Obituaries

Jacques Andre Frottier

Jacques Andre Frottier

May 6, 2025

Jacques Andre Frottier died of cancer on May 6, 2025 at the age of 83. He was born in New York City, NY on March 10th, 1942 to Margaret (Bussemer) and Andre Alfred Frottier.

From childhood, Jacques was an avid lover of books. He spoke fondly of trips to the library with his father. He would take out many books and...

Alma Jean Howie

Alma Jean Howie

May 4, 2025

Alma Jean Shuford Howie, 75, of Asheville, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025.

A native of Buncombe County, she was born February 11, 1950 to the late Lizzie Mae Price Shuford. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Howie.

Alma embodied the essence of selflessness, always prioritizing the needs of others over her own. Her unwavering commitment to her...

Carolyn Jean Ricks

Carolyn Jean Ricks

May 4, 2025

Carolyn Jean Blackburn Ricks, 87, of Marion, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Rose Hill Retirement Community.

Carolyn was born in Greene County, Tennessee, to the late Melba Edith Barlow and William Leland Blackburn. She was married to the late Robert Tate, who passed away in 1976; and then to the late Jim Ricks, who passed away in 1985. Carolyn...

Terry Franklin Woody

Terry Franklin Woody

May 4, 2025



Terry Franklin Woody, 59, of Marion, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born in Marion on July 19, 1965 to Joyce Hughes Woody and the late Franklin Dee Woody.

Terry was known as a hard worker, and he was self-employed in the construction business his whole life. He was...

Rev. Ernest Mitchell Harris

Rev. Ernest Mitchell Harris

May 4, 2025



Ernest M. Harris, 82, of Marion, North Carolina, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, May 4, 2025 after an intense struggle with cancer. Many compassionate caregivers, friends and family came alongside him during his three week stay at Mission Hospital. He passed peacefully with loved ones by his side.

Ernest was the son of the late James Herbert Harris and the...

Gregory "Snapper" Rhymer

Gregory "Snapper" Rhymer

May 3, 2025

Gregory Taft “Snapper” Rhymer, 51, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

Snapper was born in McDowell County, NC, on January 1, 1974, to Kay Woody and the late Richard Allen Rhymer. He was a hard worker and was known for his sense of humor. He was very mechanically inclined and could fix most anything. He...

James Beck

James Beck

May 2, 2025

James Beck, 71, of Morganton, passed away on Friday, May 02, 2025. 

James was born on April 22,1954 in Forsyth County to the late Roger Beck and Nancy Beck. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and gardening. His favorite food to eat was hamburgers. James was a very caring person and everyone loved being in his company.

Left to cherish his memory...

Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch

Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch

May 2, 2025

Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch, born on August 22, 1962, entered eternal rest on May 2, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville.  

Diane was a woman of deep faith, whose love for her Lord Jesus was evident in all aspects of her life. She was known for her wonderful singing voice. In addition to her musical talents, she found joy in...

Betty Jean Weeks Mace

Betty Jean Weeks Mace

May 2, 2025



Betty Jean Weeks Mace, 80, of Spruce Pine, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.

She was born in Bakersville on April 3, 1945 to the late Charles Rector Weeks and Maude Ann Cain Avery.

Betty had a love for animals and baby dolls, and in her free time, she enjoyed crocheting and...

Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan

Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan

May 2, 2025



Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan, 86, of Green Mountain, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at her home.

She was born in Mitchell County on July 10, 1938 to the late Ernest Hall and Zella Laws Hall. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Stuart Buchanan; three grandchildren, Garrett Presnell, Levi Maltba, and Adam...

Richard Benjamin Gardin

Richard Benjamin Gardin

May 2, 2025

Richard Benjamin Gardin, age 47, of Marion, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025 with family by his side.

He was born at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on February 2, 1978 to Linda Mae Bolick Gardin and the late Richard Allen Gardin.

Ben was employed as a night-shift supervisor at Tilson Machine in Marion. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing....

Timothy Kevin Washburn

Timothy Kevin Washburn

May 2, 2025

On Friday, May 2, 2025, the world lost one of the most generous and selfless men that was ever born. He always put others needs in front of his own, making sure everyone was taken care of (even if he was always late). His happy place was operating construction equipment.

Timothy Kevin Washburn, born on July 26, 1960 to the late...

Donald Layton Poplin, Sr.

Donald Layton Poplin, Sr.

May 1, 2025



It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of a truly extraordinary man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful friend, as well as a dedicated deacon of his beloved church, Donald Layton Poplin, Sr. Following a courageous 7 ½ year battle against multiple myeloma, his remarkable legacy of fortitude, love, and dedication will be deeply missed....

