Elethia "Lisa" Dean Weinkam

Elethia Weinkam, 66, a former popular cosmetologist at Belk Department Store, died Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at Care Partners Hospice in Asheville. Lisa was born in Pickens, SC to the late John Edward and Nellie V Owen. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Leon Owen and Genna Vee Owen and two brothers-in-law, Tommy Parker and Theodore Weinkam. Lisa grew up in the Wolf Creek area of Canada Township in Jackson County. When she was the age of 15, her mother died and instead of attending high school, Lisa chose to stay at home to help raise her younger siblings. Later, she attended Southwestern Technical College in Cullowhee and earned her GED degree. Lisa's jobs included working as a cosmetologist at Shillito's Department Store in Cincinnati, Ohio during 1981-1984; cosmetologist and beauty advisor at Belk's at Asheville Mall from 1984-1995; retail salesperson at Biltmore Village Company during 1995-1999, and a vet tech assistant at Animal Hospital South from 1999-2002. In 1987, Lisa received a special award from Ultima II recognizing her as Top Line Representative. She was chosen from among the Top 40 Belk Stores in the Southeast. She also had a special love for animals and rescued many stray cats. She was an avid gardener and loved to cook, can, and give it away. Lisa married Thomas V. Weinkam, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1983. She and Tom have lived in Asheville since 1984. Lisa is survived by her husband, Tom; her siblings, Devon Owen (Patricia), Eddie Lee Owen (Pat), Legenia Galloway (Dallas), Catha Owen Parker, Venelle Galloway (Rex), David Owen (Karen), Larry Owen (Karen), Peggy Owen, Susan Owen Easterling (Mayson), and Holly Owen (Dennis); brother-in-law, John Weinkam (Cindy) and sister-in-law, Jan Weinkam (Chris); Lisa is also survived by 27 nieces and nephews, 22 on Lisa's side and 5 on Tom's side. The family would like to thank Care Partners Hospice, Solace Center, and Mountain Home Care for their services to Lisa during her illness. The funeral service will be held Monday, February 1, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden with her brother, Devon Owen officiating. Burial will follow at Lewis Memorial Park in Asheville. The family will receive friends prior to the service Monday from 12:30 to 2:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Furever Friends, 722 Bat Cave Road, Old Fort, NC 28762 or Friends 2 Ferals in Asheville.