Bill Reeves
Bill Reeves, 92, a longtime resident of Longview, Wash., died with his family by his side on Feb. 28, 2017.
One of 11 children, Reeves was born Feb. 20, 1925, in Burningtown, N.C., to Charlie and Texie (Roper) Reeves. He served two terms in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theatre from August 1943 to December 1945, and February 1947 to September 1948. He was married to Leah Williamson on Aug. 3, 1946, and the couple had two children, Steve and Linda.
Following his discharge, he moved to Washington state to log with his brothers. After a divorce from Leah, Reeves married Carol Cutright on June 5, 1953. They had two children, Janie and Donald.
In addition to logging, he worked at Weyerhaeuser Paper Company, Sterling Pontiac and for the Washington State Department of Transportation. He retired in 1976 after a work-related traffic accident.
He loved being outdoors hunting, fishing and horseback riding; raising livestock and growing a garden; or just taking a long drive in the mountains. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and always wished for more time with them. He loved his Savior and Lord and if you spent much time around him at all, he would want to talk about your relationship with God. He helped start three churches in the Longview/Kelso area and spent many years singing in the choir and working with youth at Robert Gray Baptist Church. In his retirement years, you could often find him sitting in his recliner reading his Bible.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers James, Ralph, Lee, Henry and Jack; sisters Beulah and Alice; his daughter Linda; and his grandson Stevie.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol (Cutright) Reeves; three sisters, Rebecca, Delia and Leila; his two sons, Steve Reeves (Debbie) of Franklin, N.C. and Don Reeves (Carol) of Corvallis, Ore.; daughter Janie (Reeves) Ray (Harlan) of Spokane, Wash.; seven grandchildren, Michelle, Steven, Ginny, Richard, Kathy, Jonathan, Caty; 14 great grandchildren, Jamece, Anniece, Brooke, Bethany, Kylie, Cole, Brittany, Brodie, Braden, Sydney, Austin, Travis, and Harmony; five great great grandchildren, Felicity, Ethan, Emily, Jaden, and Caleb; and a host of friends.
A funeral to celebrate Reeves’ life is set for Saturday, March 11, at 1 p.m., at Robert Gray Baptist Church in Longview.
Obituary published as a courtesy of Macon Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
Joseph Alec Dawiczyki
Joseph Alec Dawiczyki, 92, of Franklin, N.C., passed away Friday, March 3, 2017.
Born in Terryville, Conn., he was the son of the late Walenty Dawiczyki and Dorota Kornieski Dawiczyki. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia; his second wife, Ruth and 11 brothers and sisters, Steven, Walter, Frank, Aloysius, John, Edward, Rose, Helen, Pauline, Dorothy and Marianna. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during WWII. He loved to fish and was a member of First Baptist Church.
He is survived by two daughters, June Danis and husband Peter of Terryville, Conn., and Judy Stockinger of Franklin; two step-sons, Dennis Mogan and wife Faith of Maine and David Mogan and wife Michelle of Florida; three grandchildren, Alex and Adam Danis and Nathan Mogan; three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 9, at First Baptist Church. Dr. Robert Brown will officiate with full military rites conducted by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church, 69 Iotla Street, Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
Cheri LaDonna Bergstresser
Cheri LaDonna Bergstresser, 55, of Franklin, N.C., passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Born in Kingsport, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Charles Andrew Rogers and Norma Lee Morris Rogers. She worked as a clerk at Fast Food Mart. She loved the outdoors and being in nature and was Christian by faith.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Warren “Bud” Bergstresser; three brothers, Sam, Norman and Hank Rogers all of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m., in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Burial will be in Addington Community Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Appalachian Animal Rescue, PO Box 81, Franklin, NC 28744.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
Leona Joan Schloesser
Leona Joan Schloesser, 101, of Highlands, N.C., passed away Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017.
Born in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of the late David Leo Trahey and Pearl Alice Cary Trahey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Schloesser; daughter, Lynne Ellen Smith and two sisters, Ruthie McNichols and Loraine Tatum. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was of the Catholic faith.
She is survived by two daughters, Coradee Ferree of New Port Beach, Calif., and Maribeth Moss of Cashiers, N.C.; one brother, Daniel Trahey of Chicago, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 13, at 1 p.m., at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
George Stephen Burnosky
George Stephen Burnosky, 67, of Franklin, N.C., passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, in Johnson City, Tenn., while visiting family.
