Obituaries
Mable Ruth Lavender
Aug 24, 2026
Mable Ruth Lavender left this world peacefully on August 24, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehab surrounded by her family at the age of 93.
She was born May 5, 1933 to the late Rev. Grady Fender and Sadie Fender.
Ruth retired from a career in manufacturing. She had a great love for gardening, mowing her grass, and watching her hummingbirds.
In...
Barbara Black Silver
Aug 24, 2026
Barbara Black Silver, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Solace Center in Buncombe County.
Born on July 1, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Black and Ida McCanless Black. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Don Silver; two brothers; and four sisters.
Barbara enjoyed reading, spending...
Rebecca Jane Shiflet Jimeson
Aug 23, 2026
Rebecca Jane Shiflet Jimeson, 90, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
She was born in McDowell County on November 13, 1935 to the late William Shiflet and Ermon McConnell Shiflet.
Jane attended Garden Creek Baptist Church where she enjoyed worshipping and singing. Known as a wonderful cook, Jane also enjoyed crafts and word searches....
Clarence Franklin Poole
Aug 23, 2026
Clarence Franklin Poole, 76, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 at his residence.
He was born in Lexington, North Carolina on July 22, 1950. He worked at Collins & Aikman, now Auria, for many years. He honorably served in the United States Army.
Clarence was preceded in death by a grandson, Tyler Poole.
Those left to cherish his memory are his...
Pamela Jean Virgin Smith
Aug 22, 2026
Pamela Jean Virgin Smith, 56, of Old Fort, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on the morning of Saturday, August 22, 2026.
She was born in Concord, New Hampshire on April 22, 1970 to the late Daniel James Virgin and Dona Marie Marion Virgin. A grandchild, Hunter, and a sister, Cathy Virgin, also preceded her in death.
Pamela formerly worked in a...
Georgia Davis Presnell
Aug 22, 2026
Georgia Davis Presnell, age 100, of Marion, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of Avery County, she was born April 16, 1926 to the late Ed Davis and Laura McMahan Davis.
Georgia retired from a career in manufacturing. She had a great love for flowers of all kinds and working in her garden. She loved...
Alan Byrne Tinney
Aug 21, 2026
Alan Byrne Tinney, age 70, of Conley Ridge Road in Bakersville passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at his home.
Born on March 26, 1956, in Ancon, Panama, he was the son of the late Oscar Byrne Tinneyand the late Wilma Howell Tinney. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister; Nancy Tinney.
For...
Adam Bryce Maynor
Aug 20, 2026
Adam Bryce Maynor, 27, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Above all the titles he held, being a father to his four-year-old son, Ayden, was Adam's greatest joy and proudest achievement. His love for Ayden was boundless and fierce-whether they were dreaming up superhero adventures, exploring outside, or simply laughing together. Alongside Ayden, the true anchor of...
Freida Louise Webb
Aug 20, 2026
Freida Louise Fender Webb, went to be with the Lord peacefully on August 20, 2026, at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehab at the age of 96. Born on August 1, 1930, Freida’s long and meaningful life stands as a testament to her deep love for family, her steadfast faith, and her enduring spirit of service. Freida was the daughter of...
Alan Todd Helms
Aug 19, 2026
Alan “Todd” Helms, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence on August 19, 2026. Born on February 6, 1976, in McDowell County, Todd spent his fifty years inspiring those around him with kindness, warmth, and an devotion to his family.
Todd was the cherished son of Dixie Lawing Helms and the late Rev. Joseph Helms.
Todd...
Maxine Hensley Lane
Aug 18, 2026
Maxine Hensley Lane, age 72, passed away peacefully at the Amorem Care Unit in Valdese on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Born on February 10, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Frank Hensley and Irene Hensley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Lane; two brothers, Buryl Hensley and Howard Robinson; and a...
Perry Todd Conner
Aug 16, 2026
Perry “Todd” Conner, 63, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his residence.
Todd was born in Rutherford County, NC, on April 4, 1963, to the late J.B. Conner and Evelyn Mitchell Conner. Todd loved the outdoors. He worked in the timber industry for most of his life and enjoyed hunting and four wheeling. He...
Richard Edward Brendle
Aug 15, 2026
Richard Edward Brendle, 66, of Marion, passed from this life to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on September 26, 1959 to the late George Edward Brendle and Barbara Anne Clewis Brendle. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Virgil and Viola Brendle, and his...
