Obituaries
Cecil Max Owenby
Aug 9, 2025
On the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025, Cecil Max Owenby, age 91, of Marion, passed away at Frye Regional Medical Center.
A native of McDowell County, Cecil was born September 20, 1933 to the late Christopher Eli Owenby and Fannie Elizabeth Crawley Owenby.
Cecil worked in the grocery business his entire life. He formerly owned and operated Big Bonus as well...
Paula Jean Barber Elliott
Aug 9, 2025
Paula Jean Barber Elliott, 76, of the Glenwood Community, passed away Saturday morning, August 9, 2025 at her home with her family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on June 9, 1949 to Jean Wilson Barber and the late Paul Barber.
Paula worked nearly 45 years at Collins & Aikman. Her family meant the world to her,...
Kathy Renee Nelon
Aug 5, 2025
Kathy Renee Nelon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the Mission Campus, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on December 29, 1959, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, Kathy filled the lives of those around her with joy and warmth.
She was a devoted and loving wife to Danny Nelon,...
Arell Rutherford, Sr.
Aug 5, 2025
Our Kind Master in His infinite wisdom has called our father from labor to reward. Arell Rutherford, Sr., passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the age of 84.
He was born in McDowell County on April 7, 1941 to the late Gilbert Rutherford and Annie Lottie O’Neal Rutherford.
Mr. Rutherford was a longtime, faithful member of St. John AME Church in...
Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks
Aug 4, 2025
On the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025, Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks, of Taylorsville and formerly of Bakersville, passed away at the age of 102 with her two daughters by her side.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 25, 1923 to the late William Riley Johnson and Dolly Elizabeth Buchanan Johnson.
Mrs. Sparks was formerly employed at the Mitchell County...
Constance Cameron Morgan
Jul 30, 2025
Constance Cameron Morgan, a dedicated nurse and loving family member, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the Mission Campus. Born on January 8, 1954, in York County, Pennsylvania, she dedicated 30 years of her life to the noble profession of nursing, caring for countless individuals with compassion and skill.
Constance was a cherished wife to David Morgan, with whom she...
Gary Reid Hawkins
Jul 30, 2025
Gary Reid Hawkins, born on October 17, 1955, in McDowell County, passed away on July 30, 2025, at Swannanoa Valley Health and Rehab. He was a dedicated son, brother, and uncle.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, William Howard Hawkins, his mother, Betty Wright Hawkins, and his brother, David Howard Hawkins. Surviving family members, including his brother, Benjamin Hawkins,...
George John Justice
Jul 29, 2025
George Justice, 87, of Nebo, North Carolina, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 15, 1938, in Newark, NJ, George was the son of the late George Justice and Winifred Burke Justice. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Stephen Potter...
Stephen Michael Carlsen
Jul 29, 2025
Stephen Michael Carlsen, born on November 13, 1956, in New York, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 29, 2025.
Stephen was a cherished companion to Sandra Clemons. He is survived by his beloved sister Becky Carlsen and his brother Blake Carlsen.
Stephen was predeceased by his parents, David Nelson Carlsen and Yvonne Kent Carlsen.
In keeping with his wishes no services...
John Early Huddle III
Jul 29, 2025
John Early Huddle, III, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was 64 years old.
In addition to his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his parents John Early Huddle, Jr. and Darlene (Bays) Eichler, and a nephew, Joshua Forbes. He is survived by his stepmother Joyce P. Huddle; his...
Kevin Lane Knowlton
Jul 29, 2025
Kevin Lane Knowlton, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville.
He was born in McDowell County on August 9, 1957 to the late Frederick Charles Knowlton and Joyce Lewis Knowlton. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Eddie Knowlton and Danny Knowlton.
Kevin was a proud veteran of the...
Fannie Mae Lewis
Jul 27, 2025
Fannie Mae Lewis, 78, of Marion, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her residence.
Fannie was born in McDowell County, NC, on September 24, 1946, to the late Martha R. Rumfelt and Millard E. Lewis. She was of Freewill Baptist faith and was very down-to-earth and straight spoken. Throughout her life, Fannie was very fond of her many dogs. Most...
Sharon Lynn Webb
Jul 27, 2025
Sharon Lynn Webb, 53, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
A native of McDowell County, she was born August 3, 1971 to James Andrew Webb and the late Mildred Louise Allison Webb. Sharon was known by all as a very social person who was always spending time with her friends. She enjoyed traveling, listening...
