Earlene West Stains
October 9, 1945 ~ May 12, 2026
Born in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailJoyce Earlene West Stains, 80, of Asheville, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026.
A native of Buncombe County, she was the daughter of the late James Earl West and Mabel Revis West. Earlene was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, Charles “Harry” Stains, who passed away in 2021.
Earlene was a graduate of TC Roberson High School and Cecil’s Business College. She worked for many years in the purchasing department for Buncombe County, then for Cutler-Hammer and most recently, her favorite job, working alongside her brother David, at Gudger’s Flower Shop. Earlene raised several of the neighborhood children, looking after them and raising them as if they were her own. Earlene was raised in Mt. Zion Baptist Church, but she has been a member of Trinity Baptist Church for 50+ years.
She is survived by her brother, David West; her favorite aunt, Betty Emory and several cousins, including Sam, Johnny and Brenda, who spent much of their childhood with David and Earlene.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 17 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian and will be officiated by Pastor Allen Rash. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Her family will greet friends at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 2:00 PM.
Services
The Family Will Greet Friends: May 17, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Service: May 17, 2026 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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So sorry for your loss. You took very good care of her till God called her home. I have fond memories of her. Praying for you.
So many memories of all the years of being neighbors and growing up together. My love and prayers are with you David. We will never forget Earlene and just remember she is with Jesus and the one she loved for so many years, Harry. Love and prayer for you.
My thoughts and prayers and sincerest condolences to all her family and the many folks who loved her.
Praying for you David, I know how hard this is for you but she is not suffering anymore, you have been a wonderful brother and an excellent example of how siblings should act. Praying for you i know it’s not going to be easy but she is at a place of no more pain and heartache and rejoined with her beloved Harry.
Earlene will be deeply missed, I am so sorry David I know how much you two loved each other. She was always thanking me and telling me how much she appreciated me being there to help you. I am heart broken for you. Harry and her are surely celebrating together again. Lots of Prayers.
She is with Jesus and Harry now
Harrison and I are so very sorry to hear of Earlene’s passing. She was always so very kind to us, and I know she is celebrating with Harry. May happy memories bring you peace.
All our love,
Harrison and Diane
David, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss, but find comfort in knowing that she is healed now and rejoicing in Heaven in the presence of the Lord. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you.
🙏🙏🙏you took such wonderful care of her.
I will always love you and remember you and Harry for all you have ever done for me through the years………I miss you so much.
Please hug Mother for me and one day, I will hopefully join you all