Obituaries - Hendersonville Lightning (2024)

Recent Obituaries

Phillip A. Mace, 77

Phillip A. Mace, 77, of Hendersonville, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014.

God here he comes your adventurous creation. Finally he joins the world beyond he so often visualized. How will he arrive, on a rocket, roller skates, clogging, or on a surfboard. Phillip, born March 8, 1936, was the only child of Ulysses and Gladys Mace. The Maces were owners and operators of the Mace General Store in the busy bend of Kanuga Road first opening in the 1920s. Phillip graduated from Hendersonville High School in 1954. Growing up, Phil and his dad were avid fox hunters. His favorite fox hound was "Danger" who lived to be 18 years old. In his teens, Phillip clogged with the Echo Mountain and Ben Smathers clogging teams. He also enjoyed roller skating and surfing. He frequented Ron Jon Surf Shops. After a stint in the Army in Istanbul he joined the team of NASA technicians. Phillip was a "rocket launch and captive firing electrician" during the Apollo program. During this time he studied, contemplated, and meditated on the stars, planets, and the beyond. Acknowledging there is a God, he said, "I'm ready to be taken."

Phillip leaves behind his partner and companion of 10 years, Geraldine Collis, his extended family; father figure to Jeff Collis, Sharon Stepp, Linda Sanders, Patrick Stepp, and his "little girl", Sarah Collis. He will be missed.

Phillip and Geraldine have led the Monday night street dances in Hendersonville for the past 3 years, now Phillip is dancing with his angels.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

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.

Stewart "Pete" Nelson

FLAT ROCK — Mr. Stewart "Pete" Nelson, 85, of Flat RocK died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

Jacqueline "Jacki" Seavers Pedersen, 76

Jacqueline "Jacki" Seavers Pedersen, 76, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at Elizabeth House.

She was born in Astoria, N.Y., on April 15, 1937, to the late John James Seavers and Margretta McKelvey Welch. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Melissa Peeples.

She was one of the founding members of the Women Helping Women organization locally. She worked many years with Interfaith Assistance Ministry, and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her loving husband of 17 years, Francis D. Pedersen; a daughter, Laura Lamb; a son, Steven Goode; a step-daughter, Terri Kassakatis and her husband, Steven; a step-son Richard Pedersen and his wife, Joyce; sister, Virginia Ratazzi and brother, Edward Welch; and six grandchildren, Amanda, Kevin, Timothy, Emily, Noelle, and Lindsey.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church with a reception following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Interfaith Assistance Ministry, P.O. Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC 28739, or Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online guest book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bruce W. Capps

Bruce W. Capps, 59, of Zirconia died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Henderson County on March 30, 1954, to Francis W. Capps and the late Vera Rebecca Capps.

Mr. Capps served as the vice-president of Capps Brothers Contracting and Trucking. He was a member of Mountain Valley Baptist Church in Zirconia.

He is survived by his father, Francis W. Capps; three sons, Bruce Anthony Capps, Donald Francis Capps and his wife, Rhonda Diane Capps, Ronald James Capps; step-children, Bobby Garber, Cindy Rogers; two grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Nancy James for caring for Bruce during his time of illness.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Mountain Valley Baptist Church with the Rev. Butch Skerrett officiating. Burial will follow in the Pearson Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, 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 arrangements.

Linda Middleton Evatt, 63

Linda Middleton Evatt, 63, of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at Pardee Hospital.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Josephine Stepp Middleton, an infant daughter, Shirley Marshall and a sister, Nancy Ann.

She was a member of Forge Valley Baptist Church, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Sam Evatt; two sons, Richard Evatt of Travelers Rest, S.C., and Matthew Bohren of Hendersonville; a daughter, Ginger Perez and her husband, Antonio of Hendersonville; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren; four brothers; two sisters and lots of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Dan Blackwell and Rev. Wayne Owen officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel and at other times will be at the home.

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

Mabel P. Lopanik, 88

Mabel P. Lopanik, 88, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.

She was a daughter of the late Samuel and Ethel Roberts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, John Lopanik, and a sister, Edna Jensen.

Sidney Thomas Nalley Sr., 56

Sidney Thomas Nalley Sr., 56, of Dana went to be with the Lord Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

He was born in Vero Beach, Fla., and grew up in Henderson County. He was the son of the late Frank and Jean Justice Nalley.

Sidney loved to hunt and fish. Family was very important to him.

He is survived by four sons, Brandon, Thomas Jr., Donnie and David Nalley; a daughter, Dawn Nalley; three sisters, Pam Holden, Teresa Moore and Tracy Wood; two brothers, Dennis Nalley and Clifford Case Jr.; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 at Mountain Home Baptist Church in Edneyville with Rev. Craig Garren officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

Bonnie Moffitt Newman

Bonnie Moffitt Newman, 82, died Jan. 1, 2014, at the Laurels of Hendersonville after an extended illness.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was the daughter of the late Earl Moffitt and Myrtle Orr Moffitt. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Patricia Lynn Newman; and her brother, William A. Moffitt.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Everett C. Newman; son, Lawrence Newman of Charlotte; sister, Mary Lou Newman of Belton, S.C.; a half brother, Jim Moffitt of Travelers Rest, S.C.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at French Broad Baptist Church of which she was a lifelong member, with the Rev. Kemuel Pruitt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to French Broad Baptist Church, 182 Grandview Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Annie Lee Moore, 64

Annie Lee Moore, 64, of Horse Shoe passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013 at Mission Hospital.