Born in Johnstown, Pa., he was the son of the late George John Burnosky and Agnes Dorothy Kuack Burnosky. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant grandson, Brendon M. Cracchiolo and his uncle Bernard Burnosky.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and worked as a supervisor for the USPS. He received a B.S. in psychology. He was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Louise Byler; two children, Erin L. Cracchiolo and her fiancé Jake Larson of Holiday, Fla., and Brian J. Burnosky of Clearwater, Fla.; and their mother, Maureen Burnosky; one stepson, Shawn Byler (Melissa) of Gray, Tenn.; one brother, Ronnie Burnosky (Mariann) of Bridgewater, N.J.; one granddaughter, Rilynn Burnosky; two step grandchildren, Nora and Thomas Byler; one niece, Shannon Brady (Brian), and her two children, Liam and Shaelyn Brady; one nephew, Ryan Burnosky; several cousins and his beloved cat, Gretchen.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 18, at 11 a.m., at the Resurrection Lutheran Church. Pastor John Brunner will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to March of Dimes, Pisgah Division, 37 Dogwood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
Roy Claybourn Palmer
Roy Claybourn Palmer lived a wonderful life, in his own inimitable way. On Feb. 27, 2017, attended by his loving wife Susan and devoted daughter Heather, he made a quiet exit.
He was born in Kearney, Missouri, on Aug. 9, 1935, to Dorothy Lucille Palmer and Roy Claybourn Palmer, moved to Chicago shortly after his birth, spent summers with his family in Missouri and always stayed true to his roots as a country boy.
After serving in Korea with the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry, he married his first wife, Nancy Barclay and had three beautiful children, Claybourn John Palmer, Heather Ann Palmer Roberts and Allyson Lynn Palmer.
He started his professional life with the Federal Trade Commission then followed into the private sector, eventually starting his own firm. Focusing on business law, among others, he represented the Visiting Nurses Association and the Illinois State Savings and Loan Association.
He never lost sight of how his education shaped him as a man and an attorney. Until the end he stayed connected to his alma maters – Chicago’s Lake View HS, Lake Forest College and Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor with Honors. An avid reader, he was stimulated by a book he read to establish and endow the Roy C. Palmer Civil Liberties Prize at Chicago-Kent College of Law for writings that explore the tension between ivil liberties and national security in contemporary American society. Now in its 11th year, he was, as always, ahead of the curve.
In 1983, he met Susan Marie Kelly and after a whirlwind courtship, they married. Shortly thereafter they embarked on an adventure that would change the world of many Native American tribes. As a pioneer in the Native American Gaming Industry, he was said to have “found a loophole in the law and drove a mack truck through it.” He worked most notably for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin who awarded him their highest honor by presenting him with an Eagle Feather. From California to Florida he fought many legal battles to gain the tribes’ their gaming rights. At that time few people had the depth of knowledge and understanding of the Native Americans ancestry, migrations and the law.
Upon retiring, they moved to Sarasota, Fla., where Roy and Susan became socially and philanthropically active; frequently opening their home to arts and humanities organizations fundraising efforts. Although he projected a tough exterior, Roy was a marshmallow inside; he had a huge heart, and cherished the people he connected with. He served on the Boards of Lake Forest College, IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Mote Marine Laboratory, Goodwill Industries, The Harris Trust/Bank of Montreal and the Asolo Theatre. He authored the concept and co-brokered the deal with Florida State University to combine the facilities of the Asolo and the Sarasota Ballet to help keep them both afloat.
He was an avid tennis player seen on the courts daily, but most notably he was an indulgent husband. He and Susan traveled the world, most frequently visiting Africa; he was besotted with it. Later in life, sensing a need, he and Susan stepped in to help raise her brother’s children who have become very much his own.
His last chapter began 2 1/2 years ago, when by happenstance they discovered Franklin, N.C. Feeling he had come home, this country boy settled down in Burningtown amongst his chickens, bees, Susan’s flowers, Jasper, Bonnie Blue and God-sent neighbors. This will be his final resting place.
He is preceded in death by his son, Claybourn and a brother, Marshall.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susan; his devoted daughters, Heather Roberts and Allyson Palmer; son-in-law Timothy Roberts; his first wife, Nancy Barclay Dixon; brother-in-law, Joseph Kelly; sister-in-law Christina Kelly and beloved nieces and nephews, Joseph, James, Nicholas, Samantha and Sarah Kelly.
Following a private cremation, mass will be held on Thursday, March 9, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin. Neighbors and friends are welcome. Interment will be at the Palmer Family Cemetery in Burningtown at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Palmer Prize Endowment at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Attention Susan Lewers, 565 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60661 or the St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry, 299 Maple Street, Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home in Franklin is handling the cremation and arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
Helen Colby Nylund
Helen Colby Nylund of Highlands, N.C., passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. She as born in Needham, Mass., on Sept. 29, 1933. She was married to the love of her life, Leonard E. Nylund on April 9, 1955. They were happily married for 58 years, until Leonard passed away in 2013.
