James Earl Thompson (Jim)

James Earl Thompson (Jim), 78, of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, in the loving embrace of his wife. After a courageous and dignified five-year battle with cancer he passed from this life peacefully and with dignity into the loving arms of our Lord.

He was born on October 24, 1933 in Carroll County, Virginia to the late James Henry Thompson and Ethel Lummie Spence.

Jim graduated from Guilford College in 1957 and was a veteran of the United States Navy. Jim met and married his soul mate and "the most beautiful woman in the world," Janet Taylor. They married November 14, 1959, "the happiest day of my life."Jim retired in 1988 after a successful career in the oil business. Jim and Janet moved to Hendersonville, NC in 1997 and both became active members of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church.

He was a loving and loyal husband who cherished his wife. He was a caring and nurturing father who loved his children unconditionally. To his sixteen grandchildren (and an expected great grandchild),who adored him, he was fondly and lovingly known as Paupaw. He placed family above all else and lived everyday of his life that way.

To his family, "adopted families" and friends who enriched Jim's life, he loved you all. You made his time here a blessing and he was grateful to have shared his journey with you.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Taylor Thompson and his four children, James Earl Thompson Jr. of Memphis, Tenn., (wife Cindy and children Lauren Sargent (and husband David), Cameron and Emlyn), Jennifer Eileen Thompson of Winston-Salem, (husband Frank and children Morgan, Brittany and Blake), Joseph Ellis Thompson of Frisco, (wife Tami and children Ellisa and Elijah) and Janet Thompson Barnard of Alpharetta, Ga., (husband Andrew and children Joshua, Jordan, Justin, James, Jessica, Jennifer, Jaxon and Jason).

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, July 6, 2012, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church (1905 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock) with Rev. John A. Morton, Rev. H. Alexander Viola and Deacon Joyce Beschta officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to two charities that were close to Jim's heart. They are: Children and Family Resource Center Scholarship Fund (828-698-0674 or www.childrenandfamily.org/support-us/) and Four Seasons Compassion for Life (828-692-6178 or www.fourseasonscfl.org/donate/).

"There can be no love without honor and respect so let me hold your hands and let's soldier on."

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangement.

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Dorothy Vassos

SILVER SPRING, MD: Dorothy Maxwell Vassos, of Silver Spring, MD, died unexpectedly at Renaissance Gardens, on Friday, May 4, 2012. "Dottie" as she was known to her family and friends, was born on October 22, 1922 in Hendersonville to the late George W. and Molly S. Maxwell. She is the widow of Louis S. "Steve" Vassos, and Daniel Guerino, a first husband who died during World War II. One of nine siblings, Dottie is also preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Lloyd Maxwell, and three sisters, Evelyn Luttrell, Pauline Clingenpeel, and Gussie Reichle.

Dottie is survived by: two brothers and a sister, Murgle Maxwell, J.Z Maxwell, and Louise Willard; her three children, Denise Moutafis (Timothy), Kim Vassos, and Steven Vassos(Chrissy); three grandchildren, Suzanne Vassos, Alexander Moutafis and Nikolas Moutafis; and much-loved nieces and nephews.

Dottie attended high school in Hendersonville before moving to Washington, D.C. during the war years. In 1947, she married Louis Vassos and eventually settled in Hyattsville, MD, where she made many close relationships with her neighbors and community. After years as a telephone operator, Dottie retired from the C & P Telephone Company, to spend more time gardening and enjoying her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Shepherd Memorial Park's Mausoleum Chapel with Reverend Tim Worthington officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riderwood Village, 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904, Attn. Fiona Divecha, Student Scholarship Fund

A register book is available online 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 Mack Glaspy, 90

William Mack Glaspy, 90, of Hendersonville, died on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at the Elizabeth House.  A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was born on March 19, 1922 to the late William Glaspy and Harriet Drake Glaspy. He was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Floyd, Bob, and Walter; his two sisters, Florence and Maude; and his long time companion and friend, Clarice Randall.

He served his country in the United States Army during World War II and was a member of the Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post #5206. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his daughter, Terri Warwick of Washington State; his sister, Myrtle Livingston of Fletcher; three grandchildren and a special friend, Hazel Randall.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 30, 2012 with Reverend Robbie Glaspy officiating.  Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Friday, June 29, 2012 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.

