Obituaries

Norma McPeters Smith

Norma McPeters Smith

Dec 10, 2023

 

Norma McPeters Smith, age 80, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023. She was born to the late Gresham and Virginia Boone McPeters, on May 01, 1943 in Yancey, North Carolina.

 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Smith Jr.; one brother, Mike McPeters; and one sister, Julia Greenway.

 

Left to...

Richard Donald Smith

Richard Donald Smith

Dec 10, 2023

 

Richard Donald Smith, age 73, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Memorial Mission in Asheville. He was born to the late Alvin and Wilma Edith McKinney Smith, on September 15, 1950, in McDowell County, North Carolina.

 

Richard lived in McDowell for his entire life. He was the owner of North Cove Ski Rental. His favorite pastimes...

Rene Salvador Hoepelman, Jr.

Rene Salvador Hoepelman, Jr.

Dec 8, 2023

    Rene S. Hoepelman Jr., 53, was taken from us December 8, 2023. He was born October 1, 1970, in Manhattan, NY to Nancy C. Boyd and Rene S. Hoepelman, Sr.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Sydney, her mother Patricia Hoepelman, father Rene S. Hoepelman Sr,  sister Frances E. Majkowski along with her husband Thomas...

Gail Ruby Couch

Gail Ruby Couch

Dec 8, 2023

 

Mrs. Gail Sadler Couch, age 74 of Marion, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2023. She was born in Inman SC on November 26, 1949 and is the daughter of the late Earnest Sadler and Madge Bennett Bradley. She was preceded in death by her siblings Randy Sadler and Zilpha Lowery.

 

Gail was an avid reader and enjoyed...

Harold Parks McKinney

Harold Parks McKinney

Dec 8, 2023

    Harold Parks McKinney, 85 of Nebo passed away Friday, December 8, 2023, at his home with his loving family by his side.

 

A native of Little Switzerland, Harold was born September 3, 1938, to his late parents,

Vera McKinney and Ruby Turner McKinney. In addition to his parents, Harold is preceded in death by Donna his loving...

Jack DeVere Boulton

Jack DeVere Boulton

Dec 7, 2023

 

 Jack DeVere Boulton, age 91, passed away December 7th at his home in Old Fort, NC surrounded by family, friends and those who provided much care and love.

      Jack was born in Cochranton, PA to the late Richard and Dorothy (Hart) Boulton. He was a home builder in Meadville, PA from 1951 to 1965 when he and his family...

Leona Anthony Owensby

Leona Anthony Owensby

Dec 6, 2023

 

Leona Anthony Owensby, 76, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Atrium Health Cabarrus.

 

She was born in Swain County on May 16, 1947 to the late William Marion Anthony and Ada McClure Anthony.

 

Leona was a devoted homemaker, wife, and mother who took great pride in caring for others. She cared for her mother...

Dicky H. Harris

Dicky H. Harris

Dec 6, 2023

     Dicky H. Harris, 89, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     Dicky was born in Yancey County, NC, on March 27, 1934, to the late James G. Harris and Nellie Jane Carroll Harris. He was married to his wife of 63 years, Patrica “Patsy” Lucille Inman Harris. Dicky was an avid...

Jesse Lee Elliott

Jesse Lee Elliott

Dec 6, 2023

     Jesse Lee Elliott, 77, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at his residence.

 

     Jesse was born in McDowell County, NC, on May 20, 1946, to the late Gordon Elliott and Rosalee Stroud Elliott. Jesse was the youngest of nine children. He was a unique renaissance man who lived on his own terms. He was...

Peggy Lou McKinney Carroll

Peggy Lou McKinney Carroll

Dec 6, 2023

     Peggy Lou McKinney Carroll, 79, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Grace Hospital in Morganton.

 

     Peggy was born in Mitchell County, NC on October 17, 1944, to the late Carl McKinney and Bonnie Wilson McKinney, and was a longtime member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Little Switzerland. She was married to her...

