Obituaries
Richard Ackner
Feb 5, 2026
Richard ‘Rich’ Ackner, age 84, of Bakersville, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the home of his daughter in Hendersonville.
Born on December 3, 1941 in Troy, NY, he was the son of the late Harry William and Ida Mae Lobdell Ackner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother; Harry Ackner.
Rich was a member...
Kathryn Ellen Brown Flowers
Feb 5, 2026
Kathryn Ellen Brown Flowers, 67, of Marion, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at her residence.A lifelong resident of McDowell County, Kathy was born on Christmas Day 1958 to the late Wilmer Lewis Brown and Ellen Ann Morris Brown.A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Marion, Kathy’s faith was central to her identity. She participated actively in her church...
Regina Pendley
Feb 4, 2026
Regina Ballew Pendley, age 66, of Vaughn Road in Spruce Pine passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Born on July 4, 1959 in Stanley County, she was the daughter of the late Edd Ballew and Judy Ballew who still survives. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Grayson Conley.
Regina was a member of the Emmaus...
Brenda "Mimi" Matthews Buchanan
Feb 4, 2026
Brenda Matthews Buchanan, (Mimi) age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Plumtree, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family on February 4, 2026.
Brenda was born on April 14, 1941, to the late Johnny and Frances Matthews. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was rooted in love for her family.
Those who knew Brenda will...
Kimberly Edwards
Feb 3, 2026
Kimberly Edwards, 63, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She was born on March 18, 1962, and resided in Forest City, NC, with her sister Sarah and her beloved dog, Boomer. A native of McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow Baxter Edwards, Sr. and Priscilla Hollifield Edwards.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandy...
Mary Ann Rowe Messina
Feb 3, 2026
Mary Ann Rowe Messina, born on July 24, 1952, in McDowell County, passed away on February 3, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital. Throughout her life, she was a former middle school educator and dedicating over 30 years of her career to the Department of Corrections before retiring.
Mary had a profound love for music, which enriched her life. She also took...
Pam Pendley Carter
Feb 2, 2026
Pam Pendley Carter, age 63, of State Street Extension in Marion passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at her home.
Born on December 18, 1962 in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late David Lee Pendley and Geraldine Pendley who still survives. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Jackie Lee Pendley.
Pam...
Kaitlynn Danielle Reagan
Feb 1, 2026
Kaitlynn “Katie” Danielle Reagan, 27, of Marion, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at her residence.
Katie was born in Haywood County, NC, on October 17, 1998, to Ginny Reagan. She was lovingly cared for by Mike and Dawn Jerome. Katie was the personification of love, as she loved her family unconditionally. She loved to sing and...
Robert Ronald Slagle
Jan 30, 2026
Robert Ronald Slagle, age 84, of McRae Court in Spruce Pine, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 7, 1941 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Guy Emmitt and Lois Grindstaff Slagle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Blanche Stanley.
Robert...
Pauline Wilson Loftis
Jan 30, 2026
On the morning of Friday, January 30, 2026, Pauline Wilson Loftis, age 92, went to be with the Lord at Autumn Care of Marion.
A native of Yancey County, she was born February 8, 1933 to the late Bascom Wilson and Ethel Shuford Wilson.
Pauline formerly lived at Blue Ridge Terrace Apartments for over twenty years. While there, she attended church services...
Earl Clinton Johnson
Jan 28, 2026
Earl Clinton Johnson, born on July 24, 1965, in McDowell County, left this world on January 28, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. A beloved husband and father, Clinton passing is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
For 30 years, Clinton shared his life with his devoted wife, Pebble Mitcham Johnson. Together, they created a...
SPC. Antoine Edward Lindsey, Jr.
Jan 27, 2026
SPC. Antoine Edward Lindsey, Jr., born on August 9, 2000, in McDowell County, passed away on January 27, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration that will forever resonate with all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Little, as he was affectionately called, embraced life with an unparalleled zeal. His faith in God was the cornerstone...
Steve Hunter
Jan 27, 2026
Steve Hunter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Rotarian, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 29, 1955, in Brevard, North Carolina, Steve lived a life defined by devotion to his family and a deep commitment to kindness and service.
From an early age, Steve was active in Scouts and loved the forests of...
