Obituaries

Jacqulene Wilburn Pilkenton

Jacqulene Wilburn Pilkenton

Feb 12, 2024

Jacqulene “Jackie” Wilburn Pilkenton, 92, of Marion, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell with her loving family by her side.

 She was born in McDowell County on June 7, 1931 to the late Fred Wilburn, Sr. and Katy Arrowood Wilburn.

 Jackie, who was affectionately known as Nanny to her family, was a loving mother and grandmother. She was...

Rita Mitchell Myers

Rita Mitchell Myers

Feb 11, 2024

     Rita Mitchell Myers, 83, of Granite Falls, formerly of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby.

 

     Rita was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia on February 5, 1941, to the late Lawrence Mitchell and Ann Clem Mitchell. She was married to her husband of 63 years, Patrick A. Myers. Rita retired...

Peggy Jane Queen Brooks

Peggy Jane Queen Brooks

Feb 11, 2024

 

Peggy Jane Queen Brooks, 85, of Marion, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024.

 

Peggy was born in McDowell County on January 27, 1939 to the late Clarence Queen and Mattie Burnett Queen. She is also preceded in death by a brother, Bill Queen.

 

Peggy enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and trips to the lake. She was...

Katie Norine Hemphill Logan

Katie Norine Hemphill Logan

Feb 10, 2024

Katie Norine Hemphill Logan  (AKA Maw Maw) began her journey home with the Lord, February 10, 2024. She was born in McDowell County Oct. 29, 1930 to the late Luther Hemphill, Sr. and Hessie Lytle Hemphill.  

Katie was preceded in death by her husband of fifty three years, Charlie Alfonzo Logan; son William Randolph Logan; three brothers, Luther Hemphill, Jr.,...

Susan Lea Zack

Susan Lea Zack

Feb 10, 2024

     Susan Lea Zack, 71, of Morganton, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge.

 

     Susan was born in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Henry Civil Zack and Marie Maxine Capps Zack. For several years, she was the host of ‘Susanna on the Nightshift’ radio show with WBRM. 

 

     She is survived by a son,...

Karen Dawn McMahan Allen

Karen Dawn McMahan Allen

Feb 10, 2024

     Karen Dawn McMahan Allen, 52, of Marion, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her residence. 

 

     Karen was born in McDowell County, NC on August 16, 1971, to the late Donald McMahan and Patricia Godfrey. She enjoyed fishing and riding through the country. Most of all, Karen enjoyed spending time with her great niece. She will be...

Stephanie Telalmia Woods

Stephanie Telalmia Woods

Feb 9, 2024

The beautiful soul of Stephanie Telalmia Woods, 39, of Rutherfordton, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Born in McDowell County on August 12, 1984, to Steven Woods and Stella Renee Whiteside Woods. Stephanie was a woman of strength, grace, and boundless love. Her infectious laughter and unwavering kindness touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Her presence illuminated every...

Edd Davis

Edd Davis

Feb 9, 2024

Edd Davis, age 83, of Nebo, North Carolina, went Home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Amorem Hospice House in Valdese. A native of Mitchell County, North Carolina, born May 6, 1940, he was the son of the late John and Bertha McKinney Davis.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by...

Arlene McClure Russell

Arlene McClure Russell

Feb 9, 2024

Arlene McClure Russell, 70, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024. 

 

She was born in McDowell County on December 10, 1953 to the late Kelly McClure and Mittie Sue Smith McClure. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sara Clark.

 

Arlene was formerly employed at Parker’s Hosiery Mill and also Lake James Lodge. She was a loving wife,...

Hazel Marie Johnson Helms

Hazel Marie Johnson Helms

Feb 9, 2024

Hazel Marie Johnson Helms, 95, of Marion, departed this life in the early morning hours of Friday, February 9, 2024 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.

 

A native of McDowell County, Hazel was born June 28, 1928 to the late Jobie Johnson, Sr. and Bessie Davis Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Helms; a daughter, Marie...

