Obituaries

Debbie Laws Burrell

Debbie Laws Burrell, 56, of Sylva, passed away Friday, January 24, 2020, at her residence from health complications. A Bryson City native, she was born on March 29, 1963. She was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, wife, and friend.  She is truly gone way early in life and will be missed by many.

Ruth Smith Walpole

Ruth Smith Walpole, 90, passed away at home in Largo, FL, January 20, 2020.    She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Nan Smith; husband Robert Walpol; and longtime companion Lloyd Knouse. Ruth attended Miami Senior High and then went on to Mars Hill College.

Gay Williamson Grimsley Mitchell Kriek

Asheville—Gay Williamson Grimsley Mitchell Kriek, 85, died peacefully at her home on Friday, January 24, 2020, surrounded by her family. Born in Waco, Texas, Gay previously lived in New York, NY and in Greensboro, Burlington and Bryson City, NC. She was born to the late Finley Lea Williamson, Jr.

Dianne Turner

Dianne Turner, 73, of Bryson City, passed away on January 27, 2020. She was born in Duplin County, NC, on December 18, 1946 to the late Leffel “LA” Turner and Janie Turner.  She spent most of her career as a cook throughout the Cherokee area where she was known by many people.

Jon Edward Owle

Jon Edward Owle was resourceful in meeting the many challenges he faced in life. On January 23, 2020, the Rubella virus that caused his deafness at birth ended his life. Born in 1963, Jon missed getting the protection that the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine gives now.

Julius A. Zeke Jones

Julius A. Zeke Jones, 90, of Bryson City, formerly of Kinston, NC passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2020. A native of Talladega, AL, he was the son of the late Malcom and Robbie Bain Jones. He was a United Methodist Men member and a member of the Bryson City United Methodist Church.

Shirley McMahan

Shirley McMahan, 76, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Sunday, January 12, 2020. A native of Swain County she was the daughter of the late Thad and Jessica Phillips Herron. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her brother Donald Herron and his wife Betty.

Raymond Grant

Raymond Grant, 78, of Whittier went home to be with the Lord Friday, January 10, 2019 at his residence. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Henry and Ellen Lequire Grant. He was a member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church.

Dennis White

  77, of Bryson City   A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Jared and Amy Edwards White. He was a graduate of Swain County High School where he played Swain County football. Dennis served in Vietnam and the Marine Corp as a photojournalist with the Stars & Stripes.