Obituaries
Peter Michael Garaventa
Feb 11, 2026
Peter Michael Garaventa, 72 currently residing in Candler, NC passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2026 from a tragic vehicle incident. Pete was born in McDowell County on February 7, 1954. He grew up in the North Cove community and was a long time resident of Marion. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Elwanda Vance Braswell and William...
Raymond "Doc" Martin Evans
Feb 21, 2026
Raymond Martin "Doc" Evans, age 94, of Bond Street in Marion, NC passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at his home.
Born on July 16, 1931 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Samuel L. and Ollie E. Gibson Evans. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mozelle Evans who passed away...
Jason Brent Gilliam
Feb 20, 2026
Jason Brent Gilliam, 53, of Old Fort, passed away at home on Friday, February 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
A native of McDowell County, he was born June 13, 1972 to Cynthia Gilliam Moore and the late Max R. Gilliam.
Jason was a wonderful musician, artist, writer, and carpenter bringing joy and inspiration to those around him. He enjoyed playing...
Kathryn Ann Roland
Feb 20, 2026
Kathy Ann Roland, born on September 25, 1948, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 20, 2026. She was a beloved member of family and community, known for exceptional cooking skills and her deep affection for her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kathy, whose maiden name was Somers, often expressed pride in her hometown of...
Charlene Presnell Grindstaff
Feb 19, 2026
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Charlene Presnell Grindstaff, age 57, went to be with the Lord.
A native of Mitchell County, she was born March 9, 1968 to Mary Louise Hudgins Burgin and the late Vernon James Presnell.
Charlene loved the Lord, and she put Him first in her daily life. She attended United Friendship Free Will Baptist Church. She never missed...
Bud Phillips
Feb 18, 2026
Bud Phillips, age 91, born on December 9, 1934, in Mitchell County, North Carolina, passed away on February 18, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will be cherished by his family and friends.
A proud Marine veteran, Bud dedicated many years of his career to Henredon and Mohasco, where he was respected for his hard work...
Ronnie Forest Wilson
Feb 17, 2026
Ronnie Forest Wilson, 85, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
He was born in Rutherford County on November 23, 1940 to the late Haye Thurmand Wilson and Kathleen Flynn Wilson.
Ronnie worked at Drexel Heritage for 39 years. He truly loved his work, and he made many friends during his time...
Katie Elizabeth Mace Mosley
Feb 17, 2026
Katie Elizabeth Mace Mosley, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, her 84th birthday.
A native of McDowell County, she was one of thirteen children born to the late Roy Mace and Gertrude Price Mace.
Katie was formerly employed in the textile industry in the sewing department at both Washington Mills and Hanes. She...
Michael Gene Laws
Feb 17, 2026
Michael Gene Laws, a loving husband and father, passed away on February 17, 2026, at his residence. Born on October 7, 1946, in Yancey County, he dedicated his professional life to the furniture industry, demonstrating remarkable commitment and expertise throughout his career.
Mike was not only known for his industrious nature but also for his profound love for family and faith....
Estalene Hughes Hollifield
Feb 16, 2026
Estalene Hughes Hollifield passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Rose Hill Retirement Community with her loving family by her side.
Born in Mitchell County, North Carolina on August 20, 1932 she was the last surviving of ten children born to Will and Emma Davis Hughes.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Willard...
Leroy Reel
Feb 16, 2026
Leroy Reel, 84, of the Dysartsville Community, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at his residence with his loving family by his side.
A native of McDowell County, he was born March 17, 1941 to the late Luther Reel and Elizabeth Morgan Reel.
Leroy was wholly dedicated to his church, Dysartsville Baptist Church, from the time he gave his life to the...
Michael "Mike" Danny Wilson
Feb 15, 2026
Michael “Mike” Danny Wilson, 70, of Marion, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 at his residence with his family by his side.
He was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1955 to the late Clifton Wilson and Wilma Fender Wilson.
Known as a wonderful provider and hard worker, Mike worked as a machinist at Auria for over forty years where he...
Janice Fortune Carson
Feb 13, 2026
Janice Fortune Carson, 83, of Marion, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at her residence.
Janice was born in Burke County, NC on September 16, 1942, to the late Lawrene Jackson Fortune and Sarah Inez Franklin Fortune. Janice was an avid gardener and a lover of many pets, especially dogs. She was a caregiver by nature and...
Donald Ray Smith
Feb 13, 2026
Donald “Don” Ray Smith, 73, of Marion, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.
