Wells Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Candler, Forest Lawn

01/16/2026

Julia Ann Shuler

Julia W. Shuler, 88, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Elmer and Rosalee White.

Julia was a much-loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, fishing buddy, gardener, adventure partner, and mischief maker. She loved to laugh and found great joy in being with her family and friends. She had a way of welcoming everyone into her home while offering care, a listening ear, and a few good belly laughs.

She and James were married 63 years. They both loved the outdoors and relished many happy days trout fishing and exploring obscure little streams in the mountains of Western North Carolina. They were snowbirds who enjoyed spending winters working in their little citrus grove in Florida. They were adventurers who would load their pick-up truck and camper and head west to Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and many other places with beautiful streams to fish and explore.

Julia is survived by her daughter, Jill Shuler (husband Bill Hurni), and two grandchildren, Tonna Davis (Damien) and James C. Shuler (Kristin), as well as 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 siblings, Sandra Lawing (Garvin) and Carroll White (Patricia). For the past 2 years she was blessed with the care and companionship of her niece, Deanna (Susie) Shelton. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elmer Shuler, and her son, James Edwin Shuler.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm located at Wells Funeral Home of Canton with Pastor Eric Hill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County (PO Box 1460, Hendersonville, NC 28793) to support the incredible work they do for the children of Henderson County.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving the family of Julia Ann Shuler.

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01/16/2026

Sammy Gilbert Smith

Sammy Gilbert Smith, a beloved figure in the hearts of those who knew him, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Mission Hospital. He was born on March 2, 1946, in Buncombe County and graced the lives of those around him with his gentle kindness and infectious spirit.

Sammy had met the love of his life, Sue Hall and they married in 1966. Sue was Sammy's world, and he was devoted to her care for over 50 years until her passing in 2017. Sammy joins his beloved wife, Sue Hall Smith (2017), in eternal rest, along with his parents, Blake and Juanita Grindstaff Smith, daughter, Anna Marie McCarson (1989), and brother, Kenneth Smith (2025).

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Sammy earned both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, celebrating bravery both on the battlefield and in life. He remained committed to serving his community, becoming a respected member of the local VFW, where he even took on the role of chapter president.

Sammy’s professional life began when he joined the workforce at American Enka at the young age of 24. Over the next 41 years, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his career, retiring at the age of 64. His dedication to his job spoke volumes about his character, marked by loyalty and commitment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sammy was known for his unwavering devotion to family and his church community. Firmly rooted at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where he served as the head deacon for many years, he cherished every moment spent with his church family. His warmth resonated far and wide, as he never met a stranger and had a unique gift for striking up conversations, discovering connections, and bridging relationships among people.

Sammy found joy in the great outdoors, immersing himself in hobbies such as deer hunting and fishing in serene lakes and streams. His passion for nature was matched only by his obsession with people and their stories, as he delighted in making connections and learning about others’ lives.

He is survived by his loving son, Danny Lee Smith (Tracy) of Candler; his siblings, Reed Smith of Arkansas, Phil Smith (Gail) of Candler, Bill Smith of Barnardsville, Diane Brackett (“Blue”) of Fletcher, Darlene Frisbee of Alabama, and Luke Smith (Trina) of Candler; along with his cherished grandchildren, Trent Smith (Morgan), Kolbie Smith, and Taylor Warren (Bronson); and two bright great-grandchildren, Bristol Holland Smith and Hannah Blaike Smith.

Due to the incoming winter storm, the original funeral schedule has been updated for the safety of all who plan on attending.

A visitation will be held at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Candler on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Pastor Ty Allen will be officiating. The community is invited to gather and celebrate the remarkable life of Sammy Gilbert Smith—a life truly well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Smith to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 43 Mt. Pisgah Church Road, Candler, NC 28715.

The care of Mr. Smith has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Sammy Gilbert Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Frederick Charles Hayes

Frederick Charles Hayes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at AdventHealth Hendersonville. He was born on October 31, 1942, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the son of Frederick Hayes Jr. and Phoebe Kellogg Hayes. He was one of six siblings.

