Obituaries
Zora Darlene Robinson Lanning
Nov 29, 2025
Zora Darlene Robinson Lanning, 83, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
A native of Yancey County, she was born May 22, 1942 to the late Stokes Robinson and Lizzie Mae Robinson.
Darlene was a faithful member of Trinity Missionary Baptist for 52 years. She enjoyed making beautiful quilts, which...
Edsel G. Rogers
Nov 28, 2025
Edsel G. “Chico” Rogers, 67, of Marion, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
Chico was born in Seneca, South Carolina, on July 27, 1958, to the late Edsel Ford Rogers and Jessie Bell Grant Rogers. He loved being outdoors and was an avid fisherman. Chico enjoyed working with his...
Alice Elizabeth Evans
Nov 28, 2025
Alice Elizabeth Riddle Ballard Evans, 88, of Marion, passed away peacefully on the day after Thanksgiving, November 28, 2025 at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.
She was born August 18, 1937 in Mitchell County to the late Ernest and Grace McKinney Riddle. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Arnold Ray Ballard; her second husband, Robert “Bobby” Evans; one...
Shirley Jewel Vess Murphy
Nov 27, 2025
Shirley Jewel Vess Murphy, age 89, went home to be with the Lord November 27, 2025, with family by her side.
She was born on February 9, 1936 at home in McDowell County. She was the daughter of the late Otis and Flossie Elliott Vess.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clayton Champton Murphy, along with her siblings, Elizabeth...
William Leroy Stroupe
Nov 27, 2025
William “Leroy” Stroupe, 73, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
He was born in Buncombe County on October 18, 1952 to the late Bill Stroupe and Betty Craig Stroupe.
Known as a hard worker, he formerly worked at Baxter Healthcare, but he spent most of his life as...
Sandra Goforth Merola
Nov 26, 2025
Sandra Goforth Merola, 77, of Mooresville, NC, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord.
Sandra was born in Mitchell County, NC, on May 9, 1948, to the late Earsel Smith and Gladys Buchanan Smith. She was married to the late Joseph Merola, who passed away in 2023. Sandra was a member of...
Ashley Nicole Moore
Nov 26, 2025
Ashley Nicole Moore, age 37,was born on June 14, 1988, in McDowell County. She left this world unexpectedly on November 26, 2025, at Mission Hospital McDowell. Her life, though far too short, was filled with love, creativity, and joy that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Ashley was a devoted mother to her beloved children, Silas Thomas and Lisa...
Daniel McDonald Boone
Nov 26, 2025
On the morning of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Daniel McDonald Boone, 85, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.He was born in McDowell County on March 15, 1940 to the late Frank Boone and Tuie Bradburn Boone.With a career spanning over 35 years, Danny devoted his working life to Buckner Plumbing. He was...
Patricia Ann Wilson Stafford
Nov 25, 2025
Patricia Ann Wilson Stafford, passed away on November 25, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Born on June 7, 1955, in McDowell County, Patricia's life was marked by her unwavering faith, devotion to family, and passion for nurturing others.
Patricia was a proud and faithful member of the Faith Baptist Church in North Cove. Her spirit will be...
James Floyd Turpin
Nov 23, 2025
James Floyd Turpin, 56, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Pico Rivera, California on December 24, 1968 to Mary Helen Gibson Effler and the late James Brovell Turpin.
James dedicated a significant part of his life to his career at UPS before retiring. He was not only defined by his...
Mary Lou Radford Cable
Nov 23, 2025
Mary Lou Radford Cable, 79, of Marion, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Mary Lou was born in Marion, NC, on May 17, 1946, to the late Henry Clay Radford and Martha Mae Mace Radford. She was married to the late Don Cable. Mary Lou was a member of Turkey Cove...
Katherine Lois Austin Lackey
Nov 23, 2025
Katherine Lois Austin Lackey, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Autumn Care of Marion.
Katherine was born in McDowell County on May 22, 1949 to the late Andrew Austin and Cleone Cox Tumbleston.
A member of Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church, she loved the Lord and cherished her church family. Katherine took great...
