Obituaries
Earl Clinton Johnson
Jan 28, 2026
Earl Clinton Johnson, born on July 24, 1965, in McDowell County, left this world on January 28, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. A beloved husband and father, Clinton passing is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
For 30 years, Clinton shared his life with his devoted wife, Pebble Mitcham Johnson. Together, they created a...
Steve Hunter
Jan 27, 2026
Steve Hunter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Rotarian, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 29, 1955, in Brevard, North Carolina, Steve lived a life defined by devotion to his family and a deep commitment to kindness and service.
From an early age, Steve was active in Scouts and loved the forests of...
Kevin Charles Byrd
Jan 27, 2026
Kevin Charles Byrd, 49 of Marion, passed away unexpectedly from a medical condition on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Kevin, like many other, struggled through some difficult periods in his life that he had to work hard to overcome. He did that beautifully in the last few years of his life. He found contentment in recovery, a...
Bonnie Edwards
Jan 27, 2026
Bonnie Edwards, a beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on October 8, 1932, in Yancey County, Bonnie was a cherished member of her family and community.
Bonnie's nurturing spirit and love for her family were unmatched. She held a special affinity for children and was...
Maxine Frances Logan Helms
Jan 27, 2026
Maxine Frances Logan Helms, 81, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in Rutherford County on March 20, 1944 to the late Cornelius Sylvanous Logan and Maude Selena Whiteside Logan Bradley.
Maxine retired from Baxter Healthcare. She was a longtime member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lake...
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley
Jan 26, 2026
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley, age 101, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, January 26, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
Alma was born in Drexel NC, but lived most of her life in Marion. She was a member of West Court Baptist Church for over 78 years. She worked in hosiery mills until she was...
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis
Jan 23, 2026
***Due to inclement weather, please see the update to the date and time of the service below.***
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2026 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
She was born in McDowell County on May 25, 1949 to the late Murray Joseph Arrowood and Jacqulene Wilburn Arrowood.
Barbara worked in...
Charles Edward Gorée, Jr.
Jan 22, 2026
Charles (Charlie) Edward Gorée, Jr. passed away suddenly on January 22, 2026.
Public viewing will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Beam’s Funeral Home in Marion. A short service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Saint Jude’s Hospital will be appreciated. https://www.stjude.org/give.html
Charlie was born in Hoboken, NJ on October 25, 1952.
He served in...
Kenneth Stanley Newton
Jan 22, 2026
Kenneth Stanley Newton, 55, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his residence.
Kenneth was born in McDowell County, NC, to Theresa Lou McKinney Newton and the late Kenneth Bea Newton. From an early age, Kenneth worked with his father and brother in the concrete business. He was called, “Mr. Norris” by his special Aunt,...
Terry Lee Presnell Sr.
Jan 21, 2026
Terry "Pres" Lee Presnell Sr., born on July 14, 1958, in McDowell County, North Carolina, departed this world on January 21, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedicated service in the lumber industry, where he spent over 35 years making a notable impact.
Terry was well-regarded for his determination and resilience, traits that served him well throughout...
Albert Carl Crain
Jan 20, 2026
On the morning of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Albert Carl Crain, age 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Yancey County, he was born November 12, 1942 to the late Earlis Crain and Jenny Silvers Crain.
Al was employed for over 30 years as a Reliability Engineer with Kearfott Corporation. An avid outdoorsman...
John Charles Leight
Jan 20, 2026
John Charles Leight, 70, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
He was born at Fort Benning, Georgia on November 2, 1955 to the late Robert L. Leight and Rosetta Gillespie Leight. He was a veteran of the United States Army and will be remembered as a loving brother and uncle. He will be deeply missed.
Those...
Carl Michael Marlowe
Jan 20, 2026
Carl Michael Marlowe, 68, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born in McDowell County on August 3, 1957 to the late Carl Howard Marlowe and Ella Faye Hall Marlowe.
Mike dedicated a remarkable 35 years of his career to Baxter Healthcare. He was deeply involved in his community. He served as a...
Irma Janette Banks Shipman
Jan 20, 2026
Irma Janette Banks Shipman, 81, of Nebo, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at her residence.
