BURRELL P. BROWN, Jr.
Burrell Peterson Brown, Jr., 83, of Emerald Pond Lane, Durham, formerly of Hickory, died Jan. 6, 2001, at Triangle Hospice in Hillsborough. Born March 27, 1917, in Allegany County, Md., he was a son of the late Burrell P. and Lily Mae Meigs Brown Sr. A member of Church of God Saints of Christ in Charlotte, he earned a bachelor's degree from Princess Anne College (now Maryland State University of Eastern Shore), a master's degree from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), and he attended classes at Shrivenham American University and Oxford University in England, A&T State University in Greensboro and North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He taught in the Seaford School System of Seaford, Del., where he also coached baseball. In 1948, he was employed by the Hickory School System and taught at Ridgeview High School until 1965. While there, he taught industrial arts and served as head coach and/or assistant coach in football, girls/boys basketball and track. After leaving Ridgeview, he worked at Price High School in Salisbury from 1965 to '67; Central High School in Newton from 1967 to '68; and Bunker Hill High School as a vocational instructor from 1968 until his retirement in 1982. He also officiated in football, basketball, baseball and softball and received a commendation for 25 years of service from the North State Football Official Association and for basketball officiating from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, the North Carolina Athletic Association and the North Carolina Athletic Official Association. He also was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Brown; and a sister, Anna Mae Hurt. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Marcenia Brown; five children and two children-in-law, Burrell P. Brown III of Greensboro, Marcenia Brown Mitchell of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, LaVerne Brown Starks of Reading, Pa., Gregory and Valerie Brown of Durham and Sheila B. and Marcus Suddereth of Lilburn, Ga.; a sister, Edith Hill of Portsmouth, Va.; 15 grandchildren and several grandchildren-in-law, Burrell P. and Crystal Brown IV and Tyrone Brown of Greensboro, Darrell P. and Tedra Brown, Timothy and Theresa Brown, Dorian Brown, Josh Brown, Ruth Brown, Sarah Brown and Robert Brown of Durham, Tia Mitchell of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Adrian and Aaron Starks of Reading, Pa., and Willis Suddereth, Gregory Suddereth and Travis Suddereth of Lilburn, Ga.; 13 great-grandchildren; and a number of nephews, nieces and friends. The funeral will be conducted by Dr. Webster E. Lytle at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Morning Star First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Southside Cemetery. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Dirk M. Thompson Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

DEWEY B. WHISENANT
MORGANTON - Dewey Bennett Whisenant, 78, of Jenkins Road, died Jan. 7, 2001, at Grace Hospital after a period of declining health. Born Nov. 16, 1922, in Burke County, he was a son of the late Robert J. and Addie Clay Whisenant. A member of Denton's Chapel United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for 35 years, he retired as the supervisor of the rub room at Henredon Furniture Company after 41 years of service. He also was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Edward Whisenant, Guy Whisenant, Herman Whisenant and Pete Whisenant; and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Whisenant. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ella Watts Whisenant; a brother, Vernon Whisenant of Morganton; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Alan Wilson, George Williams and Charles McKinney at 2 p.m. today at his church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Burke County, P.O. Box 1029, Valdese, N.C. 28690; or Denton's Chapel United Methodist Church, 5358 Denton's Chapel Road, Morganton, N.C. 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

HERBERT D. ROBINSON
Herbert David Robinson, 81, of Conover, died Jan. 7, 2001, at the Lutheran Home after a period of declining health. Born April 18, 1919, in Burke County, he was a son of the late Charles T. and Gertrude Brendle Robinson. A member of East Hickory Baptist Church, he retired from Williams Woodcarving in Hickory, was a former employee of Style Craft Furniture in Hickory and was a member of the Longview Chapter of the Lions Club. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Dinard Robinson, Bill Robinson, Russell Robinson and Hal Robinson; four sisters, Myrtle White, Aileen Harris, Farel Andrew and Jewell Robinson; and a grandson, Kevin Robinson. Survivors include his wife, Jewell Bollinger Robinson; two sons and daughters-in-law, Danny and Shannon Robinson and Larry and Catherine Robinson of Hickory; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Randy Bowman of Hickory and Karen R. and David Talton of Granite Falls; six grandchildren, Kristi Chapman, Anissa Killian, Mark Robinson, Brandi Robinson, David Robinson and Becky Bowen; nine great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Dwight Lowman and Michael Barber at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Catawba Funeral Home. Burial will be in Catawba Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Chuck Chapman, David Robinson, Mark Robinson, Michael Robinson, Randall Bowen and Franklin Bollinger. The family will be at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Western N.C. Chapter, 3 Louisiana Ave., Asheville, N.C. 28806-3419; or Lions Club, Longview Chapter, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681.

