Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Inc.

04/24/2026

Visiting a grief support group can help you in your grief journey, but what should you expect when you go? Read the article below to learn what your experience at a grief support group might look like.

Visiting a grief support group for the first time can be intimidating. Learn what to expect by reading this article!

04/23/2026

Karen Whitt Stines

Karen Etella Whitt Stines, 72, of Mars Hill, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. She was the youngest daughter of the late Chalmers and Mollie Shook Whitt. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Bascom Sylvanus and Conley Hubert Whitt.

She retired from Square D company in 2005 after 33 years. She loved to read and spend time with her family. She was a member of Laurel Bend Baptist Church.

Karen is survived by her husband of 51 year, William "Bill" Stines; daughter, Amanda Martin; sons, Stephen and Jeffrey Stines; grandsons, Matthew and Zachary Martin; granddaughter, Ilaia Martin all of Mars Hill; sisters, Freda Buckner and Hattie Haney (Jerry), both of Weaverville; brother, Bennie Whitt (Christine) of Mars Hill; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday April 26, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service in Mars Hill. Reverends Darrell Shelton and Danny Jenkins will officiate. Burial will follow in Nate Shelton Cemetery, Mars Hill.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the home of her daughter, Amanda, 482 Buckner Br. Rd.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

View Karen Whitt Stines's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/23/2026

Linda Parham Metcalf

Linda Jean Parham Metcalf, 74, of Weaverville, passed away peacefully at home April 22, 2026. She was born on October 5, 1951, in Buncombe County, to the late Alfred and Margaret Rice Parham. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Metcalf; sisters, Barbara Hendrix, and Mary Smith; and brothers, Carl, William, Oscar and James Parham.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a devoted homemaker and seamstress.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jerry "Don" Metcalf; daughters, Lisa Cantrell and Julie Harding; sister, Diana Honeycutt (Michael); grandchildren, Jason "Brett" Metcalf (Samuel), Emily Wright (Carl), Kaitlyn Metcalf, and Logan Metcalf; and 3 great grandchildren, Kinsley, Kyleigh, and Shelby Wright.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm Saturday April 25, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Don Metcalf will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Pine Forest Baptist Church Cemetery, Weaverville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, PO Box 27, Mars Hill, NC 28754, to assist with funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

View Linda Parham Metcalf's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/22/2026

Robyn Wrae Brown

Robyn Wrae Brown, aged 55, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026 at Orchard Valley Health and Rehabilitation, Hendersonville NC.

Born on May 25, 1970, Robyn spent all of her adult life in various care facilities for her mental health. Her younger years were tumultuous not only for her but also for all around her, but in her later years she became soft and loving, always appreciative of visits and conversations with friends and family. Her struggles became teaching moments for all those around her. Through her, we all grew to understand and have empathy for those who struggle with illness beyond their control. We will all miss her greetings and smile, especially during her later years.

Robyn is preceded in death by her mother, Winifred Lynn Grigsby.

Surviving are her father, James Russell Brown (Robin); four siblings, Tracie Lee Ann Brown, Jason Andrew Brown, Melinda Anne Huber and Adam Curtis Brown as well as a wide circle of friends and relatives who were touched deeply by her life.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday April 25 at 11:00 AM at West Memorial Park in Weaverville, NC.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

View Robyn Wrae Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/22/2026

Earth is an incredible place, filled with majestic mountains, stunning landscapes, and awe-inspiring coastlines. As we celebrate this Earth Day, which part of Earth's natural beauty inspires you?

04/21/2026

Many families choose to scatter a loved one's ashes after cremation has taken place, and it can be a truly moving experience. But how do you go about planning a personalized scattering ceremony?

We're here to help! For great information about planning a scattering ceremony, visit our website at https://www.blueridge-funeral-service.com/cremation-services. You will learn about where you can scatter and how to plan a memorable event that brings hope and healing.

If you have questions or would like to talk about your ideas in person, give us a call at 828.680.9963!

04/20/2026

04/19/2026

Shirley Katherine Franklin

Shirley Katherine Sawyer Franklin, 76, of Weaverville, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and the daughter of the late Olen "Ernest" and Dorothy Parker Sawyer. Shirley was a member of Salem United Methodist Church and is preceded in death by her brother, Olen Clifford Sawyer.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Stevie Joe Franklin; sons, Shannon Ernest Franklin (Christine) and Steven Wade Franklin (Lori); 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and special cousins, Jack and Jan Sawyer.

Shirley adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11am Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Salem United Methodist Church. Reverends Drew Nix and Kent Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in Clark's Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Monday, April 20, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org

View Shirley Katherine Franklin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/17/2026

If you have a loved one entering hospice care, there are likely many questions on your mind about their care. One of those concerns may pertain to medical supplies and equipment. Where do they come from? Does hospice provide them? Click the link to learn more as you prepare to care for your loved one in their final days.

Not sure whether hospice care provides medical equipment and supplies? Check out this article to get your questions answered!

