Rozella Hardin

At the end of the day, Shirley Miller knew the day had been good if she had made people laugh through playing pranks. It was a ride she enjoyed. No one was exempt from Miller’s pranks – not her family, co-workers, or friends. Miller, a native and resident of Roan Mountain, died October 13 at […]

of 31 There's a saying about jack-o-lanterns: “Only the knife knows what goes on in the heart of a pumpkin.”

Ronnie Heaton was not one to hang on the handrails, he made life exciting. Ronnie died October 20 at the age of 77. His life had been full – full of memories that began when he was just a boy, when he often said, “I'm like Peter Pan, I'm never going to grow up.”

Hard work can help people develop character, motivate themselves, overcome hardships and achieve their goals. Hard work was one of the defining factors in Shirrell Bowers' life. He also was a fun person, who enjoyed teasing, laughing, and in the words of one friend, “had a joyous attitude.”

Glenda Gail Gouge, who died November 1, was described by her family as having a servant's heart. “She was always taking care of others, and worked to better the lives of others,” said her daughter, Julia Butler.

For many Christians around the world, celebrating the Nativity—the birth of Jesus Christ—is the most important part of the Christmas season. It's not uncommon to see nativity scenes at churches and in communities during the holiday season.

Like many this Thanksgiving, we see it as a chance to reflect on what we're thankful for. And, despite a devastating flood the last of September, of which many are still feeling the effects, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for which we are grateful – food on the table, a roof over our head, the spirit of togetherness.

Robert Brault is credited with saying: Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

Someone has said that making people laugh is the greatest gift you can give. Randy Sizemore had that gift. At times he was funny when he never meant to be.

Howard Campbell was a storyteller and jokester. Tracy Lethcoe shared on the funeral home tribute page that her grandfather would often take something from her and the other grandchildren, wrap it up, and give it back to them for Christmas. Campbell also did it to his daughters, and when they unwrapped the gift, his comment was always “I bet you're glad to get that.” That was the fun side of Campbell, who loved his family, enjoyed meeting people, and had a great sense of humor. His daughter, Brenda Waycaster, said: “Daddy always had a family story to share.”