Obituaries
Rev. Ernest Mitchell Harris
May 4, 2025
Ernest M. Harris, 82, of Marion, North Carolina, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, May 4, 2025 after an intense struggle with cancer. Many compassionate caregivers, friends and family came alongside him during his three week stay at Mission Hospital. He passed peacefully with loved ones by his side.
Ernest was the son of the late James Herbert Harris and the...
Gregory "Snapper" Rhymer
May 3, 2025
Gregory Taft “Snapper” Rhymer, 51, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Snapper was born in McDowell County, NC, on January 1, 1974, to Kay Woody and the late Richard Allen Rhymer. He was a hard worker and was known for his sense of humor. He was very mechanically inclined and could fix most anything. He...
James Beck
May 2, 2025
James Beck, 71, of Morganton, passed away on Friday, May 02, 2025.
James was born on April 22,1954 in Forsyth County to the late Roger Beck and Nancy Beck. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and gardening. His favorite food to eat was hamburgers. James was a very caring person and everyone loved being in his company.
Left to cherish his memory...
Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch
May 2, 2025
Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch, born on August 22, 1962, entered eternal rest on May 2, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville.
Diane was a woman of deep faith, whose love for her Lord Jesus was evident in all aspects of her life. She was known for her wonderful singing voice. In addition to her musical talents, she found joy in...
Betty Jean Weeks Mace
May 2, 2025
Betty Jean Weeks Mace, 80, of Spruce Pine, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
She was born in Bakersville on April 3, 1945 to the late Charles Rector Weeks and Maude Ann Cain Avery.
Betty had a love for animals and baby dolls, and in her free time, she enjoyed crocheting and...
Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan
May 2, 2025
Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan, 86, of Green Mountain, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at her home.
She was born in Mitchell County on July 10, 1938 to the late Ernest Hall and Zella Laws Hall. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Stuart Buchanan; three grandchildren, Garrett Presnell, Levi Maltba, and Adam...
Richard Benjamin Gardin
May 2, 2025
Richard Benjamin Gardin, age 47, of Marion, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025 with family by his side.
He was born at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on February 2, 1978 to Linda Mae Bolick Gardin and the late Richard Allen Gardin.
Ben was employed as a night-shift supervisor at Tilson Machine in Marion. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing....
Timothy Kevin Washburn
May 2, 2025
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the world lost one of the most generous and selfless men that was ever born. He always put others needs in front of his own, making sure everyone was taken care of (even if he was always late). His happy place was operating construction equipment.
Timothy Kevin Washburn, born on July 26, 1960 to the late...
Donald Layton Poplin, Sr.
May 1, 2025
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of a truly extraordinary man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful friend, as well as a dedicated deacon of his beloved church, Donald Layton Poplin, Sr. Following a courageous 7 ½ year battle against multiple myeloma, his remarkable legacy of fortitude, love, and dedication will be deeply missed....
Ricky Eugene Roberts
Apr 30, 2025
Ricky Eugene Roberts, born November 23, 1960, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital in Asheville on April 30, 2025. He struggled with multiple health issues.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlene Reynolds and Gene Roberts.
He is survived by his step-mother, Gail Roberts; sister, Darlene Talbert; daughters, Karla Roberts and Jennifer Roberts; several grandkids and great-grandkids; and several nieces,...
Dorothy Anne Steljes
Apr 30, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and steadfast faith that we announce the passing of Dorothy Steljes, a beloved sister, and devoted servant of the Lord, who went home to be with her Savior on April 30, 2025, at the age of 72.
Born on November 8, 1952, Dorothy devoted her life to Jesus Christ and to the call of the ministry....
Della Mae Worley McDaniel
Apr 30, 2025
On the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Della Mae Worley McDaniel, 82, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
A native of McDowell County, she was born October 24, 1942 to the late Burder and Edith Treadway Worley.
Della Mae’s life was characterized by her deep-rooted faith and strong dependence on the...
Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr.
Apr 29, 2025
Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr., 52, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Spruce Pine on October 22, 1972 to Loretta Letterman Huskins and the late William Floyd Geouge.
Known as a true jack of all trades, Scott was formerly employed as a CNC Programmer. He had skills...
James "Trey" Ray Barrier, III
Apr 29, 2025
James “Trey” Ray Barrier, III, 47, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in Mecklenburg County on April 5, 1978 to Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier and the late James Ray Barrier, Jr.
Trey was a man of many interests and passions. He found joy in spending time at the campground, where he created lasting memories...
Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford
Apr 29, 2025
Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford, born on February 6, 1952, in McDowell County, passed away on April 29, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Eugene Rutherford Sr., and her parents, Melvin Rutherford and Eula Virginia Hardy. Linda was also preceded by her siblings, Irene Wilkerson, Charles Hardy, Dortha Carson, Billy Hardy,...
Amy Georgette Effler McEntire
Apr 28, 2025
In the early morning hours of Monday, April 28, 2025, Amy Georgette Effler McEntire, age 51, of Old Fort, peacefully departed this life at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A native of McDowell County, she was born August 30, 1973 to Maggie Ann Mathis Effler and the late William Paul Effler. Amy will be remembered as a very loving...
Jeffrey David Sanders
Apr 28, 2025
Jeffrey David SandersAugust 8, 1955 – April 28th, 2025Jeffrey David Sanders, a devoted father, brother, uncle, and lifelong resident of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at the age of 69.Born on August 8, 1955, to Margaret Eller Sanders and Robert S. Sanders, Jeff grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains—a landscape that would...
Joan Ann Frisbee Rhom
Apr 27, 2025
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Joan Frisbee Rhom, age 75, of the Glenwood Community joined her beloved husband James Rowland Rhom, her mother, Marie Frady, her youngest sister Helen Hughes, and her lifelong friends and neighbors Gerald Porter and Jimmy Upton. She finally met her father, Jesse Frisbee, whom she had dreamed of her entire life.
With friends and family by...
Kimberly Annette Shuford Matthews
Apr 27, 2025
Kimberly Annette Shuford Matthews, 53, of Marion, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at her residence.
Kim was born in McDowell County, NC, on August 5, 1971, to Armenda Hudgins Shuford and the late Louie Gene Shuford. Kim was a hardworking mom and was known for her straight forward personality. She really enjoyed watching her children play softball. Her family was...
Ruth Charlotte Withers Childers
Apr 26, 2025
Ruth Childers, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025 at the age of 73 at UNC Health Blue Ridge. She was surrounded by family and friends.
A true woman of faith, Ruth found joy in serving the Lord. She instilled her strong values and religious beliefs in her family and led by example volunteering endlessly....
Rev. Ernest Mitchell Harris
May 4, 2025
Ernest M. Harris, 82, of Marion, North Carolina, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, May 4, 2025 after an intense struggle with cancer. Many compassionate caregivers, friends and family came alongside him during his three week stay at Mission Hospital. He passed peacefully with loved ones by his side.
Ernest was the son of the late James Herbert Harris and the...
Gregory "Snapper" Rhymer
May 3, 2025
Gregory Taft “Snapper” Rhymer, 51, of Marion, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.
Snapper was born in McDowell County, NC, on January 1, 1974, to Kay Woody and the late Richard Allen Rhymer. He was a hard worker and was known for his sense of humor. He was very mechanically inclined and could fix most anything. He...
James Beck
May 2, 2025
James Beck, 71, of Morganton, passed away on Friday, May 02, 2025.
James was born on April 22,1954 in Forsyth County to the late Roger Beck and Nancy Beck. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and gardening. His favorite food to eat was hamburgers. James was a very caring person and everyone loved being in his company.
Left to cherish his memory...
Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch
May 2, 2025
Barbara Diane Philbeck Branch, born on August 22, 1962, entered eternal rest on May 2, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville.
Diane was a woman of deep faith, whose love for her Lord Jesus was evident in all aspects of her life. She was known for her wonderful singing voice. In addition to her musical talents, she found joy in...
Betty Jean Weeks Mace
May 2, 2025
Betty Jean Weeks Mace, 80, of Spruce Pine, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
She was born in Bakersville on April 3, 1945 to the late Charles Rector Weeks and Maude Ann Cain Avery.
Betty had a love for animals and baby dolls, and in her free time, she enjoyed crocheting and...
Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan
May 2, 2025
Carolyn Eileen Hall Buchanan, 86, of Green Mountain, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025 at her home.
She was born in Mitchell County on July 10, 1938 to the late Ernest Hall and Zella Laws Hall. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Stuart Buchanan; three grandchildren, Garrett Presnell, Levi Maltba, and Adam...
Richard Benjamin Gardin
May 2, 2025
Richard Benjamin Gardin, age 47, of Marion, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025 with family by his side.
He was born at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on February 2, 1978 to Linda Mae Bolick Gardin and the late Richard Allen Gardin.
Ben was employed as a night-shift supervisor at Tilson Machine in Marion. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing....
