Dorothy K. Fenton, 91

Dorothy K. Fenton, 91 of Hendersonville died Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Carolina Village Medical Center.

She was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and had lived in Garden City, Long Island, and New York City before moving to Hendersonville in 1990.

She was a graduate of St. John's University in Brooklyn where she received her bachelor's degree in education with a minor in economics. For 17 years she taught business at numerous schools in the New York school system, retiring in 1985.

She was of the Catholic faith.

Her parents, Patrick and Ann Dolan Kennedy and one brother and one sister preceded her in death.

Surviving are her husband Emmett P. Fenton; one son Peter Fenton and wife Patricia of Gastonia; one grandson Christopher Fenton of Gastonia; and one niece Jacqueline Cichetti.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 am Wednesday, May 28, 2014, in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 208 7th Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Bruce Doyle McDowell, 91

Bruce Doyle McDowell, 91, of Fletcher died Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Park Ridge Hospital.

Born in Goodlett, Texas, and raised in Oklahoma with his 12 older siblings, he was the son of the late David S. McDowell and Hettie Ann Batts McDowell. He was also preceded in death by his wives, Lola Mae Fortner McDowell and Wilma Anita Krishingner McDowell; his daughter, Margaret Earlene McDowell; and his siblings.

Mr. McDowell was a veteran of World War II, having served in the US Army. Before retiring in 1985, he was employed by Air Condition Products in Detroit, MI. He had resided in Henderson County for 23 years and was a member of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist church.

Mr. McDowell had a deep love of photography and bird-watching. He also enjoyed collecting and playing harmonicas. His great sense of humor was always appreciated by his family and friends. A very hardworking man, he was always concerned about the welfare of others.

He is survived by his son, Harold McDowell; his daughter, Carolyn McDowell of Fletcher; stepchildren, Patricia Battenburg and husband, Mark; Stanley Yurth and wife, Marian, all of Hendersonville; Cathy Mitack and husband, Charlie, of Hinsdale, IL; and Bruce Yurth and wife, Gerri, of Ft. Madison, IA.

The service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church Student Assistance Program, 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704, or to the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church Student Financial Aid Program, PO Box 429, Fletcher, NC 28732.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Robert M. Paxton, 65

Robert M. Paxton, 65, of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Mission Hospital Memorial Campus.

A son of the late Maurice and Lucille Freeman Paxton, he lived in Alabama as a young boy, before moving to Henderson County where he lived for most of his life. An apple grower, he owned and operated M.A. Paxton, Inc. for many years.

Surviving is his wife of 44 years, Donna Paxton; a daughter Caroline Paxton Short and her husband Steven; a son Damian Robert Paxton; his 7-year-old granddaughter Ophelia Short; a sister Susan Worrell; and a niece Molly Worrell, all of Hendersonville.

A private memorial service is planned.

To sign an online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Robert M. Paxton, 65

Robert M. Paxton, 65, of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Mission Hospital Memorial Campus.

A son of the late Maurice and Lucille Freeman Paxton, he lived in Alabama as a young boy, before moving to Henderson County where he lived for most of his life. An apple grower, he owned and operated M.A. Paxton, Inc. for many years.

Surviving is his wife of 44 years, Donna Paxton; a daughter Caroline Paxton Short and her husband Steven; a son Damian Robert Paxton; his 7-year-old granddaughter Ophelia Short; a sister Susan Worrell; and a niece Molly Worrell, all of Hendersonville.

A private memorial service is planned.

To sign an online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Bruce McDowell, 91

Bruce McDowell, 91, of Fletcher, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Read More »

Linda Barnett Cowan, 76

Linda Barnett Cowan, 76, of Mills River, formerly of Webster, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 19, 2014, following a period of declining health. Her final days were spent surrounded by many of the family and friends she cherished.