Linda Mullis Davidson

Linda Mullis Davidson

Feb 8, 2024

Linda Mullis Davidson, age 78, of Marion, NC went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, February, 8th 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. A native of Concord, NC, born July 9th, 1945, Linda lived in Concord, NC, central Georgia, and then retired to Marion. 



Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Charley J and Vera Mullis...

Stacie Marie Green Dennie

Stacie Marie Green Dennie

Feb 8, 2024

Stacie Marie Green Dennie, 50, of Marion passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Stacie was born in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma on June 21, 1973 to Robert Lavern Green and the late Gracie Marie Farrell.

Stacie was a member of Hicks Chapel Baptist Church where she formally served as a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed spending her spare...

Nicholas Devon Randolph

Nicholas Devon Randolph

Feb 7, 2024

Nicholas Devon Randolph, 74, of Marion, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

 Nick spent many years as a lead foreman on many rebar jobs tying steel. He was a hard worker and an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He loved to grow a large garden and was well known for...

Mallie Robert "Bob" Washburn

Mallie Robert "Bob" Washburn

Feb 7, 2024

Mallie Robert “Bob” Washburn, 85, of Marion went to be with the Lord on February 7, 2024 at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton.

Bob was born in McDowell County on October 28, 1938 to the late Horace Washburn and the late Eunice Hinton Washburn.

Bob grew up in the Woodlawn Community where he was a volunteer fireman for the Woodlawn Fire Department....

Pamela "Pam" Young Sisk

Pamela "Pam" Young Sisk

Feb 6, 2024

 

Pam Sisk, 70, of Marion passed away at Mission McDowell on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Pam was born in McDowell County on December 07, 1953 to Octavius “Tag” Young and Estella Randolph Young who both preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her sisters, Jone Rhymer, Barbara Walker and Carol McCurry. 

Pam especially enjoyed bird watching but loved...

Flora Easter Gladden

Flora Easter Gladden

Feb 5, 2024

Flora Easter Gladden, 89, of Marion, passed away at her residence, on Monday, February 5, 2024.

Flora was born in Marion, NC to the late Georgia Gibson on March 30, 1934. She is also preceded in death by her husband Hall H. Gladden who passed away in 2008.

Some of Flora’s pass times were reading and crocheting. She will be greatly missed...

DeVante Javarrus Garrison

DeVante Javarrus Garrison

Feb 3, 2024

     DeVante “Vante” Javarrus Garrison, 31, of Marion, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024, at his residence.

 

     Vante was born in Morganton, NC, on May 22, 1992, to Jerrold Irron Thomas and Jerri Arlene Garrison. He enjoyed singing and creating audio visual memories. He was a fan of sports, especially Pittsburg Steelers football and Duke University basketball. Vante...

Carroll Dean Medford

Carroll Dean Medford

Feb 1, 2024

     Carroll Dean Medford, 76, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Charles F. George VA Medical Center in Asheville. 

 

     Carroll was born in Swain County, NC, on January 26, 1948, to the late Grover Medford and Annie Jane Suttles Medford. He was married to his wife of 19 years, Denise Burgin Medford. Carroll...

John Henry Ritter

John Henry Ritter

Jan 31, 2024

John Henry Ritter, 86, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

John was born in Greensboro, NC  to the late Charles Ritter and the late Martha Page Ritter on July 2, 1937.

Surviving John are his companion of 45 years, Helen Blum; his children, Marilyn Elizabeth Ritter and Robert Ritter; Helen's children, Harry Coleman and John Coleman;...

Bessie Ray Williams Edwards

Bessie Ray Williams Edwards

Jan 29, 2024

Bessie Ray Williams Edwards, 88, of Marion, passed away at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Bessie was born in Graham, NC on February 2, 1935 to the late Gov Williams and Pearl Johnson Williams.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children, Rosie Trittin and James Edwards.

There are no services planned.

