SILVER THREADS

 

Written and Published Online by John Silver Harris

w/contributing articles by various Silver cousins

 

 

Silver Reunion Report by Laura Cowan Cooper

 

The 2009 Silver Reunion is now only a memory, but many new friendships were formed and all who attended had a good time. It was a small gathering and very old-fashioned reunion. We are now looking for ideas for next year’s 2010 Silver Reunion as well as those willing to help. The church rented porta-johns to help with the worry over the aging septic tank being full and we continue to pour rid-x down it followed by lots of prayers. The Kona Missionary Baptist Church is still standing, but if something isn't done about the roof, we will not have any place to meet for the Silver Reunion.

We would like to turn the church into a non-profit corporation and we need help in doing this. Once a non-profit group is formed then the church can start looking for grants and do some active fund raising. Please, if there are any of you that have experience with North Carolina non-profit organizations, please contact me. The church can use all the support and help we can get to undertake this task. I am interested in any help, thoughts, or even a name for this organization.

Also we need help with by-laws, mission statement, and goals. You may contact me email at: lauracowancoooper@comcast.com. If you e-mail, please use KMBC Non-Profit in the subject line. Or you may contact me by phone at or (865) 659-0509. We are at a crossroads with the church and we do need to move on this non-profit status. The basement was good and dry. It cleaned up nicely. The Silver Family has a wonderful archive stored in that basement and we need to do something to preserve our right to use the church as well maybe someday open it up more often. We are at major crossroads with the church, and I ask that you join us in prayer for answers and solutions to our problems.

We devoted the entire 2009 Silver Reunion to just old fashioned visiting, and to reviewing the books that John Silver fixed for the family. We also gathered corrections for future updates. We enjoyed a deli style lunch with a large table of desserts. I did give in and fix sausage, gravy and biscuits since I had so many who begged for me to do this. I fixed the food at Ruth Silver's home, and brought it over to the church kitchen to finish it up. The food was wonderful and the fellowship even better.

 

 

Messages:

 

April Silvers Young in Air Force:

April Silvers Young has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She completed the full Air Force training program and earned distinction as an honor graduate which qualifies her for credits toward an associate degree in applied science at the Community College of the Air Force. She was a 2006 graduate of Murray County High School in Georgia. April is a daughter of Sheila and Willie Silvers of Tennga, Ga., and a niece of Carolyn Silver Sutton of Cave Spring, Ga.

 

David Taylor writes:

A very dear friend of mine in the Silver family died July 13.  Leon Samuel Silver, son of the Rev. Joseph Samuel Silver.

I met Leon when my wife and I attended the funeral of his kinsman, Joe Jack Snyder.  Rev. Sam preached the funeral.  At the cemetery, I met Leon Silver, who invited me to the Silver reunion at Kona.  Leon and his wife, Claudine Delma Coffey Silver, attended the reunion of July 1993.  I took a photo of them in the Silver cemetery at Kona.  Later I went to the courthouse in Boone and had copies of birth certificates of his children and a marriage certificate of his daughter, Mary Dean Silver to Michael Taylor (now deceased). 

After leaving the courthouse in Boone, I visited Leon, Claudine and Rev. Sam in Leon’s home at Blowing Rock. Leon showed me his artwork in frames on one wall in the six-foot hallway and his poems on the other wall. His father died on his 97^th birthday, and I attended the funeral at Grandview Baptist Church where he was pastor at one time.

I remember giving Leon a copy of “Silver—Our Pioneer Ancestors” which included a picture of Lt. Col. Samuel Marion Silver, his son Athen, and his wife Ruthie Griffith Silver, a picture of Samuel Marion Silver’s home in Troy, a picture of Samuel in front of the post office and a picture of Rev. Sam’s visit with Leon, Claudine, their daughter Mary Deane and husband Michael Taylor,

When I visited Leon in Blowing Rock, he showed me a pickup truck which he had restored. I forget the make and model, but it was beautiful. He and Claudine sold their home in Blowing Rock and purchased an 80-acre farm with a beautiful house on a hill with a fantastic view of the New River. I have been to Ghatly Springs several times with seniors of Mt. Zion Church of which I am a member of and my former church, Mt. Grove Baptist of Hickory. I think of Leon and Claudine each time we crossed the New River.

