Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Member News

Welcome to our special page about members of Sweetgum Baptist Church! We try to keep our members updated on the happenings of our church family, so that we can minister to one another during times of happiness and also during times of sorrow.

 
6/21/2022 Obituary for Frank James

Frank D. James Jr. 86 of the Eller Branch Community of Robbinsville, NC passed away, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Park Ridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN. He was the son of the late, Reverend Frank James Sr. and Hollis “Sis” Dockery James. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Mary Jane Grant James; and his sons, Perry James, and Terry James.
 
Frank was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the Robbinsville Masonic Lodge #672. He was also dedicated member of Sweetgum Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon and the Church Choir Director for over 50 years.
 
He is survived by his wife, Nell Stewart James; daughter, Martha James Orr of Robbinsville, NC; sister, Maxine Millsaps of Robbinsville, NC; and his brother-in-law that he thought of as a brother, Mackie Grant of Robbinsville, NC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica Janes, Stephanie Caler, Juddson Orr, and great grandchildren, Andrew, Addison, Rowan, Griffin, Rocco and Asa.
 
Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 am Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Sweetgum Baptist Church. The Reverend Patrick O'Dell will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am till 11:30 am at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at the Old Mother Church Cemetery.
 
Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the James family. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.
4/22/2014 Obituary for Karen Phillips Webster

Karen Phillips Webster
(May 2, 1964 - April 22, 2014)

        

Karen Phillips Webster

          Karen Phillips Webster, 49, of Robbinsville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Med West Harris in Sylva, NC.

          She was the daughter of Alvin Eugene Phillips of Robbinsville, NC, and the late Cassie Emogene Carpenter Phillips.   In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ellen Phillips, and her brothers, Michael Phillips and David Phillips.

          In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband of 28 ½ years, Todd Webster; her brother, Darrell Phillips of Robbinsville, NC; her sister, Sandy Williams of Robbinsville, NC; her father in law and mother in law, Larry and Sara Webster of Robbinsville, NC; and her sister in law, Latresa Webster Phillips of Robbinsville, NC. She has several nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

          Funeral services were held at 7:00 pm Friday, April 25, 2014 at Sweetgum Baptist Church, of which she was a member. The Reverends Tom Buchanan, Jack Millsaps, Daniel Stewart, and Kenny Ball will officiate. The family received friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday at the Church, prior to the service. Committal services were held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Wiggins Cemetery.

 
11/6/2013 Obituary for Eloise Anderson

Eloise Williams Anderson
(July 29, 1934 - November 6, 2013)  
        Eloise Williams Anderson, 79, of the Hares Creek Community in Robbinsville, NC, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Murphy Medical Center. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Ed and Bessie Grindstaff Williams. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Emmett Anderson; her sons and daughters in law, Roger and Susan Anderson of Alexander, NC, and Scott and Diane Anderson of Robbinsville, NC; and her brother, Hugh Darrell Williams of Robbinsville. She has six grandchildren, Matthew Anderson, Lindsey Anderson, Blake Anderson, McCall Anderson, Rylee Anderson, and Halee Anderson, and one great grandchild, Aubrey Anderson. Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Sweetgum Baptist Church. The Reverends Kenny Ball, Coy Adams, and Harold Beasley officiated. The family received friends from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Church, prior to the service. Burial followed at Bear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com. 
9/23/2013 Obituary for Amanda E. Williams

 

Amanda Eller Williams
(September 28, 1979 - September 23, 2013)

        

Amanda Eller Williams, 33, of the Poison Branch Community in Robbinsville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 23, 2013 at her residence. Amanda was a fighter, having battled cancer three times during her life. She was a true hero to all who knew her. She is the daughter of Richard and Teresa Eller of Robbinsville, NC, and Edna and Ira Bowen of Lawndale, NC. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Dennis Williams; her son, Brysen Dockery, both of Robbinsville, NC; her brothers, Nick Eller of Hendersonville, NC, and Rick Eller and his wife Tiffani of Robbinsville, NC; her sister, Kimberly Eller Lanning and her husband, James of Fletcher, NC; her maternal grandmother, Shirley Stewart of Lawndale, NC; her paternal grandmother, Irene Sawyer Eller of Robbinsville, NC; her sisters, Amanda Nichols and her husband Jason of Robbinsville, NC, and Chelsie Bowen and Amie Bowen, both of Lawndale, NC; her sister in law, Nadine Beavers of Robbinsville, NC; her brothers in law, Larry and Darrell Williams both of Robbinsville, NC, and Rick Williams of Chattanooga, TN. She has several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, Jaxson and Zaelea Eller, Slade Allen, Maddox and Emma Nichols, and Steven, Kyle, Jeremiah, Nicole, Dan, Tim, and Andrew Williams. Funeral services were held at 7:00 pm Thursday, September 26, 2013 at the Townson-Smith Chapel. The Reverends Daniel Stewart and Jack Millsaps  officiated. Committal services were held at 11:00 am Friday, September 27, 2013 at Lower Sawyers Creek Cemetery. The family received friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday at the Chapel, prior to the service. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

2/5/2012 New Automatic Prayer Chain Information-

New Automatic Prayer Chain Sign-up:

     We have "up-graded" our prayer chain ministry to eliminate the need for each person to call the next person on the list. This new system will automatically call all members of the Prayer Chain at the same time! So, when you receive a prayer chain request by phone....all you need to do is PRAY! 

