Obituaries
Rhonda Gail Williams Smith
Jan 28, 2024
Rhonda Gail Williams Smith, 61, of Marion went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital McDowell on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Rhonda was born in McDowell County, on April 10, 1962 to the late Clyde Williams and the late Wilma Brown Williams. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Danny Smith.
Rhonda was a long time member of...
Larry Earl Bruington
Jan 28, 2024
Larry Earl Bruington, 60, of Marion, NC, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his residence.
Larry was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on December 4, 1963. In his youth, he enjoyed riding motorcycles. Larry was an avid sports fan and a collector of memorabilia. He enjoyed NASCAR, the Atlanta Braves, and the Carolina Panthers. He will be...
Charles "Tony" Miller
Jan 28, 2024
Charles “Tony” Anthony Miller, age 60 of Pleasant Gardens peacefully passed away January 28, 2024 at CarePartners Solace House in Asheville NC.
Tony was born in Asheville, NC to the late Claude and Corrine Miller. He was preceded in death by one brother Joseph Miller. Tony lived a full life in his sixty years. He traveled the world while serving in...
Joanne Roland Sherman
Jan 27, 2024
Joanne Roland Sherman, 59, of Burnsville, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
A native of McDowell County, she was born February 7, 1964 to the late Troy Lee Roland and Betty Jo Pyatt Roland. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Roy Lee Roland.
Joanne had a passion for cooking and baking. Her family and...
James Benjamin Willis, Jr.
Jan 27, 2024
James Benjamin Willis Jr. (Jimmy), 70, of Marion, peacefully passed away at Mission Hospital McDowell on Saturday, January 27th, 2024.
Jimmy was born in McDowell County to the late James Benjamin Willis Sr. and still living Ruth Elizabeth Willis on December 2nd, 1953.
Jimmy worked as a brick mason most of his life but was mostly known as an athlete. Jimmy loved...
Zelda Anderson Branch
Jan 26, 2024
Zelda Anderson Branch, age 88, of the Ashford Community, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Zelda was born in McDowell County on April 14, 1935, the youngest child of the late Kathryn England Anderson and Vince Anderson. She graduated from Marion High School in 1953 where she was an excellent student and even after all these years she still talked...
Dorothy Marie McConnell
Jan 26, 2024
On January 26, 2024, Dorothy Marie Richardson McConnell born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away at age 78 in Morganton, NC. She passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s surrounded by her loved ones.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Douglas Michael McConnell of Morganton, NC. A daughter, Dorraine McConnell Hernandez and husband Carlos A. Hernandez...
Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle
Jan 26, 2024
Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle, age 89, of Marion, NC, was summoned from her earthly duties January 26, 2024, to bask in the joys of living for eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today she is reuniting with loved ones gone before her. No longer will she suffer the agony of dementia, but will be whole in her mind...
Norman Dean Robinson, Sr.
Jan 24, 2024
Norman Dean Robinson, Sr. age 80, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Rehabilitation on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
Norman was born on April 18, 1943 in McDowell County to the late Gay Robinson and the late Bonnie Autrey Robinson. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Otis Robinson, and Wayne Robinson; a sister Irma Fender and a grandson,...
Russell Alexander Hollifield
Jan 23, 2024
Russell Alexander Hollifield, 76, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Alex was born on May 9, 1947 in McDowell County to the late Jamie McCall Hollifield and Russell Greed Hollifield.
He worked as a Mechanical Designer at various industries in the Asheville area. Alex had many interests. He loved Blue Grass and old-time mountain music. He also enjoyed reading,...
James Van Ingram
Jan 23, 2024
James Van Ingram, 63, of Marion, passed away at Mission Memorial in Asheville on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
James was born in Avery County to the late Jace and Leona McClellan Ingram on October 11, 1960.
James worked for over thirty years as a rock mason. He enjoyed being outside and working in his garden and raising hogs. He also loved to...
Lori Anne Buchanan
Jan 22, 2024
Lori Anne Buchanan is 53 years old. She was a native of McDowell County, NC
Born on February 20, 1970, to the late James Cecil Buchanan and Blonnie Gilliam Buchanan. Passed away on January 22, 2024
In addition to her parents Lori is preceded in death by a brother Eric James Buchanan, a nephew Joshua Fitzgerald Collins, and the father of her...
John Paul Marett, Jr.
