Obituaries
Michael James "Moose" Marsh
Aug 15, 2025
Michael James “Moose” Marsh, a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on August 15, 2025, at UNC Health Blue Ridge, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication. Born on December 16, 1958, in Christian County, Illinois, Michael lived a full and meaningful life, marked by his commitment to both his family and his profession.
For over 40 years,...
Michael Guy Cheek
Aug 14, 2025
Michael Guy Cheek, 69, of Nebo, NC, passed away August 14, 2025, at the home of his sister in Morganton, NC.
He was born December 9, 1955, in Shelby, NC, to the late Ben Guy Cheek and Pauline Collins Cheek. Known to his friends as “Mike,” he was always “Mickey” to his family. A lifelong resident of...
Sandra Ann Hammond
Aug 14, 2025
Sandra Ann Hammond, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, in her residence. Born on August 14, 1954, in McDowell County, Sandra lived a life full of love, devotion, and care.
For many years, Sandra served as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping others with compassion and kindness. Her gentle...
Eric Carnell Hensley
Aug 13, 2025
Eric Carnell Hensley, born on June 25, 1975, in Burke County, North Carolina, passed away on August 13, 2025, at Mission Hospital McDowell. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his vibrant personality and passion for life.
Known as an avid sports fan, Eric particularly had a soft spot for basketball, proudly cheering for the UNC Tarheels. His infectious sense...
Anthony Thomas Moran
Aug 12, 2025
Anthony Thomas Moran, affectionately known as “Anthill,” 33, of Nebo, passed away unexpectedly in a tragic motorcycle accident on the morning of Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
He was born in Valdese on August 27, 1991 to Michael Anthony Moran and Lori Elaine Moran.
Anthony worked in the custom cabinet business alongside his father, Michael, who loved him very much and taught him...
Winston Lee "Jr" Dalton
Aug 10, 2025
Winston “Jr” Lee Dalton, 81, of McDowell County, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born on November 19, 1943, at Rutherford Hospital to the late Alvin and Beth Dalton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Steve and Terry Dalton; his first wife, Ivarea Ledbetter Dalton; and great-grandsons Winston and Stetson Vess;...
William "Danny" Long
Aug 10, 2025
William “Danny” Long, 77, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A lifelong resident of McDowell County, Danny was born on December 21, 1947 to the late Earl Edward Long and Edna Nancy Norton Long.
Danny obtained an Associate Degree from Nashville Auto Diesel College, and he spent his career as a welder. He...
Cecil Max Owenby
Aug 9, 2025
On the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025, Cecil Max Owenby, age 91, of Marion, passed away at Frye Regional Medical Center.
A native of McDowell County, Cecil was born September 20, 1933 to the late Christopher Eli Owenby and Fannie Elizabeth Crawley Owenby.
Cecil worked in the grocery business his entire life. He formerly owned and operated Big Bonus as well...
Paula Jean Barber Elliott
Aug 9, 2025
Paula Jean Barber Elliott, 76, of the Glenwood Community, passed away Saturday morning, August 9, 2025 at her home with her family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on June 9, 1949 to Jean Wilson Barber and the late Paul Barber.
Paula worked nearly 45 years at Collins & Aikman. Her family meant the world to her,...
Kathy Renee Nelon
Aug 5, 2025
Kathy Renee Nelon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the Mission Campus, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on December 29, 1959, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, Kathy filled the lives of those around her with joy and warmth.
She was a devoted and loving wife to Danny Nelon,...
Arell Rutherford, Sr.
Aug 5, 2025
Our Kind Master in His infinite wisdom has called our father from labor to reward. Arell Rutherford, Sr., passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the age of 84.
He was born in McDowell County on April 7, 1941 to the late Gilbert Rutherford and Annie Lottie O’Neal Rutherford.
Mr. Rutherford was a longtime, faithful member of St. John AME Church in...
Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks
Aug 4, 2025
On the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025, Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks, of Taylorsville and formerly of Bakersville, passed away at the age of 102 with her two daughters by her side.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 25, 1923 to the late William Riley Johnson and Dolly Elizabeth Buchanan Johnson.
Mrs. Sparks was formerly employed at the Mitchell County...
Constance Cameron Morgan
Jul 30, 2025
Constance Cameron Morgan, a dedicated nurse and loving family member, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the Mission Campus. Born on January 8, 1954, in York County, Pennsylvania, she dedicated 30 years of her life to the noble profession of nursing, caring for countless individuals with compassion and skill.
Constance was a cherished wife to David Morgan, with whom she...