A register book is available online 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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Charles Woodrow Nelson Sr., 72

Charles Woodrow Nelson Sr., 72, of Hendersonville, passed away Sunday, June 24, 2012, at Park Ridge Hospital after a short illness.

He was the son of the late Carl Woodrow Nelson and Hazel Ann White Nelson and was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann Nix and a grandson, Bobby Elmore.

He had lived in Henderson County for most of his life. He graduated from Edneyville High School where he loved playing football, basketball and baseball. After graduating he enjoyed drag racing then pursued the trucking industry as his lifelong career. He retired in 2009.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dixie Gilbert Nelson; a son, Charles Woodrow Nelson Jr. and his wife DeOnna Prince Nelson of Hendersonville; two daughters, Tammy Nelson Elmore of Hendersonville and Angela Nelson-Cain of Hendersonville; a brother, Robert Floyd of Hendersonville; a sister, Gail Beddingfield of Hendersonville; six grandchildren, Morgan, Abby, Beverly, Dylan, Alex and Noah; two great grandchildren, Isaiah and Isabella and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with the Rev. Ronald Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home and at other times will be at the home.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Edward Russell “Russ” Cullen, 82

Edward "Russ" Cullen was born in Princeton, Kentucky on April 24, 1930. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He spent his career as a City of Miami, Fla., firefighter. He retired from the fire department in 1980 and made Hendersonville his home.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Peggy Cullen.

He is survived by his wife, Carole; his children Sandy Cullen (Glenn), Rusty Cullen, Paul Cullen, Carolyn Cullen (Jay), and his grandson, Michael Cullen (Franzetta) and many, many friends.

A memorial mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2012 at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends Thursday night from 7 to 9 p.m. at Jackson Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Edward Russell "Russ" Cullen, 82

FLAT ROCK — Edward Russell "Russ" Cullen, 82, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012 at the Elizabeth House.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory will announce the arrangements.

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Janice Catherine (Meis) Corn

Flat Rock — Janice Catherine (Meis) Corn, October 11, 1939 – June 22, 2012.

Mom went to be with her Savior on June 22, 2012 at 4:04pm after a long, hard struggle to stay with us.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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John David Youngblood, 54

John David Youngblood, 54, of Fletcher, NC died June 19, 2012 at his residence.

Mr. Youngblood was born May 22, 1958 in Henderson County, to Kenneth and Joyce Johnson Youngblood. He was a 1976 graduate of Hendersonville High School and then graduated from Northwestern University of Evanston, IL with a BA in History and Literature of Religion.

Immediately following graduation he was engaged by Northwest University as an instructor of Medical Latin for pre-med students, and pursued his post graduate studies. He then moved to Orange Park, Fl and joined St. John's Academy where he taught Latin and Greek. Later he was affiliated with the Catholic Voluntary Missionary Movement-USA for two years where he taught Latin in Guatemala City, Guatemala Central America, at both St Mary's Seminary and St. Mary's College. Upon return to Hendersonville he volunteered as a Spanish interpreter for the Henderson County Court System.

Mr. Youngblood enjoyed traveling and especially the wine regions of France and Italy. He savored a delicious meal and interesting conversation with family and friends. He was compassionate and empathetic not only to his fellow man but also to animals and pets.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his sister Kaye Youngblood of Fletcher, NC, a nephew, Jake Youngblood, an Aunt Ann Allen of Hendersonville, NC, an Uncle David Johnson and his wife Becky of Encinitas, CA. Other survivors include six cousins: Beth Youngblood of Croton Falls, NY, Josie Youngblood Sidhu of Oceanside, CA, Katie Youngblood Henderson of Hendersonville, NC Mary Youngblood of Miami, FL, Peter Youngblood, Chicago, IL, and Sherry Johnson Hougard and Rick Johnson of Encinitas, CA.

He was predeceased by maternal grandparents David and Loraine Johnson and paternal grandparents Pete and Kate Youngblood, and his uncle Joe Youngblood.

A Service for the family will be held on Saturday June 23, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Fletcher United Methodist Church with Joy Moss officiating.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2012 from the Chapel of Our Lady of Angels at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, conducted by Father Andrew Novak.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Hendersonville High School Scholarship Fund, 1 Bearcat Blvd. Hendersonville, NC 28791.

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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Thomas E. Hanson, 77

Thomas E. Hanson of Hendersonville died June 11, 2012, after a nearly year long battle with lung cancer.