Don was born in McDowell County, NC on September 17, 1952, to the late Paul Robert Smith and Lowuna Lail Smith. He was married to his beloved wife of 52 years, Pamela Jo McGee Smith. Don served his country...
Glen Robert Braswell
Feb 12, 2026
Glen Robert Braswell, 91, of Henredon Road in Spruce Pine, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville, NC.
Born on December 19, 1934, in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Talmage and Zora Lee Gouge Braswell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter,...
Wanda Awaithun Robinson Strickland
Feb 12, 2026
Wanda Awaithun Robinson Strickland, 86, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Wanda was born the oldest of ten children, in Yancey County, NC, on January 13, 1940, to the late Callie and George Robinson. She loved flowers, sewing, and being outdoors, where she enjoyed gathering galax with her sisters. Wanda spent her life...
Linda Sue Patridge Ross
Feb 11, 2026
Linda Sue Patridge Ross, age 63, of Harmony Grove Road in Nebo, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at her home.
Born on December 19, 1962 in Fairfax County, VA, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Carol Crabtree Patridge. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Ross, Sr., who passed...
Anna Elaine Gouge McKinney
Feb 11, 2026
Anna Elaine Gouge McKinney, 61, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at her residence.
Anna was born in McDowell County, NC on March 9, 1964, to the late Fulton H. Gouge and Selma J. Pack Gouge. She was married to her husband of 20 years, John McKinney. Anna was a member of Hicks Chapel Baptist...
Carrie Lois Stevens Watkins
Feb 10, 2026
Carrie Lois Stevens Watkins, 98, of Glenwood, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
She was born in Mitchell County on June 9, 1927 to the late Wesley Stevens and Elizabeth Briggs Stevens.
Carrie loved God with all her heart and enjoyed reading her Bible. She was of the Holiness faith. She loved canning, and it did her heart...
Roger Wade Stott
Feb 8, 2026
Roger “Wade” Stott, age 75, of the Montford Cove community, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home.
Born on April 21, 1950, in McDowell County, Wade was the son of the late Willie Miles Stott and Mary Inez Minish Stott.
Wade was a lifelong member of Montford Cove Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling,...
Peter Michael Garaventa
Feb 11, 2026
Peter Michael Garaventa, 72 currently residing in Candler, NC passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2026 from a tragic vehicle incident. Pete was born in McDowell County on February 7, 1954. He grew up in the North Cove community and was a long time resident of Marion. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Elwanda Vance Braswell and William...
Raymond "Doc" Martin Evans
Feb 21, 2026
Raymond Martin "Doc" Evans, age 94, of Bond Street in Marion, NC passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at his home.
Born on July 16, 1931 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Samuel L. and Ollie E. Gibson Evans. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mozelle Evans who passed away...
Jason Brent Gilliam
Feb 20, 2026
Jason Brent Gilliam, 53, of Old Fort, passed away at home on Friday, February 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
A native of McDowell County, he was born June 13, 1972 to Cynthia Gilliam Moore and the late Max R. Gilliam.
Jason was a wonderful musician, artist, writer, and carpenter bringing joy and inspiration to those around him. He enjoyed playing...
Kathryn Ann Roland
Feb 20, 2026
Kathy Ann Roland, born on September 25, 1948, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her residence on February 20, 2026. She was a beloved member of family and community, known for exceptional cooking skills and her deep affection for her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kathy, whose maiden name was Somers, often expressed pride in her hometown of...
Charlene Presnell Grindstaff
Feb 19, 2026
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Charlene Presnell Grindstaff, age 57, went to be with the Lord.
A native of Mitchell County, she was born March 9, 1968 to Mary Louise Hudgins Burgin and the late Vernon James Presnell.
Charlene loved the Lord, and she put Him first in her daily life. She attended United Friendship Free Will Baptist Church. She never missed...
Bud Phillips
Feb 18, 2026
Bud Phillips, age 91, born on December 9, 1934, in Mitchell County, North Carolina, passed away on February 18, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will be cherished by his family and friends.
A proud Marine veteran, Bud dedicated many years of his career to Henredon and Mohasco, where he was respected for his hard work...
Ronnie Forest Wilson
Feb 17, 2026
Ronnie Forest Wilson, 85, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
He was born in Rutherford County on November 23, 1940 to the late Haye Thurmand Wilson and Kathleen Flynn Wilson.
