Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley

Jimmy Lee Hart

Black Mountain

Jimmy Lee Hart, known as “Blue Boy,” 68, of Black Mountain, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 30, 2015 at his home.

A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Mr. Hart was born April 26, 1947 to the late Howard Hart and Dolly Roberts. He is also preceded in death by his half sister, Judy Hall Price; and a grandson, Stephen.

Mr. Hart retired from truck driving after 35 years, 27 of which he drove for Ingles. Mr. Hart enjoyed fishing, spending his free time at Lake Keowee with his family, and had a good time watching professional wrestling. He was a member of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his four sons, James Hart (Dee) of Fairview, Nicky Hart (Tammy) of Marion, Derek Hart (Michele) of the home, and Brandon Hart (Josie) of Asheville; sister, Kay Andrews of VA; and 10 grandchildren.

A memorial service was held 1 p.m. Saturday, September 5 in the chapel of Penland Family Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends was held one hour prior. Condolences may be made online at PenlandFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Alice B. Kirstein

Asheville

Alice B. Kirstein, 82, of Asheville passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Oaks at Sweeten Creek.

Born June 3, 1933 in Buncombe county, Kirstein, formerly of Swannanoa, was a daughter of the late Hubert and Elizabeth Black Brown. She was a graduate of Oakley High School in Asheville, and was a member of Beverly Hills Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Lewis “Dink” Kirstein, and brother, William Brown.

Surviving are her children, Dean Kirstein and his wife, Mary, of Chattanooga, TN, Kevin Kirstein and his wife, Lisa, of Seattle, WA, Angela Slagle and her husband, Steve, of Asheville, and Kelly DeVore and her husband, James, of Candler; brothers, James Brown and his wife, Barbara, of Asheville, Sam Brown and his wife, Elaine, of Travelers Rest, SC, and Buster Brown and his wife, Molly, of Fairveiw; sisters, Betty Buckner and her husband, Arnold, of Fairview, Carolyn Harwood of Leicester, Janice Penland of Swannanoa, and Joyce Moore of Asheville; sister-in-law, Helen Brown, and eight wonderful grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2015 at the Beverly Hills Baptist Church in Asheville with Rev. Billy King officiating.

Interment service was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at the Western Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery in Black Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Kirstein’s honor to Four Seasons Hospice at 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Condolences may be made to the family at enlandfamilyfuneralhome.com.