Obituaries
Roy Lee Sumlin
Jan 18, 2026
Roy Lee Sumlin, 78, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 at his residence.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
A complete obituary will be available once finalized.
Pauline Elizabeth "Ebbie" Willis
Jan 18, 2026
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Pauline Elizabeth “Ebbie” Willis, 98, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Burke County on March 15, 1927 to the late Fate Lentz and Annie Abernathy Lentz.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Bailey.
Ebbie was a devoted homemaker who...
Betty Sue Smith
Jan 17, 2026
Betty Reese Smith, born on December 6, 1938, in McDowell County, departed this life on January 17, 2026. Having lived a vibrant and full life, she touched the hearts of many with her kindness and warmth.
Betty was a faithful figure at New Horizon Baptist Fellowship, an establishment where she not only worshipped but served as a charter member. Her commitment...
Daisy Thompson Hensley
Jan 15, 2026
Daisy Thompson Hensley, age 86, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on Thursday evening, surrounded by the love she so faithfully gave throughout her life.
Daisy was married to the love of her life, Gordon, for 67 years, a partnership built on faith, devotion, hard work, and enduring love. Together, they created a home grounded in kindness,...
Nellie Sue Jenkins Aldredge
Jan 15, 2026
On the morning of Thursday, January 15, 2026, Nellie Sue Jenkins Aldredge, 84, of the Glenwood Community, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Haywood County on July 22, 1941 to the late Dewey Crawford Jenkins and Lena Burr Messer Jenkins.
Nellie retired from Baxter Healthcare. A longtime member of Glenwood Baptist Church, she loved the Lord and...
Janice Lee Bailey
Jan 13, 2026
Janice Lee Bailey, born on February 28, 1969, in Shelby, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at Memorial Mission. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who touched the lives of many with her warmth and kindness.
Janice possessed a big heart and truly lived by the values of compassion and generosity. She was always eager...
Leonard Richard Hughes
Jan 13, 2026
Leonard Richard Hughes, a cherished member of the Marion community, passed away on January 13, 2026, at Mission McDowell Hospital. Born on September 2, 1950, in McDowell County, Leonard lived a life marked by service to both his family and his community.
A devoted member of the New Manna Baptist Church, Leonard served in numerous capacities throughout his life, including maintenance,...
Patricia Louise Davis Hitt
Jan 13, 2026
Patricia Louise Davis Hitt, 82, of Marion, passed away at Mission Hospital McDowell on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Patricia was born in Cumberland, Maryland on July 15, 1943 to the late Francis Charles Davis and Violet Garlitz Plummer, and her stepfather, Charlie Plummer.
She treasured her times spent outdoors working in her yard and watching nature. Some of her favorite pastimes were...
Lorene "Tootsie" Beam Staton
Jan 13, 2026
Lorene "Tootsie" Beam Staton, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 13, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on November 4, 1934, in Mitchell County, she filled the lives of those around her with warmth and love.
Tootsie was known as a loving mother and grandmother, nurturing her family with unwavering devotion. She is survived by her daughter Shirley...
Dewitt Riddle, Jr.
Jan 12, 2026
On Monday evening, January 12, 2026, Dewitt Riddle, Jr., age 92, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
A native of Mitchell County, Dewitt was born April 22, 1933 to the late Dewitt Riddle, Sr. and Arlene Buchanan Riddle.
Dewitt honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired from Drexel...
Terry Edward Crisp
Jan 11, 2026
On the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, Terry Edward Crisp, 62, of Marion, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in McDowell County on March 31, 1963. Terry was an over-the-road truck driver for over forty years, a job he truly loved. He enjoyed his trips across the country and remarkably never received...
Randy Hutchins
Jan 11, 2026
Randy Hutchins, passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 64. Born on June 23, 1961, in McDowell County, Randy dedicated over 30 years of his life to serving as an integral part of the McDowell School Bus Garage, where he was admired for his commitment and reliability.
Randy's passion for life extended beyond his professional achievements. He had...
Quentin Jerel Conley
Jan 11, 2026
Quentin Jerel Conley, age 50, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence.
Born on September 24, 1975, in McDowell County, Quentin was the son of James Conley and the late Rachel Logan Conley.
Quentin will be remembered for his warm spirit and great sense of humor. Known as a jokester, he had a natural ability to bring...
Walter Frank Morgan
Jan 11, 2026
Walter Frank Morgan, 83, of Marion, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Walter was born on February 17, 1942, to the late Oscar Bryan Morgan and Maggie Lawing Morgan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McClure Morgan; a grandbaby, Kylie Bailey; five...
