Frances Bishop, 80

Frances Bishop, 80, entered into eternal peace with her Heavenly Father Jesus Christ, on April 22, 2014, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

A native of Hendersonville, she attended Dana High School. Throughout the years she worked at Ruth Originals and served as a riding assistant for a Henderson County Handicap School Bus. She was also a faithful member of Maranatha Baptist Church. Frances also enjoyed being involved in Parents without Partners of Hendersonville.

Frances was the daughter of the late Cleatus Elmore Sitton and Edna Ballard Sitton.

Frances is survived by her siblings Frankie Sitton, Jim Sitton and Pat Suttles Miller. She was also the loving wife of the late James Lloyd Bishop. Frances is also survived by her three children, Jerry Bishop and his wife Missy Bishop, Audrey Johnson and her husband Gary Johnson and Diane Stepp and her husband Donnie Stepp; six grandchildren Ashleigh Swayze, Lauren Minnick, Elisha Elmore, Chad Johnson, Craig Stepp and Brent Stepp; and six great-grandchildren Porter Swayze, Kylie Minnick, Karlie Johnson, Brock Stepp, Tatum Stepp and Clayton Stepp.

The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014, with Rev. Craig Stepp officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 9-10 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd. 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.

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Phillip "Pappy" Penland, 53

Phillip "Pappy" Penland, 53, of Fletcher rode up among the angels and became present with the Lord on Saturday, April 19, 2014.

Phil was born in 1960 in Asheville to Patricia Ramsey and the late Jim Penland. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his beloved Maw and Paw, Evelyn and James Penland; and his sister, Jane Matthews.

A forever soul mate, loving father, and a proud pappy; he was an active member of Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville. He loved helping Sergio in the food ministry. He was the vice president for several years of the Carolina Faith Riders (A ministry of Mud Creek Baptist Church). He was the owner of Chuck's Plumbing and a master plumber, and he took pride in every job he did.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Sue Penland; son, Josh Penland and wife, Michelle; daughter, Miranda Penland; two grandsons, Dawson and Gavin Penland (the twinkle in his eyes); brother, Jimmy Penland; sisters, Karen Baldwin and husband, Mickey, Sharon Robinson, and Tonya Heatherly and husband, Woody.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Mud Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Greg T. Mathis officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park accompanied by a motorcycle escort. All biker's are welcome to ride. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Dawson and Gavin's education fund at any TD Bank.

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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Victor J. Tirrito, 85

Victor J. Tirrito, 85, of Hendersonville died with his daughter and friend, Sue, by his side on April 15, 2014.

Vic, the oldest of five children, was born on July 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York to Cosmo and Catherine Tirrito.

"A beacon of light with an ever present twinkle in his eyes-Vic never met a stranger"

After graduating from high school, at the age of 17, Vic enlisted in the Navy and spent two years in Greenland before completing his service with the rank of Seamen. Upon his return, Vic enrolled in the State University of New York, graduating in 1950 with an Executive Assisting Certificate. From there, Vic had a successful 40+ year career with IBM. In 1990, Vic and his wife moved to Hendersonville to be close to their daughter and the mountains.

Vic was a life long devout Catholic. As a member of Immaculate Conception, he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, visiting the sick in many locations. He also taught religious education and led the prayer line. Vic believed in education. He started the continuing education program at Rockland Community College and, after moving to Hendersonville, he taught career guidance at Blue Ridge Community College, along with attending courses himself. Vic believed in community service: volunteering with Blue Ridge Literacy Council, the Elks Club, Immaculate Conception, Knights of Columbus - wherever he was needed he would go. Vic believed in physical fitness. Ffor nearly 15 years Vic worked as a fitness coach at the YMCA, retiring at the age of 84. During that time he never hesitated to encourage, mentor and counsel those that came his way - he always made people feel beautiful. Vic believed in family. Vic was married for 54 years to his wife Terry, he loved his children and grandchildren, and he remained very close to his sisters and brother his entire life.

