Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Inc.

09/04/2026

When we lose a loved one to su***de or overdose, so many different emotions swirl through us and societal pressures unnerve us. But you should be able to simply grieve for your loss. Check out this article to learn more about common emotional reactions to su***de or overdose loss and how to navigate them successfully.

It seems like it’s all over the news. The opioid crisis is ravaging communities. Another celebrity dies of an overdose. Another teenager takes his own life. Grief is always hard...

08/31/2026

Ruby Jane Franklin

Ruby Jane Franklin, a longtime resident of Alexander, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at Bear Mountain Health and Rehabilitation.

Ruby grew up in the Woodfin community and attended Erwin High School, graduating with the Class of 1959. She later met and married Herb Franklin in a small, intimate gathering on June 30, 1962. Herb and Ruby spent many years together on the baseball fields, enjoying time with family and friends and traveling to visit Cades Cove in Tennessee. They were often at The Depot in Marshall, listening to bluegrass music on Friday nights. They enjoyed a full life together for 36 years, until Herb's passing in 1998.

Ruby was a homemaker and later worked part-time as the site manager for Mashburn Gap Apartments in Marshall for 25 years. During her time there, she became a friend to many residents, assisting with various tasks and taking those without transportation to appointments. Though these acts of kindness were not part of her job description, Ruby was always willing to help someone in need, doing so with genuine compassion and care.

Ruby was quiet by nature, never seeking the spotlight. She was known for her biscuits and hospitality whenever friends or family came to visit. If there were a sixth love language, Ruby's would have been making sure every guest left with a full belly; no one ever left her kitchen hungry.

After Herb's passing, Ruby was gifted painting classes at A-B Tech's Madison Campus. She had a natural artistic ability and enjoyed learning and creating landscape scenes filled with God's beauty.

A longtime member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Ruby's faith was an important part of her life and a source of strength throughout the years.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Franklin; her son, Jarrod Franklin; her parents, James Jones and Sarah Jones; her brother, James Jones; and her sister, Lillian Metcalf.

She is survived by her son, Mikey Franklin and his wife, Adrienne; her grandchildren, Austin Franklin, son of the late Jarrod Franklin, and Case and Millie Franklin, children of Mikey and Adrienne; and her brother, Clyde Jones and his wife, Kay.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Flint Hill Cemetery in Ruby's memory at 121 Bermuda Lane, Inman, SC 29349.

A private graveside service will be held for the family, with Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service assisting the family. Reverend Larry Sprouse will officiate.

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

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

08/31/2026

08/30/2026

All around us, people are hurting, and today is about acknowledging and honoring their struggle. Be aware of the people around you and the battle they may be facing. Freely spread kindness and compassion throughout your day, everywhere you go.

08/28/2026

Have you decided to preplan for your funeral wishes but aren't sure how to talk to your family about it? This article discusses tips and talking points for sharing your funeral wishes with your children and loved ones.

Not sure how to tell your family about your funeral plans? Here are 7 steps to having a positive conversation about your final wishes.

08/27/2026

Sophronia Henderson Green

Sophronia Ann Henderson Green, 88, of Marshall, North Carolina, passed away in the early morning of August 26, 2026. She was born May 28, 1938, to the late Jack Winford and Martha Buckner Henderson.

Raised on Walnut Creek in Marshall, Sophronia's life reflected the strength and generosity of her Appalachian roots. She learned early on the importance of family, hard work and caring for others-values she carried throughout her life.

Sophronia was deeply devoted to her family and found joy in gardening, growing flowers on the family farm, and spending time with her animals. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With a light in her eyes and a generous spirit, she had a way of making those around her feel welcomed and cared for.

In addition to her parents, Sophronia was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Green, who passed away in 2006; her son, Chuck Green; and her brothers, Johnny and Clement Henderson.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Green; sister, Doris Roberts (Ronald); grandchildren, Aubrey Baldwin (Clay), Chase Green, Alyse Roy (Spencer), and Kelsey Green (Tommy Koloski); and three great-grandchildren, Lincoln Roy, Salix Koloski, and Acer Koloski, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sophronia also cared deeply for her beloved dog, Prissy, who spent time with her on the farm.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Henderson Cemetery in Marshall, North Carolina.

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

View Sophronia Henderson Green's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/25/2026

Velma Jean Bradley Hall

Velma Jean Bradley Hall, 84, Weaverville, NC passed away, August 24, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Nola Juanita Ballard Bradley.

Velma is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dean Hall; stepson, Robert Hall (Karen); stepdaughter, Pam Hall; sisters, Janet Grace and Martha Messer (Bill); grandchildren, Sydney, Mitchell and Samantha Hall, Cassie McKinney and Kyle Walker; six great grandchildren; a niece, Heather Knupp (Matt); and a great nephew, Jordan Roberts.

A graveside service will be held 2:00pm Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Mt. Sheba Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Steve Rhinehart will officiate.

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

View Velma Jean Bradley Hall's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/24/2026

Patricia Elaine Roberts

Patricia Elaine Roberts, 67, of Asheville, NC passed away, Sunday August 23, 2026. She was the daughter of the late, James and Nevada Davis Roberts. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Roberts; sister, Sherry Roberts and a brother, Mike Roberts.

Patricia is survived by her son, Kenny Roberts (Jodie); father of her children, Ed Roberts, sisters, Diane Price (Leonard) and Pam Greer; grandchildren, Jacob Shelton, Colby and Austin Roberts, and Roni Moffitt; Aunts, Geneva Massey and Gail Cutshall; several nieces and nephews and a special friend, Melissa Rice.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in the chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Rev. Ken Parker will officiate. The burial will follow in the Arrington Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12-2:00pm prior to the service.

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

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

08/22/2026

Gene Everett Allman

Gene Everett Allman 77, of the Flat Creek community died Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at his home. Gene was born on March 5, 1949 in Buncombe County to the late Arthur Miles and Bonnie Ball Allman.

Gene was preceded in death by his two brothers, Norman Allman and Gerald Allman, his neighbor and dear friend Rev. Roy Shepherd. He was a 1967 graduate of NB High School. After finishing school Gene began his career with the NC Department of Transportation, where he retired as a traffic service supervisor in July 2010 after 43 faithful years of service to our state.

Gene was a son, a brother, husband, daddy, granddaddy, brother-in-law, uncle and a friend. We love him and he will be missed. Gene is survived by his wife of 60 years Glenda Allman, daughter April Childers, granddaughter Mackenzie Childers (Jamie), grandson Tyler Childers and great-grandson Case Yount; brother-in-law Tony Clinton; sisters-in-laws, Selt Clinton, Mildred Carver, Barbara Davis and Jackie Clinton. Special niece, Melissa Merrill, that shared his birthday, as well as several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene's final resting place was with his parents and brothers at Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with a private family burial held on Saturday August 22, 2026.

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

View Gene Everett Allman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.