runyan Ward; a daughter, Michelle Ward; two sisters, Mae Johnson and Ruth Ward; two brothers, Clarence Ward and Jay Lee Ward; and one granddaughter, Brittany Corpening.

“J.C.” was a native of Henderson County and was a proud farmer of the Zirconia community all of his life. He is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Judy McAbee Ward of the home; two sons, Brian Ward and his wife Lisa of Campbello, South Carolina and Shane Ward of Hendersonville ; nine grandchildren: Brianna Stepp and her husband, Kyle, Brandon Ward and his wife Jessica, Shelby Corpening, Josh Ward, Colby Ward, Jared Ward, Shelby Wilson and her husband Jordan, Haley Elliott and Jacob Elliott; eleven great grandchildren; one brother, Grover Ward, and his wife, Dollie; two sisters, Geneva Bollinger and Janie Simpson and her husband, Lawrence; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Mt. View Baptist Church with Rev. Sam Beddingfield officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the church. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

If anyone knew J.C. they knew a true hard working farmer who took pride in tilling the farm land.

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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William Stuart Shipman, 54,

William Stuart Shipman, 54, of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2019, following a courageous battle with cancer. Stuart was born on July 31, 1964 in Henderson County, NC to Seldon Edgar (Buddy) Shipman, Jr. and Mary McLeod Shipman.
Stuart was a big man with broad shoulders. His strong hands served him well as a stone mason. The pride that he put into his craft is evident in the many fine examples he left in and around Henderson County.
Stuart was an avid fisherman, possessed a great love for the mountains, and was most at home in nature. His talents were not limited to masonry; he was also an excellent mechanic and could fix anything.
Stuart was caring, compassionate, and thoughtful. He was always willing to help friends, family, or neighbors, especially those less fortunate. His family and loved ones will always miss his smile, his humor, and his love of life’s simple things.
Stuart is survived by his mother, Mary McLeod Shipman of Hendersonville, NC; his brothers Steve of Greenville, SC, Bob of Lamar, SC, Eddie, Jon McLeod, and Tim of Hendersonville, NC; girlfriend Vicki Nelson and her son Aaron of Hendersonville, NC; four nephews: Robert, of Denver, CO, Collin, of Lamar, SC, Michael and Nicholas of Greenville, SC, and niece Mary Beth of Lamar, SC.
The memorial service will be held at 11: 00 A.M, Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Pastor Steve Scoggins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Stuart’s memory to the Salvation Army, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314, 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), or at https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give 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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Marshall Allan Warshauer, 89

Marshall Allan Warshauer, 89, of Flat Rock died Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Pardee Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel officiated by Rabbi Rachel Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Marshall’s memory be directed to Agudas Israel Congregation, 505 Glasgow Ln, 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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Richard Leon Lamb, 79

Richard Leon Lamb, 79 of Fletcher, died Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Mountain View Assisted Living.
A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Ray Van Lamb and Laberta Louise Brown Lamb. He is also preceded in death by two children, Richard and Belinda Lamb as well a brother, Ronald Lamb.
Leon was a graduate of Dana High School and completed F.B.I. training. He was the owner and operator of Lamb’s Grocery, and was known as the “Mayor” of Brookside Camp Road for over 40 years. His blue building was lovingly dubbed the newly re-located Mayor’s Office filled with merchandise. Leon was a member of Fletcher Seventh - day Adventist Church, and a member of the Hendersonville Country Club. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboy and Carolina “Tar Heels” fan.
Leon is survived by his loving wife Ellen Sweeney Lamb; two step-children, Phillip and Tami Pearson; two brothers, Lynn and Flaughn Lamb; a sister, Shirley Nicholson; three grandchildren, Nicholas Pearson, Laura Dixon, and Edwin “Wynn” Barringer; and three great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Gavin, and Gabriel.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Fletcher Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Ivan Blake and Pastor John Lorntz officiating. Burial will be private at Shepherd Memorial Park. A memory basket will be available at the service for guests to share stories.
Memorial contributions in Leon’s memory may be made to: Blue Ridge Humane Society, 88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, www.stjude.org.
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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William Stuart Shipman, 54

William Stuart Shipman, age 54 of Hendersonville died Monday, January 28, 2019 after period of declining health at his residence. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors an Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements.

