Obituaries

Robert Conley Saulmon

Robert Conley Saulmon

Nov 14, 2024

Robert Conley Saulmon, 69, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Morganton, North Carolina on May 3, 1955 to the late Robert Alexander Saulmon and Betty Jean Orders Davis.

Bob was a dedicated and hard-working individual, known for his extensive career primarily in the furniture industry. He...

June Winders Wilson

June Winders Wilson

Nov 13, 2024

June Winders Wilson of Little Switzerland passed away at the age of 84, at her residence on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

 

June was born in Raleigh, NC on June 11, 1940 to Gilbert Winders and Evelyn Hudson Winders who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by three children.

She and her husband, Thomas, served as a missionaries in...

Everette Donald Ricker

Everette Donald Ricker

Nov 12, 2024

Everette Donald Ricker, 75, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Everette was born in McDowell County on June 18, 1949 to Hobert Ricker and Margie Hampton Ricker. Both parents have preceded him in death.

He dedicated thirty-five years of service to Drexel Furniture. In his spare-time he enjoyed music, dancing, fishing and watching...

Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis

Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis

Nov 10, 2024



Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis, 77, of Marion, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family. 

 

She was born in McDowell County on August 2, 1947 to the late Grayson Finley and Louemer Neneve Lamb Finley.

 

Coleen worked in insurance sales for many years. She also was employed with McDowell County Department of Social Services for a period....

Homer "Shirl" Robinson

Homer "Shirl" Robinson

Nov 6, 2024

Homer "Shirl" Robinson, born on November 27, 1951, in Yancey County, North Carolina, passed away on November 6, 2024, at Mission Hospital. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who touched many lives. 

Shirl shared a life filled with love and affection with his beloved wife, Marlene J. Robinson. They had a beautiful family that was the pride and joy...

Linda Ann Rapan Smith

Linda Ann Rapan Smith

Nov 5, 2024

Late in the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Linda Ann Rapan Gee Smith, 72, of Black Mountain passed away at Memorial Mission in Asheville. 

Linda was born in Wellsville, New York on November 10, 1951 to Raymond Rapan and Ella K. Walsh who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Tina Gee.

 After twenty-six years...

Laura Dolores Burgos

Laura Dolores Burgos

Nov 5, 2024

Laura Dolores Burgos, 80, of Rutherfordton, passed away at Mission McDowell on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Laura was born on December 07, 1943 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Jose Luis Burgos and Herminia Berrios who preceded her in death.

Laura worked for Eastern Airlines as a stewardess which fit her outgoing personality perfectly. She always enjoyed helping others which meant a...

Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr.

Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr.

Nov 4, 2024

Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr., 75, of Marion passed away at UNC Medical Center Chapel Hill on Monday, November 4, 2024. 

Robert was born in McDowell County on February 13, 1949 to Robert Lawrence McKinney, Sr. and Estelle Pyatt Allman who preceded him in death. 

Robert loved his Lord and Savior and was a dedicated member of New Manna Baptist Church. He enjoyed...

Gene Washington Morgan

Gene Washington Morgan

Nov 4, 2024



Gene Washington Morgan, 89, of Marion, passed from this life on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville. 

He was born on March 26, 1935 in McDowell County to the late Fleming and Elizabeth Mostiller Morgan. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Ilene Haney Morgan; second wife, Joyce Norville; son, Michael Albert Morgan; five sisters;...

Kelly Trent Styles, Sr.

Kelly Trent Styles, Sr.

Nov 4, 2024

 Kelly Trent Styles, Sr., 54, of Nebo, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at his residence.

 Kelly was born in McDowell County, NC, on July 2, 1970, to the late Grace Bartlett and Frank Styles. He was married to his wife of 35 years, Elaine Gallion Styles and was a member of Glenwood Independent Baptist Church. He loved to work on...

