Obituaries
Albert Carl Crain
Jan 20, 2026
On the morning of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Albert Carl Crain, age 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Yancey County, he was born November 12, 1942 to the late Earlis Crain and Jenny Silvers Crain.
Al was employed for over 30 years as a Reliability Engineer with Kearfott Corporation. An avid outdoorsman...
John Charles Leight
Jan 20, 2026
John Charles Leight, 70, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
He was born at Fort Benning, Georgia on November 2, 1955 to the late Robert L. Leight and Rosetta Gillespie Leight. He was a veteran of the United States Army and will be remembered as a loving brother and uncle. He will be deeply missed.
Those...
Carl Michael Marlowe
Jan 20, 2026
Carl Michael Marlowe, 68, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born in McDowell County on August 3, 1957 to the late Carl Howard Marlowe and Ella Faye Hall Marlowe.
Mike dedicated a remarkable 35 years of his career to Baxter Healthcare. He was deeply involved in his community. He served as a...
Irma Janette Banks Shipman
Jan 20, 2026
Irma Janette Banks Shipman, 81, of Nebo, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at her residence.
A native of Buncombe County, she was born on January 22, 1944 to the late Grady McKinley Banks and Gladys Louise Neighbors Banks.
She was employed at the former Tom’s Rehab as an RN Trainee. Irma loved her family, and she had a special place in...
Joan Elaine Styles Moore
Jan 19, 2026
Joan Elaine Styles Moore, 60, of Marion, passed away peacefully Monday, January 19, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 6, 1966 to the late Joe Ted Styles and JoAnn Dellinger Styles. Joan enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and with her children and other family members. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents,...
Troy Lee Smith
Jan 19, 2026
Troy Lee Smith, 72, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Troy was born in McDowell County, NC, on February 19, 1953, to the late Jeff Franklin Smith and Carrie Lawing Smith. Troy enjoyed playing his guitar and was a talented artist who loved to draw. He will always be...
Melda Sue Laws
Jan 19, 2026
Melda Sue Skeens Laws, born on April 6, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on January 19, 2026, at the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Susie was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and companion, who touched the lives of many during her time.
She was the cherished daughter of Fon Edgar Skeens and Tennessee Hall Skeens, both of whom have...
Charles James Rhyne
Jan 18, 2026
Charles James Rhyne, age 82, of Three Mile Community, went Home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a 17 year courageous battle with cancer.
Born on March 12th, 1943 in Avery County NC, he was the son of the late Jack and Ruth Dellinger Rhyne of Spear, NC. In...
Roy Lee Sumlin
Jan 18, 2026
Roy Sumlin the beloved son of the late Joseph “Willie” Sumlin and Dorothy Pruitt Rhom Sumlin passed away Sunday January 18, 2026. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. The many scars left on these soldiers we will never know or understand. He is now at home with the Lord and while we that are left behind, grieve...
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...
Albert Carl Crain
Jan 20, 2026
On the morning of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Albert Carl Crain, age 83, of Marion, passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Yancey County, he was born November 12, 1942 to the late Earlis Crain and Jenny Silvers Crain.
Al was employed for over 30 years as a Reliability Engineer with Kearfott Corporation. An avid outdoorsman...
John Charles Leight
Jan 20, 2026
John Charles Leight, 70, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.
He was born at Fort Benning, Georgia on November 2, 1955 to the late Robert L. Leight and Rosetta Gillespie Leight. He was a veteran of the United States Army and will be remembered as a loving brother and uncle. He will be deeply missed.
Those...
Carl Michael Marlowe
Jan 20, 2026
Carl Michael Marlowe, 68, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.
He was born in McDowell County on August 3, 1957 to the late Carl Howard Marlowe and Ella Faye Hall Marlowe.
Mike dedicated a remarkable 35 years of his career to Baxter Healthcare. He was deeply involved in his community. He served as a...
Irma Janette Banks Shipman
Jan 20, 2026
Irma Janette Banks Shipman, 81, of Nebo, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at her residence.
A native of Buncombe County, she was born on January 22, 1944 to the late Grady McKinley Banks and Gladys Louise Neighbors Banks.
She was employed at the former Tom’s Rehab as an RN Trainee. Irma loved her family, and she had a special place in...
Joan Elaine Styles Moore
Jan 19, 2026
Joan Elaine Styles Moore, 60, of Marion, passed away peacefully Monday, January 19, 2026 at her residence.
She was born in Mitchell County on January 6, 1966 to the late Joe Ted Styles and JoAnn Dellinger Styles. Joan enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and with her children and other family members. She will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents,...
Troy Lee Smith
Jan 19, 2026
Troy Lee Smith, 72, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Troy was born in McDowell County, NC, on February 19, 1953, to the late Jeff Franklin Smith and Carrie Lawing Smith. Troy enjoyed playing his guitar and was a talented artist who loved to draw. He will always be...
Melda Sue Laws
Jan 19, 2026
Melda Sue Skeens Laws, born on April 6, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on January 19, 2026, at the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Susie was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and companion, who touched the lives of many during her time.
She was the cherished daughter of Fon Edgar Skeens and Tennessee Hall Skeens, both of whom have...
Charles James Rhyne
Jan 18, 2026
Charles James Rhyne, age 82, of Three Mile Community, went Home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a 17 year courageous battle with cancer.
Born on March 12th, 1943 in Avery County NC, he was the son of the late Jack and Ruth Dellinger Rhyne of Spear, NC. In...
Roy Lee Sumlin
Jan 18, 2026
Roy Sumlin the beloved son of the late Joseph “Willie” Sumlin and Dorothy Pruitt Rhom Sumlin passed away Sunday January 18, 2026. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. The many scars left on these soldiers we will never know or understand. He is now at home with the Lord and while we that are left behind, grieve...
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...
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