Obituaries
Scott Robert Ryan
Aug 5, 2026
Scott Robert Ryan, 67, of Morganton, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his residence.
Scott was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on August 1, 1959, to the late Barbara June Bruce and La Moine Ryan. He attended Denton’s Chapel in Morganton and was a dedicated fan of the UNC Tarheels and San Francisco 49ers. Scott loved all...
John Michael Fussell
Aug 5, 2026
John Michael Fussell, age 72, of Coxes Creek Church Road in Marion, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at his home.
Born on November 19, 1953 at Fort Benning, GA, he was the son of the late Jarman Levine Fussell and Dorothy Davis Fussell who still survives. John had lived in McDowell for the past eleven...
Charles Howard Ray
Aug 4, 2026
Charles Howard Ray, known fondly by those around him for his warmth, humor, and spirited love of life, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. Born on November 22, 1940, in McDowell County, Charles lived a full life that touched the hearts of many.
Charles will be deeply missed by his family, who were central...
Jackie Eugene Edwards, Sr.
Aug 4, 2026
Jackie Eugene Edwards Sr passed away on Tuesday August 4, 2026, peacefully at his home in Spruce Pine with his loving wife of twenty-eight years Sheila Edwards by his side.
Born August 18, 1943 in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late William Edgar and Eva Myrtle Edwards. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers; Leroy, Bob,...
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt
Aug 4, 2026
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt, 81, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in McDowell County on June 9, 1945 to the late Clarence Edward Sheehan and Julia Nora Sheehan.
Jewell loved the Lord and formerly attended the First Free Will Baptist Church of Marion where she enjoyed helping in the soup kitchen. She was a loving...
Michael Alan Umberger
Aug 3, 2026
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Alan Umberger, on August 3, 2026. Michael was born on October 3, 1972, with a congenital heart defect that he faced with remarkable courage and resilience throughout his life. We were incredibly blessed to have him for 53 years, but his passing came far too suddenly. He is...
Aimee Marie Harwood
Aug 3, 2026
Aimee Marie Harwood, 43, of Marion passed away on the evening of Monday, August 3, 2026 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville. She was born on June 19, 1983 in McDowell County to Donald Clay Harwood and Robin Hollifield Pace.
Aimee was preceded in death by her father, Donald Harwood; grandparents, Herman Hollifield, Ruby Looper and Ivory Harwood.
She loved spending time...
Rhonda Thomas Huskins
Aug 3, 2026
Rhonda Thomas Huskins, age 69, of Cleveland, TN, formerly of Spruce Pine, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at her home. Born on March 22, 1957 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Norma Thomas.
Rhonda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. While living in Spruce Pine, she was employed by...
Clyde Lee Conner
Aug 3, 2026
Clyde Lee Conner, 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Clyde was born in McDowell County to the late John Conner and Ethel Arrowood Conner on April 6, 1943. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Bobbie Hill, Charles Conner, Pauline Revis, Pat Stines and Frances Reel.
Clyde was a member of Ridgeway FWB...
Donna Angela Bingham
Aug 3, 2026
Donna Angela Bingham, 59, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Cleveland County on August 8, 1966. Donna attended Grace Community Church. An avid sports fan, she faithfully followed the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys, and the North Carolina Tarheels. She also enjoyed watching wrestling. Donna had a special place...
Phyllis Ann White Long
Aug 1, 2026
Phyllis Ann White Long, 76, of Marion, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026 at her residence.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on November 10, 1949 to the late Arnold White and Ruby Lawing White. She was also preceded in death by a step-grandchild, Collin Beam, and a step-great-grandchild, Eli.
Phyllis attended Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church. She loved the...
Cynthia Diane Simmons
Jul 28, 2026
Cynthia Diane Simmons, 57, of Old Fort, passed away at McDowell Hospital in Marion on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Cindy was born in McDowell County on January 17, 1969 to Thomas Franklin Simmons and Elva Turbyfill Simmons. She was preceded in death by an infant brother.
She was a member of Cherry Springs Baptist Church. Cindy loved animals especially cats and dogs....
George Jules Edwin Pelsmaeker
Jul 27, 2026
George Jules “Edd” Pelsmaeker ,79, of Marion passed away at his residence on Monday, July 27, 2026.
George was born in Botavia Indonesia on March 21, 1947 to the late Frans Mavrits Pelsmaeker and Geertruida Lemmens Pelsmaeker.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. George retired from Appalachian State University as a physical education teacher where...
Boyd Tony Wilson
Jul 27, 2026
Boyd Tony Wilson, 77, of Nebo, entered the house of the Lord, on Monday, July 27, 2026, at his residence.
Boyd was born on January 9, 1949, in Caldwell County, NC, to the late Stanley Wilson and Viola Mathis Wilson. He was married to his wife of 57 years, Shirley Dianne Harvey Wilson. He proudly served his...
Ronald Vinson Engle
Jul 26, 2026
Ronald Vinson Engle, 81, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills surrounded by his daughters.
He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1945 to the late Lloyd Vinson Engle and Ruth Probst Engle.
Ron worked for many years in the tool and dye industry, most notably at Leviton, formerly Southern Devices, and American...
Georgie Ellen Johnson Galloway
Jul 26, 2026
Georgie Ellen Johnson Galloway, 92, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
A native of Old Fort, she was born on April 5, 1934 to the late Jarrett Anderson Johnson and Dorothy Morris Johnson.
Known as a very hard worker, Georgie worked at Parker’s Hosiery, Columbia Carolina, and at Old Fort Finishing where she...
Sandra Kay Sasser Setzer
Jul 25, 2026
Sandra Kay Sasser Setzer, 81, of Marion, passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
A native of Kinston, North Carolina, she was born on January 24, 1945 to the late Paul Sasser and Stella Humphrey Sasser.
Sandra retired from McDowell County Schools. She was a longtime member of Providence Church where she was instrumental in various ministries, particularly...
Effie Anne Cable Petersen
Jul 25, 2026
Effie Anne Cable Petersen, 89, of Marion, passed away at Amorem Hospice in Valdese on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
She was born in Wyoming County, West Virginia on June 9, 1937 to the late John Francis Cable and Velva Farley Cable.
Effie retired from Baxter Healthcare. She loved the Lord and attended Bethel Baptist Church when her health allowed. She enjoyed her...
Benjamin Walter Drake
Jul 25, 2026
We are gathered here today to celebrate the extraordinary life of Benjamin Drake—a devoted family man, a proud veteran, a dedicated public servant, and a true steward of the earth. At 84 years old, Ben lived a life that was rich in experiences, defined by hard work, and overflowing with love for the world and the people around him.
Ben’s journey...
Pollyanna Hester Boyer
Jul 25, 2026
Pollyanna Hester Boyer, born August 8, 1946 departed her earthly body on July 25, 2026 anticipating her glorified body and the embrace of her Messiah, Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah.
She is the mother of Bret Jacob Boyer; her daughter-in-law is Sharon Meland Boyer; her granddaughter is Emma Grace Boyer.
Pollyanna graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in...
Scott Robert Ryan
Aug 5, 2026
Scott Robert Ryan, 67, of Morganton, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at his residence.
Scott was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on August 1, 1959, to the late Barbara June Bruce and La Moine Ryan. He attended Denton’s Chapel in Morganton and was a dedicated fan of the UNC Tarheels and San Francisco 49ers. Scott loved all...
John Michael Fussell
Aug 5, 2026
John Michael Fussell, age 72, of Coxes Creek Church Road in Marion, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at his home.
Born on November 19, 1953 at Fort Benning, GA, he was the son of the late Jarman Levine Fussell and Dorothy Davis Fussell who still survives. John had lived in McDowell for the past eleven...
Charles Howard Ray
Aug 4, 2026
Charles Howard Ray, known fondly by those around him for his warmth, humor, and spirited love of life, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. Born on November 22, 1940, in McDowell County, Charles lived a full life that touched the hearts of many.
Charles will be deeply missed by his family, who were central...
Jackie Eugene Edwards, Sr.
Aug 4, 2026
Jackie Eugene Edwards Sr passed away on Tuesday August 4, 2026, peacefully at his home in Spruce Pine with his loving wife of twenty-eight years Sheila Edwards by his side.
Born August 18, 1943 in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late William Edgar and Eva Myrtle Edwards. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers; Leroy, Bob,...
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt
Aug 4, 2026
Jewelleen Sheehan Surratt, 81, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in McDowell County on June 9, 1945 to the late Clarence Edward Sheehan and Julia Nora Sheehan.
Jewell loved the Lord and formerly attended the First Free Will Baptist Church of Marion where she enjoyed helping in the soup kitchen. She was a loving...
Michael Alan Umberger
Aug 3, 2026
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Alan Umberger, on August 3, 2026. Michael was born on October 3, 1972, with a congenital heart defect that he faced with remarkable courage and resilience throughout his life. We were incredibly blessed to have him for 53 years, but his passing came far too suddenly. He is...
Aimee Marie Harwood
Aug 3, 2026
Aimee Marie Harwood, 43, of Marion passed away on the evening of Monday, August 3, 2026 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville. She was born on June 19, 1983 in McDowell County to Donald Clay Harwood and Robin Hollifield Pace.
Aimee was preceded in death by her father, Donald Harwood; grandparents, Herman Hollifield, Ruby Looper and Ivory Harwood.
She loved spending time...
Rhonda Thomas Huskins
Aug 3, 2026
Rhonda Thomas Huskins, age 69, of Cleveland, TN, formerly of Spruce Pine, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at her home. Born on March 22, 1957 in Mitchell County, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Norma Thomas.
Rhonda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. While living in Spruce Pine, she was employed by...
Clyde Lee Conner
Aug 3, 2026
Clyde Lee Conner, 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Clyde was born in McDowell County to the late John Conner and Ethel Arrowood Conner on April 6, 1943. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Bobbie Hill, Charles Conner, Pauline Revis, Pat Stines and Frances Reel.
Clyde was a member of Ridgeway FWB...
Donna Angela Bingham
Aug 3, 2026
Donna Angela Bingham, 59, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Cleveland County on August 8, 1966. Donna attended Grace Community Church. An avid sports fan, she faithfully followed the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys, and the North Carolina Tarheels. She also enjoyed watching wrestling. Donna had a special place...
Phyllis Ann White Long
Aug 1, 2026
Phyllis Ann White Long, 76, of Marion, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026 at her residence.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on November 10, 1949 to the late Arnold White and Ruby Lawing White. She was also preceded in death by a step-grandchild, Collin Beam, and a step-great-grandchild, Eli.
Phyllis attended Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church. She loved the...
Cynthia Diane Simmons
Jul 28, 2026
Cynthia Diane Simmons, 57, of Old Fort, passed away at McDowell Hospital in Marion on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Cindy was born in McDowell County on January 17, 1969 to Thomas Franklin Simmons and Elva Turbyfill Simmons. She was preceded in death by an infant brother.
She was a member of Cherry Springs Baptist Church. Cindy loved animals especially cats and dogs....
George Jules Edwin Pelsmaeker
Jul 27, 2026
George Jules “Edd” Pelsmaeker ,79, of Marion passed away at his residence on Monday, July 27, 2026.
George was born in Botavia Indonesia on March 21, 1947 to the late Frans Mavrits Pelsmaeker and Geertruida Lemmens Pelsmaeker.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. George retired from Appalachian State University as a physical education teacher where...
Boyd Tony Wilson
Jul 27, 2026
Boyd Tony Wilson, 77, of Nebo, entered the house of the Lord, on Monday, July 27, 2026, at his residence.
Boyd was born on January 9, 1949, in Caldwell County, NC, to the late Stanley Wilson and Viola Mathis Wilson. He was married to his wife of 57 years, Shirley Dianne Harvey Wilson. He proudly served his...
Ronald Vinson Engle
Jul 26, 2026
Ronald Vinson Engle, 81, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills surrounded by his daughters.
He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1945 to the late Lloyd Vinson Engle and Ruth Probst Engle.
Ron worked for many years in the tool and dye industry, most notably at Leviton, formerly Southern Devices, and American...
Georgie Ellen Johnson Galloway
Jul 26, 2026
Georgie Ellen Johnson Galloway, 92, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
A native of Old Fort, she was born on April 5, 1934 to the late Jarrett Anderson Johnson and Dorothy Morris Johnson.
Known as a very hard worker, Georgie worked at Parker’s Hosiery, Columbia Carolina, and at Old Fort Finishing where she...
Sandra Kay Sasser Setzer
Jul 25, 2026
Sandra Kay Sasser Setzer, 81, of Marion, passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
A native of Kinston, North Carolina, she was born on January 24, 1945 to the late Paul Sasser and Stella Humphrey Sasser.
Sandra retired from McDowell County Schools. She was a longtime member of Providence Church where she was instrumental in various ministries, particularly...
Effie Anne Cable Petersen
Jul 25, 2026
Effie Anne Cable Petersen, 89, of Marion, passed away at Amorem Hospice in Valdese on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
She was born in Wyoming County, West Virginia on June 9, 1937 to the late John Francis Cable and Velva Farley Cable.
Effie retired from Baxter Healthcare. She loved the Lord and attended Bethel Baptist Church when her health allowed. She enjoyed her...
Benjamin Walter Drake
Jul 25, 2026
We are gathered here today to celebrate the extraordinary life of Benjamin Drake—a devoted family man, a proud veteran, a dedicated public servant, and a true steward of the earth. At 84 years old, Ben lived a life that was rich in experiences, defined by hard work, and overflowing with love for the world and the people around him.
Ben’s journey...
Pollyanna Hester Boyer
Jul 25, 2026
Pollyanna Hester Boyer, born August 8, 1946 departed her earthly body on July 25, 2026 anticipating her glorified body and the embrace of her Messiah, Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah.
She is the mother of Bret Jacob Boyer; her daughter-in-law is Sharon Meland Boyer; her granddaughter is Emma Grace Boyer.
Pollyanna graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in...
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