Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Canton

03/17/2026

🍀

03/11/2026

Today we recognize National Funeral Director Day and the calling that so many of us proudly serve. Being a funeral director is more than a profession, it is a commitment to compassion, dignity, and respect for families during the hardest moments of their lives.

The long hours, late nights, and unexpected calls are simply part of the responsibility we carry. Many times we place our own lives on hold, missing birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays, to ensure that every family we serve is cared for with the attention and respect they deserve.

It is an honor to walk beside families in their time of grief and help them celebrate the lives of those they love. Today I’m grateful for every funeral professional who serves with heart, strength, and unwavering dedication. Thank you for the work you do each and every day.

02/25/2026

Bruce Sharp

Bruce Sharp, 69, of Canton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by his brothers with care and compassion in his final days.

A proud native of Haywood County, Bruce was the son of the late Jack and Ruth Christine Druhan Sharp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his adoring niece, Angela Dawn Sharp. Bruce carried with him a deep love for his roots and for the community he called home.

Bruce was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where his quiet devotion reflected the steady and caring spirit he shared with those around him. He had a servant’s heart, generously giving his time as a youth basketball coach, mentoring young athletes not only in the game but in sportsmanship and character. When he wasn’t on the court, Bruce could often be found outdoors, happiest with a fishing pole in hand or gathered around a campsite, enjoying the simple beauty of nature.

Bruce is lovingly remembered by his siblings: Bryan (Judy) Sharp of Davenport, Florida, Kevin (Cindy) Sharp of Candler, John Sharp of Port Orange, Florida, and Deborah Sharp. He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews, Joy, Lesa, Cody, Carl, Christine, and Sean Sharp; great-niece and great-nephew, Amber Coburn and Connor Rogers; his godson, Thomas; his goddaughter, Jennifer; and his best buddy, Frankie Ramsey, whose friendship brought him great joy.

Bruce will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and the quiet ways he showed up for the people he loved. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons passed down, and the many lives he touched along the way.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made In Bruce Sharp's memory to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/

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

View Bruce Sharp's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

https://www.wellsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/garland-norris

View Garland Hoyt Norris's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/12/2026

https://www.wellsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/eleen-grant

View Eleen Ruby Grant's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/04/2026

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

View Charles Shelton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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

View Joan McElroy Osborne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Edward C. Whitaker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Bernice Davis Haynes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Joan Medford Morrison's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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.

View Gerald Edward Murray's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/30/2025