KINGS MOUNTAIN , NC – William “Bill” Harry Childers, 88, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on November 2, 2024 at Summit Place Kings Mountain.
He was born April 5, 1936 in Cherokee County, SC, son of the late W. A. Childers and Helen Skinner Childers and was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Lee Childers and siblings, James Childers and Ann Moss.
Bill was a former longtime member of Temple Baptist Church where he served as choir director and a current member of First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain where he was a choir member.
He was lifetime owner/operator of his family business, Childers Heating and Cooling until his retirement in 2004.
In his younger years, he enjoyed playing with the Church softball team. Bill was a history buff and enjoyed learning everything he could about the history of Kings Mountain. He loved his community and was proud of his place in Kings Mountain. He also enjoyed singing, working in his yard, and gardening.
Bill and his wife, Jeanette were avid travelers. They enjoyed spending time in Myrtle Beach, Blowing Rock and Boone. They loved international travel having visited Germany, France, the Bahamas, St. Martin, Martinique, Aruba and Barbados. Bill was an important part of his family and his community and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Jeanette Cook Childers, Kings Mountain NC; daughter: Cindy Mixter and husband Mark Andrew Mixter, Wendell, NC; sisters: Mary Hambright and Helen “Snooky” McAbee; grandchildren: Ryan Mixter and wife Martha, Wendell, NC; great-grandchildren: Fox Mixter and Lincoln Mixter.
Funeral service was held at First Baptist Church, on Thursday,  November 7, 2024  at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Dr. John Sloan, officiating.
Visitation was held at 1:00 - 1:50 P.M. prior to the service in the Stained Glass Room at First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, NC.
Interment was held in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Jean Downs Arthur Harris, 86, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, entered eternal rest, surrounded by her loving family on October 17, 2024 at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby.
Jean was born on April 8, 1938, daughter of the late James Henri and Elizabeth Groome Arthur and was also preceded in death by her husband, John O. Harris, Jr.; two sisters, Marion Arthur Thomasson and Peggy Arthur Miller and her parents-in-law, Senator J. Ollie Harris Sr. and Abbie Wall Harris.
Jean was a longtime member of Central Methodist Church in Kings Mountain and First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, TX. She graduated from Kings Mountain High School and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Education from Greensboro College. After her graduation and relocation to Texas, Jean taught school full time at Parks Elementary for more than 10 years and served as a substitute teacher for over 30 years and was involved in her family business, John O. Harris Interest LP.
Jean enjoyed staying active, working out, and was an avid competitive tennis player. She was a member of the Houston Ladies Tennis Association. Jean spent many hours working in her flower garden, growing and arranging beautiful flower arrangements. She loved to travel, and take family vacations. The holidays were some of Jean’s favorite times of the year. She stayed busy decorating, cooking, and planning the perfect family gatherings for her loved ones. Jean was an accomplished cook and loved cooking meals from old recipes she had inherited from her mother. Jean was a social person who had countless friends she loved dearly. Some of her favorite times were gathering and lunching with her friends here in Kings Mountain, Pasadena and Houston. She enjoyed entertaining those she cared for, especially her beloved family.
She was not only a loving grandmother, but a dedicated and supportive one. She could always be counted on by her grandchildren to attend baseball games, volleyball games, soccer matches, basketball games and any other endeavor they were involved in. Jean was a wonderful mother, loving grandmother, and faithful friend to many. Her dedication, strength, guidance and love will be remembered for a lifetime by her family, friends, and the communities of Kings Mountain and Pasadena.
Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her children: John O. Harris III of Kings Mountain, NC, and Elizabeth Harris Lindberg and husband Paul Lindberg Jr. of Nassau Bay, TX; her grandchildren: John O. Harris IV, Abbie Downs Harris, and Layla Ann Harris, all of Raleigh, NC and Paul Edwin Lindberg III of Nassau Bay TX; her sister: Shirley Arthur Kinneman of Jacksonville, FL; and her longtime companion Charles Yelton of Kings Mountain, NC and his children, Marc Yelton and wife Jennifer and their son Austin Yelton, and Jina Motts and husband Richard; sister-in-law, Becky Harris of Kings Mountain, NC.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Christian Activities Center of Central Methodist Church with Reverend Perry Hines officiating.
