Obituaries

Doris Jean Crist Burleson

Doris Jean Crist Burleson

May 4, 2026



Doris Jean Crist Burleson, 63, of Marion, passed away on the morning of Monday, May 4, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

A native of West Virginia, Doris was born on December 28, 1962. Doris served as a school counselor for over 20 years. She was a devoted and cherished member of Grace Community Church. Doris enjoyed reading and working...

Wesley "Wes" Duane Dowdle

Wesley "Wes" Duane Dowdle

May 3, 2026



Wesley “Wes” Duane Dowdle, age 50, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026.

He was born in Rutherford County on September 12, 1975. Wes had a passion for motorcycles. An avid sports fan, he loved following NC State, Atlanta Braves, and WWE. He was known for his unique familiarity with any movie or song one could think of. He cherished...

Lewis "Mater" Rose

Lewis "Mater" Rose

May 3, 2026

Lewis ‘Mater’ Rose, age 65, of Sullins Branch Road in Spruce Pine, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at the home of his honorary sister, Bobbi Jo Laws at her home at Byrd Branch Road in Burnsville. 

Born on February 17, 1961 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Edward and Gladys Jones...

Joseph Daniel Radford

Joseph Daniel Radford

May 3, 2026

Joseph Daniel Radford, affectionately known as Daniel, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 3, 2026. Born on February 5, 1979, in McDowell County, he lived a life marked by dedication, faith, and a deep love for his family. Daniel’s journey was one of hard work and heartfelt devotion, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him.

A...

Billy Robert Tipton

Billy Robert Tipton

May 2, 2026

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Billy Robert Tipton, who was born on March 28, 1939, in Clintwood, Virginia, and departed this life on May 2, 2026, at Autumn Care of Marion.

Known for his love of family and passion for fishing, Bill, lovingly known as "Daddy Bill", cherished the moments spent with his large and...

Shane Dunn

Shane Dunn

May 2, 2026



Shane Dunn, 54, of Marion, passed away Saturday morning, May 2, 2026 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Duplin County, North Carolina on September 26, 1971. Shane formerly worked in manufacturing for most of his life. He was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed playing golf and softball. Most recently, Shane found a...

Debra Suzette Cornett Mace

Debra Suzette Cornett Mace

May 1, 2026



Debra Suzette Mace of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a woman of deep faith, unwavering love for her family, and a steadfast commitment to her community.

Debra was a proud graduate of McDowell High School’s Class of 1973 and remained closely connected to...

Janice C. Peterson

Janice C. Peterson

Apr 30, 2026

Janice C. Peterson, 64, of Marion, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, at her residence.

A complete obituary will be posted when finalized.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

William Roy Martin

William Roy Martin

Apr 30, 2026

William Roy Martin, of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on April 30, 2026, at the age of 81. 

Roy was born in Habersham County GA on April 25, 1945 to the late James Ollie Martin and Pearly Mae Martin. He was also preceded in death by his brother James “Bud” Martin, 4...

James Freddie Powell

James Freddie Powell

Apr 29, 2026

James Freddie Powell, 73, of Nebo, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at his residence.

He was born in Burke County on July 18, 1952 to the late James Vernon Powell and Christine Freida Henline Powell. He was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Brenda Gallion Powell, and a sister, Joyce Powell.

Freddie worked for...

Sarah Adrienne Silvers McDill

Sarah Adrienne Silvers McDill

Apr 29, 2026

Sarah Adrienne Silvers McDill, a cherished member of her community and the oldest living member of Sunnyvale Baptist Church, passed away on April 29, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital. Born on January 28, 1941, Sarah lived a life enriched by strong family ties, dedication to her craft, and deep-rooted connections to the Buck Creek community where she and her family...

Ruby "Irene" Hall Church

Ruby "Irene" Hall Church

Apr 28, 2026



Ruby “Irene” Hall Church, 83, of Ellenboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Amorem Forlines Patient Care Hospice Unit in Hudson, North Carolina.

Irene was born in Marion, North Carolina on March 16, 1943 to the late Frank R. Hall and Geneva B. Hall. She was also preceded in death by her husband of...

Charles Ben Sproles

Charles Ben Sproles

Apr 27, 2026

Charles Ben Sproles (1938-2026) passed away peacefully in his home during the morning of April 27, 2026, at the side of his wife of 68 years, Carolyn McKinney Sproles.

Charles graduated from Harris High School in 1956 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Health and Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill....

Chloejane Love Doan

Chloejane Love Doan

Apr 27, 2026

It is with deep respect and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Chloejane Love Doan, a cherished young soul whose presence touched the hearts of many. Born on October 1, 2012, in Greeneville, Tennessee, Chloejane faced life’s challenges with an indomitable spirit and unwavering courage. Despite being born with congenital heart problems and numerous physical hardships, she lived...