Holly Anne Dolcater Whitsett
Jul 25, 2025
Holly Anne Dolcater Whitsett, 65, of Marion, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Holly was born on October 18, 1959, in Marrero, Louisiana. A vibrant and artistic soul, she found beauty in every corner of the world and in the smallest of moments. Her boundless curiosity and love of learning shaped...
Gloria Jean Turner Gunter
Jul 23, 2025
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Gloria Jean Turner Gunter, 79, of Nebo, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gloria was born in McDowell County on April 19, 1946 and was the loving daughter of Violet Allison Moore and Bennie Moore who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of the...
Karen Lynn Browning York
Jul 22, 2025
Karen Lynn Browning York, 68, of Marion, passed away at her residence on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025 with her loving family by her side.
She was born in Pinellas County, Florida on October 29, 1956 to the late David Lee Browning and Dorothy Hazel ORourke Browning. Karen was an avid and talented bowler, and she had a particular fondness for...
Pastor Samuel Jefferson Hall, III
Jul 21, 2025
Pastor Samuel Jefferson Hall, III, 57, of Marion, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025 at his residence.
A native of McDowell County, Jeff was born September 10, 1967 to Jane Williamson Davis and the late Samuel Jefferson Hall, Jr.
A man of unwavering faith and deep commitment, he devoted his life to the service of the Lord. He was a member of...
William Latten Soule, Jr.
Jul 21, 2025
William Latten Soule, Jr., 86, of Newland, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
A native of Pensacola, Florida, Bill was born February 25, 1939 to the late William Latten Soule and Mary Oliver Soule.
A proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame in 1961, Bill formed a lifelong partnership with his wife, Peggy, whom...
Linda Gail Jones Horney
Jul 20, 2025
Linda Gail Jones Horney, age 77, of Marion, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Born on November 12, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Jessie James Jones and Amelia Franklin of Newland, NC. Linda was known as “Boo” to her husband Charles and as “Little Nannie” to her grandson Cole and many...
Debra Gail McCall Bradley
Jul 19, 2025
Debra Gail McCall Bradley, 66, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in McDowell County on August 25, 1958 to the late Sid Cecil McCall and Nevada McKinney McCall. She was a 1976 graduate of McDowell High School and was formerly employed at Baxter Healthcare. She will be remembered by her husband as...
Cecil Max Owenby
Aug 9, 2025
On the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025, Cecil Max Owenby, age 91, of Marion, passed away at Frye Regional Medical Center.
A native of McDowell County, Cecil was born September 20, 1933 to the late Christopher Eli Owenby and Fannie Elizabeth Crawley Owenby.
Cecil worked in the grocery business his entire life. He formerly owned and operated Big Bonus as well...
Paula Jean Barber Elliott
Aug 9, 2025
Paula Jean Barber Elliott, 76, of the Glenwood Community, passed away Saturday morning, August 9, 2025 at her home with her family by her side.
A native of McDowell County, she was born on June 9, 1949 to Jean Wilson Barber and the late Paul Barber.
Paula worked nearly 45 years at Collins & Aikman. Her family meant the world to her,...
Kathy Renee Nelon
Aug 5, 2025
Kathy Renee Nelon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on August 5, 2025, at the Mission Campus, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on December 29, 1959, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, Kathy filled the lives of those around her with joy and warmth.
She was a devoted and loving wife to Danny Nelon,...
Arell Rutherford, Sr.
Aug 5, 2025
Our Kind Master in His infinite wisdom has called our father from labor to reward. Arell Rutherford, Sr., passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the age of 84.
He was born in McDowell County on April 7, 1941 to the late Gilbert Rutherford and Annie Lottie O’Neal Rutherford.
Mr. Rutherford was a longtime, faithful member of St. John AME Church in...
Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks
Aug 4, 2025
On the morning of Monday, August 4, 2025, Zella Georgia Johnson Sparks, of Taylorsville and formerly of Bakersville, passed away at the age of 102 with her two daughters by her side.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 25, 1923 to the late William Riley Johnson and Dolly Elizabeth Buchanan Johnson.
Mrs. Sparks was formerly employed at the Mitchell County...
Constance Cameron Morgan
Jul 30, 2025
Constance Cameron Morgan, a dedicated nurse and loving family member, passed away on July 30, 2025, at the Mission Campus. Born on January 8, 1954, in York County, Pennsylvania, she dedicated 30 years of her life to the noble profession of nursing, caring for countless individuals with compassion and skill.
Constance was a cherished wife to David Morgan, with whom she...
