Obituaries

Zelda Anderson Branch

Zelda Anderson Branch

Jan 26, 2024

Zelda Anderson Branch, age 88, of the Ashford Community, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024.

 

Zelda was born in McDowell County on April 14, 1935, the youngest child of the late Kathryn England Anderson and Vince Anderson. She graduated from Marion High School in 1953 where she was an excellent student and even after all these years she still talked...

Dorothy Marie McConnell

Dorothy Marie McConnell

Jan 26, 2024

On January 26, 2024, Dorothy Marie Richardson McConnell born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away at age 78 in Morganton, NC. She passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s surrounded by her loved ones.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Douglas Michael McConnell of Morganton, NC. A daughter, Dorraine McConnell Hernandez and husband Carlos A. Hernandez...

Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle

Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle

Jan 26, 2024

Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle, age 89, of Marion, NC, was summoned from her earthly duties January 26, 2024, to bask in the joys of living for eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Today she is reuniting with loved ones gone before her.  No longer will she suffer the agony of dementia, but will be whole in her mind...

Norman Dean Robinson, Sr.

Norman Dean Robinson, Sr.

Jan 24, 2024

Norman Dean Robinson, Sr. age 80, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Rehabilitation on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

 

Norman was born on April 18, 1943 in McDowell County to the late Gay Robinson and the late Bonnie Autrey Robinson. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Otis Robinson, and Wayne Robinson; a sister Irma Fender and a grandson,...

Russell Alexander Hollifield

Russell Alexander Hollifield

Jan 23, 2024

Russell Alexander Hollifield, 76, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Alex was born on May 9, 1947 in McDowell County to the late Jamie McCall Hollifield and Russell Greed Hollifield.

 

He worked as a Mechanical Designer at various industries in the Asheville area. Alex had many interests. He loved Blue Grass and old-time mountain music. He also enjoyed reading,...

James Van Ingram

James Van Ingram

Jan 23, 2024

James Van Ingram, 63, of Marion, passed away at Mission Memorial in Asheville on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

 

James was born in Avery County to the late Jace and Leona McClellan Ingram on October 11, 1960. 

 

James worked for over thirty years as a rock mason. He enjoyed being outside and working in his garden and raising hogs. He also loved to...

Lori Anne Buchanan

Lori Anne Buchanan

Jan 22, 2024

Lori Anne Buchanan is 53 years old. She was a native of McDowell County, NC

Born on February 20, 1970, to the late James Cecil Buchanan and Blonnie Gilliam Buchanan. Passed away on January 22, 2024



In addition to her parents Lori is preceded in death by a brother Eric James Buchanan, a nephew Joshua Fitzgerald Collins, and the father of her...

John Paul Marett, Jr.

John Paul Marett, Jr.

Jan 22, 2024

    

John Paul Marett Jr., 53, of Black Mountain, passed away from kidney failure on January 22nd, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Olivia Gail Ensley and John Paul Marett Sr., and his nephew Casey Young. 

 

He was born on August 23rd, 1970, and grew up in Swannanoa.  He graduated from Owen High School in 1988 where his...

Mark Kelvin Huffman

Mark Kelvin Huffman

Jan 22, 2024

Mark Kelvin Huffman, 66, of Nebo, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 23, 2024 at his residence.

He was born in Hickory on September 16, 1957 to the late Melvin Elmore Huffman and Louise Killian Huffman. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Keith Huffman.

Mark loved sports of all kinds, and he was a fan of any team that...

Phillip Keith Ramsey

Phillip Keith Ramsey

Jan 22, 2024

Phillip Keith Ramsey, 71, of Valdese, NC, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his residence.

 

Phillip was born in McDowell County on October 3, 1952 to the Walter and Macy Edwards Ramsey.

 

He was a proud US Army Veteran and loved being a part of his Legion Post 234. Phillip was a fan of the UNC Tarheels and the Greenbay...

Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn

Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn

Jan 22, 2024

Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn, 76, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton. 

 

She was born in Swain County on March 12, 1947 to the late John Buchanan and Myrtle Rose Buchanan. 

 

Ina was a member of Valley Chapel Baptist Church in Old Fort. She was always a hard-working woman who worked for many years at Autumn...

Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom

Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom

Jan 22, 2024

Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom, 80, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1943 to the late Weldon and Estelle Hollifield. 

 

Sarah Margaret was a graduate of North Cove High School. She worked at Tainter’s Drug Store in Marion before moving to Mount Holly where she lived for many...

Deborah Jeanne Roberts

Deborah Jeanne Roberts

Jan 21, 2024

Deborah Jeanne Roberts, 61, of Rock Hill, South Carolina and formerly of Marion, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home. 

 

She was born in Cleveland County North Carolina on June 16, 1962 to the Sally Gantt Roberts and the late David Roberts. 

 

Deborah enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and walking on the beach. She loved to...

Joni Gainey Swift

Joni Gainey Swift

Jan 21, 2024

 

Joni Gainey Swift, 39, of Mt. City, TN, entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 21, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.