Visitation was held on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the Harris family requests that donations in Jean’s memory be made to Central Methodist Church at 113 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute at AtriumHealthFoundation.org/tribute.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN , NC – Betty Lou Wells Johnson, 95, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on October 12, 2024 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain.
Born September 12, 1929 in Cleveland County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late William Michael Wells and Sue Ellen Toney Wells and was also preceded in death by her husband Pete Johnson and siblings William E. Wells, Earnest B. Wells, Nellie Wells Godfrey, Mary Wells Wood, Bobby N. Wells, and Shirley Wells Holshouser.
Betty graduated from Bethany High School in
Clover, SC before going on to work many years in the textile industry, most recently in quality control at Anvil Knitwear. In her later years, Betty worked at the Kings Mountain Herald.
She was the organist for more than 40 years at East Gold Street Wesleyan Church in Kings Mountain. Betty was talented in the kitchen; everything she made was good, but her delicious chicken and dumplings were her specialty. She loved animals of all kinds, feeding everything from the regular domesticated variety to beavers and crows. Betty was a loving mother, devoted wife, and a wonderful grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter: Diana Wells
Jackson and husband, Ronnie, of Summerville, SC; siblings: Boyce Wells and wife, Helen, and Toney Wells and wife, Martha Lou, all of Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Clayton Jackson and wife, Jessica, of MD; Matthew Jackson and wife, Lauren, of SC; Christopher Jackson and wife, Ellyse, of MD; and Ryan Jackson and wife, Lauren, of MD; great-grandchildren: Chrystelle Jackson, Adaline Jackson, Kenzie Jackson, Max Jackson, Henry Jackson, and Tyler Jackson.
Betty is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held on  Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Reverend Steven Blanton officiating.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M. in the parlor of Harris Funeral Home.
Interment will be at Bethany ARP Church Cemetery, Clover, SC.
Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to any animal shelter or other charity of the donor’s choice.
Interment will be in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

William Lee “Bill” Ramseur Jr., M.D., passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, after a long illness.
Born in 1944 to Dr. William Lee Ramseur, Sr., and Christine Rhyne Ramseur, Bill was raised in Kings Mountain, NC.
He graduated from NC State in 1967 and was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Bill studied medicine at Bowman Gray (Wake Forest School of Medicine), graduating in 1971. He completed an internship at Baltimore City Hospital and was called into the Navy and assigned to the Naval Academy Hospital in Annapolis. His medical residency was completed at Case Western Reserve (OH), before he returned to Bowman Gray for an oncology fellowship. In 1978, Bill began his internal medicine and oncology practice in Greenwood, SC. Among other professional accomplishments, Bill was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) in 1992.
Outside of medicine, Bill was a gifted artist who completed over 100 paintings in his retirement. He also enjoyed tennis, traveling, genealogy and gardening. In addition, he was a Rotary Club member and a lifelong Presbyterian, serving as both Deacon and Elder.
 Bill leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Candace Carroll Welsted; two children: Jonathan Ramseur (Rose) of Fairfax, VA, and Jennifer Ramseur Kachel (Chris) of Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren: Aleksander and Evan Ramseur; and Emmeline, Bennett and Eleanor Kachel. He is also survived by his much-loved sister Coral Helms (Louis) and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 11:00 am in the chapel of the Matthews Glen retirement community, Matthews, NC. Burial will be Sunday, October 20 at 11:00 am at the Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
 A complete obituary can be found at www.throbertson.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Foundation Fighting Blindness in Bill’s honor.

 

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Susan Rebecca (Becky) Wilson Dixon age 86, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on October 6, 2024 at her home with her family by her side.
She was born July 12, 1938 in Cleveland County, NC, to the late Thomas Evans and Tula Belle Harmon Wilson. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Gene Wilson and Tommy Wilson and her sister, Helen Wilson Clark.
Becky was very dedicated to her family and loved them with all her heart. She had a strong faith in God and would help anyone in need. She was a faithful homemaker and always placed her family ahead of her own needs. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother to 2 generations of grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years:
Robert Howard Dixon Sr.; children: Karen Dixon Rhyne, Robert Howard Dixon Jr. and Marisa Dixon Rice (Kent); sister: Ann Wilson Tria; grandchildren: Matt Rice, Haley Rice, Josh Dixon, Kaycee Dixon, Janna Dixon, SSgt Collin Cobb, and Kaylin Cobb; great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Amira; special family friend: Ginger Martin Biuk and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Mountain Rest Cemetery.
