Obituaries

John Allen Lewis, Jr.

John Allen Lewis, Jr.

May 25, 2024

Mr. John Allen Lewis Jr. age 48, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 25, 2024. A native of McDowell County he was born on August 4, 1975 to the late John Allen Lewis Senior and Virginia Hester. 

 

He enjoyed being outdoors and camping. John was known as a loving father, son, and brother. He will be...

Nora (Katie) Estes Womack

Nora (Katie) Estes Womack

May 24, 2024

Nora (Katie) Estes Womack age 86 of Fair Haven Home in Bostic, NC went home to be with Jesus on May 24th, 2024. She was born in Swain County, NC to the late Fred and Gertrude Anthony Estes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James Edward Womack.Nora was a long time member of West Court Baptist...

James "Rodney" Robbins

James "Rodney" Robbins

May 24, 2024

James Rodney Robbins, age 68, of Union Mills, passed away Friday, May 24, 2024 at home. Hewas born in McDowell County on November 30, 1955 to the late James Lawrence Robbins andKereda McIntosh Robbins. He was a 1974 graduate of McDowell High School.Rodney was known as a hard-working farmer. He raised beef cows, hay, row crops and learnedthe intricacies of...

George Edward Ziegler

George Edward Ziegler

May 24, 2024

     George Edward Ziegler passed away on May 24, 2024.  He was 89 years old.  At the time of his death, he lived in Old Fort, NC where he died peacefully at home.  

 

     George was born on March 9, 1935 in Rorschach, Switzerland to Amalie Baumann Ziegler and Joseph Ziegler.  He was one of two sons, along...

George Eugene Orr

George Eugene Orr

May 23, 2024

     George Eugene Orr, 75, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

 

     George was born in Champaign, Illinois on May 1, 1949 to the late Dow Jacob Orr and Nancy Louise McFalls Orr. He was married to his wife of 53 years, Louise Effler Orr. George loved to fish and was...

Maxine Logan Kincaid

Maxine Logan Kincaid

May 23, 2024

Maxine Logan Kincaid, 85, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Autumn Care of Marion. 

 

She was born in Old Fort on March 19, 1939 to the late James Arthur Logan and Sally Greenlee Logan.

 

Maxine was a faithful child of God. She was raised in Pharr Chapel AME Zion Church and has been a faithful member...

Becky Duncan

Becky Duncan

May 23, 2024

     Helen Rebekkah “Becky” Duncan, 68, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

 

     Becky was born in McDowell County, NC, on September 9, 1955, to the late Rev. Earl Monroe Duncan and Gladys Corinne Ellis Duncan. Becky enjoyed shopping and spending time with her friends and family. She...

Walter Linney Sluder

Walter Linney Sluder

May 23, 2024

     Walter Linney Sluder, 59, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024.

 

     Walter was born in Avery County, NC on September 16, 1964, to the late Robert Sluder, Sr. and Mollie Hopson Sluder. Walter was an avid golfer, hunter, and Tennessee Vols fan. He spent his entire career as a machinist.

 

     Those left to cherish his...

Quentin Lashaun "Shaun" Parks

Quentin Lashaun "Shaun" Parks

May 22, 2024

     Quentin Lashaun “Shaun” Parks, 46, of Morganton, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

 

     Shaun was born in McDowell County, NC on February 3, 1978 to Kathy Donnelle Parks and the late Carl Edward Young. He enjoyed playing video games and was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing and was a firearms...

Brenda Lee Daniel Mathes

Brenda Lee Daniel Mathes

May 22, 2024

Brenda Lee Daniel Mathes, 71, of Old Fort, passed away at her home on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

 

She was born in Buncombe County on September 23, 1952 to the late Charles Daniel and Annie Minnie Montgomery Daniel.

 

Brenda retired from Baxter Healthcare and most recently worked as a barista in The Catawba Vale Hub Coffee Shop. She graduated from East Carolina...

Ray Marshall Wiggins

Ray Marshall Wiggins

May 21, 2024

     Ray “Marshall” Wiggins, 80, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

     Marshall was born in Bryson City, NC on May 17, 1944, to the late Harley Wiggins and Mezilda Bridges Wiggins. He was married to Brenda Sue Hollifield Wiggins. Marshall was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, and working in...

Miracle Dawn Creedle

Miracle Dawn Creedle

May 15, 2024

Miracle Dawn Creedle, 46, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center. 

 

She was born in Hopewell, Virginia on August 4, 1977 to Nancy Louise Kidd Creedle and the late Lawrence Wade Creedle Jr.

 

Miracle spent most of her life in South Hill, Virginia before moving to Marion in 2012. She formerly worked as a CNA and...

Emanuel Lee Lytle

Emanuel Lee Lytle

May 15, 2024

     Emanuel Lee Lytle, 84, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Autumn Care of Marion.

