Hendersonville NC Obituaries: Remembering Loved Ones in Our Community

This page features recent obituaries and death notices for Hendersonville, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, as handled by Church Street Funeral Home & Cremation. We are honored to provide this service to our community, helping families announce the passing of their loved ones and share details regarding memorial services.

Patricia Waldrop Billingsley Buck (Pat)

Patricia Waldrop Billingsley Buck, affectionately known as Pat, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Carolina Village Medical Center in Hendersonville, NC, at the remarkable age of 99. Born on December 29, 1925, in Hendersonville, Pat was the daughter of the late Joseph Carroll and Edna Tebeau Waldrop. She spent her formative years in Greenville, NC, after moving there with her parents and brothers, Ed and Howard, in 1933. Pat graduated from Greenville High School in 1943 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina in 1948, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.

In 1953, Pat’s adventurous spirit led her to Houston, Texas, where she contributed her skills to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Love blossomed when she married James Cavitt Billingsley, Jr. (Jake) in 1955. Their life journey took them to Austin, Texas, where Jake served as both a priest and a structural engineer. Austin became their family home, welcoming daughter Mary Carroll and son Robert Howard. Sadly, Robert Howard passed away in infancy, and Pat faced further sorrow with Jake’s passing in 1974.

Resilience and dedication marked Pat’s professional life. She dedicated 13 years to the University of Texas at Austin before returning to Greenville, NC, briefly. Hendersonville called her back in 1989, and she remarried Arthur C. Buck, who predeceased her. In 2002, she found community and comfort at Carolina Village, where she resided until her passing.

Pat’s life was rich with engagement and service. She was deeply involved in Carolina Village activities and a devoted member of St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville. Her passion extended to preserving the Waldrop Family home, Maple Grove, a cherished piece of Hendersonville history.

Pat’s legacy continues through her daughter, Mary Carroll Billingsley Brandt of Clinton, Iowa; stepson James Cavitt Billingsley, III. of Llano, Texas; granddaughters and grandsons; great-grandsons; and nieces and nephews, including Edna Waldrop, Judy Rhodes, Carol Harper (Earl), Ann Evans, Trisha Doyle (Charlie), and Joe Waldrop (Kathie); and stepdaughter, Suzanne Buck Hardwick (Bob).

A memorial service honoring Pat’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. James Episcopal Church, located at 766 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Following the service, her ashes will be interred in the St. James memorial garden. The family invites friends to join them in the fellowship hall at St. James after the interment.

For those wishing to honor Pat’s memory, memorial contributions can be made to the Carolina Village Employee Appreciation Fund at 600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to St. James Episcopal Church.

Betty Jackson Baker

Betty Jackson Baker, a beloved resident of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully at Pardee Hospital on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on April 3, 1927, in Hendersonville, Betty was the daughter of Rupert and Marguerite Jackson. She was predeceased by her parents, her son, Terry Franklin Baker, and her husband of 61 years, F. Richard “Dick” Baker, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

Betty was a proud 1945 graduate of Hendersonville High School and continued her education at Furman University in Greenville, SC, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Education. Her active involvement at Furman included serving on the Student Council, Social Standard Board, as a class officer, and as President of the Women’s Athletic Association. Demonstrating her caring nature early on, she volunteered at the Shriners’ Hospital for Children in Greenville during her university years.

Betty dedicated her professional life to education, teaching in Greensboro, NC, Altavista, VA, Randleman, NC, St. James Episcopal Church School for Little Folks, and Hendersonville City Schools. Beyond teaching, Betty and her husband Dick were entrepreneurs, owning and operating Hendersonville Credit Bureau, Hendersonville Business Services, and Baker Realty. They also co-established the House of Towels with Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Parmele, showcasing their diverse talents and community involvement.

Mrs. Baker was deeply engaged in community service, serving as past president of P.E.O. Chapter O and a member of the Pilot Club. She volunteered with the Henderson County Chapter of the American Red Cross and the United Way of Henderson County, always ready to lend a hand.

Known for her warm personality, Betty “never met a stranger” and possessed a wonderful sense of humor and an ever-present smile. She was the epitome of a devoted wife, mother, and daughter, providing care across generations of her family. Betty’s love for animals was profound, from childhood horseback riding to traveling with her daughter for dog agility trials. She enjoyed traveling, finding peace and joy in walking on the beach and collecting seashells. Betty’s long and fulfilling life was a testament to her kindness, generosity, and love for those around her.

