Obituaries
Marie Turner Robinson
Mar 31, 2025
Marie Turner Robinson, age 91, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025.
A native of Marion, she was born on February 11, 1934 to the late Olis Dillard Turner and Bessie Mae Farr Turner. Marie graduated from Appalachian State University and worked as a teacher for over forty years, mostly in the Newport News Public School System....
Darrell Dewayne Chapman II
Mar 29, 2025
Darrell Dewayne Chapman II, passed away on March 29, 2025, at his residence just one day shy of his 42nd birthday. Born on March 30, 1983, in Rutherford County, Darrell was known for his outgoing sense of humor, bringing laughter and joy to everyone around him.
Darrell had a passion for the great outdoors, where he found joy in hunting and...
Theresa Gonzark Queen
Mar 29, 2025
Theresa Gonzark Queen, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her family, passed away on March 29, 2025, at the Smokey Ridge Health and Rehab. Born on June 30, 1927, in Ville-Sur-Tourbe, France, she was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her.
Theresa Queen, our beloved French Queen, was a woman of strength and courage, facing life’s...
Sharon Lee Thoma
Mar 29, 2025
Sharon Kerby Thoma, age 78, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Thoma Farm Drive, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born with a heart full of kindness and a smile that lit up every room, Sharon dedicated her life to caring for those around her. She was the beloved wife of Don Thoma Jr., with...
Joseph Wilson Lyle, Jr.
Mar 28, 2025
“Poor and Hungry, Sad and Lonely No More”
Joseph Wilson Lyle Jr. died Friday, March 28th, 2025. He was 71 years old.
Born on January 7th, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee, Joe moved east to the coast of North Carolina before settling down in the beloved mountains of western North Carolina.
His decades of dedicated work in the lumber business gave him a sharp...
Larry Lee Stephens
Mar 28, 2025
Larry Lee Stephens, 40, of Marion, passed away on Friday, March 28, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Larry was born in Georgia to his mother, Elaine Bussey, along with his sisters Maryanne, Lindsey, and Amanada—Go Dawgs!—and is survived by his wife, Jennifer Stephens, as well as his life partner, Summer Cable. He is deeply loved by all...
Joseph Harold Howell
Mar 28, 2025
The sweetest, kindest man I've ever known died peacefully in his sleep at home in the early morning hours of Friday, March 28, 2025, just 4 days passed his 86th birthday. My comfort is the assurance that Joe is with Jesus, he's at rest because of his decision to believe in Him as the only way to eternal life. I...
Brandon Lee Kucera
Mar 27, 2025
Brandon Lee Kucera, age 52, a beloved son, passed away at his residence on March 27, 2025. Born in Madison, Ohio, on September 14, 1972, Brandon leaves behind a legacy characterized by his passion for the outdoors.
Brandon was a loving son to Janice New Kucera and cherished his time spent with his mother. He is survived by his children, Sidney...
Donald Clarence McClure
Mar 26, 2025
Donald Clarence McClure, 79, of Marion, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 26, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born July 27, 1945, in Gaston County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia Marie Kimsey McClure and Festus (Pet) Dee McClure, and two beloved sisters, Linda McClure Shelton and Barbara...
Gordon Elliott Ray
Mar 25, 2025
Gordon Elliot Ray, 62, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his residence.
Gordon was born in Buncombe County, NC, on March 7, 1963, to the late Anita Horton and Kenneth Marvin Ray. Gordon was very health conscience and loved to exercise. He was very fond of the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and swimming. Gordon...
Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr.
Mar 24, 2025
Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr., 79, of Nebo, peacefully departed this life in the early morning hours of Monday, March 24, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center.
Tommy was born in Marion on June 21, 1945 to the late Thomas F. Hollifield, Sr. and Polly Ann Anderson Hollifield. He served for over 25 years as the Lake Tahoma Warden, a career that...
Ernest Wayne Elkins
Mar 24, 2025
Ernest Wayne Elkins, 73, of Marion, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of Yancey County, he was born May 5, 1951 to the late Talmadge Elkins and Cora Fox Elkins. He was also preceded in death by three siblings, Roger Elkins, Vonda Owensby, and Mary Thomas.
He was a cherished member of his community, remembered...
Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta
Mar 23, 2025
Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta, 45, of Marion, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at her home.
She was born on June 10, 1979. Maria was a very religious lady who loved her culture. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and outgoing person who had a great sense of humor. She found joy in plants and butterflies as well as in...
Bobby Reed
Mar 23, 2025
Bobby Reed, 93, of Marion, passed away Sunday evening, March 23, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Buncombe County on September 20, 1931 to the late Clarence Reed and Elsie Penley Reed. As the owner and operator of Reed Plumbing, Bobby earned a reputation as a skilled and dependable plumber. His commitment in service made him a...