Interment will be held in Mountain Rest Cemetery. Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

GASTONIA, NC – Ruby Lewis Voigt, 96, of Gastonia, NC, passed away on September 30, 2024 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, NC.
She was born in Rutherford County, NC, daughter of the late James Henry and Jessie Wood Lewis and was preceded in death by her husbands, Tommy Alexander and Louis A. Voigt. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, James Lewis II, Dorothy Ledford, Margaret Collins, and Peggy Costner.
Ruby worked as a secretary most of her life and was a member of Myers Memorial United Methodist Church in Gastonia.She was an exceptional cook and enjoyed baking delicious cakes.
Ruby loved to travel both nationally and internationally, having traveled to Europe and all over the United States. Ruby enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family. She loved them dearly and her family cherished her. She will be missed greatly by all who knew Ruby.
She is survived by her children: Carol Murray, Tega Cay, SC, Tony Alexander (Norma), Wingate, NC, and Diane Stewart (William), Kings Mountain, NC; sister: Patricia King Dellinger (Wayne) Kings Mountain, NC; grandchildren: Todd Randall, Tina West, Tim Stewart (Crystal), and Travis Stewart (Tina); 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren
The family held a memorial service on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Myers Memorial UMC on New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC with Pastor Sally Queen officiating.
Visitation was from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service at the church .
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Joseph Charles “Chuck” Hoyle, 72, danced his way into heaven on the afternoon of Friday, September 27, 2024.
Chuck became a paraplegic when he was injured in a small plane crash 36 years ago – so living half of his life in a wheelchair. But Chuck didn’t let his circumstances bring him down. His life became an incredible story of a man who determined to live a “normal” life without the use of his legs and feet.  He achieved success as a CPA and an attorney. A sensitive and talented man, he adopted and raised nine children and supported and nurtured many others – his nieces and nephews, along with many, many friends of his kids.
Chuck’s physical achievements were also incredible. With only his hands and upper body, he drove cars, rode bikes,
waterskied, played basketball, swam, and more. Chuck often took down trees around his wooded yard, often using a chain saw to drop big trees precisely where they were supposed to go.  But this time the tree went the wrong way, and Chuck entered into his heavenly home, finally healed and restored and able to greet so many who had gone before him, including his beloved Wanda Robertson and parents Betty and Gene Hoyle.
Chuck was a graduate of Kings Mountain High School and the US Air Force Academy. He also graduated from Lincoln Law School in Sacramento, CA, and served as a lawyer and CPA for many years in Shelby and Kings Mountain.
Left to cherish Chuck’s memory are his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Nancy Hoyle of Kings Mountain; sister and
brother-law April and Scott Shauf of Boiling Springs; children and spouses: Richard and Crystal Hoyle of Rutherfordton, Anna Hoyle of Saranac Lake, NY, Charles and Dixie Hoyle of Marion, Emily and Josh Carpenter of Kings Mountain, David Hoyle of Shelby, Caleb Hoyle of Sheffield, IA, Robert Hoyle of Rutherfordton, Rebecca Hoyle of Hendersonville, Tyler Hoyle of Kings Mountain and Kylan Hagen of Idaho; and ten grandchildren.
Chuck also deeply loved and was loved by his nieces and nephews: Melanie Holland and husband Mike of Kings Mountain, Dustin Hoyle and wife Tabitha of Mint Hill, and Jonathan Shauf and Kit Shauf of Boiling Springs. Chuck was also blessed with many dear friends locally and throughout the US including
California, Oregan, Colorado and Texas.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 at David Baptist Church in Kings Mountain. Friends will be received afterwards in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Chuck loved to give back to the community, and he constantly found ways to do so. Two of his big efforts were with the Joni and Friends Ministry and the Wake the World organization, for which he founded and coordinated the local Moss Lake Wake the World event every August.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to those two organizations: Joni and Friends North Carolina, 616-A Matthew’s-Mint Hill Rd., Matthews, NC 28105 (or online at www.joniandfriends.org/north-carolina/), and Wake the World, 339 Legend Dr., Asheboro, NC 27205 (or via Venmo: @wake-the-world).

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – May Sue Hambright Drye of Kings Mountain, NC, formerly of Blacksburg, SC and Charlotte, NC, went to meet her Lord on September 30, 2024.