 

 

Obituaries

 

Juanita Silvers Goldsmith

 

 

Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times
July 31, 2009

 

Burnsville, N.C - Juanita Silvers Goldsmith, 82, of Burnsville, formerly of Ellicott City, Md., went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Mountain Manor Assisted Living. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Sherdain and Chetty Higgins Silvers and wife of the late Fred Goldsmith Jr. She was also preceded in death by sisters, Sherline Silvers and Mary Earlina Royal.

Surviving are her children, Susan J. Hall of Ellicott City, Md., Mevelyn L. Low of Burnsville, Fred S. Goldsmith III, and wife, Della, of Ellicott City; nine grandchildren, Tressa, Chris, Melissa, Megan, Michelle Booter, Maribeth, Joshua, Erica and James Jay; four great-grandchildren, Keaton and Kason Hall and Maverick and Maxton Gilley; two sisters, Loucille Edwards of Burnsville and Mary Ann Sparks of Waynesville; four brothers, R. L. Silvers and Reece Silvers of Burnsville, Leslie Silvers of Weaverville and Glen Silvers of Elkton, Va.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Crestlawn Memorial Gardens in Marriottsville, Md. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

To view this obituary online or send a condolence, visit  http://www.holcombebrothers.com/.

 

Silver ancestral line: Juanita Silver Goldsmith < Sheridan Silver < Silas Wesley Silver < Marvel Alexander Silver < John Jackson Silver < George Silver, Jr

 

 

Leon S. Silver
(March 25, 1928 - July 13, 2009)

 

 

Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times
July 31, 2009

Reverend Leon S. Silver, age 81, of 3133 Chestnut Hill Road, Crumpler, died Monday, July 13, 2009, at his home.  

Reverend Silver was born March 25, 1928 in Burke County, a son of the late Joseph and Ollie Hall Silver. He was a retired meat cutter for A&P Grocery Store and a member of Scottville Baptist Church in Ashe County. He also was a Major (Retired) in the National Guard for 42 years and was a pilot. Reverend Silver served churches in Watauga and Avery Counties, including Bailey Camp Baptist Church, Sandy Flats Baptist Church, and Long Ridge Baptist Church. He was well known as an accomplished artist and wooden toy maker.

Reverend Silver is survived by his wife, Claudine Coffey Silver of the home; two daughters, Mary Dean Silver of Boone and Rebecca Ann Silver of Crumpler; three sons, Steven S. Silver and wife Mary Stuart-Silver of Boone, Randall L. Silver and wife Wanda of Blowing Rock, and Joseph C. Silver of Crumpler, two sisters, Ruth Haigler and husband Rene and Barbara Pigg and husband Joseph, all of Lenoir; ten grandchildren, Athen Silver and fiancée Hilary, and Steven Silver and wife Angela, all of Boone, Cameron Cooke and husband Derek of High Point, James Taylor and wife Kathy of Bluff City, Tennessee, Nick Taylor and wife Stephanie of Boone, Zachary Taylor and fiancée Emily of Boone, Amanda Taylor of Boone, Anita Silver-Barnwell and husband G.W. of Asheville, Aaron Silver and fiancée Lela of Blowing Rock, and Allison Silver and fiance Chris of Boone, and seven great-grandchildren, Gracie and Makayla Silver of Boone, Sean, and Sierra Taylor of Bluff City, Chase Taylor-Sudderth of Boone, and Connor and Randall Barnwell, both of Asheville. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Reverend Leon S. Silver will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, July 15, 2009, at 2 o'clock, at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel. The body will lie in state, at the chapel, from 12:30 until 2 o'clock. Officiating will be Reverend Max West. Military graveside rites and burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock.

The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon, from 12:30 until 2 o'clock, at the funeral home, prior to the service. Friends may also call at the home, Tuesday evening, 3133 Chestnut Hill Road, Crumpler, NC.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial contributions may be made to the Cyberknife Center, in care of Wellmont-Bristol Medical Center, 1 Medical Park Boulevard, Bristol, Tennessee, 37620. Online condolences may be sent to the Silver family at http://www.hamptonfuneralservice.com/. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Silver ancestral line: Leon S. Silver < Joseph Samuel Silver < Athen Lafayette Silver < Samuel Marion Silver < Jacob Silver < George Silver, Jr < George Silver, Sr.