Anna Rae Kelley
Nov 23, 2025
Anna Rae Kelley, 94, of Arden and formerly of Old Fort, passed away Sunday morning, November 23, 2025 at Biltmore Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation.
She was born in Evansville, Indiana on July 6, 1931 to the late William Kelley and Sarah Ethel Basden Kelley.
She was formerly employed in hydrotherapy, and she truly loved her work. Anna will be remembered for her...
Doyle Lee Parker
Nov 22, 2025
Doyle Lee Parker, age 88, of Union Mills, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Born December 06, 1936, in Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Odell Parker and Dora Conner Parker.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Nancy Brown Parker.
Doyle was a hardworking man who spent...
Carl Shelton
Nov 21, 2025
Carl Shelton, age 83, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at the McDowell House.
No services are planned at this time.
Richard Michael Draggett
Nov 20, 2025
Richard Michael Draggett, 72, of Marion, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at his residence.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Patricia Ann Thomas Wrenn
Nov 19, 2025
Patricia Ann Thomas Wrenn, 62, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.
No services are planned at this time.
Linda Faye Washington
Nov 18, 2025
On the morning of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Linda Faye Washington, age 76, of Marion, passed away at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
A native of Lakeland, Florida, Linda was born on September 17, 1949 to the late Alton Eugene Washington and Mary Louise Pearce Washington.
A proud veteran, Linda served for twenty years in the United States Army, where...
Shirley May Jackson Turner
Nov 16, 2025
Shirley May Jackson Turner, age 90, was received in the loving arms of the Lord, on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
She was born on July 9, 1935, in McDowell County to the late Esther Brown and James Jackson. Shirley began her Christian journey as a child at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. After years of dedicated service to her church and...
Barbara Jane Hunsinger Buchanan
Nov 16, 2025
Barbara Jane Hunsinger Buchanan, 77, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on the evening of Sunday, November 16, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A native of McDowell County, Barbara was born February 25, 1948 to the late Charles Lee Hunsinger and Timia Holland Hunsinger.
Barbara was a devoted and cherished member of Fairview Free Will Baptist...
Zora Darlene Robinson Lanning
Nov 29, 2025
Zora Darlene Robinson Lanning, 83, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
A native of Yancey County, she was born May 22, 1942 to the late Stokes Robinson and Lizzie Mae Robinson.
Darlene was a faithful member of Trinity Missionary Baptist for 52 years. She enjoyed making beautiful quilts, which...
Edsel G. Rogers
Nov 28, 2025
Edsel G. “Chico” Rogers, 67, of Marion, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
Chico was born in Seneca, South Carolina, on July 27, 1958, to the late Edsel Ford Rogers and Jessie Bell Grant Rogers. He loved being outdoors and was an avid fisherman. Chico enjoyed working with his...
Alice Elizabeth Evans
Nov 28, 2025
Alice Elizabeth Riddle Ballard Evans, 88, of Marion, passed away peacefully on the day after Thanksgiving, November 28, 2025 at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.
She was born August 18, 1937 in Mitchell County to the late Ernest and Grace McKinney Riddle. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Arnold Ray Ballard; her second husband, Robert “Bobby” Evans; one...
Shirley Jewel Vess Murphy
Nov 27, 2025
Shirley Jewel Vess Murphy, age 89, went home to be with the Lord November 27, 2025, with family by her side.
She was born on February 9, 1936 at home in McDowell County. She was the daughter of the late Otis and Flossie Elliott Vess.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clayton Champton Murphy, along with her siblings, Elizabeth...
William Leroy Stroupe
Nov 27, 2025
William “Leroy” Stroupe, 73, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.
He was born in Buncombe County on October 18, 1952 to the late Bill Stroupe and Betty Craig Stroupe.
Known as a hard worker, he formerly worked at Baxter Healthcare, but he spent most of his life as...
Sandra Goforth Merola
Nov 26, 2025
Sandra Goforth Merola, 77, of Mooresville, NC, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord.
Sandra was born in Mitchell County, NC, on May 9, 1948, to the late Earsel Smith and Gladys Buchanan Smith. She was married to the late Joseph Merola, who passed away in 2023. Sandra was a member of...
