Obituaries

Cuba Ann Ford

Cuba Ann Ford

Mar 1, 2024

Cuba Ann Ford, 76, of Marion, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Cuba was born on September 17, 1947 in Batesville, MS to Paul Andrew Ford and Thelma Vess Ford who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by two brothers, David Ford and William Ford.

She was a member of Fernwood Baptist...

David Lee Clyburn

David Lee Clyburn

Feb 29, 2024

David Lee Clyburn, age 30, entered the presence of the Lord in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 29, 2024 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.

 

David was born in Burke County on December 15, 1993 to Robert Clyburn and Pamela Sue Reeves Clyburn.

 

David had an adventurous soul, and he truly lived life to the fullest. He was known as everybody’s...

Walter Harvey Johnson

Walter Harvey Johnson

Feb 29, 2024

Walter Harvey Johnson, 82, of Union Mills, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

 

He was born in Swain County on May 22, 1941 to Winslow Johnson and Inez Dehart Johnson who preceded him in death. 

 

Walter formally attended Dysartsville Baptist Church. He retired from the Dana Corporation following more than thirty years of service. Walter was an...

Sulton Evon Jones

Sulton Evon Jones

Feb 28, 2024

     Sulton Evon Jones, 83, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton.

 

     Sulton was born in Pamlico County, NC on January 11, 1941. He was a State Trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, with whom he retired after many years of dedicated service. He later worked at Drexel Heritage...

Gary William Hollifield, Jr.

Gary William Hollifield, Jr.

Feb 28, 2024

Gary "Johnny" William Hollifield, Jr. passed away peacefully at the Carolina Caring Hospice House in Newton, NC, on Wednesday, February 28th, after an extended illness.   

 

He was born in Marion, NC on August 9th, 1940. After graduation from McDowell High School, Johnny served as a cryptographer in the U.S. Army in Kansas City, Fort Benning, Izmir, Turkey, and Korea. Throughout...

Anna Faye Robinson Radford

Anna Faye Robinson Radford

Feb 27, 2024

Anna Robinson Radford, 69, of Morganton, passed away at her daughter’s residence on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. 

Anna was born in Forsythe County on December 10, 1954 to Fred Glenn Robinson and Jane Buchanan Robinson who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Henry Dean Radford and her son, Jason Dean Radford.

Anna retired from Baxter...

Sandra Jean Simmons Scoles

Sandra Jean Simmons Scoles

Feb 24, 2024

Sandra Jean Simmons Scoles, 74, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday evening, February 24, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell. 

 

A native of McDowell County, she was born January 25, 1950 to the late John Robert Simmons and Betty Jean Griggs Hripto. Sandra’s family always came first in her life. Her grandchildren were her world, and she had a special place in...

Lisa Lynette Harvey Rose

Lisa Lynette Harvey Rose

Feb 23, 2024

Lisa Lynette Harvey Rose, 55, of Marion, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

She was born on June 24, 1968 in McDowell County. Lisa was a Certified Medical Assistant at McDowell Medical Associates. Her job was her passion, and she enjoyed helping patients. More than anything, she was wholly devoted to her family. She was a...

Judie Darlene Stockton King

Judie Darlene Stockton King

Feb 23, 2024

Judie Darlene Stockton King, 47, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Judie was born in Lynchburg, VA on January 22, 1977 to Harold Dean Stockton and Darlene Ward Stockton.

She graduated from Rustburg High School in Rustburg, Virginia. After graduating she moved to the Outer Banks and then to the mountains of NC.

Judie had a...

Robert Leon Arrington

Robert Leon Arrington

Feb 23, 2024

Robert Leon Arrington, 83, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Frye Regional Medical Center.

 

A native of McDowell County, he was born on October 23, 1940 to the late Rashio and Nellie Davidson Arrington. He was also preceded in death by his brother, William Arrington; and his special canine companion who meant the world to him,...

Bobby Ray Barnes, Sr.

Bobby Ray Barnes, Sr.

Feb 22, 2024

Bobby Ray Barnes, Sr., 83, of Marion, passed away Thursday evening, February 22, 2024 at Charles George VA Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

 

He was born in Rutherford County on September 29, 1940 to the late Paul Barnes, Sr. and Esther Parker Barnes. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Barnes; and one brother,...

Sarah Margaret Isaacs Bartholomew

Sarah Margaret Isaacs Bartholomew

Feb 20, 2024

Sarah Margaret Isaacs Bartholomew, 62, of Marion, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

 A native of McDowell County, Sarah was born on August 29, 1961 to Ruby Christine Robinson Isaacs and the late Billy Dean Isaacs.

 Sarah attended Dysartsville Church of Christ when her health allowed. She worked as an LPN for many...

Gary Daniel Grooms

Gary Daniel Grooms

Feb 19, 2024

     Gary Daniel Grooms, 69, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, at his residence.

 

     Gary was born in McDowell County, NC to the late Carl Lesley Grooms, Sr. and Leah Anderson Grooms. 

 

     In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by four brothers, Carl Lesley Grooms, Jr., Ray Grooms, Bob Grooms, and...