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Florence Loudermilk Heath, 79

Florence Loudermilk Heath, 79, of Hendersonville died on Monday, January 21, 2019 at her home. She was born in Jackson County a daughter of the late Joseph Lattimore and Patsy Brown.
She lived in Henderson County for over 60 years and was employed as a school bus driver.
She is survived by three sons: Charles Brooks and his wife Bonnie, Johnny Heath and his wife Jeannine, and David Heath; three daughters: Pamela Cotter and her husband Gary, Mary Jackson and her husband Darrell, and Cathy Buchannan. Three brothers: Joe, Paul, and Frank; four sisters: Inez, Brenda, Bonnie, and Geraldine; eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She is also survived by her two loyal cats Biscuit and Storm.
The family will receive friends and at her home after 12:00 PM today, Friday, January 25, 2019 and from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 26, 2019, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her memory be directed to Shriners Hospital, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
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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Lloyd Rollin Fike, 88

Lloyd Rollin Fike, 88, a resident of Etowah, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Born February 2,1930 in Shippenville, PA, he was the son of the late Fred Fike and Mildred Fike Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Charles W. Davis, and his wife of 59 years, Billie Moore Fike (1932-2012).
Lloyd proudly served in the United States Navy after graduating high school. Following a career in the insurance industry, Lloyd retired to Tampa, Florida, before moving to Etowah. He was a member of The Masonic Blue Lodge Edenberg #550, Knox, PA; a Shrine Noble of Zem Zem Temple of Erie, PA, as well as a member of Oasis Shrine Temple of Charlotte, the Hendersonville Shrine Club, American Legion Post #77, and VFW Post #5206.
He is survived by his son David, and his wife Joyce, of Brunswick, GA; and daughters Cynthia, and her husband Gregg Ashley of Hendersonville, NC and Gabriela, and her husband Steve Rhea of Yorktown, Indiana.
A graveside service was held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory in Pisgah Forest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to the Shriners' Hospitals for Children
(https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/contacts)
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

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Thomas Steele Darnall, Jr., (Tom) 82

Thomas Steele Darnall, Jr., (Tom) 82, of Hendersonville, NC died Friday, January 11, 2019 at Pardee Hospital.

He was born August 9, 1936, in Birmingham, AL to the late Thomas Steele Darnall, Sr. and Janice Dollins Darnall; and two sisters, Jane Darnall Walker and Sarah Darnall Resor.

Tom was a graduate of Sewanee, The University of the South, with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics. He attended N.Y.U. Graduate School of Business; Harvard Business School of Advanced Management; and Stanford Business School of Advanced Management. Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1958, as well as, from 1961-1962 with an honorable discharge.

Tom began his career at The Hanover Bank (now JP Morgan Chase). He then joined W.E. Hutton where he became a General Partner. He then joined Standard & Poor’s Counseling Corporate, where he served as President, and then Boatmen’s Trust Co. (now Bank of America) as Executive Vice President.

Tom served on the Vestry for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in St. Louis, MO, serving as Senior Warden for three terms. He also served on the Vestry, was Treasurer, Chairman of the Finance, and Endowment Committees for St. John-in-the-Wilderness Episcopal Church, Flat Rock, NC. He served on the following for The University of the South, Sewanee: Board of Trustees from 1978-1984, Chair Endowment Committee, Board of Regents from 1983-1989, Board Chair from 1987-1989, and in 1992 was named Outstanding Alumnus. He was President of the N.Y.C. and St. Louis Alumni Clubs of Sewanee.

