Obituaries - Hendersonville Lightning (2024)

Recent Obituaries

Billy Joe Wilkie, 65

Billy Joe Wilkie, 65, of Hendersonville, died on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Park Ridge Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe Jay and Nena Redden Wilkie and one daughter Tracy Gail Wilkie.

Billy Joe was born and raised in Henderson County and lived in Fletcher and was a former employee of Cranston Print Works. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Gail, one daughter, Wanda Lynn Wilkie, three brothers and three sisters.

A graveside service will be at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Shepherd Memorial Park at 5045 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC. Pastor Sturgill will be officiating. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Douglas J. Mitchell, 80

Douglas J. Mitchell, 80, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2015.
Born in Yonkers, OK on February 24, 1935, he the son of the late Thurman and Lorene Barnett Mitchell. He was also preceded in death by a son, Timothy D. Mitchell, who died in 1974.
Douglas served in the US Navy for 28 years, retiring from service in 1981. He was a member of the Hendersonville Elks Lodge #1616 since 1992. He enjoyed traveling and playing golf and was an avid gardener.
Douglas is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Marjorie Mitchell of Hendersonville; his children, Cynthia H. Poling and husband, Shorty, of Loraine, IL; Kathi A. Carpenter of Hendersonville; and Robert L. Mitchell and wife, Lisa, of San Antonio, TX; stepchildren, Debbie Tokas and husband, Frank, of Arizona; John VanBuren and wife, Glenda, of Las Vegas, NV; and Todd Logsdon and wife, Barbara, of Tuxedo; twelve grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service and an Elks Rest Ceremony will be held at 1 PM Saturday in the lower level of the Hendersonville Elks Lodge. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity or organization of the donor's choice.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Billy Joe Wilkie, 65

Billy Joe Wilkie, 65, died on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Park Ridge Hospital. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge on arrangements.

Larry Douglas Green, Jr., 43

Larry Douglas Green, Jr., 43, died on Friday, February 28, 2015 at the Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte. He was preceded in death by both of his grandfathers: Charles Pruitt and Adger Green as well as his step-father, John Holland.

Larry was a Henderson County native and graduated from East Hendersonville High School in 1989. He worked for the Selee Corporation for a number of years, as well as worked in landscaping prior to his declining health. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed attending church. He loved being outdoors, and wearing his baseball cap on backwards.

His greatest joy in life was being a father to his three children. He enjoyed playing sports with Tanner, and enjoyed their fishing and hunting trips together. Although he wasn't successful in turning Madison into an "outdoorswoman", he taught Lacy to be a great "inner tuber." He had a wonderful sense of humor and taught his children the value of being respectful and honest.

Larry is survived by two daughters: Madison Green and Lacy Elizabeth Green and one son: Tanner Green. He is also survived by his mother, Pat Holland, as well as his father Larry D. Green, Sr. and his wife Judy of Spartanburg, SC, and his maternal grandmother Arliss Pruitt that he lovingly called "Mama". He had one uncle: Ronnie Green of Tuxedo and a special friend Cameron Green of Hendersonville.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Church Street Chapel. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends tonight, Tuesday, March 3, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home at 125 Church Street, Hendersonville, NC. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Church of God at 2103 Brevard Road, Hendersonville, NC 28791. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements

Mildred A. Clark, 90

Mildred A. Clark, 90, of Horse Shoe passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015 at her home.
A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, she was the daughter of the late Noble and Esther Allison. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Reba Cartee, Clyde Allison, Marvin Allison, Mary Noble Allison and Bill Allison.
Mildred was an avid gardener. She loved her family and enjoyed helping other people. Mildred was of the Christian faith.
She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Ralph A. Clark of Horse Shoe; four children, Emma Pierce and husband, Bob, and James Clark and wife, Teresa, all of Florida; Virginia Boyd and husband, Dewey, of South Carolina; and Karla Lowman and husband Bob of North Carolina; brother, Roy Allison; sister, Lois Carter; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 2 pm Friday, March 6, 2015 in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Dr. Bob Lowman, Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Forest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 pm Thursday at Shuler Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements

Larry Douglas Green

Larry Douglas Green service will be at 2:00 Pm Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Thos. Shepherd Church Street Chapel 125 Church Street, Hendersonville, NC.

