Janie H. Shepherd-Wells
Jan 29, 2026
Janie Haining Shepherd-Wells, age 92, a resident of Waynesville, NC and Winona, MS, passed away peacefully on January 29 at her home. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and educator who lived life fully.
Born on December 19, 1933, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late Walton and Hazel Haining. She was also preceded in...
Charles Shelton
Jan 28, 2026
Charles Shelton, 79, born on July 28, 1946, in Asheville, North Carolina, to the late Eli Marion and Anna Mae Smith Shelton, departed this world on January 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He embodied the spirit of a true public servant, having dedicated significant portions of his life to both his country and community.
In addition to his parents,...
Joyce Ann Roberts
Jan 28, 2026
Joyce Ann Roberts, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Buncombe County, NC, where she was born on March 14, 1951. A dedicated and hard-working individual, Joyce was employed by Woolworths for over 30 years before recently transitioning to work at Ingles Deli. Her commitment to her career was only matched by her devotion to family and...
WIlliam "W.T." Greene
Jan 27, 2026
William Thomas Greene, “W.T.” age 74, of Clyde, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on January 27, 2026, following a short but courageous battle.
Born on July 26, 1951, in Haywood County, North Carolina, William was the son of the late Boyce Tillman Greene, Sr. and Freda Trull Greene. A lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was well...
Betty Leatherman Ross
Jan 26, 2026
Betty Leatherman Ross, age 96, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at Autumn Care of Waynesville, North Carolina. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty, lived a life marked by deep faith and commitment to serving others.
Born on November 6, 1929, in Cowee, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Nancy and Solomon Leatherman. She cherished childhood memories of...
Janet Louise Buckner
Jan 25, 2026
Janet Louise Buckner, 74, born on February 19, 1951, in Buncombe County, N.C., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 25. 2026.
Janet was the daughter of the late Ralph Thomas Hopper and Audrey Suzzane Bryan Hooper. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her beloved husband David Buckner who passed away in 2001, along...
Mary Burgin
Jan 25, 2026
Mary Lindley Burgin, 82, of Lake Junaluska, passed away on January 25, 2026, at her home from Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases.
Mary was born in Old Fort, North Carolina, in August of 1943 to George Edward Lindley and Elizabeth Lipe Lindley. She was an alumna of Brevard College and spent her working life as an administrator and executive assistant. Mary worked...
Aidan Michael Patton (Service Update Below)
Jan 25, 2026
The Celebration of Aidan's Life has been moved to Kanini's Restaurant and Catering in Waynesville NC, Sunday February 01, 2026, 1-3pm
Aidan Michael Patton, 24, left us to be with God on January 25, 2026. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Aidan was born on May 15, 2001, in Haywood County, the...
Eddie A. Gosnell
Jan 25, 2026
Eddie A. Gosnell, born on November 22, 1948, in Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville. He was 77 years old. Eddie's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to family and friends. He honorably served in the United States Army, a testament to his character...
Martha Mae Huffman
Jan 23, 2026
Martha Mae Ballew Huffman, 83, of Asheville, peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2026.
A lifelong native of Buncombe County, she was born on March 26, 1942, to the late William Dillard Ballew Sr. and Vertie Verdell Mashburn Ballew. She is also reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband James B. Huffman, brother Steve Ballew and sister, Kathleen Rice.
Martha loved...
Mary Ann Cogburn
Jan 22, 2026
Mary Ann Cogburn, 75, born on November 15, 1950, in Haywood County, North Carolina, passed away on January 22, 2026, at Mission Hospital.
Mary dedicated a significant portion of her life to her career, working for Ball Corporation for a great part of her life. She then served as a Host at Harrah's Casino for eight years. In her later years,...
Mary Michelle Hopkins
Jan 21, 2026
Mary “Michelle” Hopkins, age 68, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, in Cullowhee, North Carolina. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and made her home in Jackson County, where she built a life centered on family, service, and love.
Michelle is survived by her devoted husband, Sam Hopkins; her beloved sons, Michael Hopkins (wife Kristy), Matthew Hopkins (wife Deidre),...
Joan McElroy Osborne
Jan 19, 2026
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Joan McElroy Osborne at the age of 94, on January 19th, 2026, while looking out her window, as she loved watching their cattle, turkeys and deer. She was the daughter of the late Lawson and Dare McElroy. She was the widow of the late Massie Osborne, the love of...
Ruth Mae Burleson
Jan 18, 2026
Ruth Mae Burleson, 73, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Ruth was a daughter of the late Milburn “BUD” Valentine and Maggie Lorene Baker Valentine and a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers; Eber Bennett and Eugene Bennett, sisters; Annie Bell Bennett, Loretta...
Edward C. Whitaker
Jan 18, 2026
Edward C. Whitaker, Jr., born on August 11, 1937, in Haywood County, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was a beloved member of his community and family, known for his quiet demeanor and pleasant nature. Edward was a dedicated worker, employed by Champion Paper for 40 years until his retirement in 1999, exemplifying...
Bernice Davis Haynes
Jan 15, 2026
Bernice D. Haynes passed away on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Bernice was born June 1, 1926, to the late Vance and Melinee Davis.
Bernice was a woman of many talents, from sewing, cooking, fishing, and farming, to being the very best grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother anyone could ever ask for. She lived her life to the fullest and was...
Sammy Gilbert Smith
Jan 14, 2026
Sammy Gilbert Smith, a beloved figure in the hearts of those who knew him, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Mission Hospital. He was born on March 2, 1946, in Buncombe County and graced the lives of those around him with his gentle kindness and infectious spirit.
Sammy had met the love of his life, Sue Hall and they married...
William "Bill" Smith
Jan 14, 2026
William “Bill” Arthur Smith, age 95, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully January 14, 2026. Born on September 17, 1930, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, Bill lived a life marked by service, devotion, and love for his family and friends.
Bill proudly attended Maggie Valley Baptist Church, and his faith was a guiding light throughout his life. He was married to...
Julia Ann Shuler
Jan 13, 2026
Julia W. Shuler, 88, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Elmer and Rosalee White.
Julia was a much-loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, fishing buddy, gardener, adventure partner, and mischief maker. She loved to laugh and found great joy in being with her family and friends. She...
Frederick Charles Hayes
Jan 11, 2026
Frederick Charles Hayes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at AdventHealth Hendersonville. He was born on October 31, 1942, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the son of Frederick Hayes Jr. and Phoebe Kellogg Hayes. He was one of six siblings.
A MAN OF FAITH: Raised in a Christian home, at the age of...