She was born June 15, 1937, in Mills River. The daughter of the late Kathleen Bagwell Barnett and Robert "Robbie" Sharber Barnett, Linda enjoyed growing up on the family dairy farm in Mills River. With undergraduate and master's degrees from Western Carolina University, Linda taught school in Lexington City Schools, Henderson County Schools, and in Jackson County Schools. The majority of her three decades of teaching were at Fairview Elementary in Sylva.

Linda was a devout Presbyterian. She served as a deacon and Sunday School Secretary at First Presbyterian Church in Sylva, where she faithfully brought her children up in church. Her retirement years were spent worshipping at Mills River Presbyterian, the church she grew up in. Linda was also a former member of the Alpha Delta Kappa teaching sorority and the Mills River Red Hat girls.

Linda enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables, making baskets, sewing and raising chickens. She had an incredible work ethic. She quietly helped students who needed rides home from school activities or wanted a ride to church. Her journey on earth started and ended on the family dairy farm, and she really enjoyed a retirement view of her Daddy's barns on the Old Homeplace. She especially liked being outside appreciating God's creation.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, William J. "Bill" Cowan, who died just six weeks prior to her passing. They had been married for 48 years.

Three children were blessed to call her "Mama" and will miss her dearly. Her children are Jill Cowan Gregg and her husband Brian, Jan Cowan King and her husband Wade, and Jimmy Cowan and his wife Diana. Linda was fondly called "Nana" to her five grandchildren: Maggie King, Clay Gregg, Colby Gregg, Molly Cowan and Macie Cowan. Linda is also survived by her faithful sister, Myra Crisp, of Mills River, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends as well as her four-legged retirement companion, a border collie named Queenie.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Mills River Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Following the service, friends and family will gather in the church fellowship hall for a time of remembrance and visitation.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Black Mountain Home for Children at 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.

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.

Read More »

Linda Kay Orr, 58

Linda Kay Orr, 58, of Flat Rock, died Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Transylvania County, she was the daughter of the late Wade & Rebecca Orr. Linda is also preceded in death by a sister and a brother.

She was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Linda devoted her life to raising children and was a very loving and caring mother.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Rojas; two sons, Keith Watts and Vincent Orr, all of Flat Rock; a granddaughter, Carly Watts; two sisters, Regina Armentrout and Rita Moorman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

An online register book and sympathy card are available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Penelope Parker Peterson

Penelope Parker Peterson died on Friday, May 16, 2014, surrounded by family at her home in Flat Rock.

Born in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of James Rose Parker and Sarah Clarke DeSaussure.

She graduated from Converse College and attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina.

She was predeceased by her husband, Auguste Bartholdi Peterson, Jr., and her beloved dog, Puck.

She is survived by her son, A. Bart Peterson, III, and his wife, Ellen, of Lake Mary, Fla., and by her daughter, Sallie Peterson White and husband, Daniel, of Greenville, S.C.; granddaughters, Bentley Parker White of Charleston, S.C., and Sarah DeSaussure White of Boulder, Colo.; and sisters, Sarah Parker Lumpkin and Martha Parker Allison and husband, Fitz, all of Georgetown, S.C.

A funeral service will be held at noon Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC, with the Right Reverend C. FitzSimons Allison, Reverend John A. Morton, and Reverend Deacon Joyce Beschta officiating. Burial will follow the service in the churchyard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Historic Flat Rock, St. John in the Wilderness, P.O. Box 185, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to a charity of one's choice.

An online register book and funeral service details will be available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Michael A. Antonicchio, 53

Michael A. Antonicchio, 53, of Hendersonville, NC passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at his home.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory will announce the arrangements.

Read More »

Enon Leon Overcash, 57

Enon Leon Overcash, 57, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2014, at his home.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Enon and Mary Ruby Nelon Overcash and a niece, Jessie Overcash.