Kevin Charles Byrd
Jan 27, 2026
Kevin Charles Byrd, 49 of Marion, passed away unexpectedly from a medical condition on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Kevin, like many other, struggled through some difficult periods in his life that he had to work hard to overcome. He did that beautifully in the last few years of his life. He found contentment in recovery, a...
Bonnie Edwards
Jan 27, 2026
Bonnie Edwards, a beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on October 8, 1932, in Yancey County, Bonnie was a cherished member of her family and community.
Bonnie's nurturing spirit and love for her family were unmatched. She held a special affinity for children and was...
Maxine Frances Logan Helms
Jan 27, 2026
Maxine Frances Logan Helms, 81, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in Rutherford County on March 20, 1944 to the late Cornelius Sylvanous Logan and Maude Selena Whiteside Logan Bradley.
Maxine retired from Baxter Healthcare. She was a longtime member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lake...
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley
Jan 26, 2026
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley, age 101, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, January 26, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
Alma was born in Drexel NC, but lived most of her life in Marion. She was a member of West Court Baptist Church for over 78 years. She worked in hosiery mills until she was...
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis
Jan 23, 2026
***Due to inclement weather, please see the update to the date and time of the service below.***
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2026 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
She was born in McDowell County on May 25, 1949 to the late Murray Joseph Arrowood and Jacqulene Wilburn Arrowood.
Barbara worked in...
Charles Edward Gorée, Jr.
Jan 22, 2026
Charles (Charlie) Edward Gorée, Jr. passed away suddenly on January 22, 2026.
Public viewing will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Beam’s Funeral Home in Marion. A short service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Saint Jude’s Hospital will be appreciated. https://www.stjude.org/give.html
Charlie was born in Hoboken, NJ on October 25, 1952.
He served in...
Kenneth Stanley Newton
Jan 22, 2026
Kenneth Stanley Newton, 55, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his residence.
Kenneth was born in McDowell County, NC, to Theresa Lou McKinney Newton and the late Kenneth Bea Newton. From an early age, Kenneth worked with his father and brother in the concrete business. He was called, “Mr. Norris” by his special Aunt,...
Richard Ackner
Feb 5, 2026
Richard ‘Rich’ Ackner, age 84, of Bakersville, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the home of his daughter in Hendersonville.
Born on December 3, 1941 in Troy, NY, he was the son of the late Harry William and Ida Mae Lobdell Ackner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother; Harry Ackner.
Rich was a member...
Kathryn Ellen Brown Flowers
Feb 5, 2026
Kathryn Ellen Brown Flowers, 67, of Marion, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at her residence.A lifelong resident of McDowell County, Kathy was born on Christmas Day 1958 to the late Wilmer Lewis Brown and Ellen Ann Morris Brown.A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Marion, Kathy’s faith was central to her identity. She participated actively in her church...
Regina Pendley
Feb 4, 2026
Regina Ballew Pendley, age 66, of Vaughn Road in Spruce Pine passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Born on July 4, 1959 in Stanley County, she was the daughter of the late Edd Ballew and Judy Ballew who still survives. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Grayson Conley.
Regina was a member of the Emmaus...
Brenda "Mimi" Matthews Buchanan
Feb 4, 2026
Brenda Matthews Buchanan, (Mimi) age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Plumtree, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family on February 4, 2026.
Brenda was born on April 14, 1941, to the late Johnny and Frances Matthews. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was rooted in love for her family.
Those who knew Brenda will...
Kimberly Edwards
Feb 3, 2026
Kimberly Edwards, 63, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She was born on March 18, 1962, and resided in Forest City, NC, with her sister Sarah and her beloved dog, Boomer. A native of McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow Baxter Edwards, Sr. and Priscilla Hollifield Edwards.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandy...
Mary Ann Rowe Messina
Feb 3, 2026
Mary Ann Rowe Messina, born on July 24, 1952, in McDowell County, passed away on February 3, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital. Throughout her life, she was a former middle school educator and dedicating over 30 years of her career to the Department of Corrections before retiring.
Mary had a profound love for music, which enriched her life. She also took...
Pam Pendley Carter
Feb 2, 2026
Pam Pendley Carter, age 63, of State Street Extension in Marion passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at her home.