Gail Parker Grant
Mar 23, 2025
Donna Gail Parker Grant, 73, of Glenwood passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 23, 2025. She closed her eyes in sleep on Earth and opened them in her heavenly home. Born December 4, 1951, Gail was the daughter of the late Charles Glenn and Thelma Seay Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Debra...
Frankie Lee Greer
Mar 22, 2025
Frankie Lee “Pete” Greer, 55, of Forest City, NC, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Pete was born in Ashe County, NC, on April 5, 1969, to the late Roby Gene Greer and Wanda Grace Lawson Greer. He was married to his wife of 22 years, Cynthia Marlene Hebenstreit Greer. Pete enjoyed being outdoors. He loved fishing...
Wayne Burton Rumfelt
Mar 22, 2025
Wayne Burton Rumfelt, 88, of Marion, NC passed away peacefully on the morning of March 22, 2025 at the Mitchell House after a period of declining health. Born June 8, 1936, he was the son of the late Houston B. and Eursley Rhom Rumfelt.
Wayne began his professional life at American Thread quickly deciding that wasn't for him. After accounting training,...
Ruby Jane Morris Piercy
Mar 21, 2025
Ruby Jane Morris Piercy, age 82, of Nebo, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Ruby was born in McDowell County on April 09, 1942 to the late Irby Morris and the late Elda Johnson Morris. She is also preceded in death by all her siblings and her son Danny Leon Davis.
She would put...
Beatrice "Elaine" Snypes
Mar 20, 2025
Beatrice “Elaine” Snypes, 68, of Greensboro, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Hospice Home in Burlington.
Elaine was born in McDowell County on September 20, 1956 to the late Robert Snypes and Beatrice Fox Snypes. She was also preceded in death by a special aunt and uncle, Mabel and Dewey James.
She was a 1974 graduate of McDowell High School...
Kevin Clarke Swepson
Mar 20, 2025
Kevin Clarke Swepson, 67, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
He was born in Marion on February 8, 1958 to the late Isaac Moore and Josie Swepson. A brother, Michael Swepson, also preceded him in death.
A graduate of McDowell High School, Kevin was a wonderful football player who earned the nickname, “Hoss.” Later in life,...
Marie Turner Robinson
Mar 31, 2025
Marie Turner Robinson, age 91, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025.
A native of Marion, she was born on February 11, 1934 to the late Olis Dillard Turner and Bessie Mae Farr Turner. Marie graduated from Appalachian State University and worked as a teacher for over forty years, mostly in the Newport News Public School System....
Darrell Dewayne Chapman II
Mar 29, 2025
Darrell Dewayne Chapman II, passed away on March 29, 2025, at his residence just one day shy of his 42nd birthday. Born on March 30, 1983, in Rutherford County, Darrell was known for his outgoing sense of humor, bringing laughter and joy to everyone around him.
Darrell had a passion for the great outdoors, where he found joy in hunting and...
Theresa Gonzark Queen
Mar 29, 2025
Theresa Gonzark Queen, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her family, passed away on March 29, 2025, at the Smokey Ridge Health and Rehab. Born on June 30, 1927, in Ville-Sur-Tourbe, France, she was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her.
Theresa Queen, our beloved French Queen, was a woman of strength and courage, facing life’s...
Sharon Lee Thoma
Mar 29, 2025
Sharon Kerby Thoma, age 78, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Thoma Farm Drive, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born with a heart full of kindness and a smile that lit up every room, Sharon dedicated her life to caring for those around her. She was the beloved wife of Don Thoma Jr., with...
Joseph Wilson Lyle, Jr.
Mar 28, 2025
“Poor and Hungry, Sad and Lonely No More”
Joseph Wilson Lyle Jr. died Friday, March 28th, 2025. He was 71 years old.
Born on January 7th, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee, Joe moved east to the coast of North Carolina before settling down in the beloved mountains of western North Carolina.
His decades of dedicated work in the lumber business gave him a sharp...
Larry Lee Stephens
Mar 28, 2025
Larry Lee Stephens, 40, of Marion, passed away on Friday, March 28, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Larry was born in Georgia to his mother, Elaine Bussey, along with his sisters Maryanne, Lindsey, and Amanada—Go Dawgs!—and is survived by his wife, Jennifer Stephens, as well as his life partner, Summer Cable. He is deeply loved by all...
Joseph Harold Howell
Mar 28, 2025
The sweetest, kindest man I've ever known died peacefully in his sleep at home in the early morning hours of Friday, March 28, 2025, just 4 days passed his 86th birthday. My comfort is the assurance that Joe is with Jesus, he's at rest because of his decision to believe in Him as the only way to eternal life. I...
