Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Inc.

10/24/2026

Shenna Faye Poteat

Shenna Faye Poteat, 56, of Asheville, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 22, 2026. She was born July 19, 1970 to the late Ernest and Wanda Shelton Poteat. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Travis Poteat.

Shenna enjoyed working as a waitress for several area restaurants.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Clayton Riddle; daughter, Casey Sain; brothers, Ernest Poteat (Suzi) and Jerry Poteat; several grandchildren; father and mother in-law, Jerry and Alvaina Riddle; brother-in-law, Clifford Riddle; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 27, 2026 in Turkey Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 2206 Bear Creek Rd. Leicester. Rev. Mark Caldwell will officiate.

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

View Shenna Faye Poteat's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/24/2026

Wanda Austin Carter

Wanda Austin Carter, 80, of Mars Hill, North Carolina, peacefully passed from this life into her heavenly home on October 22, 2026. Born on June 19, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Beulah Caldwell Austin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clyde Carter, who passed away on July 13, 2026.

Wanda was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. As a loving homemaker, she dedicated much of her life to caring for those she held dear, creating a home filled with warmth and love. She also served her community for many years as a school bus driver for Madison County Schools, safely transporting generations of children. Wanda especially enjoyed trips to the beach, but nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family and making cherished memories with those she loved.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Kim Carson; son, Michael Carter; grandchildren, Kristine Carson and Colby Carson (Madison); and great-granddaughter, Kylee Carson.

A private burial will take place at Beech Glen Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

View Wanda Austin Carter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/23/2026

Did you know that Halloween may cause grief triggers in some people? To learn more about 3 Halloween grief triggers and what you can do to prepare for them and navigate through them, click the link!

For some people, Halloween can trigger grief and other complicated emotions. Click to learn about 3 grief triggers and how to navigate them.

10/22/2026

Bula Edwards Payne

Bula Edwards Payne, 89, of Alexander, passed away peacefully at her home of 46 years, on October 20, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. She was born on January 28, 1937, and was the daughter of the late Bernard and Lillie Coffey Edwards. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Clifford Payne, who passed away in 2023; her beloved twin sister, Eula Cordell, with whom she is now joyfully reunited. The two shared an extraordinary bond throughout their lives, enjoying countless cherished moments together, whether shopping, attending church, traveling, or simply sharing in the joys of everyday life. Their special connection was one of love, companionship, and a lifetime of treasured memories. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Young; and brothers, Floyd Edwards and Attley Edwards.

Bula was a lifelong and devoted member of Old Bull Creek Missionary Baptist Church, where her father, Bernard Edwards and brother, Floyd Edwards both served as deacons. Her faith and church family held a special place in her heart. She was formerly employed at Microswitch. She enjoyed working in her yard and taking care of her beautiful flowers.

Above all, Bula cherished her family and the precious moments spent with those she loved. Her memory will forever be treasured by the many generations of family she leaves behind.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Teressa Roberson (Richard) and Deena Fortune; son, Donald Payne (Tanya); grandchildren, Jason Payne (Stacie) and Matthew Payne (Taylor), Shawn Roberson (Jessica) and Christopher Roberson (Amanda); Nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lisa Mundy, her church buddy, and friends, Francis, Kathy and Rosa Lee.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in the chapel of Old Bull Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall. Reverend Kenneth Pack, Brother Joel Fox, and Brother Eddie Fox will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Payne, Matt Payne, Christoper Roberson, Blake Roberson, Bryce Payne, and Joseph Roberson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

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

View Bula Edwards Payne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/22/2026

The time after losing a loved one is stressful and filled with emotion, which can lead to family disagreements – especially if the deceased’s wishes are unclear.

By preplanning your funeral, you make sure that your family knows your wishes. That way, when the time comes, all the decisions will already be made, and your family will have peace of mind knowing your wishes are being followed.

To learn more about preplanning, give us a call at (828) 680-9963. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

10/21/2026

Kenneth Wayne Hipps

Kenneth Wayne Hipps, 54, of Easley, SC, passed away October 18, 2026. He was a son of Kenneth Hipps and the late Phyllis Capps Sykes.

Kenny will be remembered as a loving father, loyal friend, and dedicated public servant who spent more than 30 years of his life helping others. Throughout his career as a firefighter, paramedic, and police officer, he served his community with courage, compassion, and an unwavering sense of duty.

A man of quiet confidence and steady character, Kenny possessed a natural sense of authority but never took life too seriously. A class clown at heart, he was quick with a joke, always ready with a funny story, and often the first to laugh at his own humor. He took great pride in his career and the lifelong friendships and brotherhood he shared with his fellow first responders.