Mary Lidia Fabean Mitchell

Mary Lidia Fabean Mitchell

Dec 5, 2023

 

Mary Lidia Fabean Mitchell, age 100 of Marion, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

 

Mary was born in Smithton, PA on April 16, 1923 to the late Julius Fabean and Anna Marie Obicl Fabean.

 

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Kent Mitchell (Sandra); one brother, Larry Fabean; one grandson, Curtis Nicholi Mitchell (June); one...

Donald Dean Freeman

Donald Dean Freeman

Dec 5, 2023

 

Donald Dean Freeman, 75, of Black Mountain, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his home.

 

Donald was born in Mitchell County, on December 17, 1947 to the late Georgia Freeman. He is also preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Freeman; a brother Charles Huskins; and a sister Hazel Rose Stroud.

 

...

Betty Lillian Hall Hensley

Betty Lillian Hall Hensley

Dec 4, 2023

 

Betty Lillian Hall Hensley, 88, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Monday, December 4, 2023.

 

Betty was born on April 6, 1935 in McDowell County to her late parents, Barney Logan Hall and Arwilder Staton Hall. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Stroud.

 

Betty attended Salem Free Will Baptist Church....

Cannie Scott Jones

Cannie Scott Jones

Dec 3, 2023

 

Cannie Scott Jones, 60, of Robbins, North Carolina passed away on December 3, 2023.

 

Cannie was born in McDowell Co., North Carolina to the late Hillard Jones and Love Whetstine Jones on December 9, 1962.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are two children; Colt Jones and Amelia Thompson (Tyler); three sisters; Brenda Bailey, Kaye Bordner, and...

Jacob Scott Livingston

Jacob Scott Livingston

Dec 3, 2023

 

Jacob Scott Livingston, 36, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023.

 

He was born in High Point, North Carolina on February 5, 1987 to Janet May Livingston and the late Brian Scott Livingston. He was a talented musician, and he had a particular fondness for the guitar. He will be missed.

 

He was preceded in...

Brenda Diane Reese Lewis

Brenda Diane Reese Lewis

Dec 3, 2023

 

Brenda Diane Reese Lewis, 75, of Marion, passed away at her home on the evening of Sunday, December 3, 2023.

 

She was born on August 30, 1948 in McDowell County to the late Clifford Reese and Betty Kelley Reese.

 

Brenda was a CNA for most of her life. She will be remembered as being the best caregiver...

Lois Marie McKinney O'Dear

Lois Marie McKinney O'Dear

Dec 3, 2023

     Lois Marie McKinney O’Dear, 81, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     Lois was born in Yancey County, NC, on January 23, 1942, to the late Joseph Ransom McKinney and Jewell McNeil McKinney. Lois formerly operated Little Super and Riverside Convenience Stores. Later, she operated O’Dears Country Diner for more...

Herbert Elvert Prince

Herbert Elvert Prince

Dec 2, 2023

 

 

Herbert Elvert Prince, 81, of Marion, passed away at his home on the morning of Saturday, December 2, 2023.

 

He was born in Copperhill, Tennessee on January 12, 1942 to the late Carl Prince and Ola Mae Baker Prince. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Renee Price; brother, James Prince; and sister, Margie...

Rev. Arnold Lee Hancock

Rev. Arnold Lee Hancock

Dec 2, 2023

Reverend Arnold Lee Hancock, age 92, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 2, 2023. He was born in Jackson County Alabama on May 8, 1931 to the late Homer Arnold Hancock and Dora Houston Hancock.

 

Rev. Hancock served in both the US Army and the Alabama National Guard. He was called to preach in 1957...

Clara Gail Johnson

Clara Gail Johnson

Dec 1, 2023

     Clara Gail Morgan “Mamaw” Johnson, 68, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte.

 

     Mrs. Johnson was born in Asheville, NC, on May 13, 1955, to the late Cecil Creed Morgan and Helen Jeanette Speakes Morgan. She was married to the late Kevin Johnson. Mrs. Johnson was loved by...

