Obituaries
Reba Diane Laws Mashburn
May 31, 2026
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, Reba Diane Laws Mashburn, 71, of Marion, passed away at her residence with her family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born March 14, 1955 to the late Carl Laws and Mildred Bradley Laws. A sister, Elaine Harvey, also preceded her in death.
Reba worked at Ethan Allen for over thirty years, and...
Susan "Bouncy" McClure
May 28, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Susan Rebecca McClure on May 27, 2026, at the age of 71. Susan gracefully departed this world at home in the loving embrace of her family, fulfilling her deepest wish to be surrounded by those she cherished most.
Born on May 7,...
Martin Harry Trauger
May 27, 2026
Martin Harry Trauger was born December 18, 1951, in Pendleton, Oregon to Harry and Virginia Trauger, the second of five children. He passed away May 27, 2026 after a long, courageous battle with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and pneumonia.
In 1971, the Navy sent him to Jacksonville, Florida where at the beach one day, a girl with long red hair stole his...
Ronnie Loyd Stevens
May 26, 2026
Ronnie Loyd Stevens, cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at his residence. Born on October 13, 1947, in McDowell County, Ronnie lived a life marked by dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to his family and community.
For over 52 years, Ronnie devoted himself to his career as an auto mechanic, proudly owning...
Gary Wayne Russell
May 25, 2026
Gary Wayne Russell, age 52, of Pineview Road in Fairview, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026 at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville.
Born on October 18, 1973 in McDowell County, he was the son of Ronnie Wayne Russell and Wilma Cable Russell.
Gary enjoyed being outdoors, cooking, and grilling steaks. He loved his family and family get-togethers. He enjoyed NASCAR racing...
Gregory Neil Buchanan
May 25, 2026
Gregory Neil Buchanan, age 49, went home to be with his Savior on Monday, May 25, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on February 4, 1977, he was the son of Avery Jr. and Barbara Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara; his paternal grandparents, Avery and Mildred Buchanan; and his maternal grandparents, Charlie and Timia...
Thomas Stinson Hoffman
May 24, 2026
Thomas Stinson Hoffman, 66, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026.
He was born in Mecklenburg County on February 13, 1960 to the late Billy Franklin Hoffman and Frances Mangum Hoffman. Tommy was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He was preceded in death by a son, Cody Hoffman.
Survivors include two daughters, Brooke Webster...
Rachel Mae Hutchins
May 23, 2026
Rachel Mae Hutchins, 24, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026.
She was born in Burke County on April 4, 2002. A devoted admirer of God’s creation, Rachel absolutely loved animals and held a deep reverence for the natural world. Her passion for wildlife led her to pursue her education with dedication and distinction. A proud graduate of McDowell Early...
Johnny Michael Dixon
May 23, 2026
Johnny Michael Dixon, born on May 18, 1958, in McDowell County, North Carolina, passed away at his residence on May 23, 2026. He was a beloved figure within his family and community.
Johnny dedicated many years of his professional life to working with NAPA Auto Parts. Beyond his work, Johnny found joy in some deeply cherished pastimes. He loved panning for...
Calvin Mance Freeman
May 22, 2026
Calvin Mance Freeman, age 83, of Freeman Town Road in Lake Lure, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at his home. Born on December 19, 1942 in Rutherford County, he was the son of the late DeWitt M. and Evie Lee Logan Freeman.
Calvin was a member of the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. He was a self employed farmer and...
Sarah Ann Wilson
May 22, 2026
Mrs. Sarah Wilson, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on June 19, 1929, in Yancey County, Sarah lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and a deep love for her family and community.
She was a proud member of the First Free Will Baptist Church. Sarah had a vibrant spirit and a variety of...
Mark Tyler Baldwin
May 20, 2026
Mark Tyler Baldwin, born on February 2, 1967, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at Mission McDowell Hospital. He was a man whose talents and character left a lasting imprint on those fortunate enough to know him.
Known for his exceptional skills as a handyman and auto mechanic, Mark had a remarkable ability to solve...
Betty Mae Thomas
May 18, 2026
Betty Mae Thomas, a beloved member of her community and a longtime employee at Parkers Hosiery, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on January 15, 1937, in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Throughout her career, Betty was known for her unwavering commitment and hardworking spirit at Parkers Hosiery, where she served with distinction for many...
Pastor Phillip James Wishon, Sr.
May 15, 2026
Pastor Phillip James Wishon, Sr. made the crossing into everlasting life because he was a whosoever (John 3:16 KJV) on the evening of Friday, May 15, 2026 with those he loved by his side.
