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Oreatha Bridges
CHARLOTTE — Mrs. Oreatha M. Bridges, 74, of 2020 Holly St., departed life at her home on Sunday, July 28, 2002, in the loving arms of her devoted husband, surrounded by other family members. Oreatha M. Borders Bridges was born Dec. 26, 1927, in Cleveland County, to the late James Mills and Julia E. Roberts Borders. Oreatha was a graduate of Washington High School in Cleveland County, where she was class salutatorian and an outstanding basketball player. She attended Central Piedmont Community College and worked 29 years as a licensed practical nurse. She retired from Charlotte Memorial Hospital (Carolinas Medical Center) in 1989. At an early age she joined Washington Baptist Church and was active in Sunday school, missionary department, usher board and choir. In 1952, she united with First Baptist Church (West), where she remained an active and faithful member until her illness and death. She was a deaconess, choir and handbell member, den leader and Cub Scoutmaster. She was one of the first females in Mecklenburg County to receive the Silver Beaver Award. She was a member of Sunday School Class No. 4, Missionary Group No. 4, Golden Age Club, and Culinary Arts. She was voted First Baptist Woman of the Year, taught Vacation Bible School for several years and member of the dramatics club. She enjoyed arts and crafts and spent many hours sewing, making robes and stoles for the Children’s Choir. She received much joy from helping others, especially seniors. She was a member of Mecklenburg Ministries and a Friendship Trays volunteer. Cooking, gardening flowers, and reading were favorite hobbies, but she loved to travel and had visited Hawaii, Germany, Africa, and the Holy Land. She was married to Furman David Bridges for 54 years and to this union was born eight children. Her first born, Master Gunnery Sergeant Jerald Bridges preceded in her death. She leaves to cherish fond memories her devoted husband and seven children, David Anthony Bridges and wife, Lynette, Kenneth Markeath Bridges and wife, Cassandra, Furma Denise Bridges, Audrey M. Wallace and husband, David, Aprella Bridges and Robin Dale Bridges, all of Charlotte and Wesley Donovan Bridges of Florida; two brothers, Andrew Borders and Odus James Borders of Shelby; five sisters, Geneva Ramseur of Matthews, Willette Tyler of Westampton, N.J., Corene Freeman of Shelby, Shirley Borders of Charlotte and Gwendolyn Robinson of Kings Mountain; and a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Bridges; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A special heartfelt thanks to Dr. James F. Boyd and the caregivers at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, Dr. William Roberts, Dr. Murray Craven, Hospice of Charlotte, and Lincare for their assistance and devotion. The funeral will be today at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church-West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave., with Dr. Ricky A. Woods officiating. The body will lie in state from 11 a.m. until noon. Interment will be in Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Grier Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Thelma Anthony
KINGS MOUNTAIN — Mrs. Thelma Clark Anthony, 79, of 104 Midway Lake Road, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.
Dylan Johnson
SHELBY — Dylan Ray Johnson, infant son of Glenn Jr. and Lisa Keeter Johnson, of 115 Immanuel Church Road, died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Rebecca Johnson; and great-grandparents, Leroy Campbell, Willie and Gladys Byers, Mr. and Mrs. Milanese and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. He is survived by two brothers, Ricky Keeter and Brandon Johnson, both of the home; three sisters, Alicia Keeter, Emily Johnson and Christina Johnson, all of the home; three aunts and two uncles, Tammy and Terry Davis of Kings Mountain, Rhonda and Jamie Alley of Polkville and Brittany Campbell of Shelby; a special aunt, Stacy Campbell; a special cousin, William Campbell; four cousins, Robbie Davis, Michelle Davis, Hannah Alley and Faith Alley; his grandparents, Clyde and Donna Keeter, Rev. Glenn Johnson Sr., all of Shelby; and his great-grandmother, Mary Campbell of Virginia. The funeral was Thursday at House of Prayer in Fallston with the Revs. Glenn Johnson Sr. and Clyde Price officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. The family received friends at the church. Memorials may be made to the family, P.O. Box 605, Earl, NC 28038. Clay-Barnette Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bernard Leak
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Mr. Bernard Eugene Leak, 39, of 299 S. Spring St., died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at his home. A native of Shelby, he was the son of Lillie Alberta Leak and the late Jack Leak and the husband of Louise Davis Leak. He attended Spartanburg High School and worked eleven years at American Fast Print and worked at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. He attended the Church of Jesus Christ. In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter, Amanda Wheeler, a stepdaughter, Wanda Key; two stepsons, Robert and Michael Love; three sisters, Frances Jeanette Stripling of Spartanburg, Elizabeth Juanita Leak and Abigail Leak of Alexandria, Va.; and one brother, Dexter Antonio Leak of Alexandria. The funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Community Mortuary/Dawkins-Smith Memorial Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Jewel Miller. Burial will follow in East Spartanburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home.