Evie Sue Moody

Evie Sue Moody

Apr 26, 2026

Evie Sue Moody, age 79, of Plumtree passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026 at The Green’s of Spruce Pine. 

Born on May 5, 1946 in Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Emmett and Edna Carpenter Stamey. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister; Elizabeth McCall, her brothers; Caroll, Ray, Wade, Loy, and...

Clarence Dwayne Stuart

Clarence Dwayne Stuart

Apr 24, 2026

     Clarence “Dwayne” Stuart, 68, of Rutherfordton passed away Friday, April 24, 2026.

     Dwayne was born in Buncombe County NC on September 30, 1957 to the late Clarence McKinney Stuart and Dorthea Ann Mashburn Hoss. He was a hard working, stubborn man who took pride in everything he did. He found joy in fast cars, owning a roofing...

Raymond Edward Bartlett

Raymond Edward Bartlett

Apr 21, 2026

     Raymond “Raymie” Edward Bartlett, 50, of Jonas Ridge, NC, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his residence.

     Raymie was born in North Miami Beach, Florida, on October 28, 1975, to Raymond Lee Bartlett and the late Christine R. Bartlett. Raymie was of Christian faith and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hiking in the woods, deep...

Rev. Harvey Lee Johnson, Jr.

Rev. Harvey Lee Johnson, Jr.

Apr 21, 2026



On the evening of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Rev. Harvey Lee Johnson, Jr., age 78, of Marion, departed this life peacefully while at Autumn Care of Drexel.

Rev. Johnson was born to the late Harvey Lee Johnson, Sr. and Agnes Marie Spicer Johnson on December 12, 1947 in Pulaski, Virginia where he was a member of the first graduating integrated class...

Frances Louise Conner Reel

Frances Louise Conner Reel

Apr 20, 2026



Frances Louise Conner Reel, 73, of Marion, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026 at Mission Hospital.

She was born in McDowell County on October 27, 1952 to the late John and Ethel Arrowood Conner.

Frances enjoyed gardening and working with her flowers. She will be remembered for her love of arts and crafts. She would often be found baking cakes, painting, or...

Phyllis Cable Revis

Phyllis Cable Revis

Apr 20, 2026



Phyllis Cable Revis, age 70, passed away peacefully at her home on April 20, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1955, and will be remembered as a devoted mother, faithful friend, and a woman whose kindness touched countless lives.

Phyllis was a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she lived out her strong Christian faith as a godly and...

Doris Jean Crist Burleson

Doris Jean Crist Burleson

May 4, 2026



Doris Jean Crist Burleson, 63, of Marion, passed away on the morning of Monday, May 4, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

A native of West Virginia, Doris was born on December 28, 1962. Doris served as a school counselor for over 20 years. She was a devoted and cherished member of Grace Community Church. Doris enjoyed reading and working...

Wesley "Wes" Duane Dowdle

Wesley "Wes" Duane Dowdle

May 3, 2026



Wesley “Wes” Duane Dowdle, age 50, of Morganton, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026.

He was born in Rutherford County on September 12, 1975. Wes had a passion for motorcycles. An avid sports fan, he loved following NC State, Atlanta Braves, and WWE. He was known for his unique familiarity with any movie or song one could think of. He cherished...

Lewis "Mater" Rose

Lewis "Mater" Rose

May 3, 2026

Lewis ‘Mater’ Rose, age 65, of Sullins Branch Road in Spruce Pine, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at the home of his honorary sister, Bobbi Jo Laws at her home at Byrd Branch Road in Burnsville. 

Born on February 17, 1961 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Edward and Gladys Jones...

Joseph Daniel Radford

Joseph Daniel Radford

May 3, 2026

Joseph Daniel Radford, affectionately known as Daniel, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 3, 2026. Born on February 5, 1979, in McDowell County, he lived a life marked by dedication, faith, and a deep love for his family. Daniel’s journey was one of hard work and heartfelt devotion, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him.

A...

Billy Robert Tipton

Billy Robert Tipton

May 2, 2026

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Billy Robert Tipton, who was born on March 28, 1939, in Clintwood, Virginia, and departed this life on May 2, 2026, at Autumn Care of Marion.

Known for his love of family and passion for fishing, Bill, lovingly known as "Daddy Bill", cherished the moments spent with his large and...

Shane Dunn

Shane Dunn

May 2, 2026



Shane Dunn, 54, of Marion, passed away Saturday morning, May 2, 2026 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Duplin County, North Carolina on September 26, 1971. Shane formerly worked in manufacturing for most of his life. He was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed playing golf and softball. Most recently, Shane found a...

Debra Suzette Cornett Mace

Debra Suzette Cornett Mace

May 1, 2026



Debra Suzette Mace of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a woman of deep faith, unwavering love for her family, and a steadfast commitment to her community.

Debra was a proud graduate of McDowell High School’s Class of 1973 and remained closely connected to...