She was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Estella Jones Rollins, a son, Johnny Darrell Collins, two brothers, Richard and Stanley Rollins.

She retired from Phillips Consumer Electronics in Arden after 20 years, loved to garden and plant flowers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Roy Lee Moore; a son, Jimmie D. Collins of Hendersonville; a daughter and her husband, Letha and Robert Kanipe of Forest City; siblings and their spouses, Gene Rollins of Spartanburg, S.C., Roger and Evelyn Rollins of Swannanoa, Ernest and Rosie Rollins of Pisgah Forest, Neil and Donna Rollins of Hendersonville, Thomas Rollins of Hendersonville and Linda and Robert Landers of Etowah; three grandchildren, Jimi Ferguson, Ashley and Allisa Collins; four step-grandchildren, Robbie and Christina Kanipe and Chris and Madison Maggart and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at Jackson Funeral Service with a graveside service following at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Annie's name to a charity of one's choice.

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

Barbara Kim Constance, 53

Barbara Kim Constance, 53, of Hendersonville passed away, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at her home.

She was a native of Folkston, Ga., and a resident of Henderson County for 50 years. She was the daughter of the late John and Myrtle Walker. Barbara loved her family near and far and was known as mom to many.

She is survived by her husband Bobby Constance; sons, Tony and Tim Lyda both of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Brandy Lyda, Taylor McGlothlin, and Gabrielle and Keeran Constant; brother, John Walker; and several nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2013 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with the Rev. Alan Martin officating. The family will receive friends from 4 –5 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Florence Gustafson Ready, 103

Florence Gustafson Ready, 103, of Hendersonville died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, at the Elizabeth House exactly one month short of her 104th birthday, Jan. 17, 2014.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Gustafson and Hilda (Johnson) Gustafson; her husband, William Ready; two sisters, Ann Swenson, Agnes Buttedal; a brother who died in infancy; and a niece, Merilyn Green.

Until her final year Florence enjoyed good health, and active life, independent living and driving with a non-restrictive driver's license (no eye-glasses required). She was quick witted, had a good sense of humor and a contagious laugh. Four decades ago Florence retired after a fulfilling career as a stenographer and office manager with various Federal Government agencies in Washington, DC. After retirement she moved to the city of her childhood, Minneapolis, Minn. Five years ago she sought a warmer climate and relocated to Fletcher Park Inn, in Hendersonville.

When asked about the secret of her longevity, Florence would happily recite her lifestyle habits of eating a vegan diet, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, exercising daily, keeping a positive attitude and trusting in God. She was a member of the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church.

She is survived by her three nephews, Robert Buttedal, William Buttedal, Lowell Swenson and a great-niece, Debbie Amman.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at the Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2301 Asheville Highway, with Pastor Charles Ferguson and Pastor Ivan Blake officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fletcher Seventh-day Adventist Church Building Fund or to the Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church new office project.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements

Edgwina Wagner Tabor, 88

Edgwina Wagner Tabor, 88, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Kevin J. Cassidy, 71

Kevin J. Cassidy, 71, of Hendersonville died on Dec. 27, 2013.

Originally of Brooklyn, N.Y., he was formerly of Long Island, N.Y., Orlando, Fla., Norwood, Mass., and Franconia, N.H.
He was a veteran of the US Air Force and retiree of the US Postal Service. Mr. Cassidy enjoyed all types of rock-and-roll music, especially doo-wop and R&B from the 1950's. He was especially gifted with animals, not only training the family dogs but also training wild birds, squirrels, and chipmunks to alight or sit in his lap and eat from his hand. He was a die-hard fan of the NY Rangers and NE Patriots and, in childhood, the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Mr. Cassidy is survived by his wife Lydia; daughter Kelly and son-in-law Armi; son Kevin and daughter-in-law Debbie; brother Billy and sister-in-law Lawayne; nephews Robert and Billy; nieces Lisa and Julie; and grandchildren Duvessa, Kevin, and Jessica.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Loretta; stepdad Bill; brother Denny; and nephew Brian.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in the Chapel of Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with burial following the service. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at Shuler Funeral Home.

Flowers may be sent to Shuler Funeral Home or donations made to the Salvation Army, PO Box 2387, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Nellie "Peggy" Lancaster

FLAT ROCK — Mrs. Nellie "Peggy" Lancaster, 88, of Flat Rock died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.

Mrs. Lancaster is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Herman Lancaster and several nephews.

Services will be private.

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.

Peggy Rector Stroupe, 86

Peggy Rector Stroupe, 86, of Hendersonville died Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at the Laurels of Hendersonville after an extensive battle with Alzheimer's.