Phillip was born November 12, 1954 in Surry County, North Carolina to the late Arthur James Wishon and Bonnie Naomi McCoyle- (Willis). He was also preceded in...
Jay Steven "Steve" Webb
May 15, 2026
Jay Steven “Steve” Webb, 77, of Marion, departed to be with the Lord on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Marion on July 10, 1948 to the late JC Webb and Retha Creson Webb. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Webb.
Steve was simple, authentic, and hardworking. He was a talented...
Annette Chatman Johnson
May 14, 2026
Annette Chatman Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 14, 2026.
Born on June 17, 1964 in Alamance County, North Carolina, Annette was the daughter of Allen Boyd Chatman and Ellen Marie Taylor Chatman. She graduated from Hugh M. Cummings High School with the Class of 1982. Annette...
Kendra Lynn Wiest
May 14, 2026
Kendra Lynn Wiest, 37, of Morganton, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026.
She was born in Burke County on March 4, 1989. Kendra will be remembered for always being considerate of others. She would go out of her way to help others and ease their burdens. She loved butterflies and was a fan of Duke sports. Kendra had a unique sense...
Max "Henry" Lewis
May 14, 2026
Max “Henry” Lewis, 76, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 at his residence.
A native of Marion, he was born May 12, 1950 to the late Pink Falls Lewis and Edna Marie Arrowood Lewis.
Henry worked in the sheet metal industry for most of his life. He was a talented handyman who enjoyed working with his hands. Henry loved his...
Stephen Michael Richards
May 13, 2026
Stephen Michael Richards passed away unexpectedly at home, leaving behind a heartbreak that words can barely express.Stephen was a giant in every sense of the word, but his greatest strength was the kindness he carried in his heart. He would give anyone the shirt off his back and never hesitated to help someone in need. His love for his family...
Norma "Jean" Elliott McMahan
May 12, 2026
Norma “Jean” Elliott McMahan, 88, of Titusville, Florida and formerly of Marion, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at her residence surrounded by all her children.
She was born in McDowell County on July 26, 1937 to the late Albert Elliott and Julia Gurley Elliott.
From her youth, she was unwavering in her firm belief in God. She dedicated every life decision...
Reba Diane Laws Mashburn
May 31, 2026
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, Reba Diane Laws Mashburn, 71, of Marion, passed away at her residence with her family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born March 14, 1955 to the late Carl Laws and Mildred Bradley Laws. A sister, Elaine Harvey, also preceded her in death.
Reba worked at Ethan Allen for over thirty years, and...
Susan "Bouncy" McClure
May 28, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Susan Rebecca McClure on May 27, 2026, at the age of 71. Susan gracefully departed this world at home in the loving embrace of her family, fulfilling her deepest wish to be surrounded by those she cherished most.
Born on May 7,...
Martin Harry Trauger
May 27, 2026
Martin Harry Trauger was born December 18, 1951, in Pendleton, Oregon to Harry and Virginia Trauger, the second of five children. He passed away May 27, 2026 after a long, courageous battle with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and pneumonia.
In 1971, the Navy sent him to Jacksonville, Florida where at the beach one day, a girl with long red hair stole his...
Ronnie Loyd Stevens
May 26, 2026
Ronnie Loyd Stevens, cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at his residence. Born on October 13, 1947, in McDowell County, Ronnie lived a life marked by dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to his family and community.
For over 52 years, Ronnie devoted himself to his career as an auto mechanic, proudly owning...
Gary Wayne Russell
May 25, 2026
Gary Wayne Russell, age 52, of Pineview Road in Fairview, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026 at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville.
Born on October 18, 1973 in McDowell County, he was the son of Ronnie Wayne Russell and Wilma Cable Russell.
Gary enjoyed being outdoors, cooking, and grilling steaks. He loved his family and family get-togethers. He enjoyed NASCAR racing...
Gregory Neil Buchanan
May 25, 2026
Gregory Neil Buchanan, age 49, went home to be with his Savior on Monday, May 25, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on February 4, 1977, he was the son of Avery Jr. and Barbara Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara; his paternal grandparents, Avery and Mildred Buchanan; and his maternal grandparents, Charlie and Timia...
Thomas Stinson Hoffman
May 24, 2026
Thomas Stinson Hoffman, 66, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026.
He was born in Mecklenburg County on February 13, 1960 to the late Billy Franklin Hoffman and Frances Mangum Hoffman. Tommy was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having earned the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He was preceded in death by a son, Cody Hoffman.