Vic is survived by his daughter Carolyn and son-in-law Michael Pais of Matthews; his son Victor and daughter-in-law Debbie Tirrito of South Hero, Vt.; grandchildren, Rachael Pais, Michael Tirrito and Stephen Tirrito; great- grandchildren, Katelyn, Kristen, Mason, Persephone, Emma, Conner, and Isaac; and siblings and their spouses, Sal and Terry, June and Lenny, Shannon and John and Phyllis; in addition to many, many friends (including the Y's guys and UUs!!) and his beloved little poodle, Marsha. Vic was preceded in death by his wife Theresa, and his brother-in-law, Nick Maldarelli .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:00 AM Monday April 28, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Candler. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the funeral home. A Prayer service will be held 7:00 PM Sunday at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Gerard House in Hendersonville, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the i Give H2OPE (Providing clean water for all)

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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Helmut George Hoffmann, 91

Helmut George Hoffmann, 91, of Hendersonville died Sunday, April 20, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Kenneth Allen Cannon, 74

Kenneth Allen Cannon, 74, of Hendersonville died Friday, April 18, 2014 at Park Ridge Hospital.

He was born on April 25, 1939, in Henderson County to the late Connie Devotion Cannon and Grace Hyder Cannon. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers.

Mr. Cannon was a lifelong resident of Henderson County; he was a charter member of Fair Haven Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 46 years. He was a skilled rock mason for over 60 years and owned and operated his own business for over 30 years. In addition, he was also employed by General Electric and Cranston Print Works. He was a loving husband, a hard worker, and he was the best daddy and brother, but his purpose on earth was to be a Papaw. He was known as "Papaw" to many other children. One word to describe him is faithful. Not only to his family, but also to his church and to God.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Lou Cannon of the home; two sons, Michael Cannon and his wife, Wanda, Jeff Cannon and his wife, Stephanie; four grandchildren, Natalie, Nick, Chelsa, and Kimberly Cannon; two brothers; eight sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and doctors of Park Ridge Hospital, especially to his nurse, Stephanie Arriaga for their loving care and support.

Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Fair Haven Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Norris, and Brother Phillip Kuykendall officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectively requests that memorial donations be directed to Fair Haven Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 5067 Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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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Evelyn Garren, 70

Evelyn Garren, 70, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, April 18, 2014.

She was the daughter of the late Hayes and Louise Tankersley, and a native of Henderson County. She was a member of English Chapel Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Blaine Garren; sons, Joey Garren and his wife Ruth, Donnie Garren and his wife Donna; grandchildren, Justin and his fiancé Natasha, Kevin and his fiancé Jacqueline, Kelsie, Tristan, Blaine, Kristin, Kara, Kendra, Jacob, and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Paxton, Brianna; sister-in-law, Marie Justice and her husband Carrol; a niece and a nephew; and several cousins.

A funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2014, in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Mike McMillion officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 2 p.m. in the chapel and at other times at the home of Joey Garren.

A guest book or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral is assisting the family.

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Agnes Marie Van Wieren, 88

Agnes Marie Van Wieren, 88, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at Golden Living Center.

Mrs. Van Wieren was born Oct. 22, 1925 in Prospect Park, N.J., to the late Thomas and Cora Van Ostenbridge Dykstra. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Bernard Van Wieren and a son Kenneth Van Wieren.

Agnes worked at Wright Aeronautical and Manhattan Shirt factories during and after WWII. She married May 6, 1949 and became a homemaker. She worked as a nurses aid while her five children where in there teens. Agnes and Bernard moved to Hendersonville in 1983 from Midland Park, N.J., and she continued in home health. She attended Pinecrest Presbyterian Church where she was a member for 30 years. Agnes was involved in the Church WOC "Women of Church," prayer group, choir, and the prayer-chain, and Tops.

Survivors include her children; Lois DeWitte of Edenton, Eileen V. Thomas of Hendersonville, Chris Van Wieren of Hendersonville, and Delores Kinlaw of Charlotte; brothers Tom Dykstra of Georgia and Bob Dykstra of California; sister Carolyn Munster of New Milford, Pa.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church with Rev. Rhett Carson officiating. Interment will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

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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Kenneth Allen Cannon

Kenneth Allen Cannon, 74, of Hendersonville died Friday, April 18, 2014, at Park Ridge Hospital.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Eula Whitlock Drake, 93

Eula Whitlock Drake, 93, died peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2014, at Elizabeth House.

Eula was born Nov. 18, 1920 in Hendersonville to the late Gary T. and Senora Haile Whitlock. Eula was the youngest of six children. She lived her childhood on South Main Street and was a member of Hendersonville High School class of 1937, the first class of students to attend classes in the "new" building on 8th Avenue from first grade through graduation.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Russell and sisters Arlene, Ruth, Martha and Gary.