MYRTLE S. STONE
STONY POINT - Myrtle Lou Stikeleather Stone, 87, of York Road, died Jan. 7, 2001. Born March 12, 1913, in Iredell County, she was a daughter of the late William M. and Annie Brown Stikeleather. A member of Stony Point ARP Church, she was a homemaker and poultry farmer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reggie A. Stone; a son, William Lewis Stone; three brothers, Ray Stikeleather, Joe Stikeleather and Vance Stikeleather; a sister, Mary Barnes; and two infant great-grandsons. Survivors include two sons, Reginald Arthur Stone of Stony Point and David Ray Stone of Florida; six brothers, Lindsey Stikeleather, John Grier Stikeleather and Arthur Lee Tab Stikeleather of Statesville, William Mack Stikeleather Jr. and Wade Stikeleather of Stony Point and H.P. Stikeleather of Jackson, S.C.; a sister, Nancy Alexander of Knoxville, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Diane McLelland, Jeff Stone, Janet Goble, Bill Stone, Dave Stone and Andy Stone; and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Ben Wingard and Tom Campbell at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Stony Point Methodist Church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in Stony Point Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Stone, Bill Stone, Dale McLelland, Scott Goble, Andy Stone and Dave Stone. The family will be at Chapman Funeral Home from 7 to 9 tonight and at the residence of Reginald Stone, 1718 York Road, Stony Point, at other times.

JOHN R. SPENCER
MORGANTON - John Radford Spencer, 81, of Blue Ridge Ventures, died Jan. 6, 2001, at his residence after a period of declining health. Born April 21, 1919, in Fieldale, Va., he was a son of the late Joshua J. and Eula Sigmon Spencer. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Doss Spencer; three sons, Donald Spencer and James Spencer of Henry, Va., and Joshua Robert Spencer of Morganton; three daughters, Brenda Ahern of Henry, Va., Cheryl Davis of Marion and Kenetha Pearson of Morganton; six brothers; four sisters; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the residence, 1035 Blue Ridge Ventures, Morganton, with military rites conducted by the Morganton Veterans Ceremonial Team. Sossoman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

BETTY C. CANTRELL
Betty Cook Cantrell, 67, of Fourteenth Avenue, NE, died Jan. 7, 2001, at Catawba Memorial Hospital after a period of declining health. Born March 8, 1933, in Burke County, she was a daughter of the late John and Gusta Sigmon Cook. A member of Faith Tabernacle Church, she was active in church activities and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by a number of brothers and sisters. Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Eugene Cantrell; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Dennis Cantrell and David Cantrell of Hickory and Rocky and Genia Cantrell of Conover; a daughter, Toni Sams of Hickory; three sisters, Murdis C. Abee of Valdese, Ailene C. Morrison of Casar and Effie Vanhorn of Connelly Springs; two grandsons, Jason Cantrell of Conover and Bradley Sams of Hickory; four granddaughters, Jenny Farley, Jessica Stringfield and Haley Sams of Hickory and Tina Cantrell of Conover; and three great-grandsons, Elijah Farley, Kerigan Farley and Charlie Stringfield of Hickory. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Dick Chapman and Brian Chapman at 11 a.m. Wednesday at her church. Burial will be in Catawba Memorial Park. The family will be at the church from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Memorials may be made to Faith Tabernacle Church, 1429 Fourteenth Ave., NE, Hickory, N.C. 28601. Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

HARL K. SUDDRETH
LENOIR - Harl Kelly Suddreth, 80, of Wilkesboro, formerly of Granite Falls, died Jan. 7, 2001, at Britthaven of Wilkesboro. Born Dec. 26, 1920, in Caldwell County, he was a son of the late Harl N. and Mary G. Penley Suddreth. He was the owner and operator of Suddreth Upholstering in Hialeah, Fla., for more than 30 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Suddreth; and a sister, Ruby Suddreth. Survivors include two sons, Harl Cliff Suddreth of Lenoir and Kelly Edward Suddreth of Lincolnton; two daughters, Carolyn Joan Williamson of Ocala, Fla., and Mary Ann Phillips of Hickory; two stepdaughters, Helen M. Setzer of Fairfax, Va., and Billie Sue Hall of Hickory; six sisters, Bessie Griffin of Hickory, Eva Moran of Rosemont Ill., Erlene Whitener of Morganton, Betty Sue Edmisten of Mulberry, Betty Lou Hobbs of Lenoir and Lois Ryals of Archdale; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson. A memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. Jim Kilby at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Clover Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Clover Baptist Church, 100 Pinewood Road, Granite Falls, N.C. 28630. Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

