Obituaries
James Eugene Dunn
Jun 27, 2026
James E. Dunn, 90 of Newland, NC, died at home on June 27th.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1935 to James R. and Lillian Dunn. James graduated from Kissimmee High School and attended the University of Florida. After serving in the U.S. Army, he began a long career in law enforcement with the Florida East Coast Railroad followed by...
Betty Jean Ramsey
Jul 16, 2026
Betty Jean Ramsey, age 80, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Born on June 3, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Claude Norwood and Ruth Byers Norwood. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother “Bud” Norwood, sister Dorothy Arnett and her beloved husband, Frank Melvin Ramsey.
Betty was a...
Nancy Jane Shuford
Jul 15, 2026
Forever Loved, Never Forgotten
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
After a period of declining health, we say goodbye to Nancy Causby Shuford, who peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Nancy, age 76, was born in McDowell County on December 23, 1949, to the late Addie Causby and Margaret Welburn Causby. In addition to her...
Lesa Edna Pannell
Jul 15, 2026
Lesa Edna Smith Pannell, 57, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at her residence.
Lesa was born in McDowell County, NC, on August 1, 1968, to the late Eunice Clark Shew and William Roosevelt Smith. She was married to her husband of 34 years, Spencer Pannell. Lesa was a dedicated employee of Ridge Care Retirement...
Robert Wylie Hedrick
Jul 14, 2026
Robert Wylie Hedrick, age 54, of Kates Lane in Bakersville, the Ledger community, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville.
Born on December 5, 1971 in Oakland County, MI, he was the son of the late Dennis Zenevich and Patricia Smith.
Robert was a die hard Michigan Wolverine fan and lived by their motto:...
Michael Keith Hensley
Jul 14, 2026
Michael Keith Hensley, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Born on August 28, 1948, he was the son of the late Levi Hensley and Dica Morgan Hensley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shelby Hensley.
Those left to cherish his memory include his two cousins, Jerry F. Cable and James David Cable.
A...
Catherine Brown Barrett
Jul 14, 2026
Catherine Brown Barrett, 94, died Tuesday, July 14, 2026. She was born March 6, 1932 in Huntersville, NC to Harry Leonard Brown and Irene Gilbert Brown. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Donald Barrett and by her second husband, Theophilus Walton Clapp, Jr. and also by her sister, Margaret Brown Norris.
Catherine is survived by step children...
Andrew Stephenson Miller
Jul 14, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Andrew Stephenson Miller, who passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Andrew was born on January 15, 1984, in Marion, North Carolina. Throughout his cancer journey, he faced each challenge with remarkable strength, courage, and...
Doris Adline Gilliam
Jul 13, 2026
Doris Adline Ledbetter Gilliam, 91, of Nebo, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at her son’s residence in Lenoir.
A native of McDowell County, she was born September 23, 1934 to the late Millard Roland Ledbetter and Monnie Ledbetter.
Doris was employed at Marion Manufacturing for over 40 years. She will be remembered as a hard worker. She was a dedicated member...
Janice Marie Perkins
Jul 11, 2026
Janice Marie Hagar Perkins, 76, of Marion, passed away at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills on the evening of Saturday, July 11, 2026.
She was born in Pike County, Kentucky on November 26, 1949 to the late Willard Hagar and Lillie Jane Tacket Hagar.
Janice was formerly employed as a CNA. She truly enjoyed taking care of others. A member of Victory...
Shirley Jeanette Stevens Laws
Jul 11, 2026
Shirley Jeanette Stevens Laws, 87, of Old Fort, passed away at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Shirley was born on June 28, 1939 to the late William Randolph Stevens, Sr., and Ruby Melton Stevens. She is also preceded in death by her husband, David Edward Laws, her son Steven David Laws, her grandson, David Allen Laws, and...
Joyce Ballew Davis
Jul 9, 2026
Joyce Ballew Davis, 77, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born on January 4, 1949 in Humboldt County California to the late Garmon Ballew and Wilma Styles Ballew.
Joyce was a very generous woman who enjoyed helping anyone who needed it. She did this often through countless acts...
Tammy Renee Lunsford Letterman
Jul 8, 2026
Tammy Renee Lunsford Letterman, 62, of Marion, NC, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at her residence. The daughter of the late William and Tilda Anders Lunsford, Tammy was born on January 30, 1964 in McDowell County.
She was a long-time member of Nebo Crossing Church in Marion, NC. Tammy was a co-owner of the Vintage Market Marion. She...
Doris Juanita Hammond Chrisawn Grybko
Jul 8, 2026
Doris Juanita Hammond Chrisawn Grybko, 70, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at her residence.