An accomplished stenographer, Miss Whitlock served as executive secretary to Karl Straus at Ecusta Paper Mill during the early war years, and then to local merchant H. Patterson where she met and married Walter Foulds Drake, the "superb clothier of Patterson's Men Shop." Together they started a family and built a little house on North Main Street. Eula continued to work outside of the home serving as secretary to attorney Bob Whitmire, architects Bill O'Cain and Bill Bracket and builder Pete Green. Later on as an antique dealer, she had a keen eye for folk art and primitives and continued collecting and selling through shops in Landrum, Horse Shoe and Hendersonville.

As a member of First Baptist Church for over 80 years, Eula served as children's activity leader, teacher and circle member. As a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader she expressed her artistic abilities and playfulness. She was an active member of the VFW Auxiliary in the '50s and '60s, a Pink Lady at Pardee Hospital, and one of the best duplicate bridge players to ever pass through the Opportunity House. She was indeed one of the first generation of super-moms.

Mrs. Drake is survived by daughter Susan Nilsson and husband Jon of Asheville; son Walter Jr. aka "Chip" of Hendersonville, his children Morelia and Sam, and grandson Jonathan all of Washington state; also son David and his companion Patricia of Lexington, his children Susan (Wes) Sellew of Charleston, and Anne (Shawn) Houston and their mother Nancy of Burlington, and grandchildren Fox, Haile and Millie Foulds. Also included as survivor and family is her life-long very best friend Ruth Hendrix of Hendersonville and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2014, in the Chapel of First Baptist Church with Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating.

As a memorial to Eula, please consider adopting a stray animal or making a financial contribution to your local animal rescue group.

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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Robert "Bob" Richard Miller, 79

Robert "Bob" Richard Miller, 79, of Hendersonville died Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Robert was born Oct. 3, 1934, in Trenton, N.J., to the late Robert Paul and Margaret Albert Miller. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother John King and a sister Betty King.

He was an Army Veteran and served overseas. Robert was a painting contractor and started his own business in 1964, "Bob's Custom Painting."

He was the oldest of six children and was always there to help his parents. He assisted with the younger siblings, in so many ways he was their Dad too. He loved deep sea fishing and traveling to Florida. He also enjoyed taking trips to New Jersey and Oregon to visit family and friends. Bob absolutely loved animals of all kinds.

Survivors include a son Bobby Miller; a daughter Missy Childress of Hendersonville; brother Allen A. Duncan of Hendersonville; two sisters Carmen Sidebottom of Moore, S.C., and Sharon Pendleton of Medford, Ore.; two grandchildren, Savanna Parris and Cherie Jordan; one great granddaughter, Clara Parris; other survivors include nephews Todd Hayden, John Whisenant, and Christopher Banks; nieces Karen Pendleton, Teresa Pendleton and Lori Banks.

A graveside service will be held noon Monday, April 21, 2014, at Shepherd Memorial Park with Rev. Ron Brown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Highway Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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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Jeffrey L. "J.T." Thompson, 56

Jeffrey L. "J.T." Thompson, 56, of Flat Rock, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was the son of Joe and Marilyn Thompson of Hendersonville.

He was a 1978 graduate of East Henderson High School where he played football and ran track. He retired from General Electric where he worked for 36 years and was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughter Kimberly Bucy and her husband Matthew; his grandson Julian Bucy; mother of Kimberly, Karla Thompson Zaborowski; a sister Sharon King and her husband Tommy; a niece Melanie Justice and her husband Jimmy all of Hendersonville; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2014, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Rev. Mark Hunnicutt and Pastor Ivan Blake will officiate. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Academy, 403 Rutledge Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

To sign an online register book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Marion Elizabeth Strassburg-Davis

Marion Elizabeth Strassburg-Davis of Hendersonville died Wednesday April 16, 2014, at her residence.

A native of Detroit, Mich., Marion was the daughter of the late Othmar Christian Geschwind and Martha Elizabeth Beck Geschwind. She lived much of her life in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., before moving to Hendersonville 12 years ago. Mrs. Strassburg-Davis retired from Xerox after 23 years of service. She was a member of Grace Lutheran of Hendersonville, NC.

