Mitchell News-Journal

Martha Watson Dayton, "Muffy", 64, passed away on March 18, 2021 in Matthews, NC. She was born on May 2, 1956 in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, to Frank and Jane Watson. Muffy was the youngest of 4 children ?Nancy Watson Burleson, Frank Hampton Watson Jr., & Laura Jane Watson. She attended Harris High School in Spruce Pine and met her husband, Bobby, during her sophomore year. Muffy went on to Appalachian State University for her undergraduate studies and majored in Education. She was an active student, a member of the Cheerleading Team and Delta Zeta Sorority. Many of her lifelong friends were sorority sisters. After graduation, Muffy and Bobby were married at Central Baptist...

Shirley Fae Ledford Muller of Elkton, MD, age 85, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021. She was born in Johnson City, TN on June 1, 1935 to the late Lawrence E. and Verda (Slagle) Ledford. Shirley worked as a teacher's aide at Gilpin Manor Elementary until her retirement. She was a member of the Glasgow Baptist Church in Newark, DE and Baptist Bible Church in Elkton, MD. In her free time, Shirley enjoyed reading, puzzle books and flower gardening. She found her greatest joy in visiting with family and friends. Shirley is survived by three children: Frank Muller, Gregory Muller and Penny Barr; seven grandchildren: Robert (Jamie), William (Alison), Amy (Randy), Lauren (Matt), Wayne, Jordan and...

Julia Reinhart Willis, age 95, passed away February 8, 2021. Julia was a faithful member of Farragut Christian Church where she was active with the ladies group. She was born in Mobile, Alabama to Ferdinand Francis Reinhart and Rose Julien Reinhart. At age 10, her family moved to New York after her father died and at the age of 16, she started Hunter College in New York. She was a retired library director in New Jersey and always loved to read, especially novels and periodicals. Julia was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Alfred Reinhart and Ross Reinhart. She is survived by her son, Jim Willis (Laverne); daughter, Virginia Brady (Gene); 7 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren;...

Virgil Wayne Sparks, 85, of New London, NC, died Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at the Saturn Healthcare - W Sugar Creek Campus in Charlotte. Wayne, as he was more commonly called, was born in Spruce Pine, NC, on April 26, 1935, the son of Milton "Preacher" and Mabel Brinkley Sparks. Wayne is survived by his wife, Saundra; his three children: Jeffrey Wayne Sparks, Richard Alan (fiance Kelly) Sparks, and Kristen Michele Sparks; two stepchildren: Doug (Lisa) Henry and Cindy (Richard) Elmore; a sister, Beverly (John) Butler; a grandson, Thomas Dale (Courtney) Belk; a niece, Robin (Dane) Garrett; and an aunt, Maxine Sparks. He is further survived by his cousin, Terry (Jan) Sparks as well as...

David Robert Toney passed away on March 2, 2020 from Alzheimer's disease. Known by many as "Coach," he lived a full life and left a legacy of generosity, kindness, and humor. At each stop he was blessed with great friendships that he treasured the rest of his life. When you came into Coach's life, you stayed in his heart. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana in 1938, where he fell in love with the game of basketball. A standout guard in high school for the Kokomo Wildcats, Dave went on to play for the Purdue Boilermakers (West Lafayette, Indiana). His playing career concluded in 1960, but basketball remained central to his life. He began his basketball coaching career at Covington Community High...

Joseph (Joe) Foster, age 35, of Bakersville, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at his home. He was born on June 13, 1984 in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, a son of Doug Foster and the late Lisa Childers Foster. He was preceded in death by his Mother. Joe enjoyed spending time with his daughter, playing video games, watching and collecting movies. Joe was a very kind and caring person who everybody loved. He also enjoyed helping people in need. He enjoyed listening to Rock and Roll. Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Daughter, Destiny Price of Bakersville, NC, Father, Doug Foster of Elk Park, NC, Sister, Amber Foster of Elk Park, NC, Brother, Elisha...