Cora Beth Trout Johnson
Dec 12, 2025
Cora Beth Trout Johnson, 71, of Marion, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025.
A native of Illinois, Cora was born in Eldorado on November 19, 1954 to the late Clement Paul Trout and Wanda Nelson Trout.
Cora’s career as a registered nurse was marked by her unwavering commitment to her patients. Her compassion extended beyond her professional life, as she previously volunteered...
Elizabeth "Libby" Newton Ramsey
Dec 12, 2025
Elizabeth “Libby” Newton Ramsey, 72, of Nebo, went to be with her Lord on Friday, December 12, 2025 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
She was born in McDowell County on June 3, 1953 to the late Alvin Charles Newton and Mary Lou Finley Newton.
A loving wife, mother, and Nena, she loved her family and especially adored her grandchildren who were her...
JoAnn Ward Sparks
Dec 9, 2025
JoAnn Ward Sparks, 86, of Spruce Pine, passed away peacefully at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
A native of Mitchell County, she was born January 3, 1939 to the late Charlie Ward and Lucille Buchanan Ward.
JoAnn retired from the textile industry after nineteen years of dedicated service. She attended Bethel Baptist Church. A wonderful cook, she enjoyed providing meals for her family...
Annette Matthews
Dec 8, 2025
Margaret “Annette” Peek Matthews, 64, of Marion, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at her residence.
Annette was born in McDowell County, NC, on November 22, 1961, to Margaret Vess Peek and the late Ben Peek. She attended Old Fort Wesleyan Church. Annette was a sales representative with the NC State Lottery and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company....
Lillian Ruth Surrett Lance
Dec 7, 2025
Lillian Ruth Surrett Lance, 83, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Lillian was born on April 3, 1942, in Canton, NC, to the late Riley Surrett and Lilly Johnson Surrett. She was preceded in death by two brothers; Ralph Surrett and John Surrett; two sisters, Frankie Ballard and Reva...
Joyce Ann McKinney
Dec 7, 2025
Joyce Ann McKinney, a beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully at her residence on December 7, 2025, at the age of 68. Born on December 22, 1956, in McDowell County, Joyce was a person of deep kindness and generosity, known for her unwavering support of others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Joyce had a...
Virginia Ruth Randolph Effler
Dec 6, 2025
Virginia Ruth Randolph Effler, 70, of Marion, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
A native of Marion, she was born on October 27, 1955 to the late Carl Mildred Randolph and Mary Grace Gaddy Randolph. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Alfred “Gene” Effler.
Virginia...
Marie Countiss Owenby
Dec 5, 2025
Marie Countiss Owenby, 84, of Nebo, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025 at her residence.
Marie was born in Bristol, Tennessee on June 29, 1941 to the late William Wilson Countiss and Glenna Willis Countiss. She was married to the late William Paul Owenby, Sr. Marie enjoyed reading and adored her whole family. She will always be...
Walter Andrew Hensley
Dec 5, 2025
Walter Andrew Hensley, 92, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Black Mountain.
Walter was born in Burke County, NC on March 1, 1933, to the late Jeter Hensley and Pansy Grindstaff Hensley. He was married to the late Betty Hall Hensley. Walter served his country proudly...
Hoyt Paul Brittain
Dec 4, 2025
Hoyt Paul Brittain, 46, of Hickory, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in Burke County on March 26, 1979. Known as a hard worker, Hoyt worked as a farmhand for many years. Fishing was a favorite pastime of his. A music lover, Hoyt was a faithful fan of Hank Williams, Jr. He enjoyed simple pleasures...
Reta Lynn McGraw Berry
Dec 2, 2025
Reta Lynn McGraw Berry, age 64, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at her residence after a lengthy illness.
A native of Gilbert, West Virginia, Reta was born August 22, 1961 to the late Robert and Ruby Cline McGraw.
Reta spent her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, a profession that she truly enjoyed. After moving to North Carolina in...
Ronny Lynn Norman
Dec 1, 2025
Ronny Lynn Norman, 71, of Asheville, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, December 1, 2025.
A native of McDowell County, he was born July 12, 1954 to the late Wayne Norman and Hazel Johnson Norman.
Ron worked for his family’s propane business, and he later started his own small engine repair business, RCRV. He later became a security guard. A...
Rebecca Gail Presnell
Nov 30, 2025
Rebecca Gail Presnell, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence on November 30, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on July 18, 1965, Rebecca was known for her creative spirit and deep love for her family.
A proud daughter of Ernest Wilson and Donna Taylor, Rebecca's artistic talent illuminated her life. She was a...
Norman Lee Arrowood
Nov 30, 2025
Norman Lee Arrowood, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Born in McDowell County on November 20, 1947, Norman encapsulated the values of love, hard work, and commitment throughout his life.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Norman served his country with honor...
Zora Darlene Robinson Lanning
Nov 29, 2025
Zora Darlene Robinson Lanning, 83, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
A native of Yancey County, she was born May 22, 1942 to the late Stokes Robinson and Lizzie Mae Robinson.
Darlene was a faithful member of Trinity Missionary Baptist for 52 years. She enjoyed making beautiful quilts, which...
Edsel G. Rogers
Nov 28, 2025
Edsel G. “Chico” Rogers, 67, of Marion, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
Chico was born in Seneca, South Carolina, on July 27, 1958, to the late Edsel Ford Rogers and Jessie Bell Grant Rogers. He loved being outdoors and was an avid fisherman. Chico enjoyed working with his...
Alice Elizabeth Evans
Nov 28, 2025
Alice Elizabeth Riddle Ballard Evans, 88, of Marion, passed away peacefully on the day after Thanksgiving, November 28, 2025 at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.
She was born August 18, 1937 in Mitchell County to the late Ernest and Grace McKinney Riddle. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Arnold Ray Ballard; her second husband, Robert “Bobby” Evans; one...
Shirley Jewel Vess Murphy
Nov 27, 2025
Shirley Jewel Vess Murphy, age 89, went home to be with the Lord November 27, 2025, with family by her side.
She was born on February 9, 1936 at home in McDowell County. She was the daughter of the late Otis and Flossie Elliott Vess.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clayton Champton Murphy, along with her siblings, Elizabeth...
William Leroy Stroupe
Nov 27, 2025
William “Leroy” Stroupe, 73, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
He was born in Buncombe County on October 18, 1952 to the late Bill Stroupe and Betty Craig Stroupe.
Known as a hard worker, he formerly worked at Baxter Healthcare, but he spent most of his life as...
Sandra Goforth Merola
Nov 26, 2025
Sandra Goforth Merola, 77, of Mooresville, NC, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord.
Sandra was born in Mitchell County, NC, on May 9, 1948, to the late Earsel Smith and Gladys Buchanan Smith. She was married to the late Joseph Merola, who passed away in 2023. Sandra was a member of...