Melissa Gail Allison, 46

Melissa Gail Allison, 46, of Mills River died Monday, November 17 at her home after a long

illness.

Born in Wake County, Melissa had lived most of her life in Henderson County and was the

daughter of Sitton Allison and Brenda Turner Allison of Hendersonville.

She was a graduate of West Henderson High School and attended Montreat College.  Melissa

was formerly employed as a manager of group homes in the Charleston area and operated an

aromatherapy business in Hendersonville for many years.  She was a member of Mills River

Presbyterian Church.

Melissa, a talented vocalist and guitarist who traveled the world, was invited to Finland to teach

the American style of music to the youth. She spent much of her time in the Philippines, Finland,

Poland and China sharing her faith through her music. She also loved horses.  She rode English

style and enjoyed showing pleasure horses.

In addition to her parents, Melissa is survived by her brother, Charles Raymond Allison of

Enoree, SC; aunts and uncles, Don and Penny Davis of Hendersonville and Allen and Utincia

Pipkins of Mills River; special friend, Scott Keels of Hendersonville; and many cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 1 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Mills River

Presbyterian Cemetery.  The Reverend Kemuel Pruitt will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 31 Glendale Ave,

Asheville, NC 28803.

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

the family with arrangements.

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Patricia Anne Peer Young, 80

Patricia Anne Peer Young, 80, of Hendersonville died Thursday, November 20, 2014 at her home in Carolina Village after being a long-time resident of Laurel Park.

Born in Rossford, OH, on September 8, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Joseph V. Peer and Ann Marie Hubaliak Peer and was proud of her Slovak Catholic heritage. She was also preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Sandra Knapp and Julie Peer.

Pat was the Salutatorian of her 1952 graduating class of Rossford High School. She was employed as executive secretary at LOF Glass in Toledo, OH, at DayGlo, Inc. in Cleveland, OH and as corporate secretary at Manning Fisher Co., Inc. and Dreicor, Inc. after moving to Hendersonville in 1967.

Pat was a loving mother and wife, a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and an avid supporter of her church and community. Her activities included being a member of the church Ladies’ Guild, Den Mother, and volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce and Pardee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for over 30 years. She was a member of Forrest Woman’s Club, 2^nd Tuesday Book Club, Bridge Club, and Hendersonville Country Club. Music was very important to her life as she was a classical pianist and vocalist, with many awards in the State of Ohio. She was a member of the Hendersonville Little Theater since 1967 where she performed in Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, and was a member of her church choir and the Hendersonville Chorale. Pat enjoyed jogging, walking, boating, traveling, bowling, reading and spending time at her lakehouse at Lake Keowee, SC and winters at Endless Summer in Indian Shores, FL.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Herbert N. Young, Jr. of Hendersonville; sons, Herbert J. (Ann) Young of Hendersonville, Ronald A. (Cathy) Young of Huntersville, NC and Randall P. Young of East Flat Rock; grandchildren, Jacob A. (January) Young, 2^nd Lieutenant Alexander C. Young, and Connor J. Young; step-great-grandson, Jerrin Schenimann; sister, Celia (Donald) Jacobs of New Port Richey, FL; brother, Joseph V. Peer II of Oregon, OH; sister-in-law, Mary (Mike) Carlson of Williamsburg, VA; brothers-in-law, John (Tina) Young of Perrysburg, OH, David (Kristine) Young of Lexington, MI, and Richard Knapp of Fishers, IN; eleven nieces and nephews; seventeen great-nieces and nephews; and many friends throughout the country.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am Monday, November 24, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 208 7^th Avenue West, Hendersonville. The Reverend Martin Schratz will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service for family and friends at The Cedars.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carolina Village Endowment Fund, 600 Carolina Village Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

The family wants to extend “special” thanks to Dr. Ronald Moffitt and his staff and to all the staff at Carolina Village and its Medical Center.

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

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Linda D. Hyder Beddingfield, 64

Linda D. Hyder Beddingfield, 64, of Hendersonville, died, Thursday November 20, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Linda was born on December 16, 1949 in Hendersonville to Virginia R. “Granny” Evans Jones and the late Horace C. Hyder. She is also preceded in death by her step-father Dewitt Jones and step-brother Johnny Jones.

