Obituaries

Dennis Brad Sanford

Dennis Brad Sanford

Mar 9, 2025

Dennis “Brad” Sanford, 50, of Spindale, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Spartanburg Regional Hospital.

Brad was born in Waynesville, NC on December 16, 1974, to Woodrow Sanford and the late Darlene Baker Sanford. Brad loved gardening and was especially proud of his flowers. He loved dogs and adopted many rescue animals over the years. Brad was a good-hearted man...

Dwight Lee Bailey

Dwight Lee Bailey

Mar 9, 2025



Dwight Lee Bailey, 61, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.

No services are planned.

Jackie Lewis Forbes

Jackie Lewis Forbes

Mar 9, 2025

Jackie Lewis Forbes, 63, of Marion, NC, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at his residence.

Jackie was born in McDowell County, NC, on April 17, 1961, to the late Mark Forbes and Hazel Pittman Forbes.

He is survived by four sisters, Reva Yoakum & husband John, Ellen Hemphill & husband Ronnie, Nancy Frady & husband Willie, and Mildred Robinson & husband...

Sheila Dianne Davis Fields

Sheila Dianne Davis Fields

Mar 9, 2025



Sheila Dianne Davis Fields 62 of Marion NC went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 9th, 2025. She was born August 28th, 1962 at the Norfolk Naval Base to the late Charles Patrick Davis and Betty Sheehan Davis.

Sheila dedicated 27 years to McDowell County Head Start where she loved teaching McDowell’s early learners. She retired in 2023-wishing her...

Susan Lynn Karbginsky

Susan Lynn Karbginsky

Mar 8, 2025

My beloved Susan Lynn Karbginsky, my wife of 38 years, my best friend, and the love of my life, peacefully departed to be with our Lord on March 8th, 2025. Today, we gather to celebrate her beautiful life and the profound impact she had on all of us.

Susan and I first met in 1983, and from that moment, our lives...

Earnest Douglas Perry

Earnest Douglas Perry

Mar 8, 2025



Earnest Douglas Perry, 72, of Old Fort, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at his residence.



A native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Earnest was born November 15, 1952 to the late Ernest Perry and Rosa Wigley Perry Cook.



He was a devoted service technician for Durkopp Adler America for 41 years, during which time his commitment to...

William Spencer Johnson, Sr.

William Spencer Johnson, Sr.

Mar 8, 2025



William “Bill” Spencer Johnson, Sr., of Nebo, North Carolina, died Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Rose Hill Retirement Community.



He was born in 1935 in Lakeland, Florida, the son of Beeland W. Johnson and Helen Oleene Turner Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William “Billy” S. Johnson, Jr.; a sister; and a brother.



Survivors include Eva Flo...

Rosalee Baker Ellington

Rosalee Baker Ellington

Mar 8, 2025

Rosalee Baker Ellington, age 95, known for her loving and caring nature, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on June 8, 1929, in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late McFee and Loree West Baker. Rosalee was a dedicated member of the Laurel Hill Baptist Church, where she drew strength and...

Henry Richard Harvey

Henry Richard Harvey

Mar 7, 2025

Henry Richard Harvey, age 77, of Old Fort, North Carolina, died on Friday, March 7, 2025.A native of Morristown, New Jersey, Mr. Harvey was the son of the late Frank L. Harveyand Christine Holzer Harvey. He was born on January 15, 1948.Henry graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, with a degree in philosophy.He was a jet pilot in the US...

Carla R. Wilson

Carla R. Wilson

Mar 7, 2025



Carla R. Wilson, 65, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.



She was born in Catawba County on December 10, 1959 to the late Carlos Eugene Wilson and Mary Sessoms Wilson.



Carla graduated in 1981 with a nursing diploma. She spent a number of years working as a nurse, primarily at Blue Ridge Regional...

Kenneth Ray Ward

Kenneth Ray Ward

Mar 6, 2025



Kenneth Ray Ward, 64, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.



A native of McDowell County, Ken was born May 15, 1960 to the late Von Ray Ward and Pansy Gail Hollifield Ward.



For 24 years, Ken worked for Go-Forth Pest Control, where he became well known in the community. His hands could fix anything, and...

Alice Jean Early Randolph

Alice Jean Early Randolph

Mar 6, 2025

Alice Jean Early Randolph, 70, of Nebo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.



She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1954 to the late Lillian Eugene Early Scott. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Wayne Scott.



Alice dedicated her working career to clerical roles, primarily within the banking industry....

Ada Mae Haynes Effler Hester

Ada Mae Haynes Effler Hester

Mar 6, 2025

Ada Mae Hester, 79, of Marion, NC, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning of Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

Ada was born in McDowell County, NC, on December 25, 1945, to the late Lillie Mae Leakey and Benjamin Boyd Haynes. She was married to the late Hershel “Dean” Effler and then...

Allen Ernest "Skip" Roth

Allen Ernest "Skip" Roth

Mar 5, 2025



Allen Ernest “Skip” Roth, 79, of Old Fort, passed away shortly after midnight on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.