A native of Cherokee County, SC, she was born November 30, 1930, to the Late Thomas
Alfred Hambright, Sr. and Mable Weir Hambright.
Sue graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1948 and was one of twelve students of the first 12th grade class at the school. She received a business degree from Kings Business College in Charlotte, NC. Sue was hired by General Motors Acceptance Corporation on September 12, 1949. She worked as a secretary for approximately 31 years and then was promoted to Credit Representative, which she held until her retirement in 1996. She was an active member of the National Secretaries Association. Following her retirement, she maintained contact with many former co-workers through the GMAC Retiree Club in Charlotte.
Sue was an active member of Antioch Baptist Church in Blacksburg, SC. She was a former member of Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte. Sue was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Alexander Drye, Jr., her parents, her brothers, Joe Lawerence Hambright (Josephine), Anderson Hambright Sr. (Elizabeth), Thomas A. Hambright, Jr. (Avis) and by sisters Lousie Roberts (Eugene), Aileen Cantrell (A.D.), Lucy Kinard (Herman), and by her brother-in-law, Marriott D. Phifer.
She is survived by her sister, Bess-Alice Hambright Phifer of Kings Mountain and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery (839 Antioch Road, Blacksburg, SC) on
Friday, October 4, 2024,  at 11:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life held at Boyce Memorial ARP Church (111 Edgemont Road, Kings Mountain, NC) at 2:00 PM with Reverend Robert Patrick officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 839 Antioch Road, Blacksburg, SC 29702.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Melissa Neisler Lawrence, 63, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on Friday, September 27 while selflessly assisting her neighbors during Hurricane Helene.
Born on March 8, 1961, in Gaston County, she was the third child of Joe and Marlene Neisler. Melissa graduated from Gaston Day School in 1979 and earned a bachelor’s degree from
Meredith College in 1983.
Her summers were always spent at Lake Waccamaw, NC, where her love for the outdoors flourished. Melissa was passionate about her many hobbies. She loved fishing, water skiing, swimming and was a Master Beekeeper as well as an avid crafter.  She loved to sew and worked as a Retail Supervisor at Carolina Cotton Company, where she prided herself in customer service. Melissa was a North Carolina Debutante, worked at the Child Advocacy Center and was a former business owner of Travel Matters Inc. She served as Vice President of Neisler Brothers Inc. and was on the board of the Kings Mountain Historical Museum.
A lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, Melissa sang in the choir, helped with the children’s program and served as an Elder. She never met a stranger, was free spirited and a best friend to all. She was very passionate about life, and you never had to guess where she stood on an issue.  Melissa took pride in creating natural healing remedies and finding beauty in God’s creation everywhere.
Melissa was preceded in death by her parents,
Joseph Andrew Neisler Jr. and
Martha Marlene Hedrick Neisler, as well as her husband, Williams Darwin Lawrence Jr.
She is survived by her siblings, Stella Putnam (Gerald), Rick Neisler (Kim), and Theresa McKeithan (Garry), and her three beloved children: William Lawrence III (Danae), Marlin Lawrence Scott (Sean), and Joseph Lawrence (Brooke). Melissa was also a proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Eli, Elyse, Melia, and Morgan, who affectionately called her “Honey.” She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, her dear friends—whom she lovingly called her “tribe”—and her beloved dog, Lager.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Kings Mountain, NC with Reverend Brad Jones officiating.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:50 PM prior to the service down stairs at First Presbyterian Church, Kings Mountain, NC.
Interment will be in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.        Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.
Donations in Melissa’s memory may be made to the Western North Carolina Assistance Fund at https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Treva Ponder Mullinax (Mimi), 89, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on September 29, 2024, at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby.
Born in Cleveland County, NC, she was daughter of the late Robert Hoyle and Mattie Shuford Ponder, and was also preceded in death by the love of her life, Charles Mullinax, and sisters Joyce Mauney, Bleeka Goforth, and Patsy Reynolds.
Treva graduated Grover High School Class of 1953 and was inducted into the Kings Mountain Sports Hall of Fame as part of the county champion 1953 Grover High Women’s Basketball Team. She maintained her passion for basketball and also loved Dale Earnhardt and Donald Trump.
