Sherry Owens Austin, 59

Sherry Owens Austin, 59, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at her home in Flat Rock. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee W. Owens and Willie R. Owens of Charlotte.

Sherry was the author of three books: Mariah of the Sprits, Where the Woodbine Twines, and The Days Between the Years. She also published a Kindle book: Stardust: A Reflection on the Resurrection of the Dead. Sherry was awarded two fellowships: one for fiction and one for literary nonfiction, from the North Carolina Arts Council. She also received an award and residency from the Blumenthal Foundation, a nomination for the Sir Walter Raleigh Award, and a nomination for the Appalachian Book of the Year Award. All who knew Sherry will remember her wit and wisdom, but especially her compassion. She was a lifelong seeker of the truth and had the uncommon ability to see the world for what it is, not what somebody else told her it was or what she hoped it would be. A glimpse into her brilliant mind can be found by reading Stardust.

She is survived by Richard W. Austin, her husband of 38 years, brothers: Crista L. Owens and his wife Jewel of Charlotte, and Richard W. Owens and his wife Linda of Johns Creek, GA. She had a special relationship with Jewel and Linda and felt like they were all sisters.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel.

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

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Mary Wynne Bohannon, 93

Mary Wynne Bohannon, 93, died Tuesday April 7, 2015. Mary was born February 28, 1922 in Hickory North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents John Neil Bohannon Sr. and Mary Wynne Bohannon, her brother John N. Bohannon Jr. and her sisters Sara B. Wright and Jane B. Goodson.

Mary’s family moved to Asheville, N.C. in the early 1930s. She and her siblings all went to Lee Edwards High School in Asheville N.C. Mary continued her education at Biltmore College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at UNC she was in the Alpha Delta PI sorority and the Young Women’s Christian Association. Mary graduated in 1943 with an A.B. Degree in Sociology. She returned to Asheville and went to work at Wachovia Bank in downtown Asheville as an executive secretary. After retiring from the bank she worked for her father helping with his many business endeavors. Mary enjoyed playing golf and shopping for the latest styles and fashions. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church of Asheville, N.C.

Mary is survived by her sister Anne B. Criscillis of Atlanta, Ga. and many nieces and nephews. Chuck and his wife Dianne Criscillis, Topper Criscillis of Atlanta; William A. Goodson Jr. and his wife Leigh from Ridgewood N.J.; Susan Chance and her husband Jim of Jamestown N.C. and Thomas Goodson of Greensboro, N.C. ; John N. Bohannon III of Indianapolis, In.; Charles Bohannon of Old Saybrock Conn.;Mary Wynne Burns and her husband Kevin of Acton, Mass.; Isabel Cummings and her husband Hal of Vernon, Conn.; Joel W. Wright III, John E. Wright and his wife Beth of Hendersonville, N.C. Mary also has many great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Edward Bentson, Spring Arbor West, Mountain Home Care and Hendersonville Health and Rehab for their help and care for Mary. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Mary’s Church, 337 Charlotte Street, Asheville N.C. 28801 or to The EAR Foundation at Baptist Hospital, Nashville Tennessee.

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

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Furman L. Bennison, 91

Furman L. Bennison, 91,of Flat Rock, NC went to be with the Lord, Saturday, April 11, 2015.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He
was preceded in death by his parents, George W. Bennison Sr. and Naomi
Hill Bennison and four brothers, Rupert, Paul, George Jr. and Arthur Sr.

He was a US Army veteran serving in the European Theater in
WWII, was a Master Mason with the Kedron Masonic Lodge #387, a member
of the Scottish Rite, a Shriner and a past patron of the Order of The
Eastern Star, Hendersonville Chapter #61.

He retired from Olin Corp after 35 years of service and was a member of Refuge Baptist Church.

Furman enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, beekeeping, cattle farming and visiting with his friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Evelyn Stepp
Bennison; a son, Tim Bennison and his wife Michelle of Flat Rock; two
grandsons, T.J. and Matthew of Flat Rock; two nieces, Judy and Elaine; a
nephew, Arthur Jr and many cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 14,
2015 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Roy Perry and Rev. Zollie
Ward officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Henderson
County Honor Guard and Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Kedron
Lodge #387.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Refuge Baptist Church, P.O. Box 36, Dana, N.C. 28724.