Rickey Dan Branch
Aug 13, 2026
Mr. Rickey Dan Branch, age 54, of Old Fort, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 13 2026 at his residence. He was born on September 17, 1971 to the late Ernest Dan Branch and Lucy Forbes Blevins.
Rickey was known as a hard working man who loved the Lord. He had a special way of finding those...
Dor Jeong
Aug 13, 2026
Dor Jeong, 90, of Marion, formerly of New York, NY, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her residence.
Dor was born in Staten Island, NY on March 5, 1936, to the late Gow Shee and Gong Jeong. She spent most of her life in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan. Dor was a member of the Lions...
Moises Baez Avalos
Aug 13, 2026
Moises Baez Avalos, age 53, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Born on October 4, 1972, he was the son of Deltino Baez and the late Paula Avalos Baez.
Moises worked at painters greenhouse. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hiking and kayaking. He was also known for enjoying a good cup of black coffee.
In addition to...
Margaret Katherine Edwards Pack
Aug 13, 2026
Margaret Katherine Edwards Pack, 95, of Nebo, was received in the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Margaret was born in McDowell County, NC on October 13, 1930 to the late Beatrice Reel Edwards. She was married to her husband of 58 years, Walter Fred Pack, who...
Brian Earl Gordon
Aug 11, 2026
The Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 speaks of “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
Brian was born Dec 20,1951 in Ft. Benning, GA, to Francis Bernard Gordon and Margaret Elaine Raff Gordon. He died at Elizabeth House Hospice Facility, North Carolina on August 11,...
Jay Gaston Dover
Aug 11, 2026
Jay Gaston Dover, 85, passed away, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at The CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville.
Jay was born in McDowell County on September 1, 1940, to the late Harry Dover and Catherine Williams Dover. He is also preceded in death by his wife, of 35 years Margaret Young Dover and his siblings, William Dover, Donna Lou Dover Wilson, and...
Bruce Wayne Hollifield
Aug 11, 2026
Bruce Wayne Hollifield, age 78, of Pleasant Hill Estates in Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at his home.
Born on December 2, 1947 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Starling and Elsie Buchanan Hollifield. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Lois Ann Owensby Hollifield who passed away...
Mable Ruth Lavender
Aug 24, 2026
Mable Ruth Lavender left this world peacefully on August 24, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehab surrounded by her family at the age of 93.
She was born May 5, 1933 to the late Rev. Grady Fender and Sadie Fender.
Ruth retired from a career in manufacturing. She had a great love for gardening, mowing her grass, and watching her hummingbirds.
In...
Barbara Black Silver
Aug 24, 2026
Barbara Black Silver, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Solace Center in Buncombe County.
Born on July 1, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Black and Ida McCanless Black. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Don Silver; two brothers; and four sisters.
Barbara enjoyed reading, spending...
Rebecca Jane Shiflet Jimeson
Aug 23, 2026
Rebecca Jane Shiflet Jimeson, 90, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 at The Greens of Spruce Pine.
She was born in McDowell County on November 13, 1935 to the late William Shiflet and Ermon McConnell Shiflet.
Jane attended Garden Creek Baptist Church where she enjoyed worshipping and singing. Known as a wonderful cook, Jane also enjoyed crafts and word searches....
Clarence Franklin Poole
Aug 23, 2026
Clarence Franklin Poole, 76, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 at his residence.
He was born in Lexington, North Carolina on July 22, 1950. He worked at Collins & Aikman, now Auria, for many years. He honorably served in the United States Army.
Clarence was preceded in death by a grandson, Tyler Poole.
Those left to cherish his memory are his...
Pamela Jean Virgin Smith
Aug 22, 2026
Pamela Jean Virgin Smith, 56, of Old Fort, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on the morning of Saturday, August 22, 2026.
She was born in Concord, New Hampshire on April 22, 1970 to the late Daniel James Virgin and Dona Marie Marion Virgin. A grandchild, Hunter, and a sister, Cathy Virgin, also preceded her in death.
Pamela formerly worked in a...
Georgia Davis Presnell
Aug 22, 2026
Georgia Davis Presnell, age 100, of Marion, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of Avery County, she was born April 16, 1926 to the late Ed Davis and Laura McMahan Davis.
Georgia retired from a career in manufacturing. She had a great love for flowers of all kinds and working in her garden. She loved...
Alan Byrne Tinney
Aug 21, 2026
Alan Byrne Tinney, age 70, of Conley Ridge Road in Bakersville passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at his home.
Born on March 26, 1956, in Ancon, Panama, he was the son of the late Oscar Byrne Tinneyand the late Wilma Howell Tinney. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister; Nancy Tinney.
For...
Adam Bryce Maynor
Aug 20, 2026
Adam Bryce Maynor, 27, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Above all the titles he held, being a father to his four-year-old son, Ayden, was Adam's greatest joy and proudest achievement. His love for Ayden was boundless and fierce-whether they were dreaming up superhero adventures, exploring outside, or simply laughing together. Alongside Ayden, the true anchor of...
Freida Louise Webb
Aug 20, 2026
Freida Louise Fender Webb, went to be with the Lord peacefully on August 20, 2026, at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehab at the age of 96. Born on August 1, 1930, Freida’s long and meaningful life stands as a testament to her deep love for family, her steadfast faith, and her enduring spirit of service. Freida was the daughter of...
Alan Todd Helms
Aug 19, 2026
Alan “Todd” Helms, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence on August 19, 2026. Born on February 6, 1976, in McDowell County, Todd spent his fifty years inspiring those around him with kindness, warmth, and an devotion to his family.
Todd was the cherished son of Dixie Lawing Helms and the late Rev. Joseph Helms.
Todd...
Maxine Hensley Lane
Aug 18, 2026
Maxine Hensley Lane, age 72, passed away peacefully at the Amorem Care Unit in Valdese on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Born on February 10, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Frank Hensley and Irene Hensley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Lane; two brothers, Buryl Hensley and Howard Robinson; and a...
Perry Todd Conner
Aug 16, 2026
Perry “Todd” Conner, 63, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his residence.
Todd was born in Rutherford County, NC, on April 4, 1963, to the late J.B. Conner and Evelyn Mitchell Conner. Todd loved the outdoors. He worked in the timber industry for most of his life and enjoyed hunting and four wheeling. He...
Richard Edward Brendle
Aug 15, 2026
Richard Edward Brendle, 66, of Marion, passed from this life to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at his residence.
He was born in McDowell County on September 26, 1959 to the late George Edward Brendle and Barbara Anne Clewis Brendle. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Virgil and Viola Brendle, and his...
Rickey Dan Branch
Aug 13, 2026
Mr. Rickey Dan Branch, age 54, of Old Fort, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 13 2026 at his residence. He was born on September 17, 1971 to the late Ernest Dan Branch and Lucy Forbes Blevins.
Rickey was known as a hard working man who loved the Lord. He had a special way of finding those...
Dor Jeong
Aug 13, 2026
Dor Jeong, 90, of Marion, formerly of New York, NY, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her residence.
Dor was born in Staten Island, NY on March 5, 1936, to the late Gow Shee and Gong Jeong. She spent most of her life in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan. Dor was a member of the Lions...
Moises Baez Avalos
Aug 13, 2026
Moises Baez Avalos, age 53, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Born on October 4, 1972, he was the son of Deltino Baez and the late Paula Avalos Baez.
Moises worked at painters greenhouse. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hiking and kayaking. He was also known for enjoying a good cup of black coffee.
In addition to...
Margaret Katherine Edwards Pack
Aug 13, 2026
Margaret Katherine Edwards Pack, 95, of Nebo, was received in the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Margaret was born in McDowell County, NC on October 13, 1930 to the late Beatrice Reel Edwards. She was married to her husband of 58 years, Walter Fred Pack, who...
Brian Earl Gordon
Aug 11, 2026
The Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 speaks of “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
Brian was born Dec 20,1951 in Ft. Benning, GA, to Francis Bernard Gordon and Margaret Elaine Raff Gordon. He died at Elizabeth House Hospice Facility, North Carolina on August 11,...
Jay Gaston Dover
Aug 11, 2026
Jay Gaston Dover, 85, passed away, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at The CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville.
Jay was born in McDowell County on September 1, 1940, to the late Harry Dover and Catherine Williams Dover. He is also preceded in death by his wife, of 35 years Margaret Young Dover and his siblings, William Dover, Donna Lou Dover Wilson, and...
Bruce Wayne Hollifield
Aug 11, 2026
Bruce Wayne Hollifield, age 78, of Pleasant Hill Estates in Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at his home.
Born on December 2, 1947 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Starling and Elsie Buchanan Hollifield. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Lois Ann Owensby Hollifield who passed away...
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