Ronnie worked at Drexel Heritage for 39 years. He truly loved his work, and he made many friends during his time...
Katie Elizabeth Mace Mosley
Feb 17, 2026
Katie Elizabeth Mace Mosley, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, her 84th birthday.
A native of McDowell County, she was one of thirteen children born to the late Roy Mace and Gertrude Price Mace.
Katie was formerly employed in the textile industry in the sewing department at both Washington Mills and Hanes. She...
Michael Gene Laws
Feb 17, 2026
Michael Gene Laws, a loving husband and father, passed away on February 17, 2026, at his residence. Born on October 7, 1946, in Yancey County, he dedicated his professional life to the furniture industry, demonstrating remarkable commitment and expertise throughout his career.
Mike was not only known for his industrious nature but also for his profound love for family and faith....
Estalene Hughes Hollifield
Feb 16, 2026
Estalene Hughes Hollifield passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Rose Hill Retirement Community with her loving family by her side.
Born in Mitchell County, North Carolina on August 20, 1932 she was the last surviving of ten children born to Will and Emma Davis Hughes.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Willard...
Leroy Reel
Feb 16, 2026
Leroy Reel, 84, of the Dysartsville Community, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at his residence with his loving family by his side.
A native of McDowell County, he was born March 17, 1941 to the late Luther Reel and Elizabeth Morgan Reel.
Leroy was wholly dedicated to his church, Dysartsville Baptist Church, from the time he gave his life to the...
Michael "Mike" Danny Wilson
Feb 15, 2026
Michael “Mike” Danny Wilson, 70, of Marion, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 at his residence with his family by his side.
He was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1955 to the late Clifton Wilson and Wilma Fender Wilson.
Known as a wonderful provider and hard worker, Mike worked as a machinist at Auria for over forty years where he...
Janice Fortune Carson
Feb 13, 2026
Janice Fortune Carson, 83, of Marion, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at her residence.
Janice was born in Burke County, NC on September 16, 1942, to the late Lawrene Jackson Fortune and Sarah Inez Franklin Fortune. Janice was an avid gardener and a lover of many pets, especially dogs. She was a caregiver by nature and...
Donald Ray Smith
Feb 13, 2026
Donald “Don” Ray Smith, 73, of Marion, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.
Don was born in McDowell County, NC on September 17, 1952, to the late Paul Robert Smith and Lowuna Lail Smith. He was married to his beloved wife of 52 years, Pamela Jo McGee Smith. Don served his country...
Glen Robert Braswell
Feb 12, 2026
Glen Robert Braswell, 91, of Henredon Road in Spruce Pine, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville, NC.
Born on December 19, 1934, in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Talmage and Zora Lee Gouge Braswell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter,...
Wanda Awaithun Robinson Strickland
Feb 12, 2026
Wanda Awaithun Robinson Strickland, 86, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Wanda was born the oldest of ten children, in Yancey County, NC, on January 13, 1940, to the late Callie and George Robinson. She loved flowers, sewing, and being outdoors, where she enjoyed gathering galax with her sisters. Wanda spent her life...
Linda Sue Patridge Ross
Feb 11, 2026
Linda Sue Patridge Ross, age 63, of Harmony Grove Road in Nebo, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at her home.
Born on December 19, 1962 in Fairfax County, VA, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Carol Crabtree Patridge. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Ross, Sr., who passed...
Anna Elaine Gouge McKinney
Feb 11, 2026
Anna Elaine Gouge McKinney, 61, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at her residence.
Anna was born in McDowell County, NC on March 9, 1964, to the late Fulton H. Gouge and Selma J. Pack Gouge. She was married to her husband of 20 years, John McKinney. Anna was a member of Hicks Chapel Baptist...
Carrie Lois Stevens Watkins
Feb 10, 2026
Carrie Lois Stevens Watkins, 98, of Glenwood, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
She was born in Mitchell County on June 9, 1927 to the late Wesley Stevens and Elizabeth Briggs Stevens.
Carrie loved God with all her heart and enjoyed reading her Bible. She was of the Holiness faith. She loved canning, and it did her heart...
Roger Wade Stott
Feb 8, 2026
Roger “Wade” Stott, age 75, of the Montford Cove community, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home.
Born on April 21, 1950, in McDowell County, Wade was the son of the late Willie Miles Stott and Mary Inez Minish Stott.
Wade was a lifelong member of Montford Cove Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling,...
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