Gary Reid Hawkins
Jul 30, 2025
Gary Reid Hawkins, born on October 17, 1955, in McDowell County, passed away on July 30, 2025, at Swannanoa Valley Health and Rehab. He was a dedicated son, brother, and uncle.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, William Howard Hawkins, his mother, Betty Wright Hawkins, and his brother, David Howard Hawkins. Surviving family members, including his brother, Benjamin Hawkins,...
George John Justice
Jul 29, 2025
George Justice, 87, of Nebo, North Carolina, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 15, 1938, in Newark, NJ, George was the son of the late George Justice and Winifred Burke Justice. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Stephen Potter...
Stephen Michael Carlsen
Jul 29, 2025
Stephen Michael Carlsen, born on November 13, 1956, in New York, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 29, 2025.
Stephen was a cherished companion to Sandra Clemons. He is survived by his beloved sister Becky Carlsen and his brother Blake Carlsen.
Stephen was predeceased by his parents, David Nelson Carlsen and Yvonne Kent Carlsen.
In keeping with his wishes no services...
John Early Huddle III
Jul 29, 2025
John Early Huddle, III, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was 64 years old.
In addition to his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his parents John Early Huddle, Jr. and Darlene (Bays) Eichler, and a nephew, Joshua Forbes. He is survived by his stepmother Joyce P. Huddle; his...
Kevin Lane Knowlton
Jul 29, 2025
Kevin Lane Knowlton, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville.
He was born in McDowell County on August 9, 1957 to the late Frederick Charles Knowlton and Joyce Lewis Knowlton. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Eddie Knowlton and Danny Knowlton.
Kevin was a proud veteran of the...
Fannie Mae Lewis
Jul 27, 2025
Fannie Mae Lewis, 78, of Marion, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her residence.
Fannie was born in McDowell County, NC, on September 24, 1946, to the late Martha R. Rumfelt and Millard E. Lewis. She was of Freewill Baptist faith and was very down-to-earth and straight spoken. Throughout her life, Fannie was very fond of her many dogs. Most...
Sharon Lynn Webb
Jul 27, 2025
Sharon Lynn Webb, 53, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
A native of McDowell County, she was born August 3, 1971 to James Andrew Webb and the late Mildred Louise Allison Webb. Sharon was known by all as a very social person who was always spending time with her friends. She enjoyed traveling, listening...
Michael James "Moose" Marsh
Aug 15, 2025
Michael James “Moose” Marsh, a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on August 15, 2025, at UNC Health Blue Ridge, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication. Born on December 16, 1958, in Christian County, Illinois, Michael lived a full and meaningful life, marked by his commitment to both his family and his profession.
For over 40 years,...
Michael Guy Cheek
Aug 14, 2025
Michael Guy Cheek, 69, of Nebo, NC, passed away August 14, 2025, at the home of his sister in Morganton, NC.
He was born December 9, 1955, in Shelby, NC, to the late Ben Guy Cheek and Pauline Collins Cheek. Known to his friends as “Mike,” he was always “Mickey” to his family. A lifelong resident of...
Sandra Ann Hammond
Aug 14, 2025
Sandra Ann Hammond, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, in her residence. Born on August 14, 1954, in McDowell County, Sandra lived a life full of love, devotion, and care.
For many years, Sandra served as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping others with compassion and kindness. Her gentle...
Eric Carnell Hensley
Aug 13, 2025
Eric Carnell Hensley, born on June 25, 1975, in Burke County, North Carolina, passed away on August 13, 2025, at Mission Hospital McDowell. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his vibrant personality and passion for life.
Known as an avid sports fan, Eric particularly had a soft spot for basketball, proudly cheering for the UNC Tarheels. His infectious sense...
Anthony Thomas Moran
Aug 12, 2025
Anthony Thomas Moran, affectionately known as “Anthill,” 33, of Nebo, passed away unexpectedly in a tragic motorcycle accident on the morning of Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
He was born in Valdese on August 27, 1991 to Michael Anthony Moran and Lori Elaine Moran.
Anthony worked in the custom cabinet business alongside his father, Michael, who loved him very much and taught him...
Winston Lee "Jr" Dalton
Aug 10, 2025
Winston “Jr” Lee Dalton, 81, of McDowell County, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born on November 19, 1943, at Rutherford Hospital to the late Alvin and Beth Dalton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Steve and Terry Dalton; his first wife, Ivarea Ledbetter Dalton; and great-grandsons Winston and Stetson Vess;...
William "Danny" Long
Aug 10, 2025
William “Danny” Long, 77, of Marion, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A lifelong resident of McDowell County, Danny was born on December 21, 1947 to the late Earl Edward Long and Edna Nancy Norton Long.