He had worked for Cason for 33 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 8 years, Janice Venerayan Overcash, three sisters, two brothers and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 20th at his residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the family. Please give to the family at the service or mail them to Janice Overcash, PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Read More »

Meredith T. Durning, 56

Meredith T. Durning, 56, of Gerton, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Read More »

Glenn Ray Cantrell, 84

Glenn Ray Cantrell, community leader, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at Life Care Center on May 17, 2014 at the age of 84 after a period of declining health.

Ray was born in Reidsville to John Glenn and Lucy Talley Cantrell. After service in the Army, he was named manager of the Chamber of Commerce in Ahoskie. In 1960, Ray joined the Greater Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce where he was the Executive Vice President until his retirement in 2000.

When he joined the Chamber, there were 3 industries and the county had no industrial parks. The annual budget for the Chamber was $20,000 and was supported by 210 members. Under his leadership, he persuaded more than 40 industries to locate plants in Henderson County, including Steelecase, Eaton Corporation, Ralph Wilson Plastics and Rockwell International.

He was instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Hendersonville, which included the transition to a serpentine Main Street. Upon his retirement, the G. Ray Cantrell Service Award was established by the Chamber to honor Ray and to recognize an individual's service to the community.

Ray loved his community and worked tirelessly to maintain a balanced growth in Henderson County – balance between industry, agriculture, tourism and retirees. He had a passion for education, serving on the Hendersonville City Schools Board of Education for several years. Ray was Past President of both the NC Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the NC Industrial Developers Association and past board member for Advantage West. In 1978, he was appointed by Governor Jim Hunt to the NC Human Resources and Development Board. He served as executive secretary of the NC Apple Festival for most of the 40 years he worked for the Chamber.

He was a member of Kedron Lodge #387 AF&AM. He was a recipient of the Service to Mankind Award and was a past recipient of the "Possum of the Year Award" from the Possum Hollow Club. He was a founding member of the Four Seasons Golf Club and a active member of Hendersonville Country Club. Ray was also a very active member of First United Methodist Church Hendersonville and Roy Johnson Sunday School class before his health declined.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Libby Smith Cantrell, and a sister, Virginia Cantrell Citty.

He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Cantrell, a son, John Cantrell, of Kingsport, TN and wife, Cindy; step son, Tony Hartle and wife, Linda of Mocksville, NC ; grandchildren Nicholas and Peyton Cantrell, both of Kingsport, TN.

Memorial services will be 11 Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dan Martin officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Kedron Lodge #387 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd & Son. The family will receive friends at The Inn on Church on Tuesday, May 20, 2014.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Life Care Center of Hendersonville and Dr. James J. Caserio and his staff for the compassionate care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Hendersonville PO Box 1460 Hendersonville, NC 28793 or Hendersonville Rescue Mission 639 Maple 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.

Read More »

Rebecca "Becky" B. Mitchell, 81

Rebecca "Becky" B. Mitchell, 81, of Hendersonville died with FrontoTemporal dementia on May 14, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Tabor City, she lived in other parts of North Carolina and Virginia before moving to Hendersonville in 1998. She was the daughter of the late Volley Reece "V.R." Burroughs, Sr. and Mildred Harrelson Burroughs. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her older brother, V.R. Burroughs, Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Billy "Bill" P. Mitchell of Hendersonville; her daughters, Amy King of New Albany, Ind., Elizabeth Robertson of Fairbanks, Alaska; younger brother, Gene Burroughs of Tabor City; step-children, Sharon Huggins of Altamonte Springs, Fla., Steve Mitchell of Altamont Springs, Fla., Amy Harrison of St. Augustine Beach, Fla.; step-grandchildren, Brittney Smith of Eustis, Fla., Sgt. Chase Boyt, stationed in Afghanistan; and step-great-grandchild, Hailey Belle Smith.

Becky graduated from Tabor City High School in 1950; Coker College, Hartsville, S.C., in 1954 with an AB degree in elementary education; and University of Virginia Tech in 1994 with an MS in counseling. She taught and counseled in the public schools of Durham,  Danville, Va.; Orange County, and Fairfax, Va., for a total of 43 years.

