Obituaries
Sheila Dianne Davis Fields
Mar 9, 2025
Sheila Dianne Davis Fields 62 of Marion NC went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 9th, 2025. She was born August 28th, 1962 at the Norfolk Naval Base to the late Charles Patrick Davis and Betty Sheehan Davis.
Sheila dedicated 27 years to McDowell County Head Start where she loved teaching McDowell’s early learners. She retired in 2023-wishing her...
Susan Lynn Karbginsky
Mar 8, 2025
My beloved Susan Lynn Karbginsky, my wife of 38 years, my best friend, and the love of my life, peacefully departed to be with our Lord on March 8th, 2025. Today, we gather to celebrate her beautiful life and the profound impact she had on all of us.
Susan and I first met in 1983, and from that moment, our lives...
Earnest Douglas Perry
Mar 8, 2025
Earnest Douglas Perry, 72, of Old Fort, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at his residence.
A native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Earnest was born November 15, 1952 to the late Ernest Perry and Rosa Wigley Perry Cook.
He was a devoted service technician for Durkopp Adler America for 41 years, during which time his commitment to...
William Spencer Johnson, Sr.
Mar 8, 2025
William “Bill” Spencer Johnson, Sr., of Nebo, North Carolina, died Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Rose Hill Retirement Community.
He was born in 1935 in Lakeland, Florida, the son of Beeland W. Johnson and Helen Oleene Turner Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William “Billy” S. Johnson, Jr.; a sister; and a brother.
Survivors include Eva Flo...
Rosalee Baker Ellington
Mar 8, 2025
Rosalee Baker Ellington, age 95, known for her loving and caring nature, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on June 8, 1929, in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late McFee and Loree West Baker. Rosalee was a dedicated member of the Laurel Hill Baptist Church, where she drew strength and...
Henry Richard Harvey
Mar 7, 2025
Henry Richard Harvey, age 77, of Old Fort, North Carolina, died on Friday, March 7, 2025.A native of Morristown, New Jersey, Mr. Harvey was the son of the late Frank L. Harveyand Christine Holzer Harvey. He was born on January 15, 1948.Henry graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, with a degree in philosophy.He was a jet pilot in the US...
Carla R. Wilson
Mar 7, 2025
Carla R. Wilson, 65, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Catawba County on December 10, 1959 to the late Carlos Eugene Wilson and Mary Sessoms Wilson.
Carla graduated in 1981 with a nursing diploma. She spent a number of years working as a nurse, primarily at Blue Ridge Regional...
Kenneth Ray Ward
Mar 6, 2025
Kenneth Ray Ward, 64, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of McDowell County, Ken was born May 15, 1960 to the late Von Ray Ward and Pansy Gail Hollifield Ward.
For 24 years, Ken worked for Go-Forth Pest Control, where he became well known in the community. His hands could fix anything, and...
Alice Jean Early Randolph
Mar 6, 2025
Alice Jean Early Randolph, 70, of Nebo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1954 to the late Lillian Eugene Early Scott. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Wayne Scott.
Alice dedicated her working career to clerical roles, primarily within the banking industry....
Ada Mae Haynes Effler Hester
Mar 6, 2025
Ada Mae Hester, 79, of Marion, NC, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning of Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Ada was born in McDowell County, NC, on December 25, 1945, to the late Lillie Mae Leakey and Benjamin Boyd Haynes. She was married to the late Hershel “Dean” Effler and then...
Allen Ernest "Skip" Roth
Mar 5, 2025
Allen Ernest “Skip” Roth, 79, of Old Fort, passed away shortly after midnight on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 2, 1945 to the late Alice “Cissy” Violette Coil.
Skip was a lifelong artist who specialized in lithography and sculpture. He took the principles learned from these art forms and...
Paul David Smith
Mar 5, 2025
Paul David Smith, went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Born on October 26, 1971, in McDowell County, David led a life characterized by his unwavering strength, dedication to family, and passion for sports.
David worked for many years at Auria, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment...
Linda Faith Ellington Martin
Mar 5, 2025
Linda Faith Ellington Martin, born on March 14, 1945, in McDowell County, North Carolina, entered Heaven on March 5, 2025, at UNC Blue Ridge. She was a shining light in the lives of many—a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother. Linda's heart was pure and her spirit was generous; she lived life with a selflessness that deeply...
Robert Forrest Crowell
Mar 3, 2025
On Monday evening, March 3, 2025, Robert Forrest Crowell, age 47, of Old Fort, passed away at his residence.
