Donald Gene Ward, 68

Donald Gene Ward, 68, of Saluda, NC passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2014 peacefully at his home.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. He
was the son of the late Vance Junior Ward and Mildred Bayne Ward.

He served as a deacon of Piney Grove Baptist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Joyce Pace Ward;
two sons, Ray Gene Ward of Hendersonville and Donald Travis Ward and his
wife Laura of Saluda; six grandchildren, Roxanne Ward, Chelsea
Bardonnex, Charcy Henderson, Jordan Ward, Dylan Ward and Megan Ward;
three great grandchildren, Dillon, Braydon and Makiyah; three brothers,
Michael Ward, Gary Ward and Alex Ward; two sisters, Becky Williams and
Patricia Koshada and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 12:00 PM Monday, December 29,
2014 at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Rev. James Shields and Rev.
Randy Metcalf officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the
church and at other times will be at the home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Piney Grove Baptist Church, 11 Media Lane, Saluda, NC 28773.

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

Read More »

Oscar Wilson Harbin, 74

Oscar Wilson Harbin, 74, of Saluda, NC died of a heart attack at his home on Dec. 6,, 2014. A memorial celebrating his life will be held in the Jackson Funeral Service chapel in Hendersonville, NC at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015. Visitation begins at 1.

Born in Brevard, NC, Oscar was the son of the late Oscar Wilson Harbin Sr. and wife Inez. He attended Brevard High School and was a graduate of UNC - Chapel Hill, where he studied botany, chemistry, and English. He worked for DuPont in the electronics division for many years as a technical writer, sales representative, and sales manager. After his retirement he actively served his community, especially through the Masons, serving as District Deputy Grand Master for Western North Carolina. He was a man of tremendous intellectual curiosity, a dynamic and compelling speaker and storyteller, and a genuinely kind and tolerant person. He was well-liked and respected by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl Harbin, their daughter, Emily Harbin, of Spartanburg, SC, and his daughter Camille Herndon (Jeff) of Largo, FL, and grandchildren Jake and Emma Herndon. Also surviving are his brother, Keith Harbin (Charlene) of Lake Toxaway, NC and relatives in Winston-Salem, NC.

Donations may be made to a scholarship created in his honor, the Oscar Harbin Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please place a note on the memo section of the check and mail to:

Polk County Unity Lodge # 482

PO Box 211

Saluda, NC 28773

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

Read More »

Mary E. Hoyles, 86

Mary E. Hoyles, 86 of Hendersonville, died Thursday, December 25, 2014 at the Elizabeth House. She was a native of Marshall County, Kentucky and a longtime resident of Niagara Falls and Grand Island, New York before retiring to Hendersonville 30 years ago. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rupert and Barbaid Gordon; a brother Glen Gordon; and a daughter Mary Rebecca.Surviving is her husband of 42 years, William Hoyles; one daughter Kathryn Pellish of North Tonawanda, NY; one son Matthew Riley of Youngstown, NY; and two grandsons.No services are planned.To offer online condolences, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Estelle Sohinki, 87

Estelle Sohinki, 87, of Hendersonville, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Mission Hospital. Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

Read More »

Amber Dawn Cornwell, 16

Amber Dawn Cornwell, 16, of East Flat Rock, NC went to be with the Lord Saturday, December 20, 2014 at her home.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County.
She was an A-B Honor Roll student in the 11th grade at East Henderson High School where she was a tennis player, dancer and a member of the All County Chorus.
She loved music, loved to draw, play the piano, hunt, fish or anything outdoors and was a great big sister.
She is survived by her parents, Kim and Alan Cornwell of East Flat Rock; her sister, Breanna Cornwell of the home; her maternal grandmother, Joan Callaghan of Flat Rock; her paternal grandparents, Bill and Norma Cornwell of Hendersonville; her maternal great grandmother, Elsie Edney of Hendersonville and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 Friday, December 26, 2014 at Shepherd Memorial Park with Rev. Dennis Moody officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Friday at Jackson Funeral Service and at other times the family will be at the home.
In lieu of flowers, please help the family , send donations to the family or give to the funeral home.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Read More »

