Lois Marie McKinney O'Dear

     Lois Marie McKinney O’Dear, 81, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

     Lois was born in Yancey County, NC, on January 23, 1942, to the late Joseph Ransom McKinney and Jewell McNeil McKinney. Lois formerly operated Little Super and Riverside Convenience Stores. Later, she operated O’Dears Country Diner for more than twenty years. She was known as a strong willed and giving person who loved joking and being around others.

     In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by a daughter, Jackie Lynn Simmons.

     She is survived by her husband, Grover Gene O’Dear; a son, Robbie O’Dear (Tammy); four brothers, Sherill, Arthur, Ronnie, and Tommy McKinney; three sisters, Betty Getz, Elaine Canipe, and Trina Smith; three grandchildren, Jeffery O’Dear (Janet), Chris Simmons (Autumn), and Justin O’Dear; and three great grandchildren, Taylor Grace O’Dear, Lynnie Simmons, and Lorelei Simmons.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service. Rev. David Edwards will officiate. Burial will follow at McDowell Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.

    The family requests flowers to be sent by Marion Floral, 652-0252.