Brandon Lee Kucera
Mar 27, 2025
Brandon Lee Kucera, age 52, a beloved son, passed away at his residence on March 27, 2025. Born in Madison, Ohio, on September 14, 1972, Brandon leaves behind a legacy characterized by his passion for the outdoors.
Brandon was a loving son to Janice New Kucera and cherished his time spent with his mother. He is survived by his children, Sidney...
Donald Clarence McClure
Mar 26, 2025
Donald Clarence McClure, 79, of Marion, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 26, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born July 27, 1945, in Gaston County, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia Marie Kimsey McClure and Festus (Pet) Dee McClure, and two beloved sisters, Linda McClure Shelton and Barbara...
Gordon Elliott Ray
Mar 25, 2025
Gordon Elliot Ray, 62, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at his residence.
Gordon was born in Buncombe County, NC, on March 7, 1963, to the late Anita Horton and Kenneth Marvin Ray. Gordon was very health conscience and loved to exercise. He was very fond of the outdoors and enjoyed hiking and swimming. Gordon...
Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr.
Mar 24, 2025
Thomas F. Hollifield, Jr., 79, of Nebo, peacefully departed this life in the early morning hours of Monday, March 24, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center.
Tommy was born in Marion on June 21, 1945 to the late Thomas F. Hollifield, Sr. and Polly Ann Anderson Hollifield. He served for over 25 years as the Lake Tahoma Warden, a career that...
Ernest Wayne Elkins
Mar 24, 2025
Ernest Wayne Elkins, 73, of Marion, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
A native of Yancey County, he was born May 5, 1951 to the late Talmadge Elkins and Cora Fox Elkins. He was also preceded in death by three siblings, Roger Elkins, Vonda Owensby, and Mary Thomas.
He was a cherished member of his community, remembered...
Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta
Mar 23, 2025
Maria Trinidad Arriola-Acosta, 45, of Marion, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at her home.
She was born on June 10, 1979. Maria was a very religious lady who loved her culture. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and outgoing person who had a great sense of humor. She found joy in plants and butterflies as well as in...
Bobby Reed
Mar 23, 2025
Bobby Reed, 93, of Marion, passed away Sunday evening, March 23, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Buncombe County on September 20, 1931 to the late Clarence Reed and Elsie Penley Reed. As the owner and operator of Reed Plumbing, Bobby earned a reputation as a skilled and dependable plumber. His commitment in service made him a...
Gail Parker Grant
Mar 23, 2025
Donna Gail Parker Grant, 73, of Glenwood passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 23, 2025. She closed her eyes in sleep on Earth and opened them in her heavenly home. Born December 4, 1951, Gail was the daughter of the late Charles Glenn and Thelma Seay Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Debra...
Frankie Lee Greer
Mar 22, 2025
Frankie Lee “Pete” Greer, 55, of Forest City, NC, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Pete was born in Ashe County, NC, on April 5, 1969, to the late Roby Gene Greer and Wanda Grace Lawson Greer. He was married to his wife of 22 years, Cynthia Marlene Hebenstreit Greer. Pete enjoyed being outdoors. He loved fishing...
Wayne Burton Rumfelt
Mar 22, 2025
Wayne Burton Rumfelt, 88, of Marion, NC passed away peacefully on the morning of March 22, 2025 at the Mitchell House after a period of declining health. Born June 8, 1936, he was the son of the late Houston B. and Eursley Rhom Rumfelt.
Wayne began his professional life at American Thread quickly deciding that wasn't for him. After accounting training,...
Ruby Jane Morris Piercy
Mar 21, 2025
Ruby Jane Morris Piercy, age 82, of Nebo, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Ruby was born in McDowell County on April 09, 1942 to the late Irby Morris and the late Elda Johnson Morris. She is also preceded in death by all her siblings and her son Danny Leon Davis.
She would put...
Beatrice "Elaine" Snypes
Mar 20, 2025
Beatrice “Elaine” Snypes, 68, of Greensboro, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Hospice Home in Burlington.
Elaine was born in McDowell County on September 20, 1956 to the late Robert Snypes and Beatrice Fox Snypes. She was also preceded in death by a special aunt and uncle, Mabel and Dewey James.
She was a 1974 graduate of McDowell High School...
Kevin Clarke Swepson
Mar 20, 2025
Kevin Clarke Swepson, 67, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Mission Hospital McDowell.
He was born in Marion on February 8, 1958 to the late Isaac Moore and Josie Swepson. A brother, Michael Swepson, also preceded him in death.
A graduate of McDowell High School, Kevin was a wonderful football player who earned the nickname, “Hoss.” Later in life,...
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