She was a charter member of Bethany Baptist Church, where she was the pianist from the age of 12 and also taught herself to play the organ. Treva enjoyed gardening, including hand-trimming her Japanese maples, and maintaining a beautiful lawn; she was a proud winner of Kings Mountain Yard of the Month. She was known fondly as the “Pecan Lady” by those who saw her tending to her pecan tree and cracking the nuts that it produced
Treva was an outstanding cook, and no visit to her house was complete without sipping on a glass of her sweet iced tea. She was a beloved Mimi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but she had a heart for all children. Treva was a dedicated mother and grandmother who loved her family more than anything else. Her warmth and kindness will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughters: Teresa Mullinax Lomas and husband Todd, of Huntersville, NC, and Tara Mullinax Absher and husband Shane, of Kings Mountain; sister: Linda Appling and husband Wayne; grandchildren: Tiffany Smith and husband Craig, Trent Earls and wife Meredith, Ashley Deaton and husband Brad, Blake Hewitt, Kayla Absher, and Matthew Absher and girlfriend Charissa; great-grandchildren: Riley Brock, McKinley Smith, Charley Smith, Sawyer Earls, Brayden Deaton, Brantley Deaton, Kennedy Hewitt, and Aiden Castellano and her beloved canine companion, Bella.
Graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Grover Cemetery in Grover, NC, with Reverend David Turner officiating.
Interment will be held in Grover Cemetery, Grover, NC.
Donations in Treva’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Junior Diabetes Research Foundation) at Breakthrough T1D, PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or at www.breakthrought1d.org/ways-to-give/
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

GROVER, NC – Virgia Collins Belt, 90, of Grover, NC, passed away on September 14, 2024 at Carolina Care Health & Rehabilitation in Cherryville.
Born March 4, 1934 in Lee County, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Ollie Bud and Nancy Bell Collins and was also preceded in death by Walter Gilliam, her husband of 42 years;  Joseph Belt, her husband of 7 years;  sisters Roxie Bledsoe and Louise Kimble;  brothers Oscar Collins, Grover Collins, Alonzo Collins, and baby brother Robert Collins, and her great-granddaughter Kayla Scott.
Virgia worked many years as a knitter at Anvil Knit and Kings Mountain Knit. Outside of work, she enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including yard sales, gardening, and canning and freezing food.
She was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church in Grover. Virgia loved the Lord and greatly enjoyed Gospel singing.
 She liked traveling, especially going to the beach. Virgia welcomed visitors and was always in attendance at family reunions. She loved spending holidays with her family, and at Christmastime, she always remembered to treat each and every one of her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren with a gift. Virgia’s love, warmth, and faithfulness will be remembered by her loving family and all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her children: Edith Faye Brown of Blacksburg, SC; Janette Cook and husband, Walter Jimmy Cook, of Casar, NC; Dorothy Kaye Ramsey of Casar, NC; and Debbie Joyce Early and husband, Brent, of Bessemer City, NC; sisters: Mary Collins of Kings Mountain and Billie Ann Bentley of Denver, NC.
Virgia is additionally survived by 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held on  Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. at Bethany Baptist Church of Grover, NC with Reverends Richard Smith and Scott Hardin officiating.
Visitation was held prior to the service from 1:00 P.M. to 1:50 P.M. at Bethany Baptist Church.
Interment was held in Grover Cemetery, Grover, NC.
Memorials in Virgia’s memory may be made to Carolina Caring at 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658 or online at www.carolinacaring.org/give or to Bethany Baptist Church at 723 Cleveland Ave., Grover, NC 28073.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Christopher Roy Helms, 46, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away on September 14, 2024 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby.
Born January 23, 1978 in Cleveland County, North Carolina, he was son of the late Melvin Gary and Judy Bryson Helms and was also preceded in death by his beloved pets Reggi, JJ, Neeka, and Ollie.
Chris was previously employed as a telecommunications specialist at the Kings Mountain Police Department.
He is survived by his sisters: Julie Helms Beeson of Kings Mountain and Karen Hollingsworth and husband Tim, of Waynesville, North Carolina; nephew: Josh Pinnix; nieces: Kaitlin Hollingsworth, Erin Hollingsworth, and Christina Beeson; fiance Adrienne Shipp and children Christian Morgan (Jamie), Sarah Shipp, and Kolton Morgan.
Chris is additionally survived by his fur baby, Haddie; Donny Beeson, who he considered a brother, and Judy Walker, his second mother who he referred to as “Mama Judy.”
