Susan Drake Nilsson
June 5, 2024
With her calendar cleared, commitments met, the appointment book free of conflict, and the steady flow of visits from friends, relatives, and former clients slowed to a trickle, our dear Susan, with eyes to the heavens and a view of the beauty and splendor that awaited her, completed her final project, drew her last breath and smiled. She had been aware of her fate for several weeks as the aggressive and painful cancer seized her body and removed her will to fight.
A native of Hendersonville, NC, Susan was blessed to grow up in the best place on earth. A small southern mountain town filled with charm and grace, much of which was transfused into Susan through her parents Walter and Eula Drake, the families of the Hyman Heights community, and the fellowship of First Baptist Church. She was educated in the city schools and graduated from Hendersonville High in 1969 along with a group of lifelong friends who loved her through her final days with a depth of care most of us could only wish for.
During her college years and early career, Susan attended both East Carolina and Western Carolina, worked at Rondesics Leisure Homes Corporation in Asheville, Fireside Antiques in Biltmore Village, and Jon Nilsson Engineering and Construction in Black Mountain. She eventually married Jon, and together they formed a successful partnership, serving clients all over Western North Carolina. After years of attending night school in Cullowhee, Susan earned her BFA in Interior Design from WCU. In 1987, she established Susan Nilsson, ASID Interiors and Design, an award-winning interior design firm. Susan was recognized by the ASID for her excellence in design and consulted with architect Jim Samsel of Asheville on the centerpiece of her career The Ramble Preview Center in Biltmore.
A gracious hostess in any setting, Susan was known to treat everyone with the best she had to offer. On a recent excursion, she was observed feeding the homeless and downtrodden in the style of a southern Tea Party. Complete with tablecloth, flatware, and a floral centerpiece, Susan invited the needy for more than just food, but for the experience of being treated as an honored guest. Family events were usually held at her home or a picnic venue where she always evidenced her talent for making commonplace events memorable.
Susan was predeceased by her husband Rivers Stone, parents Walter and Eula, and brother Walter, Jr. (Chip). She is survived by brother David, nieces Susan Drake Sellew (Wes), Anne Drake Brucato (Ben), Morelia Drake (Alex), nephew Sam Kai Drake, sister-in-law Nancy, great-nieces Millie, Etta and Eva and great nephews Fox, Haile, Jonathan, Leo and Dylan. Ex-husband (1982-2015) Jon Nilsson, his children Katy and Tom, and grandchildren Poppy, Emily, and Erik.
The family appreciates the services provided by the Knox Law firm for the able direction during Susan’s critical months (except for the couch, Susan hated the couch). Our deepest gratitude to those intimate friends who made sure that Susan was never alone and thoroughly loved.
A memorial service will be observed at 3 o’clock on June 26that St John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church. Tributes may be directed to the church or theASID Foundation, 1152 15 St., NW Suite 910, Washington, D.C. 20005.
Joyce Johnson Youngblood
June 7, 2024
Joyce Johnson Youngblood, a cherished resident of Hendersonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024, at Carolina Village.The funeral service to honor Joyce’s life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Fletcher United Methodist Church with Reverend Randy Sherrill officiating.
Pearson Arrowood
May 31, 2024
In the early hours of May 25th at the age of 81, Pearson Arrowood of Hendersonville, NC passed away. He was doing what he enjoyed; sitting on his porch letting the world wake up around him.
He lived a full life in the manner he chose, and he died a peaceful death in the same way. His stories, the love and joy he gave, and his larger-than-life personality will be missed by many.
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Clarence Nolan Laughter, Jr.
May 31, 2024
Clarence Nolan Laughter, Jr., a life-long resident of Henderson County, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Carolina Village. A visitation in honor of Clarence, Jr. will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, May 31, from 6 – 8 pm. Burial will be held privately at a later time at Forest Lawn where he will be laid to rest beside his wife and daughter.
Charlotte "Ann" Ballard Ricketts
May 18, 2024
Charlotte “Ann” Ballard Ricketts, beloved mother, nana, sister, and friend, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 17, 2024. Born on April 14, 1954, she was a lifelong resident of Henderson County, North Carolina, and retired from Pardee Hospital.
Ann was the daughter of the late Albert “Bill” (2012) and Kathleen Middleton Ballard (2015). She was of the Baptist faith and was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy Ricketts (1997), and a grandson, Noah Clinton Jones (2013). Her love and memory will forever live on in the hearts of her surviving family and friends.
Surviving are two sons, Christopher “David’ Jones (Susan) and Andrew Clinton Jones (Summer), and Sister, Audrey Shomper (Jeff); Grandchildren, Zoe Elizabeth Jones, Autumn Leigh Jones, and Andrew Janoah Jones; Nieces Kirsten Saltz Gosnell (Cody); Ashley Lauren Saltz of Hendersonville; Great Nephew, Braylen Cody Gosnell, and Great Niece, Abby Caroline Gosnell.
A private celebration of Ann’s life will be at a date to be determined. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.
Barbara Ann Thompson Harper
May 18, 2024
Mrs. Barbara Ann Thompson Harper, age 82, of Hendersonville, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the Elizabeth House. Born on January 16, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Brownlow Luther Thompson and Annie Kate Pierce Thompson. Mrs. Harper was a graduate of Hendersonville High School and a former member of First Baptist Church. She was an owner and operator of Harper Cycle and Marine in Hendersonville.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Sunday, May 19, 2024, in the Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home with Dwayne Durham officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am at Shuler Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Blue Ridge Memorial Park, 2017 Wilkesboro Blvd., Lenior, NC. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mrs. Harper’s memory to the Caldwell Memorial Hospital Foundation, c/o Katherine Harper Kent Scholarship, 639 Pennton Ave. SW, Lenoir, NC 28645; 828-757-5525.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.
Deborah "Debbie" Gibbs
May 18, 2024
Deborah “Debbie” Gibbs, age 70, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend of Hendersonville, North Carolina, was relieved of her earthly body on the 10th of May 2024, whilst cleaving to the hand of her beloved husband, Johnny Gibbs. Born on July 14, 1953, in Henderson County, North Carolina, Debbie lived a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication.
Following her graduation amongst the first alumni of Blue Ridge Community College, Debbie went on to amass a remarkable nursing career that spanned over 40 years at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville. Her commitment to caring for others touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on those she served.
Debbie was known as an avid reader and beach bum who cherished all animals. Her warmth and kindness radiated in everything she did, bringing joy to those around her.
Debbie is preceded in glory by her parents, Charles and Phalbia Ireson, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her surviving family and friends. Fifty-two years of marriage beget two children, daughter, Angela, son Nicholas; a daughter of the heart, Savannah; and many others. Debbie is also survived by her sister, Renee Lane.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at a later date, and details will be published once finalized.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Gibbs’s memory are asked to consider, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, a cause dear to Debbie’s heart.
