Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Canton

02/04/2026

https://www.wellsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/charles-shelton

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01/20/2026

Joan McElroy Osborne

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Joan McElroy Osborne at the age of 94, on January 19th, 2026, while looking out her window, as she loved watching their cattle, turkeys and deer. She was the daughter of the late Lawson and Dare McElroy. She was the widow of the late Massie Osborne, the love of her life for 68 years. She was the last remaining McElroy sibling. Joan was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Osborne and wife Sandy, of Clyde; daughter, Penny Robinson and husband Derrick, of Clyde; and six grandchildren, Danny Osborne and wife, Sarah, Taylor Osborne and fiancée Jake McKenzie, Makenzie Osborne and fiancée Sloan Mills, Spenser Peterson and husband Brad, Cameron Mattingly-Robinson and husband Donnie, and Madison Robinson and husband Avesh; and great-grandson Lochlan Peterson. She is also survived by extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

During her 68 years of marriage, she was an active member of Clyde First Baptist Church where she passionately studied the word of God every day of her life. Time spent with her husband on their farm was one of her greatest joys as they shared each day together managing the dairy farm and spending precious time together. Their unwavering love for each other, and for God, was always present each and every day.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday January 23rd at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Byron Burnette officiating.

Memorial may be made to Clyde First Baptist Preschool Fund or Gideons International – Haywood East Camp,

PO Box 1204 Canton, NC 28016

The care of Joan McElroy Osborne has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available under Obituaries at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

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01/20/2026

Edward C. Whitaker

Edward C. Whitaker, Jr., born on August 11, 1937, in Haywood County, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was a beloved member of his community and family, known for his quiet demeanor and pleasant nature. Edward was a dedicated worker, employed by Champion Paper for 40 years until his retirement in 1999, exemplifying a strong work ethic throughout his life.

A lifelong member of the Canton Freewill Baptist Church, Edward's devotion to his Lord was evident in all aspects of his life. His dedication extended beyond his faith; he was a loyal friend who kept those he cared about close at heart. Throughout his life, Edward stood as a moral compass, always striving to do what was right and good.

He honorably served in the United States National Guard from 1955 to 1962, demonstrating a commitment to his country that he carried with pride.

Edward is survived by his son, Charlie Whitaker of Canton, along with his cherished grandchildren: Cody Whitaker, Tyler Bowers, and Zachary Bowers. His legacy also lives on through his five great-grandchildren, who will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward C. Whitaker Sr. and Myrtle Thomason Whitaker; his beloved wife of 53 years, Ruby Green Whitaker; his daughter, Peggy Bowers; and his sister, Ruth Kelly.

Due to the incoming winter storm and in the interest of everyone’s safety, the date of the funeral service may be subject to change.

A funeral service to honor Edward's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Wells Funeral Home in Canton, with Pastor Larry Collins officiating.

Edward C. Whitaker will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit and the memories he created will continue to resonate within the hearts of his family and friends.

The care of Mr. Whitaker has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.

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01/17/2026

Bernice Davis Haynes

Bernice D. Haynes passed away on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Bernice was born June 1, 1926, to the late Vance and Melinee Davis.

Bernice was a woman of many talents, from sewing, cooking, fishing, and farming, to being the very best grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother anyone could ever ask for. She lived her life to the fullest and was the life of the party. No matter how bad your day was, she could always make you smile and laugh.

Bernice will be deeply missed by many, for she never met a stranger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 71 years, Frank Haynes, her son Don Haynes, a brother, Morgan Davis, a sister, and her best friend, Daffine Hill.

Left to cherish her memory are her granddaughter Cindy Haynes, great-grandson Michael Mashburn (Kassie), great-granddaughter Rachel Price (Terry Jones) and two great-great-grandchildren, Jamie Price and Ryan Price. A daughter-in-law, Freida Towe, and a very special neighbor whom she thought of as a son, Jim Edwards. And numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2 pm, at the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home of Canton, with the Rev. Chris Westmoreland officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. A Private Graveside will be held at a later date.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to serve the Haynes Family during this time.