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the loving and caring staff at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby and the Testa Hospice House in Kings Mountain who went above and beyond in their care of Chris.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’s memory may be made to VIA Health Partners Founded as Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150, or to the pet rescue charity of the donor’s choosing.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Cynthia “Cindy” Jane Green Brown, 72, of Kings Mountain, NC, defeated Parkinson’s disease and gained a new body when she entered heaven on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at her home.
Born December 25, 1951 in Cleveland County, North Carolina, she was daughter of the late Lawrence Lyndell and Martha Wilson Green. She was also preceded in death by her infant son, Shannon Micheal Brown, brothers Wesley “Dink” Green, Ken Green, and Lawrence Green.
Cindy graduated from Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina with a B.A. in Psychology. She served as a social worker with Cleveland Mental Health for over 20 years before retiring. Cindy was also owner and co-owner of several businesses. She was co-owner of the White House, the historical former Neisler home in Kings Mountain that served as a venue for weddings and parties, Quality Sandwich Shop, the Joy Theater, Hound’s Drive-In Theater and Campground, and Brown Enterprises with her husband of 55 years, Micheal.
Cindy was a former member of First Wesleyan Church where she taught Sunday School and assisted in leading the CYC (Christian Youth Crusaders) program. She also served on the Board of Directors at Broughton Hospital in Morganton, NC.
Cindy was an animal lover who enjoyed gardening, decorating for Christmas, and vacationing in the snow at her Beech Mountain home. She worked tirelessly as an advocate for those with dyslexia and Parkinson’s Disease.
Cindy loved her family dearly and always enjoyed hearing her children sing. Her warmth, love, and care will be missed by all who knew her and held her close.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years: Micheal Eugene Brown, of the home; children: Preston Brown and wife, Holly; Jason Brown and wife, Heather; and Jada Brown McDaniel and husband, Cale, all of Kings Mountain; siblings: Brenda Breakfield of Kings Mountain and Roy “Bill” Green of Gastonia, NC; grandchildren: Brandon Brown, Michael Brown, Bryson McDaniel, Stetson McDaniel, Lucianna McDaniel, Corbin Brown, and William Nail, all of Kings Mountain and great-grandchild: Kinsley Brown.
Funeral service was held on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. at First Wesleyan Church of Kings Mountain with Rev. Robert Wells officiating.
Visitation was held prior to the service from 1:30 P.M. to 2:50 P.M. in the sanctuary of First Wesleyan Church.
Interment was in Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Cindy’s memory may be made to VIA Partners Founded as Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

NEWTON, NC – Howard Carlo Swofford formerly of Kings Mountain went home to be with his Lord and Savior August 31, 2024 where he resided at Terra Bella of Newton, NC.
He was born April 4, 1926 to Robert and Ethel Swofford 98 years ago in Hollis, NC. At three years of age, his family moved to Brooke Park, MN where he grew up on a farm and attended a one room schoolhouse.
He joined the United States Navy at 18 serving aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Shangri-La during World War II. He moved with his parents and younger brother back to NC and to Kings Mountain in 1947. Here, he was a farmer raising chickens and milking dairy cows. He worked at Margrace Mill, Sterchi Furniture, and finally retiring from J.E. Herndon and Co.
He was a “Mister Fix-it” man who could tackle any repair problem including building three chicken houses and remodeling from top to bottom his home built in 1875. He loved Mountain Dew and reading Louis L’Amour western books. He was a storyteller and practical joker known by many for his good sense of humor. He used his beautiful bari-tone voice in the choir at El Bethel United Methodist Church where he was a member. He loved flea markets and could not pass up a hammer he felt he needed nor a piece of India brass of which he had thousands upon thousands of pieces. But most of all, he’s remembered for his love of wife and family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Corrine Reynolds Swofford. Together, they loved to travel in retirement. They made memories for their nine grandkids by taking them on long trips to major tourist and historical sites all across the U.S. They took many long-distance trips themselves including a number of visits to Alaska, a state they loved, and back to Howard’s hometown and childhood friends in Minnesota. His family will always remember the wonderful family reunions at the beach.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.
Surviving Howard are his children: Wayne and Faye Swofford, Michael and Melissa Swofford, Diana Blanton, Steve and Cindy Jones, and Robert and Janet Swofford. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ruth Swofford. He had nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and recently welcomed his first great-great-grandchild.
