Wells Funeral Homes Inc & Cremation Services - Waynesville

12/19/2025

12/15/2025

Michael Edgar Bohleber

Michael Edgar Bohleber

1/25/1933 – 12/09/2025 Age 92

Michael was born in St. Joseph Michigan to Carl F. Bohleber and Nadine Nichols Bohleber and spent his early years at his family’s estate in Berrien Springs. His father was a Soil Conservationist who managed several Depression Era projects throughout the Southeastern States. A position that moved the family to many locations in Georgia and Florida.

Michael graduated from Brown High School in 1950 in Atlanta Georgia, where he had been an award-winning track star. By being the highest ranking ROTC officer in the Atlanta region, he was granted an appointment to West Point, which he turned down because of his desires to go into the ministry.

Upon the start of WWII, his father was brought back into military service as an Army Air Corps officer and following the war, continued as an Air Force Lt. Col. At age 19, Michael enlisted in the Air Force and because of over-recruiting for the Korean Conflict, served only two years.

He received his bachelors degree in Philosophy and masters in Psychology at the University of Georgia.

He married Elizabeth Beale of Macon Georgia in 1955 and served as the Assistant Dean of Men at the University of Georgia until 1961 when he moved north to earn his Doctorate in Social Psychology at the University of Wisconsin.

His first teaching assignment was at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Ok. Following the higher education system’s re-organizational crisis of the late 60s, he became a Department Head for Health Education and Welfare in Washington D.C.

For the decade of the 70s, he managed mental health facilities in Atlanta Ga. and Jackson Tennessee.

In 1981, he went back to his “first love” of teaching at Georgia Southwestern University in Americus Ga. where he earned tenure as a professor in the Business School. He was active in the Asian Studies Program and kept several Japanese Businessmen in his home over the next ten years, introducing a few of them to his close acquaintance, former President Jimmy Carter of Plains Georgia, just nine miles from Americus. He also was instrumental in growing a collaborative relationship with Business Schools in France, whereby French students, as well as business/factory owners could share best practices and business dynamics between the two countries.

As friends with Millard and Linda Fuller in Americus, he became highly involved with Habitat for Humanity and was a valued carpenter for many mass builds throughout the South.

He retired and moved to Waynesville in 1997.

Michael was a prolific short-story writer, an artist, a master woodworking and cabinet maker (a family tradition), a member of several church choirs, and served as a community volunteer at Haywood Regional Hospital and was awarded Volunteer of the Year at Haywood Christian Ministry. Michael enjoyed white-water canoeing and ran rivers throughout the South for two decades. He was also an avid hiker and logged hundreds of miles on the Appalachian trail and the Muir trail in California.

He was a man of integrity and tried to live Christian values, as he interpreted them. He taught his two sons the practice of Continuous Self-Improvement, as well as artistic appreciation, the love of classical music, woodworking craftsmanship, and the art of staying dry while negotiating class II and III white water.

Michael developed dementia several years ago and lived comfortably until his death at home, being cared for by his son.

He is proceeded in death by his wife Elizabeth of 69 years, two sisters, and his eldest son Michael VI, in 2014. Survived by his son, Carl F. Bohleber II known as Rick and four grandchildren, two of whom serve actively, one in the US Air Force and a one in US Naval Intelligence.

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12/15/2025

Betty Lou Leishear Loun

Betty Lou Leishear Loun, 82, of Waynesville, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025. A native of Fredrick, MD, she was the daughter of the late Chester Miller and Ethyl Mae Zepp Leishear. For several years she was the Executive Secretary for Lauren Shriver at NASA and a member of Long’s Chapel. She and her husband Al went on their first date to a drag race and were married only 3 months afterwards.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Al Sawyer Loun; daughter, Wendy (Ron) Chalmers of Waynesville; son, Victor (Patty) Loun of Colorado Springs; granddaughter, Jade Nichole Loun; grandson, Dakota (Aylah) Christian Loun and two brothers, Jack and Donald Leishear.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, December 19th in the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville with Rev. Christopher Westmoreland officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to FUR (Feline Urgent Rescue) 38 Safe Haven Drive, Waynesville, NC 28785.

The care of Ms. Loun has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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12/11/2025

Mary Sutton Morrow "Marti"

This world lost a truly beautiful soul when Mary (Marti) Sutton Morrow, 61, of Waynesville, peacefully passed away on December 10, 2025.

Known for her kindness, strength, unwavering love, and fun-natured spirit. She touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was the heart of her family, whom she loved dearly, always offering comfort, wisdom, and laughter. She was the life of the party and made friends anywhere she went. She truly cared about those she included in her life.