A native of Buncombe County, she was born on January 22, 1944 to the late Grady McKinley Banks and Gladys Louise Neighbors Banks.
She was employed at the former Tom’s Rehab as an RN Trainee. Irma loved her family, and she had a special place in...
Joan Elaine Styles Moore
Jan 19, 2026
Joan Elaine Styles Moore, 60, of Marion, passed away peacefully Monday, January 19, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 6, 1966 to the late Joe Ted Styles and JoAnn Dellinger Styles. Joan enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and with her children and other family members. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents,...
Troy Lee Smith
Jan 19, 2026
Troy Lee Smith, 72, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Troy was born in McDowell County, NC, on February 19, 1953, to the late Jeff Franklin Smith and Carrie Lawing Smith. Troy enjoyed playing his guitar and was a talented artist who loved to draw. He will always be...
Melda Sue Laws
Jan 19, 2026
Melda Sue Skeens Laws, born on April 6, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on January 19, 2026, at the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Susie was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and companion, who touched the lives of many during her time.
She was the cherished daughter of Fon Edgar Skeens and Tennessee Hall Skeens, both of whom have...
Charles James Rhyne
Jan 18, 2026
Charles James Rhyne, age 82, of Three Mile Community, went Home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a 17 year courageous battle with cancer.
Born on March 12th, 1943 in Avery County NC, he was the son of the late Jack and Ruth Dellinger Rhyne of Spear, NC. In...
Roy Lee Sumlin
Jan 18, 2026
Roy Sumlin the beloved son of the late Joseph “Willie” Sumlin and Dorothy Pruitt Rhom Sumlin passed away Sunday January 18, 2026. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. The many scars left on these soldiers we will never know or understand. He is now at home with the Lord and while we that are left behind, grieve...
Pauline Elizabeth "Ebbie" Willis
Jan 18, 2026
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Pauline Elizabeth “Ebbie” Willis, 98, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Burke County on March 15, 1927 to the late Fate Lentz and Annie Abernathy Lentz.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Bailey.
Ebbie was a devoted homemaker who...
Earl Clinton Johnson
Jan 28, 2026
Earl Clinton Johnson, born on July 24, 1965, in McDowell County, left this world on January 28, 2026, at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton. A beloved husband and father, Clinton passing is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
For 30 years, Clinton shared his life with his devoted wife, Pebble Mitcham Johnson. Together, they created a...
Steve Hunter
Jan 27, 2026
Steve Hunter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Rotarian, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 29, 1955, in Brevard, North Carolina, Steve lived a life defined by devotion to his family and a deep commitment to kindness and service.
From an early age, Steve was active in Scouts and loved the forests of...
Kevin Charles Byrd
Jan 27, 2026
Kevin Charles Byrd, 49 of Marion, passed away unexpectedly from a medical condition on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Kevin, like many other, struggled through some difficult periods in his life that he had to work hard to overcome. He did that beautifully in the last few years of his life. He found contentment in recovery, a...
Bonnie Edwards
Jan 27, 2026
Bonnie Edwards, a beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on October 8, 1932, in Yancey County, Bonnie was a cherished member of her family and community.
Bonnie's nurturing spirit and love for her family were unmatched. She held a special affinity for children and was...
Maxine Frances Logan Helms
Jan 27, 2026
Maxine Frances Logan Helms, 81, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in Rutherford County on March 20, 1944 to the late Cornelius Sylvanous Logan and Maude Selena Whiteside Logan Bradley.
Maxine retired from Baxter Healthcare. She was a longtime member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lake...
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley
Jan 26, 2026
Alma Pearson Martin Crawley, age 101, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, January 26, 2026 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.
Alma was born in Drexel NC, but lived most of her life in Marion. She was a member of West Court Baptist Church for over 78 years. She worked in hosiery mills until she was...
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis
Jan 23, 2026
***Due to inclement weather, please see the update to the date and time of the service below.***
Barbara Ann Arrowood Willis, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 23, 2026 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.
She was born in McDowell County on May 25, 1949 to the late Murray Joseph Arrowood and Jacqulene Wilburn Arrowood.
Barbara worked in...
Charles Edward Gorée, Jr.