He was born in Concord, New Hampshire on July 16, 1977 to Robert Eugene Crowell and Nancy Dee Wilson.
Robert was known for his ability to make friends quickly, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Throughout his life, Robert...
Nicholas Wayne Hicks
Mar 2, 2025
Nicholas Wayne Hicks, born on July 31,1987, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, doing what he loved. Those who loved him will remember him not only as a doting father, loving husband, and cherished son, but as a man whose deep-rooted patriotism and compassion for others defined every aspect of his life.
Nick's enthusiasm for life brought...
Genevieve Edwards Whittington
Mar 2, 2025
Genevieve “Gen” Edwards Whittington, 86, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A native of Yancey County, Gen was born November 2, 1938 to the late Lyda Edwards and Oxie Hensley Edwards.
For a number of years, Gen worked in the kitchen department at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental...
Frederick Christopher Weyler
Mar 2, 2025
Frederick Christopher Weyler, 67, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his residence.
Frederick was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, on October 9, 1957, to the late Lorna May Frank and Arthur Robert Weyler. He was married to his wife of 41 years, Starla Marie Fraley Weyler. Frederick was a landscaper and horticulturist who loved being outdoors. He...
Judy Crawford Biggerstaff
Mar 2, 2025
On the morning of Sunday, March 2, 2025, Judy Crawford Biggerstaff, 77, of Marion, passed away at Mission Hospital McDowell.
She was born July 24, 1947 in Jackson County to the late Jess “Mack” Crawford and Agnes Shuler Crawford. She was also preceded in death by her adopted father, Thomas Fuller.
A cherished member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church, Judy will be...
Johnny Duane Lipe
Mar 1, 2025
Johnny Duane Lipe, 64, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Johnny was born in McDowell County, NC, on July 17, 1960 to Verdie Elizabeth Stevens and the late George Gilbert “G.G.” Lipe. Johnny was a very kind hearted man who never knew a stranger. He was known to do anything to help...
Thomas "Don" Kirkley
Feb 27, 2025
Thomas “Don” Kirkley, 90, of Marion, departed to be with the Lord shortly after midnight on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A native of Pageland, South Carolina, Don was born November 13, 1934 to the late James Kirkley and Ida Jordan Kirkley. Also preceding him in death were six siblings, Jack Kirkley (Betty), Joe...
Sheila Dianne Davis Fields
Mar 9, 2025
Sheila Dianne Davis Fields 62 of Marion NC went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 9th, 2025. She was born August 28th, 1962 at the Norfolk Naval Base to the late Charles Patrick Davis and Betty Sheehan Davis.
Sheila dedicated 27 years to McDowell County Head Start where she loved teaching McDowell’s early learners. She retired in 2023-wishing her...
Susan Lynn Karbginsky
Mar 8, 2025
My beloved Susan Lynn Karbginsky, my wife of 38 years, my best friend, and the love of my life, peacefully departed to be with our Lord on March 8th, 2025. Today, we gather to celebrate her beautiful life and the profound impact she had on all of us.
Susan and I first met in 1983, and from that moment, our lives...
Earnest Douglas Perry
Mar 8, 2025
Earnest Douglas Perry, 72, of Old Fort, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at his residence.
A native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Earnest was born November 15, 1952 to the late Ernest Perry and Rosa Wigley Perry Cook.
He was a devoted service technician for Durkopp Adler America for 41 years, during which time his commitment to...
William Spencer Johnson, Sr.
Mar 8, 2025
William “Bill” Spencer Johnson, Sr., of Nebo, North Carolina, died Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Rose Hill Retirement Community.
He was born in 1935 in Lakeland, Florida, the son of Beeland W. Johnson and Helen Oleene Turner Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William “Billy” S. Johnson, Jr.; a sister; and a brother.
Survivors include Eva Flo...
Rosalee Baker Ellington
Mar 8, 2025
Rosalee Baker Ellington, age 95, known for her loving and caring nature, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on June 8, 1929, in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late McFee and Loree West Baker. Rosalee was a dedicated member of the Laurel Hill Baptist Church, where she drew strength and...
Henry Richard Harvey
Mar 7, 2025
Henry Richard Harvey, age 77, of Old Fort, North Carolina, died on Friday, March 7, 2025.A native of Morristown, New Jersey, Mr. Harvey was the son of the late Frank L. Harveyand Christine Holzer Harvey. He was born on January 15, 1948.Henry graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, with a degree in philosophy.He was a jet pilot in the US...
Carla R. Wilson
Mar 7, 2025
Carla R. Wilson, 65, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Catawba County on December 10, 1959 to the late Carlos Eugene Wilson and Mary Sessoms Wilson.