Paul Messer Sr.
CLIFFSIDE — Mr. Paul D. Messer Sr., 81, of Hames Ridge Road, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Cliffside Baptist Church with the Revs. Larry Fleming and William A. Stroud officiating. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes before the service. Burial will be in Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 8:30 at McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Cliffside Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 336, Cliffside, NC 28024. A guest book is available at www.mckinneylandrethfuneralhome.com.
Henry Ruppe
SHELBY — Mr. Henry Elliott Ruppe, 72, of 879 Bellview Drive, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Cleveland Pines Nursing Center. Born Jan. 17, 1930, in Cherokee County, S.C., he was a son of the late Edley O.B. and Irene Fowler Ruppe. He retired as a machine fixer from Doran Textiles, Dover Group. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kay Ruppe; and a sister, Venelia Cash. He is survived by his wife, Doris Jean Goode Ruppe; two sons, Donald R. Ruppe of Rural Hall and Charles E. Ruppe of Shelby; two brothers, Jerry Ruppe of Shelby and Johnny Ruppe of Polkville; four sisters, Faye Willis of Shelby, Mamie Lou Lackey of Polkville, Harriett Cook of Ellenboro and Juanita Hawkins of Lawndale; and five grandchildren, Rebekah Ruppe, Patrick Ruppe, Jason Ruppe, Andrew Ruppe, Sharon Ruppe. The funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Stamey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ervin Price officiating. Burial will be in Mulls Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes. Association, 1820 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204. A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com.
Vivian Champion
LAWNDALE — Mrs. Vivian Champion, 73, died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at home. She was born Aug. 31, 1928, just outside Lawndale at the Eaker home place. She graduated in the 1945 class of Piedmont High School, after starring as a basketball player during her high school years. She attended nursing school at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She married Robert Champion on Jan. 6, 1948. Except for two periods, 1950-51 and 1953-60, during which they lived in Rockland County, N.Y., the family has resided near Lawndale. In 1961, Vivian went to work as a nurse’s aide at what was then Cleveland Memorial Hospital. She worked nights at the hospital and days raising her three sons. She also helped her mother care for her father, who was paralyzed for 15 years after suffering a stroke in 1952. After her father died in 1967, Vivian cared for her mother until her death in 1981. After her mother died, Vivian cared for her husband, who suffered from Emphysema, until his death in 1987. Vivian retired from Cleveland Regional Medical Center in 1993 after 32 years as a nursing assistant. Her service is legendary, especially to many parents of newborn babies. During her recent hospital stays we have had occasion to meet many staff members who worked with her. To a person, they have testified that our mother was the sweetest person and hardest working caregiver they ever saw. Her family’s lives have been truly blessed by Vivian’s loving service. We will miss her terribly. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Summerow and Mary Digh Eaker; two brothers, Norman and Jessie Eaker; and her beloved husband and “Sugar Babe”, Robert Lee Champion. Her three sons survive her: Mike and his wife, Paula, and sons, Ben, Kevin, and Sam of Olathe, Kan., Tim, his daughter, Jennifer and son, Justin, of Lawndale, and Bill and his wife, Cecilia, and daughter, Amanda, of Murphy; and son, Daniel of Knoxville, Tenn. She is also survived by her brothers, Jim, Ray, and Paul Eaker; and sisters, Mildred Yeck and Betty Putnam. The funeral will be today at 6:30 p.m. at Stamey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service until 8:30 p.m. A graveside committal service will be Saturday at 9 a.m. in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 500 E. Morehead St., Suite 211, Charlotte, NC 28202; or to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150. A guest registry is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com.
