Obituary of Ellen M. McGaha

Ellen M McGaha, 67, of Bryson City went home to be with the Lord Saturday, January 4, 2019. A lifelong resident of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late James Ellis and Dessie Barker McGugan and wife of the late Donnie McGaha. She faithfully attended Bryson City Church of God. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Roy McGugan; step-son, Donald McGaha; and two grandchildren, D.J. McGaha and Christin Phillips. Ellen is survived by her son, Aaron Birchfield and wife Lisa of Bryson City; grandson, Christian Birchfield and wife Amber, Caleb Birchfield, Isaiah Lackey, Ezekiel Rickman, Emanuel Rickman; step daughter, Darlene Burrell and husband Dwight; step daughter-in-law, Beth McGaha; along with numerous other family members; sisters, Shirly Loftis and husband Doyle; Marcella Webb both of Bryson City, Barbara Lambert and husband Don of Cherokee; many nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Vickie Moore, Ginger Parsons and Lisa Birchfield. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday at Bryson City Church of God. Rev. Marty Pressley, Rev. Eugene Moore and Christian Birchfield will officiate with burial in the Blankenship Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm Tuesday at the church. Pallbearers will be Caleb and Christian Birchfield, Josh Smiley, Cecil Shepherd, Josh Fouts and Jordan McGugan. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Lambert and Billy Herron. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Swain Community Hospital and Harris Hospice for their care of Ellen.