Larry Harold Van Why
Larry Harold Van Why, 79, formerly of East Stroudsburg, Pa., passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019. He was born in Stroudsburg, Pa., to the late Harold Van Why and Mary (Peg) Van Why. He was married to the late Betty Ann Hill Van Why who preceded him Aug. 16, 2011. He worked and retired as a lineman from Bell Telephone Company after 37 years of service. He was a talented drummer for many country western bands in the Pocono Mountain Area. He was a proud U.S. Marine serving in the 2nd Marine Division Drum and Bugle Corps.
Survivors include his three children, Kimberley Grube (Richard) of Bethlehem, Pa., Michelle McAndrews (Timothy) of Mobile, Ala. and Kyle Van Why (Kathleen) of Duncannon, Pa.; seven grandchildren, Zachary Grube, Joshua Grube, Elizabeth Grube, Paige Elizabeth Deal (Sherman), Mitchell Van Why, Josephine Van Why, and Calvin Van Why; three great-grandchildren, Rylee Grube, Nova Grube, and Auron Deal; and one sister, Cheryl Keifer of Bangor, Pa.
A private service will be held at a later date at the National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Online condolences can be made to www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Van Why family.
Rodney Douglas Sporman
Rodney Douglas Sporman, 67, of Franklin, N.C., passed into the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.
He was born June 4, 1952, to Jean Sporman and the late Mack Sporman.
He leaves us to cherish his sweet memories, loving wife Bonnie Sporman, mother, Jean Sporman, son, Eric Sporman; daugher, Stacey Sporman, brother, Keith (Sandra) Sporman and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Genesis Legacy, Medical Education & Research Institute, 44 S. Cleveland, Memphis TN 38104 or online at genesislegacy.org.
Benjamin ‘Benji’ Jewel Baker
Benjamin “Benji” Jewel Baker, 42, of Franklin, N.C., passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of Juanita Smith Baker and the late Gordon L. Baker. He was a member of Cowee Baptist Church and loved listening to music and playing instruments.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by sisters, Trudy Wood (Kenny) of Franklin and Tracy Baker-Burgess (Ronnie) of Candler, N.C.; two nephews, Peyton Wood and Parker Wood; one niece, Paxtyn Burgess; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A funeral service was held Monday, July 1, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Mark Bishop and Rev. Brian Browning officiated. Burial was in Windy Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Mounce, Jeff Baker, Peyton Wood, Parker Wood, Bob Baker, and Blake Sheffield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Windy Gap Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Edith Holland, 123 Edgewood Avenue, Franklin, NC 28734.
Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Kittie Lee (Smith) Henderson
Kittie Lee (Smith) Henderson, 94, died on June 25, 2019, surrounded by family in Franklin, N.C. She was born in Spindale, N.C., on Nov. 5, 1924, the second of five children of Mary Jane and Horace L. Smith. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fritz Henderson, Jr.
She grew up in the Spindale area and after high school attended Brevard College where she met the the love of her life and future husband, Fritz J. Henderson Jr. After completing her studies at Brevard she went on to Appalachian Teacher’s College, (now Appalachian State) and received a bachelors degree. When Fritz came back from WWII they were married and Kittie began her favorite career as a wife, a second career as a mother and her third career as a teacher. When Fritz’s career in the Air Force led to a move, she changed schools and sometimes subjects and grades, leading to tremendous career in education. She loved fixing meals for family and friends, playing bingo, attending, church and spending time with family.
She is survived by a son, Charles Henderson of Franklin; a daughters, Jane Simmons of Ponca City, Okla., and Mary Lee Baker (John) of Franklin; grandchildren, Verlyne Jolley, Amanda Phillips (Chris), Mallory Stenberg (Laura), Caleb Baker; and four great grandchildren, Lauren Jolley, Alex Jolley, Delia Phillips, Harrison Phillips.
A celebration of life was held July 3 at Union United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Union United Methodist Church, 101 Morrison Church Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is serving the Henderson family.
Online condolences are available at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.
Hallie Louise Sanders
Hallie Louise Sanders, 94, of Highlands, N.C., passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019.
Born in Macon County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Charles Stamey and Stella Ledford Stamey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leo Sanders; her son, Helton “Sonnie” Sanders and brothers and sisters, Jessie Ledford, Dover Stamey, Pearson Stamey, Leatha Wilt and Eugene Stamey. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She enjoyed word search, bingo, putting puzzles together and studying her Bible.
She is survived by her daughter, Hilda James of Highlands; six grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Sunday, June 30, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Eddie Stillwell and Dr. Gary Hewins officiated. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Dearell Sanders, Thomas James, Ben West, Junior Mason, Salvador Dlalde, and Ruben Contreras.
Memorial donations can be made to the Macon County Senior Services, 108 Wayah Street, Franklin, NC 28734.
Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Willard (Gene) Ledford
Willard (Gene) Ledford, 81, of Franklin/Otto, N.C., passed away Monday, June 24, 2019.
Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Zemery Ledford and Mamie Sanders Ledford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Jeanette Williamson, Ruth Cowart, Ann Patterson, and Mildred Anderson; and brother, Dennis Ledford.
He served his country through service in the Air Force and retired from the National Guard. He worked at Belk’s for several years and served his community by working for the Franklin Police Department for 15 years and the Macon County’s Sheriff’s Department as Juvenile Officer for 22 years. In this role as Juvenile Officer he was named as the North Carolina Juvenile Officer of the Year. He was instrumental in the creation and implementation of KID’s Place and served on the executive board for several years. He was a member of Betty’s Creek Baptist Church and was very active in various missions.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Paula Passmore Ledford; children, Pam Ledford-Harrell (Mike) and Gina Ledford Barrington (Bill); step-daughter, Renee Whitmire; brother, Bryant Ledford; sisters, Sue Ramsey, Evelyn Tallent, Pat Lowe, and Audrey Brabson; five grandchildren, Nicole Valley, Adam Barrington, Kyle Barrington, Jennifer Barrington Youngwood and Adrian Greer; great grandchildren, Liam, Mclain, Callan and Cora Youngwood; Myra Barrington and Gage Crawford, and Gabe Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Friday, June 28, at Betty’s Creek Baptist Church, Rabun Gap, Ga. Rev. Don Moffitt officiated. Military honors were conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to KID’s Place, PO Box 693, Franklin, NC 28744.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