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

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Furman L. Bennison, 91

Furman L. Bennison, 91,of Flat Rock, NC went to be with the Lord, Saturday, April 11, 2015.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He
was preceded in death by his parents, George W. Bennison Sr. and Naomi
Hill Bennison and four brothers, Rupert, Paul, George Jr. and Arthur Sr.

He was a US Army veteran serving in the European Theater in
WWII, was a Master Mason with the Kedron Masonic Lodge #387, a member
of the Scottish Rite, a Shriner and a past patron of the Order of The
Eastern Star, Hendersonville Chapter #61.

He retired from Olin Corp after 35 years of service and was a member of Refuge Baptist Church.

Furman enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, beekeeping, cattle farming and visiting with his friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Evelyn Stepp
Bennison; a son, Tim Bennison and his wife Michelle of Flat Rock; two
grandsons, T.J. and Matthew of Flat Rock; two nieces, Judy and Elaine; a
nephew, Arthur Jr and many cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 14,
2015 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Roy Perry and Rev. Zollie
Ward officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Henderson
County Honor Guard and Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Kedron
Lodge #387.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Refuge Baptist Church, P.O. Box 36, Dana, N.C. 28724.

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

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Doris Pace Gardne

Doris Pace Gardner passed from this world’s living into the next at 2:40 AM Friday April 10, 2015. She will be missed.

Doris was a Hendersonville native in all respects though she found herself called at times to other places, and lived also in Lyman S.C. and Florida. She was the daughter of the late P. Edward Pace and Lillian McCall Pace.

She worked at Gray’s Hosiery Mill, G.E. Lighting, and waitressed and bartended at a number of local restaurants. She was a member of the North Carolina Mountain Clogging Team, and the Hendersonville Curb Market. She graduated from Hendersonville High School.

Doris did not always follow convention. She often sought new ways, new adventures, and new horizons, but she touched the hearts and enriched the lives of the many people who filled her path. She is survived by her four beautiful daughters: Debra Sawyer (Mark), Kathryn Cregier (John), Wendy Hassell (Alan), and Rita Bergstrom (Bruce). She is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Jaime Hubbard, Joey Harmon, Geoffrey Sawyer, Joey Sawyer, and Kalvin Cregier; by 3 great grandchildren: Maddisyn Hubbard, Posie Milliner, and Hensley Harmon, and by her lifelong friend and soul sister Marge Baermann.

Other arrangements will be announce by Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory.

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Doris Pace Gardner

Doris Pace Gardner, of Hendersonville, NC lost her long battle with lung
disease Friday, April 10, 2015.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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Raymond Edward Van Natta, Jr, 83

Raymond Edward Van Natta, Jr, 83 of Hendersonville died Friday, April 03, 2015 at Transylvania Regional Hospital. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, he was a son of the late Raymond Edward Van Natta and Jeanne Gibson Van Natta. A resident of Hendersonville for the past 18 years, he graduated from the University of Illinois and was a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He worked for Lutheran General Hospital and Christ Hospital, both in Chicago; and Moody Bible Institute, WMBI Radio in Chicago. Ed was a member of St. James Church and was brought up in the Plymouth Brethren.

Surviving is his sister, Karen McKee and husband Robert of Connestee Falls; his longtime partner of over 40 years, Frank Scalia of Hendersonville; nieces and nephews, Sean and Matthew McKee and Erin Crossland; great-nieces and nephews Jansen Caleb McKee, Raelyn Greene Crossland and Reni Mae Crossland; and his beloved pets, Max and Hannah.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donors choice.