Timothy Kevin Washburn
May 2, 2025
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the world lost one of the most generous and selfless men that was ever born. He always put others needs in front of his own, making sure everyone was taken care of (even if he was always late). His happy place was operating construction equipment.
Timothy Kevin Washburn, born on July 26, 1960 to the late...
Donald Layton Poplin, Sr.
May 1, 2025
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of a truly extraordinary man, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful friend, as well as a dedicated deacon of his beloved church, Donald Layton Poplin, Sr. Following a courageous 7 ½ year battle against multiple myeloma, his remarkable legacy of fortitude, love, and dedication will be deeply missed....
Ricky Eugene Roberts
Apr 30, 2025
Ricky Eugene Roberts, born November 23, 1960, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital in Asheville on April 30, 2025. He struggled with multiple health issues.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlene Reynolds and Gene Roberts.
He is survived by his step-mother, Gail Roberts; sister, Darlene Talbert; daughters, Karla Roberts and Jennifer Roberts; several grandkids and great-grandkids; and several nieces,...
Dorothy Anne Steljes
Apr 30, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and steadfast faith that we announce the passing of Dorothy Steljes, a beloved sister, and devoted servant of the Lord, who went home to be with her Savior on April 30, 2025, at the age of 72.
Born on November 8, 1952, Dorothy devoted her life to Jesus Christ and to the call of the ministry....
Della Mae Worley McDaniel
Apr 30, 2025
On the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Della Mae Worley McDaniel, 82, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
A native of McDowell County, she was born October 24, 1942 to the late Burder and Edith Treadway Worley.
Della Mae’s life was characterized by her deep-rooted faith and strong dependence on the...
Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr.
Apr 29, 2025
Johnathon Scott Geouge, Sr., 52, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Spruce Pine on October 22, 1972 to Loretta Letterman Huskins and the late William Floyd Geouge.
Known as a true jack of all trades, Scott was formerly employed as a CNC Programmer. He had skills...
James "Trey" Ray Barrier, III
Apr 29, 2025
James “Trey” Ray Barrier, III, 47, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at his residence.
He was born in Mecklenburg County on April 5, 1978 to Sylvia Ann Mullis Barrier and the late James Ray Barrier, Jr.
Trey was a man of many interests and passions. He found joy in spending time at the campground, where he created lasting memories...
Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford
Apr 29, 2025
Linda Louise Hardy Rutherford, born on February 6, 1952, in McDowell County, passed away on April 29, 2025, at Memorial Mission in Asheville. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Eugene Rutherford Sr., and her parents, Melvin Rutherford and Eula Virginia Hardy. Linda was also preceded by her siblings, Irene Wilkerson, Charles Hardy, Dortha Carson, Billy Hardy,...
Amy Georgette Effler McEntire
Apr 28, 2025
In the early morning hours of Monday, April 28, 2025, Amy Georgette Effler McEntire, age 51, of Old Fort, peacefully departed this life at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
A native of McDowell County, she was born August 30, 1973 to Maggie Ann Mathis Effler and the late William Paul Effler. Amy will be remembered as a very loving...
Jeffrey David Sanders
Apr 28, 2025
Jeffrey David SandersAugust 8, 1955 – April 28th, 2025Jeffrey David Sanders, a devoted father, brother, uncle, and lifelong resident of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at the age of 69.Born on August 8, 1955, to Margaret Eller Sanders and Robert S. Sanders, Jeff grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains—a landscape that would...
Joan Ann Frisbee Rhom
Apr 27, 2025
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Joan Frisbee Rhom, age 75, of the Glenwood Community joined her beloved husband James Rowland Rhom, her mother, Marie Frady, her youngest sister Helen Hughes, and her lifelong friends and neighbors Gerald Porter and Jimmy Upton. She finally met her father, Jesse Frisbee, whom she had dreamed of her entire life.
With friends and family by...
Kimberly Annette Shuford Matthews
Apr 27, 2025
Kimberly Annette Shuford Matthews, 53, of Marion, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at her residence.
Kim was born in McDowell County, NC, on August 5, 1971, to Armenda Hudgins Shuford and the late Louie Gene Shuford. Kim was a hardworking mom and was known for her straight forward personality. She really enjoyed watching her children play softball. Her family was...
Ruth Charlotte Withers Childers
Apr 26, 2025
Ruth Childers, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025 at the age of 73 at UNC Health Blue Ridge. She was surrounded by family and friends.
A true woman of faith, Ruth found joy in serving the Lord. She instilled her strong values and religious beliefs in her family and led by example volunteering endlessly....
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