Obituaries

Emanuel Lee Lytle

Emanuel Lee Lytle

May 15, 2024

     Emanuel Lee Lytle, 84, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Autumn Care of Marion.

  

     Emanuel was born in Rutherford County, NC on June 22, 1939, to the late Gladys Woods Lytle and Hoyt Graham Lytle, Sr. He was married to his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Lee Hunt Lytle, who passed away in December...

John Evans Barr

John Evans Barr

May 13, 2024

     John Evans Barr, 67, of Marion, passed away, Monday, May 13, 2024, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     John was born in Neeses, SC on December 5, 1956, to the late John G. Barr and Mary Emmaline Hoover Barr. He was married to Shirley Barr, who passed away in March of 2015. John was an excellent mechanic who loved...

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

May 13, 2024

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie, 71, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Monday, May 13, 2024.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1952 to the late Johnny Wilson and Mary Margaret Calloway Penland. 

 

Judy worked in the furniture industry for most of her life. She was employed by both Ethan Allen and Broyhill. She will be remembered...

Margaret Thomas Tabor

Margaret Thomas Tabor

May 12, 2024

Margaret Thomas Tabor, 84, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday evening, May 12, 2024 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1940 to the late Hicks Allison and Katherine Grindstaff Allison. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Thomas; second husband, James Tabor; her sister, Betty Marlowe; grandson, Matthew Gossett;...

Dortha Hardy Carson

Dortha Hardy Carson

May 12, 2024

Ms. Dortha Hardy Carson, age 78, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at her residence. A native of McDowell County she was born on January 13, 1946 to the late Eula Virginia Hardy and Dolphus Tate. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Irene Wilkerson, Elaine Tate; brothers, Charles Hardy, Ralph Hardy,...

Carolyn Van Ness

Carolyn Van Ness

May 11, 2024

     Carolyn Kathleen Van Ness, 79, of Asheville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her residence. At this time, arrangements are incomplete. Service information will be announced when finalized. 

April Shuffler

April Shuffler

May 11, 2024

     April Denise McCracken Shuffler, 42, of Morganton, passed away, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

 

     April was born in Hickory, NC, on April 13, 1982, to Dennis Joel McCracken and Cynthia Dianne Ray McCracken. She was married to her husband of 23 years, Robert “Jason” Shuffler. April was an avid reader and was...

Janice (Mema) Brennan

Janice (Mema) Brennan

May 11, 2024

Janice Brennan (Mema) born July 1, 1936 in Jersey City, NJ, passed away, at home, surrounded by the ones who loved her the most.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Brennan; son, Keith Ricci; daughters, Lorin Ricci and Patricia Brennan; and granddaughters, Kristen Leese and Claire Westall.

 

Mema was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved children,...

Annie Faye Vess

Annie Faye Vess

May 9, 2024

Annie Faye Vess, 95, of Marion passed away at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center in Black Mountain on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Born in McDowell County on April 30, 1929, Annie was the daughter of the late James Edward Vess and Mary Elizabeth Jolly Vess. Also preceding were siblings Clyde Vess (Vena), Ruby Vess, Gladys Allison (Donald), and her twin sister Fannie...

Rena Isabelle McGee

Rena Isabelle McGee

May 8, 2024

Rena Isabelle McGee, 88, a resident of Old Fort passed away at Carepartners Solace Center of Asheville on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. 

Rena was born on July 8, 1935 in Jackson County, NC to the late Albert McHeffey and the late Maude Foster McHeffey. Rena enjoyed nature and loved watching cardinals, chickens and frogs.

Surviving Rena are her children, Hilda Edwards (Jerry)...

Robert Earl Long

Robert Earl Long

May 7, 2024

Robert Earl Long, 77, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.A native of McDowell County, he was born November 22, 1946 to the late Earl Edward Long and Edna Nancy Norton Long. Mr. Long was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and worked as a pharmacist for over 30 years. He will be...

Jimmy Lee Allen

Jimmy Lee Allen

May 7, 2024

Jimmy Lee Allen, 81, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

A native of Buncombe County, he was born May 12, 1942 to the late William Carson Allen and Altha Berlyn McPeters Allen. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Edith Morris Allen; granddaughter, Ansley Grace Carpenter; and a sister, Tamara Diane...

Robert Jerome Matson

Robert Jerome Matson

May 7, 2024

     Robert “Bob” Jerome Matson, 78 years old, born in Blair, Wisconsin, on May 1, 1946, went home to be with Jesus on May 7, 2024.

 

     Bob was an Army veteran and served his country in Germany. He was an engineer and worked at Outboard Marine Corporation/Bombardier for 35 years. Bob started a landscape business after his retirement....

Vivian R. Frisbee Banks

Vivian R. Frisbee Banks

May 6, 2024

Vivian R. Frisbee Banks went to be with her Lord on Monday, May 6, 2024.Vivian was born in Marion, NC to the late Delmer J. and Nola Baker Reynolds on December 8, 1927. She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Frisbee; second husband, Lennie M. Banks; her brothers, Harold, Wayne, Jack, and Foy Mack "Bud;" and sisters,...