Jan 22, 2024
John Paul Marett Jr., 53, of Black Mountain, passed away from kidney failure on January 22nd, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olivia Gail Ensley and John Paul Marett Sr., and his nephew Casey Young.
He was born on August 23rd, 1970, and grew up in Swannanoa. He graduated from Owen High School in 1988 where his...
Mark Kelvin Huffman
Jan 22, 2024
Mark Kelvin Huffman, 66, of Nebo, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 23, 2024 at his residence.
He was born in Hickory on September 16, 1957 to the late Melvin Elmore Huffman and Louise Killian Huffman. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Keith Huffman.
Mark loved sports of all kinds, and he was a fan of any team that...
Phillip Keith Ramsey
Jan 22, 2024
Phillip Keith Ramsey, 71, of Valdese, NC, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his residence.
Phillip was born in McDowell County on October 3, 1952 to the Walter and Macy Edwards Ramsey.
He was a proud US Army Veteran and loved being a part of his Legion Post 234. Phillip was a fan of the UNC Tarheels and the Greenbay...
Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn
Jan 22, 2024
Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn, 76, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton.
She was born in Swain County on March 12, 1947 to the late John Buchanan and Myrtle Rose Buchanan.
Ina was a member of Valley Chapel Baptist Church in Old Fort. She was always a hard-working woman who worked for many years at Autumn...
Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom
Jan 22, 2024
Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom, 80, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1943 to the late Weldon and Estelle Hollifield.
Sarah Margaret was a graduate of North Cove High School. She worked at Tainter’s Drug Store in Marion before moving to Mount Holly where she lived for many...
Deborah Jeanne Roberts
Jan 21, 2024
Deborah Jeanne Roberts, 61, of Rock Hill, South Carolina and formerly of Marion, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home.
She was born in Cleveland County North Carolina on June 16, 1962 to the Sally Gantt Roberts and the late David Roberts.
Deborah enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and walking on the beach. She loved to...
Joni Gainey Swift
Jan 21, 2024
Joni Gainey Swift, 39, of Mt. City, TN, entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 21, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.
Joni was born in Marion, NC to Olin and Sandra Gainey on June 11, 1984. A long time resident of Marion, she is remembered for the love and care she provided to others as...
Ronald G. Penland
Jan 21, 2024
Ronald G. Penland, 72, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in Asheville.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Rhonda Gail Williams Smith
Jan 28, 2024
Rhonda Gail Williams Smith, 61, of Marion went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital McDowell on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Rhonda was born in McDowell County, on April 10, 1962 to the late Clyde Williams and the late Wilma Brown Williams. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Danny Smith.
Rhonda was a long time member of...
Larry Earl Bruington
Jan 28, 2024
Larry Earl Bruington, 60, of Marion, NC, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his residence.
Larry was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on December 4, 1963. In his youth, he enjoyed riding motorcycles. Larry was an avid sports fan and a collector of memorabilia. He enjoyed NASCAR, the Atlanta Braves, and the Carolina Panthers. He will be...
Charles "Tony" Miller
Jan 28, 2024
Charles “Tony” Anthony Miller, age 60 of Pleasant Gardens peacefully passed away January 28, 2024 at CarePartners Solace House in Asheville NC.
Tony was born in Asheville, NC to the late Claude and Corrine Miller. He was preceded in death by one brother Joseph Miller. Tony lived a full life in his sixty years. He traveled the world while serving in...
Joanne Roland Sherman
Jan 27, 2024
Joanne Roland Sherman, 59, of Burnsville, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
A native of McDowell County, she was born February 7, 1964 to the late Troy Lee Roland and Betty Jo Pyatt Roland. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Roy Lee Roland.
Joanne had a passion for cooking and baking. Her family and...
James Benjamin Willis, Jr.
Jan 27, 2024
James Benjamin Willis Jr. (Jimmy), 70, of Marion, peacefully passed away at Mission Hospital McDowell on Saturday, January 27th, 2024.
Jimmy was born in McDowell County to the late James Benjamin Willis Sr. and still living Ruth Elizabeth Willis on December 2nd, 1953.
Jimmy worked as a brick mason most of his life but was mostly known as an athlete. Jimmy loved...
Zelda Anderson Branch
Jan 26, 2024
Zelda Anderson Branch, age 88, of the Ashford Community, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Zelda was born in McDowell County on April 14, 1935, the youngest child of the late Kathryn England Anderson and Vince Anderson. She graduated from Marion High School in 1953 where she was an excellent student and even after all these years she still talked...
