Charles Ray Elders, 82, of Whittier, N.C., went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Florence Addie Reed, also known as “Babe,” beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Born on May 6, 1965, Babe lived a life filled with love, kindness, and pride in her Native American heritage.

Idalee Inez Huskey, a faithful servant of the Lord, cherished mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and beloved pillar of the Cherokee, N.C. community, went home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2025. She was 88 years old.

Nancy Chiltoskie, youngest daughter of Watty and Tennie Chiltoskie, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Fisherman, husband, son, father, grandfather, friend, U.S. Public Health Service Captain, and founder of “Raven Fork Rods” James Edwards Mills, 84, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025 after a brief and sharp bout with cancer.

Hoyt Lunsford, age 89, of Marble, left behind his physical body on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Lucy Taylor Bigmeat, 94, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., went home to Paradise on June 20, 2025, surrounded by her family members. Born to William Taylor and Cecelia Standingdeer, she lived there until she met the love of her life, Mark Welch Bigmeat, and they made their home in Flint, Michigan, until 1972 before returning to Cherokee. 

Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.