Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley
Flossie R. Kennedy
Black Mountain
Flossie R. Kennedy, age 99, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2015 surrounded by her family to be with the Lord.
She was born January 8, 1916 in Mars Hill to Cora Ray and Jacob Hill. She moved to Black Mountain in 1936, married the love of her life, James D. Kennedy. They were happily married for almost 79 years, and to this union were born two children, James Jr. and Mildred.
Mrs. Kennedy was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Willie Mae, Patricia, Iona, Edith and Irene and brother, Albert.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband James Dalton Kennedy of the home; son, James D. Kennedy Jr. (Catherine), Winston-Salem; daughter Mildred Kennedy, of Atlanta; granddaughter Karen Wilson (John), of Upper Darby, PA; Goddaughter Renee Weaver, of Black Mountain; sisters Louise Braxton (Elijah) and Sylvia Stokely, of Norfolk, Va., Mary Watson, of Baltimore, Md.; and brother Alonzo Ray (Agnes), of Mars Hill; brother-in-law Howard Kennedy (Jackie), of Atlanta and sister-in-law Elizabeth Wilson, of Washington, DC; adopted children of the heart Randolph Moorehead, Charlotte, Lee Wood, New Rochelle, NY and Al Saddler, Phoenix, Ariz, and Carolyn Copeland, of Black Mountain; nieces, nephews, and other special relatives and friends.
The funeral service for Kennedy was held on Monday, March 16 at Camp Dorothy Walls AMEZ Assembly, Black Mountain with the Rev Bobby Hill, Mills Chapel Baptist Church officiating. Special tributes at the funeral were made by Town of Black Mountain Vice Mayor Don Collins, Marvin Hamilton from the community, Four Seasons Compassion for Life Chaplain Michael Lee and the Rev. LaGretta R. Bjorn, niece.
As long as her health permitted, she was a faithful member of her church, serving as Sunday School Teacher, missionary, and joyfully singing in the choir.
Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Interment was in the WNC Veteran's Cemetery. Arrangements were directed by Hart Funeral Service, Asheville.
Gilbert Coleman
Black Mountain
Gilbert Coleman went to be with Jesus on Friday, March 13, 2015 at Mission's St. Joseph campus. Gilbert was born on June 26, 1948 to parents Spencer Jay Coleman, and Doris Marie Coleman.
He is survived by fiancé Patricia Ball, and family Marsha Ball, William Ball, Deborah Walker, James Walker, sister Barbara Maice Coleman, son Richie Coleman, grandson James Raymond Walker, Samuel Craig, stepson David Ball (Angie), and niece Kim Coleman.
Gilbert loved NASCAR, and football. He had a dog named Tiny, whom he loved. He enjoyed spending time with his grandbaby, and was a family man in general. To pass the time, he liked loafing around and visiting Cherokee.
Visitation was on Monday, March 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the chapel of Wilson Family Funeral Service in Black Mountain. Funeral Service was Tuesday, March 17at 2 p.m. at Wilson Family Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Nesbitt Chapel Cemetery in Fairview. Those who wish to leave words of comfort for the family may do so at www.wilsonfamily
Iva Roberts Thomas
Black Mountain
Iva Roberts Thomas, 84, of Asheville, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center.
Mrs. Thomas was born on April 6, 1930, in Maryville, TN, to the late Grace and C.K. Walker, Sr.
Upon moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL, she raised her family and was a successful motel manager and real estate broker. She semi-retired to Black Mountain, NC, and founded Treasures and Trivia. She also owned Biltmore Antique Mall in Asheville before permanently retiring in 2004. She was also a longtime member of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Thomas is survived by her husband, Wendell Thomas; daughter, Patricia Jackson; son, Michael Ballard (Yvette); step-son, Ed Roberts; sisters, Wilma deZanger (Arie), and Barbara Walker; brother, Kenneth Walker (Sharon); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three nieces, four nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
A graveside service for Mrs. Thomas will be at Lauderdale Memorial Park, Fort Lauderdale, FL, with the Rev. Jack Noble officiating.
Falowski Funeral Services is assisting the family in Fort Lauderdale.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family in Asheville, and the online register is available at www.grocefuneral
Lucetta "Lucy" B.
McCracken
Black Mountain
Lucetta "Lucy" B. McCracken, 95, of Black Mountain passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Lucetta was born January 9, 1920 in Bridgeton, New Jersey and was married to the late Hiram J. McCracken.
She and her husband moved from Salem, NJ to Black Mountain in 1975 after Hiram retired from DuPont. She and her husband had two sons, William McCracken and Stephen McCracken. She is preceded in death by her husband and son William. Lucetta is survived by her son Stephen McCracken and grandchildren Susan St John, Heather Brown, James McCracken, Hope McCracken and Andrew McCracken. Lucetta was a very gracious lady who loved her family and grandchildren and was very well liked by all.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 21st at Wilson Family Funeral Service in Black Mountain. Visitation began at 12 p.m. in the J.V. Brigman Memorial Chapel with funeral services beginning at 1 p.m., with burial following at the Green Hill Cemetery in Waynesville.
Those who wish to leave words of comfort for the family may do so at www.wilsonfamily
Michael David
Greene
Black Mountain
Michael David Greene, a kind and generous man was born February 23, 1961, in Asheville, and passed away peacefully on Thursday March 19, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 3pm, Saturday March 28, at Long Shoals Baptist Church, 661 Long Shoals Rd in Arden, NC. A celebration of life will follow in the fellowship hall.
He was the son of the late Garrett and Lisa Rayburn Greene. Survivors are one son, Nathaniel Greene, wife, Rachel; Faye Rhodes Greene; Brother Kelly Greene and wife, Pam; two sisters Karen Marks, Laurie Parris, husband, Ray. Several nieces and nephews and many special friends especially fiancée Kathy Rathbone and grandchildren also survive.
All memorials may be made to Long Shoals Baptist Church for the creation of a flower garden in honor of Michael Greene. Michael had a special way of using his talents to help everyone around him. His kind and generous nature made him a friend to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. A wonderful father and a loyal friend will be truly missed.
Ruby Katherine Dillingham Carson
Black Mountain
Ruby Katherine Dillingham Carson, 90, of Black Mountain, passed away March 19, 2015.
Ruby was born November 16, 1924 in Democrat, NC to the late Harris Lee and Mabel Buckner Dillingham.
She graduated from Barnardsville High School and then Business College in Asheville. Ruby retired after being the former proprietor of Black Mountain Floral Center during 1966-1973; and Ruby was a member of First Baptist Church, Black Mountain, NC.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Garry Chester Carson.
Ruby is survived by her children and their spouses, Johnny Carson and wife, Shirley of Chapel Hill, NC, and Janet Ellison and husband, Bob of Boone, NC; grandchildren, Bradley Carson of Richmond, VA, Becky Carson of Washington, DC, Mahan Ellison and wife, Ashley of Harrisonburg, VA, Katherine Lile and husband, Jesse, of Hartford, CT, Robert Ellison and wife, Ashley of New Orleans, LA, Will Ellison of Boone, NC; and great grandchildren, Ellis Ann Lile, Mary Gatliff Lile, and Dela Ellison.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Black Mountain with Dr. David Rayburn officiating.
The family received friends after the Celebration of Life Service at the church.
Flowers are appreciated or special donations can be sent to First Baptist Church, Black Mountain, for Garry & Ruby Carson Scholarship Fund, capital improvements or missions at 130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals,harwoodhomefor