He was born June 16, 1934, in Alpena, Mich., the son of Edward Hanson and Coral Bigelow Hanson.

He lived in Michigan until July of 1989 when, after 33 years with the Michigan Department of Social Services as a County Director, he and his wife Sharon retired to Hendersonville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Karen MacDonald, sisters Betty Guy and Coral Jean Greene, and niece Jean Ann Bates.

In addition to his wife of 41 years, he is survived by daughter Cheryl (Roland) Jobin, and two sons Richard (Debra) Hanson and Dennis (Beth) Hanson, twelve grandchildren: Camillo, Aaron, Crystal, Rachel, Sean, Brandon, Jason, Ashley, Andrea, Sara, Stacy, and Erin, twelve great-grandchildren: Cody, Makayla, Mariah, Elliot, Darrien, Alanna, Walker, Gauge, Abriana, Aradia, Andrew, and Kylie Mae, great-great-grandson Holden, all of Michigan, four nieces: Susan, Cathie, Judy, and Audrey, nephew Bill, and beloved dog Misty.

A memorial service will be held in Jackson, Mich., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to an animal welfare organization of your choice.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Leonard Adean "Len" Boyles Sr. , 87

Leonard Adean "Len" Boyles Sr. , 87, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Friday, June 15, 2012 at the Elizabeth House.

He was a lifelong resident of Henderson County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nomi and Mary Boyles, his wife of 36 years, Irene Garren Boyles, two brothers, Marion and Jack Boyles and a sister, Hilda Wolfe.

He was a US Navy Veteran of WWII, was the first Henderson County Zoning Administrator  and retired from the Veteran's Service Administration after 36 years of service.

He is survived by a son, Leonard Adean Boyles Jr. of Hendersonville; a daughter, Kathy Honeycutt and her husband Rick of Greenville, SC; two grandkids, Brittany Honeycutt of Greenville, SC and Matthew Honeycutt and wife Bridget of Greer, SC; two great grandkids, Kayleigh and Mattix and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held 3 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2012 at Moore's Grove United Methodist Church with Richard Rhodes and Rev. Deb Patterson officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

Donations may be made in Leonard's honor to the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Wayne Setzer Barlow, 80

FLAT ROCK — Wayne Setzer Barlow, 80, of Flat Rock died on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the Elizabeth House after a short illness. A native of Lenoir, he was born on Feb. 14, 1932, to the late Robert Marion Barlow and Julia Elvira Setzer Barlow.

He served his country in the United States Navy. After being honorably discharged in 1955 he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Pulp and Paper Technology from North Carolina State University. The education he received there led him a to 42 year career in the pulp and paper industry. He retired from Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation in 2000. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville.

He is survived by his loving wife, Harriet Anna Elizabeth Ringquist Barlow; his three daughters: Lee Ann Barlow of Fleming Island, Fla., Kim Evon Evans of Jacksonville, Fla., Lunda Elizabeth Albo and her husband Barry of Newberg, Ore.; one son, Glen Paul Barlow of Florence, S.C.; eight grandchildren: Jason Barlow, Arielle Harney, Timothy Barlow, Julia Barlow, Joshua Evans, Alexa Evans, Lacey Albo and Carson Albo; as well as four great-grandchildren: Jason Wayne Barlow, Thomas Paul Barlow, Olivia Phoenix Williams and Benjamin Tyler Harney. He is also survived by three sisters: Marion Ruth Oughton, Margaret Blanck, and Judith Jones and two brothers: Kenneth and Daniel Barlowe.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012 at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville with the Rev. Ron Barker officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, 2012, at the funeral home.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

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

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Delephenia Pryor

BAT CAVE — Delephenia Pryor, 83, of Bat Cave, died on Monday, June 11, 2012 after a long illness. A native of Henderson County she was preceded in death by her mother, Nellie Erwin Black; her husband, Woodrow Pryor, Sr., and a son, Jerry Wayne Pryor.

She was a faithful member and pianist at Middle Fork Baptist Church for 55 years.

