Obituaries

Apr 3, 2019

Bruce Roger Van Etten “Van” passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the Valor Hospice Center in Asheville, NC.

Van was born in Corning, New York on June 15, 1947 to the late Bernard Van Etten and Doreen Van Etten. 

He is survived by his wife Diana and two daughters; Tammy Van Etten from Knoxville, TN and Tina Farmer (Doug) from...

Mar 31, 2019

William Lyle Shafer (Bill) 71, of Sylva, passed after a short illness at Mission Memorial on March 31. 

Bill was born and raised in Warren Pennsylvania where he met his wife of 49 years, Peg. They moved to Orlando Florida, and lived there for 15 years. While there, Bill was an engineer technician with Florida Power before moving to Sylva, where...

Mar 31, 2019

Jose Morales Rivera, 86, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2019. A native of Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Gildo Morales and Carmen Rivera. He was a U.S.Army Veteran having served in Korea during the war. He loved going to Church with his wife and cherished spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing softball and...

Mar 31, 2019

Willard Eugene “Gene” Gregory, age 87, of Sylva went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at his home. He was the son of the late Ed and Ellie Gregory and the husband of the late Margaret Ann Gregory.

He was a member and deacon at East Sylva Baptist Church. He worked as a stocker at Sav-Mor...

Mar 30, 2019

Betty Rand Coward Stillwell of Six Mile SC passed away peacefully on March 30, 2019 surrounded by her family. She was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on January 8, 1934, to William Roscoe and Elizabeth Purnell Rand. She was preceded in death by her sister, Billie Frances, her parents, and her first husband, James Kent Coward, Sr.

Betty grew up in...

Mar 28, 2019

Jeffrey Alan Coates, 69, of Tuckasegee, passed away peacefully at his home, Thursday morning March 28, 2019. A native of Pennsylvania, he had resided in Jackson County for over 21 years. He was the son of the late Gerald and Mary Coates. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He loved the outdoors, working...

Mar 26, 2019

Gregory Scott Mace, 52, passed away Tuesday morning, March 26, 2019. Greg or Mouse to all those who knew him was born in Jackson County on December 12, 1966. He was a graduate of Camp Lab in Cullowhee, NC. Greg was a beloved brother and father, and was known by his friends as someone who loved life. Greg was preceded...

Mar 22, 2019

Cindy Revis Rigdon, 77, of Sylva, passed peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2019.

A native and life-long resident of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Jewel and Gertie Revis of the Barker’s Creek community. Cindy was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She worked in banking many years, retiring from Wachovia Bank, and later from United Community Bank....

Mar 21, 2019

Ingrid Sutton, 72, of Tuckasegee, passed away Thursday morning, March 21, 2019 Services will be held at a later date . .

Mar 21, 2019

Lester Lee Franks, age 84, of Sylva passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019.  Lester was born October 13, 1934 in Sylva, NC. He is the son of the late Robert Lee and the late Louetta (Mashburn) Franks. 

He is survived by one Brother Raymond (Joanne) Franks; one niece Larue Franks; one sister in law Barbara Franks; and several nieces and nephews...

Mar 20, 2019

Mary Ensley, age 95, of Sylva passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019. She was the daughter of the late Wesley and Bessie Queen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Ensley; one grandson, Christopher Ray Ensley; and one daughter in law, Judy Lee Ensley.

Mary was survived by one son Ray Ensley Jr; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside...

Mar 18, 2019

Mar 15, 2019

Robert Morris England, age 94, passed away at his home in Sylva, North Carolina on March 15, 2019.  Mr. England served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  He graduated from Westminster College and worked for Westinghouse Electric for thirty years.  He was an active Masonic member and belonged to the Syria Temple Shrine in Pittsburgh.  He was an...

Mar 12, 2019

Arilla M. Jones, 83, of Sylva, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019. A native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Susie Cook McMahan. Arilla was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and she enjoyed gardening, cooking and helping her neighbors and she loved her grandkids dearly. In addition to her...

Mar 10, 2019

Michael Irby, age 67, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Maggie Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation of Maggie Valley, NC.   

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be published when they become available.

An online registry is available at: www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Appalachian Funeral Services is serving the family.

Mar 9, 2019

Violet “Sis” Bowers, age 86, of Sylva went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 9, 2019.  She was the wife of the late Rev. David Bowers Sr. and the daughter of the late Arthur and Beulah Bryson. 

Violet was a member of East Sylva Baptist Church and dearly loved the Lord and her church family. She was known...

Mar 4, 2019

The Amazing Thomas Allen Hester, 70, of Cullowhee, North Carolina went home to be with Jesus March 4, 2019. He was surrounded by his loving family and the prayers of friends. He was born November 23, 1948 to the late Calvin Hester and Mary Burkhart. He is preceded in death by his brother James Hester. Tom served with honor in...

Mar 3, 2019

Mary Ophelia Autrey Hunter entered into Eternal Life in the early morning hours of the 3rd of March, 2019, at the Eckerd Living Center in Highlands, NC. A lifelong resident of Jackson County, she was born on the 5th of February, 1940 in Cashiers, NC. to the late Joseph Hezekiah Autrey and Etrulia Lusk Autrey. . Ophelia was preceded in...

Mar 1, 2019

Lynn Porter, age 79, of Cashiers passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019. She was the daughter of the late Hal and Marion Porter. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by three grandchildren.

Lynn is survived by three children; Donna Few, Deedie Few and Robert (Linda) Few, three grandchildren: Jamie, Shannon and Jackson and three brothers; William...

Feb 27, 2019

Sara E. Thurston, age 91, of Sylva, NC, went to her heavenly home after a brief illness. She remained faithful to her Baptist Faith. Sara was a long time member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Lions Club. She enjoyed travel; sewing and crafts. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and four sisters. She is survived by...