Betty is survived by her son, Richard Gary Baker and his wife Hope, of Winnsboro, SC, and her daughter, Karen Elizabeth Baker, of Hendersonville, who will cherish her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to a charity of one’s choice, reflecting Betty’s spirit of giving.

John Lee Freeman

John Lee Freeman, 88, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, formerly of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Born on January 1, 1936, in Edneyville, NC, John was the son of the late Walter Lee Freeman and Ida Barnwell Freeman. He shared 63 years of loving marriage with his wife, Dolores Greig Freeman. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, deeply cherished by his family and friends.

John’s pursuit of knowledge led him to NC State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Ceramic Engineering in 1957, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning membership in Theta Tau and Army ROTC. Following graduation, he honorably served in the United States Army and Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery until 1965. His professional journey began at Harbison-Walker Refractories in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1970, John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Cer-Met, Inc. in Charlotte, NC, specializing in refractory materials for the growing steel industry in the southeastern US. He remained the owner and president of Cer-Met until his passing, demonstrating his lifelong dedication and leadership.

In 2015, John was deservedly inducted into the inaugural class of the Materials Science and Engineering Hall of Fame at NC State. He generously served on the Materials Science and Engineering External Advisory Board and the NC State Engineering Foundation Board of Directors. John and Dolores’ commitment to education and research is further exemplified by their endowment of the Walter and Ida Freeman Distinguished Professorship at NC State.

John’s early life in a log cabin near Clear Creek in the Blue Ridge Mountains during the Great Depression instilled in him values of hard work and perseverance. From his mother’s Appalachian looper rugs to his family’s large apple orchard and packing house, John learned the value of labor and giving back. His philanthropic contributions throughout his life reflected this deeply held belief.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors, John enjoyed gardening, golf, travel, and fishing and boating at their Lake Tillery home. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially during their annual family beach vacations.

John is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Freeman of Harrisburg, NC; daughter, Karen (John) Bisi of Apex, NC; son, John Freeman (Michelle Mastenbrook) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Alex (Anna) Bisi and Lauren Bisi; great-grandson, John Michael Bisi; sisters, Elizabeth Enloe and Patricia Freeman (Chip Webster); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean Freeman Lancaster.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edneyville, NC, at a later date. For those wishing to honor John’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1669 St. Paul’s Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is assisting the Freeman family with arrangements. Church Street Funeral Home is providing this obituary listing as a community service.

Therese Louise McGannon

Therese Louise McGannon, known to many as “Terri,” passed away on October 8, 2024, in Augusta, ME, at the age of 74, after a decade-long battle with a neurological degenerative disease. Born on August 28, 1950, in Norwalk, CT, Terri was the third daughter in a large Irish Catholic family of 10, daughter of the late Bob and Rita McGannon.

Terri was an introspective and artistic soul with a passion for beauty in art and nature. She earned a BA in Art from West Chester University and became a skilled stained glass artist and a southern-zone certified master gardener. While she later became a CPA to support her family, her true passions remained in aesthetics and the natural world. She resided in Mills River, NC, and St. Petersburg, FL, as well as cherished homes in China, ME, and Sanibel Island, FL, throughout her life.

Adventure and discovery were central to Terri’s life. She hitchhiked across Europe, India, and Afghanistan in her 20s and continued to travel extensively throughout her life, with her last adventure being a trip to Alaska in 2019 with her siblings. Her interests spanned history, geology, and culture.

Deeply introspective, Terri explored Buddhism early in life, served on the Unity Church board as Treasurer, and was an active and dedicated member of AA, holding local and regional offices and serving as Treasurer for her NC group.

Terri is survived by her two daughters, Whitney Cail Arsenault and Marianna Cail Whitaker, both residents of Maine; 5 grandchildren; and 7 siblings. She will be fondly remembered for her quiet attentiveness and wry sense of humor by many friends and family.

Condolences for Terri’s siblings may be shared via Shauvon Powell at [email protected], and for her daughters, Whitney at [email protected] and Marianna at [email protected].