While attending East Hendersonville High School, Linda went on a blind date with a young gentleman whom she dated for only thirty days and she ended up marrying him. She then graduated from East Hendersonville High and spent the last 46 years of her marriage loving and caring for the family her and husband had made together. Linda was devoted to spending time with her family on Sundays and adored her daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. She was also a dedicated member of Dana Baptist Church and has served as a past secretary for her church as well as a Sunday school teacher. Linda was a collector of roosters, enjoyed all flowers and spending time outdoors. She also had a great love for Christmas and snow.

In addition to her mother, Linda is survived by her loving husband Jimmy C. Beddingfield of Hendersonville, her three devoted sons Shane C. and his wife Lisa Myles Beddingfield of Flat Rock, Coby C. and his wife Melody Mintz and Barry Z. and his wife April both of Hendersonville. Her Grandchildren,  Austin W. Beddingfield and Austin D. Fisher of Flat Rock, Kaitryn E., Cooper D., Chase Z. and Riley A. all of Hendersonville. She is also survived by her sister Dicie H. Cole of Hendersonville and her step sister Gail Reynolds of Edneyville and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 at Dana Baptist Church with Reverend Paul B. Chandler, JR. and Reverend Dan Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6-8 P.M. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice: 571 S Allen Rd., Rlat 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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James Donald Maxwell III, 59

James Donald Maxwell III, 59, of Mooresboro, NC and formerly of
Hendersonville, NC passed away Monday, November 17, 2014 at his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Donald Maxwell II
and Ada Mae Scalf Maxwell, a brother, Greg Maxwell and his grandmother,
Gladys English.

He lived in Henderson County, NC for most of his life.  He had
worked at McFarland Bakery and also worked for Borg Warner for 20 years.

He is survived by his sister, Joyce Temple of Hanceville,
Alabama; his son, Duane Graham of Hendersonville and several nieces and
nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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

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John O. Williams, 86

 John O. Williams “Jack” passed away on Tuesday November 11 at the age of 86.

Born 02/19/1928 in Pittsburg PA to John H. Williams and Helen W. Williams.  Married in 1953 to his soul-mate of 61 years Ruth E. Williams.

He served his country as a navy pilot and built a successful career as a manager for Hormel Foods.  Jack was a dedicated 50 year member of the Fraternal Order of the Freemasons and a car aficionado.

He will be remembered for his infectious laugh and a smile that could brighten any room.

A memorial service will be held at the Chapel at Lake Point Landing at 2pm on Thursday November 20^th.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Katherine Marie Bayne Corn, 90

Katherine Marie Bayne Corn, age 90, of Zirconia went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at Park Ridge Hospital. She was born on February 14, 1924 in Henderson County to the late Rufus and Ellie Peace Bayne. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.E. “Elmo” Corn who died in 1990; her son, James David Corn; four sisters, Sarah Haynes, Ida Levi, Grace Maybin, Maggie Levi; and her brother, Jenkins Bayne.

A lifelong resident of Henderson County, Mrs. Corn was a longtime member of Mountain Valley Baptist Church and she worked for the Green River Mill, later known as J.P. Stevens for 42 years. She enjoyed going to church, gardening, and sewing.

She is survived by her daughter, Frieda Elaine Pace; her son, Keith Corn both of Zirconia; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Mountain Valley Baptist Church with the Reverend Shannon Owen officiating. Burial will follow in the Pearson Cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight, Tuesday, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 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.

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James Davis Graham, 76

James Davis Graham, 76, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014 at his residence following an extended illness.

A native of Union County, Georgia, James lived in the Henderson County area most of his life. He was the son of the late James Henderson Graham and Emma Nellie Martin Graham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Paul Richard Graham in 2009; one grandson, Jonathon James Gentry in 1997; and sisters, Dorothy Graham and Frankie Dills.

