Jeff Wyatt Watkins, 77, entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Woodruff Manor in Woodruff.

He was born in Cliffside, N.C., and was a son of the late Oscar Gene Watkins and the late Elizabeth Wood Watkins. He was a graduate of Green Bethel High School in Boiling Springs, N.C., and Friendship College, Rock Hill.

A member of Suck Creek Baptist Church, Jeff resided in Washington, D.C., for 55 years. While in Washington, he attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He was employed as head chef at City Tavern in D.C. and has cooked for several presidents, including President Carter and President Clinton.

He was preceded in death by four siblings, Calvin Dewitt Watkins, Joyce Diane Watkins, Kathleen Watkins Rodgers and Nellie Jean Watkins.

Surviving are two sisters, Grace Helen Martin of Boiling Springs, N.C., and Geraldine Watkins Sarratt (Nathaniel) of Gaffney.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 13, at 3 p.m. at Suck Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Macomson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. He will lie instate Tuesday from 2 p.m. until the hour of the service.

The family is at the home of his niece, Lisa Bridges, 110 Stacy Drive.

Arrangements by The Gilmore Mortuary.

James Gary Manning, 82, of 97 Leslie Drive, Shelby, N.C., entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at his home.

Husband of Inez Rice Manning, he was born in Cherokee County and was a son of the late Jim and Stella

Humphries Manning. He was a member of Mikes Creek Baptist Church, where he served as chairman of the Culinary Committee. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Gary Maurice Manning (Stephanie) of Burkhurnett, Texas, Patricia A. Manning Hill of Cary, N.C., and Gregory A. Manning (Nancy) of Greenville; seven grandchildren, Nakisha Manning, D’Andrea Hill, Antoine , Delorean, Shallyn, A’Zhane, and Nadia Manning; six great-grandchildren, Nyrisha Manning, Alyssa Harris, I’Anna Hill, DaNabyle Yoswa, DaNayla Smith, and Deleiking Manning; a brother, Warren Manning (Valerie) of Gaffney; and two sisters, Virgie Wray and Floyie Spells, both of Mooresboro, N.C.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. at Mikes Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Courtney Mills officiating and the Rev. Kerwin Wray delivering the eulogy. Interment will be in the church cemetery. He will lie instate in the church Saturday from 1:30-2 p.m.

Arrangements by The Gilmore Mortuary.