She leaves behind her son, John Walker Morrow, his wife, Megan Caroline Morrow, and their children, John Bodhi Morrow and Ophelia Naomi Morrow. Her Daughter, Rebeccah Leigh Morrow, her husband, Jordan Kelly Rapert, and their son, Solomon Jude Rapert. Her brother, Samuel Michael (Mike) Sutton, and family, all who will forever cherish her memory and carry forward her legacy of compassion, love, understanding, joy, and fun. She was preceded in death by her father, William (Bill) Mitchell Sutton; her mother, Dortha (Dot) Noland Sutton; and her oldest brother, William Timothy (Tim) Sutton.

Her passions included her kids, grandkids, friends, reading, cooking, being at the beach, helping others, remembering and honoring the past, and of course, Clemson Football. If you knew her, it was Clemson football or nothing. Marti will be remembered for her warm smile, generosity, humor, immense love, and her ability to make you feel incredibly important, and you knew she believed it.

There will be a celebration of life in the warmer months, which she would have appreciated. The family will make the details of the celebration known when the time comes.

View Mary Sutton Morrow "Marti"'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Dorothy Mease McCracken

Dorothy Mae “Dot” Mease McCracken, age 101, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, with her daughter by her side. Dot was born on June 29, 1924, in the Dutch Cove Community of Haywood County to the late Way Medford Mease and Altha Henson Mease.

A lifelong resident of Haywood County, Dot graduated from Bethel High School in 1941 and earned her degree in Home Economics from Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, in 1946. She later attended graduate school at UNC Greensboro. Dot dedicated 25 years to teaching in the Haywood County school system and spent an additional 13 years teaching sewing and basket weaving at Haywood Community College.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lewis; her sister, Nancy Blazer; and her brother, Way Mease Jr.

Dot is survived by her two children: Janet Hassler of Charlotte and Alan McCracken of Murphy; her brother, Charles Mease of Fletcher; her sister, Margaret Husnian of Black Mountain; and her grandson, Kyle Hassler of Lutz, Florida. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Dot was deeply involved in her community and an inspiration to all who knew her. Her many activities included serving as FCC precinct judge in North Clyde and working as an amateur radio operator and instructor. Her faith was central to her life—she was an active member of Clyde First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and participated in the WMU. Her life was a testament to strength, courage, and resilience, having survived polio at the age of two.

Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, crafting, decoupage, counted cross-stitch, rug braiding, basket making, and camping with her amateur radio friends at Standing Indian. She and her husband also enjoyed camping across the country.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Waynesville, NC. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Clyde First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in her memory to First Baptist Church, Clyde, NC, PO Box 356, Clyde, NC 28721.

The family would also like to thank Haywood Hospice for their care and support.

The care of Dorothy has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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12/08/2025

James Robert "Bob" Russell

James Robert “Bob” Russell, 96, of Waynesville, NC, born November 13, 1929, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Lawerence” and Selma Rogers Russell, and sisters, Pauleen, Edith, Edna, Betty Jo, Lois, and Lucille. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Kirkpatrick; his two children, Robert “Dean” Russell and Wren “Gay” Davis; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob lived a rich and generous life defined by hard work, being a good friend to many, helping those who needed help, and a deep love for the Blue Ridge mountains he called home.

Bob proudly served his country as a decorated veteran of the Korean War. His dedication, resilience, and loyalty to his fellow veterans remained a defining point of pride throughout his life. Anytime someone asked him about Korea, he said it was the coldest place he had ever been and that he would be glad to do it all over again if needed. He lived in Louisiana after the war, working for Halliburton in the Gulf. He had many good lifelong friends in Houma, LA, the Marcels and Babins, who were his second family. After returning home to Waynesville, he built a long and respected career as a supervisor at Enka and then at Dayco, where he was known for his strong work ethic, steady leadership, and no-nonsense fairness. Bob was tough when he needed to be—but always fair, always honest, and always respected. His humor was practical and relevant.

Outside of work, Bob lived life with joy and passion. He was well known for his love of fishing, his skill in the kitchen, especially his famous banana pudding and mouth-watering hushpuppies. He loved to cook and watch people eat his cooking, which made him happy. There were never leftovers when he cooked. He especially loved traveling on his fishing trips with his buddies, like A.J. Brown, across America and Canada.

A hobby he especially loved was restoring old cars. He restored a 1953 Mercury, a 1949 panel truck, and many, many more. He enjoyed being part of the Auto Club and showing his restored cars.

