Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley
Frank Grant
Black Mountain
Frank Grant, 82, of Black Mountain, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2015.
Mr. Grant was born July 13, 1933 in Swain County to the late Jasper and Luella Grant. He was a veteran of the US Army, and retired from Drexel Heritage. Frank loved the mountains especially if it had a few patches of ginseng. He also enjoyed being around children, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Lucille Smith and Ruby Mundy.
Frank is survived by his wife of 61 years, Katherine Williams Grant; brothers, Gene Grant, Kenneth Grant, Gerald Grant, and Winfred Grant; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Friday, August 14, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Mountain View Baptist Church with Rev. Stanley Willett, Scott Williams and Keith Williams officiating. Burial followed in Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family received friends Thursday, August 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Harwood Home for Funerals. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CarePartners Hospice, 68 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomefor
Maudie Bernice
Thompson
Black Mountain
Maudie Bernice Thompson, 96, of Black Mountain, passed away July 31, 2015 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.
Mrs. Thompson was born June 19, 1919 in Galveston, TX to the late Paul and Edith Flora. She was also a resident of Harris, TX and Buncombe County, NC for the last 12 years. Bernice was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Alvin, TX.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Lester Flora and Herbert Flora; and sister, Laverne Guidry. Bernice is survived by her daughter, Janet Thompson Randolph and her husband, George Randolph of Black Mountain; granddaughter, Lora Randolph Mander of Amsterdam, The Netherlands and her husband, Philip Mander.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Confederate Cemetery in Alvin, TX with Rev. Craig S. King, Sr. of First Presbyterian Church of Alvin, TX officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bernice’s memory may be made to the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Bernice was known for her laughter and fun spirit. She was the life of the party. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomefor
Leonard E. Payne
Black Mountain
Leonard E. Payne, 78, of Black Mountain, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2015.
Mr. Payne was born November 24, 1936 in Buncombe County to the late Lee and Floreta Payne. Leonard retired from Asheville City Schools as Maintenance Director for over 30 years. He attended Meadowbrook Free Will Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Clint Payne.
Leonard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine Worley Payne; daughter, Phyllis Ray (Doug) of Swannanoa; son, Michael Payne (Lisa) of Arden; brother, Ferrell Payne of Asheville; grandchildren, Clint and Matthew Payne, and John and Justin Ray; and great-grandchild, Dash Payne.
The family received friends Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Harwood Home for Funerals. A graveside service was held Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 4 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Park.
Flowers are acceptable and appreciated, those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider Meadowbrook Free Will Baptist Church, 204 Blue Ridge Road, Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711. Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals, harwoodhomefor