Terry Edward Crisp

Terry Edward Crisp

Jan 11, 2026

On the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, Terry Edward Crisp, 62, of Marion, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in McDowell County on March 31, 1963. Terry was an over-the-road truck driver for over forty years, a job he truly loved. He enjoyed his trips across the country and remarkably never received...

Randy Hutchins

Randy Hutchins

Jan 11, 2026

Randy Hutchins, passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 64. Born on June 23, 1961, in McDowell County, Randy dedicated over 30 years of his life to serving as an integral part of the McDowell School Bus Garage, where he was admired for his commitment and reliability.

Randy's passion for life extended beyond his professional achievements. He had...

Quentin Jerel Conley

Quentin Jerel Conley

Jan 11, 2026

Quentin Jerel Conley, age 50, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence.

Born on September 24, 1975, in McDowell County, Quentin was the son of James Conley and the late Rachel Logan Conley.

Quentin will be remembered for his warm spirit and great sense of humor. Known as a jokester, he had a natural ability to bring...

Walter Frank Morgan

Walter Frank Morgan

Jan 11, 2026

     Walter Frank Morgan, 83, of Marion, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

     Walter was born on February 17, 1942, to the late Oscar Bryan Morgan and Maggie Lawing Morgan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McClure Morgan; a grandbaby, Kylie Bailey; five...

Winnie Belle Petway

Winnie Belle Petway

Jan 11, 2026

Winnie Belle Petway, 97, of Marion, North Carolina, formerly of Wilson, North Carolina went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 11, 2026.

Winnie was the second born of ten siblings on January 5, 1929. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence E. (1987) and Mattie Pridgen Hoggard (1972); husband, Robert (Bob) Petway (2014);...

Patricia Allen Taylor

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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...