He was blessed with a natural musical talent. A gifted musician, he played in many local bands and churches, sharing his love of music with anyone fortunate enough to hear him. Bob had a warm laugh, a playful sense of humor, and a gift for making good times even better. He cherished moments surrounded by friends and family, and stories that grew richer with each telling. But, if you are out of tune, he would let you know in no uncertain terms.

Bob is survived by his loving children, Dean Russell (Thea) and Wren “Gay” Davis (Rick Mull), both of Waynesville, NC. They, along with countless friends and loved ones, will forever remember his strength, his spirit, and the joy he brought into their lives.

We are having a drop-in visitation at his home, 157 Seminole Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786, on December 13, 2025, from 2 pm to 7 pm. Refreshments will be served. Parking is limited; please ride-share. Any stories you would like to share would be appreciated. A military graveside service will be conducted in the spring.

Countless thanks to his close friends, Rick Mull and Ricky Styles, for their tireless assistance, and to his caregivers, especially Teresa Jamison. Special thanks to Gar Cutshaw for playing many musical gigs with him. Even at the end, Gar made time to play with him, as did Ray McElroy.

May his memory continue to inspire laughter, music, and kindness for years to come.

The care of Mr. Russell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville

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12/06/2025

A beloved Christmas tradition has returned to Canton after 30 years, carrying with it a timeless message for the season.

12/06/2025

James "JIM" Thomas Schermerhorn

James “Jim” Thomas Schermerhorn, 96, died on December 1, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center after a period of declining health. He was born on May 13, 1929, in St. Paul, MN to the late James and Edith Thomas Schermerhorn.

During the Korean War Jim served his country as a Staff Seargeant in the USAF at the MATS HQ.

He received his AA from the University of Minnesota; his BA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design followed by an MFA in Printmaking from the University of Iowa. While teaching art at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando he also served as the Chair of the Art Department. Jim, as an adjunct professor, also taught at Seminole Community College in Sanford, FL. Though he was passionate about art, painting in acrylics and oils, he was also an avid daylily grower and hybridizer. His family remembers his love of fishing, cutting Halloween pumpkins for his grandkids, and just being with family.

Upon moving to Waynesville, he became an active member of First United Methodist Church, serving as an usher and member of the grounds committee. Jim traveled extensively to Turkey, Europe, Hawaii, the American Southwest, Alaska, Mexico, Colombia, and Central America.

He leaves behind a family that misses him greatly, including his wife of 59 years, Leora; sons, Charlie (Carol) and Andy (Tatiana); grandchildren, April (Jeff) Sawicki, Adam (Cassidy), Bella, and James; great grandchildren, Bryson and Hunter Sawicki; sisters, Bonnie Pillivant of Cleveland, OH, and Carol Williams of Hendersonville, NC; brother, Dr. Richard (Renee) Schermerhorn of Clermont, FL, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The care of Mr. Schermerhorn has been entrusted by Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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12/05/2025

Mary Chesser

Mary Worlene Gaskins Chesser, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, was born on June 7, 1940, in Gainesville, Florida, to the late Samuel Benton and Nell Smith Gaskins. She peacefully departed from this world on November 1, 2025, in Skyland Valley, Sylva, North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Stevens Chesser, whose absence is felt deeply by all. Together, they shared a lifetime of memories and a bond that transcended time, holding a special place in the hearts of their family.

As a dedicated homemaker, Mary poured her heart and soul into nurturing her family. Her loving and caring spirit created a warm haven for those she held dear. Known for her great sense of humor, Mary could bring a smile to anyone's face, turning even the most mundane moments into cherished memories. Her classic lady demeanor and genuine kindness endeared her to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family meant the world to Mary, and she devoted her life to creating lasting bonds with her loved ones. She is survived by her son, Walter Chesser Jr., and her daughter, Rebeca Gomme, who carry forward her legacy of compassion and strength. The laughter and warmth of her spirit continue to thrive in her grandchildren: Matthew Branson, Kayla Avitable, Walter Chesser III, and Patrick Chesser, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Mary's passions were reflected in the time she spent surrounded by family and friends. Whether it was sharing stories, enjoying a meal, or simply being together, she treasured every moment, always reminding those around her of the importance of love and connection.

In celebrating Mary’s life, we honor her legacy of love, joy, and family values. Though she is no longer with us, her indomitable spirit will continue to guide her family, serving as a reminder of the beauty of life lived with purpose, kindness, and a great sense of humor. She will be profoundly missed but forever cherished. The care of Mary was entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

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