Winnie Belle Petway
Jan 11, 2026
Winnie Belle Petway, 97, of Marion, North Carolina, formerly of Wilson, North Carolina went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 11, 2026.
Winnie was the second born of ten siblings on January 5, 1929. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence E. (1987) and Mattie Pridgen Hoggard (1972); husband, Robert (Bob) Petway (2014);...
Patricia Allen Taylor
Jan 8, 2026
Patricia Allen Taylor, of Morganton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the evening of her 84th birthday.
She was born in Asheville on January 8, 1942 to the late Jack Allen and Leila Jolly Allen.
Pat spent her career as a financial analyst in the textile industry where she was deeply committed to her work. A proud graduate of Old...
Danny Ray Lonon
Jan 8, 2026
Danny Ray Lonon, 71, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Danny was born in McDowell County, NC on November 18, 1954, to the late Calvin Steward Lonon, Sr. and Helen Louise Simmons Lonon. He served his country proudly in the United States Army. Danny was an avid outdoorsman who...
Betty Irene Ellison Troutman
Jan 8, 2026
On the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2026, Betty Irene Ellison Troutman, 83, of Nebo, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion.
She was born to the late Noah Lewis Ellison and Letha Estelle Mann Ellison in Haywood County on September 10, 1942. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Troutman; her sister, Christine...
Vera Mae Morgan Washburn
Jan 7, 2026
Vera Mae Morgan Washburn, a beloved educator and dedicated member of her community, passed away peacefully in her residence on January 7, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on July 8, 1937, in McDowell County, Vera was known for her nurturing spirit and her unwavering commitment to teaching special needs children throughout her 30-year career as a teacher assistant.
Vera’s...
Hazel Freshour
Jan 7, 2026
Hazel Freshour, 98, of Marion, NC, transitioned to Heaven, January 7, 2026, at her residence.
Hazel was born September 23, 1927 in Marion, NC, daughter of the late Kelly & Emma Plemmons.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Rev. Arelin Freshour; her son, Rev. Don Freshour; her grandson, Samuel Freshour; her son-in-law, Brian Bonorden; and all five...
Roy Lee Sumlin
Jan 18, 2026
Roy Lee Sumlin, 78, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 at his residence.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
A complete obituary will be available once finalized.
Pauline Elizabeth "Ebbie" Willis
Jan 18, 2026
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Pauline Elizabeth “Ebbie” Willis, 98, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Burke County on March 15, 1927 to the late Fate Lentz and Annie Abernathy Lentz.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Ruth Bailey.
Ebbie was a devoted homemaker who...
Betty Sue Smith
Jan 17, 2026
Betty Reese Smith, born on December 6, 1938, in McDowell County, departed this life on January 17, 2026. Having lived a vibrant and full life, she touched the hearts of many with her kindness and warmth.
Betty was a faithful figure at New Horizon Baptist Fellowship, an establishment where she not only worshipped but served as a charter member. Her commitment...
Daisy Thompson Hensley
Jan 15, 2026
Daisy Thompson Hensley, age 86, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on Thursday evening, surrounded by the love she so faithfully gave throughout her life.
Daisy was married to the love of her life, Gordon, for 67 years, a partnership built on faith, devotion, hard work, and enduring love. Together, they created a home grounded in kindness,...
Nellie Sue Jenkins Aldredge
Jan 15, 2026
On the morning of Thursday, January 15, 2026, Nellie Sue Jenkins Aldredge, 84, of the Glenwood Community, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Haywood County on July 22, 1941 to the late Dewey Crawford Jenkins and Lena Burr Messer Jenkins.
Nellie retired from Baxter Healthcare. A longtime member of Glenwood Baptist Church, she loved the Lord and...
Janice Lee Bailey
Jan 13, 2026
Janice Lee Bailey, born on February 28, 1969, in Shelby, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at Memorial Mission. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who touched the lives of many with her warmth and kindness.
Janice possessed a big heart and truly lived by the values of compassion and generosity. She was always eager...
Leonard Richard Hughes
Jan 13, 2026
Leonard Richard Hughes, a cherished member of the Marion community, passed away on January 13, 2026, at Mission McDowell Hospital. Born on September 2, 1950, in McDowell County, Leonard lived a life marked by service to both his family and his community.
A devoted member of the New Manna Baptist Church, Leonard served in numerous capacities throughout his life, including maintenance,...