Jan 22, 2026
Charles (Charlie) Edward Gorée, Jr. passed away suddenly on January 22, 2026.
Public viewing will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Beam’s Funeral Home in Marion. A short service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Saint Jude’s Hospital will be appreciated. https://www.stjude.org/give.html
Charlie was born in Hoboken, NJ on October 25, 1952.
He served in...
Kenneth Stanley Newton
Jan 22, 2026
Kenneth Stanley Newton, 55, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his residence.
Kenneth was born in McDowell County, NC, to Theresa Lou McKinney Newton and the late Kenneth Bea Newton. From an early age, Kenneth worked with his father and brother in the concrete business. He was called, “Mr. Norris” by his special Aunt,...
Terry Lee Presnell Sr.
Jan 21, 2026
Terry "Pres" Lee Presnell Sr., born on July 14, 1958, in McDowell County, North Carolina, departed this world on January 21, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedicated service in the lumber industry, where he spent over 35 years making a notable impact.
Terry was well-regarded for his determination and resilience, traits that served him well throughout...
Albert Carl Crain
Jan 20, 2026
On the morning of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Albert Carl Crain, age 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Yancey County, he was born November 12, 1942 to the late Earlis Crain and Jenny Silvers Crain.
Al was employed for over 30 years as a Reliability Engineer with Kearfott Corporation. An avid outdoorsman...
John Charles Leight
Jan 20, 2026
John Charles Leight, 70, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
He was born at Fort Benning, Georgia on November 2, 1955 to the late Robert L. Leight and Rosetta Gillespie Leight. He was a veteran of the United States Army and will be remembered as a loving brother and uncle. He will be deeply missed.
Those...
Carl Michael Marlowe
Jan 20, 2026
Carl Michael Marlowe, 68, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born in McDowell County on August 3, 1957 to the late Carl Howard Marlowe and Ella Faye Hall Marlowe.
Mike dedicated a remarkable 35 years of his career to Baxter Healthcare. He was deeply involved in his community. He served as a...
Irma Janette Banks Shipman
Jan 20, 2026
Irma Janette Banks Shipman, 81, of Nebo, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at her residence.
A native of Buncombe County, she was born on January 22, 1944 to the late Grady McKinley Banks and Gladys Louise Neighbors Banks.
She was employed at the former Tom’s Rehab as an RN Trainee. Irma loved her family, and she had a special place in...
Joan Elaine Styles Moore
Jan 19, 2026
Joan Elaine Styles Moore, 60, of Marion, passed away peacefully Monday, January 19, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 6, 1966 to the late Joe Ted Styles and JoAnn Dellinger Styles. Joan enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and with her children and other family members. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents,...
Troy Lee Smith
Jan 19, 2026
Troy Lee Smith, 72, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Troy was born in McDowell County, NC, on February 19, 1953, to the late Jeff Franklin Smith and Carrie Lawing Smith. Troy enjoyed playing his guitar and was a talented artist who loved to draw. He will always be...
Melda Sue Laws
Jan 19, 2026
Melda Sue Skeens Laws, born on April 6, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on January 19, 2026, at the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Susie was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and companion, who touched the lives of many during her time.
She was the cherished daughter of Fon Edgar Skeens and Tennessee Hall Skeens, both of whom have...
Charles James Rhyne
Jan 18, 2026
Charles James Rhyne, age 82, of Three Mile Community, went Home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a 17 year courageous battle with cancer.
Born on March 12th, 1943 in Avery County NC, he was the son of the late Jack and Ruth Dellinger Rhyne of Spear, NC. In...
Roy Lee Sumlin
Jan 18, 2026
Roy Sumlin the beloved son of the late Joseph “Willie” Sumlin and Dorothy Pruitt Rhom Sumlin passed away Sunday January 18, 2026. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. The many scars left on these soldiers we will never know or understand. He is now at home with the Lord and while we that are left behind, grieve...
Pauline Elizabeth "Ebbie" Willis
Jan 18, 2026
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Pauline Elizabeth “Ebbie” Willis, 98, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Burke County on March 15, 1927 to the late Fate Lentz and Annie Abernathy Lentz.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Bailey.
Ebbie was a devoted homemaker who...
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