     If you wish to be part of this ministry, please sign-up on the yellow sheet at the back of the sanctuary. You can also sign-up by email at rwebster6@frontier.com if you wish. Please include your choice of home or cell phone number, and whether you want to get a voice, text, or e-mail message. (If email, include your e-mail address.)

     This system is now in use. If you are just now contacting us about joining our prayer chain automated system...you will begin receiving alerts as soon as we get your information in our system.

2/2/2012 Jean Collier Rogers Obituary

 

Jean Collier Rogers
(September 20, 1930 - January 31, 2012)

           Jean Rogers, age 81 of Robbinsville, passed away, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Park West Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. She was a native of Haywood County but resided in Robbinsville for most of her life. She was a member of Sweetgum Baptist Church for many years. She was the daughter of the late Oliver and Ruth Pace Collier. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Rube Rogers in 2001. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Buchanan of Robbinsville, NC; Diane Parker of Acworth, GA; son, Mark Rogers of Lenoir City, TN; sisters, Marie Nobles, Barbara Stribble, Lynda Mack, Sandra Kirby, Billie Sue Dallas; brothers, Cecil Collier, Tony Collier, and Carl Collier. She has 5 grandchildren, Shawn Colvard, Ben Rogers, Macy Rogers, Chip Buchanan, and Kris Buchanan. Graveside Services were held at 4:00 pm Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Wiggins Cemetery. The Reverend Daniel Stewart officiated. The family received friends from 2:30 till 3:30 pm Friday, at the Townson-Smith Chapel prior to the Graveside Service. Townson-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

 
1/20/2012 Violet Carpenter Obituary

 

Violet Carpenter
(November 9, 1957 - January 19, 2012)

Violet Carpenter age 54 of Carpenter Hollow in Robbinsville, passed away, January 19, 2012 at her residence. She was a native of Buford, GA and the daughter of the late Marvin Coffey and Rose Mary Crooke. She is survived by her husband, Tommy Carpenter; daughters, Christy Waldroop of Marble, NC, Lisa Cooper of Robbinsville, NC; step sons, Josh Carpenter of Robbinsville, NC, Jeremy Carpenter of Asheville, NC; brother, Danny Crooke of Peachtree, NC; sisters, Nancy Purser of Andrews, NC, Susan Fitzmaurice, Linda Coffey, and Melanie Pugh all of Asheville, NC. She has 3 grandchildren, Trinity Cooper, Court Carpenter, and Liz Carpenter. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Sweetgum Baptist Church. The Reverend Kenny Ball will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 till 2:00 pm Saturday at the Church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice. Townson-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
5/21/2011 Will and Jessica's Wedding!

Will Wright and Jessica Rogers Are United In Marriage

Will and Jessica were united in marriage at Red Marble Baptist Church on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Our Pastor Kenny Ball preformed the ceremony. A reception followed in the church's Fellowship Hall. Jessica is the daughter of Scott and Alisa Rogers and are all members of Sweetgum Baptist Church. Will and Jessica will make their home in Andrews. All of us at Sweetgum wish them many years of happiness as they begin their life together. We love you both!

3/28/2011 Marie Rogers Webster

 Marie Rogers Webster

(November 14, 1922 - March 25, 2011)

   

Marie Rogers Webster, 88, of the Tallulah Community in Robbinsville, NC, went home to be with her Lord, Friday, March 25, 2011 at her residence. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Lily Wiggins Rogers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, R. Keith Andrews, and her brothers, Glenn, Howell, and Rube Rogers, and her sisters, Ginger Parker, Jessie Haney, Catherine Webster, and Juanita Rogers. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Arvil H. Webster; her son, Arvil Hugh Webster Jr. and his wife Susan of Robbinsville, NC; her daughter, Connie Webster Andrews and her husband Harold of Robbinsville, NC; and her sister, Tommie Jean Nicholson of Webster, NC. She has 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 8:00 pm Monday, March 28, 2011 at Sweetgum Baptist Church, where she has been a member for 80 years. The Reverends Kenny Ball and Daniel Stewart will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday, at the Church, prior to the service. Committal services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Wiggins Cemetery. Townson-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

         

2/27/2011 Patrick O

 Sweetgum Baptist Church is so proud of our very own Patrick O'Dell, who has been leading young and old alike to the Lord during our old-fashioned Youth Revival. We had originally planned to start the revival on Sunday, February 27th and end it on Wednesday, March 2nd....but sometimes the Lord steps in and takes over in a marvelous way!  We were in revival for 26 days...our last day was April 1st! Praise the Lord! Souls were saved, and lives were rededicated to His service. So many people were hungry for the Word of God....as only Patrick could preach it.....that we needed to keep our revival going until the Lord said it was over.  Continue to pray for him and all of us at Sweetgum Church as the Lord leads us in miraculous ways! We love you Patrick....and praying for the Lord to keep on using you as only He can! 