Nancy Jean Donovan, 66

Nancy Jean Donovan, 66, of Hendersonville, NC passed away, Monday, February 23, 2015 at Cardinal Care Center.
She was the daughter of the late Paul and Juanita McIlvaine, her fiancé, Mark Rollins.

Elaine McCarthy Elliott, 94

Elaine McCarthy Elliott, age 94, originally of Collingswood, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27th, 2015 at Carolina Village of Hendersonville, NC.

Elaine was passionate about improving others' lives through teaching, including both classroom education and dance. She inspired many as a Senior Olympic Medal winner for swimming along with her involvement at the Opportunity House as dance instructor and leader of the Good Ol' Girls.

Elaine is survived by sisters, Jeanne & Phyllis, son, Robert, step-daughter, Lori, as well as 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 -7th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC, with date and time to be determined. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Mitchell Eugene Hammonds, 55

Mitchell Eugene Hammonds, 55, of Hendersonville and formerly of Albany, KY went to be with the Lord, Saturday, February 28, 2015 in Crossville, TN. A celebration of Mitchell's life will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Hall and Rev. Steven Blanton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM before the service in the church and at other times the family will be at the home.
Flowers are nice or donations may be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2557 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Arlene Mae Johnson

Arlene Mae Johnson passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015 in Hendersonville NC. She is preceded in death by her parents: Fred and Mary Stowell of Yuba, Wisconsin, her husband Gaylord, their son Todd, and her only brother Harley.

Arlene and her family lived in Sparta and Eau Claire, WI prior to moving to Hendersonville NC in 1985. After teaching business courses in high school and college for 36 years and night school simultaneously for 22 years, Arlene retired in 1992.

Giving to her community was of great importance to Arlene which is evident in her volunteering for Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Opportunity House, her church, Western Alliance, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She loved helping people.

Arlene is survived by one son, Kent and his wife, Crystal of Hoschton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Interfaith Assistance Ministry, 210 Ehringhaus St., Hendersonville NC 28739 and/or Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville NC 28791.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home at 125 South Church Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Betty Doris Gregor, age 92

Betty Doris Gregor, age 92, of Hendersonville died Thursday, February 26, 2015 at her residence. She was born on June 2, 1922 in England to the late David Porter and May Frances Fuller Porter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Douglas Gregor in 1985; two granddaughters: Jillian Gartner in 2006, and Jamie Moody in 2013; and her great-grandson, Justin Gartner in 2000.

She met John while he was serving our country during World War II. They married in 1945, and she beautifully began her new role as a War Bride. She worked as the Manager of Denby's Department Store in Troy, New York until her retirement.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Michael Gartner of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, John and Barbara Gregor of GA; nine grandchildren; and her two sisters, Ruth Willett of England, and Peggy Manuel of Colorado.

Private services will be held.

Reverend Henry Andrew Lineberger, 69

Reverend Henry Andrew Lineberger, 69, of Etowah, NC went to be with the Lord, Monday, February 23, 2015.
He was born and raised in the Wilson, NC area, had lived in Sarasota, Florida and had lived in Henderson County for the past 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Ford Lineberger and Phyllis Guren Lineberger, two brothers, Phillip "Stevie" Lineberger and Thomas Olsen Lineberger
Pastor Henry holds a Bachelors degree in Commercial Art and Philosophy and a Masters degree in Divinity. He was a certified trainer of the Hallelujah Acres Diet, and counselor for the Overcomers' program. He worked in the fields of ministry and counseling for over 30 years.
Pastor Henry had been attending New Beginnings World Outreach Church for over 20 years, and had been Associate Pastor for 18 years. Upon becoming born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit, he felt led to seek a church that was Spirit-filled. He followed the will of the Lord to partner with Senior Pastor Tom Burke in the leadership of New Beginnings. One of his key verses that he lived by is Proverbs 3:5-7.
He enjoyed nutritional research, serving the community, the outdoors, organic gardening, animals, time with family, traveling and going to conferences.
Mostly he enjoyed praying with people and seeing their lives transformed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Stacie L. Lineberger; three sons, Andrew, Matthew and Aaron Lineberger, all of Sarasota, Florida; three grandsons, Drew, Logan and Garrett; three brothers, Gerald, John and David Lineberger; two sisters, Suzie and Bonnie and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Pastor Henry's life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the New Beginnings World Outreach Church with Pastor Tom Burke officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Beginnings World Outreach Church, PO Box 642, Hendersonville, NC 28793.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Sarah Ellen Gholston Bell, 101