At Coker College, Becky was voted May Queen, president of the student body, "Best All Around" and was a member of the Cutie Court. Her marriage to the late Alfred H. Martin, Jr. ended in divorce.

She found pleasure in sharing her happiness, spiritual beliefs, training, and experiences with everyone. She was a vibrant, generous, creative spirit who made the earth a more hopeful, loving planet.

Becky represented her Falls Church, Va., Presbyterian Church in Russia teaching PAIRS, a course in making marital relationships successful. As a representative of the International Executive Service Corps, she and her husband did a mission to Zambia, where she taught street children. A favorite mission was to assist in the development of a Buddhist school in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Since she and her husband joined a colleague from Binghamton, N.Y., in the project in 2006, the school has grown from 46 students in grades 1-4 to 425 students in grades 1-10 today.

After Becky's retirement and move to Hendersonville, she continued to serve others. She served as an intake person at the Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM), as a food server at the Rescue Mission, in the outlet store of the Habitat for Humanity, as a Big Sister, a mentor for the Literacy Council, and was a member of the AAUW. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

A Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville. A committal service will follow the service in the Grace Memorial Gardens. Immediately following the interment the family will receive friends in Stull Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28791, or Memory Care 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803.

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.

Read More »

Dr. Richard Randolph Oldham, 74

Dr. Richard Randolph Oldham, 74, of Flat Rock died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 14, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dick was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 24, 193,9 to the late Herbert Spencer Oldham and Ada Schweitering Oldham.

At a very early age, it was apparent that Dick was not only going to succeed in academics, but he was a natural born athlete. Dick was an all American swimmer during his years in high school. Up until recently, Dick held the Ohio State Record for the 50 Yard "Freestyle" swim record. After graduating from St. Xavier high school in 1957, Dick received his appointment to the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. He was also a member of their swim team and lettered there for all four years of school as well as the captain of the team.

After graduation from The Naval Academy, Dick entered Submarine School followed by Nuclear Power School. He made three nuclear patrols until retirement in 1965. .

Following his resignation from the Navy, he pursued a career in medicine. Enrolling in Vanderbilt University Medical School in Nashville, Tenn., in 1967. After completing medical school and his residency, Dick went on complete the pathology program at Vanderbilt. He began his pathology practice at Baptist Hospital in Nashville where he served as chairman of the department for many years. He was appointed visiting professor at Vanderbilt Medical School and served as president of Baptist Hospital. He was an extremely well respected member of the Nashville medical community until his retirement in 2006.

Dick was known for his gentle spirit and kindness to all who knew him. He enjoyed photography, studied and spoke fluent Italian and always sharpened his skills on his numerous trips to Florence, Italy. For many years, Dick and his family summered in Montana where he renewed his love of nature and all living creatures especially all of those in need.. Glacier National Park was probably one of his most cherished works of God. He loved his dog Bella and enjoyed her companionship particularly during his declining health.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Susan Eslick Oldham, his two sons: Mark Oldham of St. Paul, Minn., and Jeffrey Oldham of Alexandria, Va.; 3 grandsons: Jeffrey Oldham, Dylan Oldham & Javier Oldham, his sisters: Linda Oldham of New York, N.Y. and Jane Crenshaw of Cincinnati, Ohio; one brother, Jack Oldham and his wife Melanie of Aiken, S.C.; and his very special sister-in-law, Mary Jane and her husband, Lawrence Price of Flat Rock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of The Immaculate Conception in Hendersonville with Father Robert Williams, OFA Cap. officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the St. Francis Room.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Salvation Army of Hendersonville, 239 3rd Ave., Hendersonville, NC; Interfaith Assisted ministry of Hendersonville, 210 Eringhaus St., Hendersonville, NC; Four Seasons Hospice-571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731; Community Partnership for Pets, P.O. Box 1021, Flat Rock, NC 28731

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.]