Carla graduated in 1981 with a nursing diploma. She spent a number of years working as a nurse, primarily at Blue Ridge Regional...
Kenneth Ray Ward
Mar 6, 2025
Kenneth Ray Ward, 64, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of McDowell County, Ken was born May 15, 1960 to the late Von Ray Ward and Pansy Gail Hollifield Ward.
For 24 years, Ken worked for Go-Forth Pest Control, where he became well known in the community. His hands could fix anything, and...
Alice Jean Early Randolph
Mar 6, 2025
Alice Jean Early Randolph, 70, of Nebo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1954 to the late Lillian Eugene Early Scott. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Wayne Scott.
Alice dedicated her working career to clerical roles, primarily within the banking industry....
Ada Mae Haynes Effler Hester
Mar 6, 2025
Ada Mae Hester, 79, of Marion, NC, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning of Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Ada was born in McDowell County, NC, on December 25, 1945, to the late Lillie Mae Leakey and Benjamin Boyd Haynes. She was married to the late Hershel “Dean” Effler and then...
Allen Ernest "Skip" Roth
Mar 5, 2025
Allen Ernest “Skip” Roth, 79, of Old Fort, passed away shortly after midnight on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 2, 1945 to the late Alice “Cissy” Violette Coil.
Skip was a lifelong artist who specialized in lithography and sculpture. He took the principles learned from these art forms and...
Paul David Smith
Mar 5, 2025
Paul David Smith, went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Born on October 26, 1971, in McDowell County, David led a life characterized by his unwavering strength, dedication to family, and passion for sports.
David worked for many years at Auria, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment...
Linda Faith Ellington Martin
Mar 5, 2025
Linda Faith Ellington Martin, born on March 14, 1945, in McDowell County, North Carolina, entered Heaven on March 5, 2025, at UNC Blue Ridge. She was a shining light in the lives of many—a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother. Linda's heart was pure and her spirit was generous; she lived life with a selflessness that deeply...
Robert Forrest Crowell
Mar 3, 2025
On Monday evening, March 3, 2025, Robert Forrest Crowell, age 47, of Old Fort, passed away at his residence.
He was born in Concord, New Hampshire on July 16, 1977 to Robert Eugene Crowell and Nancy Dee Wilson.
Robert was known for his ability to make friends quickly, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Throughout his life, Robert...
Nicholas Wayne Hicks
Mar 2, 2025
Nicholas Wayne Hicks, born on July 31,1987, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, doing what he loved. Those who loved him will remember him not only as a doting father, loving husband, and cherished son, but as a man whose deep-rooted patriotism and compassion for others defined every aspect of his life.
Nick's enthusiasm for life brought...
Genevieve Edwards Whittington
Mar 2, 2025
Genevieve “Gen” Edwards Whittington, 86, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A native of Yancey County, Gen was born November 2, 1938 to the late Lyda Edwards and Oxie Hensley Edwards.
For a number of years, Gen worked in the kitchen department at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental...
Frederick Christopher Weyler
Mar 2, 2025
Frederick Christopher Weyler, 67, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his residence.
Frederick was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, on October 9, 1957, to the late Lorna May Frank and Arthur Robert Weyler. He was married to his wife of 41 years, Starla Marie Fraley Weyler. Frederick was a landscaper and horticulturist who loved being outdoors. He...
Judy Crawford Biggerstaff
Mar 2, 2025
On the morning of Sunday, March 2, 2025, Judy Crawford Biggerstaff, 77, of Marion, passed away at Mission Hospital McDowell.
She was born July 24, 1947 in Jackson County to the late Jess “Mack” Crawford and Agnes Shuler Crawford. She was also preceded in death by her adopted father, Thomas Fuller.
A cherished member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church, Judy will be...
Johnny Duane Lipe
Mar 1, 2025
Johnny Duane Lipe, 64, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Johnny was born in McDowell County, NC, on July 17, 1960 to Verdie Elizabeth Stevens and the late George Gilbert “G.G.” Lipe. Johnny was a very kind hearted man who never knew a stranger. He was known to do anything to help...
Thomas "Don" Kirkley
Feb 27, 2025
Thomas “Don” Kirkley, 90, of Marion, departed to be with the Lord shortly after midnight on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A native of Pageland, South Carolina, Don was born November 13, 1934 to the late James Kirkley and Ida Jordan Kirkley. Also preceding him in death were six siblings, Jack Kirkley (Betty), Joe...
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