She is survived by her dedicated and loyal husband Walter; two daughters Jan Strassburg Huntley of Boone and Kathy Strassburg Kwiatkowski of Moscow, Idaho; sons Ken Strassburg of Richmond, Va., and Kevin Strassburg of Quebec City, Canada. Other survivors include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A special thanks to Cam and Les Boyd, of Boyd Cadillac, for their support of Walter during his leave of absence to lovingly care for his wife.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Mt. Clemens, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Marion's name may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church,

1245 Sixth Ave. West, Hendersonville, NC 28739. www.gracelutherann.com. 828-693-4890

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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Edna Justus

Edna Justus of Hendersonville died Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Beystone Health and Rehabilitation.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Patricia Owensby Howard

Patricia Owensby Howard of Cedar Mountain and Cape Coral, Fla., passed to her heavenly home on Monday, April 7, 2014, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Fla.

She was blessed with two special aunts, Judy McCrary who was her rock, and Evelyn Bowles (Dabba) who spent the last four months in Florida as a loving caregiver for Pat.

Born April 28, 1949 in Fletcher, she was the granddaughter of the late Mark and Dale Owensby. She was married to her beloved husband Horace Gregory Howard, Sr. in 1976 until his death in 1999. She worked as a supervisor at US Airways in Winston-Salem.

Pat was a loving and caring person who will be dearly missed by many special family and friends. She loved the freedom she felt as she rode her Harley "Porky" in the wind. Her favorite song was, "Jesus Take the Wheel". Her great passion for her furry friends brought her much joy — her dog Sissy, a little squirrel Henry and Pretty Girl, a bear who visited her home often in Cedar Mtn. at meal time.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Transylvania County Humane Society, PO Box 1288, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.

A special thank you to all of the bikers who will make her wish come true, when she is laid to rest and they leave the cemetery with a roar.

To sign the online guest book visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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John Henry Krichbaum, 101

John Henry Krichbaum, 101, of Hendersonville died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Hendersonville Health & Rehab.

Mr. Krichbaum was born April 14, 1912, in Chicago to the late John and Annie Smith Krichbaum. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Eleanore who died in 2006; two brothers and two sisters.

During John's career of 42 years he worked at the 1st National Bank of Chicago as an Internal Auditor. After his retirement John and Eleanore retired to Lehigh Acres, Fla., where they lived for 34 years before moving to the Hendersonville area.

John was an avid baseball fan. His White Sox's won the World Series in 2005. He was a kind, loving, gentle man who influenced those who knew him. He attended Living Savior Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his son Don and wife Sue Krichbaum of Hendersonville; grandson Randy and wife Margaret Krichbaum of Turner Valley, Alberta, Canada; ten nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014, at Spring Arbor West with Pastor Caleb Kurbis officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Living Savior Lutheran Church 301 Overlook Rd 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.

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Dorothy R. Rucker, 90

Dorothy R. Rucker, 90, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House.

A native of Paducah, Ky., and a resident of Henderson County for 26 years, she was a daughter of the late Sigmund and Sarah Rossuly. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William Rucker; a brother; five sisters; and a grandson.

Dorothy was a member of Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, loved sewing quilts for Elizabeth House, reading, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Jane Davis and husband Edward of Tega Cay, S.C., James Rucker and wife Patsy of Locust Grove, Ga.; Judith Hetrick of Havana, Fla.; grandchildren, Kate, Olivia, Jennifer B., Joanna H., Jeffrey P. and wife Christy, Denise and Hal; great-grandchildren, Skylar and Lauren; great-great- grandchild, Caden; sister-in-law, Mary Tucker; several nieces and nephews and a very special niece and nephew Ann Tucker Romano and Douglas Morris.

A service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2014, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, P.O. Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731.

An online register book and sympathy cards are available by visiting www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Marion Strassburg-Davis

Marion Strassburg-Davis of Hendersonville died Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at her residence.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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James David Nagell, Jr., 57

James David Nagell, Jr., 57, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville, SC.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Dianna C. Green, 66

Dianna C. Green, 66, of Hendersonville died Friday, April 11, 2014, at her residence.

She was born on Jan. 1, 1948, in Henderson County to Edith Sexton Clayton and the late Bill Clayton. In addition to her father she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Green.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, Mrs. Green was employed by Duke Energy and recently retired after 36 years of employment. She was a very kind, loving, and caring mother and grandmother. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her mother, Edith Clayton; two sons, Cameron Green, Loren Green; two grandsons, Chandler Green and Mason Green; two brothers, Harry Clayton and Donald Clayton; sister, Shirley Harrelson; one niece; five nephews; three great-nephews; and seven great-nieces.

Cryptside services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum with Rev. Shannon Owen officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

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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Dianna C. Green

Dianna C. Green of Hendersonville died Friday, April 11, 2014, at her residence.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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