James served in the National Guard for eight years and retired from E.I. DuPont in 1999. He was a member of Stoney Mountain Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Geraldine Green Graham of Hendersonville; three sons, Jimmy Graham of the home, Ronnie Graham of Hendersonville, and Matt Graham of Asheville and wife Christy of Clyde; one daughter, Deborah Graham Gentry and husband, John Ray Gentry, of Mills River; brother, Joe Graham and wife, Nancy, of Hendersonville; sister, Pauline Hensley of Mountain Home; grandchildren, John Gentry, Jr., Alice Fowler, Daniel Lee Graham, Monica Stepp, Roy Graham, Noah Graham and Sam Gentry; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am Monday, November 17, 2014 at Gethsemane Baptist Church. The Reverend Danny Pridmore will officiate. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of John and Deborah Gentry in Mills River.

The family would like to thank Park Ridge Health Cancer Services and Four Seasons Hospice for the wonderful care James received.

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

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Verlon Ray DeHart, 75

Verlon Ray DeHart, 75 of Hendersonville, NC passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014 at his home.
He was born and raised in Robbinsville, NC.  He was a carpenter and loved to fish and be outdoors.
Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Mary Faas Shea, 67

Mary Faas Shea, 67, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

Born August 14, 1947 and raised in West Islip, Long Island, NY, she also was a long-time resident of Belmont, Massachusetts before moving to Hendersonville just eight months prior to her passing.

Mary was the devoted wife of the late Alfred (Al) D. Shea who died in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her father, Charles W. Faas, Jr. (d. 2011) and her brothers, Charles W. Faas III (d. 1962), Harry Wooldridge Faas (d.2006) and James Weldon Faas (d. January 2014).

Mary attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Babylon, L.I. and the all-girls Hewlett High School. She was a graduate of Mt. Ida Junior College and Keuka College and earned her teaching degree while there. She moved to the Boston area at age 23 where she was employed for 36 years as a teacher of second grade children at Winn Brook Elementary of Belmont, MA until her retirement in 2006. While teaching some of the children of parents she had taught earlier, Mary loved and enjoyed every day and year while earning so many friendships, young and old. She was a member of a fun group of colleagues called “The Blaney Bunch,” named for a favorite school principal, which met for yearly reunions, the most recent, she sadly missed since it was held the November 1^st weekend following her passing.

Mary and Al were avid sailors. Their red hulled Catalina, “The Tabasco,” joined other friends’ Catalinas as they cruised New England bays, coves and harbors. Then there was another group of girlfriends who were quite competitive at doubles tennis. Mary and Al’s neighbors were close friends and a cherished part of her extended family. She leaves behind so many who loved her for her smile, her infectious laugh, her love for dancing and her zest for life.

In her childhood, Mary’s family joined the Babylon Yacht Club where she developed a love for the Great South Bay, sailing and racing a Blue Jay class of sailboat. A large group of BYC fathers had built these sailboats from kits on winter weekends as their children, including Mary, watched and “helped” in awe.

Mary is survived by her mother, Marie Wooldridge Faas of Hendersonville; brothers, Peter R. Faas, Sr. of Hendersonville, John B. Faas and wife, Jeanne, of Roswell, GA, and Thomas P. Faas and his wife, Vikki, of Islip, NY; daughters-in-law, Marilyn Faas of Orlando, FL, Carol Faas of Jamaica, VT, and Valerie Coward of Denver, CO. Also surviving are an aunt, Berry Faas Muirhead of Farmington, CT, and many cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, November 7, 2014 in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Reverend Martin Schratz, OFM Capuchin, will officiate. Another memorial service will be held at a later date in Belmont, MA.

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

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Ted K. Black, 81

Ted K. Black, 81, of Flat Rock passed away, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at Universal Health Care.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Lorraine M. Berg

Lorraine M. Berg of Hendersonville died Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at Park Ridge Hospital in Fletcher.

She was born September 22, 1935 in Rochester, Minn..

Surviving are her sister, Beverly Gable of Fletcher,  Robert Berg of Rochester, Minn., and several nephews and nieces.