CARRIE B. HOLLARS
BOONE - Carrie Jane Bentley Hollars, 92, of Glenstone Health Care and Poplar Grove Road, died Jan. 6, 2001, at Glenstone Health Care. Born May 14, 1908, in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late George and Annie Hodge Bentley. A member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Aud Hollars; a son, Aubin Bud Hollars; two brothers; and three sisters. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis C. and Wanda Hollars of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Alma Earp of the home, Mary and Jerry Triplett of Naples, Fla., and Jean and Rufus Earp of Granite Falls; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral was Monday at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. today in the Danner Cemetery. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MABEL M. ANNAS
VALDESE - Mabel M. Annas, 83, of U.S. 70, Connelly Springs, died Jan. 7, 2001, at Autumn Care of Drexel after a period of declining health. Born Nov. 16, 1917, in Burke County, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Dessie Mosteller McNeely. A member of First Baptist Church of Hildebran, she retired from J.A. Cline & Sons and Impact Furniture Co. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Leroy Annas; and a stepgrandchild. Survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jerry D. and Joanne Annas of Ellenboro and James Annas of Hildebran; two daughters and a son-in-law, Linda Whisnant Epley of Icard and Betty and Guy Steelman of Connelly Springs; a brother, Paul McNeely of Connelly Springs; a sister, Azalea McNeely of Connelly Springs; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Ron Arndt at 3 p.m. today at her church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 317, Hildebran, N.C. 28630. Heritage Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

JAMES FORTNER
TAYLORSVILLE - James Alan Fortner, 45, of Taylorsville, died Jan. 8, 2001, at his residence after a period of declining health. Born Jan. 1, 1956, in Alexander County, he was a son of Faye Bebber Fortner of Taylorsville and the late James Lindsay Fortner. A member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, he was employed by Fortner Lumber Company and was a member of the local Multiple Sclerosis Society. A 1974 graduate of Alexander Central High School, he graduated from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte and was an electrician. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Howard and Lorna Kerley Fortner; and his maternal grandparents, Elisha and Nell Moose Bebber. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include a daughter, Hollie M. Fortner of Taylorsville; a brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Debbie Fortner of Taylorsville; a sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jeffery Hefner of Taylorsville; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Larry Swidzinski and Keith Childers at 2 p.m. today at his church. Burial will be in Three Forks Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ron Fortner, Jeffery Hefner, James Mecimore, Billy Watson, Tommy Fortner, Hal Fortner and Justin Fortner. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 241535, Charlotte, N.C. 28224; or St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1364 Church Road, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681. Alexander Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

WILLIAM S. MILLER
William Starnes Miller, 70, of Hickory, died Jan. 4, 2001, at his residence. Born Jan. 15, 1930, in Catawba County, he was a son of the late Jones W. and Ila Starnes Miller Sr. A member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, he retired as co-owner of Hickory Plumbing and Heating Co. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Cline Miller; a brother, J.W. Miller Jr.; and two sisters, Maude Fleetwood and Margaret Daems. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, William S. and Janet Miller of Mooresville; a daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Bill Murdock of Asheville; three brothers, Paul Miller, Melford Miller and Rhen Miller of Hickory; a sister, Doris Bolick of Hickory; and a granddaughter, Katelyn Miller of Mooresville. A graveside service was held Sunday in Catawba Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Eblen Foundation, 304 Summit St., Asheville, N.C. 28806. Bass-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

LEONARD L. KEENER
MAIDEN - Leonard Lewis Keener, 84, of the Abernathy Center, formerly of Buffalo Shoals Road, died Jan. 8, 2001, at the Abernathy Center. Born May 13, 1916, in Catawba County, he was a son of the late Lewis and Lottie Keener. A member of Lawings Chapel Baptist Church of Maiden, he retired as a warehouse supervisor with J.P. Stevens Company in Boger City. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Clyde Keener, Gaither Keener, Spurgeon Keener and Grady Keener; two sisters, Pearl Lawing and Ethel Moore; and a grandson, Paul Keener. Survivors include his wife, Eunice Withers Keener; a son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Kay Keener of Charlotte; a brother, Kenneth E. Keener of Newton; a sister, Aleene Wright of Maiden; and a granddaughter, Kathleen Keener of Charlotte. The funeral will be conducted by Dr. Foyd Bennett at 3 p.m. today at his church. The family will be at the church from 1:30 to 3 p.m. today. Memorials may be made to Lawing Chapel Baptist Church, Building Fund, 4637 Lawing Chapel Church Road, Maiden, N.C. 28650. Burke Mortuaries is in charge of arrangements.