To offer online condolences, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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James Lenton McCarson, 76

James Lenton McCarson, 76 of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday April 08, 2015 at his residence after a lengthy illness. A lifetime resident of Henderson County he was the son of the late Gertrude McCarson Ford.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Dalton and a step sister Margaret Collins. He was a masonary contractor for most of his life. He was a member of Fruitland Baptist Church. He loved people and had many friends.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Grace Brigman McCarson, two sons, Stuart McCarson and his wife Jennifer and Stacy McCarson, two grandchildren Cole McCarson and Faith McCall, one brother Larry Fowler and his wife Brenda, one sister Erlene Blythe, one step brother Kenneth Fowler and a step sister Ruby Howard and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday at Fruitland Baptist Church at 4 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to: Care Partners Hospice, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville NC 28801 We loved him and he will be very missed.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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James Lenton McCarson, 76

James Lenton McCarson, 76 of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday April 08, 2015 at his residence after a lenghty illness. Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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Harold F. “Bud” Orr, 86

Harold F. “Bud” Orr, 86, of Flat Rock NC went to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, April 7, 2015.
He is a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Milda Guice Orr, his wife, Mildred Jones Orr, five brothers-in-law, Cecil Rogers, Wayne Hill, Ronald Lamb, Ray Lyda and Harold Huff.
Bud owned and operated Orr’s Grocery and Service Station for 30 plus years, was an outdoorsman who loved hunting, gardening and basketball.
He served in the US Army, was a life long member and current deacon of Ebenezer Baptist Church.
He is survived by two sons, Larry Orr and his wife Denise of Edneyville and Kenneth Orr and his wife Belinda of Mills River; three granddaughters, Kathy Sullivan and her husband Randy of Edneyville, Karan Parris and her husband Jeremy of Edneyville and Emily Gayle Orr of Mills River; two great grandsons, Conner Parris and Cade Sullivan; six sisters, Phyllis Rogers, Christine Lyda, Ann Huff, Ethel Pittillo and her husband Jack Pittillo, Mary Lamb, Marie Blackwell and her husband Rev. Dan Blackwell; two sister-in-laws, Wilma Jones Hill and Ellen Jones Walters and her husband Herschel; numerous nieces and nephews and his companion and friend of 14 years, Nancy Green of Fruitland.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, April, 10 2015 at Ebenezer Baptist Church with Pastor Steven Blanton and Pastor Ron Fousek officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military rites provided by the Henderson County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Thursday night from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ebenezer Baptist Church and at other times will be at his son’s homes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2557 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793

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Lillie Mae Drake Hollingsworth, 88

Lillie Mae Drake Hollingsworth, 88, of East Flat Rock, NC went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Elizabeth House after a period of declining health.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Meta Gentle Drake; her husband T.R. Hollingsworth; two brothers, Odell Drake, Dewey Drake; four sisters, Maude Drake, Ruth Drake, Lola Drake and Louise Garren.
She was a member and former Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church.
She was a seamstress and had worked at Ruth Originals, Mountain Top and Grey Hosiery Mill.
She is survived by two sons, Tommy Hollingsworth and his wife Shirley of East Flat Rock and Barry Hollingsworth and his wife Sonya of Dana; six grandchildren, Kenny and Ryan Hollingsworth, Debbie Ward and her husband Richie, LaMonica Dewey and her husband Jonathan, Brandy Hollingsworth and Andi Marshall and her husband Tim; eight great grandchildren, Luke and Kylie Hollingsworth, Samantha and Thomas Ward, Connor, Logan and Liam Dewey and Leiann Marshall; two sisters, Edith Nelson and Rachel Galloway both of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Maranatha Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Gibbs and Rev. Lewis Staton officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and at other times will be at the home of Tommy and Shirley Hollingsworth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maranatha Baptist Church, 2511 Old Spartanburg Rd, East Flat Rock, NC 28726.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793

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Arthur Harold Deutsch, 80

Arthur Harold Deutsch, 80, of Hendersonville, passed away, Monday, April 6, 2015.
He was native of Englishtown, NJ and a resident of Henderson County for 22 years. Arthur was a son of the late David and Mollie Weinpress Deutsch and was also preceded in death by his wife Catherine Deutsch who died in 2012.
He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and served in the U.S Army. Arthur was employed by Tarheel Paving as a personnel manager.
He is survived by his sons: Stephen Deutsch, Kenny Deutsch and his wife Toni, and Michael Deutsch and his wife Lillian; daughters, Debra Hollingshead and her husband Michael, and Donna Olsen and her husband Rich; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 am, Friday, April 10, 2015 in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Chaplain Chuck Evans officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials made be made to Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731.
An online guest book is available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Nuala Catherine Fay, 82

Nuala Catherine Fay, 82, of Hendersonville, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Elizabeth A. Leppingwell, 68

Elizabeth A. Leppingwell, 68, of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, April 3, at the Elizabeth House.
She was preceded in death by two brothers.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard A. Leppingwell and a large loving extended family.
A mass of the resurrection will be held at 2:30pm on Friday, April 10 in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Committal services will be private.
To offer condolences online please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the famly.

