All Obituaries

Mr. Claude H. Young, Jr. went home to be with our LORD on Friday June 2, 2023.    A Funeral Service to honor the life of Mr. Claude Young will be held on Saturday June 10, 2023, at Nazareth First Missionary Baptist Church (146 Pine St.), at 1pm. He will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the funeral at Sunset Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday June 8, 2023, from 12pm till 5pm, and Friday June 9, 2023, from...

Deacon Henry J. Burgin, Jr., of Black Mountain, moved to his Heavenly home on May 20, 2023, at the Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.He was born in McDowell County to the late Jones Henry Burgin and the late Annie Gertrude Burgin. He graduated from Old Fort High School where he played baseball and drove the school bus. He was a member of Mills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board as the Treasurer, men’s choir and laymen league. Henry worked 42 years at Black...

Azalee Collins Davidson “Lee,” of 11 Rosewood Ave Asheville, NC, was born on April 2,1932. She peacefully went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2023 at The Oaks Rehabilitation Center. Azalee was the daughter of the late William and Mary Collins. She was also proceeded in death by her husband Johny Davidson, daughter Gloria D. Collins, and her sister Carrie King. Azalee attended Ninth Ave High School in Hendersonville, NC. She worked for decades for the Carl Sandburg family as a...

Juanita Rogers Smith, age 78, of Asheville, NC transitioned from this life on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in Asheville, NC. Juanita was born September 5, 1944, in Cullowhee, NC.  She is the daughter of the late Hazel A. Whiteside and the late Weaver Shepard Jr.She is survived by her children, Katrina Rogers and Charles Smith, of Asheville, NC, Angela Smith of Hendersonville, NC; Sisters Karen Powell of Asheville, Kimberley Wheeler (Jerry) of Warner Robins, GA, Alma “Kris”...

Mr. Grady Beard was born on January 8, 1944, Edward McFrazier, Sr. and Anna Bryant Beard in York County, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life on April 12, 2023, at Mission Hospital, Asheville, North Carolina. After graduating from Reid High School in 1962 he joined the US Army; where he served for two years, He was honorably discharged due to severe injuries he sustained while fighting in Vietnam. He received many awards and recognitions over the years with the most prestigious...

Ms. Brenda Joyce Leach Poole departed her worldly home to be with our father and savior Jesus Christ on Saturday April 8th, 2023. She loved her only two sons, Brandon and Yamir, as well as the kind staff at The Oaks at Sweeten Creek. She filled the halls with her trademark laughter and witty sharp humor.  Brenda bought joy to everyone she touched. Her favorite color was burgundy and she loved her trademark meal of fried chicken. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by...

Curtis Roy Earle was born July 24, 1945, to the late Chevis R. and the late Nora O. Earle in Asheville, NC. He received his heavenly wings on April 5, 2023, at Care Partners Facility here in Asheville. Curtis attended the Asheville City School System and graduated from Stephens-Lee High school in 1963. After graduation he entered the US Army as a paratrooper where he served a tour in Viet Nam. He was employed at Square D Company and Eaton Corporation during his lifetime. Curtis loved...

Mr. Robert Leroy Pilgrim of Asheville left his earthly home on Wednesday March 30, 2023. He was the son of the late Robert Leroy Pilgrim and the late Lena Elizabeth Pilgrim.   Robert affectionately known as “Boo Boo” was a hard-working brother at Laurel Nursing Home, and was very much loved and respected by all till he retired in 2022. He loved music, playing his guitar, and his favorite song was “Purple Rain” by Prince.   He was preceded in death by...

Harry “Grip” Griffin, Jr., was born Nov. 17, 1965, to the late Harry Griffin, Sr., and Gertie Chambers Griffin in Asheville, NC. He passed away at Mission Hospital on March 29, 2023, surrounded by family.   Harry attended school in the Asheville City School System and graduated from Asheville High School in 1984. After graduation he attended North Carolina A&T State University. He loved to cook, and his work experience was always in the food service industry. He worked...

Ms. Sabria Boseman of Asheville went home to be with our LORD on Thursday March 23, 2023. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Sabria Boseman will be held on Tuesday, April 4th at 2:00pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 216 Shelburne Road, Asheville, NC 28806.