RUBY W. OXFORD
TAYLORSVILLE - Ruby Lee Watson Oxford, 79, of Taylorsville, died Jan. 7, 2001, at Britthaven in Wilkes County. Born Dec. 6, 1921, in Alexander County, she was a daughter of the late James G. and Eva Roxanne Teague Watson. A member of East Taylorsville Baptist Church, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Oxford; two brothers, Frank Son Watson and Willis Bill Watson; and three sisters, Cecil Sweet, Margaret Harwood and Lorene Thornburg. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Jim White of Rocky Mount, Va., and Jane and David Hash of Taylorsville. A graveside service was held Monday in Taylorsville City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Western North Carolina Chapter, 3 Louisiana Ave., Asheville, N.C. 28806. Alexander Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

BARBARA G. WORMAN
LENOIR - Barbara G. Worman, 66, of Spring Meadow Road, died Jan. 6, 2001, at her residence. Born Sept. 28, 1934, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., she was a daughter of the late William Greffrath and Carolyn Mandeville Greffrath George. A member of St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church, she was employed by Quality Furniture in sales. Survivors include her husband, Ron E. Worman; three sons, Scott Worman of Marietta, Ga., Gary Worman of Pensacola, Fla., and Brett Worman of Lenoir; a daughter, Julie Storie of Lenoir; a brother, Glen Pavey of Elizabethtown, Ky.; a sister, Joyce Brumbaugh of Indialantic, Fla.; and four grandchildren. A private service will be conducted by Father Michael Buttner at a later date in Blue Ridge Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to St. Francis of Assisi, Building Fund, 328-B Woodsway Lane, NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645; or Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645. Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ERNEST W. BIDDIX
Ernest Wayne Wayne Biddix, 54, of Hickory, died Jan. 7, 2001, at his residence after a period of declining health. Born Oct. 4, 1946, in Kings Mountain, he was a son of the late Ernest R. Biddix and Lois Walls Hoffman. Employed as a truck driver with Henredon Furniture of Morganton, he served as past master of the Cookesville Masonic Lodge and was a past worthy patron of the Eastern Star in Cookesville. He also worked in construction for 30 years. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Judy Townsend Biddix; two sons, Michael Wayne Biddix and Mark Allen Biddix of Hickory; a brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Sherry Biddix of Lawndale; a half sister, Debbie McIntosh of Murphy; a stepfather and a stepmother, Ronnie and Shirley Hoffman of Lawndale; and a granddaughter, Mindy Danielle Biddix of Claremont. A memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. John Petty at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Royal Chapel Church of God. The family will be at the church from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658. Bass-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JESSIE S. FRANKLIN
VALDESE - Jessie Sigmon Franklin, 90, of College Pines Nursing Home, died Jan. 6, 2001, at College Pines Nursing Home. Born Sept. 30, 1910, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Connie Hamilton Sigmon. A member of First Baptist Church of Valdese, she retired as an inspector from Valdese Weavers in Valdese. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul F. Franklin; and a sister, Nell Sigmon Adams. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and John Reep of Colfax and Judy and Donald Down of Brookfield, Wis.; two brothers, Paul Sigmon and Don Sigmon of Newton; a sister, Gladys McAlister of Fayetteville; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Tim Holdt at 11 a.m. Wednesday at her church. Burial will be in Burke Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be at Kirksey Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. today. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Valdese, 500 Faet St., Valdese, N.C. 28690.