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01/15/2026

Joan Medford Morrison

Mrs. Joan Medford Morrison of Canton passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born in March of 1932, she was the daughter of the late Joe D. Medford and Lucy E. Chambers of Iron Duff. She was the wife of Dr. Frank (Bud) Morrison for 48 years until his death in 2007. Survivors include two daughters - Lee Hall and Suzanne Supola (Miles Supola); 4 grandchildren - Jordan Hall (Zach Contreras), Alex Hall (Nick Lopez), Carson Supola and Mackinney Supola; and two great grandchildren - Jacob Contreras and Adelaide Contreras. Also surviving is her very close sister in law, Peggy Medford and her children and grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Frank C. Morrison; 3 brothers - Frank Medford, Paul Leatherwood and David Jack Medford (infant); Kevin Capati (Partner to Lee) as well as her oldest grandson, John Michael Hall.

Born in the Iron Duff community, she graduated from Crabtree High School in 1950 and attended Brevard College where she played on the school’s first women’s basketball team. She then graduated from Western Carolina University where she received a BS degree in 1954 and went on to receive her Masters in 1957. She taught school for a few years before deciding to spend more time raising her 2 daughters while still working part-time in her husband’s office. Education continued to be a priority and a theme throughout their lives together, from library visits to grammar to math. Her educator days never quite left her but left a lasting impact on the children, grandchildren and eventually her great grandchildren.

In the early sixties, she and her husband moved from Waynesville to Canton and became members of Canton First Baptist Church. As a young mother, she worked in the Bible School/Nursery and was a faithful member of the Berean - Fidelis Sunday School Class. Her faith was her foundation and she lived her life by it, attending Sunday School and Church each week and encouraging all around her to follow by example.

She had a fierce love for all animals and could often be found feeding and coaxing rescues around Haywood Country, gaining their trust and having them fall as in love with her as she was with them. While she was able, she frequently visited the Canton Police Department, and other city buildings, to feed the stray cats and kittens that found shelter there. In addition, she visited dozens of other farms and buildings where she knew homeless cats and dogs needed care, not infrequently taking them home to live out their life by her side. If reincarnation were real, coming back as one of Joan’s animals would be the dream (according to some grandkids!).

She took great pride in keeping her yard and home looking impeccable. If you happened to be driving over Terrace Drive over the years, there was a good chance you would see her out trimming the hedges, pruning her azaleas or mowing the lawn. Once she purchased a riding lawnmower, she continued her yard work until the age of 90, always proudly enjoying her independence. She loved her ferns and greenery and she was frequently watering her plants (and feeding her cats) on her back porch.

Joan, from her earlier to late years, was a frequent visitor at Silverbluff and eventually Haywood Lodge. She valued her long standing friendships immensely, for example, hosting and participating in weekly Bridge games with a close group of friends for over 50 years. While she loved all sports, she especially enjoyed watching or listening to Pisgah football. Another of her favorite weekend pastimes was watching Nascar on Sundays (after Church of course) with her late father and brother Frank up until their passing, rooting on the Ford teams!

She leaves a long legacy of kindness to all living things and will be greatly missed by everyone blessed enough to have crossed her path. She loved her community, her Church and worked as she could to make Canton the best place to live. She’ll be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Canton First Baptist Church (https://www.canton-fbc.org/) or FUR of WNC (https://furofwnc.org/).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, located at Canton First Baptist Church at 2:00 pm with Pastor Court Greene officiating. Family will receive friends one-hour prior to service. Burial will follow service at Crawford Ray Memorial Gardens.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to serve the family of Joan Medford Morrison.

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01/15/2026

Gerald Edward Murray

Gerald Edward Murray, 76, of Canton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Gerald was born on May 25, 1949, in Haywood County, North Carolina, to the late Clarence Leslie Murray and Nancy Berlyn Cogburn Murray. He was a lifelong resident of Haywood County.