She is survived by her five sons, Woodrow Pryor, Jr. and his wife, Beth, of Landrum, S.C., Al Pryor and his wife, Martha, of Hendersonville, Harold Pryor and his wife, Anice, of Bat Cave, Keith Pryor and his wife, Tammy, of Hendersonville, Kevin Pryor and, Kim of Hendersonville; her three daughters, Barbara Fleshman, and her husband, Jim, of Bat Cave, Mary Geouge and her husband, Van, of East Flat Rock, Sandra Pryor of Greenville, SC; 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

She loved her family more than anything. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Middle Fork Baptist Church with Reverend Ralph Fry officiating. Burial will follow at Bearwallow Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Thos. Shepherd & Son.

In lieu of food and flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association
P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090, Middle Fork Baptist Church, 1180 Middle Fork Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

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

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Susan Case Camp, 66,

Susan Case Camp, 66, of Fletcher passed away, Sunday, June 10, 2012 at the Elizabeth House after a brief illness.

Any services will be private.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Daniel D. Elasky, 82

FLAT ROCK — Daniel D. Elasky, 82, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, June 7, 2012 at the Elizabeth House.

He is survived by his wife Gloria Elasky of Hendersonville; three sons, Daniel Elasky Jr of Fredericksburg, Va., Philip Elasky of Charlottesville, Va., and Neal Elasky of Camarillo, Calif.; two sisters, Maryann Miller of Fontana, Calif., and Julie Chevraux of Sun City, Calif., and two grandchildren, Ethan Elasky and Camille Elasky both of Camarillo, Calif..

No local services are planned.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Robert Boyd Jones, 94

Robert Boyd Jones, 94, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, May 3, 2012 at his residence.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory will announce the arrangements.

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Robert A. Smalley, 88

FLAT ROCK — Robert A. Smalley, 88, of Flat Rock, died on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012 at his home after a lengthy and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Bob was born on October 18, 1923 in Detroit, MI to the late, Earl Smalley Sr. and Marguerite Couture Smalley. He was also preceded in death by Marie, his wife of 37 years who died in 1984; his older brother Earl; his younger sister, Natalie and his beloved daughter-in-law, Diane.

At age 4 his family moved to Miami, FL, where he grew up. Later Bob attended boarding school at St. Leo Preparatory School in Dade City, FL. Following his education he joined the United States Navy in early 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 and returned home to Florida.

Bob was a true car rental industry pioneer. Fresh from returning from the war, he and his late brother Earl rejoined the family business, Couture Rent-A-Car, and led the company in a vigorous expansion to become the third largest car rental firm in the United States. In 1958 the company was acquired by The Hertz Corporation where Bob began a long and successful career. Bob held a number of positions during his tenure at Hertz, both in Chicago and New York. He notably incorporated global expansion as President of Hertz International, Ltd., and in 1968 he achieved the pinnacle of his car rental career when he was named President, CEO and Director of the Hertz Corporation.

In the seventies after resigning from Hertz, Bob moved his family from New York to Miami, FL where he formed the nation's first one-way motor home rental company. The company was founded in 1972 and relocated corporate headquarters to Mesa, AZ in 1993. When they relocated to Arizona Bob turned operation of the company over to his two sons and he and his wife Shirley moved to North Carolina.

Living in Hendersonville from then on he and Shirley were active members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was a long time member and past Commodore of Key Largo Anglers Club in Key Largo, FL, a member of Ocean Reef Yacht Club in Key Largo, FL, Hendersonville Country Club and Etowah Country Club.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley who he married in 1985; and his three children, Robert Jr. and his wife, Paula, of Arizona, Randy of Colorado, Sally DiLucente and her husband, Wayne, of Florida; two step-children, Holly Anderson of North Carolina, Dennis Paquette and his wife, Pam, of Florida. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Suzanne and her husband, Seth, Bart, Alana, Caroline, Courtney, Carrie and her husband, Jake, Randall and his wife, Ursula, Rebecca and her husband, Fisk, Brian, Lisa and her husband, Tom, Marie and her husband, Philip; seven great-grandchildren, Lily, Cash, Kate, Julia, William, Caroline and Jacob.

He will be remembered as a successful businessman, entrepreneur, a devoted husband, loving Father and loyal friend.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2012, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Andrew Novak celebrating. A private burial will take place at Woodlawn Park Cemetery in Miami, Fl.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571, South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

A register book is available online 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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Jack John Freeman, 99

HENDERSONVILLE: Jack John Freeman, 99, of Hendersonville, died on Monday, May 28, 2012 at his home.