Jacqulene Wilburn Pilkenton

Jacqulene Wilburn Pilkenton

Feb 12, 2024

Jacqulene “Jackie” Wilburn Pilkenton, 92, of Marion, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024 at Mission Hospital McDowell with her loving family by her side.

 She was born in McDowell County on June 7, 1931 to the late Fred Wilburn, Sr. and Katy Arrowood Wilburn.

 Jackie, who was affectionately known as Nanny to her family, was a loving mother and grandmother. She was...

Rita Mitchell Myers

Rita Mitchell Myers

Feb 11, 2024

     Rita Mitchell Myers, 83, of Granite Falls, formerly of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby.

 

     Rita was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia on February 5, 1941, to the late Lawrence Mitchell and Ann Clem Mitchell. She was married to her husband of 63 years, Patrick A. Myers. Rita retired...

Peggy Jane Queen Brooks

Peggy Jane Queen Brooks

Feb 11, 2024

 

Peggy Jane Queen Brooks, 85, of Marion, passed away at Autumn Care of Marion on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024.

 

Peggy was born in McDowell County on January 27, 1939 to the late Clarence Queen and Mattie Burnett Queen. She is also preceded in death by a brother, Bill Queen.

 

Peggy enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and trips to the lake. She was...

Katie Norine Hemphill Logan

Katie Norine Hemphill Logan

Feb 10, 2024

Katie Norine Hemphill Logan  (AKA Maw Maw) began her journey home with the Lord, February 10, 2024. She was born in McDowell County Oct. 29, 1930 to the late Luther Hemphill, Sr. and Hessie Lytle Hemphill.  

Katie was preceded in death by her husband of fifty three years, Charlie Alfonzo Logan; son William Randolph Logan; three brothers, Luther Hemphill, Jr.,...

Susan Lea Zack

Susan Lea Zack

Feb 10, 2024

     Susan Lea Zack, 71, of Morganton, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge.

 

     Susan was born in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Henry Civil Zack and Marie Maxine Capps Zack. For several years, she was the host of ‘Susanna on the Nightshift’ radio show with WBRM. 

 

     She is survived by a son,...

Karen Dawn McMahan Allen

Karen Dawn McMahan Allen

Feb 10, 2024

     Karen Dawn McMahan Allen, 52, of Marion, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at her residence. 

 

     Karen was born in McDowell County, NC on August 16, 1971, to the late Donald McMahan and Patricia Godfrey. She enjoyed fishing and riding through the country. Most of all, Karen enjoyed spending time with her great niece. She will be...

Stephanie Telalmia Woods

Stephanie Telalmia Woods

Feb 9, 2024

The beautiful soul of Stephanie Telalmia Woods, 39, of Rutherfordton, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Born in McDowell County on August 12, 1984, to Steven Woods and Stella Renee Whiteside Woods. Stephanie was a woman of strength, grace, and boundless love. Her infectious laughter and unwavering kindness touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Her presence illuminated every...

Edd Davis

Edd Davis

Feb 9, 2024

Edd Davis, age 83, of Nebo, North Carolina, went Home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Amorem Hospice House in Valdese. A native of Mitchell County, North Carolina, born May 6, 1940, he was the son of the late John and Bertha McKinney Davis.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by...

Arlene McClure Russell

Arlene McClure Russell

Feb 9, 2024

Arlene McClure Russell, 70, of Old Fort, passed away Friday, February 9, 2024. 

 

She was born in McDowell County on December 10, 1953 to the late Kelly McClure and Mittie Sue Smith McClure. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sara Clark.

 

Arlene was formerly employed at Parker’s Hosiery Mill and also Lake James Lodge. She was a loving wife,...

Hazel Marie Johnson Helms

Hazel Marie Johnson Helms

Feb 9, 2024

Hazel Marie Johnson Helms, 95, of Marion, departed this life in the early morning hours of Friday, February 9, 2024 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.

 

A native of McDowell County, Hazel was born June 28, 1928 to the late Jobie Johnson, Sr. and Bessie Davis Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Helms; a daughter, Marie...