Danny obtained an Associate Degree from Nashville Auto Diesel College, and he spent his career as a welder. He...
Cecil Max Owenby
Aug 9, 2025
On the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025, Cecil Max Owenby, age 91, of Marion, passed away at Frye Regional Medical Center.
A native of McDowell County, Cecil was born September 20, 1933 to the late Christopher Eli Owenby and Fannie Elizabeth Crawley Owenby.
Cecil worked in the grocery business his entire life. He formerly owned and operated Big Bonus as well...
Paula Jean Barber Elliott
Aug 9, 2025
Paula Jean Barber Elliott, 76, of the Glenwood Community, passed away Saturday morning, August 9, 2025 at her home with her family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on June 9, 1949 to Jean Wilson Barber and the late Paul Barber.
Paula worked nearly 45 years at Collins & Aikman. Her family meant the world to her,...
Kathy Renee Nelon
Aug 5, 2025
Kathy Renee Nelon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the Mission Campus, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on December 29, 1959, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, Kathy filled the lives of those around her with joy and warmth.
She was a devoted and loving wife to Danny Nelon,...
Arell Rutherford, Sr.
Aug 5, 2025
Our Kind Master in His infinite wisdom has called our father from labor to reward. Arell Rutherford, Sr., passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the age of 84.
He was born in McDowell County on April 7, 1941 to the late Gilbert Rutherford and Annie Lottie O’Neal Rutherford.
Mr. Rutherford was a longtime, faithful member of St. John AME Church in...
Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks
Aug 4, 2025
On the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025, Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks, of Taylorsville and formerly of Bakersville, passed away at the age of 102 with her two daughters by her side.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 25, 1923 to the late William Riley Johnson and Dolly Elizabeth Buchanan Johnson.
Mrs. Sparks was formerly employed at the Mitchell County...
Constance Cameron Morgan
Jul 30, 2025
Constance Cameron Morgan, a dedicated nurse and loving family member, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the Mission Campus. Born on January 8, 1954, in York County, Pennsylvania, she dedicated 30 years of her life to the noble profession of nursing, caring for countless individuals with compassion and skill.
Constance was a cherished wife to David Morgan, with whom she...
Gary Reid Hawkins
Jul 30, 2025
Gary Reid Hawkins, born on October 17, 1955, in McDowell County, passed away on July 30, 2025, at Swannanoa Valley Health and Rehab. He was a dedicated son, brother, and uncle.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, William Howard Hawkins, his mother, Betty Wright Hawkins, and his brother, David Howard Hawkins. Surviving family members, including his brother, Benjamin Hawkins,...
George John Justice
Jul 29, 2025
George Justice, 87, of Nebo, North Carolina, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 15, 1938, in Newark, NJ, George was the son of the late George Justice and Winifred Burke Justice. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Stephen Potter...
Stephen Michael Carlsen
Jul 29, 2025
Stephen Michael Carlsen, born on November 13, 1956, in New York, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 29, 2025.
Stephen was a cherished companion to Sandra Clemons. He is survived by his beloved sister Becky Carlsen and his brother Blake Carlsen.
Stephen was predeceased by his parents, David Nelson Carlsen and Yvonne Kent Carlsen.
In keeping with his wishes no services...
John Early Huddle III
Jul 29, 2025
John Early Huddle, III, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was 64 years old.
In addition to his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his parents John Early Huddle, Jr. and Darlene (Bays) Eichler, and a nephew, Joshua Forbes. He is survived by his stepmother Joyce P. Huddle; his...
Kevin Lane Knowlton
Jul 29, 2025
Kevin Lane Knowlton, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville.
He was born in McDowell County on August 9, 1957 to the late Frederick Charles Knowlton and Joyce Lewis Knowlton. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Eddie Knowlton and Danny Knowlton.
Kevin was a proud veteran of the...
Fannie Mae Lewis
Jul 27, 2025
Fannie Mae Lewis, 78, of Marion, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her residence.
Fannie was born in McDowell County, NC, on September 24, 1946, to the late Martha R. Rumfelt and Millard E. Lewis. She was of Freewill Baptist faith and was very down-to-earth and straight spoken. Throughout her life, Fannie was very fond of her many dogs. Most...
Sharon Lynn Webb
Jul 27, 2025
Sharon Lynn Webb, 53, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
A native of McDowell County, she was born August 3, 1971 to James Andrew Webb and the late Mildred Louise Allison Webb. Sharon was known by all as a very social person who was always spending time with her friends. She enjoyed traveling, listening...
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