A MAN OF FAITH: Raised in a Christian home, at the age of 9 years old Fred entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith impacted every area of his life. In his late teens when his earthly father passed away, Fred learned first hand that he could trust God to be his Father. It was a relationship that lasted his entire life and grew deeper and richer over the years. His commitment to the Lord was seen in his home, his business, the church and in the community. Whether training his children, teaching Sunday School, leading a Bible study, serving as an Elder or Deacon, sharing a God-story or simply praying for a stranger, Fred's faith was tangibly visible.

A FAMILY MAN: At the age of 16, he met Miriam Hubley, who would become the love of his life. Four years later they became husband and wife. Together, choosing to put God first in their marriage, and following His lead, they embarked on a journey that would see their love blossom into a family with four children that would eventually grow to a family of 42 members. In 1981 they pulled up roots to relocate to upstate New York to dairy farm for a year, before traveling more than 15,000 miles across the United States the following summer, and eventually settling in the Asheville area.

A BUSINESSMAN: Fred was a carpenter by trade, who not only designed and built custom homes in Massachusetts and throughout the greater Asheville area, but he did it with integrity, exemplified through ingenuity, dedication, hard work, and a standard of excellence. He truly loved what he did. His passion showed in every detail of his craftsmanship; each house pointing to the Master Builder. Choosing to make the Lord his business partner, he made a commitment to never advertise, but trust God to provide the work. God faithfully provided from 1971 to 2014, until Fred retired.

A MAN OF CHARACTER: Known for his faith, wisdom, generosity, and straightforwardness, Fred left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a father figure to many and never shy about expressing his love to those around him, always ready with a kind word or a faith-filled prayer. A familiar face at the local Home Depot, Fred knew each employee by name, earning their respect and appreciation in return. His reputation was built not only on his skilled handiwork but also on his ability to connect with people, listen to their stories, and readily testify to how good his Heavenly Father was.

A MAN OF ADVENTURE: Fred enjoyed taking trips to see the beautiful country we live in. He and Miriam enjoyed RV camping with life-long friends while touring some of the nation’s most breathtaking landscapes—Redwood Forest, Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone, Mount St. Helens, the Grand Tetons, among many. Always ready with a word of encouragement, he brought joy and laughter to family gatherings with his puns and jokes. Fred enjoyed being outdoors. Not one to sit idle for long, he was often seen running some type of tractor, planning the next day's project, living life to the fullest, and embodying the spirit of someone who never met a stranger.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Miriam Hayes, and their children: Daniel Hayes (Michelle) of Fletcher, Julie Nelms (Jim) of Fletcher, Michael Hayes (Jain) of Fletcher, and Erik Hayes of Upland, IN. His legacy continues through his loving sisters, Patricia Allaire of Fletcher, Linda Breakey (David) of Morgantown, WV, and Cora Mullinax of Seneca, SC, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Kayla (William) Scheitler, Nathan (Sasha) Hayes, Benjamin (Chelsea) Hayes, Andrew (Marissa) Hayes, Courtney Hayes, Joseph Hayes, Samuel Hayes, Timothy Hayes, Rebekah Hayes, Abigail Hayes, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Hayes, and Jonathan Hayes. The joyous sparkle in his life will also be remembered through his beloved great-grandchildren: Liam, Gavin, Isaac, Noah, Lydia, Elainna, Ian, Melody, Iyla, Ezra, Matthew (baby on the way), Leland, Genevieve, Re*****on, Naomi, and Ronnie

Fred was welcomed to his heavenly Home by his Heavenly Father, his Savior, Jesus Christ, his parents, his oldest sister, Janice Biggar, and his younger brother, Richard Hayes.

