CANTON — Teelena Suzanne Bumgarner Huffman, 70, a beloved precious lady, passed away Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021.

Teelena was born during the winter season on Dec. 27, 1950, to the late Gilbert Bumgarner and the late Margaret Camby Bumgarner West. She had resided in Buncombe County before making her home in Clyde for the past three years.

For 28 dedicated years, Teelena had worked as a licensed cosmetologist and she made many friendships all throughout this time in her life.

Mrs. Huffman held a strong faith and was a member of All Christian Holiness Church in Clyde, where she had taught Sunday School and also held the office of church secretary.

Teelena loved music and she was indeed an avid reader. She enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and friends, and she was gifted with the natural talent of being very creative.

Everyone who was blessed to know Teelena loved her. In the words of her family, “She was the most kind and gentle person that one could ever know.” Her great love for her family will be held in their hearts forever and Teelena will be missed deeply each and every day.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, David West; and her step-father, Howard West.

She is survived by the love of her life and her husband of 51 years, Donnie Huffman of Clyde; her son, Jeremy Huffman and his wife, Renee Huffman of Erwin, Tennessee; her daughter, LaDonna “Sissy” Sparks and Dale Haas of Waynesville; grandchildren, Dr. Jessica Huffman of Erwin, Tennessee and Kata Norris and Dakota of Clyde; a great-grandchild, Xavier Norris of Clyde; a sister, Aleshiea Oliver and Johnny of Asheville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Huffman family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Silver Bluff Village for their concern and special care given to Teelena. Memorials may be made in Mrs. Huffman’s memory to Silver Bluff Village, 100 Silver Bluff Drive, Canton, NC 28716

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, at Crawford / Ray Memorial Gardens in Clyde. Pastor Alan Mathis will be officiating.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Huffman family and words of comfort may be shared at www.CrawfordRay.com