Angelo Castro, Jr.

Angelo Castro, Jr.

May 5, 2024

     Angelo Castro, Jr., 60, of Nebo, NC, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, at his residence.

 

     Angelo was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 15, 1963, to the late Blanca Edy Rivera and Angelo Castro, Sr. He was married to his wife of 34 years, Heidi R. Koch-Castro. Angelo was a train operator for the New York...

Mary Lou "Mimi" Padgett Allison

Mary Lou "Mimi" Padgett Allison

May 4, 2024

Her given name was Mary Lou, but everyone called her Mimi. Her nickname fit. Diminutive in size, she would ball up her hand in a small fist and say she was tougher than a pine knot. In fact, Mimi was all heart; sweet, kind, tenderhearted, humble.Mary Lou "Mimi" Padgett Allison, who suffered through more than six years of declining health...

Lori Norman

Lori Norman

May 3, 2024

Lori Norman, 12/28/1948 - 5/3/2024

 

On the occasion of Lori’s 75th birthday in December, this is some of what Bob wrote to her:

 

“This feels like a good time and place to acknowledge and celebrate the many powerful, loving impacts you’ve had on so many other lives. In the varied roles to which you gave your heart and soul, you always found...

Julia Ginette Postell Grant

Julia Ginette Postell Grant

May 3, 2024

 

Julia Ginette Postell Grant, 69, of Marion, departed this life Friday, May 3, 2024 after a brief illness.

She was born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on November 27, 1954 to the late Preston Postell and Doretha Edwards. She also is preceded in death by a second mother, Mildred Reid Postell; and her son, David Jonathan Grant.

Julia Postell Grant was an...

Donald Aaron McKinney

Donald Aaron McKinney

May 3, 2024

     Donald Aaron McKinney, 67, of Marion, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, at his residence. 

 

     Donald was born in Mitchell County, NC on September 10, 1956, to the late Lee McKinney and Maxine Lowery McKinney. He was married to his wife of twenty-six years, Wanda Jane Rumfelt McKinney. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing. Donald...

Rebecca Ann Wilson Kelly

Rebecca Ann Wilson Kelly

May 3, 2024

Rebecca Ann Wilson Kelly, 72, of Nebo, passed away at Mission Memorial of Asheville on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Rebecca was born in McDowell County on February 3, 1952 to the late Andy Thomas Wilson and the late Grace Moody Wilson.

 Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Howard Dennis Kelly; her children, Brett Moore (Allen) of Nebo, and Joshua Kelly...

Emanuel Lee Lytle

Emanuel Lee Lytle

May 15, 2024

     Emanuel Lee Lytle, 84, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Autumn Care of Marion.

  

     Emanuel was born in Rutherford County, NC on June 22, 1939, to the late Gladys Woods Lytle and Hoyt Graham Lytle, Sr. He was married to his wife of 51 years, Carolyn Lee Hunt Lytle, who passed away in December...

John Evans Barr

John Evans Barr

May 13, 2024

     John Evans Barr, 67, of Marion, passed away, Monday, May 13, 2024, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

 

     John was born in Neeses, SC on December 5, 1956, to the late John G. Barr and Mary Emmaline Hoover Barr. He was married to Shirley Barr, who passed away in March of 2015. John was an excellent mechanic who loved...

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie

May 13, 2024

Judy Priscilla Calloway Howie, 71, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Monday, May 13, 2024.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1952 to the late Johnny Wilson and Mary Margaret Calloway Penland. 

 

Judy worked in the furniture industry for most of her life. She was employed by both Ethan Allen and Broyhill. She will be remembered...

Margaret Thomas Tabor

Margaret Thomas Tabor

May 12, 2024

Margaret Thomas Tabor, 84, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday evening, May 12, 2024 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1940 to the late Hicks Allison and Katherine Grindstaff Allison. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Thomas; second husband, James Tabor; her sister, Betty Marlowe; grandson, Matthew Gossett;...

Dortha Hardy Carson

Dortha Hardy Carson

May 12, 2024

Ms. Dortha Hardy Carson, age 78, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at her residence. A native of McDowell County she was born on January 13, 1946 to the late Eula Virginia Hardy and Dolphus Tate. She is preceded in death by her sisters, Irene Wilkerson, Elaine Tate; brothers, Charles Hardy, Ralph Hardy,...

Carolyn Van Ness

Carolyn Van Ness

May 11, 2024

     Carolyn Kathleen Van Ness, 79, of Asheville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her residence. At this time, arrangements are incomplete. Service information will be announced when finalized. 

April Shuffler

April Shuffler

May 11, 2024

     April Denise McCracken Shuffler, 42, of Morganton, passed away, Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Duke University Hospital in Durham.

 

     April was born in Hickory, NC, on April 13, 1982, to Dennis Joel McCracken and Cynthia Dianne Ray McCracken. She was married to her husband of 23 years, Robert “Jason” Shuffler. April was an avid reader and was...