A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was born on October 5, 1912, to the late George M. Freeman and Emma Kate Edney Freeman. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Elsie Stepp Freeman. On February 12, 2012, they would have celebrated their 80th wedding Anniversary. They met in church and eloped to Greenville, SC when they were 19 years old. Their lifelong love is a legacy that will live forever in the hearts of the family.

He retired from Ecusta Paper Corporation after 25 years of service.

He is survived by his daughter, Ann Freeman; three sons, Jack Roland Freeman, Max Brant Freeman, and Roy Clifford Freeman; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Rex B. Freeman; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00PM on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Shepherd Memorial Park's Mausoleum Chapel with Pastor Ken Mason officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the funeral home.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

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

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Connie Kay Medlin, 57

EDNEYVILLE — Connie Kay Medlin, 57, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She has gone to Heaven as a guardian angel to watch over her family she left on Earth.

She was a lifelong resident of Hendersonville and a member of Mountain Home Baptist Church.
She is the daughter of Earl and Christine Williams of Hendersonville and loving wife of 35 years to George Wesley Medlin, Jr., also of Hendersonville.

She is also survived by three children; Scott London & his wife Ardith of Hendersonville, Melanie McMurray & her husband John of Fletcher, and Bob Medlin and his wife Jenni of Hendersonville.

She leaves behind 5 grandchildren who were the light of her life; Dale London, Lauren McMurray, Emma McMurray, Evan Duckett, and Zachariah Sargent. She was a wonderful Granna and her legacy will live on through the values and compassion she has taught them by her example.

She is also survived by 2 sisters; Donna Owenby & her husband Tim of Hendersonville and Janet Steinbach of Arden as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral will be held at Mountain Home Baptist Church at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 27. The family will receive visitors from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. A burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mountain Home Baptist Church: PO Box 288, Edneyville, NC 28727.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Elisabeth Johnson, 86

MILLS RIVER — Elisabeth Johnson, 86, a retired nurse educator, died of cancer on Friday, May 18, 2012 at her home.

Born, Elisabeth Hintermeister in Brooklyn, NY, she attended Wagner College, graduating in 1948 with a degree in nursing. Soon thereafter, she married a college classmate, Laroy Dietrich, who later became a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Miami. She interrupted her nursing career to raise three sons and resumed it when the youngest started school. Later she joined the faculty of the Jackson Memorial Hospital Nursing School in Miami where she taught until retirement.

After the death of Dr. Dietrich, she married William Johnson, Jr., an electrical engineer, in 1979. They purchased property in Henderson County in 1995, eventually building a house and relocating permanently. Mr. Johnson passed away in 2000. She was an active parishioner at Mills River Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by three sons, Richard Dietrich, a physician residing in Maryland, David Dietrich, a photographer residing in Henderson County, and Mark Dietrich, a Human Resource Manager residing in Michigan and two step-children, William Johnson, III, a CNC technician, and Elizabeth DeBolt, a musician and Health Store manager, both residing in Florida, plus numerous grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 25, 2012, at Mills River Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Randal Boggs officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012, at the funeral home.

A register book is available online 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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Vumani Lyman Topi Mabunda, 67

Vumani Lyman Topi Mabunda, 67, of Hendersonville, died on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Mission Hospital. A native of Chipinge Muzite, Zimbabwe he was born on December 30, 1944, to the late Topi Mabunda and Mafunde Mazibiye. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Mabunda.

He was the proud owner of his own scrap metal recycling business and was a member of United Church of Christ while living in Zimbabwe. After moving to America and Henderson County in 2008 he became a member of Biltmore Baptist Church. He was a member of Ndau Burial Society, an active church volunteer and church treasurer.

He is survived by his four daughters, Kudzai, Dingase, Tsverukai, and Ashirai Mabunda; his four sons, Tadzionera, Kumbirai, Chioniso, and Lyman Mabunda; his 17 grandchildren, Tawanda, Portia, Rupert, Tapiwa, Rukudzo, Rodney, Rogers, Matifadza, Jamal, Nakiso, Birtha, Chioniso, Chipo, Tinoda, Tanyisa, Denise, Blessing; his two sisters, Mutindiye, Juro; his two nephews, Timothy and Moses Mazibiye; and his niece, Elizabeth.

A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Rev. Kelvin Moseley officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 3 p.m.. Burial will be held at a later date in Harare, Zimbabwe.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

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

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