Obituaries

Danny Huffman

Danny Huffman

Oct 11, 2024

     Danny Van Huffman, of Marion, tragically passed away on his 61st birthday, Friday, October 11, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, as a result of injuries he received during Hurricane Helene.

     Danny was born in Valdese, NC, on October 11, 1963, to Barbara Hughes and the late Harold Huffman. Danny enjoyed a life of solitude in the...

Alice Dale Self Washburn

Alice Dale Self Washburn

Oct 10, 2024



Alice Dale Self Washburn, 82, of Marion, passed away at home with her loving family by her side.

 

She was born in Mitchell County on April 5, 1942 to the late Plato Self and Lora Sparks Self. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John Carl Washburn, Sr. who passed away the day after Alice’s birthday this...

Rev. Johnny Douglas Johnson

Rev. Johnny Douglas Johnson

Oct 9, 2024

 

Rev. Johnny Douglas Johnson, age 77, a beloved figure and steadfast soldier of the faith, entered eternal rest on October 9, 2024, at The McDowell Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 19, 1947, Rev. Johnson dedicated his life to serving others through his ministry and many community engagements.

He began his ministry in 1970 when he accepted his first...

Martha Olive Bradley

Martha Olive Bradley

Oct 7, 2024

Martha Olive Rhom Bradley, 80, of Nebo, passed away Monday, October 7, 2024, at her residence. Martha was born in McDowell County, NC, on January 12, 1944, to the late Carl Rhom and Vina Conner Rhom. She was married to Daniel Eugene Bradley, Sr. 

 She loved flowers and was an enthusiast of cats. Martha enjoyed reading and was an avid fan...

Yolanda Morales Valdez

Yolanda Morales Valdez

Oct 4, 2024



Yolanda Morales Valdez, 68, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024 at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

She was born in Mexico on September 7, 1956 to the late Cecilio Morales and Sara Casas Morales.

 

Yolanda enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting, gardening, and walking. She loved visiting her home country of Mexico. When her and her...

Charlotte Gymer

Charlotte Gymer

Oct 2, 2024

Charlotte Gymer, age 82, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Cedarbrook Residential Center.

No services are planned at this time.

Madge Ellen Bennett Bradley

Madge Ellen Bennett Bradley

Oct 2, 2024

Madge Ellen Bennett Bradley, 90, of Nebo, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Madge passed away at her residence in Nebo, North Carolina.

Madge was born in Erwin, Tenn. On July 11, 1934 to the late Robert Bennett and the late Lula Williams Johnson. She is also preceded in death by her daughters, Zilpha Lowery, Gail Couch and...

Richard "Rick" Price Thornton

Richard "Rick" Price Thornton

Oct 1, 2024



Richard "Rick" Price Thornton, 69, of Old Fort, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on October 1, 2024. Born on November 15, 1954, in the mountains of Asheville, NC, Rick was a beloved son of the late Wilburn and Frankie Thornton.

He is survived by his devoted partner, Shirley Greene, and his children: Jackson Thornton and wife Becky; Justin Thornton...

Alfred "Gene" Eugene Effler

Alfred "Gene" Eugene Effler

Oct 1, 2024

Alfred Eugene Effler, 74, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, October 01, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell. 

He was born in McDowell County on February 11, 1950 to Lewis Edward Effler and Ruby Davis Effler who preceded him in death.

Gene served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of Victory Temple Full Gospel Church. He...

Barbara "Bobbie" Ann Wright Adams

Barbara "Bobbie" Ann Wright Adams

Sep 30, 2024



Barbara Ann Wright Adams, 76, of Nebo passed away September 30, 2024, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills, Forest City, with her loving family by her side. Bobbie, as she was known to close friends and family, was born December 25, 1947, in Woodstock, Virginia and was the daughter of the late Frederick Lee and Helen Blanche Looney Wright....

Cathy Jo Minish

Cathy Jo Minish

Sep 29, 2024



Cathy Jo Minish, 52, of Marion, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Fairview, North Carolina.