Patricia Louise Davis Hitt
Jan 13, 2026
Patricia Louise Davis Hitt, 82, of Marion, passed away at Mission Hospital McDowell on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Patricia was born in Cumberland, Maryland on July 15, 1943 to the late Francis Charles Davis and Violet Garlitz Plummer, and her stepfather, Charlie Plummer.
She treasured her times spent outdoors working in her yard and watching nature. Some of her favorite pastimes were...
Lorene "Tootsie" Beam Staton
Jan 13, 2026
Lorene "Tootsie" Beam Staton, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 13, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on November 4, 1934, in Mitchell County, she filled the lives of those around her with warmth and love.
Tootsie was known as a loving mother and grandmother, nurturing her family with unwavering devotion. She is survived by her daughter Shirley...
Dewitt Riddle, Jr.
Jan 12, 2026
On Monday evening, January 12, 2026, Dewitt Riddle, Jr., age 92, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
A native of Mitchell County, Dewitt was born April 22, 1933 to the late Dewitt Riddle, Sr. and Arlene Buchanan Riddle.
Dewitt honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired from Drexel...
Terry Edward Crisp
Jan 11, 2026
On the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, Terry Edward Crisp, 62, of Marion, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in McDowell County on March 31, 1963. Terry was an over-the-road truck driver for over forty years, a job he truly loved. He enjoyed his trips across the country and remarkably never received...
Randy Hutchins
Jan 11, 2026
Randy Hutchins, passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 64. Born on June 23, 1961, in McDowell County, Randy dedicated over 30 years of his life to serving as an integral part of the McDowell School Bus Garage, where he was admired for his commitment and reliability.
Randy's passion for life extended beyond his professional achievements. He had...
Quentin Jerel Conley
Jan 11, 2026
Quentin Jerel Conley, age 50, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence.
Born on September 24, 1975, in McDowell County, Quentin was the son of James Conley and the late Rachel Logan Conley.
Quentin will be remembered for his warm spirit and great sense of humor. Known as a jokester, he had a natural ability to bring...
Walter Frank Morgan
Jan 11, 2026
Walter Frank Morgan, 83, of Marion, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Walter was born on February 17, 1942, to the late Oscar Bryan Morgan and Maggie Lawing Morgan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McClure Morgan; a grandbaby, Kylie Bailey; five...
Winnie Belle Petway
Jan 11, 2026
Winnie Belle Petway, 97, of Marion, North Carolina, formerly of Wilson, North Carolina went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 11, 2026.
Winnie was the second born of ten siblings on January 5, 1929. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence E. (1987) and Mattie Pridgen Hoggard (1972); husband, Robert (Bob) Petway (2014);...
Patricia Allen Taylor
Jan 8, 2026
Patricia Allen Taylor, of Morganton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the evening of her 84th birthday.
She was born in Asheville on January 8, 1942 to the late Jack Allen and Leila Jolly Allen.
Pat spent her career as a financial analyst in the textile industry where she was deeply committed to her work. A proud graduate of Old...
Danny Ray Lonon
Jan 8, 2026
Danny Ray Lonon, 71, of Marion, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Danny was born in McDowell County, NC on November 18, 1954, to the late Calvin Steward Lonon, Sr. and Helen Louise Simmons Lonon. He served his country proudly in the United States Army. Danny was an avid outdoorsman who...
Betty Irene Ellison Troutman
Jan 8, 2026
On the evening of Thursday, January 8, 2026, Betty Irene Ellison Troutman, 83, of Nebo, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion.
She was born to the late Noah Lewis Ellison and Letha Estelle Mann Ellison in Haywood County on September 10, 1942. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Troutman; her sister, Christine...
Vera Mae Morgan Washburn
Jan 7, 2026
Vera Mae Morgan Washburn, a beloved educator and dedicated member of her community, passed away peacefully in her residence on January 7, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on July 8, 1937, in McDowell County, Vera was known for her nurturing spirit and her unwavering commitment to teaching special needs children throughout her 30-year career as a teacher assistant.
Vera’s...
Hazel Freshour
Jan 7, 2026
Hazel Freshour, 98, of Marion, NC, transitioned to Heaven, January 7, 2026, at her residence.
Hazel was born September 23, 1927 in Marion, NC, daughter of the late Kelly & Emma Plemmons.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Rev. Arelin Freshour; her son, Rev. Don Freshour; her grandson, Samuel Freshour; her son-in-law, Brian Bonorden; and all five...
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