Obituaries

Francesca Allegri

Jul 26, 2024

Please help celebrate the life of Francesca Allegri. Fran passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 26, 2024 at the age of 70. Forever a kind spirit, caring mother, wife, and sister, Fran spent her life making the world a brighter place. She enjoyed gardening, painting, playing with her dog, and most of all, the company of...

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Crystal Lee Gardner

Jul 25, 2024

Crystal Lee Gardner, 41, of Morganton, passed away at her residence with her family by her side on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Crystal was born in Burke County on September 27, 1982 to the late Rex Gardner and Jeanette Dodd Gardner.

Surviving Chrystal are Sheila Hooper (David) who she thought of as a mother and Brice Pruitt who she thought of as...

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Myrna Bello

Jul 24, 2024

Myrna Bello, 75, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Magnolia Lane Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

She was born in Puerto Rico on March 16, 1949 to the late Narciso Bello and Carmen Ruiz Bello.

Though she had no children of her own, Myrna will be remembered as a wonderful mother figure to her niece, Iliana, and her nephew, Franco.

She is survived...

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Patricia "Trick" Pickeral Powell

Jul 23, 2024

Patricia Powell, 88 years old, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Aston Park Healthcare Center. She was born on September 25, 1935, in Pittsylvania County, VA.

This beautiful angel on earth, lovingly known as “Trick” by her younger sister, Gladys, and other family members, is now with her Heavenly father and reunited with parents, Ellie and Raymond Pickeral, formerly...

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Kathy Joy Greene Braswell

Jul 23, 2024

Kathy Joy Greene Braswell, 69, of Nebo, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Kathy was born in Mitchell County on July 31, 1954 to the late Archie Greene and Mary Gouge Greene. Penny Coleman, Kathy’s sister, also preceded her in death.

Kathy was a member of Glenwood Baptist Church. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed quilting...

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Frances Rumfelt Williams

Jul 23, 2024

Frances Louise Rumfelt Williams, born September 2, 1929, was called to Heaven on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from Mountain Ridge Wellness Center in Black Mountain, NC.

Frances was the eldest child of seven born to the late Houston B. Rumfelt and Eursley Rhom Rumfelt. She grew up in the East Marion Mill Village. She often talked about what a great childhood...

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Doris Tate Burgin

Jul 22, 2024

Doris Tate Burgin, 97, of Marion, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, July 22, 2024.

A native of McDowell County, she was born November 28, 1926 to the late George Logan Tate and Ola Clara Early Tate. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Howard Burgin, who passed away in 1975.

Doris was a longtime member of...

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Linda Lou Queen

Jul 20, 2024

Linda Lou Queen, 79, of Old Fort, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 20th, 2024 with her loving family by her side.

She was born in McDowell County on January 21, 1945. Linda was the beloved daughter of William Ben Sowers and Edith Laughter Sowers. She grew up alongside her late siblings Bobby, Don, and Becky.

Linda was married...

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Daphney "Jean" Engle

Jul 20, 2024

Daphney “Jean” Engle, 80, of Morganton went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 20th at her home surrounded by her family.

A native of McDowell County, she was born February 16th 1944 to the late Albert Guy Kelley and Ruby Arrowood Kelley. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by 3 siblings Albert “AG” Kelley, (Marian), Clifford...

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Christopher Rickman

Jul 20, 2024

Christopher Rickman, age 34, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024.

No services are planned at this time.

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Willie Lee King, Jr.

Jul 19, 2024

Mr. Willie Lee King, Jr., went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Willie was born in New York City, New York on July 04, 1965 to his late parents, Willie Lee King, Sr. and Jeanette Jones King. he is also preceded in death by his brother, Larry King and a nephew, Ramel King.

Willie was known for his...

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Gregory James Laughridge

Jul 17, 2024

Gregory James Laughridge, 25, of Marion, passed away at residence on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

Greg was born on August 11, 1998 in McDowell County to James Vernon Laughridge, Jr. and Kellie Ann Barrier Hines. He graduated from McDowell High School with the class of 2016. Greg was currently working with his father in the family construction business, McDowell Building LLC....

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Horace Patton, Jr.

Jul 17, 2024

Horace Patton, Jr., 82, of Nebo, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation.

Horace was born in Burke County, NC, on September 26, 1941, to the late Horace Graham Patton and Florence Ellen Reed Patton. He was married to his wife of 57 years, Dolores Wise Patton. He served his country proudly...

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Sarah Patricia Warren Schneble

Jul 16, 2024

Sarah Patricia Warren Schneble, 88, Asheville, NC, passed away early in the morning of July 16, 2024 after several years of declining health. She was currently living at Autumn Care of Marion, NC. Before moving to Florida, Pat was an accountant for Ethan Allen Corporation based in Old Fort, NC.

Pat was born on May 9, 1936 to James Cornelius Lipe,...

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Jadd Wesley Brewer

Jul 14, 2024

Jadd Wesley Brewer, 63, of Marion, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Banner Elk on October 16, 1960 to the late Jess Brewer and Carolyn Howell Brewer. A sister, Jan Ramsey, also preceded him in death.

Jadd formerly was employed in the water quality and treatment industry for over 40 years....

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Stephen Mack Buchanan

Jul 13, 2024

Stephen Mack Buchanan, 70, of Burnsville, passed away at his residence on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Stephen was born in Mitchell County to the late Mack Buchanan and the late Willie Hughes Buchanan on April 30, 1954.

Stephen worked as a correctional officer at Mt. View in Avery County. He enjoyed building model cars and working out at the gym, but mostly...

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Ella Nadean Owensby Clark

Jul 13, 2024

Ella Nadean Owensby Clark, 66, of Morganton, departed this life on Saturday morning, July 13, 2024 at Amorem Hospice in Valdese with her loving children by her side.

She was born in McDowell County on July 19, 1957 to the late Dorothy Mae Owensby.

Ella was a loving wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother who loved her family wholeheartedly. Her grandchildren were her...

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Sharon J. Baker

Jul 11, 2024

Sharon J. Baker, 76, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024, at her residence.

Sharon was born in McDowell County, NC on March 25, 1948, to Edna Parker Johnson and the late Harry Elzie Johnson, Jr. She was married to her husband of 51 years, Allan Baker. Sharon was a member of the Basilica of...

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Wayne Bryant "Shorty" Harris

Jul 8, 2024

Wayne Bryant “Shorty” Harris, 73 of the Montford Cove Community, passed away Monday, July 8, 2024.

He was born in Rutherford County on April 26, 1951 to the late Theron C. Harris and Polly Graham Harris.

Mr. Harris owned and operated Harris Roofing for many years. Throughout his career, he roofed many buildings, including a number of churches in our area. He...

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Ronald Glenn Hollifield

Jul 8, 2024

Ronald Glenn Hollifield, 63, of Marion, suddenly went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital in Asheville on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Ronald was born on September 5, 1960 in McDowell County to the late Robert Grayson Hollifield and the late Zelma Alice Ward Hollifield.

He retired from the city of Marion following fourteen years of service. Ronald loved his Lord...

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