  

     Emanuel was born in Rutherford County, NC on June 22, 1939, to the late Gladys Woods Lytle and Hoyt Graham Lytle, Sr. He was married to his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Lee Hunt Lytle, who passed away in December...

John Evans Barr

John Evans Barr

May 13, 2024

     John Evans Barr, 67, of Marion, passed away, Monday, May 13, 2024, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     John was born in Neeses, SC on December 5, 1956, to the late John G. Barr and Mary Emmaline Hoover Barr. He was married to Shirley Barr, who passed away in March of 2015. John was an excellent mechanic who loved...

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

May 13, 2024

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie, 71, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Monday, May 13, 2024.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1952 to the late Johnny Wilson and Mary Margaret Calloway Penland. 

 

Judy worked in the furniture industry for most of her life. She was employed by both Ethan Allen and Broyhill. She will be remembered...

Margaret Thomas Tabor

Margaret Thomas Tabor

May 12, 2024

Margaret Thomas Tabor, 84, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday evening, May 12, 2024 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1940 to the late Hicks Allison and Katherine Grindstaff Allison. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Thomas; second husband, James Tabor; her sister, Betty Marlowe; grandson, Matthew Gossett;...

Dortha Hardy Carson

Dortha Hardy Carson

May 12, 2024

Ms. Dortha Hardy Carson, age 78, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at her residence. A native of McDowell County she was born on January 13, 1946 to the late Eula Virginia Hardy and Dolphus Tate. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Irene Wilkerson, Elaine Tate; brothers, Charles Hardy, Ralph Hardy,...

Carolyn Van Ness

Carolyn Van Ness

May 11, 2024

     Carolyn Kathleen Van Ness, 79, of Asheville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her residence. At this time, arrangements are incomplete. Service information will be announced when finalized. 

April Shuffler

April Shuffler

May 11, 2024

     April Denise McCracken Shuffler, 42, of Morganton, passed away, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

 

     April was born in Hickory, NC, on April 13, 1982, to Dennis Joel McCracken and Cynthia Dianne Ray McCracken. She was married to her husband of 23 years, Robert “Jason” Shuffler. April was an avid reader and was...

Janice (Mema) Brennan

Janice (Mema) Brennan

May 11, 2024

Janice Brennan (Mema) born July 1, 1936 in Jersey City, NJ, passed away, at home, surrounded by the ones who loved her the most.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Brennan; son, Keith Ricci; daughters, Lorin Ricci and Patricia Brennan; and granddaughters, Kristen Leese and Claire Westall.

 

Mema was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved children,...

John Allen Lewis, Jr.

John Allen Lewis, Jr.

May 25, 2024

Mr. John Allen Lewis Jr. age 48, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 25, 2024. A native of McDowell County he was born on August 4, 1975 to the late John Allen Lewis Senior and Virginia Hester. 

 

He enjoyed being outdoors and camping. John was known as a loving father, son, and brother. He will be...

Nora (Katie) Estes Womack

Nora (Katie) Estes Womack

May 24, 2024

Nora (Katie) Estes Womack age 86 of Fair Haven Home in Bostic, NC went home to be with Jesus on May 24th, 2024. She was born in Swain County, NC to the late Fred and Gertrude Anthony Estes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James Edward Womack.Nora was a long time member of West Court Baptist...

James "Rodney" Robbins

James "Rodney" Robbins

May 24, 2024

James Rodney Robbins, age 68, of Union Mills, passed away Friday, May 24, 2024 at home. Hewas born in McDowell County on November 30, 1955 to the late James Lawrence Robbins andKereda McIntosh Robbins. He was a 1974 graduate of McDowell High School.Rodney was known as a hard-working farmer. He raised beef cows, hay, row crops and learnedthe intricacies of...

George Edward Ziegler

George Edward Ziegler

May 24, 2024

     George Edward Ziegler passed away on May 24, 2024.  He was 89 years old.  At the time of his death, he lived in Old Fort, NC where he died peacefully at home.  

 

     George was born on March 9, 1935 in Rorschach, Switzerland to Amalie Baumann Ziegler and Joseph Ziegler.  He was one of two sons, along...

George Eugene Orr

George Eugene Orr

May 23, 2024

     George Eugene Orr, 75, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

 

     George was born in Champaign, Illinois on May 1, 1949 to the late Dow Jacob Orr and Nancy Louise McFalls Orr. He was married to his wife of 53 years, Louise Effler Orr. George loved to fish and was...

Maxine Logan Kincaid

Maxine Logan Kincaid

May 23, 2024

Maxine Logan Kincaid, 85, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Autumn Care of Marion. 

 

She was born in Old Fort on March 19, 1939 to the late James Arthur Logan and Sally Greenlee Logan.

 

Maxine was a faithful child of God. She was raised in Pharr Chapel AME Zion Church and has been a faithful member...

