Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley
Polly Cameron Haigler
Black Mountain
Polly Cameron Haigler, Ph.D., RN, formerly of Columbia, SC, passed away at home on October 23, 2016 after a very brief, courageous battle with stage IV lung and liver cancer.
Polly was born in Harnett County, NC to parents, Erwin B. and Magolene McDaniel Cameron. She graduated valedictorian from Peace Preparatory High School, in Raleigh, NC and attended Peace College for one year. She received a certificate in X-ray technology from University Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC. In 1958 she married the love of her life, Boyce Reid Haigler, of Pageland, SC. The two settled in Columbia, SC and became active members at Shandon Baptist Church where Polly served faithfully for 50 years. Polly stayed at home for several years lovingly caring for their three children. She later resumed her academic pursuits at the University of SC in Columbia and received a BS and MN in Nursing. Polly also received a Ph.D. In Health Promotion and Education, USC School of Public Health. In addition, she was certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing by the American Nurses Association; received a Certificate in Parish Nursing-Baptist College, Atlanta, GA; and received a Certificate-Faculty Development in Gerontological Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, IL.
In 2007 Polly and Boyce moved to “The Swan House” (which she called her “Happy Place”) in Black Mountain where they have enjoyed nine glorious years. During her “retirement” Polly has served on the Board of Trustees for Montreat College, was employed by Maxim Healthcare to give flu shots, and served as an election polling place volunteer and judge. She was also an active member at Christ Community Church in Montreat.
Polly is survived by her husband of 58 years, Boyce Reid Haigler; her three children: Kimberly (John) Hilton of Charlotte, NC, Cameron (Mike) Hartley of Columbia, SC, and Kyle (Mary) Haigler of Mount Pleasant, SC.; nine grandchildren: Polly, Claire, and Jack Hilton; Cara and Catherine Hartley; and Reid, William, Matthew, and Palmer Haigler; and sisters: Patsy May of Charlotte, NC and Judy Owen of Peachtree City, Georgia.
A service to celebrate Polly’s life was held at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 2:00 pm. A service was also held at Christ Community Church in Montreat, NC on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
Mary Louise Alderman
Black Mountain
Mary Louise Alderman, 74, of Black Mountain, NC passed away Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Givens Highland Farms.
Mary was born March 30, 1942 in Tulsa, OK. She was a resident of Wayne County, PA until moving to Ocala, FL in 1973 where she married Jay Alderman in 1988.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Helen Clark Medenbach; and brother, Philip Medenbach.
Mary is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jay Alderman; daughter, Alexandra Daley of Orlando, FL; step-daughters, Venus Alderman and Selene Alderman of Ocala, FL; and step-sons, Thomas Alderman and Elliott Alderman of Ocala, FL.
Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.
Eddie “Gene” Sneed
Black Mountain
Eddie “Gene” Sneed, 80, of Black Mountain passed away Monday, October 24, 2016.
Mr. Sneed was born September 29, 1936 to the late Eddie and Gertrude Smith Sneed. Gene and his brothers were brick masons for over 50 years. He loved his family and spending time at the beach. Mr. Sneed was a veteran of US Army.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Frances Dalton Sneed; brothers, Alvin, Monie, and Ben Sneed. He is survived by his children, Alice Dalton and Brenda Mundy (Alan); sisters, Wester Lominac and Georgia Hudgins; grandchild, Amber Carmichael, and great-grandchild, Tyler McDaniel.
A Celebration of Life service was held Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 12 pm in the chapel of Harwood Home for Funerals with Rev. John Williams officiating. Burial was in Mountain View Memorial Park. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.
Mary Lee Nichols
Swannanoa
Mary Lee Nichols, 89, of Swannanoa, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016. Mrs. Nichols was born January 24, 1927 in Charlotte, NC. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mary Lee was a group leader for final inspection with Kearfott for 35 years. She was a faithful member of Berea Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, JB Nichols; son, Thomas Lee Nichols; father, Lee Whittemore; and loving grandmother who raised her, Essie Whittemore.
Mary Lee is survived by her daughter, Connie Cort and husband, Gary; son, Zeb Nichols and wife, Chrissie; grandchildren, Mary Carr (Jason), Elizabeth Ray (Brandon), and David Cort (Ashley); and great grandchildren, Charlotte, Emma, Thomas, Olivia, Ona, Felix, and Poppy.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Friday, October 28, 2016 at 1 pm at Berea Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery. The family received friends from 11 am to 1 pm, Friday, prior to the service time at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.
Ronald “Ronnie” Wilson
Black Mountain
Ronald “Ronnie” Wilson, 73, of Black Mountain passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016.
Mr. Wilson was born May 25, 1943 in Buncombe County to the late Oland and Evelyn Camper Wilson.
Ronnie retired from Kearfott with over 30 years of service and enjoyed working on cars.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Gail Lyda Wilson; daughter, Kim Owenby (Royce) of Marion; son, Keith Wilson of Black Mountain; sisters, Jeanette Wilson and Juanita Biggs (Bobby) all of Black Mountain; brother, Charles Wilson of Fairview; three grandchildren, including special granddaughter, Kayson (Seth); two great grandchildren, Brayden and Tanner; and sister-in law, Marian Harper (Marvin).
No services are planned at this time. The family will be at the residence. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.
R.E. “Gene”, Barker, Jr.
Black Mountain
R.E. “Gene”, Barker, Jr., 68, of Black Mountain, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2016.
Mr. Barker was born August 21, 1948 to the late Richard and Betty Colvin Barker. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of God’s Way Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his great granddaughter, Karie Jackson.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Delilah LeMasters Barker; children, Keith Barker, Deborah Jackson (Jeff), Lee Anne Jackson (Lael), Christine Lynn Sappenfield, Richard Lee Sappenfield (Warean), and Dolly Dee Peters (David); sisters, Debra Winder (Harry) and Linda Thomas; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel of Harwood Home for Funerals. Burial will be in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery following the service.
The family received friends from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.