Nancy Alice Henson

Nancy married Thomas McCray Vance on 11 Jun 1897 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. Thomas (son of William Vance and Elizabeth "Betsy" Franklin) was born on 22 Dec 1867 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 2 Jan 1936 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Newland Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nettie married Lewis Patterson Aldridge about 1911 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Lewis (son of Waitsel Aldridge and Polly Marcus Johnson) was born in Mar 1879 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina; died on 3 Jun 1961 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Joda Blanch Pyatte on 3 Jan 1915 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Joda (daughter of D. Nichodemus Pyatte and Charity (Pyatte)) was born about 1900 in Mitchell County, , , North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Tossie married Florence Ruth Taylor about 1927 in North Carolina, , , . Florence was born on 23 Jun 1909 in North Carolina, , , ; died on 28 Dec 1996 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Taylor Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lewis married Mary Corinna Avery on 16 Apr 1938 in , Washington County, Tennessee, . Mary (daughter of William Waightstill Avery and Carrie Jane Goins) was born on 27 Aug 1920 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 7 Sep 2015 in , St. Mary's County, Maryland, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Talton married Jacqueline Goins about 1939 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Jacqueline was born on 1 Aug 1921 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 24 Feb 2006 in Knox County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sam married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jim McClure Vance Jr., age 88, of Newland, NC passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, at Life Care Center in Banner Elk, NC.

He was born on Dec. 15, 1929 in Avery County, NC, a son of Jim McClure Vance and Joda Pyatte Vance.

He was preceded in death by his Father: Jim McClure Vance, Sr.; Mother: Joda Blanch Vance; Wife: Frances Louise Owens Vance; Two Sons: Larry Wayne Vance and Aaron Eugene Vance;

Jim was a member of Crossnore First Baptist Church, where he formerly served as Chairman of the Deacons. He was a member of the Linville Masonic Lodge #489. He enjoyed listening to Gospel Hymns and Country Music, especially Alan Jackson.

Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife: Sara Estelle Vance of Newland, NC; Son: Jim M (Timothy Farrow) Vance, III of Atlanta, Ga.; Son: Robert (Paula) Vance of Thomasville, NC; Stepson: Gary (Jackie) Johnson of Charleston, SC; Stepson: Sherrill (Alma) Johnson of Newland, NC; Brother: Tom (Jean) Vance of Charlotte, NC; Sister: Eula Nickolas of Centerville, Va.

Services for Jim McClure Vance Jr. were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at Crossnore First Baptist Church, with Rev. Phil Murdock and Rev. Lander Heafner officiating.

The family received friends from 1 p.m. to the service hour at Crossnore First Baptist Church. Interment followed in the Pyatte Cemetery.

The Vance family would like to offer a special thank you to Medi Home Hospice and Crossnore First Baptist Church.

James married Estelle Radford about 1980. Estelle (daughter of James Thurmond Radford and Minnie Louise Cornett) was born on 8 Dec 1926 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 2 Jun 2019 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in John Johnson Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Thomas Martin Vance, (Tom Vance), 84, died on March 3, 2022, due to complications of Covid-19 at Atrium Health Carolina Medical Center. Tom was vaccinated and boosted but was immune-compromised due to leukemia and chemotherapy treatments.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, James (Jim) McClure Vance, Sr. (1892-1961) and his mother, Joda Blanche Pyatte Vance, (1900-1977) along with five brothers and seven sisters.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jean Hicks Vance, and his only child, Michael Thomas Vance of Mint Hill, NC. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Eula Maxine Vance Nicholas of Gainesville, Va.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom was born December 12, 1937, in Crossnore, NC, the southern part of Avery County. He was the youngest of fourteen children. Tom attended the Crossnore School. It was at this school in 7th grade that Tommy found his love for theater, when he was cast in a play directed by his theater teacher, Kate Cornue. After that, he was hooked on theater.

Tom graduated from Appalachian State Teacher’s College in 1960 with a degree in English and Social Studies. He continued at Appalachian, where obtained a Master’s in English and Education. After that, he attended UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Georgia for doctoral studies in theater.

At Appalachian State, Tom was elected President of the Playcrafters drama club. It was there that he met his future life-long wife, Jean Hicks, when she auditioned in front of him to join the club. Tom was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” at Appalachian State in his senior year.

After graduating, Tom taught at several schools, as well as Wingate University. In 1967, he started the drama program at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). His legacy began in 1974, when Tom and Charles Starnes created the CPCC Summer Theatre, a professional summer stock theater company, where he directed over 150 productions and produced over 250 shows over his lifetime.

Tom also was the host of a Television show, “The Tom Vance Show,” which played for decades on the CPCC channel.

In 2011-12, the Metrolina Theater Association awarded Tom the “Lifetime Theater Award.”

Tom was especially proud of the many fine people, who worked with him in theater and have gone on to achieve considerable success in the theatrical world. Tom discovered many talented people at the start of their careers, and he nurtured them and provide them their first job in the theater industry. Hundreds of them moved to New York and worked on Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera, national and international tours, as well as many regional theatres across the country. Many of Tom’s discoveries went on to have amazing careers in the film and television industry, as well.

Tom was also so proud of everyone he worked with, but he held a special place in his heart for those that went into the theatre teaching profession, where his gifts will continue to live on.