Karen Ellis
LINCOLNTON — Mrs. Karen Kee Ellis, 27, of 637 Owls Den Road, departed this life on Saturday, July 27, 2002 in Charlotte. She was a faithful member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Calvin Jr. and Kevin Andrews. She leaves to cherish her fond memories, her parents, Calvin Sr. and Joyce Kee Andrews of Shelby; her husband, Byron Ellis Sr. of the home, two sons, Byron Jr. and Brandon Ellis; a sister, Terika Andrews of Shelby; a grandmother, Violet Andrews of Lincolnton and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral will be today at 3 p.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Waco with the Rev. James Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will meet at the home of her parents at 111 Gooddard Road in Waco. Genesis Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Margie Morrow
FOREST CITY — Mrs. Margie Ann Dobbins Morrow, 64, of 152 Clay St., died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Rutherford Hospital. A graveside service will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Danny Hamrick officiating. The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Sherry Morrow, 284 Maple St., Rutherfordton. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. Crowe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Oreatha Bridges
CHARLOTTE — Mrs. Oreatha M. Bridges, 74, of 2020 Holly St., died Sunday, July 28, 2002, at her home. Oreatha was a graduate of Washington High School in Cleveland County, where she was class Salutatorian and an outstanding basketball player. She attended Central Piedmont Community College and worked 29 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She retired from Charlotte Memorial Hospital (Carolinas Medical Center) in 1989. At an early age she joined Washington Baptist Church and was active in Sunday school, Missionary Department, Usher Board and choir. In 1952, she united with First Baptist Church (West), where she remained an active and faithful member until her illness and death. She was a deaconess, choir and handbell member, Den Leader and Cub Scout Master. She was one of the first females in Mecklenburg County to receive the Silver Beaver Award. She was a member of Sunday School Class No. 4, Missionary Group No. 4, Golden Age Club and Culinary Arts. She was voted First Baptist Woman of the Year, taught Vacation Bible School for several years and organized a Dramatics Club. She enjoyed arts and crafts and spent many hours sewing, making robes and stoles for the Children’s Choir. She received much joy from helping others, especially seniors. She was a member of Mecklenburg Ministries and a Friendship Trays volunteer. Cooking, gardening flowers and reading were favorite hobbies, but she loved to travel and had visited Hawaii, Germany, Africa and the Holy Land. She was married to Furman David Bridges for 54 years and to this union were born eight children. Her first born, Master Gunnery Sgt. Jerald Bridges preceded in her death. She leaves to cherish fond memories her devoted husband and seven children, David Anthony Bridges and wife, Lynette, Kenneth Markeath Bridges and wife, Cassandra, Furma Denise Bridges, Audrey M. Wallace and husband, David, Aprella Bridges and Robin Dale Bridges, all of Charlotte, and Wesley Donovan Bridges of Florida; two brothers, Andrew Borders and Odus James Borders of Shelby; five sisters, Geneva Ramseur of Matthews, Willette Tyler of Westampton, N.J., Corene Freeman of Shelby, Shirley Borders of Charlotte and Gwendolyn Robinson of Kings Mountain; a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Bridges; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A special heartfelt thanks to Dr. James F. Boyd and the caregivers at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, Dr. William Roberts, Dr. Murray Craven, Hospice of Charlotte and Lincare for their assistance and devotion. The funeral will be Friday at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church-West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave., with Dr. Ricky A. Woods officiating. The body will lie in state from 11 a.m. until noon. Interment will be in Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Grier Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
‘Merle’ Shull
CHERRYVILLE — Mrs. Eula Merlene “Merle” Shull, 80, of 708 East Drive, died Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia. The funeral will be Friday at 2 p.m. at First Foursquare Gospel Church with the Rev. Mickey Champion officiating. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes before the service. Burial will be in City Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 8 at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Foursquare Gospel Church, P.O. Box 1003, Cherryville, NC 28021; or to American Cancer Society, 500 E. Morehead St., Suite 211, Charlotte, NC 28202. A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com.
‘Jen’ Houser
SHREVEPORT, La. — Mrs. Jane “Jen” Houser, 93, formerly of Shelby, died in Shreveport on Saturday, July 27, 2002. She moved there from Shelby after the death of her husband, Dwight Houser, in 1974. She was a music teacher for many years in Shelby and was active in several music clubs. She is survived by nephews, William Norton of Haughton, La., Jack Houser of Denver, Colo., and Tony Houser of Raleigh; and nieces, E.J. Talbot of Baton Rouge, La., and Melissa Norton of Newell, W.Va. A graveside service was held in Shreveport. Memorials may be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, LA 71203. Osborn Funeral Home in Shreveport was in charge of arrangements.
Vivian Champion
LAWNDALE — Mrs. Vivian Eaker Champion, 73, died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at home. The funeral will be Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel of Stamey Funeral Home with the Rev. Reginald Dawkins officiating. Burial will be Saturday at 9 a.m. in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday following the service until 8:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 500 E. Morehead St., Suite 211, Charlotte, NC 28202; or to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150. A guest register is available at www.stameyfuneralhome.com.