Patricia Bieterman, 97, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 10/30/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Barbara Logsdon, 72, of Zirconia, NC, passed away on 10/31/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Jefferson Bruton, 85, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 11/02/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation Service. Service at Church Street Funeral Chapel Nov 9, 11 am.
Stephen Vickness, 78, of Etowah, NC, passed away on 10/21/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Leonard Lemmons, 85, of Mills River, NC, passed away on 10/21/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Burial: Oct 31 at 2 pm, First Baptist Hendersonville.
Jenny Flingos, 95, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 10/22/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Joan Sitton, 87, of Mills River, NC, passed away on 10/24/24. Service at Mills River United Methodist Church. Burial: Nov 6 at 2 pm, Mills River United Methodist Cemetery.
Xan Hicks, 92, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 10/17/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Oct 24 1pm at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church.
Sherry Almond, 75, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 10/19/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Pamela Sacco, 80, of Laurel Park, NC, passed away on 10/16/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Philip Lartey, MD, 57, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 9/21/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Oct 12 10am at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Shepherd Memorial Park.
Campbell Boyd, 79, of Flat Rock, NC, passed away on 9/24/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Oct 12 1pm at St James Episcopal.
Samuel Evatt, 75, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 9/25/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Barbara Hunnicutt, 88, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 10/1/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Virgil Paris, 76, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 9/30/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Oct 11 11am at Church Street Chapel, Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Albert Chavez, 75, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 10/2/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Sonja Richards, 85, of Clyde, NC, passed away on 9/29/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Jeffrey Overbagh, 65, of Etowah, NC, passed away on 9/16/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Stephanie Bradshaw, 74, of Etowah, NC, passed away on 9/13/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Alan Kaufman, 81, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 09/01/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Shelva Corn, 68, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 09/02/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Oct 6 2pm at Shepherd Memorial Park.
Lana Jones, 81, of Etowah, NC, passed away on 09/05/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Sept 21 2pm at Church Street Funeral Chapel.
Charlotte Hoots, 94, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 09/05/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Sept 11 11am at Shepherd Memorial Park.
Helen Lawrence, 91, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 09/05/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Sept 13 11am at Shepherd Memorial Park.
Elizabeth Brown, 96, of Austin, TX, passed away on 09/05/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Margie Reece, 83, of Arden, NC, passed away on 8/29/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Sept 3 2pm at Church Street Chapel, Shepherd Memorial Park.
Margarida Schmieder, 77, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 8/24/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Helen Hagen, 87, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 8/24/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Leonard Wood, III, 82, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 8/12/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Allen Kimzey, 85, of Mills River, NC, passed away on 8/16/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Aug 20 1pm at Mill Pond Cemetery.
Carol Anderson, 87, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 8/6/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Aug 30 2pm at Church Street Funeral Chapel.
Pierre Fleurant, III, 96, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 8/10/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Shelia Jane McMinn Harper, passed away on July 13, 2024. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Reception for family and friends Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 2:22 pm until 4:44 pm at Church Street Funeral and Cremation.
Jerry “Dave” Duggin, 86, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 7/31/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation. Service Aug 17 2pm at Church Street Funeral Chapel.
Lorraine Cochrane, 75, of Hendersonville, NC, passed away on 7/31/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.
Carol Taylor, 77, of Fletcher, NC, passed away on 7/24/24. Arrangements by Church Street Funeral & Cremation.

Pamela Knight Sacco

Pamela Knight Sacco, a remarkable musician, philanthropist, and dedicated volunteer, passed away peacefully at her Hendersonville home on October 16, 2024, from natural causes, at the age of 80. Born in Miami, Florida, in 1944, Pamela was the daughter of artist Thomas Ansel Knight and singer Genevieve Harris Knight. She pursued her education at Coral Gables High School and the University of Miami, where she earned a degree in elementary education and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Pamela furthered her studies at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Master’s degree in Medical Record Administration, setting the stage for her impactful career and community contributions.

While working as a medical record administrator at Saint Agnes Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Pamela met her husband, Dr. John Russell Sacco, an internist and geriatric medicine specialist. Drawn to a milder climate and with fond memories of family vacations near Saluda, Pamela and Russell relocated to Hendersonville, where they built a fulfilling life together. Pamela expertly managed Russell’s medical practice, becoming an integral part of his professional success and their shared life in Hendersonville.

Inspired by Russell’s dedication to healing and her own healthcare administration background, Pamela became a powerful advocate for local healthcare. She volunteered with the Henderson County Medical Auxiliary, eventually becoming president of the NC Medical Auxiliary. Pamela was a driving force behind the formation of Friends of Children United Services (FOCUS), a vital organization providing victim-centered care for sexual abuse victims, later merging into Safelight. Her innovative fundraising efforts included organizing the “JAWbones vs. SAWbones” basketball game, bringing together doctors and lawyers to support this crucial cause.