Ricky Eugene Roberts

Ricky Eugene Roberts

Apr 30, 2025

Ricky Eugene Roberts, born November 23, 1960, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital in Asheville on April 30, 2025. He struggled with multiple health issues.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlene Reynolds and Gene Roberts.



He is survived by his step-mother, Gail Roberts; sister, Darlene Talbert; daughters, Karla Roberts and Jennifer Roberts; several grandkids and great-grandkids; and several nieces,...

Dorothy Anne Steljes

Dorothy Anne Steljes

Apr 30, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and steadfast faith that we announce the passing of Dorothy Steljes, a beloved sister, and devoted servant of the Lord, who went home to be with her Savior on April 30, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on November 8, 1952, Dorothy devoted her life to Jesus Christ and to the call of the ministry....

Della Mae Worley McDaniel

Della Mae Worley McDaniel

Apr 30, 2025



On the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Della Mae Worley McDaniel, 82, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

A native of McDowell County, she was born October 24, 1942 to the late Burder and Edith Treadway Worley.

Della Mae’s life was characterized by her deep-rooted faith and strong dependence on the...

Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr.

Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr.

Apr 29, 2025



Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr., 52, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Spruce Pine on October 22, 1972 to Loretta Letterman Huskins and the late William Floyd Geouge.

Known as a true jack of all trades, Scott was formerly employed as a CNC Programmer. He had skills...

James "Trey" Ray Barrier, III

James "Trey" Ray Barrier, III

Apr 29, 2025



James “Trey” Ray Barrier, III, 47, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at his residence.

He was born in Mecklenburg County on April 5, 1978 to Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier and the late James Ray Barrier, Jr.

Trey was a man of many interests and passions. He found joy in spending time at the campground, where he created lasting memories...

Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford

Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford

Apr 29, 2025

Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford, born on February 6, 1952, in McDowell County, passed away on April 29, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Eugene Rutherford Sr., and her parents, Melvin Rutherford and Eula Virginia Hardy. Linda was also preceded by her siblings, Irene Wilkerson, Charles Hardy, Dortha Carson, Billy Hardy,...

Amy Georgette Effler McEntire

Amy Georgette Effler McEntire

Apr 28, 2025



In the early morning hours of Monday, April 28, 2025, Amy Georgette Effler McEntire, age 51, of Old Fort, peacefully departed this life at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.



A native of McDowell County, she was born August 30, 1973 to Maggie Ann Mathis Effler and the late William Paul Effler. Amy will be remembered as a very loving...

Jacques Andre Frottier

Jacques Andre Frottier

May 6, 2025

Jacques Andre Frottier died of cancer on May 6, 2025 at the age of 83. He was born in New York City, NY on March 10th, 1942 to Margaret (Bussemer) and Andre Alfred Frottier.

From childhood, Jacques was an avid lover of books. He spoke fondly of trips to the library with his father. He would take out many books and...

Alma Jean Howie

Alma Jean Howie

May 4, 2025

Alma Jean Shuford Howie, 75, of Asheville, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025.

A native of Buncombe County, she was born February 11, 1950 to the late Lizzie Mae Price Shuford. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Howie.

Alma embodied the essence of selflessness, always prioritizing the needs of others over her own. Her unwavering commitment to her...

Carolyn Jean Ricks

Carolyn Jean Ricks

May 4, 2025

Carolyn Jean Blackburn Ricks, 87, of Marion, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Rose Hill Retirement Community.

Carolyn was born in Greene County, Tennessee, to the late Melba Edith Barlow and William Leland Blackburn. She was married to the late Robert Tate, who passed away in 1976; and then to the late Jim Ricks, who passed away in 1985. Carolyn...

Terry Franklin Woody

Terry Franklin Woody

May 4, 2025



Terry Franklin Woody, 59, of Marion, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born in Marion on July 19, 1965 to Joyce Hughes Woody and the late Franklin Dee Woody.

Terry was known as a hard worker, and he was self-employed in the construction business his whole life. He was...

Rev. Ernest Mitchell Harris

Rev. Ernest Mitchell Harris

May 4, 2025



Ernest M. Harris, 82, of Marion, North Carolina, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, May 4, 2025 after an intense struggle with cancer. Many compassionate caregivers, friends and family came alongside him during his three week stay at Mission Hospital. He passed peacefully with loved ones by his side.

Ernest was the son of the late James Herbert Harris and the...

Gregory "Snapper" Rhymer

Gregory "Snapper" Rhymer

May 3, 2025

Gregory Taft “Snapper” Rhymer, 51, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

Snapper was born in McDowell County, NC, on January 1, 1974, to Kay Woody and the late Richard Allen Rhymer. He was a hard worker and was known for his sense of humor. He was very mechanically inclined and could fix most anything. He...

James Beck

James Beck

May 2, 2025

James Beck, 71, of Morganton, passed away on Friday, May 02, 2025. 