Dylan Johnson
SHELBY — Dylan Ryan Johnson, infant son of Glenn Jr. and Lisa Johnson, of 115 Immanuel Church Road, died Monday, July 29, 2002, at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Rebecca Johnson. He is survived by two brothers, Ricky Keeter and Brandon Johnson, both of the home; three sisters, Alicia Keeter, Emily Johnson and Christina Johnson, all of the home; three aunts and two uncles, Tammy and Terry Davis of Kings Mountain, Rhonda and Jamie Alley of Polkville and Brittany Campbell of Shelby; a special aunt, Stacy Campbell; a special cousin, William Campbell; four cousins, Robbie Davis, Michelle Davis, Hannah Alley and Faith Alley; and grandparents, Clyde and Donna Keeter and the Rev. Glenn Johnson Sr., all of Shelby. The funeral will be today at 3 p.m. at House of Prayer in Fallston with the Revs. Glenn Johnson Sr. and Clyde Price officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church two hours before the service. Clay-Barnette Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Thurman Cline
CROUSE — Mr. Thurman Lee Cline, 87, of 419 Hephzibah Church Road, died Monday, July 29, 2002, at Lincoln Medical Center. The funeral will be Saturday at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Ebony & White’s Funeral Services with the Rev. Lee Thomas Cline officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes before the service in the chapel.
Ruth Webster
MONROE — Mrs. Ruth Avery Webster, 88, formerly of Bessemer City, died Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at her home. The funeral will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Cone Memorial Chapel of Carpenter’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Chuck Griffin officiating. Burial will be in Antioch Methodist Church Cemetery in Crouse. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 8:30 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110.
Lottie Mae Lee
SHELBY — Mrs. Lottie Mae Hopper Lee, 92, of 1800 Kinston Road, died Saturday, July 27, 2002, at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A native of Cleveland County, she was born Dec. 15, 1909, daughter of the late Nuffie Hopper. She was a member of Eskridge Grove Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board, the Mary Wilson Missionary Group and the Spiritual Choir. She was also a member of the Electra Chapter, No. 12. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.C. Lee; an aunt, Janie Hopper; two sons, Charlie Lee and J.C. Lee; a grandson, Charles Lee; two sisters, Winnie Williams and Ollie Hopper; and a brother, Avins Hopper. She leaves to cherish fond memories, three daughters and sons-in-law, W. Louise and Johnny Pettis, Vera J. and Leonard McKinzie and Jessie L. and Robert Parrish, all of Shelby; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Billy J. and Diane Lee of Shelby, Jeremiah and Maxine Lee of Detroit and Samuel Lee of Asheville; two daughters-in-law, Frances Lee and Lucille Lee, both of Shelby; 28 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The funeral will be Thursday at 3 p.m. at Eskridge Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Strickland Maddox officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes before the service at the church. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Lesba Ledford
MORGANTON — Mrs. Lesba Short Ledford, 90, of Poteat Street, died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at Frye Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at New Home United Methodist Church with the Revs. Richard Cline and Gerald Grindstaff officiating. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes before the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 8:30 at Sossoman Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Jean McNeely, 405 Old N.C. 18, Willows Apartment No. 104, Morganton.
‘Vince’ Rollins
BEULAVILLE — Mr. Vincent “Vince” Chase Rollins, 18, of 1329 Durwood Evans Road, formerly of Rutherford County, died Sunday, July 28, 2002, at Duplin County Hospital. The funeral will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at The Little White Country Church in Gilkey with the Rev. Sonny Gettys officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight from 6 to 8:30 at Padgett and King Mortuary in Forest City.
Ocie Guest
CLIFFSIDE — Mrs. Ocie Beheler Guest, 71, of Ferry Road, died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at Hospice at Wendover in Shelby. She was a native of Cleveland County, a daughter of the late John W. and Selma Earls Beheler. She was retired from Cone Mills, Cliffside Plant and was a member of Prospect Baptist Church. She is survived by one daughter, Diane Guest Downey of Cliffside; three granddaughters, Denise Downey of Cliffside, Cindy and husband, Chris Roach, and Angela Downey, all of Forest City; and two great-grandsons, Jordan and Jaden Chambers. A graveside service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Cleveland Memorial Park with the Revs. Ernie Cole and John Goforth officiating. Visitation will be tonight from 7 to 9 at McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150; or to Prospect Baptist Church, 2610 Prospect Church Road, Mooresboro, NC 28114. A guest register is available at www.mckinneylandrethfuneralhome.com.
Karen Ellis
LINCOLNTON — Mrs. Karen Kee Ellis, 27, of 637 Owls Den Road, died Saturday, July 27, 2002, in Charlotte. The funeral will be Friday at 3 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church in Waco with the Rev. James Montgomery officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church 30 minutes before the service. Genesis Funeral Service & Chapel is in charge of arrangements. A guest book is available at www.GenesisFuneralService.com.