Joni was born in Marion, NC to Olin and Sandra Gainey on June 11, 1984. A long time resident of Marion, she is remembered for the love and care she provided to others as...

Ronald G. Penland

Ronald G. Penland

Jan 21, 2024

     Ronald G. Penland, 72, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in Asheville.

 

     A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

    

Margaret Howell Truett

Margaret Howell Truett

Jan 20, 2024

     Margaret Howell Truett, 86, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Mission McDowell Hospital in Marion.

 

     Margaret was born in Clevland County, NC, on September 21, 1937, to the late Roosevelt Howell and Alice Beaver Howell. She was married to the late Bob Truett and was a member of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church. Margaret...

Arlie Paul Cooper, Jr.

Arlie Paul Cooper, Jr.

Jan 19, 2024

     Arlie Paul Cooper, Jr., 75, of Union Mills, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at Rutherford Hospital.

 

     Arlie was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on September 10, 1948 to the late Arlie Paul Cooper, Sr. and Celest Katherine Willy Cooper. He was married to Dorothy Cooper, who also preceded him in death. Arlie proudly served his country in...

Mary Florence Preston Lamonds

Mary Florence Preston Lamonds

Jan 19, 2024

Mary Florence Preston Lamonds, 64, of Marion, NC, formerly of Sanford, NC, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at her residence. Mary was born in Lee County, NC to the late Wade W. Preston and Myrtle Burns Preston. She was a member of Flat Springs Baptist Church and attended Deep River School. Mary enjoyed going to yard sales and loved...

Donald Edward Elliott

Donald Edward Elliott

Jan 19, 2024

     Donald Edward Elliott, 40, of Morganton, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, as a result of a tragic auto accident.

 

     Donald was born in McDowell County, NC, on June 30, 1983, to the late Michael Elliott and Donna McMahan Jamerson. Donald loved being outdoors. He especially loved to hunt and fish. He was a hard worker and...

Linda Ann Presnell

Linda Ann Presnell

Jan 19, 2024

Linda Haynes Presnell, our precious mother and grandmother, born 1-20-1943 past into the loving arms of her Savior Friday, January 19, 2024, on the day before her 81st birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband Norman ”Bud” Presnell. Her parents Guy and Evelyn Haynes, sister Jean Woosley, and brother Thurston Haynes. 

She is survived by her daughters Norma  “Jeannie”...

Zelda Anderson Branch

Zelda Anderson Branch

Jan 26, 2024

Zelda Anderson Branch, age 88, of the Ashford Community, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024.

 

Zelda was born in McDowell County on April 14, 1935, the youngest child of the late Kathryn England Anderson and Vince Anderson. She graduated from Marion High School in 1953 where she was an excellent student and even after all these years she still talked...

Dorothy Marie McConnell

Dorothy Marie McConnell

Jan 26, 2024

On January 26, 2024, Dorothy Marie Richardson McConnell born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away at age 78 in Morganton, NC. She passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s surrounded by her loved ones.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Douglas Michael McConnell of Morganton, NC. A daughter, Dorraine McConnell Hernandez and husband Carlos A. Hernandez...

Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle

Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle

Jan 26, 2024

Iva Jean Tomberlin Riddle, age 89, of Marion, NC, was summoned from her earthly duties January 26, 2024, to bask in the joys of living for eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Today she is reuniting with loved ones gone before her.  No longer will she suffer the agony of dementia, but will be whole in her mind...

Norman Dean Robinson, Sr.

Norman Dean Robinson, Sr.

Jan 24, 2024

Norman Dean Robinson, Sr. age 80, of Marion, passed away at Deer Park Rehabilitation on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

 

Norman was born on April 18, 1943 in McDowell County to the late Gay Robinson and the late Bonnie Autrey Robinson. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Otis Robinson, and Wayne Robinson; a sister Irma Fender and a grandson,...

Russell Alexander Hollifield

Russell Alexander Hollifield

Jan 23, 2024

Russell Alexander Hollifield, 76, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Alex was born on May 9, 1947 in McDowell County to the late Jamie McCall Hollifield and Russell Greed Hollifield.

 

He worked as a Mechanical Designer at various industries in the Asheville area. Alex had many interests. He loved Blue Grass and old-time mountain music. He also enjoyed reading,...

James Van Ingram

James Van Ingram

Jan 23, 2024

James Van Ingram, 63, of Marion, passed away at Mission Memorial in Asheville on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

 

James was born in Avery County to the late Jace and Leona McClellan Ingram on October 11, 1960. 

 

James worked for over thirty years as a rock mason. He enjoyed being outside and working in his garden and raising hogs. He also loved to...

Lori Anne Buchanan

Lori Anne Buchanan

Jan 22, 2024

Lori Anne Buchanan is 53 years old. She was a native of McDowell County, NC

Born on February 20, 1970, to the late James Cecil Buchanan and Blonnie Gilliam Buchanan. Passed away on January 22, 2024



In addition to her parents Lori is preceded in death by a brother Eric James Buchanan, a nephew Joshua Fitzgerald Collins, and the father of her...