Lucille Beddingfield Worley, 92

Lucille Beddingfield Worley, age 92, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Pardee Memorial Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Henderson County to the late David Levi Beddingfield and Julia Jones Beddingfield. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Worley was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Grant Worley; her son, Joel Worley; four brothers; and five sisters.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County; She loved gospel music and traveling; she had a huge heart and she was the rock of her family. She enjoyed having company, always having a candy bowl for anyone who came to visit. Mrs. Worley was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and Norman Hollingsworth, Darlene and Rickie Dotson, her daughter-in-law, Alice Worley; six grandchildren and their spouses, Crystal and Scott Fletcher, Becky and Robert Acosta, Pam and Randy Wooten, David and Michelle Worley, Stacy Dotson and Jason Smith, Tim and Carrie Dotson; eleven great-grandchildren, Maricela Stallings and husband, Travis, Felisha and Dustin Wooten, Adinda Acosta, Jessica Fletcher, Christian and Skylar Long, Clara Smith, Jenna and Zachary Deattie, and Lucy Dotson.

The funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, December 26, 2014 in Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Reverend Lewis Staton and Reverend John Mason officiating, special music will be provided by Kimberly Staton Truelove. Burial will follow the service in the Beddingfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

A special thank you to meals on wheels volunteers who faithfully delivered meals and smiles.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Lucille's memory be directed to Meals on Wheels of Henderson County, 105 King Creek Blvd. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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.

Read More »

Gwendolyn Mae Pendleton

Gwendolyn Mae Pendleton passed away quietly at home in Fletcher NC on Sabbath, December 20, 2014.

Gwen was born in Athol, MA on August 28, 1927 and was married to the late Howard Pendleton on November 23, 1947. She was a long-time resident of Hendersonville and resided at Fletcher Park Inn Retirement Community in Fletcher, NC. Gwen was a home-maker and dedicated mother who faithfully served in a variety of church and community capacities. Gwen supported her husband Howard's work as a local building contractor/realtor until his death in December, 2004.

Gwen is survived by her six children: Sharon Garner of Ringgold, GA, David Pendleton of Fletcher, NC, Marcia Waters of Centerville, Ohio, Brian Pendleton of Fletcher, NC, Bruce Pendleton of Comer, GA, and George Pendleton of Hendersonville, NC. She is also survived by her 15 grand-children and 12 great-grandchildren.

Gwen was greatly loved by all who knew her and spent her last years enjoying the birds, flowers, and wildlife around her villa's wooded landscape, and visiting with family and friends. Her family was blessed by her love of the Lord, and her continued service to others until her death.

The family will gather for a private graveside service. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for a covered-dish fellowship meal that will take place at the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church on Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:30 on December 23, 2014.
A sympathy card and online register book is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements

Read More »

James Glenn, 80

James Glenn, 80 of Flat Rock, beloved husband of Betty Womack for 62 years, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 15, 2014. In addition to his wife Betty, James Glenn is survived by two daughters Lori (David) Ellington of Saluda, Carmen (Ira) Smith of Brevard, and a son Jimmy (Pam) Womack of Flat Rock. James Glenn was the proud Papa of five grandchildren; Matthew, Andy, Brittany, Kyle, and Cameron, and three great grandchildren; Gracie, Brynlee, and Lincoln.He is also survived by four brothers; Junior Womack of Rutherfordton, Ray Womack of Shelby, Wayne Womack of Van Alstyne, Texas and Johnny Womack of Rutherfordton. James Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Collet and Ola Womack of Mill Spring, a brother Marion Womack of Hendersonville and his sister Morjie Sanders of Charlotte, NC.

It was James Glenn's wishes, that a private service be held, which took place Friday, December 19, 2014 and in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to: Tracy Grove Baptist Church 984 Tracy Grove Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Read More »

Helen Bell Hoots, 95

Helen Bell Hoots, age 95, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Pardee Memorial Hospital. She was born August 12, 1919 in Henderson County to the late Mitchell and Elizabeth Cantrell Bell. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hoots was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Freeman in 1981, and her husband, Reginald Hoots in 1998; and her step-daughter, Betty Jean Lamb.

A lifelong resident of Henderson County; Mrs. Hoots was employed with Olin for over 42 years and was a member Beulah Baptist Church.

