Obituaries

Mary Ida Bowman Elliott

With profound sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Ida Bowman Elliott during the morning hours of Thursday, May 21, 2020.  She spent her final days at the Cherokee Indian Hospital where she received excellent and compassionate care.

Reona Mae Calhoun DeHart

Reona Mae Calhoun DeHart, 80, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Monday May 18, 2020. A native of Swain County she was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Myrtle Crisp Calhoun. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by one sister Irene Calhoun.

Keith McRoy Hartsfield

Keith McRoy Hartsfield passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020. He was born in Ft. Meyers, FL on July 30, 1940 to Keith and Marjorie Hartsfield and was raised in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from Terry Parker High school in 1958, where he excelled in many sports, but primarily basketball.

Henry Lee King

On May 5, 2020, Henry Lee King was suddenly called home to be with the Lord from his home at King’s Grocery in Bryson City, North Carolina. Henry was born in Bryson City to the late Hill and Vesta King on October 24th, 1937.

Elizabeth Anne Kearns

On April 25 2020, Elizabeth Anne Kearns, 64, left this world to be with her mother in heaven. She was born December 28, 1955 and lived out most of her childhood in Levittown Pennsylvania. She was known to everyone as Betty. She is the daughter of Robert Deckhart, and the late Anne Deckhart.

Ronald Ford Styles (Sonny)

Ronald Ford Styles (Sonny), 76, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord on Friday April 24, 2020. A native of Swain County he was the son of the late Mark and Euna Jenkins Styles.

Brenda Kay Burgess

Brenda Kay Burgess, age 69, died peacefully at home on April 17, 2020. Originally from Grafton, Ohio, Ms. Burgess lived for the past 17 years in Bryson City, North Carolina. She was employed with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) for the past 16 years.

Roy Earl Barker

On January 22,2020, the Lord released Roy Barker, 84, from his long and bravely fought struggle with Alzheimer’s.   Roy died peacefully with his family around him. “Tis a far, far better place I go then I have ever been and a far, far better rest than I have ever known.

William Jeffery Simonds

William Jeffery Simonds, 64, passed away on March 23, 2020. He was born on February 6, 1956 in Swain County, North Carolina to the late Alfred and Annie Simonds. William worked as a carpenter and logger.  He enjoyed spending time with his large family.

Robert William Odiear

Robert William Odiear, 82, of Whittier went home to be with the Lord Thursday, April 9, 2020. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Johnny and Arzele Barker Odiear. He was a member and deacon of Conleys Creek Freewill Baptist Church.