John Paul Marett, Jr.

John Paul Marett, Jr.

Jan 22, 2024

    

John Paul Marett Jr., 53, of Black Mountain, passed away from kidney failure on January 22nd, 2024.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Olivia Gail Ensley and John Paul Marett Sr., and his nephew Casey Young. 

 

He was born on August 23rd, 1970, and grew up in Swannanoa.  He graduated from Owen High School in 1988 where his...

Mark Kelvin Huffman

Mark Kelvin Huffman

Jan 22, 2024

Mark Kelvin Huffman, 66, of Nebo, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 23, 2024 at his residence.

He was born in Hickory on September 16, 1957 to the late Melvin Elmore Huffman and Louise Killian Huffman. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Keith Huffman.

Mark loved sports of all kinds, and he was a fan of any team that...

Phillip Keith Ramsey

Phillip Keith Ramsey

Jan 22, 2024

Phillip Keith Ramsey, 71, of Valdese, NC, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at his residence.

 

Phillip was born in McDowell County on October 3, 1952 to the Walter and Macy Edwards Ramsey.

 

He was a proud US Army Veteran and loved being a part of his Legion Post 234. Phillip was a fan of the UNC Tarheels and the Greenbay...

Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn

Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn

Jan 22, 2024

Ina Kathleen Buchanan Mashburn, 76, of Marion, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Willow Ridge in Rutherfordton. 

 

She was born in Swain County on March 12, 1947 to the late John Buchanan and Myrtle Rose Buchanan. 

 

Ina was a member of Valley Chapel Baptist Church in Old Fort. She was always a hard-working woman who worked for many years at Autumn...

Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom

Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom

Jan 22, 2024

Sarah Margaret Hollifield Odom, 80, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation.

 

She was born in McDowell County on May 1, 1943 to the late Weldon and Estelle Hollifield. 

 

Sarah Margaret was a graduate of North Cove High School. She worked at Tainter’s Drug Store in Marion before moving to Mount Holly where she lived for many...

Deborah Jeanne Roberts

Deborah Jeanne Roberts

Jan 21, 2024

Deborah Jeanne Roberts, 61, of Rock Hill, South Carolina and formerly of Marion, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home. 

 

She was born in Cleveland County North Carolina on June 16, 1962 to the Sally Gantt Roberts and the late David Roberts. 

 

Deborah enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and walking on the beach. She loved to...

Joni Gainey Swift

Joni Gainey Swift

Jan 21, 2024

 

Joni Gainey Swift, 39, of Mt. City, TN, entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 21, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.

Joni was born in Marion, NC to Olin and Sandra Gainey on June 11, 1984. A long time resident of Marion, she is remembered for the love and care she provided to others as...

Ronald G. Penland

Ronald G. Penland

Jan 21, 2024

     Ronald G. Penland, 72, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in Asheville.

 

     A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

    

Margaret Howell Truett

Margaret Howell Truett

Jan 20, 2024

     Margaret Howell Truett, 86, of Nebo, passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Mission McDowell Hospital in Marion.

 

     Margaret was born in Clevland County, NC, on September 21, 1937, to the late Roosevelt Howell and Alice Beaver Howell. She was married to the late Bob Truett and was a member of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church. Margaret...

Arlie Paul Cooper, Jr.

Arlie Paul Cooper, Jr.

Jan 19, 2024

     Arlie Paul Cooper, Jr., 75, of Union Mills, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at Rutherford Hospital.

 

     Arlie was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on September 10, 1948 to the late Arlie Paul Cooper, Sr. and Celest Katherine Willy Cooper. He was married to Dorothy Cooper, who also preceded him in death. Arlie proudly served his country in...

Mary Florence Preston Lamonds

Mary Florence Preston Lamonds

Jan 19, 2024

Mary Florence Preston Lamonds, 64, of Marion, NC, formerly of Sanford, NC, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at her residence. Mary was born in Lee County, NC to the late Wade W. Preston and Myrtle Burns Preston. She was a member of Flat Springs Baptist Church and attended Deep River School. Mary enjoyed going to yard sales and loved...

Donald Edward Elliott

Donald Edward Elliott

Jan 19, 2024

     Donald Edward Elliott, 40, of Morganton, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, as a result of a tragic auto accident.

 

     Donald was born in McDowell County, NC, on June 30, 1983, to the late Michael Elliott and Donna McMahan Jamerson. Donald loved being outdoors. He especially loved to hunt and fish. He was a hard worker and...

Linda Ann Presnell

Linda Ann Presnell

Jan 19, 2024

Linda Haynes Presnell, our precious mother and grandmother, born 1-20-1943 past into the loving arms of her Savior Friday, January 19, 2024, on the day before her 81st birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband Norman ”Bud” Presnell. Her parents Guy and Evelyn Haynes, sister Jean Woosley, and brother Thurston Haynes. 

She is survived by her daughters Norma  “Jeannie”...

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