Oct. 12 Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley
Pamela Lee Brown
Swannanoa
Pamela Lee Brown, 61, of Swannanoa went to see Jesus on Thursday, October 5, 2017. She was the daughter of Robert E. Brown and Betty Jane Ingle Brown.
She graduated from Owen High School in 1974. Pursuing her dream of becoming a great teacher, she graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College and Appalachian State University. She spent nearly three decades teaching advanced mathematics at Valley Springs Middle School.
After her retirement, Pam began working at Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries as a labor of love. She considered it an honor and a blessing to serve the less fortunate and will be deeply missed by those at SVCM.
As a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Swannanoa, she was active in both the Mission Haiti and Youth Ministries. An accomplished musician, she played piano and other keyboards at her church for 37 years, rarely missing a beat or a rehearsal.
She is predeceased by her father, and survived by her mother, Betty; brother Bert and his wife, Mitzi; uncle, Jack Brown (Carolyn); aunt, Joan Brown; numerous cousins as well as countless friends. They describe her as sincere, caring, and the truest friend anyone could ever hope for.
The family received friends Sunday, October 8, 2017 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Swannanoa First Baptist Church; a memorial service followed. Burial was in Mountain View Memorial Park.
The family requests that donations in Pam’s memory be made to SVCM or the music ministry of the church. Arrangements made by Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomeforfunerals.com.
Mary Elizabeth Williams Hollifield
Swannanoa
Mary Elizabeth Williams Hollifield, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Asheville Health Care Center in Swannanoa at the age of 89. Her loving family was at her side. Born in McDowell County, North Carolina on March 30, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Pearl Haynes Williams.
A devout Servant Matriarch of God, Elizabeth went to Heaven to join her Pastor Evangelist husband, Rev. M. A. Hollifield and their Down Syndrome son, Freddy. As a wife of a Pastor for 70 years, her life was filled as a “Nanny” of her daycare and hostess at “Hollifield Hotel” for minsters and missionaries.
She is also preceded in death her grandparents, who raised her, John Brookshire and Amelia Padgett Haynes; one son-in-law, Bill Metcalf; and twin sisters Lenora Padgham and her husband Thurman; and Elenora White and her husband Gus; a brother Bobby Williams.
Mrs. Hollifield is survived by two daughters, Joyce H. Metcalf of Swannanoa and Keva H. Lovik and husband Lloyd, Sr. of Marion; one son, Milton A. Hollifield, Jr. and wife Gloria of Cary, NC; seven grandchildren, Angela Merritt and husband Steve of Old Fort, Amy Slaughter and husband Jack of Swannanoa, Judson Hollifield and wife Jamie of Asheville, Heather Tilley and husband Jeff of Marion, Laura Lovik and husband Rick of Asheville, Lloyd Lovik, Jr. and wife Monica of Marion and Tina Lovik and husband Mark of Boca Raton, Florida; ten great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Juanita Woodby of Hickory; brother-in-law, Jack Hollifield and his wife Nell of Morganton; several nieces and nephews; and extended family, including the Curtis children.
A service to honor the life of Mrs. Hollifield was held Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Swannanoa First Baptist Church, with Revs. Milton Hollifield, Jr., Doug Mathis and Alan Sailors officiating. The family received friends from 1:30-3 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. There was a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in her memory are asked to consider, Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church Family Life Center Fund, 6988 Harmony Grove Road, Nebo, North Carolina 28761. Beam Funeral Service (beamfuneralservice.com) is assisting the Hollifield family.
Gertrud “Trudi” McCall
Black Mountain
Gertrud “Trudi” McCall, 77, of Black Mountain went home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 5, 2017.
She no longer is in pain but in her words is at “peace.” She is reunited with her loving husband, Larry O’Neil McCall in heaven. Trudi was a devoted and loving wife, mom, Mimi, and friend.
She was a native of Koln, Germany and was the wife of a 27-year Air Force Veteran.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, Margarete and Wilhelm Wolff.
Trudi is survived by her daughter, Margie Padgett (Wayne); grandson, Brandon Padgett (Tiffany); granddaughter, Brittany Padgett; and great-grandson, Titus O’Neil Padgett.
We will see you in the morning, Mimi. Wir lieben dich! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7.
The family received friends Monday, October 9, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Harwood Home for Funerals. A Celebration of Life service was held Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. at Swannanoa Heights Baptist Church. Burial followed at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Asheville Specialty Hospital in Trudi’s name. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the staff at Asheville Specialty Hospital, you were her favorites. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals.