Wells Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Candler, Forest Lawn

02/12/2026

01/29/2026

Joyce Ann Roberts

Joyce Ann Roberts, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Buncombe County, NC, where she was born on March 14, 1951. A dedicated and hard-working individual, Joyce was employed by Woolworths for over 30 years before recently transitioning to work at Ingles Deli. Her commitment to her career was only matched by her devotion to family and friends, as she cherished the simple moments in life.

Joyce enjoyed a serene and modest lifestyle, often found sitting on her porch surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories and telling jokes that brought laughter to those around her. She found joy in crocheting, cooking, fishing, and relishing quiet moments that allowed her to connect deeply with nature and those she cared about.

She is survived by her son, Clyde Roberts (Rhonda) of Oakley; her sisters, Linda Plowe of Asheville, Shirley Parham of Leicester, and Carolyn Maltry (David) of Asheville; her brothers, Bruce and Tom Coleman, both of Asheville; her grandchildren, Jason Roberts, Brandon Roberts, Kelcey Thompson, and Marcus Goff; her great-grandchildren, Jarius Thompson and Riley Goff; and her cherished chihuahua, Peanut.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Roy Coleman and Mazel Seay, as well as her son, Steven Roberts. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will remember her for her kindness, laughter, and the loving moments they shared together.

A private family graveside funeral service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, North Carolina.

The care of Ms. Joyce Roberts has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Joyce Ann Roberts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/27/2026

Eddie A. Gosnell

Eddie A. Gosnell, born on November 22, 1948, in Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville. He was 77 years old. Eddie's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to family and friends. He honorably served in the United States Army, a testament to his character and commitment, stationed in Vietnam, where his legacy of service began.

Eddie spent 20 dedicated years as a machine mechanic at Anvil Knit Wear, where he was known for his strong work ethic and friendly demeanor. But beyond his professional life, it was the moments shared with his beloved family that defined him. Eddie was a quiet yet humorous man with a simple, easy-going spirit, effortlessly bringing joy to those around him. He cherished the time spent with his wife of 55 years, Peggy Gosnell; together they created a partnership filled with love and laughter. Their bond was further enriched by the presence of their daughter Lenay Marlor, son Dain Leard, and treasured grandchildren Alicia Leard, Chelsea Harley, and his Best Sweetie, Hope Marlor, along with four great-grandchildren who brought immense joy into his life.

Eddie's culinary talents were a shared delight within the family. Many cherished memories were made over delicious meals, particularly his famous soups, chili, and biscuits and gravy. These gatherings served as a reminder of the love that came so easily to him, nourishing not just the body but also the soul.

He had an enduring passion for classic cars and would frequently spend hours attending car shows with his prized '67 Chevy Biscayne, a true reflection of his love for timeless beauty and craftsmanship. His understated presence and genuine spirit drew people in, but those closest to him cherished the unique wit he shared, sprinkling laughter throughout their lives.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Conley and Pearl Johnston Gosnell, who undoubtedly watched with pride as their son built a life filled with love and devotion.

As family and friends gather to celebrate Eddie's life, they will remember him not just for the achievements and passions he pursued, but for the love he cultivated, the laughter he shared, and the memories that will forever remain imprinted in their hearts.

A graveside service to honor Eddie will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, North Carolina, starting at 2:00 PM. Pastor Steve Smith will be officiating. In this time of sorrow, may all who knew him find comfort in the wonderful memories of a truly amazing man who enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

The care of Mr. Gosnell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Eddie A. Gosnell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

Julia Ann Shuler

Julia W. Shuler, 88, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Elmer and Rosalee White.

Julia was a much-loved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, fishing buddy, gardener, adventure partner, and mischief maker. She loved to laugh and found great joy in being with her family and friends. She had a way of welcoming everyone into her home while offering care, a listening ear, and a few good belly laughs.

She and James were married 63 years. They both loved the outdoors and relished many happy days trout fishing and exploring obscure little streams in the mountains of Western North Carolina. They were snowbirds who enjoyed spending winters working in their little citrus grove in Florida. They were adventurers who would load their pick-up truck and camper and head west to Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and many other places with beautiful streams to fish and explore.

Julia is survived by her daughter, Jill Shuler (husband Bill Hurni), and two grandchildren, Tonna Davis (Damien) and James C. Shuler (Kristin), as well as 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 siblings, Sandra Lawing (Garvin) and Carroll White (Patricia). For the past 2 years she was blessed with the care and companionship of her niece, Deanna (Susie) Shelton. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elmer Shuler, and her son, James Edwin Shuler.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm located at Wells Funeral Home of Canton with Pastor Eric Hill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County (PO Box 1460, Hendersonville, NC 28793) to support the incredible work they do for the children of Henderson County.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving the family of Julia Ann Shuler.

View Julia Ann Shuler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/16/2026

Sammy Gilbert Smith

Sammy Gilbert Smith, a beloved figure in the hearts of those who knew him, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Mission Hospital. He was born on March 2, 1946, in Buncombe County and graced the lives of those around him with his gentle kindness and infectious spirit.

Sammy had met the love of his life, Sue Hall and they married in 1966. Sue was Sammy's world, and he was devoted to her care for over 50 years until her passing in 2017. Sammy joins his beloved wife, Sue Hall Smith (2017), in eternal rest, along with his parents, Blake and Juanita Grindstaff Smith, daughter, Anna Marie McCarson (1989), and brother, Kenneth Smith (2025).

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Sammy earned both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, celebrating bravery both on the battlefield and in life. He remained committed to serving his community, becoming a respected member of the local VFW, where he even took on the role of chapter president.

Sammy’s professional life began when he joined the workforce at American Enka at the young age of 24. Over the next 41 years, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his career, retiring at the age of 64. His dedication to his job spoke volumes about his character, marked by loyalty and commitment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sammy was known for his unwavering devotion to family and his church community. Firmly rooted at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where he served as the head deacon for many years, he cherished every moment spent with his church family. His warmth resonated far and wide, as he never met a stranger and had a unique gift for striking up conversations, discovering connections, and bridging relationships among people.

Sammy found joy in the great outdoors, immersing himself in hobbies such as deer hunting and fishing in serene lakes and streams. His passion for nature was matched only by his obsession with people and their stories, as he delighted in making connections and learning about others’ lives.

He is survived by his loving son, Danny Lee Smith (Tracy) of Candler; his siblings, Reed Smith of Arkansas, Phil Smith (Gail) of Candler, Bill Smith of Barnardsville, Diane Brackett (“Blue”) of Fletcher, Darlene Frisbee of Alabama, and Luke Smith (Trina) of Candler; along with his cherished grandchildren, Trent Smith (Morgan), Kolbie Smith, and Taylor Warren (Bronson); and two bright great-grandchildren, Bristol Holland Smith and Hannah Blaike Smith.

The funeral service to honor and remember the life of Sammy Smith have been rescheduled and will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 5th at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Candler with Pastor Ty Allen officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the church from 12:30 to 2:00 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Smith to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 43 Mt. Pisgah Church Road, Candler, NC 28715.

The care of Mr. Smith has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.

View Sammy Gilbert Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Frederick Charles Hayes

Frederick Charles Hayes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at AdventHealth Hendersonville. He was born on October 31, 1942, in Mansfield, Massachusetts, the son of Frederick Hayes Jr. and Phoebe Kellogg Hayes. He was one of six siblings.

A MAN OF FAITH: Raised in a Christian home, at the age of 9 years old Fred entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith impacted every area of his life. In his late teens when his earthly father passed away, Fred learned first hand that he could trust God to be his Father. It was a relationship that lasted his entire life and grew deeper and richer over the years. His commitment to the Lord was seen in his home, his business, the church and in the community. Whether training his children, teaching Sunday School, leading a Bible study, serving as an Elder or Deacon, sharing a God-story or simply praying for a stranger, Fred's faith was tangibly visible.

A FAMILY MAN: At the age of 16, he met Miriam Hubley, who would become the love of his life. Four years later they became husband and wife. Together, choosing to put God first in their marriage, and following His lead, they embarked on a journey that would see their love blossom into a family with four children that would eventually grow to a family of 42 members. In 1981 they pulled up roots to relocate to upstate New York to dairy farm for a year, before traveling more than 15,000 miles across the United States the following summer, and eventually settling in the Asheville area.

A BUSINESSMAN: Fred was a carpenter by trade, who not only designed and built custom homes in Massachusetts and throughout the greater Asheville area, but he did it with integrity, exemplified through ingenuity, dedication, hard work, and a standard of excellence. He truly loved what he did. His passion showed in every detail of his craftsmanship; each house pointing to the Master Builder. Choosing to make the Lord his business partner, he made a commitment to never advertise, but trust God to provide the work. God faithfully provided from 1971 to 2014, until Fred retired.

A MAN OF CHARACTER: Known for his faith, wisdom, generosity, and straightforwardness, Fred left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a father figure to many and never shy about expressing his love to those around him, always ready with a kind word or a faith-filled prayer. A familiar face at the local Home Depot, Fred knew each employee by name, earning their respect and appreciation in return. His reputation was built not only on his skilled handiwork but also on his ability to connect with people, listen to their stories, and readily testify to how good his Heavenly Father was.

A MAN OF ADVENTURE: Fred enjoyed taking trips to see the beautiful country we live in. He and Miriam enjoyed RV camping with life-long friends while touring some of the nation’s most breathtaking landscapes—Redwood Forest, Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone, Mount St. Helens, the Grand Tetons, among many. Always ready with a word of encouragement, he brought joy and laughter to family gatherings with his puns and jokes. Fred enjoyed being outdoors. Not one to sit idle for long, he was often seen running some type of tractor, planning the next day's project, living life to the fullest, and embodying the spirit of someone who never met a stranger.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Miriam Hayes, and their children: Daniel Hayes (Michelle) of Fletcher, Julie Nelms (Jim) of Fletcher, Michael Hayes (Jain) of Fletcher, and Erik Hayes of Upland, IN. His legacy continues through his loving sisters, Patricia Allaire of Fletcher, Linda Breakey (David) of Morgantown, WV, and Cora Mullinax of Seneca, SC, as well as his cherished grandchildren: Kayla (William) Scheitler, Nathan (Sasha) Hayes, Benjamin (Chelsea) Hayes, Andrew (Marissa) Hayes, Courtney Hayes, Joseph Hayes, Samuel Hayes, Timothy Hayes, Rebekah Hayes, Abigail Hayes, Daniel Hayes, Caleb Hayes, and Jonathan Hayes. The joyous sparkle in his life will also be remembered through his beloved great-grandchildren: Liam, Gavin, Isaac, Noah, Lydia, Elainna, Ian, Melody, Iyla, Ezra, Matthew (baby on the way), Leland, Genevieve, Re*****on, Naomi, and Ronnie

Fred was welcomed to his heavenly Home by his Heavenly Father, his Savior, Jesus Christ, his parents, his oldest sister, Janice Biggar, and his younger brother, Richard Hayes.

DUE TO THE SNOW AND UNSAFE ROAD CONDITIONS, THE SERVICES HAVE BEEN CANCELED. OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE HAYES FAMILY.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations be sent to Rebuilding Hollers Foundation, an organization helping with the ongoing rebuilding of homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. www.rebuildinghollers.org

Frederick Charles Hayes was a remarkable man whose love and influence will forever be felt in the hearts of those he touched. His love for the Lord and legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion will live on through his family and friends, a testament to a life beautifully lived.

The care of Mr. Hayes has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home at Forest Lawn.

View Frederick Charles Hayes's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/31/2025

Jo Ellen Gerschefski Wade

Jo Ellen Gerschefski Wade, 91, of Candler passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Jo Ellen had the good fortune to be born into a wild, wonderful family of classical musicians, the oldest of 5 children. She adored her loving wife, her two sons of whom she is enormously proud and their families, and her siblings.

Jo Ellen was a lifelong activist for the Democratic Party and Civil Rights. She was on the campaign committee in Florence, SC, for the election of John F. Kennedy, and organized 3 precincts in Mecklenburg County, NC; integrated the precinct committees of all 3.

Jo Ellen worked for integration of the public schools in Mecklenburg County, NC, in the 1970s. She one of the four founders of The Westside Group, a community activist organization promoting equal services and amenities for the Westside of Charlotte, NC, in the 1970s.

Jo Ellen served as Board member and President of the West Boulevard Enterprise Community (Charlotte, NC) established by the Clinton Administration. She worked for 25 years at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. And served a year as President of the Faculty Senate. Jo Ellen even won Support Person of the Year one year.

Jo Ellen served as a volunteer for Mountain Area Information Network, a non-profit which provided dial-up Internet services for Western North Carolina rural areas. She then went on to win Volunteer of the Year award the 2nd year it was offered.

Jo Ellen served for eight years on the steering committee of the Western North Carolina Alliance, environmental activist organization which became WNC’s Mountain True.

Jo Ellen will be truly missed by all whom knew her.

Wells funeral Home of Candler is honored to be serving Jo Ellen Gerschefski Wade's family.

View Jo Ellen Gerschefski Wade's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/31/2025

Helen Faye Crawford

On December 28, 2025 our beloved Helen "Faye" Crawford went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was extremely loved by her family and friends. She will be very missed.

Faye is preceded in death by her parents, Clonie and HK Lunsford, siblings, and her grandson, Daniel Stafford. She is survived by her children, Elaine Putnam and Charlie Stafford. Her grandchildren, Jennifer Walker, Laura Clark, Jonathan Stafford, Luke Stafford, and Alexandria Stafford. Her great grandchildren; Kie, Seth, Noah, Savanna, Ellie, Justice, Mason, Danny, Emily. Her great-great grandchild, Gracie.

The family will be having a private service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Jude's Children's Hospital.

"God sure has been good to me!"- Faye Crawford

Wells Funeral Home of Candler is honored to serve Faye Crawford's family.

View Helen Faye Crawford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.