She was a loving wife, and fantastic mother to her three children, Steven, Lori and Bradford Nylund, by whom she is survived; including four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
She was a Jehovah’s Witness by faith, and truly believed with all of her being of a future in paradise along with her husband and loved ones.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Nylund family. Online condolences may be made at www.bryangrantfuneralhome.com.
Elizabeth Collins McCurdy
Elizabeth Collins McCurdy, 87, of Franklin, N.C., passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Born in Memphis, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Frank Collins and Lottie Wilson Collins. In addition to his parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Allen Wood McCurdy Jr. and seven brothers, Frank, George, Jimmy, Bob, Marion, Richard and Joseph Collins. She was very active in F.A.S.T, Little Mermaids at Franklin Fitness and sang in the choir at First Alliance Church where she was a member. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by two daughters, Victoria Elizabeth McCurdy (Larry Hurst) and Jolyn Wood Blackwell (Calvin Blackwell) both of Franklin; two stepchildren, Allen and Bill McCurdy both of Florida; four grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; several nieces and nephews and special friend, Pete Sabbarth.
Funeral service was held Monday, March 6, at First Alliance Church. Rev. Scott Eichelberger and Rev. Steven Kerhoulas officiated. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Ricky Collins, Bobby Golding, Danny Wood, Waylon Wood, William Wood and Glen Wood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to F.A.S.T.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
William Emory Elliott
William Emory Elliott, died Feb. 26, 2017, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
He was born Nov. 13, 1939, in Franklin, N.C.
He was preceded in death by both parents, William Frank Elliott and Marie Sanders Elliott, as well as two sisters, Lois Opal Elliott Gregory and Joyce Elliott.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan Elliott; daughter, Kim Elliott; son, William Elliott; grandchildren, Samantha and Jack Elliott; brother, Earl Elliott of Elba, Ala.; sister, Jean Buchanan (Paul) of Sylva, N.C.; and various nieces and nephews.
He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from Con Edison.
He will be interned in Bay Pines Veterans Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Mary Ann Fouts
Mary Ann Fouts, 65, passed away on March 3, 2017, at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, Mich.
From her sunrise on May 4, 1951, to her sunset on Friday morning, she truly lived life to the fullest through the simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, snacking on her candy, playing bingo, spoiling her nieces and nephews and being as feisty as she could be. She graduated from Pontiac Northern High School in 1971. At the age of 16, she began her work journey of 44 years with Kentucky Fried Chicken.
She is survived by two sisters, Carol J. Whitaker and Vickie Lynn Fouts Crivea; one niece, Dixie Fouts Price and six nephews, Jerry (Thomas) Buckley (Victoria), Lloyd Whitaker (Kelsey), Christopher Crivea (Kai), Ian Crivea (April Tincher), Jonathan Buckley (Meg), and Ryan Whitaker (Katrina) and many, many great-nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles.
She preceded in death by her loving parents, James R. and Georgia B. (Anderson) Fouts and one sister, Virginia (Jenny) Buckley Caldwell.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m, Thursday, March 9, in the chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Phillip Cochran, Rev. David Hastings and Rev. Hank Conner officiating. Burial to follow in Fouts Cemetery.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Fouts family. Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.
Charles J. McKendree Jr.
Charles J. McKendree Jr., 89, of Barnwell, S.C., formerly of Otto, N.C., passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, S.C.
He is survived by two daughters, Christina A. Henrichs (Tom) and Joyce L. Windham (Jim); one son, Andy McKendree; three grandchildren, Nicole, Reid and Roger and four great grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time. The family will have a private graveside celebration of life at a later date.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the McKendree family. Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.
Sheri Cumber Frazier
Our beloved wife, mother, and friend, Sheri Cumber Frazier, 54, was suddenly and far too soon taken from us on Wednesday March 1, 2017.
Born in Camarillo, Calif., she was the daughter of the late Michael Peters and Nancy Peters. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Cumber.
She was a caring and loving mother and wife. She was a cornerstone figure of a large extended and very loving family. She loved and was deeply involved in her community. She was a dedicated FHS Band Booster, board member of The Franklin Amateur Swim Team, and avid supporter of the FHS Swim Team. Her love and care extended not only to each team member but also to their families. Her loving caring personality and beautiful smile was calming and infectious to all who knew her. She will truly be missed.
She is survived by her loving husband, Mike, and her two children, Shelby and Michael, as well as her two sisters, Marie and Tammy (her twin) and their families.
Receiving of family and friends will take place on Friday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Macon Funeral Home in Franklin.
A celebration of life will occur on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Franklin officiated by the Rev. Tim McQuitty.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sheri’s name to the FHS Band Boosters or Franklin Amateur Swim Team or online at https://www.plumfund.com/memorial-fund/sheri-frazier-memorial.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at maconfuneralhome.com.