Due to the incoming winter storm, the original service schedule has been updated for the safety of all who plan on attending.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, January 31st at 2:00 pm. at Covenant Community Church, 11 Rocket Drive, Asheville, NC 28803 (off 74A). In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations be sent to Rebuilding Hollers Foundation, an organization helping with the ongoing rebuilding of homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. www.rebuildinghollers.org

Frederick Charles Hayes was a remarkable man whose love and influence will forever be felt in the hearts of those he touched. His love for the Lord and legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion will live on through his family and friends, a testament to a life beautifully lived.

The care of Mr. Hayes has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home at Forest Lawn.

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12/31/2025

Jo Ellen Gerschefski Wade

Jo Ellen Gerschefski Wade, 91, of Candler passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Jo Ellen had the good fortune to be born into a wild, wonderful family of classical musicians, the oldest of 5 children. She adored her loving wife, her two sons of whom she is enormously proud and their families, and her siblings.

Jo Ellen was a lifelong activist for the Democratic Party and Civil Rights. She was on the campaign committee in Florence, SC, for the election of John F. Kennedy, and organized 3 precincts in Mecklenburg County, NC; integrated the precinct committees of all 3.

Jo Ellen worked for integration of the public schools in Mecklenburg County, NC, in the 1970s. She one of the four founders of The Westside Group, a community activist organization promoting equal services and amenities for the Westside of Charlotte, NC, in the 1970s.

Jo Ellen served as Board member and President of the West Boulevard Enterprise Community (Charlotte, NC) established by the Clinton Administration. She worked for 25 years at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. And served a year as President of the Faculty Senate. Jo Ellen even won Support Person of the Year one year.

Jo Ellen served as a volunteer for Mountain Area Information Network, a non-profit which provided dial-up Internet services for Western North Carolina rural areas. She then went on to win Volunteer of the Year award the 2nd year it was offered.

Jo Ellen served for eight years on the steering committee of the Western North Carolina Alliance, environmental activist organization which became WNC’s Mountain True.

Jo Ellen will be truly missed by all whom knew her.

Wells funeral Home of Candler is honored to be serving Jo Ellen Gerschefski Wade's family.

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12/31/2025

Helen Faye Crawford

On December 28, 2025 our beloved Helen "Faye" Crawford went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was extremely loved by her family and friends. She will be very missed.

Faye is preceded in death by her parents, Clonie and HK Lunsford, siblings, and her grandson, Daniel Stafford. She is survived by her children, Elaine Putnam and Charlie Stafford. Her grandchildren, Jennifer Walker, Laura Clark, Jonathan Stafford, Luke Stafford, and Alexandria Stafford. Her great grandchildren; Kie, Seth, Noah, Savanna, Ellie, Justice, Mason, Danny, Emily. Her great-great grandchild, Gracie.

The family will be having a private service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Jude's Children's Hospital.

"God sure has been good to me!"- Faye Crawford

Wells Funeral Home of Candler is honored to serve Faye Crawford's family.

View Helen Faye Crawford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/30/2025

12/10/2025

Bryant Jarman Ellis

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived

Bryant Jarman “BJ” Ellis, Jr. a native of West Helena, Arkansas, and long-time resident of Asheville, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025 at the age of 93.

BJ’s life was made up of many chapters, each one shaped by courage, kindness, and an open heart. He was a proud paratrooper soldier, a dedicated University of Tennessee graduate, and a content bachelor—until the day everything changed. One afternoon, a sandy-blond waitress with a brilliant smile took his lunch order, and BJ’s world shifted. Tommie found herself thinking about that handsome young man long after he left the table. She said yes to a first date, and from that moment forward, their love story began to unfold.

BJ soon met her two children. Eleven-year-old Danny took to him immediately, and shy little Gay smiled sweetly while staying tucked close to her mother. What began as a small family grew into a beautiful one—playing together, traveling and fishing together, worshipping together. With every passing year, BJ became the steady, loving protector of the people he cherished most.

As time went on, the number of those he loved continued to grow, expanding into three grandchildren and their spouses. The loss of his granddaughter, Elisha Kay Mayberry Giesey, in 2015 brought deep heartache, but he carried her memory close for the rest of his days.