He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 2, 1945 to the late Alice “Cissy” Violette Coil.



Skip was a lifelong artist who specialized in lithography and sculpture. He took the principles learned from these art forms and...

Paul David Smith

Paul David Smith

Mar 5, 2025

Paul David Smith, went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Born on October 26, 1971, in McDowell County, David led a life characterized by his unwavering strength, dedication to family, and passion for sports.

David worked for many years at Auria, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment...

Linda Faith Ellington Martin

Linda Faith Ellington Martin

Mar 5, 2025

Linda Faith Ellington Martin, born on March 14, 1945, in McDowell County, North Carolina, entered Heaven on March 5, 2025, at UNC Blue Ridge. She was a shining light in the lives of many—a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother. Linda's heart was pure and her spirit was generous; she lived life with a selflessness that deeply...

Robert Forrest Crowell

Robert Forrest Crowell

Mar 3, 2025



On Monday evening, March 3, 2025, Robert Forrest Crowell, age 47, of Old Fort, passed away at his residence. 

 

He was born in Concord, New Hampshire on July 16, 1977 to Robert Eugene Crowell and Nancy Dee Wilson.

 

Robert was known for his ability to make friends quickly, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Throughout his life, Robert...

Nicholas Wayne Hicks

Nicholas Wayne Hicks

Mar 2, 2025

Nicholas Wayne Hicks, born on July 31,1987, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, doing what he loved. Those who loved him will remember him not only as a doting father, loving husband, and cherished son, but as a man whose deep-rooted patriotism and compassion for others defined every aspect of his life.

Nick's enthusiasm for life brought...

Genevieve Edwards Whittington

Genevieve Edwards Whittington

Mar 2, 2025



Genevieve “Gen” Edwards Whittington, 86, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

 

A native of Yancey County, Gen was born November 2, 1938 to the late Lyda Edwards and Oxie Hensley Edwards. 

 

For a number of years, Gen worked in the kitchen department at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental...

Frederick Christopher Weyler

Frederick Christopher Weyler

Mar 2, 2025

 Frederick Christopher Weyler, 67, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his residence. 

 Frederick was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, on October 9, 1957, to the late Lorna May Frank and Arthur Robert Weyler. He was married to his wife of 41 years, Starla Marie Fraley Weyler. Frederick was a landscaper and horticulturist who loved being outdoors. He...

Dennis Brad Sanford

Dennis Brad Sanford

Mar 9, 2025

Dennis “Brad” Sanford, 50, of Spindale, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Spartanburg Regional Hospital.

Brad was born in Waynesville, NC on December 16, 1974, to Woodrow Sanford and the late Darlene Baker Sanford. Brad loved gardening and was especially proud of his flowers. He loved dogs and adopted many rescue animals over the years. Brad was a good-hearted man...

Dwight Lee Bailey

Dwight Lee Bailey

Mar 9, 2025



Dwight Lee Bailey, 61, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Deer Park Health & Rehabilitation.

No services are planned.

Jackie Lewis Forbes

Jackie Lewis Forbes

Mar 9, 2025

Jackie Lewis Forbes, 63, of Marion, NC, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at his residence.

Jackie was born in McDowell County, NC, on April 17, 1961, to the late Mark Forbes and Hazel Pittman Forbes.

He is survived by four sisters, Reva Yoakum & husband John, Ellen Hemphill & husband Ronnie, Nancy Frady & husband Willie, and Mildred Robinson & husband...

Sheila Dianne Davis Fields

Sheila Dianne Davis Fields

Mar 9, 2025



Sheila Dianne Davis Fields 62 of Marion NC went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 9th, 2025. She was born August 28th, 1962 at the Norfolk Naval Base to the late Charles Patrick Davis and Betty Sheehan Davis.

Sheila dedicated 27 years to McDowell County Head Start where she loved teaching McDowell’s early learners. She retired in 2023-wishing her...

Susan Lynn Karbginsky

Susan Lynn Karbginsky

Mar 8, 2025

My beloved Susan Lynn Karbginsky, my wife of 38 years, my best friend, and the love of my life, peacefully departed to be with our Lord on March 8th, 2025. Today, we gather to celebrate her beautiful life and the profound impact she had on all of us.

Susan and I first met in 1983, and from that moment, our lives...

Earnest Douglas Perry

Earnest Douglas Perry

Mar 8, 2025



Earnest Douglas Perry, 72, of Old Fort, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at his residence.



A native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, Earnest was born November 15, 1952 to the late Ernest Perry and Rosa Wigley Perry Cook.



He was a devoted service technician for Durkopp Adler America for 41 years, during which time his commitment to...

William Spencer Johnson, Sr.

William Spencer Johnson, Sr.

Mar 8, 2025



William “Bill” Spencer Johnson, Sr., of Nebo, North Carolina, died Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Rose Hill Retirement Community.



He was born in 1935 in Lakeland, Florida, the son of Beeland W. Johnson and Helen Oleene Turner Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William “Billy” S. Johnson, Jr.; a sister; and a brother.