LEROY LANDAAS
LeRoy Landaas, 75, of First Street, NW, died Jan. 9, 2001, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born Aug. 22, 1925, in New York City, N.Y., he was a son of the late Abraham and Andrienne Sorenson Landaas. A member of First United Methodist Church, where he was active in the Goforth Club, he was employed as district manager by New York City Telephone Company and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He was educated in New York City schools and attended Grove City College. He was preceded in death by a son, John Landaas; and a sister, Alice Greene. Survivors include his wife, Frances Hodges Landaas; a son, Bob Landaas of Milwaukee, Wis.; a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Bert Crain of Hickory; a stepson, John Hodges of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; two stepdaughters, Kayo Bolton and Betty Ann Crump of Hickory; a grandson, Adam Crain of Chapel Hill; a granddaughter, Katie Crain of Hickory; and four stepgrandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Paul Starnes and Bill Roberts at 2 p.m. Thursday at his church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. The family will be at Hickory Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, The Landaas Preschool Scholarship or Land Purchase, 311 Third Ave., NE, Hickory, N.C. 28601.

MYRTLE S. RICHARDS
LENOIR - Myrtle P. Stallings Richards, 90, of Connelly Springs Road, died Jan. 8, 2001, at Shaire Nursing Center. Born March 27, 1910, in Caldwell County, she was a daughter of the late James S. and Laura Cordelia Bush Prestwood. A member of Whitnel United Methodist Church, she graduated from Oak Hill High School and retired from Lenoir Chair Company. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Junius A. Stallings; her second husband, William Bill Richards; four brothers, Clyde Prestwood, Colon Prestwood, Carl Prestwood and Ivey Prestwood; and three sisters, Viola Goble, Pearl Craig and Maggie Keller. Survivors include a son, Neil A. Stallings of Middletown, Va.; a daughter, Mariam S. Smith of Summerfield; a brother, Paul Prestwood of Lenoir; a sister, Ruth Radar of Richmond, Va.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. David Lookadoo and James E. Smith at 2 p.m. today at her church. Burial will be in Collier's United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Whitnel United Methodist Church, 1373 Delwood Drive, SW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645. Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

EDITH CAMPBELL
TAYLORSVILLE - Edith Campbell, 77, of Belleview Rest Home, died Jan. 8, 2001, at Alexander Community Hospital after a period of declining health. Born May 3, 1923, in Alexander County, she was a daughter of the late Melvin and Francis Kerley Campbell. A Baptist, she was educated in Alexander County schools. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Fred Campbell, Glenn Campbell, Raymond Campbell and Junior Campbell; and four sisters, Mayzo Childers, Pauline Erwin, Gearldine Shew and Shirley Campbell. Survivors include two brothers, Landon Campbell and Jerry Campbell of Moravian Falls; and two sisters, Margie Swiggett of Mooresville and Hazel Vaisbinder of Mississippi. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Bill Smith at 2 p.m. Thursday at Adams Funeral Home. Burial will be in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will be at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 tonight and at the residence of Landon Campbell, 235 Tom Kerley Lane, Moravian Falls, at other times. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, c/o Rev. Bill Smith, 4240 Vashti Road, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681.

OVEDA W. BLACKBURN
NEWTON - Oveda White Blackburn, 92, of the Abernethy Center, formerly of West C Street, died Jan. 8, 2001. Born April 17, 1908, in Blacksburg, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Edmond and Corrie Wilson White. A member of Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, she was employed at Catawba Memorial Hospital. She also assisted her husband with area restaurants. She was preceded in death by her husband, Shuford W. Blackburn; two sons, John Shuford Blackburn and William Eugene Blackburn; a daughter, Betty Sue Blackburn; and eight siblings. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Karen B. and Don Killian of Conover; a brother, Hoyle White of Concord; two sisters, Lucille Whisnant and Thelma Heavner of Newton; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Dr. David Bowling and Al Mullen at 3 p.m. today at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home. Burial will be in Eastview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Blackburn, Dale Sherrill, Stephen Lundy, Dayne Miller, Jeff Blackburn and Eric Killian. The family will be at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to The Abernethy Center, 102 Leonard Ave., Newton, N.C. 28658; or Grace Reformed United Church of Christ, 117 East J St., Newton, N.C. 28658.