She is survived by three step-daughters, Margaret McCall, Clara Johnson and her husband, Jody, Doris Justus and her husband, David; her step-son, Vance Hoots and his wife, Jewell all of Hendersonville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with the Reverend Tony Galloway officiating. Burial will follow the service in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Helen's memory be directed to the Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 7088 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

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

Read More »

Carrie M. Hartjen, 89

Carrie M. Hartjen, 89, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, December 12, 2014.
She was the daughter of the late George and Carrie Wobber. Carrie was a native of Brooklyn, NY and a resident of Henderson County for more than 25 years. She was an accomplished art teacher to school age children as well as an avid gardener and outdoor enthusiast. Also, she was a very faithful servant to our Lord.
Carrie was a loving mother to Paul Hartjen and wife, Cassie, and Laura Jones and husband, Michael; and a devoted grandmother to Andrew, Alana, Luke, Caleb, Michayla and Nevin.
A memorial service will be held 11:00AM Friday, December 19, 2014 at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 2606 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

James Calvin Dalton, 81

James Calvin Dalton, 81 of Hendersonville died Tuesday December 16, 2014 at Pardee Hospital. A life long resident of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Porter and Rebecca Laughter Dalton. He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers. In addition to being a U.S. Army veteran, he was also a lifelong apple grower. He was a life time member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara Whitaker Dalton, two sons James Gregory Dalton and Matthew Raiford Dalton, one daughter Dianne Dalton Wells all of Henderson County, six grandchildren, Amberlee Dalton, Daniel Dalton, Audrey Wells, Colby Wells, Nicolas Dalton and Emilia Dalton, and four sisters.
A funeral service will be held Friday December 19, 2014 at 3pm at Fruitland Baptist Church, with the Rev. Mike Smith officiating, burial will follow the service at Fruitland Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to ; Fruitland Baptist Church Building Fund: 150 College St, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Read More »

Russell "Steve" Rickert, 53

Russell "Steve" Rickert, 53 , passed away after fighting Pancreatic Cancer, on Tuesday.December 9, 2014, in Asheville NC.
He is survived by his wife Joan and sons Jeff and Kevin Rickert. also his mother , Betty Rickert and Father, Russell Rickert and wife Jackie.
As well as brothers David and Andy Rickert and their families.
Steve retired from the US Air Force after 25 years, and also worked as the lodging director at Rumbling Bald resort in Lake Lure.
A memorial service will be held at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service in Hendersonville, NC on Friday December 19, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Military Honors will be conducted by Shaw Air Force Base.
Visitation will start at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to:
www.lustgarten.org/donate or www.appalachiantrail.org

Read More »

William "Bill" Richard Matthews Jr

William "Bill" Richard Matthews Jr., went to walk with the Lord on Sunday, December 14, 2014.

He is survived by his mother, Glenda Procter Matthews of Hendersonville, his father, William Richard Matthews Sr. of Fletcher, his life partner, Ann McLaughlin of Fletcher, and five siblings, Cynthia Diana Mitchell of Shelby, NC, David Neal, Mark Steven and Joseph Keith all of Hendersonville and Tony Davis of Etowah.   Rest In Peace our son, our brother.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at the Old Salem Cemetery.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Read More »

Carrie M. Hartjen, 89

Carrie M. Hartjen, 89 of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, December 12, 2014. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Doylene Warren Kilby, 66

Doylene Warren Kilby, age 66, of Hendersonville died Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation. She was born April 5, 1948 to the late Doyle L. Warren and Annie Mae Haynes Warren.

A lifelong resident of Henderson County; Mrs. Kilby was employed with Tyco for over 30 years. She enjoyed cross stitching, planting, and flowers; she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Richard Kilby; daughter, YuVonne K. Oglesby; step-son, Ricky Kilby and his wife, Michelle; step-daughter, Debbie Smith and her husband, Jeff; six grandchildren, Jimmy, Brayden, Makenna, Kelly, Jonathan, and Jennifer; brother, Dale Warren and his wife, Janice; mother-in-law, Imogene Edwards; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Dr. Robert Hefner officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. prior to the service 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 the arrangements.