Sarah Ellen Gholston Bell, 101, passed away on February 24, 2015. Sarah was born July 9, 1913, in Fitzpatrick, AL, to the late Thomas Hough Gholston and Jane Elizabeth Jones Gholston. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Jack Bell, and her grandson, John H. Bell, III. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Bell Carter and husband, Joseph, of Flat Rock, NC, and her son, John H. Bell, II and his wife, Teresa, of Mountain Brook, AL; three grandsons, Charles J. Carter, Jr. and his wife, Rebecca Carter, of Columbia, SC, Timothy A. Carter and his wife, Heather Randolph Carter, of Charlotte, NC, and Jeremy Bell and his wife, Amy Bell, of Pell City, AL; three great-grandchildren, Joseph Quinn Carter, Piper Claire Carter, and John Benjamin Bell. Formerly a resident of Birmingham, AL, she moved to The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing, in Hendersonville, NC, five years ago.

Sarah grew up a child of the depression, and, like many of her generation, that experience influenced her adult life. The oldest of six children, she was raised on a farm in rural Alabama. Sarah and her family lacked material wealth, yet wanted for little; the land provided for their needs. Sarah took pride in the family's personal history and deep ties to our nation's founding as early settlers. Later in life, she became a member of The Jamestowne Society and was active in local chapters of The Daughters of the American Revolution.

Sarah graduated high school in Union Springs, AL, and then moved to Birmingham to attend secretarial school. It was there that she met Jack, whom she wed on August 24, 1942, in Bel Air, MD. In the early years of their marriage, she contributed to the war effort as a civilian secretary at the Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland.

The true work of Sarah's life was making a home and raising her family, vocations she elevated into art form. She found purpose and joy in caring for her husband and in nurturing and guiding her children. As an accomplished cook and hostess known for perfect dinner parties, Sarah supported Jack's successful career. Their home was always a warm and inviting place for business guests, as well as personal friends and family. Additionally, she was an accomplished seamstress and needlepoint artist.

Sarah firmly believed that gracious behavior and beautiful surroundings matter, and she ensured that her children appreciated these as well. The epitome of an accomplished Southern woman, Sarah taught by example, creating an environment in which setting a beautiful table, writing thank you notes, and demonstrating impeccable manners were expected and respected.

Like so many Southern ladies, Sarah's manners did not lack for resolve. She was pragmatic, loathed complaining, and insisted that everyone make the best of any situation. She committed herself to seeing that her children had advantages greater than those she knew as a child. This included opportunities for formal and informal education, foreign travel, and exposure to the arts.

Her commitment to others extended beyond her family, as Sarah was active in her church and as a community volunteer, particularly as a hospital "pink lady" in Tallahassee. Her favorite avocation was bridge, where her skill, even into her late 90s, was admired by her many partners.

For all that she was and all she helped them to become, Sarah left an indelible mark on her children and grandchildren. She was loved and will be deeply missed. The family would especially like to thank the staff at The Bridge at Lake Pointe and the staff at Elizabeth House for their exceptional care.

A graveside service will be at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Culley'sMeadowWood Cemetery in Tallahassee, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Employee Appreciation Fund, The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing, 334 Thompson Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to Four Seasons Elizabeth House, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

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

Edmund Louis Liguori, 80

Edmund Louis Liguori, 80, of Hendersonville, lost his yearlong battle with Mesothelioma on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at the Elizabeth House. He was the son of the late Louis and Elena DeLouise Liguori and also proceeded in death by his beloved sister, Corinne DeLaOsa.

Ed was born in New York City on April 4, 1934. A man of integrity and honor, he put himself through college, graduating as a Textile Engineer from the Philadelphia School of Textiles and Science in 1958. He continued his studies at the Wharton School of Business. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict. He returned to New York City and began a career in the home fashion industry that successfully spanned over 40 years.