Mae Edwards Randolph

Mae Edwards Randolph

Feb 19, 2024

Mae Edwards Randolph “Mamaw”, age 94, of Marion, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 19, 2024.   

She devoted her life to the Lord. She grew up in the Beelog community of Yancey County with her parents Andrew and Carrie, 5 sisters, and 2 brothers. She learned the value of hard work, and a caring...

Sharon Elizabeth Shaw

Sharon Elizabeth Shaw

Feb 18, 2024

Sharon Elizabeth Shaw, 72, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, February 18, 2024. 

Sharon was born in Johnson City, TN. on June 15, 1951 to the late Billy Joe Shaw and the late Lucille Dillow Shaw.

Sharon was employed as a teacher for McDowell County Schools for over 30 years. She loved her grandchildren dearly, they were her...

Vivian Grooms Searcy

Vivian Grooms Searcy

Feb 18, 2024

    

Vivian Grooms Searcy passed away on February 18 surrounded by loving family. Vivan was born on July 30, 1928 in Lee County, SC to parents William Frank Grooms and Eunie Fields Grooms. She was the youngest of ten children, grew up working on the family farm and prided herself in being able to keep up with the boys.

She was...

Henry Davis Kanipe

Henry Davis Kanipe

Feb 18, 2024



Henry Davis Kanipe, age 84, of Marion, NC, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at his home. 

 

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Summie Kanipe and Nora Bright Kanipe; and his first wife, Wynema Lawing Kanipe.

 

Henry was a member of First United Methodist Church in Marion and a previous member of West Marion...

Marjorie Stroupe Loven

Marjorie Stroupe Loven

Feb 17, 2024

Marjorie Stroupe Loven "Granny" went home to Heaven on February...

Ralph Denson Laughter

Ralph Denson Laughter

Feb 16, 2024

Mr. Ralph Laughter, age 77 of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 16, 2024. He was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina on September 15, 1946 and is the son of the late Leonard and Mafo Arrowood Laughter. 

 

The Lord was first in Ralph’s life. He attended the Nealsville Church of God where he served as Clerk...

Thelma Faye Simmons Loftis

Thelma Faye Simmons Loftis

Feb 15, 2024

     Thelma Faye Simmons Loftis, 93, of Burnsville, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Yancey House.

 

     Thelma was born in McDowell County, NC on February 23, 1930, to the late Adrian F. Simmons and Clela Kates Simmons. She was married to the late Archie Loftis and was a member of Browns Creek Baptist Church in Burnsville....

Cuba Ann Ford

Cuba Ann Ford

Mar 1, 2024

Cuba Ann Ford, 76, of Marion, passed away at Mission Hospital in Asheville on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Cuba was born on September 17, 1947 in Batesville, MS to Paul Andrew Ford and Thelma Vess Ford who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by two brothers, David Ford and William Ford.

She was a member of Fernwood Baptist...

David Lee Clyburn

David Lee Clyburn

Feb 29, 2024

David Lee Clyburn, age 30, entered the presence of the Lord in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 29, 2024 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.

 

David was born in Burke County on December 15, 1993 to Robert Clyburn and Pamela Sue Reeves Clyburn.

 

David had an adventurous soul, and he truly lived life to the fullest. He was known as everybody’s...

Walter Harvey Johnson

Walter Harvey Johnson

Feb 29, 2024

Walter Harvey Johnson, 82, of Union Mills, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

 

He was born in Swain County on May 22, 1941 to Winslow Johnson and Inez Dehart Johnson who preceded him in death. 

 

Walter formally attended Dysartsville Baptist Church. He retired from the Dana Corporation following more than thirty years of service. Walter was an...

Sulton Evon Jones

Sulton Evon Jones

Feb 28, 2024

     Sulton Evon Jones, 83, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton.

 

     Sulton was born in Pamlico County, NC on January 11, 1941. He was a State Trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, with whom he retired after many years of dedicated service. He later worked at Drexel Heritage...

Gary William Hollifield, Jr.

Gary William Hollifield, Jr.

Feb 28, 2024

Gary "Johnny" William Hollifield, Jr. passed away peacefully at the Carolina Caring Hospice House in Newton, NC, on Wednesday, February 28th, after an extended illness.   

 

He was born in Marion, NC on August 9th, 1940. After graduation from McDowell High School, Johnny served as a cryptographer in the U.S. Army in Kansas City, Fort Benning, Izmir, Turkey, and Korea. Throughout...

Anna Faye Robinson Radford

Anna Faye Robinson Radford

Feb 27, 2024

Anna Robinson Radford, 69, of Morganton, passed away at her daughter’s residence on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. 

Anna was born in Forsythe County on December 10, 1954 to Fred Glenn Robinson and Jane Buchanan Robinson who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Henry Dean Radford and her son, Jason Dean Radford.

Anna retired from Baxter...

Sandra Jean Simmons Scoles

Sandra Jean Simmons Scoles

Feb 24, 2024

Sandra Jean Simmons Scoles, 74, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday evening, February 24, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell. 

