June 6 Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley
Zella Whitson
Swannanoa
Zella Rea Banks Whitson, 70, of Swannanoa, passed away May 24, 2019.
Mrs. Zella Whitson was born May 6, 1949 in Madison County to the late Tommy and Mamie Banks. She was a 1971 graduate of Warren Wilson College and taught English for 30 years at Black Mountain and Owen Middle Schools.
Zella is survived by her husband of 47 years, Kermit Whitson; daughter, Stephanie Whitson McDowell (Phil) of Swannanoa; son, Ryan Whitson (Erin) of Swannanoa; sister, Patricia Banks Sams of Mills River; grandchildren, Easton Whitson and Track Whitson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her loving friend and long-time caregiver, Shannon Quinn, who is a very special part of the Whitson family.
The family received friends on May 28, at Harwood Home for Funerals. A celebration of life service, officiated by Rev. Kelvin Moseley, followed.
A private burial took place at the Whitson Family Cemetery in Yancey County.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Owen Middle School, General Fund, 730 Old US 70, Swannanoa, NC 28778 in memory of Mrs. Whitson.
Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com) is assisting the family.
Shirley Frymoyer
Black Mountain
Shirley Irene Frymoyer, September 8, 1937 – May 21, 2019, was born in Reading Pa. She was the daughter of the late William and Betty Fetterolf. Shirley is survived by a son, Rusty Frymoyer; a daughter, Cheryl Morris; two grandchildren, Holly Allen and Nathan Morris; and two great grandchildren, Logan Allen and Gwen Morris.
Shirley left her home and many friends in Pa. to live with her daughter in Black Mountain on June 25, 2009. She was quick to develop new friendships at Lakeview Senior Center where she enjoyed eating lunch and playing canasta. She was an avid jigsaw puzzle builder and enjoyed word search puzzles as well.
As her mobility decreased, she adopted four cats. Margot, Meow, Timber and Hope. Each cat with a unique story of companionship and comfort. We cannot forget Joy, her caregiver’s calf, she had the privilege of naming.
As time progressed, she developed medical conditions which kept her homebound. She received outstanding, kind, and compassionate care from her primary care physician Dr. Anderson, Dr. Wade her cardiologist, and Dr. Smith her arthritis physician. The office staff of these physicians were always there for us to offer support and encouragement. To all of you my deepest gratitude and blessings.
A promise was made for her not to go to a nursing home. Two amazing caregivers, Michelle Lytle and Daphne Wright, in addition to her daughter, fulfilled that promise. She crossed over very peacefully to her final resting place at John F. Keever Solace Center surrounded by those who loved her.
A private service was held at Harwood Home for Funerals and burial was in Green Hills Cemetery.
Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com) is assisting the family.
Marcia Walker
Black Mountain
Marcia Denise Walker, 66, of Black Mountain passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2019.
Marcia was born July 10, 1952 in Guilford County to the late William H. Walker and Margie Atkinson Walker. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Black Mountain. Marcia loved to bowl, play putt-putt, spend time outdoors and participate in Special Olympics. She was employed with Goodwill Industries in both Asheville and Greensboro.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her brother, Bill Walker (Jann); uncle and aunt, Bobby G. and Evelyn Atkinson; niece, Jennifer Walker (Scott); nephews, Michael Walker (Rachel) and Rob Walker (Clare); four great nephews and several cousins.
The family received friends on May 31, at First Baptist Church, Black Mountain. A celebration of life service followed.
Burial was on June 1, in Guilford Memorial Park, Greensboro.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Mountain Ridge Wellness Center and Hospice of McDowell County for their care of Marcia.
Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com).
Margie Waddell
Swannanoa
Margie Shook Waddell, 93, of Swannanoa, NC, passed away, Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Aston Park Health Care Center in Asheville, NC.
She was born October 13, 1925 in Weaverville, NC to the late Hosea J. and Annie Aiken Shook.
In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Earl F. Waddell, her sisters and brothers-in-laws, Gertrude E. Stewart (Thad W.) and Mae West (Beryl D.) and nephews, Millard D. Shook and Beryl (Dean)West, Jr.
Surviving Mrs. Waddell are her niece, Kay (Stewart) MacDonald and her husband, James A. of Massachusetts and two great nephews, David Davis of Old Fort and Mark Davis of Hendersonville.
Mrs. Waddell worked for many years in the offices of Beacon Manufacturing Co. and was an Office Supervisor at Consumer Credit in Asheville. In her later years, she worked at the CVS in Black Mountain, where she met a lot of friends, old and new.
Private graveside services were held at Mountain View Memorial Park with Chaplain Jack Taylor officiating.
Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com).
James "Sam" Phillips
James "Sam" Phillips, 80, ended his journey on earth and started a new journey with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in Terra Alta, West Virginia on August 14,1938 to the late Jim and Jane Phillips.
Sam was a Master Plumber for 57 years and on his business cards were the words, "God is Good."
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys (nee Wilson); daughter Melodie Phillips; son Scott Phillips (Karyn); sisters Pauline Rupp (Dale) and Doris Peterson (Bob). There are many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his brother Don Phillips.
Family received friends on June 3, at the Hilliard Rospert Funeral Home in St. Wadsworth, Ohio. Funeral services were held at the same location on June 4, with Robert Schermerhorn officiating.
Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Wadsworth, Ohio.
Family request in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Beatty Methodist Church, c/o David Childs, 72 Childs Rd. Terra Alta, West Virginia, 26764.