A resident of Bat Cave and Stanley, she was the daughter of the late Richmond Hobart and Bertha Branson Rector. She was married to the late Robert Earl Stroupe.

She was an active member of The First Baptist Church of Stanley where she and her late husband worked with Sunday school, youth organizations, and where they founded a puppet ministry. Her love was, however, The Golden Years' Club, which she founded and worked with so diligently until her move to Hendersonville in 1998.

Mrs. Stroupe was preceded in death by her parents, both brothers, Roy Rector of Fletcher and Ralph Rector of Hendersonville; her sister, Evelyn Carlton of Greensboro; and her son in law, Douglas Jones of New London.

Mrs. Stroupe is survived by her son, Robert Richmond Stroupe; her daughter, Donna S. Jones, and three grandchildren, Monica Faust, Michelle Hahn and Thomas Culp. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Emma Grace and Cora Jade Faust.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at Hillcrest Gardens in Mt. Holly. The Rev. Fulbright from the First Baptist Church of Stanley will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local Hospice organization.

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.

Paul Jenney, Sr., 87

Paul Jenney, Sr., 87, of Hendersonville passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013.

Mr. Jenney was born Aug. 8, 1926, in Pennsylvania. He moved to Edison, N.J., and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Marilyn Shurilla and served the Edison Township as a police officer. Mr. Jenney retired and moved to Bedford, Va., for 15 years and then moved to Hendersonville where he was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Mr. Jenney is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn; daughter, Karen, son, Paul and wife, Cindy, grandsons, Ryan and Scott, and a brother, James and wife, Earline.

A memorial service will be held in New Jersey.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

June Evelyn Halford Fleming, 88

June Evelyn Halford Fleming, 88, of Hendersonville died on Friday Dec. 27, 2013, at Lake Pointe Landing Life Care Center.

She was born, Jan. 7, 1925, in Inman, S.C. Her parents are the late Furdellia Lyda of Edneyville and Charles W. Halford of Inman.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Clay Eugene Hyder who died in 1943 in a motorcycle accident shortly after their marriage, as well as her second husband and father of her children Fred Fleming, Jr. and a son Kerry .

June was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by two daughters, Shelia and Kimberly, two sons, Jack and Ricky, six granddaughters and eight great -grandchildren.

She attended Edneyville School with the class of 1937. She was also a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church.

A graveside service will be held at Shepherd Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, with Reverend Jeff Tankersley officiating with burial to follow.

We wish to thank the staff at Lake Pointe Landing Life Care Center, for the love and care given to our mother and grandmother. This special care meant so much to each family member.

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.

Barbara Kim Constance, 53

Barbara Kim Constance, 53, passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

Dorothy M. Jarboe

Dorothy M. Jarboe was born on Nov. 17, 1921, in Louisville, Ky., the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Couchman) Maguire. She married John Gerald Jarboe on Dec. 27, 1952, in Louisville.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter, Margaret Jarboe Ping. She is survived by three daughters and two sons, Ann (John) Brzuskiewicz of Fountain Hills, Ariz.,, Pat (Fred) Kaplan of Crown Point, Ind.,, Tom (Laurie) Jarboe of Bowie, Md., Jim Jarboe of San Francisco; Jeanne (Rodney) Merkle of Bloomington, Ill., and eight grandchildren.

Dorothy earned a bachelor of arts in social science (1943) from Nazareth College (now Spalding University) and a masters in psychology (1945) from Fordham University, at a time when most women did not pursue education to that level. She was a dedicated social worker, clinical psychologist, college teacher, basketball coach, housewife, mother, grandmother, and caretaker of elderly parents.

She was a resident of Henderson County for 27 years and an active member of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. She was a volunteer and supervisor at Interfaith Assistance Ministry for nearly two decades.

Dorothy enjoyed entertaining friends and family, traveling, playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles, reading, sports, swimming, and quilting.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel downstairs at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, 208 7th Ave West, Hendersonville, NC 28791 at 11 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2014. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN or a charity of your choice.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth Edward "Ken" Wilkins, 54

Kenneth Edward "Ken" Wilkins, 54, of Hendersonville went to be with our Lord Jesus Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at his home.

Ken grew up in Henderson County and graduated from East Henderson High School. He worked at Federal Paperboard in East Flat Rock and Meritor in Fletcher.

Ken grew up loving basketball and football and loved to farm and play music.

He was the son of Doris Edney Wilkins of Hendersonville and the late Dave Edward Wilkins.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his two daughters, Jennifer Wilkins Kapustka of Simpsonville, S.C., and Summer Nicole Wilkins of Asheville; 2 grandchildren, Gavin Talsky and Nicholas Kapustka; one brother, Dwight David Wilkins of Hendersonville; two sisters, MeLisa Wilkins Bissonnette of Hendersonville and Patricia "Trish" Wilkins Searcy and her husband Chesley of Hendersonville and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at Kings Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Capell and Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Sunday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Kings Grove Baptist Church and at other times will be at the home of Trish and Chesley Searcy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building one, Asheville, N.C. 28801.

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

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