 

A native of McDowell County, she was born January 25, 1950 to the late John Robert Simmons and Betty Jean Griggs Hripto. Sandra’s family always came first in her life. Her grandchildren were her world, and she had a special place in...

Lisa Lynette Harvey Rose

Lisa Lynette Harvey Rose

Feb 23, 2024

Lisa Lynette Harvey Rose, 55, of Marion, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

She was born on June 24, 1968 in McDowell County. Lisa was a Certified Medical Assistant at McDowell Medical Associates. Her job was her passion, and she enjoyed helping patients. More than anything, she was wholly devoted to her family. She was a...

Judie Darlene Stockton King

Judie Darlene Stockton King

Feb 23, 2024

Judie Darlene Stockton King, 47, of Old Fort, passed away at her residence on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Judie was born in Lynchburg, VA on January 22, 1977 to Harold Dean Stockton and Darlene Ward Stockton.

She graduated from Rustburg High School in Rustburg, Virginia. After graduating she moved to the Outer Banks and then to the mountains of NC.

Judie had a...

Robert Leon Arrington

Robert Leon Arrington

Feb 23, 2024

Robert Leon Arrington, 83, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Frye Regional Medical Center.

 

A native of McDowell County, he was born on October 23, 1940 to the late Rashio and Nellie Davidson Arrington. He was also preceded in death by his brother, William Arrington; and his special canine companion who meant the world to him,...

Bobby Ray Barnes, Sr.

Bobby Ray Barnes, Sr.

Feb 22, 2024

Bobby Ray Barnes, Sr., 83, of Marion, passed away Thursday evening, February 22, 2024 at Charles George VA Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

 

He was born in Rutherford County on September 29, 1940 to the late Paul Barnes, Sr. and Esther Parker Barnes. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Barnes; and one brother,...

Sarah Margaret Isaacs Bartholomew

Sarah Margaret Isaacs Bartholomew

Feb 20, 2024

Sarah Margaret Isaacs Bartholomew, 62, of Marion, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

 A native of McDowell County, Sarah was born on August 29, 1961 to Ruby Christine Robinson Isaacs and the late Billy Dean Isaacs.

 Sarah attended Dysartsville Church of Christ when her health allowed. She worked as an LPN for many...

Gary Daniel Grooms

Gary Daniel Grooms

Feb 19, 2024

     Gary Daniel Grooms, 69, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, at his residence.

 

     Gary was born in McDowell County, NC to the late Carl Lesley Grooms, Sr. and Leah Anderson Grooms. 

 

     In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by four brothers, Carl Lesley Grooms, Jr., Ray Grooms, Bob Grooms, and...

Mae Edwards Randolph

Mae Edwards Randolph

Feb 19, 2024

Mae Edwards Randolph “Mamaw”, age 94, of Marion, NC went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 19, 2024.   

She devoted her life to the Lord. She grew up in the Beelog community of Yancey County with her parents Andrew and Carrie, 5 sisters, and 2 brothers. She learned the value of hard work, and a caring...

Sharon Elizabeth Shaw

Sharon Elizabeth Shaw

Feb 18, 2024

Sharon Elizabeth Shaw, 72, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, February 18, 2024. 

Sharon was born in Johnson City, TN. on June 15, 1951 to the late Billy Joe Shaw and the late Lucille Dillow Shaw.

Sharon was employed as a teacher for McDowell County Schools for over 30 years. She loved her grandchildren dearly, they were her...

Vivian Grooms Searcy

Vivian Grooms Searcy

Feb 18, 2024

    

Vivian Grooms Searcy passed away on February 18 surrounded by loving family. Vivan was born on July 30, 1928 in Lee County, SC to parents William Frank Grooms and Eunie Fields Grooms. She was the youngest of ten children, grew up working on the family farm and prided herself in being able to keep up with the boys.

She was...

Henry Davis Kanipe

Henry Davis Kanipe

Feb 18, 2024



Henry Davis Kanipe, age 84, of Marion, NC, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at his home. 

 

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Summie Kanipe and Nora Bright Kanipe; and his first wife, Wynema Lawing Kanipe.

 

Henry was a member of First United Methodist Church in Marion and a previous member of West Marion...

Marjorie Stroupe Loven

Marjorie Stroupe Loven

Feb 17, 2024

Marjorie Stroupe Loven "Granny" went home to Heaven on February...

Ralph Denson Laughter

Ralph Denson Laughter

Feb 16, 2024

Mr. Ralph Laughter, age 77 of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 16, 2024. He was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina on September 15, 1946 and is the son of the late Leonard and Mafo Arrowood Laughter. 

 

The Lord was first in Ralph’s life. He attended the Nealsville Church of God where he served as Clerk...

Thelma Faye Simmons Loftis

Thelma Faye Simmons Loftis

Feb 15, 2024

     Thelma Faye Simmons Loftis, 93, of Burnsville, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Yancey House.

 

     Thelma was born in McDowell County, NC on February 23, 1930, to the late Adrian F. Simmons and Clela Kates Simmons. She was married to the late Archie Loftis and was a member of Browns Creek Baptist Church in Burnsville....