Read More »

Grady R. Cunningham, 88

Grady R. Cunningham, 88, of Fletcher, passed away Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.
He was a son of the late Nelson P. and Viola Ward Cunningham and was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Graden B. Cunningham.
He was a resident of Henderson County most of his life and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Grady owned the Gulf Station in Fletcher, later managing a Budget Rent-A-Car. Upon his retirement he worked at Orchard Trace Golf Course and drove cars for a local dealership.
Our dad was passionate about his family, the Fletcher Fire Department, where he was a lifetime member, Boy Scouts, golfing, and telling jokes. He was a member of Fletcher United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita Mae Cunningham; daughters, Cindy Drake and husband Burney of Shelby, and Jeanie Long and husband Russ of Fletcher; grandchildren, Kelly Hall and husband Joey, Bryan Drake and wife Shannon, and Carrie Drake; great-grandchildren, Will, Justin and Kyle Hall, and Lily and Morgan Drake; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 2 PM, Monday, December 15, 2014 at Fetcher United Methodist Church with Dr. Steven Ray officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to: Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Meals-on-Wheels, Council on Aging, 105 King Creek Blvd, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

An online register book and sympathy card is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Harry Allen Fozzard, 83

Harry Allen Fozzard, MD, age 83, died Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at his home in Dana, NC. He was the Otho S.A. Sprague Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago.

He was born April 22, 1931 in Jacksonville, FL to the late Harry Broward Fozzard and Elise Allen Fozzard, and lived there until he went to Washington & Lee University. He then attended medical school at Washington University in St. Louis and interned at Yale. He served in the US Navy Medical Corps at Camp Lejeune in 1957-59 and remained in the reserves, retiring in 1969 as Lieutenant Commander. He completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology training at Washington University and obtained his research training in cardiac electrophysiology 1963-64 at the University of Bern, Switzerland. After several years in St. Louis he joined the faculty of the University of Chicago in 1966, where he was joint Chief of Cardiology 1971-81, Director of the Biomedical Computer Lab 1973-79, Chief of the Graduate Committee on Cell Physiology 1987-90, and Chairman of the Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences 1990-98.

His special clinical interest was cardiac arrhythmias, and he was a pioneer in the establishment of coronary care units, use of beta blockers in management of myocardial infarction, computerized rhythm monitoring, and invasive cardiac electrophysiology. In addition to his clinical work at the University of Chicago, he taught in the Medical School, in the Biological Sciences graduate programs, and in the College. His basic research was on the biophysics of cardiac rhythm, leading to 160 experimental articles, 60 reviews and editorials, and several books. He was Vice President of the American Heart Association 1981-83, Editor-in-Chief of the AHA Journal Circulation Research 1986-91, AHA Distinguished Scientist, and member of multiple National Institutes of Health review panels. An honorary doctorate was awarded to him in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he was a Fulbright Scholar, and he was a member of the US-USSR scientific exchange program in Medicine 1983-1998. In 1991 he was a Visiting Professor at Oxford University. He was elected to the honorific American Society for Clinical Research and the Association of American Physicians, and Fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Perhaps his greatest legacy in science was his mentorship of some 60 graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, most of whom now teach in universities around the world.

After retirement to Dana, he volunteered with the Free Clinic of Henderson County, Pisgah Legal Services, and the Environmental Conservation Organization. He also served on the NC State Board on Clinical Psychology. He was an enthusiastic mountain climber, a competitive sailboat racer on Lake Michigan, and recently a member of the Apple Valley Model RR Club.

He is survived by Lyn Lane Fozzard, his wife of 61 years; his two sons, Richard Fozzard and his wife, Jan of Boulder, CO, and Peter Fozzard and his wife, Elizabeth of Atlanta, GA; his four grandchildren, Dakotah Lyn and Eli Fozzard of Boulder, CO, and Andrew and Allen Fozzard of Atlanta, GA; and his brother, George Fozzard and his wife, Veronica and his nephew, Harry, all of Manila, Philippines.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lane Fund at the Western North Carolina Community Foundation, 4 Vanderbilt Park Dr., Suite 300, 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 the arrangements.

Read More »

William Edward Ferriss, 87

William Edward Ferriss, 87 passed away at Universal Healthcare on November 24, 2014. Born in Eustis, Florida February 15, 1927; Bill served in the US Navy during WWII. He graduated from Rollins College and began his career as a Quality Assurance, Electrical Engineer at Cape Canaveral, Fl. He worked on project Mercury, the Gemini Program and the Apollo program which landed US Astronauts on the moon, eventually retiring from Bechtel International, to the mountains of North Carolina, after overseeing projects in Taiwan, Italy and Saudi Arabia. A national and international traveler, you could always find his red cap in a crowd.