 

She was born in Burke County on July 31, 1972 to Dianne Elizabeth Benge Minish and the late John Franklin Minish. She was also preceded in death by her grandmother, Bertha Lewis, and a number of aunts and uncles.

 

Cathy had an incredible sense of humor...

Dorothy Elizabeth Duncan Rumfelt

Dorothy Elizabeth Duncan Rumfelt

Sep 29, 2024



Dorothy Elizabeth Duncan Rumfelt, of Greeneville, Tennessee surrounded by family and friends, passed away on September 29, 2024 after an extended illness.

Dot (Dorothy) was born on May 11, 1934 to the late Rev. Milton and Bonnie Duncan of Marion, NC. Dorothy was the second oldest of ten children. Her two surviving siblings are Bill (Gail) Duncan and Carolyn (Tim) Biddix.

Dot...

Barbara Kathleen Mann

Barbara Kathleen Mann

Sep 29, 2024

Barbara Kathleen Scott Mann, age 74, of Marion, passed away, Sunday September 29, 2024.

A full obituary will be posted once finalized. 

Ronnie Dale Cox, Jr.

Ronnie Dale Cox, Jr.

Sep 28, 2024

Ronnie Dale Cox, Jr., 46, of Marion passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024. 

Ronnie was born in Burke County on June 27, 1978 to Ronnie Dale Cox, Sr. and Janice Wheelon Cox.  

He formerly worked as a cook, which he loved. He was a fan of fast cars and enjoyed working on them. Most of all he was a loving...

Jenesis Nevaeh Lynch

Jenesis Nevaeh Lynch

Sep 26, 2024

 Jenesis Nevaeh Lynch, 11, of Marion, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, at McDowell Hospital. 

 Jenesis was born in Burke County, NC on August 9, 2013, to Jessica Nicole Lynch and Keith Elliott Avery. She was very academically gifted. While Jenesis was a student at North Cove Elementary School, she earned multiple awards for academic achievements. She was on the safety...

Janet Ann Frentz Kinsey

Janet Ann Frentz Kinsey

Sep 26, 2024

Janet Ann Frentz Kinsey age 94 of Lake Waccamaw, NC passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on September 26, 2024. Born June 4, 1930 in Hammond, Indiana, Janet was the daughter of the late Fred Henry Frentz and Mildred Martha Wiese Frentz.

Janet was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Lois Frentz Paterson.

She is survived by her...

Mildred "Mitzi" Alice Hall Haynes

Mildred "Mitzi" Alice Hall Haynes

Sep 24, 2024

Mildred “Mitzi” Alice Hall Haynes passed away at Autumn Care of Marion on the morning of Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the age of 86. 

Mitzi was born on January 26, 1938 in McDowell County to her late parents, Gettys Harold Hall, Sr. and Juanita Poteat Stamey. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Haynes. 

She was a member...

George Pierce Stanford III

George Pierce Stanford III

Sep 23, 2024



George Pierce Stanford III, 78, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell after a brief illness.



He was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on May 17, 1946 to the late George Pierce Stanford Jr. and Audrie McCurry Stanford. He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Canaan Sayles.

 

George was a...

Lewis J. Scott

Lewis J. Scott

Sep 22, 2024



Lewis J. Scott, 72, formerly of Caldwell County, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Smoky Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.

 

He was born in Granite Falls on January 7, 1952 to the late Sam Evans Scott and Emma Jean Henderson Scott. Lewis was a very kind soul who loved to laugh. He loved music, but he loved the Lord more than...

Donald Michael McKenzie

Donald Michael McKenzie

Sep 20, 2024

Donald Michael "Mike" McKenzie, 65, of Chimney Rock, peacefully departed this life on the morning of Friday, September 20, 2024.

He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on March 14, 1959 to the late Donald McKenzie and Barbara Jean Symms Jones.

He was a beloved chef whose culinary journey spanned 50 years. Mike discovered his passion for cooking at an early age, and...