Darlene Marie Davidson Williams

Darlene Marie Davidson Williams

Nov 3, 2024

Darlene Marie Davidson Williams of Marion passed away at her residence at the age of 60 on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Darlene was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 10, 1964 to Roy Gilbert Davidson and Grace Bartlett Bright. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Kelly Styles and Dennis Bartlett. 

She attended Glenwood Independent Baptist Church. Darlene was faithful...

Randall S. Day

Randall S. Day

Nov 2, 2024



Randall S. Day, of Morganton, passed away peacefully November 2nd at AMOREM Hospice House in Valdese, NC. Randall “Randy” loved his dog (a rescue) named Gerald. He also loved fishing, video games, NASCAR, and football (Commanders).

Randy was preceded in death by his father: Ottie Watson of Georgetown, SC; his mother: Essie Day Ayers of Georgetown, SC; and a nephew, Thomas...

Randy Allen Gallion

Randy Allen Gallion

Nov 2, 2024

Randy Allen Gallion, aged 63, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, peacefully at home and surrounded by his family in Marion, NC. Randy was born in Marion to Roger and Katherine Gallion, and was the brother to Doug (Tony) Gallion. He married his wife of 30 years, Kelly Gedroic Gallion, in 1994, and together they had three children. 

Randy worked...

Ted Roger Elliott

Ted Roger Elliott

Oct 31, 2024

On the morning of Thursday, October 31, 2024, Ted Roger Elliott, 89, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion. 

 

He was born in McDowell County on November 22, 1934 to the late Paul and Odell Elliott. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Elizabeth Morgan Elliott; sister, Mildred “Tootie” Elliott Ledbetter; and a grandson, Andrew...

Kathy Lynn Boufford

Kathy Lynn Boufford

Oct 29, 2024

 Kathy Lynn Boufford, 67, of Morganton, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at her residence.

 Kathy was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 3, 1957, to the late John Roland and Kitty Marie Robertson Roland. She was married to her husband of 43 years, Phillip Boufford. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Kathy lived in Tuttle,...

Olene S DeProspero

Olene S DeProspero

Oct 28, 2024

Olene S. DeProspero, age 84, loving mother, grandmother and sister, completed her earthly baptismal journey on October 28, 2024 in Mars, PA. As she peacefully moved from this life to the next, she was at home and surrounded by her family.

Born in Cane Creek, North Carolina on June 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Bob and Gladys...

Robert Glenn Fender

Robert Glenn Fender

Oct 28, 2024

Robert Glenn Fender, 54, of Marion, departed this life on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born November 19, 1969 in Dalton, Georgia to Carolyn Howell Fender and the late Buddie Robert Fender.

Rob’s service in the United States Navy aboard the USS Brewton during Desert Storm showcased his dedication and strength. This chapter of his life...

Angelina Fincher Esmaili

Angelina Fincher Esmaili

Oct 28, 2024

Angelina Fincher Esmaili gained her angel wings on October 28, 2024 after a long battle with late stage Parkinsons disease.

Angelina, born June 23, 1944 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to the late Furman Fincher and Dorothy Evelyn Wells Fincher. She was one of 12 siblings.

Angelina was a spitfire of a woman. Never giving up without a fight. Although her demeanor...

Michael Leroy Stamey

Michael Leroy Stamey

Oct 27, 2024

Michael Leroy Stamey, 64, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024.

 

He was born in Marion on August 31, 1960 to the late Robert Ellis Stamey and Maggie Lou Mason Stamey. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Harold Eugene Stamey. Mike was an excellent carpenter and was the former owner of Stamey’s Wood Floor and Finishing in Morganton. He...

Rev. Michael Dean Zullo

Rev. Michael Dean Zullo

Oct 27, 2024

Rev. Michael Dean Zullo, born on August 20, 1951, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on October 27 2024, at the WNC State Veterans Home. He was a devoted husband to the late Debra Minnish Zullo, and together they shared a life filled with love and faith.

Rev. Zullo dedicated sixteen years of his life as the pastor of Amazing Grace...