Bill will be dearly missed by his loving wife Margie; his four daughters, Cathy Ferriss, Pamela Traas (Donald), Bonnie Rich, all of Pinellas County, Florida and Julie Hill (Christopher) of Denver, Co.; step-daughter Cindi Layman and step-son Neil Cagle; his grandchildren, Natasha Hubbard, Rusty Rich, Daniel and Mary Ryczek, Michaela Lowe and Ryan Layman; and nine great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, in the Chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with Pastor Paul Brown of Canton Central United Methodist Church officiating.

To help further Alzheimer's research, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association of Western Carolina, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220.OB

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

Read More »

Joan L. Lanning, 64

Joan L. Lanning, 64, of Hendersonville passed away on Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Elizabeth House after a long illness. A resident of Henderson County for most of her life, she was born in Buncombe County on April 6, 1950, a daughter of the late Charlie T. Lanning and Ruby Huntley Lanning. She was also preceded in death by her only son Jeffrey M. Pace and her brother Charlie T. "Ted" Lanning, Jr.
Joan was a graduate of East Henderson High School, worked as a hair stylist, and later in retail sales. Known as JoJo to some of her friends, she will be remembered for her giving spirit and sense of humor.
Joan is survived by her sister, Cathey Bell and husband John D. Johnson; three nephews; and one niece.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 16 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Rev. Rhett Carson of Pinecrest Presbyterian Church will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
An online register book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Susan Marie Barber Coppedge, 54

Susan "Susie" Marie Barber Coppedge, 54, died on Saturday, December 6, 2014, at her home on Pleasant Bay in East Harwich, MA., Susan, who had what one friend called "an amazing spirit for life," will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, especially by her immediate family: her husband, Roy F. "Copey" Coppedge III, their son, Peter Banks Coppedge, and the family dog, "Pandit."

Susan was born on April 14, 1960, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, to late Dr. Leonard Banks Barber and Constance Clark Howard. Growing up, "Susie" treasured spending time and creating wonderful memories at Lake Lure, where her family enjoyed their summer residence. She challenged "friendly" competition with her brothers, and was an avid water and snow skier. Although she was always the apple of her father's eye, she has cherished the special relationship with her loving stepmom, Elizabeth "Betty" Barber Girard.

Susan graduated in 1982 from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. She was an active member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and, in the words of her older brother, Bobby, "loved her Tar Heels." She always enjoyed returning to North Carolina and in recent years, she was fortunate enough to spend time in their beautiful home in the mountains of Hendersonville enjoying family and friends.

Professionally, Susan was a gifted stockbroker. From 1984 to 1987, she worked with Dean Whitter Reynolds, Inc. in Winston Salem, prior to relocating to Boston, where she soon joined Smith Barney/CitiGroup Global Markets, Inc. She then joined Morgan Stanley in 2006. She was currently senior vice president and partner of Morgan Stanley's Boston Team, offering portfolio management, as well as financial planning and trust services.

Losing her father in 1985 to a brain tumor, profoundly shaped Susan's determination to help her fellow man. As she explained in the newsletter of the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, "Sometimes it takes life experiences to make you realize how important it is to help. My father's death made me realize it's important not to take from life, but to try to do something to give back." When a cause or charity reached out to Susan, she was not only generous of her financial commitment to them, but she was a devoted volunteer as well. The Park Street School in Boston, the Inner City Scholarship Fund of Boston, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as her Alma Mater, U.N.C. all benefitted from her generosity.

Susan, always vibrant and outgoing, enjoyed gourmet cooking and entertaining family and friends. She was captivated by the beauty of nature, enjoying all four seasons. She enjoyed traveling and was always up for any new adventure. Whether you were celebrating a birthday, holiday, or a special event, Susan always showered family and friends with spectacular floral arrangements and thoughtful gifts. She had such energy for life that friends affectionately called her "Non-Stop."

In addition to her husband, "Copey", and her beloved son, Peter, her mother, Constance Clark Howard and her husband, Cliff of Elizabethton, TN. and her stepmother Elizabeth "Betty" Barber Girard, Susan is survived by her four step-children: Schuyler Coppedge, and his wife, Irene, Walker Coppedge and his wife, Jill, and Luke Coppedge and his wife, Antonella and Sophie Coppedge Walker and her husband, Brian. Four grandchildren: Grace, Phoebe, Christopher and Luke. Two brothers John Sheldon Barber and his wife, Kathy of North Augusta, SC and Robert Douglass Barber and his wife, Robin of Greenville, SC., as well as six nieces and nephews she adored.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in Chatham, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan's memory can be made to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston MA, 02130.

Read More »