Born on December 18, 1962 in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late David Lee Pendley and Geraldine Pendley who still survives. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Jackie Lee Pendley.
Pam...
Kaitlynn Danielle Reagan
Feb 1, 2026
Kaitlynn “Katie” Danielle Reagan, 27, of Marion, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at her residence.
Katie was born in Haywood County, NC, on October 17, 1998, to Ginny Reagan. She was lovingly cared for by Mike and Dawn Jerome. Katie was the personification of love, as she loved her family unconditionally. She loved to sing and...
Robert Ronald Slagle
Jan 30, 2026
Robert Ronald Slagle, age 84, of McRae Court in Spruce Pine, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 7, 1941 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Guy Emmitt and Lois Grindstaff Slagle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Blanche Stanley.
Robert...
Pauline Wilson Loftis
Jan 30, 2026
On the morning of Friday, January 30, 2026, Pauline Wilson Loftis, age 92, went to be with the Lord at Autumn Care of Marion.
A native of Yancey County, she was born February 8, 1933 to the late Bascom Wilson and Ethel Shuford Wilson.
Pauline formerly lived at Blue Ridge Terrace Apartments for over twenty years. While there, she attended church services...
Earl Clinton Johnson
Jan 28, 2026
Earl Clinton Johnson, born on July 24, 1965, in McDowell County, left this world on January 28, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. A beloved husband and father, Clinton passing is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
For 30 years, Clinton shared his life with his devoted wife, Pebble Mitcham Johnson. Together, they created a...
SPC. Antoine Edward Lindsey, Jr.
Jan 27, 2026
SPC. Antoine Edward Lindsey, Jr., born on August 9, 2000, in McDowell County, passed away on January 27, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration that will forever resonate with all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Little, as he was affectionately called, embraced life with an unparalleled zeal. His faith in God was the cornerstone...
Steve Hunter
Jan 27, 2026
Steve Hunter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Rotarian, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 29, 1955, in Brevard, North Carolina, Steve lived a life defined by devotion to his family and a deep commitment to kindness and service.
From an early age, Steve was active in Scouts and loved the forests of...
Kevin Charles Byrd
Jan 27, 2026
Kevin Charles Byrd, 49 of Marion, passed away unexpectedly from a medical condition on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Kevin, like many other, struggled through some difficult periods in his life that he had to work hard to overcome. He did that beautifully in the last few years of his life. He found contentment in recovery, a...
Bonnie Edwards
Jan 27, 2026
Bonnie Edwards, a beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on October 8, 1932, in Yancey County, Bonnie was a cherished member of her family and community.
Bonnie's nurturing spirit and love for her family were unmatched. She held a special affinity for children and was...
Maxine Frances Logan Helms
Jan 27, 2026
Maxine Frances Logan Helms, 81, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in Rutherford County on March 20, 1944 to the late Cornelius Sylvanous Logan and Maude Selena Whiteside Logan Bradley.
Maxine retired from Baxter Healthcare. She was a longtime member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lake...
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley
Jan 26, 2026
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley, age 101, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, January 26, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
Alma was born in Drexel NC, but lived most of her life in Marion. She was a member of West Court Baptist Church for over 78 years. She worked in hosiery mills until she was...
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis
Jan 23, 2026
***Due to inclement weather, please see the update to the date and time of the service below.***
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2026 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
She was born in McDowell County on May 25, 1949 to the late Murray Joseph Arrowood and Jacqulene Wilburn Arrowood.
Barbara worked in...
Charles Edward Gorée, Jr.
Jan 22, 2026
Charles (Charlie) Edward Gorée, Jr. passed away suddenly on January 22, 2026.
Public viewing will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Beam’s Funeral Home in Marion. A short service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Saint Jude’s Hospital will be appreciated. https://www.stjude.org/give.html
Charlie was born in Hoboken, NJ on October 25, 1952.
He served in...
Kenneth Stanley Newton
Jan 22, 2026
Kenneth Stanley Newton, 55, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his residence.
Kenneth was born in McDowell County, NC, to Theresa Lou McKinney Newton and the late Kenneth Bea Newton. From an early age, Kenneth worked with his father and brother in the concrete business. He was called, “Mr. Norris” by his special Aunt,...
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