 

 

Leroy Silvers

 

 

Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times
July 3, 2009

 

Leroy Silvers, age 89, of 207 West Street; Spindale, N.C., died Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Hospice House of Rutherford County. He was son of the late James and Ella Lavender Silvers. Widower of the late Margaret F. Silvers. Served in the U S Army during World War II . Member of Spencer Baptist Church. Native of Rutherford County.

He is survived by his One Daughter, Linda Baynard of Rutherfordton, N.C. Two Sons, Kenneth Silvers of Spindale, N.C. Marvin Silvers of Rutherfordton, N.C. One Sister, Marie Burgin of Spindale, NC nine grandchildren sixteen great-grandchildren four great great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Saturday prior to the service. Funeral service will be at McMahan`s Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 PM Saturday, July 4, 2009 , Rev. Leon Morrow - Rev. Allen Marsh officiating. Interment will be at Gilkey United Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by Rutherford County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County; P O Box 336; Forest City NC 28043. Guest register at http://www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com/. McMahan`s Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.

 

Silver ancestral line: Leroy Silver < James Lewis Silver < Thomas Jefferson Silver < Lewis Perry Silver < Alfred Leonard Silver < Jacob Silver < George Silver, Jr

(Note: The only connection I could find was a Leroy Silver with a Nov. 1919 birthdate which fit our subject and his age of 89. — Clarence Tillery, Silver family researcher)

 

 

Sanford Silver

 

 

Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times
July 15, 2009

 

Asheville, NC - Sanford Silver, of Asheville, died on Sunday, July 12, 2009.

Mr. Silver was born November 26, 1933 in Madison County. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1952. Sanford was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving from 1953 to1973. He worked for the North Carolina ABC System and was a member of the Asheville Moose Club for years. He was also a member of P.W.P.

Sanford was preceded in death by his parents, the late Kenneth and Mayona Ball Silver.  Surviving are his son, Daryl Silver of Asheville; and two granddaughters, Ashley and Samantha.

The graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday in the Bowman-Rector Cemetery, with the Rev. Gene Linton Officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Mars Hill VFW Post # 5483. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at Madison Funeral Home.

 

Silver ancestral line: Sanford Silver < Orville Kenneth Silver < Alfred Bascombe Silver < Tilman Blalock Silver < Alfred Leonard Silver < Jacob Silver < George Silver, Jr. < George Silver Sr.

 

 

Kenneth Carver

 

 

Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times
July 15, 2009

 

Old Fort - Kenneth Carver, 70, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009. Service will be at noon Thursday at Kirksey Chapel in Old Fort. Burial to follow at Cherry Springs Memorial Park.  Visitation one hour prior to service.

 

Silver ancestral line: Kenneth Carver < Theodore Roosevelt Carver < Susie Savannah Silver < James Marion Silver < Alfred Leonard Silver < Jacob Silver < George Silver, Jr.

 

 

John Daniel Heatherly

 

 

Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times
August 4, 2009

 

John Daniel “Danny” Heatherly, 58, of Hendersonville, died Saturday, August 1, 2009.

He is survived by daughter, Jackie Wiggins, of Hendersonville; son, Joey Daniel Heatherly, of Forest Cityl sister, Gail Heatherly, of Hendersonville; brother, Ronnie Heatherly, of Hendersonville; six granddaughters, Letha, Amelia, and Tina Wiggins, and Jordan, McKaylah and Joselynn Heatherly.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, in the Chapel of the Elizabeth House, 581 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock.
Asheville Area Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family. (828) 258-8274.

 

Silver ancestral line: John Daniel Heatherly < Bertha Silver Heatherly < Maggie Vicdora Silver < John Silver < Alfred Leonard Silver < Jacob Silver < George Silver Jr. <  George Silver Sr.

(Note from Gladys Gibbs: He was my oldest sister’s son out of nine children. There are only two left now.)