Patrick O'Dell

   
2/19/2011 New Deacons Ordained...

Sweetgum Baptist Church held a Deacon Ordination ceremony on Saturday, February 19, 2011. Daniel Stewart, former Pastor of Sweetgum Baptist Church, and currently the Pastor of Cedar Cliff Baptist Church, was asked to be bring the message and charge to the candidates. The newly appointed deacons are Andy Ball and Scott Rogers. After a very spirit filled sermon, a wonderful dinner followed in the fellowship hall at the church. Congratulations Scott and Andy! We all love you and are so proud of you both!

L to R: Kenny Ball, Andy Ball, Scott Rogers, and Daniel Stewart
2/2/2011 Robert Wilson obituary

 

 

Robert G. Wilson
(August 24, 1923 - January 31, 2011)

Robert G. Wilson, age 87, of the Tallulah Community in Robbinsville, NC, passed away Monday, January 31, 2011 at Med West-Harris in Sylva, NC. A native of Graham County, he was the son of the late Thomas Filmore and Mellie Hyde Wilson. He was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater of operations during WWII. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Emma Moore Wilson; his daughters, Glenda Rogers of Robbinsville, NC, and Phyllis Wilson of Warrenton, VA; his sisters, Mildred Fair, Frances Stewart, and Hazel Hooper, all of Robbinsville, NC; his grandchildren, Holly Rogers, Hope Williamson, Hanna Rogers, and Kelley Anderson; his great grandchildren Austin and Carter Williamson, Mark Duncan, Jessica Cudabeck, and Evan Anderson; and his great great grandchildren, Kai Duncan and Emily Duncan. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at the Townson-Smith Chapel. The Reverends Kenny Ball and Morris Rogers will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Chapel, prior to the service. Committal services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Old Mother Cemetery, with a flag presentation by Eller Rogers American Legion Post 192 and Carringer Webster VFW Post 8635. Townson-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

1/22/2011 Stephanie James weds Christopher Caler...

Stephanie Nicole James and Christopher Robert Caler were married January 22, 2011 at Sweetgum Baptist Church in Robbinsville, N.C.  Reverend G.D. Phillips officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Terry and Marilyn James of Robbinsville, N.C. and the granddaughter of the late Carl and Ruby Nell Crisp, Frank James and the late Mary James, all of Robbinsville, N.C. The groom is the son of Kathryn Caler of Raleigh, N.C. and the late Linwood Caler of Jonesport, M.E.  He is the grandson of Virginia Look and the late Oscar Look, Sr. of South Addison, M.E., and the late Mary and Otis Caler of Jonesport, M.E.

Stephanie and Christopher will graduate in May from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., where they are employed, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Health Sciences. Christopher and Stephanie will attend the University of Maryland at College Park graduate school, where they have been admitted to the School of Public Health.  Both will pursue a Master of Public Health degree in Environmental Health.  The couple will reside in College Park, Maryland.

 
12/17/2010 Mary James Obituary

Mary Jane Grant James
(December 24, 1941 - December 16, 2010)

Mary Jane Grant James, age 68, of the Eller Branch Community in Robbinsville, NC, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, December 16, 2010. A native of Graham County, she was the daughter of the late Mack and Bertie Duvall Grant. She is survived by her husband of over 51 years, Frank James, Jr.; her daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Mitch Orr of Robbinsville, NC; her sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Marilyn James of Robbinsville, NC, and Perry and Kristi James of Asheville, NC; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Jane Grant and Mackie and Jean Grant, all of Robbinsville, NC; her sisters, Josephine Sawyer and Brenda Atwell, both of Robbinsville, NC; and her grandchildren, Rocco James, Stephanie James, Jessica Orr and Judd Orr. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, December 19, 2010, at the Townson-Smith Chapel. The Reverends Mitch Orr and Kenny Ball will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:00 at the Chapel, prior to the service. Burial will follow at Old Mother Cemetery. Townson-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

11/20/2010 Wedding Anouncement

Congratulations go out to Kasondra Phillips and Jarod Lovelace who were married November 20, 2010. Kasondra is the youngest daughter of Mitch and Phyllis Phillips and granddaughter of Emmet and Laura Mae Phillips.....all of whom are lifetime members of our church. Our prayers are with you both as you begin your new life together!

 
11/14/2010 Happy 90th Birthday Dale Walker!

Friends and family helped Dale and Azalee Walker celebrate Dale's 90th birthday with cake and lots of goodies! We hope to have more pictures up soon to show the birthday boy with friends and relatives enjoying lots of wonderful fellowship and food. We love you Dale!