JOHN S. STEELE Sr.
LENOIR - The Rev. John Shelton Steele Sr., 87, of Meadowview Place, SW, died Jan. 8, 2001, at College Pines Nursing Home. Born May 7, 1913, in Chattanooga, Tenn., he was a son of the late Robert S. and Adalaide Jackson Steele. A member of Western Carolina Presbytery, he retired as a Presbyterian minister. He graduated from Davidson College in 1934 and Union Theological Seminary in 1938. Survivors include his wife, Isabelle Moore Polly Steele; a son, John Shelton Jack Steele Jr. of North Wilkesboro; two daughters, Emily S. Moore of Lenoir and Mary S. Felton of Suffolk, Va.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted by the Revs. Carter Blaisdale, Dawes Graybeal and Richard L. Morgan at 1:30 p.m. today at Fairview Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Fairview Presbyterian Church, 111 Fairview Drive, NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645. Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

GERALD D. TUCKER Jr.
STONY POINT - Gerald Dee Tucker Jr., 37, of Tucker Tree Lane, Taylorsville, died Jan. 7, 2001, at his residence. Born Oct. 7, 1963, in Union County, he was a son of Gerald Dee Tucker Sr. of Monroe and Ruby Johnston Tucker of Taylorsville. A Baptist, he owned Tucker Tree Service. He was preceded in death by a brother, Phillip Henry Tucker; and paternal grandparents, Jack and Carrie Tucker. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his wife, Cynthia Lackey Tucker; a daughter, Ashlie Nicole Tucker of the home; three sisters, Sonya Short, Jackie Boan and Becky Edwards; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Daugherty of Monroe; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bobby and Jeanette Lackey of Taylorsville. The funeral will be private. Memorials may be made to Ashlie Nicole Tucker Scholarship Fund, c/o First Citizens Bank, P.O. Box 6234, Bethlehem, N.C. 28603. Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

DOYLE W. BRYANT
GRANITE FALLS - Doyle Wayne Bryant, 37, of Granite Falls, died Jan. 5, 2001, at Grace Healthcare in Morganton. Born in Catawba County, he was a son of Alma Hall Bryant of Valdese and the late Dwayne Bryant. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Wendy Calloway Bryant; a son, Jason Bryant of Pennsville, N.J.; a sister, Joann Dula of Granite Falls; and a nephew, Doyle Thomas Bryant of Granite Falls. The funeral was Tuesday at Granite Funeral Service. Burial was in Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery in Lenoir.

CLARENCE R. DAVIS
Clarence Roy Davis, 76, of Conover, died Jan. 8, 2001, at Hospice House of Catawba Valley. Born Nov. 15, 1924, in Alexander County, he was a son of the late Martha Davis Jones. He retired from Moss-Marlow Contractors as a paint contractor. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Heath Davis; a son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey A. and Sherrie Davis of Bethlehem; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Dottie D. and Jerry Canipe of Hildebran, and Carolyn D. and Donald Scronce and Anne Davis Duncan of Newton; two brothers, William Bill Jones of Bethlehem and Paul Jones of Newport; a sister, Lib Teague of Hickory; two grandsons and a granddaughter-in-law, Kevin and Renae Duncan of Newton and Joshua Alan Davis of Bethlehem; five granddaughters and two grandsons-in-law, Shana H. and Paul Bretzius of Shelby, Nicole C. and Brian Owenby of Cherryville, Sandy Canipe Starnes of Hildebran, Robin Duncan of Catawba and Mandy Davis of Bethlehem; four great-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. John Petty at 2 p.m. Thursday at Bass-Smith Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Roger Jones, Ronnie Jones, Doug Jones, Brian Owenby, Paul Bretzius and Kevin Duncan. The family will be at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 tonight. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658.

HELEN K. CRAFT
MORGANTON - Helen Doretha Kincaid Craft, 72, of Bost Johnson Avenue, Valdese, died Jan. 7, 2001, at Caldwell County Hospice. Born Feb. 27, 1928, in Burke County, she was a daughter of the late William A. Kincaid Sr. and Essie Bradshaw Kincaid Forney. A member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Missionary Circle, she was a former member of the Bethune Women's Civic Club and the American Legion Post Auxiliary 269 in Valdese. She retired as a domestic worker. She was preceded in death by two brothers, William A. Kincaid Jr. and Charlie Forney; and four sisters, Viola Kincaid, Wilma Kincaid, Nettie Forney and Ruby Forney Erwin. Survivors include her husband, James E. Craft; two daughters, Bonnie Craft Mann of Rockville, Md., and Sonya Denean Craft of Silversprings, Md.; a brother and sister-in-law, James V. and Margaret Kincaid of Valdese; five sisters and a brother-in-law, Nona Kincaid Witherspoon of Lenoir, and Dorothy Kincaid Hawkins, Essie Raye Kincaid, Betty Kincaid and M. Anne Forney and Gaither Ramseur of Valdese; a brother-in-law and his wife, John H. and Eleanor Craft of Washington, D.C.; a sister-in-law, Frances Greer of Brentwood, N.Y.; two granddaughters, Shelley M. Mann and Kimberly D. Mann of Rockville, Md.; and a number of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Kenneth B. Falls, Bryant Corpening Sr., W.F. McIntosh Jr., Frances Tate, Thomas O. Nixon and Herbert Carter at 2 p.m. Thursday at her church. Burial will be in Mount Zion Memorial Park. The family will be at Ebony Funeral Services from 7 to 8 tonight. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Burke County, P.O. Box 1029, Valdese, N.C. 28690; or Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.