The family would like to thank the staff of Terra Bella in Newton, NC not only for their wonderful care of him but also for their amazing, great love for him. They treated him as if he were their own grandfather.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at El Bethel United Methodist Church in Kings Mountain where he was a member for 77 years on Saturday, September 7 at 2:00 PM.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM prior to the service in the Fellowship Hall of El Bethel United Methodist Church
Interment will be at El Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC.  
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC – Margaret Suzanne Revis, 92, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away on June 16, 2024 at Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby, NC.
She was born in Rutherford County, NC, the only child of the late William T. and Frances Falson McDaniel Searcy. She was  preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Millard Wall Revis, and her son, Millard Wall Revis Jr.
She graduated from RS Central High School in Rutherfordton and attended Winthrop College. Margaret recently attended her 75th high school reunion.
Margaret was a longtime member of Beulah Baptist Church in Henderson County, North Carolina. Although, she and her family moved several times, she maintained her membership at her home church. Margaret attended several churches during her life and was a devoted Baptist.
She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. Margaret was a homemaker and loved nothing more than taking care of her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be genuinely missed by all those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter: Beverly Brockman and husband Ernest, Summerville, SC; grandson: Millard Revis and wife Amanda, Mill Springs, NC; great-grandchildren: Caleb, Jasmine, Lilly, and Abel Revis.
Graveside service was held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Henderson County, NC, with Reverend Anthony Morgan officiating.
Visitation was on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Harris Funeral Home, Kings Mountain, NC.
Interment was at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Henderson County, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Margaret’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post 155 at 613 East Gold Street, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or to Beulah Baptist Church at 7088 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739.
Guest register is available at: www.harrisfunerals.com.  
Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kings Mountain, NC is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Eddie Leroy “EB” Bridges, Jr., 77, beloved pillar of our community, peacefully departed his earthly home in Shelby, NC surrounded by his loved ones and was welcomed into his Heavenly home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
He was born in Shelby, NC to the late Eddie Leroy Bridges, Sr. and Opal Earl Bridges on March 28, 1947.
He was preceded in death by his cherished parents; spirited nephew, Jeffrey “Jody” Bridges; special cousins, Joyce Ann Degree, Roosevelt Earl and Telecia Meeks; maternal aunts and uncles, Askew Earl, Cleo Earl, Mary Lou Earl, Andrew Earl, George Earl, Booker T. Earl, Omia Lee Earl Roberts, and Beulah Earl Eaves; paternal aunts and uncles, Dewood Bridges, Jessie Bridges, Franklin Bridges, Garland Bridges, Eugene Bridges, Pon Bridges, William Bridges, Winifred Bridges, Esther Bridges Borders, V. Esther Bridges, Aileen Bridges Webber, Senora Bridges Peterkin, and Pauline Bridges Gill.
Left to cherish his memory are his endearing daughter, Christina Nicole “Nikki” Haynes (John) of Shelby, NC, his granddaughter, Chelsea Destiana Norris of Shelby, NC affectionally nicknamed “Chel Chel” by him; his brother, Ronald Bridges of Kings Mountain, NC and sisters, Arretta B. Corry (Larry) of Shelby, NC, and Opal B. “Peggy” Washington (Sylvester) of Kings Mountain, NC; his nephews, Russell Corry (Miranda), Collin Washington, Kevin Washington, Scott Washington; his nieces Jackie Corry, Ronda Feaster (Michael), Nicole Borders (Kenya), Rashonda Gregory, Michele Forrest, and Shalvaya Carpenter; his great nephews and nieces, Isaiah Borders, Jeremiah Borders, Tre Forrest, Micheala Feaster, Breyon Forrest, Zyona Cummings, Rachel Corry, Olivia Corry, and Dianne Washington; special friends and supporters, Dorethia Shade Miller and family, Calvin Hastings, Richard Hooker, James Bullard, Sr., Alfred Schenck, and all of his classmates from Washington High School.
Eddie loved his family and friends deeply, and was especially devoted to his daughter and granddaughter. He never missed a function of his daughter’s or his granddaughter’s band recitals, dance recitals, basketball or soccer practices or games. And he was especially proud of his granddaughter’s pursuit for higher education as he shared with all that knew him.