Read More »

Nereo Condini

Nereo Condini, "Ned" to friends and editors, passed away on May 12, 2014 in Asheville after a brief illness.

Born in Turin, Italy, he became a US Citizen in 1976. Educated in Italy, England, and Berkeley, with a PhD in American Literature, he was a Fullbright Visiting Professor at Vassar and East Texas University, before teaching several years in Westwood, NJ.

A reviewer and journalist for La Stampa (Italy) and the Village Voice, among others, a prize-winning poet, writer and translator, Ned's work reflects a humane understanding of life and a grateful appreciation of beauty and grace. Two of his major prizes are the American Pen Poggioli Prize for translation and the William Butler Yeats Society Prize for poetry.

With Marilyn, his wife of 48 years, he traveled extensively and once interviewed Salvatore Allende, former president of Chile. Ten years ago Ned and Marilyn moved to North Carolina, enjoying the beauty and hospitality of this land. Ned was a founding member of the Lost Playwrights of Western North Carolina.

His blessings go to the nurses, staff, and doctors of St. Joseph Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Montvale, NJ, his home for many years.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Partnership for Pets, P.O. Box 1021, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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.

Read More »

James Robert Armstrong, 88

James Robert Armstrong, 88, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at his residence.

He was born January 14, 1926 in Abbeyville, S.C., to the late Joseph Burrett and Sara Palmer Armstrong. In addition to his parents James was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Nell Fraser Armstrong; children Pat and Jimmy and a sister Emily Beck Jordon.

James served in the US Navy, during WWII on the USS Nevada during the attack on Normandy and later on the USS W.B. Cobb, retiring from the Coast Guard as Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of service. He served as a deacon of Double Branches Baptist Church in Cannon, Ga.

Survivors include his three children Joseph, Robbie and Brenda; sisters and brothers, Mary, Jeff, George, Jenora, Katie Ruth, and Sara Jo; twelve grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and his Jack Russell terrier, Ears.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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.

Read More »

James R. Green

James R. Green, resident of Flat Rock, passed away peacefully Wednesday night, May 14, 2014, at Elizabeth House of Four Seasons in Flat Rock, surrounded by his loving family. He had been fighting myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, for two years.

Jim was born in Durant, Okla., to Jack and Cathryn Green June 5, 1943. He graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and earned his MS and PhD in Economics from Oklahoma State. He began his career as assistant professor of economics University of Northern Iowa before he began a working with government agencies in Washington, DC – Economist for the Federal Trade Commission, director of economics at the Department of Energy, policy analysis chief for the Office of Management and Budget, ending his government career with the Federal Communications Commission as director of regulatory affairs and public policy.

He later became vice president of marketing for SNET in Connecticut, where he and his family resided for 13 years. In 1997, he became a principal of LECG in the San Francisco Bay Area, a global expert services and consulting firm. While there, he also served as guest lecturer in telecommunications at University of California Berkeley. In 2003, he returned to the East Coast and Washington, DC where he served as director of economics for Verizon until he retired.

Jim and his wife, Lynne, moved to Flat Rock a year ago to enjoy the bounties of the mountains of Western North Carolina. Pursuing his love of nature, he spent much time hiking trails and walking through the gardens of NC Arboretum, the Biltmore Estates, Carl Sandburg Home and taking many back road trips to find waterfalls, beautiful mountain vistas and just be out in nature. He also loved the local art galleries and fairs and the music that abounds this area.

Music was always Jim's passion. He began his love of music as a youth, playing piano and guitar. He and a friend formed a folk singing duo, playing the campus circuit. His beautiful tenor voice graced choirs and choral groups everywhere he lived. He was a member of the Asheville Symphony Chorus, the Choral Arts Society of Washington, DC, Oratorio Society of Washington, Paul Hill Chorale, and the New Haven Chorale.