Gary Reid Hawkins
Jul 30, 2025
Gary Reid Hawkins, born on October 17, 1955, in McDowell County, passed away on July 30, 2025, at Swannanoa Valley Health and Rehab. He was a dedicated son, brother, and uncle.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, William Howard Hawkins, his mother, Betty Wright Hawkins, and his brother, David Howard Hawkins. Surviving family members, including his brother, Benjamin Hawkins,...
George John Justice
Jul 29, 2025
George Justice, 87, of Nebo, North Carolina, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on May 15, 1938, in Newark, NJ, George was the son of the late George Justice and Winifred Burke Justice. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Stephen Potter...
Stephen Michael Carlsen
Jul 29, 2025
Stephen Michael Carlsen, born on November 13, 1956, in New York, passed away peacefully at his residence on July 29, 2025.
Stephen was a cherished companion to Sandra Clemons. He is survived by his beloved sister Becky Carlsen and his brother Blake Carlsen.
Stephen was predeceased by his parents, David Nelson Carlsen and Yvonne Kent Carlsen.
In keeping with his wishes no services...
John Early Huddle III
Jul 29, 2025
John Early Huddle, III, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was 64 years old.
In addition to his grandparents, he was preceded in death by his parents John Early Huddle, Jr. and Darlene (Bays) Eichler, and a nephew, Joshua Forbes. He is survived by his stepmother Joyce P. Huddle; his...
Kevin Lane Knowlton
Jul 29, 2025
Kevin Lane Knowlton, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville.
He was born in McDowell County on August 9, 1957 to the late Frederick Charles Knowlton and Joyce Lewis Knowlton. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Eddie Knowlton and Danny Knowlton.
Kevin was a proud veteran of the...
Fannie Mae Lewis
Jul 27, 2025
Fannie Mae Lewis, 78, of Marion, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her residence.
Fannie was born in McDowell County, NC, on September 24, 1946, to the late Martha R. Rumfelt and Millard E. Lewis. She was of Freewill Baptist faith and was very down-to-earth and straight spoken. Throughout her life, Fannie was very fond of her many dogs. Most...
Sharon Lynn Webb
Jul 27, 2025
Sharon Lynn Webb, 53, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
A native of McDowell County, she was born August 3, 1971 to James Andrew Webb and the late Mildred Louise Allison Webb. Sharon was known by all as a very social person who was always spending time with her friends. She enjoyed traveling, listening...
Holly Anne Dolcater Whitsett
Jul 25, 2025
Holly Anne Dolcater Whitsett, 65, of Marion, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Holly was born on October 18, 1959, in Marrero, Louisiana. A vibrant and artistic soul, she found beauty in every corner of the world and in the smallest of moments. Her boundless curiosity and love of learning shaped...
Gloria Jean Turner Gunter
Jul 23, 2025
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Gloria Jean Turner Gunter, 79, of Nebo, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gloria was born in McDowell County on April 19, 1946 and was the loving daughter of Violet Allison Moore and Bennie Moore who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of the...
Karen Lynn Browning York
Jul 22, 2025
Karen Lynn Browning York, 68, of Marion, passed away at her residence on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025 with her loving family by her side.
She was born in Pinellas County, Florida on October 29, 1956 to the late David Lee Browning and Dorothy Hazel ORourke Browning. Karen was an avid and talented bowler, and she had a particular fondness for...
Pastor Samuel Jefferson Hall, III
Jul 21, 2025
Pastor Samuel Jefferson Hall, III, 57, of Marion, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025 at his residence.
A native of McDowell County, Jeff was born September 10, 1967 to Jane Williamson Davis and the late Samuel Jefferson Hall, Jr.
A man of unwavering faith and deep commitment, he devoted his life to the service of the Lord. He was a member of...
William Latten Soule, Jr.
Jul 21, 2025
William Latten Soule, Jr., 86, of Newland, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
A native of Pensacola, Florida, Bill was born February 25, 1939 to the late William Latten Soule and Mary Oliver Soule.
A proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame in 1961, Bill formed a lifelong partnership with his wife, Peggy, whom...
Linda Gail Jones Horney
Jul 20, 2025
Linda Gail Jones Horney, age 77, of Marion, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Born on November 12, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Jessie James Jones and Amelia Franklin of Newland, NC. Linda was known as “Boo” to her husband Charles and as “Little Nannie” to her grandson Cole and many...
Debra Gail McCall Bradley
Jul 19, 2025
Debra Gail McCall Bradley, 66, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.
She was born in McDowell County on August 25, 1958 to the late Sid Cecil McCall and Nevada McKinney McCall. She was a 1976 graduate of McDowell High School and was formerly employed at Baxter Healthcare. She will be remembered by her husband as...
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