She retired from the Methodist Hospital after 40 years and moved to Hendersonville. She enjoyed her home, volunteering and her flowers.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at the Fruitland Methodist Church.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Lorraine M. Berg

Lorraine M. Berg of Hendersonville, NC died Sunday, November 2, 2014 at Park Ridge Hospital in Fletcher, NC. She was born September 22, 1935 in Rochester, Minnesotta. Surviving are her sister, Beverly Gable of Fletcher, NC, Robert Berg of Rochester, Minnesotta and several nephews and nieces. She retired from the Methodist Hospital after 40 years and moved to Hendersonville, NC. She enjoyed her home, volunteering and her flowers. A memorial service will be held at the Fruitland Methodist Church, Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 PM. Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.
    

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Ted K. Black, 81

Ted K. Black, 81, of Flat Rock, passed away, Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at Universal Health Care. Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Robert Keith McLeod, 84

Robert Keith McLeod, 84, of Hendersonville was called to heaven by our gracious Lord on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Barbara McLeod, who died in Hendersonville on Jan. 25, 2013.

"Bob" McLeod is survived by his two sons, Keith McLeod of Orlando, Fla., and Kevin McLeod of Malvern, Ohio and by his daughter-in-law Karen McLeod, also of Orlando, Fla. He is also survived by three grandsons, William McLeod of Orlando, Fla., Brian McLeod of New York, and Daniel McLeod of Orlando, Fla., and by one granddaughter, Shannon McLeod, also of Orlando, Fla..

Robert was a veteran, having served in the Navy from 1948-1952. He enjoyed a long career with Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Fla., as a project specialist from 1958 until his retirement in 1991. After his retirement he and Barbara relocated to Hendersonville.

There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Hendersonville.

"If we live we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

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Lt. Col. Robert E. "Bob" Lee, 81

Lt. Col. Robert E. "Bob" Lee, 81, of Hendersonville, died Saturday, November 8, 2014.

He was the son of the late John and Roberta Lee. Bob served in the US Air Force as a pilot.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Anne Lee; four children, Michael Lee and his wife Kimberly, Patty Herndon and her husband Robert, Thomas R. Lee, and Jennifer A. Lee; four grandchildren, Ryann Darney Lee, Kathryn Taylor Lee, Mason Lee Herndon, and Christian Walter Herndon.

A memorial mass will be held at 3 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Namdev Dagam officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Mary W. Greer, 69

Mary W. Greer, 69, of Hendersonville, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

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Jean Elizabeth Nix, 77

Jean Elizabeth Nix, 77, of Hendersonville was called home to be with the Lord on Friday Nov. 07, 2014 from Mission Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Joseph Archie and Della Mae McCraw and wife of the late Boyd Nix. She was also preceded in death by a daughter Leisa Nix and her special pet Fairlane.

A life long native of Henderson County she was a graduate of Flat Rock School. She drove a school bus for 22 years for Flat Rock. She had also worked with Scenic River Kennels and Village Florist.

Survivors include three sons, Leonard Nix and his wife Cindy, Kavin Nix and his wife Nikki, and Lenell Nix all of Hendersonville, two daughters, Linda Capps of Hendersonville and Janet Michael and her husband Terry of Statesville; a special friend Sue Pearson of Hendersonville; eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 12, 2014, at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with the Revs. Scott Pace and Larry Oliver officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday  in the Chapel at Jackson Funeral Service. In addition to the Tuesday night visitation, the family will receive friends at the Mustang Cafe, Tracy Grove Road, Hendersonville, following the graveside committal.

In lieu of flowers memorials contributions may be made to; Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue, 2503 Old Spartanburg Rd, East Flat Rock, NC 28726 or Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation 104 College Street, 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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Reetha Edna Byers McCrain, 98

Reetha Edna Byers McCrain, 98, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday Nov. 6, 2014, with her family members by her side.

A life long resident of Henderson County, she was born on May 28, 1916, the only child of Docia Byers Ward and wife of the late Eley McCrain. She was preceded in death by her son Richad McCrain.

Reetha was a 1933 graduate of Dana High School. She was a member of Sugarloaf Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and loved going to church. She was a loving mother, devoted homemaker, and a master gardner. She leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and will be missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her four children, Bob McCrain, Frances McGuinn, and Carol Bradshaw (George ) all of Hendersonville and Carolyn Stepp (David) of Charlotte, NC, five grandchildren, Robert, Jeffery, John Lee, Mary and Jennifer and ten great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, in the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with the Rev. Randy Teague and Dr. Randy Tryon officiating. Burial will follow the service at Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel.