Janice C. Peterson

Janice C. Peterson

Apr 30, 2026

Janice C. Peterson, 64, of Marion, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, at her residence.

A complete obituary will be posted when finalized.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

William Roy Martin

William Roy Martin

Apr 30, 2026

William Roy Martin, of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on April 30, 2026, at the age of 81. 

Roy was born in Habersham County GA on April 25, 1945 to the late James Ollie Martin and Pearly Mae Martin. He was also preceded in death by his brother James “Bud” Martin, 4...

James Freddie Powell

James Freddie Powell

Apr 29, 2026

James Freddie Powell, 73, of Nebo, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at his residence.

He was born in Burke County on July 18, 1952 to the late James Vernon Powell and Christine Freida Henline Powell. He was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Brenda Gallion Powell, and a sister, Joyce Powell.

Freddie worked for...

Sarah Adrienne Silvers McDill

Sarah Adrienne Silvers McDill

Apr 29, 2026

Sarah Adrienne Silvers McDill, a cherished member of her community and the oldest living member of Sunnyvale Baptist Church, passed away on April 29, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital. Born on January 28, 1941, Sarah lived a life enriched by strong family ties, dedication to her craft, and deep-rooted connections to the Buck Creek community where she and her family...

Ruby "Irene" Hall Church

Ruby "Irene" Hall Church

Apr 28, 2026



Ruby “Irene” Hall Church, 83, of Ellenboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Amorem Forlines Patient Care Hospice Unit in Hudson, North Carolina.

Irene was born in Marion, North Carolina on March 16, 1943 to the late Frank R. Hall and Geneva B. Hall. She was also preceded in death by her husband of...

Charles Ben Sproles

Charles Ben Sproles

Apr 27, 2026

Charles Ben Sproles (1938-2026) passed away peacefully in his home during the morning of April 27, 2026, at the side of his wife of 68 years, Carolyn McKinney Sproles.

Charles graduated from Harris High School in 1956 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Health and Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill....

Chloejane Love Doan

Chloejane Love Doan

Apr 27, 2026

It is with deep respect and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Chloejane Love Doan, a cherished young soul whose presence touched the hearts of many. Born on October 1, 2012, in Greeneville, Tennessee, Chloejane faced life’s challenges with an indomitable spirit and unwavering courage. Despite being born with congenital heart problems and numerous physical hardships, she lived...

Evie Sue Moody

Evie Sue Moody

Apr 26, 2026

Evie Sue Moody, age 79, of Plumtree passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026 at The Green’s of Spruce Pine. 

Born on May 5, 1946 in Avery County, she was the daughter of the late Emmett and Edna Carpenter Stamey. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister; Elizabeth McCall, her brothers; Caroll, Ray, Wade, Loy, and...

Clarence Dwayne Stuart

Clarence Dwayne Stuart

Apr 24, 2026

     Clarence “Dwayne” Stuart, 68, of Rutherfordton passed away Friday, April 24, 2026.

     Dwayne was born in Buncombe County NC on September 30, 1957 to the late Clarence McKinney Stuart and Dorthea Ann Mashburn Hoss. He was a hard working, stubborn man who took pride in everything he did. He found joy in fast cars, owning a roofing...

Raymond Edward Bartlett

Raymond Edward Bartlett

Apr 21, 2026

     Raymond “Raymie” Edward Bartlett, 50, of Jonas Ridge, NC, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his residence.

     Raymie was born in North Miami Beach, Florida, on October 28, 1975, to Raymond Lee Bartlett and the late Christine R. Bartlett. Raymie was of Christian faith and was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hiking in the woods, deep...

Rev. Harvey Lee Johnson, Jr.

Rev. Harvey Lee Johnson, Jr.

Apr 21, 2026



On the evening of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Rev. Harvey Lee Johnson, Jr., age 78, of Marion, departed this life peacefully while at Autumn Care of Drexel.

Rev. Johnson was born to the late Harvey Lee Johnson, Sr. and Agnes Marie Spicer Johnson on December 12, 1947 in Pulaski, Virginia where he was a member of the first graduating integrated class...

Frances Louise Conner Reel

Frances Louise Conner Reel

Apr 20, 2026



Frances Louise Conner Reel, 73, of Marion, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026 at Mission Hospital.

She was born in McDowell County on October 27, 1952 to the late John and Ethel Arrowood Conner.

Frances enjoyed gardening and working with her flowers. She will be remembered for her love of arts and crafts. She would often be found baking cakes, painting, or...

Phyllis Cable Revis

Phyllis Cable Revis

Apr 20, 2026



Phyllis Cable Revis, age 70, passed away peacefully at her home on April 20, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1955, and will be remembered as a devoted mother, faithful friend, and a woman whose kindness touched countless lives.

Phyllis was a longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she lived out her strong Christian faith as a godly and...

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