BJ often said he was blessed, and he lived every moment as proof of it. His faith was the foundation of his life. He read the Bible daily with his wife and children, prayed over each child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild, and lived his faith not by words alone, but by the quiet, consistent love he gave so freely.

There is no doubt that when BJ reached the Golden Gates, the Lord welcomed him with open arms. Those he loved and lost danced with joy at his arrival, and waiting for him—just as she always had—was his beloved Tommie, ready to take his hand and dance with him once again as they did on earth.

Welcoming BJ Home are his wife, Tommie Ellis and his granddaughter, Elisha K. Giesey.

Continuing his legacy here on earth are his son, Danny L. Mayberry and wife, Jean Ann; his daughter, Enola Gay Briggs and husband, Ricky; grandchildren: Danny David Mayberry and wife Crissy, Robert R. Mayberry and wife Alisa, and Michele Briggs Woody and husband Jason; 13 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service to honor and remember the life of Mr. Ellis will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Pastor Alan Rash will be officiating.

The care of Mr. Ellis has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home at Forest Lawn.

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12/10/2025

Aubyn Horton Adams

Aubyn Horton Adams, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on December 9, 2025, at the age of 100. Born on December 4, 1925, in Jefferson County, Alabama, Aubyn devoted her life to her family and faith, always embodying the values of love, kindness, and service.

Aubyn spent her early career working for Wachovia Bank, but her true calling emerged when she chose to dedicate herself fully to raising her children. With unwavering commitment, she created a nurturing home filled with warmth and love, setting a remarkable example for her family.

A steadfast member of Skyland United Methodist Church for over 60 years, Aubyn's faith shaped her life profoundly. She established the Good Morning Circle and Prayer Chain, becoming an instrumental figure in her church community. Alongside her late husband, Brewster Counce Adams, she taught third and fourth-grade Sunday School, touching the lives of countless children with her gentle spirit and caring nature. Aubyn firmly believed in the power of daily prayer, and her actions reflected her deeply devout character.

Those who knew her often remarked on her sweetness and the joy she brought to others. Aubyn found pleasure in various activities, including bowling and playing Bridge. An avid reader, she had a particular fondness for novels and was a devoted fan of the Crimson Tide, proudly cheering "Roll Tide!" at every opportunity. Her passion for cooking was evident in the delicious meals she prepared for her family, and she even attended gourmet cooking classes, sharing her love of culinary arts through treasured recipes such as fried chicken, beef stroganoff, banana pudding, and olive nut spread.

Aubyn's legacy is carried on by her cherished family, including her daughter, Bryn Manzella and husband Randy of Hoover, Alabama; her son, Brett Adams and wife Jennifer of Franklin, North Carolina; and her beloved grandchildren, Ashlyn Manzella and wife Meagan Jordan, Bailey Wyckoff and husband Steven, Alex Stiles and wife Mary, Courtney Lee and husband Ross, Isaac Stiles and wife Hejira, and Raquel Stiles. Aubyn is also survived by her great-grandchildren, James, Axel, and Judd Stiles, and held dear her numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Aubyn was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Lee Horton and Lillian Cowden Horton; her husband, Brewster Counce Adams; son, Bruce Douglas Adams; sisters, Martha Wear and Carolyn Meredith; and brothers, Lee Horton, Jr., and Cowden Horton.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Brenda Wilkie, Aubyn's devoted caregiver and dear friend, whose sacrifices enabled Aubyn to remain in her home during her final months, fulfilling her greatest wish. Special thanks are also extended to Judy and Ivy, primary caregivers from Four Seasons, who provided compassionate support.

Aubyn will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and friend who brought light to all who had the privilege to know her. To celebrate her remarkable life, visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Skyland United Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Following the services, her burial will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park at 2:30 PM.

Aubyn Horton Adams leaves behind countless memories that will be cherished forever in the hearts of those she loved.

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