A special thanks to thank, Dr. Randy Tryon and the staff at the Elizabeth House

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to; Four Seasons Compassion for Life Elizabeth House, 571 South Alllen 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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Mary Faas Shea, 67

Mary Faas Shea, 67, of Hendersonville passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

Born Aug. 14, 1947, and raised in West Islip, Long Island, N.Y., she also was a long-time resident of Belmont, Mass., before moving to Hendersonville just eight months prior to her passing.

Mary was the devoted wife of the late Alfred (Al) D. Shea who died in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her father, Charles W. Faas, Jr. (d. 2011) and her brothers, Charles W. Faas III (d. 1962), Harry Wooldridge Faas (d.2006) and James Weldon Faas (d. January 2014).

Mary attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Babylon, L.I. and the all-girls Hewlett High School. She was a graduate of Mt. Ida Junior College and Keuka College and earned her teaching degree while there. She moved to the Boston area at age 23 where she was employed for 36 years as a teacher of second grade children at Winn Brook Elementary of Belmont, Mass., until her retirement in 2006. While teaching some of the children of parents she had taught earlier, Mary loved and enjoyed every day and year while earning so many friendships, young and old. She was a member of a fun group of colleagues called "The Blaney Bunch," named for a favorite school principal, which met for yearly reunions, the most recent, she sadly missed since it was held the November 1st passing.

Mary and Al were avid sailors. Their red hulled Catalina, "The Tabasco," joined other friends' Catalinas as they cruised New England bays, coves and harbors. Then there was another group of girlfriends who were quite competitive at doubles tennis. Mary and Al's neighbors were close friends and a cherished part of her extended family. She leaves behind so many who loved her for her smile, her infectious laugh, her love for dancing and her zest for life.

In her childhood, Mary's family joined the Babylon Yacht Club where she developed a love for the Great South Bay, sailing and racing a Blue Jay class of sailboat. A large group of BYC fathers had built these sailboats from kits on winter weekends as their children, including Mary, watched and "helped" in awe.

Mary is survived by her mother, Marie Wooldridge Faas of Hendersonville; brothers, Peter R. Faas, Sr. of Hendersonville, John B. Faas and wife, Jeanne, of Roswell, Ga., and Thomas P. Faas and his wife, Vikki, of Islip, N.Y.; daughters-in-law, Marilyn Faas of Orlando, Fla., Carol Faas of Jamaica, VT, and Valerie Coward of Denver, Colo. Also surviving are an aunt, Berry Faas Muirhead of Farmington, Conn., and many cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Reverend Martin Schratz, OFM Capuchin, will officiate. Another memorial service will be held at a later date in Belmont, MA.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Java Marie Stepp Benison, 93

Java Marie Stepp Benison, 93, of Hendersonville went to be with the Lord, Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, at the Elizabeth House with her loving family by her side.

She was a native of Henderson County, born and raised in the Deep Gap area of Henderson County, lived in Miami, Fla., for 46 years before moving back to Hendersonville in 2000.

She was the only daughter and last survivor of the late David Furman Stepp and Gladys Mae Hyder Stepp and was also preceded in death by her husband, James W. Benison; a daughter, Barbara Benison Maney and four brothers, Pearce, Aaron, Milas and Brownlow Stepp.

Java was a pre-school teacher's helper at Westwood Christian Day School in Miami, Fla., and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by four sons, Jimmy Benison (Donna) of Las Vegas, Nev., Eddie Benison (Piedad) of Houston, Texas, Eric Benison (Anne) of Polk County, and David Benison (Regina) of East Flat Rock; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at noon Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Jeff Tankersley and Rev. Joshua Schaller officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wayside Baptist Church, 21 Straight and Narrow Way, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Council On Aging; ATTN: Meals on Wheels division; 105 King Creek Blvd, Hendersonville, N.C. 28792..

A special thanks to Dr. Randy Tryon and Staff, Park Ridge Hospital ICU and ER, The Elizabeth House and to anyone who assisted Java and her family.

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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