James was born on April 22,1954 in Forsyth County to the late Roger Beck and Nancy Beck. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and gardening. His favorite food to eat was hamburgers. James was a very caring person and everyone loved being in his company.

Left to cherish his memory...

Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch

Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch

May 2, 2025

Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch, born on August 22, 1962, entered eternal rest on May 2, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville.  

Diane was a woman of deep faith, whose love for her Lord Jesus was evident in all aspects of her life. She was known for her wonderful singing voice. In addition to her musical talents, she found joy in...

Betty Jean Weeks Mace

Betty Jean Weeks Mace

May 2, 2025



Betty Jean Weeks Mace, 80, of Spruce Pine, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.

She was born in Bakersville on April 3, 1945 to the late Charles Rector Weeks and Maude Ann Cain Avery.

Betty had a love for animals and baby dolls, and in her free time, she enjoyed crocheting and...

Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan

Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan

May 2, 2025



Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan, 86, of Green Mountain, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at her home.

She was born in Mitchell County on July 10, 1938 to the late Ernest Hall and Zella Laws Hall. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Stuart Buchanan; three grandchildren, Garrett Presnell, Levi Maltba, and Adam...

Richard Benjamin Gardin

Richard Benjamin Gardin

May 2, 2025

Richard Benjamin Gardin, age 47, of Marion, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025 with family by his side.

He was born at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on February 2, 1978 to Linda Mae Bolick Gardin and the late Richard Allen Gardin.

Ben was employed as a night-shift supervisor at Tilson Machine in Marion. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing....

Timothy Kevin Washburn

Timothy Kevin Washburn

May 2, 2025

On Friday, May 2, 2025, the world lost one of the most generous and selfless men that was ever born. He always put others needs in front of his own, making sure everyone was taken care of (even if he was always late). His happy place was operating construction equipment.

Timothy Kevin Washburn, born on July 26, 1960 to the late...

Donald Layton Poplin, Sr.

Donald Layton Poplin, Sr.

May 1, 2025



It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of a truly extraordinary man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful friend, as well as a dedicated deacon of his beloved church, Donald Layton Poplin, Sr. Following a courageous 7 ½ year battle against multiple myeloma, his remarkable legacy of fortitude, love, and dedication will be deeply missed....

Ricky Eugene Roberts

Ricky Eugene Roberts

Apr 30, 2025

Ricky Eugene Roberts, born November 23, 1960, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital in Asheville on April 30, 2025. He struggled with multiple health issues.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlene Reynolds and Gene Roberts.



He is survived by his step-mother, Gail Roberts; sister, Darlene Talbert; daughters, Karla Roberts and Jennifer Roberts; several grandkids and great-grandkids; and several nieces,...

Dorothy Anne Steljes

Dorothy Anne Steljes

Apr 30, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and steadfast faith that we announce the passing of Dorothy Steljes, a beloved sister, and devoted servant of the Lord, who went home to be with her Savior on April 30, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on November 8, 1952, Dorothy devoted her life to Jesus Christ and to the call of the ministry....

Della Mae Worley McDaniel

Della Mae Worley McDaniel

Apr 30, 2025



On the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Della Mae Worley McDaniel, 82, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

A native of McDowell County, she was born October 24, 1942 to the late Burder and Edith Treadway Worley.

Della Mae’s life was characterized by her deep-rooted faith and strong dependence on the...

Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr.

Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr.

Apr 29, 2025



Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr., 52, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Spruce Pine on October 22, 1972 to Loretta Letterman Huskins and the late William Floyd Geouge.

Known as a true jack of all trades, Scott was formerly employed as a CNC Programmer. He had skills...

James "Trey" Ray Barrier, III

James "Trey" Ray Barrier, III

Apr 29, 2025



James “Trey” Ray Barrier, III, 47, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at his residence.

He was born in Mecklenburg County on April 5, 1978 to Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier and the late James Ray Barrier, Jr.

Trey was a man of many interests and passions. He found joy in spending time at the campground, where he created lasting memories...

Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford

Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford

Apr 29, 2025

Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford, born on February 6, 1952, in McDowell County, passed away on April 29, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Eugene Rutherford Sr., and her parents, Melvin Rutherford and Eula Virginia Hardy. Linda was also preceded by her siblings, Irene Wilkerson, Charles Hardy, Dortha Carson, Billy Hardy,...

Amy Georgette Effler McEntire

Amy Georgette Effler McEntire

Apr 28, 2025



In the early morning hours of Monday, April 28, 2025, Amy Georgette Effler McEntire, age 51, of Old Fort, peacefully departed this life at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.



A native of McDowell County, she was born August 30, 1973 to Maggie Ann Mathis Effler and the late William Paul Effler. Amy will be remembered as a very loving...