Robert Conley Saulmon

Robert Conley Saulmon

Nov 14, 2024

Robert Conley Saulmon, 69, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Morganton, North Carolina on May 3, 1955 to the late Robert Alexander Saulmon and Betty Jean Orders Davis.

Bob was a dedicated and hard-working individual, known for his extensive career primarily in the furniture industry. He...

June Winders Wilson

June Winders Wilson

Nov 13, 2024

June Winders Wilson of Little Switzerland passed away at the age of 84, at her residence on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

 

June was born in Raleigh, NC on June 11, 1940 to Gilbert Winders and Evelyn Hudson Winders who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by three children.

She and her husband, Thomas, served as a missionaries in...

Everette Donald Ricker

Everette Donald Ricker

Nov 12, 2024

Everette Donald Ricker, 75, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Everette was born in McDowell County on June 18, 1949 to Hobert Ricker and Margie Hampton Ricker. Both parents have preceded him in death.

He dedicated thirty-five years of service to Drexel Furniture. In his spare-time he enjoyed music, dancing, fishing and watching...

Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis

Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis

Nov 10, 2024



Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis, 77, of Marion, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family. 

 

She was born in McDowell County on August 2, 1947 to the late Grayson Finley and Louemer Neneve Lamb Finley.

 

Coleen worked in insurance sales for many years. She also was employed with McDowell County Department of Social Services for a period....

Homer "Shirl" Robinson

Homer "Shirl" Robinson

Nov 6, 2024

Homer "Shirl" Robinson, born on November 27, 1951, in Yancey County, North Carolina, passed away on November 6, 2024, at Mission Hospital. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who touched many lives. 

Shirl shared a life filled with love and affection with his beloved wife, Marlene J. Robinson. They had a beautiful family that was the pride and joy...

Linda Ann Rapan Smith

Linda Ann Rapan Smith

Nov 5, 2024

Late in the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Linda Ann Rapan Gee Smith, 72, of Black Mountain passed away at Memorial Mission in Asheville. 

Linda was born in Wellsville, New York on November 10, 1951 to Raymond Rapan and Ella K. Walsh who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Tina Gee.

 After twenty-six years...

Laura Dolores Burgos

Laura Dolores Burgos

Nov 5, 2024

Laura Dolores Burgos, 80, of Rutherfordton, passed away at Mission McDowell on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Laura was born on December 07, 1943 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Jose Luis Burgos and Herminia Berrios who preceded her in death.

Laura worked for Eastern Airlines as a stewardess which fit her outgoing personality perfectly. She always enjoyed helping others which meant a...

Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr.

Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr.

Nov 4, 2024

Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr., 75, of Marion passed away at UNC Medical Center Chapel Hill on Monday, November 4, 2024. 

Robert was born in McDowell County on February 13, 1949 to Robert Lawrence McKinney, Sr. and Estelle Pyatt Allman who preceded him in death. 

Robert loved his Lord and Savior and was a dedicated member of New Manna Baptist Church. He enjoyed...

Gene Washington Morgan

Gene Washington Morgan

Nov 4, 2024



Gene Washington Morgan, 89, of Marion, passed from this life on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville. 

He was born on March 26, 1935 in McDowell County to the late Fleming and Elizabeth Mostiller Morgan. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Ilene Haney Morgan; second wife, Joyce Norville; son, Michael Albert Morgan; five sisters;...

Kelly Trent Styles, Sr.

Kelly Trent Styles, Sr.

Nov 4, 2024

 Kelly Trent Styles, Sr., 54, of Nebo, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at his residence.

 Kelly was born in McDowell County, NC, on July 2, 1970, to the late Grace Bartlett and Frank Styles. He was married to his wife of 35 years, Elaine Gallion Styles and was a member of Glenwood Independent Baptist Church. He loved to work on...