Danny Huffman

Danny Huffman

Oct 11, 2024

     Danny Van Huffman, of Marion, tragically passed away on his 61st birthday, Friday, October 11, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, as a result of injuries he received during Hurricane Helene.

     Danny was born in Valdese, NC, on October 11, 1963, to Barbara Hughes and the late Harold Huffman. Danny enjoyed a life of solitude in the...

Alice Dale Self Washburn

Alice Dale Self Washburn

Oct 10, 2024



Alice Dale Self Washburn, 82, of Marion, passed away at home with her loving family by her side.

 

She was born in Mitchell County on April 5, 1942 to the late Plato Self and Lora Sparks Self. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John Carl Washburn, Sr. who passed away the day after Alice’s birthday this...

Rev. Johnny Douglas Johnson

Rev. Johnny Douglas Johnson

Oct 9, 2024

 

Rev. Johnny Douglas Johnson, age 77, a beloved figure and steadfast soldier of the faith, entered eternal rest on October 9, 2024, at The McDowell Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 19, 1947, Rev. Johnson dedicated his life to serving others through his ministry and many community engagements.

He began his ministry in 1970 when he accepted his first...

Martha Olive Bradley

Martha Olive Bradley

Oct 7, 2024

Martha Olive Rhom Bradley, 80, of Nebo, passed away Monday, October 7, 2024, at her residence. Martha was born in McDowell County, NC, on January 12, 1944, to the late Carl Rhom and Vina Conner Rhom. She was married to Daniel Eugene Bradley, Sr. 

 She loved flowers and was an enthusiast of cats. Martha enjoyed reading and was an avid fan...

Yolanda Morales Valdez

Yolanda Morales Valdez

Oct 4, 2024



Yolanda Morales Valdez, 68, of Marion, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024 at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

She was born in Mexico on September 7, 1956 to the late Cecilio Morales and Sara Casas Morales.

 

Yolanda enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting, gardening, and walking. She loved visiting her home country of Mexico. When her and her...

Charlotte Gymer

Charlotte Gymer

Oct 2, 2024

Charlotte Gymer, age 82, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Cedarbrook Residential Center.

No services are planned at this time.

Madge Ellen Bennett Bradley

Madge Ellen Bennett Bradley

Oct 2, 2024

Madge Ellen Bennett Bradley, 90, of Nebo, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Madge passed away at her residence in Nebo, North Carolina.

Madge was born in Erwin, Tenn. On July 11, 1934 to the late Robert Bennett and the late Lula Williams Johnson. She is also preceded in death by her daughters, Zilpha Lowery, Gail Couch and...

Richard "Rick" Price Thornton

Richard "Rick" Price Thornton

Oct 1, 2024



Richard "Rick" Price Thornton, 69, of Old Fort, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on October 1, 2024. Born on November 15, 1954, in the mountains of Asheville, NC, Rick was a beloved son of the late Wilburn and Frankie Thornton.

He is survived by his devoted partner, Shirley Greene, and his children: Jackson Thornton and wife Becky; Justin Thornton...

Alfred "Gene" Eugene Effler

Alfred "Gene" Eugene Effler

Oct 1, 2024

Alfred Eugene Effler, 74, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, October 01, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell. 

He was born in McDowell County on February 11, 1950 to Lewis Edward Effler and Ruby Davis Effler who preceded him in death.

Gene served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of Victory Temple Full Gospel Church. He...

Barbara "Bobbie" Ann Wright Adams

Barbara "Bobbie" Ann Wright Adams

Sep 30, 2024



Barbara Ann Wright Adams, 76, of Nebo passed away September 30, 2024, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills, Forest City, with her loving family by her side. Bobbie, as she was known to close friends and family, was born December 25, 1947, in Woodstock, Virginia and was the daughter of the late Frederick Lee and Helen Blanche Looney Wright....

Cathy Jo Minish

Cathy Jo Minish

Sep 29, 2024



Cathy Jo Minish, 52, of Marion, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Fairview, North Carolina.