Linda Mullis Davidson

Linda Mullis Davidson

Feb 8, 2024

Linda Mullis Davidson, age 78, of Marion, NC went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, February, 8th 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. A native of Concord, NC, born July 9th, 1945, Linda lived in Concord, NC, central Georgia, and then retired to Marion. 



Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Charley J and Vera Mullis...

Stacie Marie Green Dennie

Stacie Marie Green Dennie

Feb 8, 2024

Stacie Marie Green Dennie, 50, of Marion passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Stacie was born in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma on June 21, 1973 to Robert Lavern Green and the late Gracie Marie Farrell.

Stacie was a member of Hicks Chapel Baptist Church where she formally served as a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed spending her spare...

Nicholas Devon Randolph

Nicholas Devon Randolph

Feb 7, 2024

Nicholas Devon Randolph, 74, of Marion, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

 Nick spent many years as a lead foreman on many rebar jobs tying steel. He was a hard worker and an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He loved to grow a large garden and was well known for...

Mallie Robert "Bob" Washburn

Mallie Robert "Bob" Washburn

Feb 7, 2024

Mallie Robert “Bob” Washburn, 85, of Marion went to be with the Lord on February 7, 2024 at UNC Blue Ridge in Morganton.

Bob was born in McDowell County on October 28, 1938 to the late Horace Washburn and the late Eunice Hinton Washburn.

Bob grew up in the Woodlawn Community where he was a volunteer fireman for the Woodlawn Fire Department....

Pamela "Pam" Young Sisk

Pamela "Pam" Young Sisk

Feb 6, 2024

 

Pam Sisk, 70, of Marion passed away at Mission McDowell on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Pam was born in McDowell County on December 07, 1953 to Octavius “Tag” Young and Estella Randolph Young who both preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her sisters, Jone Rhymer, Barbara Walker and Carol McCurry. 

Pam especially enjoyed bird watching but loved...

Flora Easter Gladden

Flora Easter Gladden

Feb 5, 2024

Flora Easter Gladden, 89, of Marion, passed away at her residence, on Monday, February 5, 2024.

Flora was born in Marion, NC to the late Georgia Gibson on March 30, 1934. She is also preceded in death by her husband Hall H. Gladden who passed away in 2008.

Some of Flora’s pass times were reading and crocheting. She will be greatly missed...

DeVante Javarrus Garrison

DeVante Javarrus Garrison

Feb 3, 2024

     DeVante “Vante” Javarrus Garrison, 31, of Marion, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024, at his residence.

 

     Vante was born in Morganton, NC, on May 22, 1992, to Jerrold Irron Thomas and Jerri Arlene Garrison. He enjoyed singing and creating audio visual memories. He was a fan of sports, especially Pittsburg Steelers football and Duke University basketball. Vante...

Carroll Dean Medford

Carroll Dean Medford

Feb 1, 2024

     Carroll Dean Medford, 76, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Charles F. George VA Medical Center in Asheville. 

 

     Carroll was born in Swain County, NC, on January 26, 1948, to the late Grover Medford and Annie Jane Suttles Medford. He was married to his wife of 19 years, Denise Burgin Medford. Carroll...

John Henry Ritter

John Henry Ritter

Jan 31, 2024

John Henry Ritter, 86, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

John was born in Greensboro, NC  to the late Charles Ritter and the late Martha Page Ritter on July 2, 1937.

Surviving John are his companion of 45 years, Helen Blum; his children, Marilyn Elizabeth Ritter and Robert Ritter; Helen's children, Harry Coleman and John Coleman;...

Bessie Ray Williams Edwards

Bessie Ray Williams Edwards

Jan 29, 2024

Bessie Ray Williams Edwards, 88, of Marion, passed away at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Bessie was born in Graham, NC on February 2, 1935 to the late Gov Williams and Pearl Johnson Williams.

Left to cherish her memory are her two children, Rosie Trittin and James Edwards.

There are no services planned.