He loved traveling, domestically and to Europe, especially Paris and the French countryside. He made many trips and loved being immersed in the French culture and food.

Jim was a lifelong member of the ham radio community, which began at age 10 as a hobby with his father. His long-standing call sign W3HUN will go silent.

Family was the most important part of Jim's life. He spent as much time with his family as he could and loved seeing them grow and follow their dreams. He was happiest when he was with his family.

His religious faith and church community were an integral part of Jim's life. He as always an active member and sang in the choirs of the Methodist Church in each of his residences. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynne Leaf of Flat Rock; two daughters, Mary Cathryn Maher and husband Jim of Milford, Conn., and Carrie Mongillo and husband Scott of Cheshire, Conn.; two brothers, Jack Green, Jr. and wife Pat of Tulsa, Okla., and John Green and wife Bethany of London, England; five grandchildren – Caitlin, Chelsea and Joe Mongillo and Emmett and Sydney Maher; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2014, in the sanctuary of the Brevard First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broadway Street, Brevard, NC 28712. Later, in a private service, his ashes will be inurned in the beautiful Meditation and Memorial Garden at the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his name to MPN Research Foundation (myelofibrosis research). His family plans to donate a bench in his memory at his beloved North Carolina Arboretum.

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.

Read More »

James R. Green

James R. Green of Flat Rock died Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Memorial services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Brevard First United Methodist Church.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Sarah Jane Moore, 87

Sarah Jane Moore, 87, of Hendersonville died Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Sarah was born Feb. 24, 1927, in Henderson County to the late Norman Reed Jones and Lula McCarson Jones Buckland. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Hillard H. Moore; sister Charlotte Ruth Jones; brothers Norman Seymour Jones and Albert Milton Jones.

Mrs. Moore was retired from Southern Bell Telephone Co. where she was a Broadcast Service Coordinator for NC Radio and TV in Charlotte. She was also a member of Grace Lutheran Church, National Society of Daughters of American Revolution, Life Member of Telephone Pioneers of America and Member of Outer Banks Lighthouse Society.

Survivors include a sister Beulah Mae Kyser; brother-in-law James M. Ivey; step son-in-law Alan H. Moore and wife Susan; step daughter-in-law Karen Smith and husband Terry; 6 step-grandchildren; 10 step-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ken Langsdorf officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be Grace Lutheran Church 1245 6th Ave. West Hendersonville, NC 28791 or the Elizabeth House 571 South Allen Road Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Read More »

William "Bill" Vance Trantham, 74

William "Bill" Vance Trantham, 74, of Fletcher died Monday, May 12, 2014, at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

He was born in Henderson County on May 4, 1940, to the late Hubert Vance Trantham and Margaret Wineferd Watkins Trantham. He was also preceeded in death by his cousin, Conrad Watkins.

Mr. Trantham was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master's Degree in education. "Bill" began teaching in the Henderson County School system in 1962 and taught elementary education for the next 35 years, retiring in 1997. He attended Fletcher First Baptist Church.

He enjoyed geneolgy not only of his ancestors but also enjoyed helping people at "Old Buncombe" every Monday searching for their roots as well. He spent countless hours cataloging the history that will be cherished for generations of Western North Carolina families.

Survivors include many, many special friends including: Jeff Smith and wife, Pamela and their children, Savannah and Branson; Shirley Cunningham, Arlene Watkins and her daughters, Connie Stewart, Angela Brumfield, Kelly Franklin and her husband, Rodney; Vickie and Francis Wilder all of Hendersonville; Mike Brown of Asheville, Buddy Gosnell of Charlotte. Other survivors include numerous cousins and not to be forgotten, he is also survived by his loving pets Baby and Boy.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, at Patty's Chapel Cemetery in Fletcher conducted by Reverend Roy Waldroup and Reverend Norris Wright.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Patty's Chapel Cemetery c/o Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library Road, Fletcher, NC 28732.

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.

Read More »