Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley

Mary Jo “Granny” Cole

Broad River

Mary Jo “Granny” Cole, 95, 25-year resident of Black Mountain and Broad River, died peacefully at her home in Burlington, Kentucky, on April 5, 2017.

Granny was born October 29, 1921, to the late Odie and Elizabeth Gattain in Fairmont, West Virginia. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cole, and five sisters.

In 1968, Granny moved from Fairmont to Deland, Florida, where she lived for 23 years. She was active in the Business and Professional Women organization, volunteered at the local hospital, and became certified as a master gardener.  In Deland, Granny worked for Barnett Bank and was promoted from secretary to vice president, retiring in 1983 and relocating to Black Mountain in 1991. In 1993, she moved next door to her son and daughter-in-law in the Broad River community, where she helped raise their two daughters. In 2015, she moved to Burlington to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

Granny was an avid gardener and enjoyed reading, puzzles, and cooking. She will be remembered for her generosity, positive attitude, and love for her family.

Granny is survived by her children, Brian (Barbara) Cole and Barbara (Robert) Rice; grandchildren, Hilary (Jay) Cole Morris, Merritt Cole, Scott (Sarah) Rice, Heidi (Matthew) Palmer, and Rebecca (Daniel) Schlabach; and 10 great-grandchildren. No services are planned.

Lloyd W. Summey

Black Mountain

Lloyd W. Summey, 93, of Black Mountain, NC, passed away April 11, 2017 at Mission Hospital.

Mr. Summey was born November 12, 1923 in McDowell County to the late George and Emma Summey. Lloyd was a veteran of the US Army where he served one term and earned the Purple Heart. He was fun to be around and he enjoyed gardening, and visiting with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Lloyd is preceded in death by his son, Clifford Summey; and daughter, Peggy Harris.

Lloyd is survived by his wife of 75 years, Preston Summey; sons, Wallace Summey of Mountain Home, NC and Gene Summey of Arden, NC; sister, Ann Morgan of Arden, NC; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service was held Friday, April 14, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Broad River Baptist Church in Black Mountain, NC with Rev. Ronnie Harris officiating. Burial followed in Broad River Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  At other times, the family was at the Summey Home.  Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.