Norma McPeters Smith

Norma McPeters Smith

Dec 10, 2023

 

Norma McPeters Smith, age 80, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023. She was born to the late Gresham and Virginia Boone McPeters, on May 01, 1943 in Yancey, North Carolina.

 

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Smith Jr.; one brother, Mike McPeters; and one sister, Julia Greenway.

 

Left to...

Richard Donald Smith

Richard Donald Smith

Dec 10, 2023

 

Richard Donald Smith, age 73, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Memorial Mission in Asheville. He was born to the late Alvin and Wilma Edith McKinney Smith, on September 15, 1950, in McDowell County, North Carolina.

 

Richard lived in McDowell for his entire life. He was the owner of North Cove Ski Rental. His favorite pastimes...

Rene Salvador Hoepelman, Jr.

Rene Salvador Hoepelman, Jr.

Dec 8, 2023

    Rene S. Hoepelman Jr., 53, was taken from us December 8, 2023. He was born October 1, 1970, in Manhattan, NY to Nancy C. Boyd and Rene S. Hoepelman, Sr.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Sydney, her mother Patricia Hoepelman, father Rene S. Hoepelman Sr,  sister Frances E. Majkowski along with her husband Thomas...

Gail Ruby Couch

Gail Ruby Couch

Dec 8, 2023

 

Mrs. Gail Sadler Couch, age 74 of Marion, passed away on Friday, December 10, 2023. She was born in Inman SC on November 26, 1949 and is the daughter of the late Earnest Sadler and Madge Bennett Bradley. She was preceded in death by her siblings Randy Sadler and Zilpha Lowery.

 

Gail was an avid reader and enjoyed...

Harold Parks McKinney

Harold Parks McKinney

Dec 8, 2023

    Harold Parks McKinney, 85 of Nebo passed away Friday, December 8, 2023, at his home with his loving family by his side.

 

A native of Little Switzerland, Harold was born September 3, 1938, to his late parents,

Vera McKinney and Ruby Turner McKinney. In addition to his parents, Harold is preceded in death by Donna his loving...

Jack DeVere Boulton

Jack DeVere Boulton

Dec 7, 2023

 

 Jack DeVere Boulton, age 91, passed away December 7th at his home in Old Fort, NC surrounded by family, friends and those who provided much care and love.

      Jack was born in Cochranton, PA to the late Richard and Dorothy (Hart) Boulton. He was a home builder in Meadville, PA from 1951 to 1965 when he and his family...

Leona Anthony Owensby

Leona Anthony Owensby

Dec 6, 2023

 

Leona Anthony Owensby, 76, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Atrium Health Cabarrus.

 

She was born in Swain County on May 16, 1947 to the late William Marion Anthony and Ada McClure Anthony.

 

Leona was a devoted homemaker, wife, and mother who took great pride in caring for others. She cared for her mother...

Dicky H. Harris

Dicky H. Harris

Dec 6, 2023

     Dicky H. Harris, 89, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     Dicky was born in Yancey County, NC, on March 27, 1934, to the late James G. Harris and Nellie Jane Carroll Harris. He was married to his wife of 63 years, Patrica “Patsy” Lucille Inman Harris. Dicky was an avid...

Jesse Lee Elliott

Jesse Lee Elliott

Dec 6, 2023

     Jesse Lee Elliott, 77, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at his residence.

 

     Jesse was born in McDowell County, NC, on May 20, 1946, to the late Gordon Elliott and Rosalee Stroud Elliott. Jesse was the youngest of nine children. He was a unique renaissance man who lived on his own terms. He was...

Peggy Lou McKinney Carroll

Peggy Lou McKinney Carroll

Dec 6, 2023

     Peggy Lou McKinney Carroll, 79, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Grace Hospital in Morganton.

 

     Peggy was born in Mitchell County, NC on October 17, 1944, to the late Carl McKinney and Bonnie Wilson McKinney, and was a longtime member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Little Switzerland. She was married to her...