He was a graduate of Pisgah Senior High School, Class of 1968. Gerald was employed with BI-LO Grocery in Waynesville for 41 years, where he worked as a courtesy clerk. He was once recognized by regional television network WLOS as “Person of the Week” and had a feature article in the Mountaineer Newspaper highlighting his 41-year career.

Gerald is survived by his son, Brad Austin Phillips, and daughter-in-law, Lesly Phillips; his brother, William D. Murray (Betty); his uncle, Hubert “Tootsie” Cogburn; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom will greatly miss his smile and angelic demeanor.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, at Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church located at 288 Chinquapin Rd, Canton, NC 28716 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jeremy Cagle officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior starting at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow service at New Cruso Cemetery in Canton.

The family invites everyone to return to Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church Fellowship Hall following the burial for a time of fellowship, where a light meal will be shared along with memories, smiles, and laughter, just as Gerald would have wanted.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving the family of Gerald Edward Murray.

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12/30/2025

12/23/2025

Janice Sara Hall Boyd

Janice Sara Hall Boyd, a beloved resident of Pisgah Manor Health and Rehab, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on March 29, 1946, in Haywood County, N.C., Janice lived a life marked by her dedication to family, community, and hard work.

Throughout her career, Janice experienced many trades, showcasing her adaptability and commitment. Her most recent role was as a launderette at Pisgah Manor, a position she held for over 15 years, demonstrating her steadfast work ethic. Beyond her professional endeavors, Janice was known for her loving and kind-hearted nature, extending warmth and compassion to everyone she encountered. Janice found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including her weekend excursions to local yard sales where she relished the hunt for treasures. Her love for animals was evident, particularly in her cherished relationship with her chihuahua, Wookie, whom she adored.

Janice took great pride in her family, which was her proudest accomplishment. She is survived by her daughters, Jill Donaldson (Anthony), Tina Boyd, and Kelly Carter (Joey); her sisters, Dorotha Towe and Sue Oates (Wayne); and her brother, Raymond J. Hall Jr., granddaughter Samantha Norris (Gage), great-grandchildren; Asher Norris, Carter Norris and Riley Norris. Step-grandsons; Robbie Carter and Brandon Carter, step-great-grandchildren McCoy Carter and Katherine Carter.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Jackson Hall and Emma Lou Whitted Hall; her beloved husband of 40 years, David Claude Boyd, who passed away in 2003; her brother, Vincent Hall; and her sister, Catherine Rathbone.

Special thanks to all the staff at Pisgah Manor Health and Rehab along with Liberty Hospice for their care and support.

Services will be announced later in the Spring of 2026.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving Janice Sara Hall Boyd’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.

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12/23/2025

James Howard Lester

James Howard Lester, age 79, of Canton, North Carolina, passed away on December 18, 2025.

Born on December 7, 1946, in Canton, Haywood County, North Carolina, James was the son of the late James Edward Lester and Frances McAninch Lester.

James dedicated over 40 years of his life working as an electrician in the paper mill industry. He was employed with International Paper, where he was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and skill. He retired in 2008 after a long and faithful career.

A proud veteran, James served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, attaining the rank of Private First Class (PVT E-1).

James was a devoted husband and family man. He was married to his beloved wife, Linda Capps Lester, on June 12, 1966, and they shared many happy years together.

Left to cherish James’s memory are Sons Willian Elic Lester of London, England, Aaron M. Lester of Dallas, GA, grandson, Atlas Lester of Dallas, GA, Sister, Nancy Fulcher of Canton, NC, brothers, Edward Dean Lester of Canton, NC, Charles Richard Lester of Canton, NC, and Donald Lee Lester of Canton, NC.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 29 at 3:00 PM, at Wells Funeral Home of Canton. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service starting at 2:00 PM.

James will be remembered for his dedication to his family, and the steady presence he offered to those who knew him. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he loved deeply.

The care of James Howard Lester has entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.

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