Ed's love for his family, his zest for life, and concern for mankind, was reflected in the life he lived and the causes he supported. During his retirement he was able to spend time traveling, playing golf, entertaining his family, and in his spare time he became quite amused with the banter of politics.

Ed will be sadly missed by his entire family including his wife, Terrie, of over 40 years, one daughter Mary Elena Liguori, and two sons: Edmund Liguori Jr. and his wife Jacqueline, and Richard Vincent Jr. Three grandchildren: Ryann and Eddie Liguori, and Danny Hackett, one nephew: David DeLaOsa and his wife Arlene and two grandnieces Stephanie and Jennifer DeLaOsa and grandnephew Louis DeLaOsa as well as many friends.

A private celebration of life will be held. Memorial donations may be made in Ed's memory to the Four Season's Compassion for Life Hospice- Elizabeth House by mailing to 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC, 28731, or contact through their website at www.fourseasonscfi.org , or to the donor's favorite charity.

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

Sarah Ellen Bell, age 101

Sarah Ellen Bell, age 101, died Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Elizabeth House. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

G. Carol P. Lawrence, 81

G. Carol P. Lawrence, 81, of Hendersonville, NC went to be with the Lord Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Elizabeth House with her loving family by her side.
She born and raised in Buncombe County and had lived in Henderson County for over 20 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lawrence and her parents, Hubert and Lavada Dockery Pressley. She retired from Ball Corporation after 20 years of service and was of the Baptist Faith. She loved to sew and cook.
She is survived by a daughter, Susan Alfaro and her husband Martin of Hendersonville; two sons, Thomas Lawrence and his wife Marie of Rutherfordton and Jerry Lawrence and his wife Sandra of Fletcher; two sisters, Mary Francis Bradley and her husband Charles of Swannanoa and Dorothy Sharpe of Asheville; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 4:00 PM Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service with Rev. Keith Dockins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel and at other times will be at the home of Susan and Martin Alfaro.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793

William R. Wodach, 86

William R. Wodach, 86, of Hendersonville, passed away, Saturday, February 21, 2015. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

William Junior "Bill" Ferry, 87

William Junior "Bill" Ferry, 87, of Liberty, SC and formerly of Hendersonville, NC passed away Saturday, February 21, 2015 in South Carolina.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The family will recieve friends
one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will follow in Jones Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

Ms. Ernestine "Teena" Holmes, 87

Hendersonville – Ms. Ernestine "Teena" Holmes, age 87, passed away peacefully Friday morning, February 20, 2015, at The Elizabeth House in Flat Rock. Teena was a long term resident of Lake Point Landing. She was the daughter of Omer and Emma Hill of Huntsville, Alabama. She is survived by her son, Rick Holmes and his wife Claire, of Hendersonville, her three grandchildren, Samantha and Emma Holmes of Hendersonville, and Bubba Holmes of Tallahassee, Florida, her brother Donald Hill and her sister, LouJean Hill both of Huntsville, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her son, Micky Holmes of Tuscaloosa, and her brothers Miles and Wayland Hill of Huntsville.

A memorial service will be held at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama. For details contact the cemetery at (205) 427-5730. In lieu of flowers and because of her extreme love of animals, donations may be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC, 28792. or by calling 828-692-4367.

Charles M. Gordon, 40

Charles M. Gordon, 40, Hendersonville, NC went to be with our precious Lord on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. He is preceded in death by his loving "Moma", Allie Gordon.

He is survived by his father, Charles "Pete" Gordon of Hendersonville; brothers, Roy Fisher, Robert Fisher and wife Sharon and Franklin Quick; sisters, Deborah Humphries and husband Martin, Sheila Israel and husband Jason, Patricia Kitchen and husband Micah, Rosie Edmonds and husband Ricky and Syondra Howard and husband Dana.

He had several nieces and nephews including his little buddies, Jake, Cody, his shortie-Ally and his little man Jonathan.

He was a dedicated employee of Carolina Village. He loved his job and co-workers. He thought of his co-workers as family.

He had a heart of gold, always lending a helping hand and always joking and trying to bring laughter to others. His laughter was contagious. He loved animals, his favorite being wolves. He was protective of his family and friends, loved by many and will be forgotten by none.

Services will be held at the Chapel In The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The funeral will follow. Brother Robert Fisher will officiate.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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