 

 

Katherine Annis Silver

 

 

The News-Herald, Morganton, N.C
August 14, 2009

 

Katherine Annis Silver, 89, of Rice Avenue Extension, Union, S.C., died Wednesday Aug. 12, 2009, at Ellen Sagar Nursing Home following a period of declining health. Born on March 14, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Fred T. and Phoebe Louise Cox Annis Sr. She was formerly a resident of Charlotte where she worked in several beauty shops including the House of Beauty, Belk's and Ivey's. She also was an employee of Myers Park Hardware for several years.

She is survived by her daughter, Juanita S. Benfield and her husband, J.C., of Union, S.C.; a son, James G. Silver and his wife, Laura, of Lincolnton; grandchildren, Julie B. Fowler, James David Silver, Jeffrey C. Benfield and Timothy Douglas Silver; great-grandchildren, Blake Fowler, Jake Benfield, Ben Fowler, Lacie Silver, Brooke Silver, Morgan Silver and Chase Silver; and a sister, Hazel Sarvis of Mooresville.

In addition to her parents, Katherine was preceded in death by four brothers, Fred T. Annis Jr., George H. Annis, Jack C. Annis and Alexander Dean Annis; and two sisters, Lou Nell Brown and Elizabeth Jane Clontz.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Rev. Benny Green of Mon-Aetna Baptist Church of Union, S.C., officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mon-Aetna Baptist Church Building Fund, 1431 Lockhart Hwy., Union, SC 29379. Condolences at http://www.sossomanfuneralservice.com/

 

Silver ancestral line: Katherine Annis Silver m. James Gaston Silver < David Alonzo Silver < John Silver < Alfred Leonard Silver < Jacob Silver < George Silver Jr. < George Silver Sr.

 

 

Jack Silvers

 

 

Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times
July 18, 2009

 

Jack Silvers, age 76, of the Jacks Creek Community, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 15th, 2009.  A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Silas and Leisa Higgins Silvers.  He was also preceded in death by six sisters:  Hope and Ruby Thurlene Silvers, Ena Allison, Martha Allbright, Clara Belle Bradford and Belle Garland; seven brothers: Hollis, Clyde, Joe, Bradley, Sheridan, Jim and Dewey Silvers.  Jack was a life long member and deacon for over fifty years at Byrd Branch Baptist Church.  He was a farmer and also worked for over 30 years with his brothers for Dolph and S.W. Silvers Construction.  He loved mowing and weed eating around his farm, squirrel and ginseng hunting, but mostly his family and his Lord.

Surviving are his loving wife of 56 years: Neva Berry Silvers; three daughters:  Tina Elkins and husband, Larry, of Bakers Creek, Lena Briggs and husband, Ralph, of Jacks Creek, and Geraldine Stamey and husband, Bill, of Jacks Creek; three sisters:  Miranda Robinson and Gladys Woodby, both of Burnsville and Valley Phillips of Fayetteville; two brothers:  Dolph and S.W. Silvers, both of Burnsville; grandchildren: Michelle Briggs of Haines City, FL, Jackie Briggs and wife, Charlene, of Burnsville and Sonya Thomas and husband, Mark, of Burnsville; step-grandchildren: Tammy McMahan of Burnsville and Brent Elkins and wife, Glenda, of Marion; eight great-grandchildren and two special children: Ashley Silvers and Autumn Hensley.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18th in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service.  Pastor Ray Wilson will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home and at other times the family will be gathered at the home.  Burial will follow in the Jack Silvers Family Cemetery on Jacks Creek.  Pallbearers will be:  Willie Hensley, Morris Silvers, Darryll Silvers, Jackie Briggs, Adam Silvers and Brandon Williams.

 

Silver ancestral line:  Jack Silver < Silas Wesley Silver < Marvel Alexander Silver < John Jackson Silver < George Silver Jr. (or)

Silver ancestral line:  Jack Silver < Thomas Jefferson Silver < James Henry Silver < Thomas D.B. Silver < Thomas Silver < George Silver Jr.

(Note from Silver family researcher Clarence Tillery: These are my best guesses based on birth dates around 1932. I don’t have enough facts to nail them down.)