At the ripe ole age of 4, the love of music began to pulse through the veins of Eddie. While exploring his parents’ cellar, he discovered a phonograph and began tinkering with 78-inch records while often wearing out needles quicker than his parents could replace them. After graduating from high school in 1965, Eddie was accepted into UNC Chapel Hill but decided to valiantly enlist in the United States Navy where he served from July 1965 to July 1968 on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31) during the Vietnam War. Eddie received the Navy Unit Commendarion Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. During that tour, he purchased a reel-to-reel recorder. While operating the recorder on the second largest naval ship one day, one of his superiors overheard him practicing, was impressed and asked him to conduct a standing 2-hour disc jockey set to boost the troops’ morale during such a difficult experience which further steered him towards broadcasting. This led him to complete his broadcast training at the Carolina School of Broadcasting in 1971. Soon after graduation and the conclusion of his time with the Naval Reserves, he secured a position at the WXIK and WOHS AM/FM radio stations as the first African American DJ in Cleveland County where he began spinning Country & Western records while working on the AM frequency. He soon transitioned to Light Rock, Pop, and Rhythm and Blues on the FM frequency. During that time, he also owned and disc jockeyed at his disco club, the Other Side in uptown Shelby, NC which was designed for the entertainment of youth in a safe and fun environment.
For 15 ½ years, Eddie called WOHS his second home before relocating to 1180 WFGN in Gaffney, South Carolina. In 1987, he disc jockeyed at 1180 WFGN for 3 years before purchasing the radio station and starting Hope Broadcasting, Incorporated in 1990. As CEO and President of 1180 WFGN, Eddie switched the music format from Country & Western to Gospel/Christian and partnered with the late Charles Montgomery and late Rev. Eula Miller. Eddie made history as a pioneering founder and owner of 1180 WFGN of Hope Broadcasting, Inc., the first African American-owned and longest operating radio station in Cherokee County, SC. His vision and dedication to his community provided a vital platform that promulgated to thousands of listeners across Cherokee, Cleveland and surrounding counties for inspirational music, news and information, cultural expression, and social justice advocacy. 1180 WFGN of Hope Broadcasting, Inc. became a cornerstone for racial equality, community and youth empowerment, and cultural pride while fostering a sense of belonging and connection for generations. Eddie’s legacy continues to inspire ambitious broadcasters, masters of ceremony and media entrepreneurs, particularly within the African American community.
Another highlight of Eddie’s broadcasting career has been interviewing well-known members of our society like Jackee Harry, Cissy Houston, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, John P. Kee, Joe Lignon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Rance Allen Group, Roy and the Revelation, The Williams Brothers, and the family of Fantasia Burrino just to name a few.
For many years, he broadcasted from the Southern Women’s Christmas Show, promoted the annual Gospel Fest held at Carowinds and the annual Spirit Fest held in South Carolina.
From “EB in the Evening” to “EB and the Midnight Affair” at WXIK/WOHS to “Your Spiritual Friend” at WFGN, Eddie’s career flourished which was a testament to his hard work and immeasurable dedication that has spanned more than 55 years.
Many intities have recognized him for his commitment to the betterment of our youth through scholarships that he awarded to the United Negro College Fund and Cherokee County Schools. He was also an honoree of the Cleveland County Business Development Center, Inc., The Shelby Star, The Keys of Harmony Gospel Singers, The Mentoring Connection of the Cherokee County School District, and more. Serving as a member of Cleveland County Business and Professional Association, Washington Missionary Baptist Church boards, NAACP; chairman of the Vision Baptist Cathedral’s Male Pyramid Program 503c Board and other organizations was a true honor for him. Washington Missionary Baptist Church held a special place in his heart as he devoted many years of his life on the Trustee Board and Planning Committees while also leading the audio/visual operations. In addition to Eddie’s work as an on-air personality, he thrived as a sought-after Master of Ceremonies for hundreds of functions over the past several decades.
Eddie possessed many talents and was the true definition of a “jack of all trades”. He loved watching University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Tarheels basketball, dancing, creating cabinetry, gardening with his daughter, operating a mail box business that he started with his father, producing local music groups, leading/organizing travel for social groups and organizing relief efforts for areas affected by hurricanes in the South.
On April 13, 2024, the mayor of Gaffney, SC proclaimed that day as “Eddie L. Bridges, Jr. Day”. His loved ones will continue to celebrate the memories of his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.
Enloe Mortuary of Shelby is in charge of arrangements.