He was formerly on the Champion Hills Club Board, the Hendersonville Symphony Board, The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County, where he was Board President and served on the Executive Committee for many years. Tom joined the Community Foundation of Henderson County’s Investment Committee in 2005, where he shared his expertise in investments, becoming chair of the committee in 2013. In this same year, Tom was appointed to join the Board of Directors of CFHC and faithfully attended meetings from July 2013 to present.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Boatwright Darnall, his brother, John P. Darnall, III and his wife Tina of Birmingham, Alabama, six nephews and a niece, all of whom he adored.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. John-in-the-Wilderness Episcopal Church with The Reverend Bill McCleery officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials in Thomas’s memory be directed to: The Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County, 1304 Ashe St., Hendersonville, NC 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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Selma Lance Cairnes, 97,

Selma Lance Cairnes, 97, of Mills River died on Monday, January 14, 2019, at Pardee Hospital. She was born in Henderson County on May 12, 1921 to the late Harold and Annie Hare Lance. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Vance Cairnes; son, Jerry Cairnes; daughter, Dale Diane Morrison; sister, Edith Bryson; half-sister, Joyce Neal.

She is survived by her son, Steve Cairnes and his wife Kathy of Flat Rock; daughter in law, Ruthel Cairnes of Horse Shoe; two half-brothers: Ronald Lance and his wife Theresa, Bobby Lance; five grandchildren: Dewayne, Greg, Marilyn, Sabrina, Kimberly; eight great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; as well as many nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 18, 2019 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Ponder, Rev. Roy Perry, and Rev. Jerry Mullinax officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 56 Mt. Gilead Church Road, Mills River, NC 28759.

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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Inez McGaha Norman, 88

Inez McGaha Norman, 88, of Hendersonville passed away on January 8, 2019, after a period of declining health. She was born in Old Fort on April 23, 1930, a daughter of the late Fred Douglas and Flora Smith McGaha. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Norman, as well as two sisters: Juanita McGaha Saltz and Margaret McGaha Robertson.

At a very young age the McGaha family relocated to Henderson County. She was a graduate of Dana High School. After graduation from high school, she began working at the Hasty Tasty, and then later the Chicken Shack and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5206. Her smiling face and engaging personality endeared her to everyone she met. One of her most notable accomplishments was her career in law enforcement in Henderson County. She performed the duties as matron of the city jail from 1965 until 1969 at a time when women in law enforcement was new to the community. She later became a sworn officer with the Hendersonville Police Department, whose duties included: meter maid, school crossing guard and reserve officer. During her tenure as a meter maid, she issued a parking citation to her mother, but as any good daughter would do, she paid the fine. In 2011, Chief Herbert Blake named the department’s civilian of the year award the Inez Norman Award for Excellence. Following her official retirement, she continued to work part time for the Hendersonville Police Department serving her community honorably.

She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene, Hendersonville Lions Club, as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Hendersonville Chapter.

She is survived by her loving family that consists of numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her Hendersonville Police Department family. She will be missed for her kindness, compassion, and personal strength.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Charles Evans officiating. The honor of serving as pallbearers has been entrusted to: Tom Powers, Danny Fields, Donnie Parks, John Nicholson, Andre Massey and Brandon McGaha. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. today, Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Inez’s memory to World Wildlife Fund, P.O. Box 97180, Washington, DC 20037, worldwildlife.org.

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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Sherry Surrett Harrell, 60

Sherry Surrett Harrell, 60 died Monday, December 31, 2018 at the Elizabeth House.
She was of the Baptist Faith and enjoyed animals, camping, and nature.
Sherry is survived by her father, Jimmy Surrett of Hendersonville; her mother, Conita Pressley Surrett of Etowah; her loving husband of 33 years, Phillip Alan Harrell; a daughter, Lisa Fullam of Charlotte; two brothers, Scott Surrett of Hendersonville, and Wayne Surrett and his wife Carolynn of Hendersonville; two sisters, Kathy Edney and her husband Keith of Hendersonville, and Teresa Creasmen and her husband Jimmy of Etowah; and two grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Rev. Michael Wermuth officiating. Interment will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
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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