HENRY L. HOLLAR Jr.
STONY POINT - Henry Levi Hollar Jr., 72, of Grace Chapel Road, Granite Falls, died Jan. 8, 2001, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center after a period of declining health. Born July 19, 1928, in Caldwell County, he was a son of Henry Levi Hollar Sr. of Granite Falls and the late Etta Fletcher Hollar. A member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, he retired as a Baptist minister. Survivors include two sons, the Rev. Keith A. Hollar of Wilmington and Ricky A. Hollar of Waxhaw; a daughter, Marsha Robins of Granite Falls; and six grandchildren. A private graveside service will be conducted by the Rev. Wayne White at 3 p.m. today at his church. Chapman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MAMIE S. JAMES
Mamie Etta Sherrill James, 88, of Third Avenue Court, SW, died Jan. 7, 2001, at her residence after a period of declining health. Born March 14, 1912, in Catawba County, she was a daughter of the late Mary Jane Sherrill. A member of Morning Star First Baptist Church, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by two sons, Beverly Cornelius James and Hubert James; three daughters, Della James, Shirley Dillingham and Mary Elizabeth James; two brothers; and a granddaughter, Melinda Faye James. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Harrison Juicy and Carrie James of Hickory; two sisters, Mary L. Hill of Washington, D.C., and Lovie Lee Frederick of Hickory; a brother-in-law, Isreal James of Annapolis, Md.; a sister-in-law, Ruth Hunter of Hickory; a grandson, Gregory James of Hickory; four granddaughters, Cynthia James and Shirena James of Hickory, Christine James of Winston-Salem and Melia James of Columbia, S.C.; four great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Webster E. Lytle at 3 p.m. Thursday at her church. Burial will be in Ridgeview Cemetery. The family will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Allen Mitchell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JOHN C. REID
MORGANTON - John Clyde Joe Reid, 87, of Bass Avenue, died Jan. 8, 2001, at Frye Regional Medical Center after a period of declining health. Born Dec. 4, 1913, in Caldwell County, he was a son of the late John P. and Callie Kirby Reid. A member of First United Methodist Church in Valdese since 1941, he was a choir member, life member of United Methodist Men, member of the men's Bible class, and the church statistician for 30 years. He also was a member of the Choraleers, a senior citizens6 chorus. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II, he was a member of Valdese American Legion Post 234. He retired as a real estate broker and construction foreman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pansy Jones Reid; four brothers, Frank Reid, Walter Reid, Ralph Reid and Wade Reid; and five sisters, Kate Yount, Mat Starnes, Bell Yount, Sue Winkler and Pearl Auton. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Larry J. and Betty Reid of Valdese; a granddaughter, Wendy Reid of North Carolina State University in Raleigh; and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Jeff Johnson at 11 a.m. Thursday at his church. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will be in Burke Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Valdese American Legion Ceremonial Team. The family will be at Sossoman Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 tonight and at the residence of Larry and Betty Reid, 3755A Bass Drive, Valdese, at other times. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Choir Fund, P.O. Box 637, Valdese, N.C. 28690.

MILDRED G. YEOMANS
Mildred Greaves Yeomans, 87, of the Abernethy Center, died Jan. 9, 2001, at Catawba Memorial Hospital. Born Feb. 15, 1913, in Monarda, Maine, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Margaret Howe Greaves. A member of Corinth Reformed United Church of Christ, where she was a member of Ada Shuford Geitner Circle, she retired as a nurse in New York City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Marion Cy Yeomans. Survivors include two nieces, Ellen Mildred Greaves Whiting of Doylestown, Ohio, and Jennifer Greaves Sagalyn of Lenox, Mass.; a grandnephew; and a grandniece. A memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. Robert M. Thompson at 11 a.m. Thursday at her church. Memorials may be made to Corinth Reformed Church of Christ, 150 Sixteenth Ave., NW, Hickory, N.C. 28601. Bass-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