Janice (Mema) Brennan

Janice (Mema) Brennan

May 11, 2024

Janice Brennan (Mema) born July 1, 1936 in Jersey City, NJ, passed away, at home, surrounded by the ones who loved her the most.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Brennan; son, Keith Ricci; daughters, Lorin Ricci and Patricia Brennan; and granddaughters, Kristen Leese and Claire Westall.

 

Mema was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved children,...

Annie Faye Vess

Annie Faye Vess

May 9, 2024

Annie Faye Vess, 95, of Marion passed away at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center in Black Mountain on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Born in McDowell County on April 30, 1929, Annie was the daughter of the late James Edward Vess and Mary Elizabeth Jolly Vess. Also preceding were siblings Clyde Vess (Vena), Ruby Vess, Gladys Allison (Donald), and her twin sister Fannie...

Rena Isabelle McGee

Rena Isabelle McGee

May 8, 2024

Rena Isabelle McGee, 88, a resident of Old Fort passed away at Carepartners Solace Center of Asheville on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. 

Rena was born on July 8, 1935 in Jackson County, NC to the late Albert McHeffey and the late Maude Foster McHeffey. Rena enjoyed nature and loved watching cardinals, chickens and frogs.

Surviving Rena are her children, Hilda Edwards (Jerry)...

Robert Earl Long

Robert Earl Long

May 7, 2024

Robert Earl Long, 77, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.A native of McDowell County, he was born November 22, 1946 to the late Earl Edward Long and Edna Nancy Norton Long. Mr. Long was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and worked as a pharmacist for over 30 years. He will be...

Jimmy Lee Allen

Jimmy Lee Allen

May 7, 2024

Jimmy Lee Allen, 81, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

A native of Buncombe County, he was born May 12, 1942 to the late William Carson Allen and Altha Berlyn McPeters Allen. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Edith Morris Allen; granddaughter, Ansley Grace Carpenter; and a sister, Tamara Diane...

Robert Jerome Matson

Robert Jerome Matson

May 7, 2024

     Robert “Bob” Jerome Matson, 78 years old, born in Blair, Wisconsin, on May 1, 1946, went home to be with Jesus on May 7, 2024.

 

     Bob was an Army veteran and served his country in Germany. He was an engineer and worked at Outboard Marine Corporation/Bombardier for 35 years. Bob started a landscape business after his retirement....

Vivian R. Frisbee Banks

Vivian R. Frisbee Banks

May 6, 2024

Vivian R. Frisbee Banks went to be with her Lord on Monday, May 6, 2024.Vivian was born in Marion, NC to the late Delmer J. and Nola Baker Reynolds on December 8, 1927. She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Frisbee; second husband, Lennie M. Banks; her brothers, Harold, Wayne, Jack, and Foy Mack "Bud;" and sisters,...

Angelo Castro, Jr.

Angelo Castro, Jr.

May 5, 2024

     Angelo Castro, Jr., 60, of Nebo, NC, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, at his residence.

 

     Angelo was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 15, 1963, to the late Blanca Edy Rivera and Angelo Castro, Sr. He was married to his wife of 34 years, Heidi R. Koch-Castro. Angelo was a train operator for the New York...

Mary Lou "Mimi" Padgett Allison

Mary Lou "Mimi" Padgett Allison

May 4, 2024

Her given name was Mary Lou, but everyone called her Mimi. Her nickname fit. Diminutive in size, she would ball up her hand in a small fist and say she was tougher than a pine knot. In fact, Mimi was all heart; sweet, kind, tenderhearted, humble.Mary Lou "Mimi" Padgett Allison, who suffered through more than six years of declining health...

Lori Norman

Lori Norman

May 3, 2024

Lori Norman, 12/28/1948 - 5/3/2024

 

On the occasion of Lori’s 75th birthday in December, this is some of what Bob wrote to her:

 

“This feels like a good time and place to acknowledge and celebrate the many powerful, loving impacts you’ve had on so many other lives. In the varied roles to which you gave your heart and soul, you always found...

Julia Ginette Postell Grant

Julia Ginette Postell Grant

May 3, 2024

 

Julia Ginette Postell Grant, 69, of Marion, departed this life Friday, May 3, 2024 after a brief illness.

She was born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on November 27, 1954 to the late Preston Postell and Doretha Edwards. She also is preceded in death by a second mother, Mildred Reid Postell; and her son, David Jonathan Grant.

Julia Postell Grant was an...

Donald Aaron McKinney

Donald Aaron McKinney

May 3, 2024

     Donald Aaron McKinney, 67, of Marion, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, at his residence. 

 

     Donald was born in Mitchell County, NC on September 10, 1956, to the late Lee McKinney and Maxine Lowery McKinney. He was married to his wife of twenty-six years, Wanda Jane Rumfelt McKinney. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing. Donald...

Rebecca Ann Wilson Kelly

Rebecca Ann Wilson Kelly

May 3, 2024

Rebecca Ann Wilson Kelly, 72, of Nebo, passed away at Mission Memorial of Asheville on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Rebecca was born in McDowell County on February 3, 1952 to the late Andy Thomas Wilson and the late Grace Moody Wilson.

 Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Howard Dennis Kelly; her children, Brett Moore (Allen) of Nebo, and Joshua Kelly...

Share by: