Patricia Allen Taylor
Jan 8, 2026
Patricia Allen Taylor, of Morganton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the evening of her 84th birthday.
She was born in Asheville on January 8, 1942 to the late Jack Allen and Leila Jolly Allen.
Pat spent her career as a financial analyst in the textile industry where she was deeply committed to her work. A proud graduate of Old...
Danny Ray Lonon
Jan 8, 2026
Danny Ray Lonon, 71, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Danny was born in McDowell County, NC on November 18, 1954, to the late Calvin Steward Lonon, Sr. and Helen Louise Simmons Lonon. He served his country proudly in the United States Army. Danny was an avid outdoorsman who...
Betty Irene Ellison Troutman
Jan 8, 2026
On the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2026, Betty Irene Ellison Troutman, 83, of Nebo, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion.
She was born to the late Noah Lewis Ellison and Letha Estelle Mann Ellison in Haywood County on September 10, 1942. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Troutman; her sister, Christine...
Vera Mae Morgan Washburn
Jan 7, 2026
Vera Mae Morgan Washburn, a beloved educator and dedicated member of her community, passed away peacefully in her residence on January 7, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on July 8, 1937, in McDowell County, Vera was known for her nurturing spirit and her unwavering commitment to teaching special needs children throughout her 30-year career as a teacher assistant.
Vera’s...
Hazel Freshour
Jan 7, 2026
Hazel Freshour, 98, of Marion, NC, transitioned to Heaven, January 7, 2026, at her residence.
Hazel was born September 23, 1927 in Marion, NC, daughter of the late Kelly & Emma Plemmons.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Rev. Arelin Freshour; her son, Rev. Don Freshour; her grandson, Samuel Freshour; her son-in-law, Brian Bonorden; and all five...
Peggy Smith Mills
Jan 6, 2026
Peggy Smith Mills, born on December 18, 1953, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 6, 2026. She will be remembered for her big heart and caring spirit. Peggy possessed an innate ability to listen, always offering support and comfort to those around her. She dedicated herself to taking care of others.
Peggy was a skilled craftswoman...
Ronald Eugene Bailey, Sr.
Jan 6, 2026
Ronald Eugene Bailey, Sr., 86, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
He was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on June 28, 1939 to the late Robert Bailey and Florence Allen Bailey.
Known as a hard-working man, he retired after working many years as a welder. He embodied the values of dedication, strength, and perseverance through his...
Teena Elaine Turner
Jan 4, 2026
Teena Elaine Turner, 47, of Ararat, Virginia, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at her residence.
Teena was born in Odessa, Texas on August 7, 1978, to the late Al Linson Turner and Nelda Carolyn Wood Turner. She was of Christian faith and was a very talented singer. She will forever be remembered for her generous nature,...
Donna Ross Thien
Jan 4, 2026
Donna Ross Thien, born on October 23, 1948, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, passed away on January 4, 2026. She was a cherished daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother whose warmth, sweetness, kindness, and love touched the lives of many.
Survived by her beloved husband, Duane Thien, and her devoted mother, Margie Lowe Smith, Donna is remembered fondly by her two daughters,...
Joyce Geraldine Stevens
Jan 4, 2026
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, Joyce Geraldine Stevens, 88, of Old Fort, went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital McDowell.
She was born in McDowell County on August 23, 1937 to the late Thad Stevens and Dorothy Harvey Stevens.
Joyce loved the Lord, and this was evident in her daily life. A very generous lady, she put others first anytime...
Sharon Elaine Kirkland
Jan 2, 2026
Sharon Elaine Kirkland, 66, of Granite Falls, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 at her residence.
A native of McDowell County, she was born January 16, 1959 to the late Albert Kirkland and Judy Harklerode Phillips.
Sharon's educational journey was marked by her remarkable talent in tennis, which earned her a scholarship to attend college. She was well-known for her vibrant enthusiasm,...
Elmer Lee McIntosh
Jan 2, 2026
Elmer “Lee” McIntosh, 71, of Marion, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at The Solace Center in Asheville.
Lee was born in Yancey County, NC, on July 23, 1954, to the late John A. McIntosh, Sr. and Marie Byrd McIntosh. For many years, he worked in construction, from building bridges to paving. He enjoyed farming and planting...
Barbara Ann Noblitt Webb
Jan 1, 2026
Barbara Ann Noblitt Webb, 83, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Autumn Care of Marion.
A native of McDowell County, she was born December 12, 1942 to the late Lawrence Hobert Noblitt and Cora Lee Poteat Noblitt.
Barbara loved children, and she lovingly helped raise a number of children throughout her life. She was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed...
Franklin Prater
Jan 1, 2026
Franklin Prater, 85, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
At this time, no services are scheduled.
Jimmy Wilbert Brock, Jr.
Dec 31, 2025
On the evening of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Jimmy Wilbert Brock, Jr., 71, of Morganton, passed away at Frye Regional Medical Center.
A native of Red Springs, North Carolina, he was born October 16, 1954 to the late Jimmy Wilbert Brock, Sr. and Margaret Huggins Brock.
Jim retired from Southern Devices after thirty years of dedicated service. An avid hunter, he enjoyed...
Karen Sue Wilson
Dec 29, 2025
Karen "Susie" Sue Wilson, a cherished member of her family and community, passed away peacefully at her residence on December 29, 2025. Born on July 18, 1966, in McDowell County, Karen's life was a vibrant tapestry of love, laughter, and unwavering support for her family.
As the daughter of Alice Atkins Creech (Harrold) and the late Kenneth Ray Wilson, Karen was...
Linda Hughes Dotson
Dec 29, 2025
Linda Hughes Dotson, 76, of Nebo, passed away peacefully, Monday, December 29, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Kingsport, Tennessee on November 15, 1949 to the late C.L. Hughes and Loretta Rogers Brandon.
Linda was a member of Sunrise Independent Baptist Church in Morganton where she loved serving the Lord and the church in whatever role she could....
Thomas Andrew Carl Hall
Dec 29, 2025
Thomas Andrew Carl Hall, 74, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, after a courageous struggle with ALS.
Thom was preceded in death by his wife, Melinda Hall of Myrtle Beach, SC, and by his parents, William Carl Hall and Helen Phillips Hall of Marion, NC.
He is survived by his three daughters: Heather Hall of...
James Anderson Gravley, III
Dec 29, 2025
James Anderson Gravley, III, 73, of Drexel, passed away Monday, December 29, 2025, at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
James was born in Wytheville, Virginia, on July 17, 1952, to the late James Anderson Gravley, Jr. and Emma Louise Fortune Gravley. He was married to Dorothy Louise Williford Gravley. James served his country proudly with the United States...
Pamela Gay Richards
Dec 28, 2025
Pamela Gay Richards, age 69, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on December 28, 2025, in Marion, NC. She was born on October 12, 1956, in Jacksonville, Florida.
Pamela was the beloved wife of Vernon Richards and a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a heart of gold and was always ready to give, often putting the needs of...