Oct. 31 Obituaries of the Swannanoa Valley
Betty Anderson
Black Mountain
Betty Jean Wright Anderson, 78, of Black Mountain passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.
Mrs. Anderson was born May 15, 1941 in Buncombe County to the late Fred and Autie Turner Wright.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Carroll Anderson and sons, Johnny and Tommy Anderson.
Betty is survived by her sons, Steve Anderson (Brenda), Tony Anderson, Kevin Anderson (Amy), and Gary Anderson; daughter-in-law, Mary Anderson; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Brenda Wright and brother, Gene Wright.
The family received friends in the chapel of Harwood Home for Funerals, Oct. 24.
A private burial will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park.
Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com).
John Propst
Black Mountain
John Michael Propst, 43, of Black Mountain passed away Friday, Oct. 18, 2019.
John was born June 30, 1976 in Buncombe County and was employed as a carpet installer.
He is survived by his mother, Delores Nelon; father, Gary Propst; brother, Jeff Kuykendall; and stepdaughter, Jackie McCurry.
A private graveside service was held at Mountain View Memorial Park.
Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals (harwodhomeforfunerals.com).
Shirley Raines
Black Mountain
Shirley Raines, 74, of Black Mountain, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.
Ms. Raines was born Aug. 27, 1945 in Buncombe County to the late Columbus and Elizabeth Greene Raines.
Shirley was a lifelong member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, serving God in many roles. She began her working career straight out of high school, always striving for perfection in every task.
She spent several years at Biltmore Forest Country Club as the assistant manager. This was followed by a second career as Town Clerk of Black Mountain. While serving as Town Clerk she was fondly given a reserved parking space designating her as honorary “Warden” of Black Mountain.
One of the most satisfying parts of each position she held was mentoring those around her, always trying to help someone be a better, more skilled individual. Shirley was part of the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry for a period of time before becoming ill with cancer. She fought that battle for four years with courage and grace, always with a smile and hope.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Alice Barnwell and Mae Vandergrift; brothers, Jimmie, Jack and Johnny Raines; and nephews, Douglas and Tony Moseman.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Martha Raines; nieces, Sharon Raines, Kathy Settle, Karen Davis, Patricia Moseman and Renee Grooms; nephews, Eddie Moseman, Mike, Tim, Jeff and Johnny Philip Raines; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service was held in the chapel of Harwood Home for Funerals, Oct. 25. Burial will be in Mountain View Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries – Johnny Raines Christmas Cheer Fund, or CarePartners Hospice.
Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com).
Robert Watkins
Black Mountain
Robert Lee Watkins, 79, of Black Mountain, passed away October 22, 2019.
Robert was born January 9, 1940 in Buncombe County to the late Clyde and Pearl Watkins. He was a volunteer fireman with Black Mountain Fire Department for 29 years, a Black Mountain auxiliary officer, a youth league soccer coach and referee, and spent 9 years as a youth counselor for Black Mountain United Methodist Church. Robert was also an active member of Acton United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his brothers, Howard Watkins and Joseph Clyde Watkins, Jr.
Robert is survived by his wife Lynn Taylor Watkins; children, Peter Watkins (Kelly) and Karen Braswell (Patrick); sister, Ruth Norton; grandchildren, Liam and Declan Braswell, and Ensleigh Watkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service was held Oct. 27, at Black Mountain United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church or Black Mountain Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Harwood Home for Funerals is assisting the family (harwoodhomeforfunerals.com).
Geneva Chandler
Swannanoa
Geneva Freeman Chandler of Swannanoa passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Claude Harbert Chandler; and her eldest daughter, Sandra Gaileen Chandler. Geneva’s siblings James W. Freeman, Johnny M. Freeman and Beatrice Freeman Sneed all previously departed this life.
Surviving family includes her daughters, Sheila Chandler of Black Mountain and Kay Styles of Old Fort; her granddaughter, Kim McCool; and her grandsons, Glenn Styles, Scotty Styles and Jeffrey Chandler. Geneva leaves behind eight great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and nieces Sherry Parks, Judy Edwards and Lynn Hensley who were a great blessing in her life whom she loved as her own.
Geneva was the core of her family who sowed goodness throughout her life with her strong beliefs and her caring ways. Though her departure from this world grieves those left behind, we rejoice in knowing that her glorious life has just begun.
A committal service was held at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel in Black Mountain, Oct. 29. The Rev. Jeff Parker officiated.
Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Chandler Family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com.