Obituaries

William “Bill” DeHart

William “Bill” DeHart, 74, of Webster, passed away Wednesday January 13, 2022. A native born and raised in North Carolina, he was the son of the late Winfred and Grace DeHart. Bill was a proud US Air Force Veteran having served in Viet Nam, where he earned a Bronze Star.

Marilyn W. Gray

Marilyn W. Gray, wife of Jim Gray, of Bryson City, passed away at Mountain View Manor rest home Tuesday morning, January 18. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City.

Fred Delis Jones

Fred Delis Jones, 85, of the Wilmont Community passed away peacefully on January 15, 2022 with his family by his side. His loving and faithful wife of 63 years, Ruby Lowe Jones passed away earlier on November 1, 2021.

Gary Franklin Deffenbaugh

Long-time Anna Maria Island resident and former Mayor, Gary Franklin Deffenbaugh, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2021, in Bryson City, North Carolina.  Gary was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on June 30, 1938, to parents James and Wilma Deffenbaugh.

Mack Davis

Mack Davis, AKA Santa Claus, 81, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Friday, January 7, 2022. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bryson City.

Markeeta Parris Stephenson

Markeeta Parris Stephenson, 84, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord, Monday, January 3, 2022. A native of Swain County she was the daughter of the late Fred and Wilma Parris. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Dale Parris and a baby sister.

Eual Ray Parris

Eual Ray Parris born February 14, 1951 left this world for his heavenly home on January 5, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Banner and Floy Parris.

Carolyn Ann Worley Blanton

Carolyn Ann Worley Blanton, 74 of Whittier, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021. Carolyn was born in Jackson County on May 19, 1947, to the late James Alfred Worley and Annie Sue Worley. Carolyn owned and operated Qualla Beauty Salon.

Rev. Ray Anthony Lambert

Rev. Ray Anthony Lambert, 88, of the Tow String community went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 29, 2021. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Rev. Jesse and Cora Lambert. He was a member of Tow String Baptist Church.

C.B. Cunningham

C.B. Cunningham, 84, of Andrews went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at his residence. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Herbert and Jennie Brown Cunningham. He was preceded in death by his son, William Kyle Cunningham.