Survivors include two daughters, Brooke Webster...
Rachel Mae Hutchins
May 23, 2026
Rachel Mae Hutchins, 24, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026.
She was born in Burke County on April 4, 2002. A devoted admirer of God’s creation, Rachel absolutely loved animals and held a deep reverence for the natural world. Her passion for wildlife led her to pursue her education with dedication and distinction. A proud graduate of McDowell Early...
Johnny Michael Dixon
May 23, 2026
Johnny Michael Dixon, born on May 18, 1958, in McDowell County, North Carolina, passed away at his residence on May 23, 2026. He was a beloved figure within his family and community.
Johnny dedicated many years of his professional life to working with NAPA Auto Parts. Beyond his work, Johnny found joy in some deeply cherished pastimes. He loved panning for...
Calvin Mance Freeman
May 22, 2026
Calvin Mance Freeman, age 83, of Freeman Town Road in Lake Lure, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at his home. Born on December 19, 1942 in Rutherford County, he was the son of the late DeWitt M. and Evie Lee Logan Freeman.
Calvin was a member of the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. He was a self employed farmer and...
Sarah Ann Wilson
May 22, 2026
Mrs. Sarah Wilson, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on June 19, 1929, in Yancey County, Sarah lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and a deep love for her family and community.
She was a proud member of the First Free Will Baptist Church. Sarah had a vibrant spirit and a variety of...
Mark Tyler Baldwin
May 20, 2026
Mark Tyler Baldwin, born on February 2, 1967, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at Mission McDowell Hospital. He was a man whose talents and character left a lasting imprint on those fortunate enough to know him.
Known for his exceptional skills as a handyman and auto mechanic, Mark had a remarkable ability to solve...
Betty Mae Thomas
May 18, 2026
Betty Mae Thomas, a beloved member of her community and a longtime employee at Parkers Hosiery, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on January 15, 1937, in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Throughout her career, Betty was known for her unwavering commitment and hardworking spirit at Parkers Hosiery, where she served with distinction for many...
Pastor Phillip James Wishon, Sr.
May 15, 2026
Pastor Phillip James Wishon, Sr. made the crossing into everlasting life because he was a whosoever (John 3:16 KJV) on the evening of Friday, May 15, 2026 with those he loved by his side.
Phillip was born November 12, 1954 in Surry County, North Carolina to the late Arthur James Wishon and Bonnie Naomi McCoyle- (Willis). He was also preceded in...
Jay Steven "Steve" Webb
May 15, 2026
Jay Steven “Steve” Webb, 77, of Marion, departed to be with the Lord on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Marion on July 10, 1948 to the late JC Webb and Retha Creson Webb. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Webb.
Steve was simple, authentic, and hardworking. He was a talented...
Annette Chatman Johnson
May 14, 2026
Annette Chatman Johnson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 14, 2026.
Born on June 17, 1964 in Alamance County, North Carolina, Annette was the daughter of Allen Boyd Chatman and Ellen Marie Taylor Chatman. She graduated from Hugh M. Cummings High School with the Class of 1982. Annette...
Kendra Lynn Wiest
May 14, 2026
Kendra Lynn Wiest, 37, of Morganton, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026.
She was born in Burke County on March 4, 1989. Kendra will be remembered for always being considerate of others. She would go out of her way to help others and ease their burdens. She loved butterflies and was a fan of Duke sports. Kendra had a unique sense...
Max "Henry" Lewis
May 14, 2026
Max “Henry” Lewis, 76, of Marion, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 at his residence.
A native of Marion, he was born May 12, 1950 to the late Pink Falls Lewis and Edna Marie Arrowood Lewis.
Henry worked in the sheet metal industry for most of his life. He was a talented handyman who enjoyed working with his hands. Henry loved his...
Stephen Michael Richards
May 13, 2026
Stephen Michael Richards passed away unexpectedly at home, leaving behind a heartbreak that words can barely express.Stephen was a giant in every sense of the word, but his greatest strength was the kindness he carried in his heart. He would give anyone the shirt off his back and never hesitated to help someone in need. His love for his family...
Norma "Jean" Elliott McMahan
May 12, 2026
Norma “Jean” Elliott McMahan, 88, of Titusville, Florida and formerly of Marion, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at her residence surrounded by all her children.
She was born in McDowell County on July 26, 1937 to the late Albert Elliott and Julia Gurley Elliott.
From her youth, she was unwavering in her firm belief in God. She dedicated every life decision...
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