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...

Karen Sue Wilson

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

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

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

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

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...

Earl E. Hill

Earl E. Hill

Dec 28, 2025



Earl E. Hill, age 98, of Union Mills, departed this life peacefully on Sunday afternoon, December 28, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

A native of Rutherford County, he was born August 1, 1927 to the late Robert Hayden Hill and Lillie Irene Arrowood Hill.

A man of the land and of hard work, he spent his life farming, running a...

Kate Terry Clough

Kate Terry Clough

Dec 23, 2025



Kate Terry Clough, 90, of Nebo, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at her residence.

A native of McDowell County, she was born on July 13, 1935 to the late Ellsworth Jesse Terry and Lillie Hamby Terry.

A true caregiver at heart, Kate worked in home care for most of her life. She received great joy by caring for others. Kate was...

C. Phillip Moore

C. Phillip Moore

Dec 23, 2025



On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, C. Phillip Moore, 92, of Marion, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion, after a short illness.

A native of Rutherford County, he was born on November 2, 1933 to the late Otto Moore and Louise Beam Moore.

He was a graduate of Cliffside High School, attended Clemson University, and graduated from Furman University. While in college,...

Herbert David Winters

Herbert David Winters

Dec 22, 2025

Herbert David Winters, 73, of Nebo, passed away at Rose Hill Retirement Community on Monday, December 22, 2025.

David was born in Burke County on February 27, 1952 to the late Glen Alfred Winters and the late Wilma Hoover Winters.

David loved watching sports and was an avid fan of the UNC Tarheel basketball and football teams. He spent a lot of...

George H. Thurn

George H. Thurn

Dec 20, 2025

     George H. Thurn of Newland, NC formerly of Melbourne, FL passed away on December 20, 2025 at Cranberry House in Newland. George was born to Gustav and Hazel Thurn on February 8, 1933 in Woodland California.

     George graduated from Yuba City High School. After serving in the Navy he attended Cal Poly Tech in San Luis Obispo,...