On Saturday, May 28, there will be a service at Blair Road United Methodist Church in Mint Hill, NC. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. There will be a 2 p.m. service at the church followed by a graveside service at Sharon Memorial Gardens (at Monroe Rd/Sharon Amity Rd). That same evening, on May 28 at 7 p.m., there will also be a celebration in honor of Tom Vance at the Halton Theater on the CPCC campus, near downtown Charlotte. Come be part of the celebration of Tom’s life and legacy. Come sing, talk, eat, drink, and laugh while remembering Tom and give him his final standing ovation. All are welcome.

On Saturday, June 4, there will be a drop-in celebration at the Meeting House at 12 Fountain Circle in downtown Crossnore, NC. Drop in anytime between noon and 2 p.m. We will have photos, music and food, as we celebrate Tommy’s life. Hope everyone can drop by!

Notes:

Jean Buchanan, age 90, of Minneapolis, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville, NC.

She was born on December 28, 1928 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Toss Vance and the late Florence Taylor Vance.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; Husband, Jay Walter Buchanan; and Sister, Martha Hawks.

Jean was a member of Minneapolis Christian Church. She enjoyed drawing, and writing in her journal. She also loved her family and spending time with them. She enjoyed listening to Gospel music.

Jean leaves behind to cherish her memory her: Son, Tim (Lana Kay) Buchanan of Minneapolis, NC, Daughter, Penny (Steve) Arnett of Banner Elk, NC, Sister, Betty Vance of Newland, NC, Sister, Mary Beamer of Mt. Airy, NC, Granddaughter, Cindy (Dan) Smerdon, Granddaughter, Jessica Arnett, Grandson, Owen (Kathy) Phillips, Grandson, Luke Phillips, Great-Granddaughter, Logan Short, Great-Grandson, Sylar Short, Great-Granddaughter, Sophia Arnett, Great-Granddaughter, Peyton Catlett, Great-Granddaughter, Charligh Reece, and many nieces and nephews.

Eleanor married James Walter Buchanan about 1948 in North Carolina, , , . James (son of Silas Buchanan and Ethel C. English) was born on 14 Apr 1927; died on 1 Dec 1996 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Green Buchanan Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Waightstill Gordon Aldridge, 83, of Ridge, MD passed away peacefully on April 4, 2023 at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born on October 3, 1939 in Banner Elk, NC to the late Lewie McClure Aldridge, Sr. and Mary Corinna (Avery) Aldridge.

Gordon or better known as Nookie in Carolina, earned his Associate in Arts degree from Lees McRae College in Banner Elk. On November 10, 1966, he eloped to marry the love of his life, Betty Davis Aldridge, in Arlington, VA at the courthouse. Together they celebrated over 54 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on March 2, 2021.

He and his brothers began their automotive career, working side by side with their father at Aldridge Ford. The Ford Dealership was started in 1962. Gordon retired in 2007, when the dealership was sold. The family effort was successful in growing a large, community based, business in Southern Maryland. He and Betty enjoyed spending their winters in Fort Pierce, Florida after he retired. Gordon loved spending time with his family and vacationing in his birthright of North Carolina. He enjoyed getting back to his beloved Family homeplace in Plumtree, NC as often as he could. He loved his time in the mountains with his family. Gordon ran his own motorcycle business in the late 70's, early 80's which he called Aldridge Kawasaki. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He loved listening to music whether being played live or on the radio. He especially loved hearing the guitar being played. He loved all kinds of music. He loved his family more than anything and will be missed.

Gordon is survived by his children: Gina Michele Aldridge (Ralph) of Jacksonville, FL, Kimberly A. Norris (Brian) of Leonardtown, MD and Jason A. Aldridge of Leonardtown, MD his siblings: Lewie Aldridge Jr. (Judy), Paul Joe Aldridge (Pam), and Van Aldridge, all of Lexington Park, MD; grandchildren: Jacqueline Norris, Kateline Readmond, Jonathon Norris and Judge Aldridge; his special great-grandaughter, Adelyn Jane Readmond; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty.

Notes:

Buried:
Sandra Aldridge Calloway, 80, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021 at her residence.

She was born on September 11, 1940 in Avery County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Talton Wade Aldridge and the late Jacqueline Goins Aldridge.

She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church Newland, where she was a Sunday School Teacher and sang in the choir. She later joined the Plumtree Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin H. “Bud” Calloway and her sister, Sue Wagner.

Sandra leaves behind to cherish her memory two daughters, Valerie C. Jaynes of Newland, NC, Vicki C. Strauss of Newland, NC; two granddaughters, Lauren J. (Casey) Turbyfill of Newland, NC, Samantha S. (Shane) Carpenter of Newland, NC; grandson, Joshua T. Strauss of Newland, NC; two sisters, Sherry Aldridge Orchard of Knoxville, TN, Shelia Aldridge of Knoxville, TN; great-granddaughter, Ruby Turbyfill; great-grandson, Rhett Carpenter; sister-in-law, Elnora Wilson of Banner Elk, NC; aunt, Jeweldine Aldridge of Newland, NC; uncle, Jay (Jeanette) Goins of Bradenton, FL; niece, Kellee Wagner Reed; three nephews, Kevin Wagner, Brad Wilson, Greg Wilson; many cousins and special friends.

The family received friends from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the funeral home. A funeral service followed the visitation at 5 p.m. in the Grandfather Chapel with the Rev. Lonnie Barnes officiating. Interment and graveside services followed at 11 a.m. on Monday in the Newland Cemetery.

Sandra married Marvin H. Calloway about 1960 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Marvin (son of Henry Dolph Calloway and Rurh Emma Hester) was born on 30 Mar 1938 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 1 May 2001 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; was buried in Newland Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]