WAYNE J. NAEHER
Wayne John Naeher, 48, of Hickory, died Jan. 8, 2001, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born Oct. 7, 1952, in Bridgeport, Conn., he was a son of Jennie Detuzzi Naeher of Bridgeport, Conn., and the late Willard Naeher. He was employed by GKN Sinter Metals. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Elizabeth Anne Woznick Naeher; three daughters and a son-in-law, Cheryl and Kevin Plumb of New Milford, N.J., and Tracylee Naeher and Cassandra Marie Naeher of the home; a brother, Joseph Naeher of Shelton, Conn.; a sister, Mary Ann Naeher of Bridgeport, Conn.; a nephew, Alexander Woznick of Hickory; a niece, Victoria Woznick of Hickory; and a granddaughter, Emily Shea Plumb of New Milford, N.J. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Bridgeport, Conn. The family will be at Bass-Smith Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 2636, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27515; or Diabetes Association, 2315 A Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, N.C. 27804.

HAZEL G. KLUTTZ
SALISBURY - Hazel Bernhardt Glover Kluttz, 94, of Salisbury, died Jan. 8, 2001, at North Carolina Lutheran Home in Hickory. Born June 18, 1906, in Rowan County, she was a daughter of the late James M. Jim and Mollie Bernhardt Glover. A member of St. John's Lutheran Church, W.E.L.C.A., Eva Peeler Sunday school class, Golden Opportunity Club and Retired Senior Citizens Club of Salisbury, she was a former member of the Eastern Star. She also was a switchboard operator and general office worker for the Salisbury Post for 21 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy L. Kluttz. Survivors include two sons, Roy L. Kluttz of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Harold L. Kluttz of Jefferson; a daughter, Donna Lee Jarrett of Newton; a sister, Addie G. Ketner of Salisbury; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted by the Revs. Carl Sachtleben and Dr. Bill Mims at 11 a.m. today at her church. Burial will be in Union Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Union Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 4770 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, N.C. 28146; or St. John's Lutheran Church, 200 West Innes St., Salisbury, N.C. 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JOHN E. HOUSER Sr.
LINCOLNTON - John Earl Houser Sr., 81, of Killian Road, died Jan. 8, 2001, at Lincoln Medical Center. Born March 7, 1919, in Lincoln County, he was a son of the late Charles and Fannie Mae Hoover Houser. He owned a furniture manufacturing business and was a farmer. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, John E. and Nell Smyre Houser Jr. of Maiden; a daughter and son-in-law, Judy H. and Tom Jones of Shelby; a brother and sister-in-law, Carmie and Elaine Houser of Lincolnton; and two grandsons, Jason Allen Moose and Matthew Frank Jones. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Gary Dittman at 4 p.m. today at Warlick Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hollybrook Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bethphage Lutheran Church, Fellowship Building Fund, 3440 N.C. 182, Lincolnton, N.C. 28092.

JACOB N. SHUFORD
Jacob Nicholas Nick Shuford, 22, of Double Oak, Texas, died Jan. 5, 2001, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born Aug. 30, 1978, in Greensboro, he was a son of Jacob H. and Karen Houk Shuford of Double Oaks, Texas. A graduate of Marcus High School, he was a member of the school's tennis and volleyball teams. He was a junior at the University of North Texas in Denton. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include a brother, Matthew Shuford of Clinton, S.C.; and a number of uncles, aunts and cousins. A memorial service was held Monday in Lewisville. Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home of Lewisville was in charge of arrangements. Obituary information courtesy of Bass-Smith Funeral Home.

HERMAN E. EDWARDS
Master Chief Officer Herman Eugene Edwards, 49, of Chesapeake, Va., died Jan. 3, 2001, at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Born Oct. 8, 1951, in Lincoln County, he was a son of the late Clyde M. and Ava Dellinger Edwards. He retired from the U.S. Navy. Survivors include a son, Kevin Edwards of Chapel Hill; a daughter, Tammy Jackson of Wilmington; four brothers, Tommy Edwards of Laurens, S.C., Clyde Edwards Jr. of Greenville, S.C., Leroy Edwards of Cherryville and David Edwards of Greenwood, S.C.; and a grandson, Brandon Edwards of Pittsboro. The funeral was Saturday at Bass-Smith Funeral Home. Burial was in Mount Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by members of American Legion Post 48. Pallbearers were members of the U.S. Navy. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Chapel. Memorials may be made to Sipe's Orchard Home, 4431 County Home Road, Conover, N.C. 28613.