Ashley Nicole Moore
Nov 26, 2025
Ashley Nicole Moore, age 37,was born on June 14, 1988, in McDowell County. She left this world unexpectedly on November 26, 2025, at Mission Hospital McDowell. Her life, though far too short, was filled with love, creativity, and joy that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Ashley was a devoted mother to her beloved children, Silas Thomas and Lisa...
Daniel McDonald Boone
Nov 26, 2025
On the morning of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Daniel McDonald Boone, 85, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.He was born in McDowell County on March 15, 1940 to the late Frank Boone and Tuie Bradburn Boone.With a career spanning over 35 years, Danny devoted his working life to Buckner Plumbing. He was...
Patricia Ann Wilson Stafford
Nov 25, 2025
Patricia Ann Wilson Stafford, passed away on November 25, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Born on June 7, 1955, in McDowell County, Patricia's life was marked by her unwavering faith, devotion to family, and passion for nurturing others.
Patricia was a proud and faithful member of the Faith Baptist Church in North Cove. Her spirit will be...
James Floyd Turpin
Nov 23, 2025
James Floyd Turpin, 56, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
He was born in Pico Rivera, California on December 24, 1968 to Mary Helen Gibson Effler and the late James Brovell Turpin.
James dedicated a significant part of his life to his career at UPS before retiring. He was not only defined by his...
Mary Lou Radford Cable
Nov 23, 2025
Mary Lou Radford Cable, 79, of Marion, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Solace Center in Asheville.
Mary Lou was born in Marion, NC, on May 17, 1946, to the late Henry Clay Radford and Martha Mae Mace Radford. She was married to the late Don Cable. Mary Lou was a member of Turkey Cove...
Katherine Lois Austin Lackey
Nov 23, 2025
Katherine Lois Austin Lackey, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Autumn Care of Marion.
Katherine was born in McDowell County on May 22, 1949 to the late Andrew Austin and Cleone Cox Tumbleston.
A member of Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church, she loved the Lord and cherished her church family. Katherine took great...
Anna Rae Kelley
Nov 23, 2025
Anna Rae Kelley, 94, of Arden and formerly of Old Fort, passed away Sunday morning, November 23, 2025 at Biltmore Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation.
She was born in Evansville, Indiana on July 6, 1931 to the late William Kelley and Sarah Ethel Basden Kelley.
She was formerly employed in hydrotherapy, and she truly loved her work. Anna will be remembered for her...
Doyle Lee Parker
Nov 22, 2025
Doyle Lee Parker, age 88, of Union Mills, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Born December 06, 1936, in Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Odell Parker and Dora Conner Parker.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Nancy Brown Parker.
Doyle was a hardworking man who spent...
Carl Shelton
Nov 21, 2025
Carl Shelton, age 83, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at the McDowell House.
No services are planned at this time.
Richard Michael Draggett
Nov 20, 2025
Richard Michael Draggett, 72, of Marion, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at his residence.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Patricia Ann Thomas Wrenn
Nov 19, 2025
Patricia Ann Thomas Wrenn, 62, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.
No services are planned at this time.
Linda Faye Washington
Nov 18, 2025
On the morning of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Linda Faye Washington, age 76, of Marion, passed away at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
A native of Lakeland, Florida, Linda was born on September 17, 1949 to the late Alton Eugene Washington and Mary Louise Pearce Washington.
A proud veteran, Linda served for twenty years in the United States Army, where...
Shirley May Jackson Turner
Nov 16, 2025
Shirley May Jackson Turner, age 90, was received in the loving arms of the Lord, on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
She was born on July 9, 1935, in McDowell County to the late Esther Brown and James Jackson. Shirley began her Christian journey as a child at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. After years of dedicated service to her church and...
Barbara Jane Hunsinger Buchanan
Nov 16, 2025
Barbara Jane Hunsinger Buchanan, 77, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on the evening of Sunday, November 16, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A native of McDowell County, Barbara was born February 25, 1948 to the late Charles Lee Hunsinger and Timia Holland Hunsinger.
Barbara was a devoted and cherished member of Fairview Free Will Baptist...
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