Becky Duncan

Becky Duncan

May 23, 2024

     Helen Rebekkah “Becky” Duncan, 68, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

 

     Becky was born in McDowell County, NC, on September 9, 1955, to the late Rev. Earl Monroe Duncan and Gladys Corinne Ellis Duncan. Becky enjoyed shopping and spending time with her friends and family. She...

Walter Linney Sluder

Walter Linney Sluder

May 23, 2024

     Walter Linney Sluder, 59, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024.

 

     Walter was born in Avery County, NC on September 16, 1964, to the late Robert Sluder, Sr. and Mollie Hopson Sluder. Walter was an avid golfer, hunter, and Tennessee Vols fan. He spent his entire career as a machinist.

 

     Those left to cherish his...

Quentin Lashaun "Shaun" Parks

Quentin Lashaun "Shaun" Parks

May 22, 2024

     Quentin Lashaun “Shaun” Parks, 46, of Morganton, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

 

     Shaun was born in McDowell County, NC on February 3, 1978 to Kathy Donnelle Parks and the late Carl Edward Young. He enjoyed playing video games and was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing and was a firearms...

Brenda Lee Daniel Mathes

Brenda Lee Daniel Mathes

May 22, 2024

Brenda Lee Daniel Mathes, 71, of Old Fort, passed away at her home on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

 

She was born in Buncombe County on September 23, 1952 to the late Charles Daniel and Annie Minnie Montgomery Daniel.

 

Brenda retired from Baxter Healthcare and most recently worked as a barista in The Catawba Vale Hub Coffee Shop. She graduated from East Carolina...

Ray Marshall Wiggins

Ray Marshall Wiggins

May 21, 2024

     Ray “Marshall” Wiggins, 80, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

     Marshall was born in Bryson City, NC on May 17, 1944, to the late Harley Wiggins and Mezilda Bridges Wiggins. He was married to Brenda Sue Hollifield Wiggins. Marshall was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, and working in...

Miracle Dawn Creedle

Miracle Dawn Creedle

May 15, 2024

Miracle Dawn Creedle, 46, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center. 

 

She was born in Hopewell, Virginia on August 4, 1977 to Nancy Louise Kidd Creedle and the late Lawrence Wade Creedle Jr.

 

Miracle spent most of her life in South Hill, Virginia before moving to Marion in 2012. She formerly worked as a CNA and...

Emanuel Lee Lytle

Emanuel Lee Lytle

May 15, 2024

     Emanuel Lee Lytle, 84, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Autumn Care of Marion.

  

     Emanuel was born in Rutherford County, NC on June 22, 1939, to the late Gladys Woods Lytle and Hoyt Graham Lytle, Sr. He was married to his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Lee Hunt Lytle, who passed away in December...

John Evans Barr

John Evans Barr

May 13, 2024

     John Evans Barr, 67, of Marion, passed away, Monday, May 13, 2024, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     John was born in Neeses, SC on December 5, 1956, to the late John G. Barr and Mary Emmaline Hoover Barr. He was married to Shirley Barr, who passed away in March of 2015. John was an excellent mechanic who loved...

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

May 13, 2024

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie, 71, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Monday, May 13, 2024.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1952 to the late Johnny Wilson and Mary Margaret Calloway Penland. 

 

Judy worked in the furniture industry for most of her life. She was employed by both Ethan Allen and Broyhill. She will be remembered...

Margaret Thomas Tabor

Margaret Thomas Tabor

May 12, 2024

Margaret Thomas Tabor, 84, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday evening, May 12, 2024 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1940 to the late Hicks Allison and Katherine Grindstaff Allison. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Thomas; second husband, James Tabor; her sister, Betty Marlowe; grandson, Matthew Gossett;...

Dortha Hardy Carson

Dortha Hardy Carson

May 12, 2024

Ms. Dortha Hardy Carson, age 78, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at her residence. A native of McDowell County she was born on January 13, 1946 to the late Eula Virginia Hardy and Dolphus Tate. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Irene Wilkerson, Elaine Tate; brothers, Charles Hardy, Ralph Hardy,...

Carolyn Van Ness

Carolyn Van Ness

May 11, 2024

     Carolyn Kathleen Van Ness, 79, of Asheville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her residence. At this time, arrangements are incomplete. Service information will be announced when finalized. 

April Shuffler

April Shuffler

May 11, 2024

     April Denise McCracken Shuffler, 42, of Morganton, passed away, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

 

     April was born in Hickory, NC, on April 13, 1982, to Dennis Joel McCracken and Cynthia Dianne Ray McCracken. She was married to her husband of 23 years, Robert “Jason” Shuffler. April was an avid reader and was...

Janice (Mema) Brennan

Janice (Mema) Brennan

May 11, 2024

Janice Brennan (Mema) born July 1, 1936 in Jersey City, NJ, passed away, at home, surrounded by the ones who loved her the most.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Brennan; son, Keith Ricci; daughters, Lorin Ricci and Patricia Brennan; and granddaughters, Kristen Leese and Claire Westall.

 

Mema was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved children,...