Pamela was instrumental in realizing Russell’s vision of a free clinic for the uninsured in Henderson County. The first free clinic opened in 2001, and Pamela tirelessly fundraised and contributed to its growth, ensuring its continued service even after Russell’s passing.

Pamela’s community involvement extended to conservation efforts in the Green River Gorge area, near her childhood mountain cabin. She played a key role in conserving over 200 acres of land in partnership with Conserving Carolina, preserving natural beauty for future generations.

A gifted musician, Pamela played oboe and English horn in the Hendersonville Symphony, Brevard Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony, and Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra, also serving on the Hendersonville Symphony Board. Driven by a passion for the performing arts, she championed the creation of a performing arts center in Hendersonville, initiating an architectural competition to bring this vision closer to reality, raising community awareness for the need of such a venue.

Pamela’s extensive volunteer work and generous support touched numerous nonprofits in the Hendersonville area. Her unwavering commitment and persuasive nature made her a force for positive change in her community. Beyond her public service, Pamela was a devoted friend, aunt, great-aunt, stepmother, and step-grandmother, known for her constant expressions of care and support for loved ones. She provided exceptional care for Russell during his declining health, admired by all who knew her.

Pamela is survived by her sister, Connie Knight (Richard Johnson); nephew, Jordan Glassman (Beth Bennett), and grand-nephew River Bennett Glassman; niece, Ariel Glassman (Dan Davidson); niece Elisabeth Edwards (Josh Wainwright), and grand-niece Alexandria Edwards-Wainwright; stepson Russell Sacco Jr.; step-grandchildren Craig Sacco (Julia Sacco) and Stacy Sacco; stepsons Geoffrey Sacco and Jon Sacco (Cathy Sacco); step-granddaughters Emma Sacco and Allie Sacco; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, and countless friends. She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Karen Estelle Knight.

A celebration of Pamela’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Safelight, the Hendersonville Symphony, or Conserving Carolina, continuing Pamela’s legacy of community support.

Church Street Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sacco family.

Elizabeth deRosset Maybank Guérard Wright

Elizabeth “Libby” deRosset Maybank Guérard Wright, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community. Her funeral service was held on Friday, August 9 at St. Philip’s Church in Charleston, SC, followed by inurnment in the churchyard.

Born on February 8, 1931, in Charleston, South Carolina, Libby was the youngest daughter of the late U.S. Senator Burnet Rhett Maybank and Elizabeth deRosset Myers Maybank. She attended schools in Charleston and Columbia and graduated from the Holton-Arms School in Washington, D.C., in 1949. She furthered her education at Winthrop College and the University of South Carolina.

Libby cherished her childhood summers in Flat Rock, North Carolina, particularly her time at Highland Lake. She enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, hiking Glassy Mountain, and picnicking. Sundays were spent at St. John in the Wilderness Church, where she and her friend, Alicia Rhett Walker, sang in the choir.

A member of St. Michael’s Church in Charleston, Libby moved to St. Philip’s Church upon marrying Theodore Bogert Guérard in 1956, becoming deeply involved in church activities, including the nursery, sewing communion kneelers, the church bazaar, the soup kitchen, and the Canterbury House. She also served on the board of The Women of St. Philip’s Church.

Libby was a dedicated preservationist, playing a crucial role in organizing the Save Charleston Foundation to protect historic buildings from demolition in the 1970s. Her efforts were instrumental in raising community awareness and successfully halting demolition. She received the Three Sisters Award from Charleston’s Committee to Save the City for her preservation work.

Family was central to Libby’s life. She cherished summers fishing and crabbing in Rockville and fall weekends in Flat Rock with Theodore and their children. As “Yubby,” she adored her grandchildren and shared cherished stories.

Libby’s extensive volunteer work included memberships in numerous historical and community organizations. After Theodore’s passing in 1997, she married Capt. Richard “Dick” Taliaferro Wright in 1999, who passed away in 2022.

She is survived by her children: Elizabeth Guérard Parker (Donald), Anne Guérard Coletta (Paul), and Russell Guérard (Tara); grandchildren: Elizabeth Parker Doddington (Everitt), Donald Frost Parker, Jr. (Courtney), John Coletta, Aiken Guérard, Myers Guérard, and Lila Guérard; great-grandchildren: Walker and Teddy Doddington; and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Dick’s children and their families.

Memorials may be made to St. Philip’s Church, St. John in the Wilderness Church, or the Charleston Museum. J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel assisted with arrangements. Church Street Funeral Home is providing this obituary as a community service announcement.