Bonnie Monday

Bonnie B. Monday, of Kennesaw, Ga., died Nov. 4, following a brief stay at Tranquility Hospice after a long battle with heart and kidney disease.

Born in Fancy Gap, Va., Aug. 5, 1938, to Garth and Mary Bolen, Bonnie was a retired registered nurse and proud mother to her beloved cat, Fred. Those who knew her well also knew she had an uncanny ability to make you laugh really hard. Sometimes that was intentional but most of the time it was just part of her always honest, often uncensored and simply magnetic charm.

Our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother, patient and dear friend gave much more to the world than she received or expected in return. She taught us that quality of life is not measured by things that money can buy but by how much your heart is filled with gratitude and love for living. She reminded me often not to live in the past or worry about the future as you will miss the opportunity to truly seize the moment. She taught us how to be grateful for life’s most precious but often unrecognized gifts; like days when breathing is easy, when walking 10 feet is not a challenge and when completing a crossword puzzle equals having a good day. With this she reminded us that even in our darkest hours there is always something to be eternally grateful for. She reminded me often that no matter how bad your circumstances seem there is always someone else in the world suffering much more. Having defeated her original prognosis by more than 14 years, she has also taught us that a positive outlook is much more powerful and life sustaining then medical intervention. And in her final transition she taught me how to depart with dignity, grace and without fear. May she rest in peace and may heaven have TVs with her favorite news channel, FOX. And may other angels stay clear of random conversations about politics on earth.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Jill Monday; son-in-law; Lee Flemm; her son, Joseph “Max” Monday; daughter-in-law, Yun-he; and grandson, Vincent Monday; mother, Mary Bolen; brothers Larry, David and Tim Bolen; beloved sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, great-nieces and nephews, other extended family members and many, many wonderful friends and caregivers.

A private graveside service will be held for her closest friends and family members at Skyline Memory Gardens where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Bo Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.

Norman Moore Jr.

Norman “Normie” Claude Moore Jr., 38, passed away Nov. 5, 2009, at Johnson City Medical Center, Tenn., following an automobile accident.

Norman was a truck driver for GDS and of the Baptist faith.

He was born Feb. 9, 1971, in Caldwell County to the late Norman Claude Moore Sr. and Patricia “Pat” Ann Philyaw Moore. He also is preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy Moore, Lewis and Beatrice Philyaw.

Norman is survived by Rachelle Elizabeth Moore, his loving wife of eight years who will love him always and forever. He was a hopeless romantic and a true friend. He is also survived by his loving sons, Devon Moore, J.T. Dula of the home, and Kalem Hicks of Wyotech; sister, Donna Moore Minton; brothers, Jeffery Moore, John (Johnny) Moore, William (Billy) Moore; and sister, Lori Ann Moore, all of Lenoir.

Norman cared for his wife and sons so deeply. He was a loving husband, father, brother and just a wonderful loving man to all, including his friends. Norman was a dedicated fan of Hibriten High School football where his sons played. Norman also will be missed greatly by his special dogs that he loved so much, Rugger, Max, Napoleon, Sampson and our newest addition, Lance.

The family will received friends for Norman Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at Pendry’s Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held for Norman Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at 2 p.m. in Pendry’s Chapel. Pastor Mike Isaacs will be officiating the services for the family. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Justin Moore, Ryan Moore, Johnathan Moore, Brian Hooper, Shane Moore, Joey Kirby, Monty Minton, Danny Moore, Josh Burchette and Jamie Blair.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rocky and Joel Martin.

Online condolences may be placed at pendrysfuneralhome.com for the Moore family.

Pendry’s Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the Moore family.

Edgar Church

Edgar Aldine Church, 87, of Hospital Avenue, NW, Lenoir, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount, N.C.

He was born Dec. 24, 1921, in Wilkes County to the late Garfield J. and Alice Baker Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Loree Watson Church; and one daughter, Loretta Sue Brown; and six brothers and sisters.

Mr. Church was retired as a public works inspector for Norfolk Naval Base and was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of Hickory American Legion Post 48, V.F.W. Post 3074 and Loyal Order of Moose 464.

Survivors include three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel of Lenoir.

The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Houston Holsclaw

Mr. Houston Fred Holsclaw, 58, of Lenoir, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. at his residence.

Born Aug. 4, 1951, in Caldwell County, Mr. Holsclaw was a son of Faye Summerlin Holsclaw and the late Steve Houston Holsclaw.

Mr. Holsclaw was the owner and operator of Houston’s Body Shop for 37 years. He was Baptist by faith. Houston loved old cars, hot rods and hunting. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and brother.

He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Steve Houston Holsclaw, wife Windy of Lenoir; four daughters and a son-inlaw, Althea and Matt Watson of Lenoir, Alicia Holsclaw of Lenoir, Amanda Holsclaw of Lenoir and April Holsclaw of Hudson; his mother, Faye Holsclaw of Lenoir; two sisters, Evelyn Williams and Donna Holsclaw, both of Lenoir; one brother, Mark Holsclaw of Lenoir; five grandchildren, Lashae Holsclaw, Dathan Holsclaw, Nehemiah Holsclaw, Janiah Holsclaw and Greyson Beane; he also is survived by many loving family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be held for Mr. Holsclaw Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at the Temple Baptist Church at 3 p.m. with Pastor Joel Bixler and the Rev. Leonard Younce officiating. Burial will follow in the Temple Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Matheson, Scot Marshall, Mike Coffey, Mikie Holsclaw, Douglas Gibbs, Alan Holstclaw, Scott Lingle and Matt Watson.

The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service from 1-3 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be made to the family at 1117 Meadowlane Dr., Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be sent to the Holsclaw Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com.

Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Holsclaw Family.

Virginia Smith

Mrs. Virginia G. Smith, 92, of Lenoir, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Shaire Center of Lenoir.

Born Aug. 25, 1917, in Watauga County, Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Arthur Curtis and Minnie Greene Galyen; and the wife of the late Edward Samuel Smith.

Other than her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Mollie Smith, Grace Bryant, Anna Mae Vines; and one brother, Spencer Galyen.

Mrs. Smith is survived by one daughter, Laura Smith Parton and husband Tony of Lenoir; three sons, William A. Smith and wife Brenda, Warren Smith and Wayne Smith, all of Lenoir; two step-sons, Mitch Smith and Calvin Smith, both of Lenoir; four grandchildren, Jody Smith of Hickory, Stephanie Brown and husband Diamond; Amy Hall and husband Travis, and Edward Smith, all of Lenoir; three great-grandchildren, Bailey Brown Brittany Hall and Hunter Hall; and one niece, Linda Haas and husband Jim of Lenoir.

A celebration of Mrs. Smith’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service with Pastor Gary Teague and Pastor Gary Shew officiating. Burial will follow in the Harper’s Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m., one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the Smith family at www.evansfuneralservice.com.

Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Smith Family.

Margaret Fender

Margaret Louise Hawkins Fender, 73, of Carson Street, Marion, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009. at Autumn Care of Marion. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Greer-McElveen Funeral Home.

Thomas Hatfield

Mr. Thomas John Hatfield, 48, of Lenoir, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir.

Evelyn Starnes

Mrs. Evelyn Berry Starnes, died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. The funeral service will be at noon Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at Clover Baptist Church. Burial will be at Pinecrest Cemetery, Granite Falls.The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at the church. Mackie-High Funeral Home is serving the family.

Ruth Annas

Ruth Yates Widner Annas, 91, of Vance Street, Lenoir, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at LenoirHealthCare Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory.