Gary Lance Huffman
Dec 20, 2025
Rev. Gary Lance Huffman, age 75, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Asheville VA Medical Center.
Born on April 13, 1950, in Avery County, he was the son of the late Lance Huffman and Mildred Lewis Huffman.
Gary devoted more than forty years of his life to working as a commercial electrician. He also faithfully served...
Judy McFalls Pittman
Dec 20, 2025
Judy Carolyn McFalls Pittman, age 74, of Marion, passed peacefully at her residence on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Born on December 23, 1950, in McDowell County, she was the daughter of Louise McFalls and Paul McFalls. She is preceded in death by her father and her brother Michael McFalls.
Judy was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and faithfully sang in...
Shirley Ann Cunningham
Dec 18, 2025
Shirley Ann Cunningham, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on December 18, 2025, at Mission Hospital McDowell at the age of 88. Born on July 25, 1937, in McDowell County,
Shirley led a life marked by her incredible work ethic and caring spirit. As a devoted mother, Shirley is survived by her loving sons, Mickey...
Robert Hines Bowman
Dec 18, 2025
“Papaw” Robert Hines Bowman
Robert Hines Bowman of Marion, age 92, passed away peacefully at the Valor Hospice Unit at the Charles George VA Medical Center on December 18th, 2025. Robert was born in McDowell County on December 29th, 1932, the beloved son of the late Summy Truman Bowman and Clema Rose Smith Bowman. In addition to his parents, he was...
Clifford Harvey Harris
Dec 18, 2025
Clifford Harvey Harris, 78, of Union Mills, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Willow Ridge Rehabilitation & Living Center in Rutherfordton.
Clifford was born in Caldwell County, NC, on June 19, 1947, to the late Theron Calvin Harris and Polly Sue Graham Harris. He served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam...
William Cabbel "WC" Newman, Sr.
Dec 15, 2025
On the evening of Monday, December 15, 2025, William Cabbel “WC” Newman, Sr., age 85, of Marion, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion.
A native of Vance County, he was born January 14, 1940 to the late Maurice Eugene Newman and Permelia Granger Newman. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Cynthia Newman; brother-in-law, Wayne...
Michael Eugene Waycaster
Dec 15, 2025
On Monday, December 15, 2025, Michael Eugene Waycaster, 80, of Marion, passed away at his residence with his loving family by his side.
A native of McDowell County, he was born December 13, 1945 to the late Burley Eugene Waycaster and Daisy Irene McEntire Waycaster. A brother, Alvin Waycaster, also preceded him in death.
Mike dedicated himself to his work, proudly founding...
Darryl Keith Hudgins
Dec 13, 2025
Darryl Keith Hudgins, 62, of Marion, passed away Saturday morning, December 13, 2025 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby.
Born in Asheville on August 4, 1963, he was the son of the late Jack Arville Hudgins and Blanche Elizabeth Roland Howard.
Darryl was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having spent the majority of his service in Germany. He later...
Wanda Gail Duncan
Dec 13, 2025
Wanda "Gail" Duncan, a beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully at her residence on December 13, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born on January 15, 1945, in Mitchell County.
A devoted member of her community, Gail was a founder and charter member of Going Home Free Will Baptist Church, where she served tirelessly, teaching Sunday School...
Linda Edward Patton
Dec 12, 2025
Linda Edward Patton, of Marion, NC, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, at her residence.
At this time, no services are scheduled.
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...