Outside of his years of service, Kenny enjoyed hiking, the outdoors, woodworking, reading, and the simple pleasures of a quiet life. He was endlessly curious, always finding a new hobby or interest to pursue.

Above all, Kenny was a devoted father who led by example. He was a steady hand in uncertain times, a trusted source of guidance, and someone his children could always count on. His unexpected passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved him.

Kenny's legacy will live on through his family, his friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his years of service. He will be remembered for his honesty, compassion, generosity, and, perhaps most of all, his wonderful sense of humor.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his daughter, Gracen Hipps; son Grant Hipps; and brother Kevin Hipps.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, October 30, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the NC Arboretum Veranda and Plants of Promise Lawn. Sharing of stories will begin at 5:00 pm, if you have one please be prepared to share with everyone.

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

View Kenneth Wayne Hipps's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/21/2026

Catherine Chandler Higgins

Catherine Chandler Higgins (Nanny), 74, of Alexander, N.C., formerly of Marshall, N.C., passed from this life to her heavenly home on October 17, 2026.

She was the daughter of the late Eugene and Velma Shelton Chandler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Larry and Carl Chandler; sister-in-law, Adale Chandler; and a great-granddaughter, Lily Jo McFalls.

Catherine was a homemaker who dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. To know her was to know a friend. She never met a stranger. She loved everybody and welcomed them with open arms as family and always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed her daily routine of talking to her family and friends on the phone, as well as spending time with her fur baby, Shelby Lynn (Cat).

Left to cherish her memories are her son, LeeRoy Higgins (Erika); her daughters, Lindy Embler (Tony) and Shirley Burleson (Daniel), whom she resided with for the past 22 years: grandchildren, Tyler Emory (Samara), Cody Emory (Dayanne), Hannah Higgins, Sammy Webb, CJ McFalls (Jessie), Jessika Clements (Jake), Tucker Hensley (Bianca), Amber Rogers (Delane), and T.J. Embler (Karissa); great-grandchildren, Leo Emory, Jehovanni Reynoso, Jaxson McFalls, Samuel and Abigail Clements, Benjamin Brodan, Greyson Rogers, Kelli, Maci, and Lexi Embler; her brothers, Jimmy Chandler, Alfred Chandler (Billie), and Ricky Chandler (Anita); sisters-in-law, Janice Chandler and Trish Chandler; as well as 18 nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are a bonus brother, David Worley; bonus daughters, Sheena Shook (her baby girl) and Christy Gentry; and many more she considered her own. Also, a special person, Jason Price (her purdy boy).

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, October 23, 2026, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Reverend Jimmy Dean Hensley will officiate. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory, Asheville. Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Emory, Cody Emory, Sammy Webb, Jehovanni Reynoso, Tony Embler, and Daniel Burleson; and honorary pallbearer, Jason Price.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service to assist the family with the final expenses.

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

View Catherine Chandler Higgins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/19/2026

10/16/2026

Kevin Lewis Boone

Kevin Lewis Boone, 53, of Barnardsville, passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Born on April 19, 1973, in Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Richard Boone and Helen Banks Boone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Carolyn Ball; and brothers, Sammy Kate Ball, Larry Dean Ball, and Donald Shelby Ball.

Kevin was a kind, loving, and tenderhearted man who had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially searching for rocks and discovering garnets. He also took great pride in his ability to work with stone, particularly laying rock. Above all, Kevin cherished his family. He held a special place in his heart for his son, his beloved mama, and those closest to him. His love for animals, especially cats, was another reflection of his gentle and compassionate nature. Kevin will be remembered for his warm heart, his love for his family, and the simple joys that brought him happiness.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Christopher Boone; brothers, Gary Douglas Ball (Janice) and Willie Jerald Ball; sisters, Patricia Elaine Medford, Sandra Ball Hensley and Pamela Ball Anthony (Kenny); along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

"Mama, that black cloud is comin' down. Feels like I'm knocking on heaven's door. I'm shedding tears because I'm missing you, but I'm still alright to smile."

Though Kevin's passing leaves a profound sadness in the hearts of those who loved him, his memory will live on through the special moments shared, the love he gave, and the lives he touched.

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

View Kevin Lewis Boone's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/16/2026

If you've lost your spouse or partner, cooking for just yourself can be difficult at first. Read this article for some helpful tips and resources for cooking for one while you're grieving.

If you've lost your spouse or partner, it's normal to struggle with cooking for one. Here are tips for cooking for yourself while grieving.