Darlene Marie Davidson Williams

Darlene Marie Davidson Williams

Nov 3, 2024

Darlene Marie Davidson Williams of Marion passed away at her residence at the age of 60 on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Darlene was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 10, 1964 to Roy Gilbert Davidson and Grace Bartlett Bright. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Kelly Styles and Dennis Bartlett. 

She attended Glenwood Independent Baptist Church. Darlene was faithful...

Randall S. Day

Randall S. Day

Nov 2, 2024



Randall S. Day, of Morganton, passed away peacefully November 2nd at AMOREM Hospice House in Valdese, NC. Randall “Randy” loved his dog (a rescue) named Gerald. He also loved fishing, video games, NASCAR, and football (Commanders).

Randy was preceded in death by his father: Ottie Watson of Georgetown, SC; his mother: Essie Day Ayers of Georgetown, SC; and a nephew, Thomas...

Randy Allen Gallion

Randy Allen Gallion

Nov 2, 2024

Randy Allen Gallion, aged 63, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, peacefully at home and surrounded by his family in Marion, NC. Randy was born in Marion to Roger and Katherine Gallion, and was the brother to Doug (Tony) Gallion. He married his wife of 30 years, Kelly Gedroic Gallion, in 1994, and together they had three children. 

Randy worked...

Ted Roger Elliott

Ted Roger Elliott

Oct 31, 2024

On the morning of Thursday, October 31, 2024, Ted Roger Elliott, 89, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion. 

 

He was born in McDowell County on November 22, 1934 to the late Paul and Odell Elliott. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Elizabeth Morgan Elliott; sister, Mildred “Tootie” Elliott Ledbetter; and a grandson, Andrew...

Kathy Lynn Boufford

Kathy Lynn Boufford

Oct 29, 2024

 Kathy Lynn Boufford, 67, of Morganton, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at her residence.

 Kathy was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 3, 1957, to the late John Roland and Kitty Marie Robertson Roland. She was married to her husband of 43 years, Phillip Boufford. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Kathy lived in Tuttle,...

Olene S DeProspero

Olene S DeProspero

Oct 28, 2024

Olene S. DeProspero, age 84, loving mother, grandmother and sister, completed her earthly baptismal journey on October 28, 2024 in Mars, PA. As she peacefully moved from this life to the next, she was at home and surrounded by her family.

Born in Cane Creek, North Carolina on June 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Bob and Gladys...

Robert Glenn Fender

Robert Glenn Fender

Oct 28, 2024

Robert Glenn Fender, 54, of Marion, departed this life on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born November 19, 1969 in Dalton, Georgia to Carolyn Howell Fender and the late Buddie Robert Fender.

Rob’s service in the United States Navy aboard the USS Brewton during Desert Storm showcased his dedication and strength. This chapter of his life...

Angelina Fincher Esmaili

Angelina Fincher Esmaili

Oct 28, 2024

Angelina Fincher Esmaili gained her angel wings on October 28, 2024 after a long battle with late stage Parkinsons disease.

Angelina, born June 23, 1944 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to the late Furman Fincher and Dorothy Evelyn Wells Fincher. She was one of 12 siblings.

Angelina was a spitfire of a woman. Never giving up without a fight. Although her demeanor...

Michael Leroy Stamey

Michael Leroy Stamey

Oct 27, 2024

Michael Leroy Stamey, 64, passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024.

 

He was born in Marion on August 31, 1960 to the late Robert Ellis Stamey and Maggie Lou Mason Stamey. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Harold Eugene Stamey. Mike was an excellent carpenter and was the former owner of Stamey’s Wood Floor and Finishing in Morganton. He...

Rev. Michael Dean Zullo

Rev. Michael Dean Zullo

Oct 27, 2024

Rev. Michael Dean Zullo, born on August 20, 1951, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on October 27 2024, at the WNC State Veterans Home. He was a devoted husband to the late Debra Minnish Zullo, and together they shared a life filled with love and faith.

Rev. Zullo dedicated sixteen years of his life as the pastor of Amazing Grace...