Survivors include Eva Flo...

Rosalee Baker Ellington

Rosalee Baker Ellington

Mar 8, 2025

Rosalee Baker Ellington, age 95, known for her loving and caring nature, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, at Autumn Care of Marion. Born on June 8, 1929, in McDowell County, she was the daughter of the late McFee and Loree West Baker. Rosalee was a dedicated member of the Laurel Hill Baptist Church, where she drew strength and...

Henry Richard Harvey

Henry Richard Harvey

Mar 7, 2025

Henry Richard Harvey, age 77, of Old Fort, North Carolina, died on Friday, March 7, 2025.A native of Morristown, New Jersey, Mr. Harvey was the son of the late Frank L. Harveyand Christine Holzer Harvey. He was born on January 15, 1948.Henry graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, with a degree in philosophy.He was a jet pilot in the US...

Carla R. Wilson

Carla R. Wilson

Mar 7, 2025



Carla R. Wilson, 65, of Marion, departed this life on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.



She was born in Catawba County on December 10, 1959 to the late Carlos Eugene Wilson and Mary Sessoms Wilson.



Carla graduated in 1981 with a nursing diploma. She spent a number of years working as a nurse, primarily at Blue Ridge Regional...

Kenneth Ray Ward

Kenneth Ray Ward

Mar 6, 2025



Kenneth Ray Ward, 64, of Marion, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.



A native of McDowell County, Ken was born May 15, 1960 to the late Von Ray Ward and Pansy Gail Hollifield Ward.



For 24 years, Ken worked for Go-Forth Pest Control, where he became well known in the community. His hands could fix anything, and...

Alice Jean Early Randolph

Alice Jean Early Randolph

Mar 6, 2025

Alice Jean Early Randolph, 70, of Nebo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center.



She was born in McDowell County on May 20, 1954 to the late Lillian Eugene Early Scott. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Wayne Scott.



Alice dedicated her working career to clerical roles, primarily within the banking industry....

Ada Mae Haynes Effler Hester

Ada Mae Haynes Effler Hester

Mar 6, 2025

Ada Mae Hester, 79, of Marion, NC, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning of Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Mission McDowell Hospital.

Ada was born in McDowell County, NC, on December 25, 1945, to the late Lillie Mae Leakey and Benjamin Boyd Haynes. She was married to the late Hershel “Dean” Effler and then...

Allen Ernest "Skip" Roth

Allen Ernest "Skip" Roth

Mar 5, 2025



Allen Ernest “Skip” Roth, 79, of Old Fort, passed away shortly after midnight on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.



He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 2, 1945 to the late Alice “Cissy” Violette Coil.



Skip was a lifelong artist who specialized in lithography and sculpture. He took the principles learned from these art forms and...

Paul David Smith

Paul David Smith

Mar 5, 2025

Paul David Smith, went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville. Born on October 26, 1971, in McDowell County, David led a life characterized by his unwavering strength, dedication to family, and passion for sports.

David worked for many years at Auria, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment...

Linda Faith Ellington Martin

Linda Faith Ellington Martin

Mar 5, 2025

Linda Faith Ellington Martin, born on March 14, 1945, in McDowell County, North Carolina, entered Heaven on March 5, 2025, at UNC Blue Ridge. She was a shining light in the lives of many—a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother. Linda's heart was pure and her spirit was generous; she lived life with a selflessness that deeply...

Robert Forrest Crowell

Robert Forrest Crowell

Mar 3, 2025



On Monday evening, March 3, 2025, Robert Forrest Crowell, age 47, of Old Fort, passed away at his residence. 

 

He was born in Concord, New Hampshire on July 16, 1977 to Robert Eugene Crowell and Nancy Dee Wilson.

 

Robert was known for his ability to make friends quickly, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Throughout his life, Robert...

Nicholas Wayne Hicks

Nicholas Wayne Hicks

Mar 2, 2025

Nicholas Wayne Hicks, born on July 31,1987, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, doing what he loved. Those who loved him will remember him not only as a doting father, loving husband, and cherished son, but as a man whose deep-rooted patriotism and compassion for others defined every aspect of his life.

Nick's enthusiasm for life brought...

Genevieve Edwards Whittington

Genevieve Edwards Whittington

Mar 2, 2025



Genevieve “Gen” Edwards Whittington, 86, of Nebo, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

 

A native of Yancey County, Gen was born November 2, 1938 to the late Lyda Edwards and Oxie Hensley Edwards. 

 

For a number of years, Gen worked in the kitchen department at the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental...

Frederick Christopher Weyler

Frederick Christopher Weyler

Mar 2, 2025

 Frederick Christopher Weyler, 67, of Old Fort, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at his residence. 

 Frederick was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, on October 9, 1957, to the late Lorna May Frank and Arthur Robert Weyler. He was married to his wife of 41 years, Starla Marie Fraley Weyler. Frederick was a landscaper and horticulturist who loved being outdoors. He...

Share by: