All Obituaries

Michael Dane “Butch” King, age 62, of Swannanoa passed away Saturday, July 30, 2022 after battling Stage 4 lung cancer. He attended Erwin High and joined the US Air Force in 1977 after being a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. Mike worked many years in the sign business and was a neon craftsman. He was a life long motorcycle enthusiast and mechanic. He loved his 2 stroke Yamaha street bikes, watching MOTO GP and Valentino Rossi. He worked for several local motorcycle shops and...

Beverly Joan Scavelli Jones, 85, peacefully passed away Friday, July 22, 2022 in the loving care of Solace Hospice Center. She was born November 21, 1936 in New Jersey, and lived in Pennsylvania for many years before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida.  Beverly then moved to Asheville and fell in love with the mountains. Beverly was very involved with the community and loved to assist people in finding affordable housing.   She attended Jubilee Church in Asheville and...

Adrian Romero-Valdez, 19, of Asheville, NC passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022. He was born on March 5, 2003 to Laura Valdez and Omar Romero. He worked as a painter and at Blaze Pizza. He was funny, smart and brave. He had great faith in Jesus and shared that love especially with his mother and brother, Omar, Jr., and his sisters Daisy, Victoria and Karen Romero. Left to cherish his memory is his grandmother Alicia Valdez, uncles Samuel, Eugenio Jr., Cesar, Francisco, and Ricardo Valdez,...

Eric Laurilla of Asheville, NC and recently Unicoi, TN passed away in early June at the age of 58.  He would love to be remembered for his tender heart and willingness to help a fellow person in need.  “The Prince of Pritchard Park” was an original member of Haywood Street Congregation (you can see him on the fresco with a crutch under his arm and his other hand on his friend’s shoulder).  His intellect and charm were inspiring, comforting, and just as...

Our beloved Claudia Annette Hudson, born July 2, 1939, aged 82, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2022. A long-time resident and native of Asheville, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Claude Roy Tabor and Janice Brigman Tabor. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Hudson Sluder and her husband Karl of Montross, VA; her son, Hadley Littleton Hudson and his wife Simona of Lynchburg, Va: her brother James Brigman Tabor and wife Karan of Weaverville, NC., She is also survived by...

Paul “Michael” Freeman of Weaverville, NC passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022. Michael was born on August 7, 1970, to Paul Freeman and the late Shirley Jean Metcalf Freeman. Michael is also survived by his son, David Freeman; daughter, Navada Thorne and husband Joshua; brothers, Johnny Freeman and wife Shannon and Scott Freeman and wife April; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. at...

Alvin Edward Usery, 87, passed away on April 22, 2022 at his residence in Asheville, NC to the loving arms of his Lord. He was born in Henderson County to the late James Wade Usery and Hessi Ruth Usery. Alvin served in the United States Navy. He enjoyed spending time with his dogs and cates. Alvin loved playing golf and softball. He also loved using his snow plow when it snowed for the businesses in Gastonia. He was self employed as a hair stylist and operator of 3 salons. He was a master...

John Randall, Jr., 77, passed away on Tuesday April 5th 2022 and entered into the arms of his Lord and Saviour. John was born November 1, 1944 to the late John Randall Sr. and Louise Decker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Elizabeth Brackett and brother, Steve Randall.  Surviving is daughter, Ann Randall and significant other, Edmond Leduke; son, John Carl Randall; grandson, Jacob Randall; sister, Alice Campbell. Service for Mr. Randall...

Jerry A. Kotulla MD died unexpectedly on March 29, 2022 in Asheville, North Carolina.  He was born in Chicago, IL on January 9, 1949.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert J. Kotulla and Katherine M. Kotulla (Simon) and his brother Sgt. Michael J. Kotulla (Vietnam).  Jerry is survived by his sister, Wendy M. Kotulla (Lori K. Rieth) and numerous friends and extended family.   For almost 25 years Jerry practiced Pain Management medicine in Johnson City, TN and...

Linda Ann (Peden) Simmons departed to heaven on January 13, 2022. She was born on December 20,1946 in Asheville, NC, and blessed to have two sets of parents who loved her. Birthparents the late Frank and Verdelle Peden and adopted parents after the passing of her parents, the late George and Annie B. Simmons. Linda was a member of St. John Church of God Holiness and a volunteer with her granddaughter’s non-profit organization C.H.A.N.G.E –N.C. She was an amazing woman. Sweet,...