SYLVA - Eunice Barnes Deitz, of the Tathams Creek community in Jackson County, went to her heavenly home on April 2, 2022. Eunice was born in the Cullasaja community of Macon County on Dec. 11, 1941. She was the daughter of the late John Howard Barnes and Sallie Woodall Barnes. Eunice graduated from Franklin High School and Western Carolina University. She taught elementary school in Macon County for 30 years, most of that at East Franklin Elementary where she met her husband, Joe.
Eunice loved animals and flowers. She was gifted in art, decorating and cooking. She was an avid reader, especially her Bible which she underlined and highlighted from beginning to end. She was a life-long member of the Cullasaja Assembly of God Church and attended Wesleyanna Methodist Church when she was able.
Eunice was preceded in death by her mother and father, an infant brother, two infant sisters, sister, Louise Stiwinter (Glen) and a nephew, Glen Stiwinter Jr. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Joe; sister-in-law, Sandra Deitz; brother-in-law, Bill Deitz (Delores); nieces, Chrystal Deitz, Linda Ledford (Brad) and Ella Ledford.
There will be no formal service. A visitation will be held for family and friends at Appalachian Funeral Services on Friday, April 8 from 1-2 p.m. A private burial will follow at Wesleyanna Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wesleyanna Cemetery Fund, c/o Joe Deitz, 938 Tathams Creek Rd., Sylva, NC 28779, or Buck Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Geneva Vaughn, 133 Embers Drive, Highlands, NC 28741.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Appalachian Funeral Services, Sylva. Online registry appalachianfuneralservices.com.