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Harold F. “Bud” Orr, 86

Harold F. “Bud” Orr, 86, of Flat Rock NC went to be with the Lord,
Tuesday, April 7, 2015.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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Arthur Harold Deutsch, 80

Arthur Harold Deutsch, 80, of Hendersonville, passed away Monday, April 6, 2015. Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Mary Alice Judy, 67

Mary Alice Judy, 67, of Saluda, NC passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.
She was born and raised in Anderson, SC, lived in the Columbia, SC area and retired to Saluda, NC in 2011.She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary Thoelke.
She was a graduate of T.L. Hanna High School in Anderson, SC.After retiring from the sign business, she devoted herself to her interest as a Reiki Master & Teacher, was a lover of animals and she touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with.
Mary Alice was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.She is survived by her loving wife, Denise Madigan; two sons, Josh Pearman and his wife, Lynn of Greenville, SC and Chris Pearman of Aiken, SC; a daughter, Carol Boyt and her husband, John of Lexington, SC and many grandchildren.
The family will be having a private gathering this weekend.
A public memorial service will follow in the coming weeks in Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foothills Humane Society, P.O. Box 126, Tryon, NC 28782
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Nona Jane Eutsler, 93

Nona Jane Eutsler, 93, passed away Friday, March 27, 2015 at home with her loving family beside her.
She was born and raised in Anderson, Indiana. Nona is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Eutsler. She loved her church, Mt. Moriah Baptist; and all her friends who were like family. Especially her little drummer boy she will always be known as Granny.
Nona is survived by two daughters, Louanna Street and her husband David of Selma, IN and Charlene Thomas and her husband Bill; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with Dr. Brian Melton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
A wonderful thank you to Four Seasons Hospice; especially Toy, Nikki, Phyllis, and Mike. God Bless you.
A sympathy card and online register book is available by visiting www.forestlawnhendersonville.com
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Stella Nash McCrary, 73

Stella Nash McCrary, age 73, of Hendersonville went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Mission Hospital. Stella was born in Henderson County on March 24, 1942, the daughter of the late Floyd D. Nash and Willavenia Patterson Nash.

She was a lifetime resident of Henderson County, she graduated from Flat Rock High School and retired from the Henderson County tax office. She attended Mud Creek Baptist Church.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 52 years, Joseph L. McCrary, Sr.; her son, Joseph L. McCrary, Jr.; her granddaughter, Jessica Renee McCrary; two great-grandsons, Roman and River; and a large loving family. She will be sorely missed.

The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015 in Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Scott Pace officiating. Burial will follow the service in Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 noon prior to the service.

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

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Helen Louise Banks, 87

uise Banks, 87, of Hendersonville, died on Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. She is preceded in death by her parents: J.H. Christian Mitchel and Helen Heilmann Mitchel.

Helen was born in New York City, NY and was an only child. She spent most of her life rescuing and finding homes for animals, mostly dogs and horses. When she moved to Florida from Connecticut in the 80's, she became a founding member of Second Chance for Greyhounds a rescue group that saved thousands of greyhounds from the Florida race tracks. These dogs were placed in homes all over the United States and some in Canada. She continued placing dogs even after moving to Hendersonville in 2006. An interview with Helen about her rescue endeavors and her passion for these animals appeared in Life magazine in 1991. There were numerous other interviews in publications that shed light on the plight of racing greyhounds. She was on the board of directors for Second Chance for Greyhounds and SPAYUSA.

She is survived by her daughters: Candace Burton Reed of Salem WV and daughter Robin Thrush Jovanovich and her husband Peter of Rye, NY. Helen has three grandsons: John McGreevey, William and Nicholas Jovanovich and one great grandchild. She also leaves behind her adored companions: her greyhound Wizard and her beagle Daisy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any animal charity of the donor's choice. Helen requested that there not be a public service.

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

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