Mary Lidia Fabean Mitchell

Mary Lidia Fabean Mitchell

Dec 5, 2023

 

Mary Lidia Fabean Mitchell, age 100 of Marion, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

 

Mary was born in Smithton, PA on April 16, 1923 to the late Julius Fabean and Anna Marie Obicl Fabean.

 

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Kent Mitchell (Sandra); one brother, Larry Fabean; one grandson, Curtis Nicholi Mitchell (June); one...

Donald Dean Freeman

Donald Dean Freeman

Dec 5, 2023

 

Donald Dean Freeman, 75, of Black Mountain, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his home.

 

Donald was born in Mitchell County, on December 17, 1947 to the late Georgia Freeman. He is also preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Freeman; a brother Charles Huskins; and a sister Hazel Rose Stroud.

 

...

Betty Lillian Hall Hensley

Betty Lillian Hall Hensley

Dec 4, 2023

 

Betty Lillian Hall Hensley, 88, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Monday, December 4, 2023.

 

Betty was born on April 6, 1935 in McDowell County to her late parents, Barney Logan Hall and Arwilder Staton Hall. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Stroud.

 

Betty attended Salem Free Will Baptist Church....

Cannie Scott Jones

Cannie Scott Jones

Dec 3, 2023

 

Cannie Scott Jones, 60, of Robbins, North Carolina passed away on December 3, 2023.

 

Cannie was born in McDowell Co., North Carolina to the late Hillard Jones and Love Whetstine Jones on December 9, 1962.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are two children; Colt Jones and Amelia Thompson (Tyler); three sisters; Brenda Bailey, Kaye Bordner, and...

Jacob Scott Livingston

Jacob Scott Livingston

Dec 3, 2023

 

Jacob Scott Livingston, 36, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023.

 

He was born in High Point, North Carolina on February 5, 1987 to Janet May Livingston and the late Brian Scott Livingston. He was a talented musician, and he had a particular fondness for the guitar. He will be missed.

 

He was preceded in...

Brenda Diane Reese Lewis

Brenda Diane Reese Lewis

Dec 3, 2023

 

Brenda Diane Reese Lewis, 75, of Marion, passed away at her home on the evening of Sunday, December 3, 2023.

 

She was born on August 30, 1948 in McDowell County to the late Clifford Reese and Betty Kelley Reese.

 

Brenda was a CNA for most of her life. She will be remembered as being the best caregiver...

Lois Marie McKinney O'Dear

Lois Marie McKinney O'Dear

Dec 3, 2023

     Lois Marie McKinney O’Dear, 81, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     Lois was born in Yancey County, NC, on January 23, 1942, to the late Joseph Ransom McKinney and Jewell McNeil McKinney. Lois formerly operated Little Super and Riverside Convenience Stores. Later, she operated O’Dears Country Diner for more...

Herbert Elvert Prince

Herbert Elvert Prince

Dec 2, 2023

 

 

Herbert Elvert Prince, 81, of Marion, passed away at his home on the morning of Saturday, December 2, 2023.

 

He was born in Copperhill, Tennessee on January 12, 1942 to the late Carl Prince and Ola Mae Baker Prince. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Renee Price; brother, James Prince; and sister, Margie...

Rev. Arnold Lee Hancock

Rev. Arnold Lee Hancock

Dec 2, 2023

Reverend Arnold Lee Hancock, age 92, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 2, 2023. He was born in Jackson County Alabama on May 8, 1931 to the late Homer Arnold Hancock and Dora Houston Hancock.

 

Rev. Hancock served in both the US Army and the Alabama National Guard. He was called to preach in 1957...

Clara Gail Johnson

Clara Gail Johnson

Dec 1, 2023

     Clara Gail Morgan “Mamaw” Johnson, 68, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte.

 

     Mrs. Johnson was born in Asheville, NC, on May 13, 1955, to the late Cecil Creed Morgan and Helen Jeanette Speakes Morgan. She was married to the late Kevin Johnson. Mrs. Johnson was loved by...