04/16/2026

Elaine Dillingham Willis

Elaine Dillingham Willis was born October 20, 1949, in Barnardsville, NC to E.J. Dillingham and Mary Geneva Lane Dillingham. She spent most of her early life in both Barnardsville and Ohio before settling in Mars Hill following her marriage to Clayton Willis in 1967. Elaine built a family rooted in faith, family, and community.

To many, Elaine was known as a dedicated and hardworking banker, serving faithfully for 37 years with First Citizens Bank and Asheville Savings Bank. She began her career at just 17 years old. Elaine notably became the youngest officer at First Citizens by age of 22. Later, she became Vice President/Director of Internal Auditing at Asheville Savings Bank. This feat is a testament of her determination and work ethic.

To her family, she was known for her steady presence and the unwavering love and joy she found in simple moments, like looking at the mountains, going on drives, solving word puzzles, collecting angels, and watching Elvis Presley. Her greatest joy can be found in her children and grandchildren. She took pride in being a good wife, a loving mother, and a devoted grandmother. Her favorite memories were the day her children and grandchildren were born, and they remained the center of her world.

Elaine was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mars Hill, where she dedicated time serving in many roles, but her favorites were Sunday School teacher and church treasurer. Additionally, she served as the treasurer for the French Broad Baptist Association for many years. Elaine was actively involved in the community, offering her time and talents to local organizations, businesses, and her family throughout the years.

Elaine was the oldest of five siblings, Robin Dillingham Cole, Michael "Mikie" Edward Dillingham, James Woodrow "Woody" Dillingham, and Robert David "John" Dillingham. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Woody Dillingham. Elaine is survived by her other siblings and her beloved husband of over 58 years, Thomas Clayton Willis; her children, Mark Willis and his wife, Traci, and Angel Hilemon and her husband, Bear; her cherished grandchildren, Lane and his wife, Tamara, Connor, Anna Kate, Clay, Caden, and Caleb, and two great granddaughters, Aviya Page and Odette Elaine Willis. She also leaves behind extended family and dear friends who will continue to carry her love and legacy forward.

Elaine passed away on April 15, surrounded by the ones she loved most.

A funeral service will be held at 11am Monday, April 20, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church. Reverend Glenn Graves will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4-6pm Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Abiding Hope and the French Broad Baptist Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

View Mary Elaine Willis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/16/2026

When you select cremation, there are so many benefits to you and your family!

With simple and affordable options, you can choose what’s right for your particular needs. Plus, there’s so much flexibility with cremation, especially regarding how you want to honor your loved one’s life and what kind of final resting place best fits your wishes.

To learn all about the options, give us a call at (828) 680-0287 or visit www.blueridge-funeral-service.com/affordable-cremation-options!

04/16/2026

Betty Jo Maxwell

Betty Jo Reid Maxwell, 90, of Marshall, NC, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She was born July 5th, 1935, in the Long Branch Community of Madison County. She was a member of Long Branch Missionary Baptist Church where she met her true love Samuel Wesley Maxwell when he attended a service at her church and asked to walk her home.

Betty graduated from Marshall High School in 1951. Sam, who had joined the Navy while they were dating, wrote to her mother and requested permission to marry her. Betty flew to California where he was stationed in San Diego, and they married on July 24th, 1952. They lived in California for eight years before returning to North Carolina in 1960. They lived in Asheville before building a house and moving to Marshall in 1973. Betty and Sam celebrated their 70Th wedding anniversary in 2022.

Betty cherished her family with all her heart and they meant the world to her. Sam was truly the love of her life. She treasured her two daughters, and she was a loving grandmother and a doting great-grandmother. Betty was very close to her extended family members who frequently commented on how sweet she was.

Betty loved her Long Branch Missionary Baptist Church family. In earlier years, she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher working with the youth and later in her Adult Women's Class. Many members referred to her as 'Sweet Betty'.

Prior to retirement, Betty was the secretary to the plant manager at Ball Corporation. She also worked for the Forest Service and for Trinity Industries. Later, she dabbled in selling real estate.

Betty's home was her sanctuary and she loved making it more beautiful. She had a knack for decorating. She thoroughly enjoyed working outside tending her flowers. Betty loved spending time on her deck watching the hummingbirds come to the feeders.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Sam, her parents Boyd Reid and Murphy Tweed Reid, brothers Fleet and Troy, and sisters Eva Allen, Thelma Drewnoski, and Sue Catherine Denton. Left here to cherish and carry on her memory are her two daughters Pamela Randolph (Ivan) of Abbeville, SC , Sherri Payne (Monty) of Marshall, NC, grandchildren Nathan Henderson of Greeneville, TN, Kristin Patton (Austin) of Fletcher, NC, Amber Payne of Raleigh, NC, step-grandson Brandon Payne of Durham, NC, two great-granddaughters Harper and Haven Patton, brother Glen Willard Reid (Norma) of Rutherfordton, NC, a cousin Susie Tweed Goodman (Gene) of Ann Arbor, MI, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverend Steve Honeycutt and Rev. Dr. John Reid will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The family would like to extend heart-felt appreciation to the health providers of Compassionate Care who went over and above in the wonderful care they provided for Betty.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org

View Betty Jo Maxwell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.