 

She was born in Burke County on July 31, 1972 to Dianne Elizabeth Benge Minish and the late John Franklin Minish. She was also preceded in death by her grandmother, Bertha Lewis, and a number of aunts and uncles.

 

Cathy had an incredible sense of humor...

Dorothy Elizabeth Duncan Rumfelt

Dorothy Elizabeth Duncan Rumfelt

Sep 29, 2024



Dorothy Elizabeth Duncan Rumfelt, of Greeneville, Tennessee surrounded by family and friends, passed away on September 29, 2024 after an extended illness.

Dot (Dorothy) was born on May 11, 1934 to the late Rev. Milton and Bonnie Duncan of Marion, NC. Dorothy was the second oldest of ten children. Her two surviving siblings are Bill (Gail) Duncan and Carolyn (Tim) Biddix.

Dot...

Barbara Kathleen Mann

Barbara Kathleen Mann

Sep 29, 2024

Barbara Kathleen Scott Mann, age 74, of Marion, passed away, Sunday September 29, 2024.

A full obituary will be posted once finalized. 

Ronnie Dale Cox, Jr.

Ronnie Dale Cox, Jr.

Sep 28, 2024

Ronnie Dale Cox, Jr., 46, of Marion passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024. 

Ronnie was born in Burke County on June 27, 1978 to Ronnie Dale Cox, Sr. and Janice Wheelon Cox.  

He formerly worked as a cook, which he loved. He was a fan of fast cars and enjoyed working on them. Most of all he was a loving...

Jenesis Nevaeh Lynch

Jenesis Nevaeh Lynch

Sep 26, 2024

 Jenesis Nevaeh Lynch, 11, of Marion, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, at McDowell Hospital. 

 Jenesis was born in Burke County, NC on August 9, 2013, to Jessica Nicole Lynch and Keith Elliott Avery. She was very academically gifted. While Jenesis was a student at North Cove Elementary School, she earned multiple awards for academic achievements. She was on the safety...

Janet Ann Frentz Kinsey

Janet Ann Frentz Kinsey

Sep 26, 2024

Janet Ann Frentz Kinsey age 94 of Lake Waccamaw, NC passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on September 26, 2024. Born June 4, 1930 in Hammond, Indiana, Janet was the daughter of the late Fred Henry Frentz and Mildred Martha Wiese Frentz.

Janet was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Lois Frentz Paterson.

She is survived by her...

Mildred "Mitzi" Alice Hall Haynes

Mildred "Mitzi" Alice Hall Haynes

Sep 24, 2024

Mildred “Mitzi” Alice Hall Haynes passed away at Autumn Care of Marion on the morning of Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at the age of 86. 

Mitzi was born on January 26, 1938 in McDowell County to her late parents, Gettys Harold Hall, Sr. and Juanita Poteat Stamey. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Haynes. 

She was a member...

George Pierce Stanford III

George Pierce Stanford III

Sep 23, 2024



George Pierce Stanford III, 78, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell after a brief illness.



He was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on May 17, 1946 to the late George Pierce Stanford Jr. and Audrie McCurry Stanford. He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Canaan Sayles.

 

George was a...

Lewis J. Scott

Lewis J. Scott

Sep 22, 2024



Lewis J. Scott, 72, formerly of Caldwell County, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Smoky Ridge Health & Rehabilitation.

 

He was born in Granite Falls on January 7, 1952 to the late Sam Evans Scott and Emma Jean Henderson Scott. Lewis was a very kind soul who loved to laugh. He loved music, but he loved the Lord more than...

Donald Michael McKenzie

Donald Michael McKenzie

Sep 20, 2024

Donald Michael "Mike" McKenzie, 65, of Chimney Rock, peacefully departed this life on the morning of Friday, September 20, 2024.

He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on March 14, 1959 to the late Donald McKenzie and Barbara Jean Symms Jones.

He was a beloved chef whose culinary journey spanned 50 years. Mike discovered his passion for cooking at an early age, and...