Dorothy Marie McConnell
Jan 26, 2024
On January 26, 2024, Dorothy Marie Richardson McConnell born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away at age 78 in Morganton, NC. She passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s surrounded by her loved ones.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Douglas Michael McConnell of Morganton, NC. A daughter, Dorraine McConnell Hernandez and husband Carlos A. Hernandez...
Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle
Jan 26, 2024
Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle, age 89, of Marion, NC, was summoned from her earthly duties January 26, 2024, to bask in the joys of living for eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today she is reuniting with loved ones gone before her. No longer will she suffer the agony of dementia, but will be whole in her mind...
Norman Dean Robinson, Sr.
Jan 24, 2024
Norman Dean Robinson, Sr. age 80, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Rehabilitation on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
Norman was born on April 18, 1943 in McDowell County to the late Gay Robinson and the late Bonnie Autrey Robinson. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Otis Robinson, and Wayne Robinson; a sister Irma Fender and a grandson,...
Russell Alexander Hollifield
Jan 23, 2024
Russell Alexander Hollifield, 76, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Alex was born on May 9, 1947 in McDowell County to the late Jamie McCall Hollifield and Russell Greed Hollifield.
He worked as a Mechanical Designer at various industries in the Asheville area. Alex had many interests. He loved Blue Grass and old-time mountain music. He also enjoyed reading,...
James Van Ingram
Jan 23, 2024
James Van Ingram, 63, of Marion, passed away at Mission Memorial in Asheville on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
James was born in Avery County to the late Jace and Leona McClellan Ingram on October 11, 1960.
James worked for over thirty years as a rock mason. He enjoyed being outside and working in his garden and raising hogs. He also loved to...
Lori Anne Buchanan
Jan 22, 2024
Lori Anne Buchanan is 53 years old. She was a native of McDowell County, NC
Born on February 20, 1970, to the late James Cecil Buchanan and Blonnie Gilliam Buchanan. Passed away on January 22, 2024
In addition to her parents Lori is preceded in death by a brother Eric James Buchanan, a nephew Joshua Fitzgerald Collins, and the father of her...
John Paul Marett, Jr.
Jan 22, 2024
John Paul Marett Jr., 53, of Black Mountain, passed away from kidney failure on January 22nd, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olivia Gail Ensley and John Paul Marett Sr., and his nephew Casey Young.
He was born on August 23rd, 1970, and grew up in Swannanoa. He graduated from Owen High School in 1988 where his...
Mark Kelvin Huffman
Jan 22, 2024
Mark Kelvin Huffman, 66, of Nebo, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 23, 2024 at his residence.
He was born in Hickory on September 16, 1957 to the late Melvin Elmore Huffman and Louise Killian Huffman. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Keith Huffman.
Mark loved sports of all kinds, and he was a fan of any team that...
Phillip Keith Ramsey
Jan 22, 2024
Phillip Keith Ramsey, 71, of Valdese, NC, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his residence.
Phillip was born in McDowell County on October 3, 1952 to the Walter and Macy Edwards Ramsey.
He was a proud US Army Veteran and loved being a part of his Legion Post 234. Phillip was a fan of the UNC Tarheels and the Greenbay...
Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn
Jan 22, 2024
Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn, 76, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton.
She was born in Swain County on March 12, 1947 to the late John Buchanan and Myrtle Rose Buchanan.
Ina was a member of Valley Chapel Baptist Church in Old Fort. She was always a hard-working woman who worked for many years at Autumn...
Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom
Jan 22, 2024
Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom, 80, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1943 to the late Weldon and Estelle Hollifield.
Sarah Margaret was a graduate of North Cove High School. She worked at Tainter’s Drug Store in Marion before moving to Mount Holly where she lived for many...
Deborah Jeanne Roberts
Jan 21, 2024
Deborah Jeanne Roberts, 61, of Rock Hill, South Carolina and formerly of Marion, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home.
She was born in Cleveland County North Carolina on June 16, 1962 to the Sally Gantt Roberts and the late David Roberts.
Deborah enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and walking on the beach. She loved to...
Joni Gainey Swift
Jan 21, 2024
Joni Gainey Swift, 39, of Mt. City, TN, entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 21, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.
Joni was born in Marion, NC to Olin and Sandra Gainey on June 11, 1984. A long time resident of Marion, she is remembered for the love and care she provided to others as...
Ronald G. Penland
Jan 21, 2024
Ronald G. Penland, 72, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in Asheville.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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