Valerie "Mimi" Kuykendall

West Asheville Valerie Ganano Mimi Netherton Kuykendall, 91, of West Asheville, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2015. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Mrs. Kuykendall was a graduate of West Buncombe School, and was a 1974 graduate of Mars Hill University with a BA in Elementary Education and Library Sciences. She retired in 1988 as a teacher with the Asheville City School System with 25 years of service. She was a charter member of Westwood Baptist Church, where she taught Primary Sunday School for many years. Mrs. Kuykendall was the daughter of the late George Candler Netherton, Sr. and Mary Ida Belle McCurry Netherton. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Carlos Ellsworth Kuykendall; and three brothers: G.C., Don, and Bruce Netherton. Surviving are her daughters: Joyce K. Butler and Maretta Pinson and husband Steve; granddaughter, Lisa O. Merrell and husband Mark; great-grandchildren: Chelsea Lynn and Austin James Merrell; and special family members: Jimmy, Maria, Tiffany, and Aaron Katsch. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Richard Baird officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7:00 8:30 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. The family would like to express a very special Thank You to the staff of the 500 Hall at the Brian Center of Weaverville, for their wonderful care.