She was born on November 11, 1955 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to the late Ernest Earl Hammond and Beatrice Mae Craig Hammond.
Doris’ passion was nursing. She spent her career working primarily in geriatric care. She looked forward to camping trips twice a year with her...
Carolyn Linda Townsend
Jul 7, 2026
Carolyn Linda Townsend, age 69, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Born on May 23, 1957, she was the daughter of the late James Edward Presnell and Nancy Marie Presnell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Townsend; her sister, Theresa Presnell, Janice Stamey, and Brenda Huffman; and her brother, Ricky Presnell.
Carolyn dedicated 31...
Kimberly Dawn Hayes
Jul 5, 2026
Kimberly Dawn "Kim" Hayes, 55, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Born on January 22, 1971.She was a proud graduate of Appalachian State University and devoted 28 years to teaching with Caldwell County Schools before her retirement. Teaching was more than a profession to Kim—it was her calling. She inspired and...
Shane Biddix
Jul 4, 2026
From the time he was a young boy, Shane had already found his first love…the football field. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, football became more than just a game—it was where his determination, discipline, and love for a team began. His family never missed a game, cheering him on from the sidelines with pride. Those evenings under the lights...
Jacqueline Suzanne Hurt
Jul 2, 2026
Jacqueline “Jackie” Suzanne Hurt, age 75, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina on July 2, 2026.
Jackie was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 26, 1950 to Jackson D. and Cathline T. Hurt. She went to Speedway High school and graduated in the class of 1968.
Jackie worked in hotel management for many years before...
Guynell Lula Wright Vess
Jun 30, 2026
Guynell Lula Wright Vess, 75, of Lake Lure, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Rutherfordton on October 30, 1950 to the late Theodore Wright and Lula Searcy Wright.
Guynell was a lifelong member of Cedar Creek Holiness Church. She loved the Lord and listening to gospel music. An avid NASCAR...
Janice Lynn Wheelon Cox
Jun 30, 2026
Janice Lynn Wheelon Cox, 74, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Burke County on March 5, 1952 to the late Luther Clyde Wheelon and Crena Allison Wheelon.
Janice formerly worked at the McDowell Hospital where she worked in registration. A faithful Christian, she was a member of Ebenezer Christian Fellowship Church. Janice...
James Eugene Dunn
Jun 27, 2026
James E. Dunn, 90 of Newland, NC, died at home on June 27th.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1935 to James R. and Lillian Dunn. James graduated from Kissimmee High School and attended the University of Florida. After serving in the U.S. Army, he began a long career in law enforcement with the Florida East Coast Railroad followed by...
Betty Jean Ramsey
Jul 16, 2026
Betty Jean Ramsey, age 80, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Born on June 3, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Claude Norwood and Ruth Byers Norwood. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother “Bud” Norwood, sister Dorothy Arnett and her beloved husband, Frank Melvin Ramsey.
Betty was a...
Nancy Jane Shuford
Jul 15, 2026
Forever Loved, Never Forgotten
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
After a period of declining health, we say goodbye to Nancy Causby Shuford, who peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Nancy, age 76, was born in McDowell County on December 23, 1949, to the late Addie Causby and Margaret Welburn Causby. In addition to her...
Lesa Edna Pannell
Jul 15, 2026
Lesa Edna Smith Pannell, 57, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at her residence.
Lesa was born in McDowell County, NC, on August 1, 1968, to the late Eunice Clark Shew and William Roosevelt Smith. She was married to her husband of 34 years, Spencer Pannell. Lesa was a dedicated employee of Ridge Care Retirement...
Robert Wylie Hedrick
Jul 14, 2026
Robert Wylie Hedrick, age 54, of Kates Lane in Bakersville, the Ledger community, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville.
Born on December 5, 1971 in Oakland County, MI, he was the son of the late Dennis Zenevich and Patricia Smith.
Robert was a die hard Michigan Wolverine fan and lived by their motto:...
Michael Keith Hensley
Jul 14, 2026
Michael Keith Hensley, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Born on August 28, 1948, he was the son of the late Levi Hensley and Dica Morgan Hensley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shelby Hensley.
Those left to cherish his memory include his two cousins, Jerry F. Cable and James David Cable.
A...
Catherine Brown Barrett
Jul 14, 2026
Catherine Brown Barrett, 94, died Tuesday, July 14, 2026. She was born March 6, 1932 in Huntersville, NC to Harry Leonard Brown and Irene Gilbert Brown. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Donald Barrett and by her second husband, Theophilus Walton Clapp, Jr. and also by her sister, Margaret Brown Norris.
Catherine is survived by step children...
Andrew Stephenson Miller
Jul 14, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Andrew Stephenson Miller, who passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Andrew was born on January 15, 1984, in Marion, North Carolina. Throughout his cancer journey, he faced each challenge with remarkable strength, courage, and...
Doris Adline Gilliam
Jul 13, 2026
Doris Adline Ledbetter Gilliam, 91, of Nebo, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 at her son’s residence in Lenoir.
A native of McDowell County, she was born September 23, 1934 to the late Millard Roland Ledbetter and Monnie Ledbetter.
Doris was employed at Marion Manufacturing for over 40 years. She will be remembered as a hard worker. She was a dedicated member...
Janice Marie Perkins
Jul 11, 2026
Janice Marie Hagar Perkins, 76, of Marion, passed away at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills on the evening of Saturday, July 11, 2026.
She was born in Pike County, Kentucky on November 26, 1949 to the late Willard Hagar and Lillie Jane Tacket Hagar.
Janice was formerly employed as a CNA. She truly enjoyed taking care of others. A member of Victory...
Shirley Jeanette Stevens Laws
Jul 11, 2026
Shirley Jeanette Stevens Laws, 87, of Old Fort, passed away at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Shirley was born on June 28, 1939 to the late William Randolph Stevens, Sr., and Ruby Melton Stevens. She is also preceded in death by her husband, David Edward Laws, her son Steven David Laws, her grandson, David Allen Laws, and...
Joyce Ballew Davis
Jul 9, 2026
Joyce Ballew Davis, 77, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born on January 4, 1949 in Humboldt County California to the late Garmon Ballew and Wilma Styles Ballew.
Joyce was a very generous woman who enjoyed helping anyone who needed it. She did this often through countless acts...
Tammy Renee Lunsford Letterman
Jul 8, 2026
Tammy Renee Lunsford Letterman, 62, of Marion, NC, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at her residence. The daughter of the late William and Tilda Anders Lunsford, Tammy was born on January 30, 1964 in McDowell County.
She was a long-time member of Nebo Crossing Church in Marion, NC. Tammy was a co-owner of the Vintage Market Marion. She...
Doris Juanita Hammond Chrisawn Grybko
Jul 8, 2026
Doris Juanita Hammond Chrisawn Grybko, 70, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at her residence.
She was born on November 11, 1955 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to the late Ernest Earl Hammond and Beatrice Mae Craig Hammond.
Doris’ passion was nursing. She spent her career working primarily in geriatric care. She looked forward to camping trips twice a year with her...
Carolyn Linda Townsend
Jul 7, 2026
Carolyn Linda Townsend, age 69, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Born on May 23, 1957, she was the daughter of the late James Edward Presnell and Nancy Marie Presnell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Townsend; her sister, Theresa Presnell, Janice Stamey, and Brenda Huffman; and her brother, Ricky Presnell.
Carolyn dedicated 31...
Kimberly Dawn Hayes
Jul 5, 2026
Kimberly Dawn "Kim" Hayes, 55, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Born on January 22, 1971.She was a proud graduate of Appalachian State University and devoted 28 years to teaching with Caldwell County Schools before her retirement. Teaching was more than a profession to Kim—it was her calling. She inspired and...
Shane Biddix
Jul 4, 2026
From the time he was a young boy, Shane had already found his first love…the football field. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, football became more than just a game—it was where his determination, discipline, and love for a team began. His family never missed a game, cheering him on from the sidelines with pride. Those evenings under the lights...
Jacqueline Suzanne Hurt
Jul 2, 2026
Jacqueline “Jackie” Suzanne Hurt, age 75, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina on July 2, 2026.
Jackie was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 26, 1950 to Jackson D. and Cathline T. Hurt. She went to Speedway High school and graduated in the class of 1968.
Jackie worked in hotel management for many years before...
Guynell Lula Wright Vess
Jun 30, 2026
Guynell Lula Wright Vess, 75, of Lake Lure, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Rutherfordton on October 30, 1950 to the late Theodore Wright and Lula Searcy Wright.
Guynell was a lifelong member of Cedar Creek Holiness Church. She loved the Lord and listening to gospel music. An avid NASCAR...
Janice Lynn Wheelon Cox
Jun 30, 2026
Janice Lynn Wheelon Cox, 74, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Burke County on March 5, 1952 to the late Luther Clyde Wheelon and Crena Allison Wheelon.
Janice formerly worked at the McDowell Hospital where she worked in registration. A faithful Christian, she was a member of Ebenezer Christian Fellowship Church. Janice...
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