Neva Corine Sligh

Neva, 92, of Candler, NC, died peacefully at the John F. Keever Solace Center while surrounded by her children and grandchildren on Thursday, March 12, 2009. For 30 years she was a procurement officer with the Third Army at Fort McPherson in Atlanta. Neva was a longtime member of West Asheville Baptist Church. She was also a doll maker, accomplished gardener, a wonderful cook and an active volunteer at church. But, more than anything, she was a loving mother and grandmother to her family. Neva was born on March 7, 1917 at home in Heard County, GA, to a farm family with ten children. The Great Depression stole her college plans, so she sent all her children to college. She was married for almost 50 years to Horace Sligh, who died in 1989. Neva was a thoughtful mentor to her entire family, but never imposed her will. Her love and quiet determination will be missed. So will her signature pound cake. She is preceded in death by her husband, her son Ken, her parents Ross and Sara Jane Arrington Lipham, and siblings Bell Birmingham, Ida Elliott, Carrie Creek, Vesta Sutera, Motis Free, Wilma Lockridge, and Rex Lipham. Surviving are brothers Eiland Lipham of LaGrange, GA, and Woodfin Lipham of Canton, NC, son Douglas Sligh and wife Mary Ann Parham, of Oriental, NC, daughters Becky Taylor and husband Will, of Hendersonville, NC, and Jane Dame and husband Rob, of Candler, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services are planned for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at Groce Funeral Home at 1401 Patton Ave, in Asheville with visitation one hour prior to the service. The graveside service will be on Monday, March 16, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. West View Cemetery in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.