Obituaries

Stephen Michael Long

Stephen Michael Long

Dec 28, 2023

     Stephen “Steve” Michael Long, 73, of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

 

     Steve was born in Marion, NC on January 31, 1950, to the late Bonnie Long Jolly. He was a lifelong resident of Marion and was a gentle, humble, and kind hearted person. Steve...

Frances Wilson Harris

Frances Wilson Harris

Dec 27, 2023

 

Mary Frances Wilson Harris, 85, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Mitchell House in Spruce Pine. She passed peacefully after battling several sicknesses.

 

She was born August 31, 1938 to the late Elbert Washington Wilson and Macie Smith Wilson and was raised in McDowell County.

 

...

Donald H. Childers

Donald H. Childers

Dec 26, 2023

 

Donald H. Childers, 74, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

 

He was born in Maryland on January 13, 1949 to the late James Kermit Childers, Sr. and Anna Lee McMillan Childers. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, James K. Childers,...

Gail Carter

Gail Carter

Dec 26, 2023

Gail “Gia” Carter, 63, of Marion, went home to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.She was born May 19, 1960 in McDowell County to the late Cartha Bolick Martin.She was also preceded in death by one sister, Ernestine Clay; and one brother, Micheal Waycaster.Gail was an adventure...

William "Bill" Thomsen

William "Bill" Thomsen

Dec 26, 2023

 

William “Bill” Thomsen, age 90, of Marion, passed away Tuesday morning, December 26, 2023 at his home.

 

He was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on May 14, 1933 to the late William Thomsen and Lucy Thomsen.

 

Bill was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. He was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1987 and...

Wade Monroe Noblitt

Wade Monroe Noblitt

Dec 25, 2023

Wade Monroe Noblitt, 82, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formally of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away on December 25, 2023. Dementia took his body, but Jesus has his soul. Wade was the son of Ralph and Bonnie Crisp Noblitt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Harrison Noblitt.

Left behind to remember Wade’s happy...

James "Kelly" Burnette

James "Kelly" Burnette

Dec 25, 2023

 

James “Kelly” Burnette, 76, of Marion, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

 

He was born in McDowell County on May 5, 1947 to the late Lawrence Burnette and Frances Robinson Burnette. He was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Tommy Gibson and Eddie Epley.

 

Kelly was a loving and faithful...

Harold Levince Hendley, Jr.

Harold Levince Hendley, Jr.

Dec 24, 2023

Harold Levince Hendley, Jr., 69, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023.

 

If you or someone you know is a relative of Mr. Hendley, please contact us at 828-559-8111.

 

Lola Huskins Beam

Lola Huskins Beam

Dec 24, 2023

 

Lola Huskins Beam, 93, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Mountain Health and Rehab.

 

A native of Mitchell County, Lola was born March 4, 1930 to the late George Huskins and Beatrice Ledford Huskins.

 

She was a former member of New Horizon Baptist Fellowship. She enjoyed oil painting, dancing, and listening to music. Lola...

Betty Bright Holtzclaw

Betty Bright Holtzclaw

Dec 24, 2023

 

Betty Bright Holtzclaw, 91, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.

 

She was born in McDowell County on December 4, 1932 to the late Ed Bright and Minnie Morgan Bright.

 

She attended Ashworth Road Baptist Church and was known as a very energetic person who loved giving to others. She was...

John Mark Watkins

John Mark Watkins

Dec 23, 2023

     John Mark Watkins, 69, of Marion, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton.

 

     John was born in Mecklenburg County, NC, on April 29, 1954, to the late George Washington Watkins and Mildred Marie Dalton Watkins. John was a loving husband father and grandfather. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and golfing. Every...

Woodrow Thomas Cogburn

Woodrow Thomas Cogburn

Dec 22, 2023

     Woodrow Thomas Cogburn, 80, of Marion, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023, at McDowell Hospital.

 

     Woodrow was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 10, 1943, to the late Cecil Cogburn and Dorothy King Cogburn. He enjoyed walking in the mountains, digging for ginseng, and fishing. Woodrow was known as a man who enjoyed helping others. He...

Stephen Emmitt Brown

Stephen Emmitt Brown

Dec 21, 2023

     Stephen “Lucky” Emmitt Brown, 71, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023, at his residence.

 

     Lucky was born in McDowell County, NC on April 21, 1952, to the late George Washington Brown and Ruth Pauline Boone Brown. Lucky loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, trout fishing, watching western movies, and was a role model...

Ronda "Ron" Lee Clemmer

Ronda "Ron" Lee Clemmer

Dec 20, 2023

 

     Ron Clemmer passed from this life on December 20, 2023 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, NC.  He was born in Lowell, N.C. to Truette and Elizabeth Clemmer.

 

     Following graduation from Holbrook High School, he attended Western Carolina University before joining the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country for seven years.  His tours...

Toney Edward Patrick

Toney Edward Patrick

Dec 20, 2023

Toney Edward Patrick, 66, of Marion went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Opal Patrick and daughter, Starla Shifflett.

 

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Weathers (Kemp), son, Mark Patrick; granddaughter, Allee Weathers; one sister, Debbie Rodatz; and one brother, Johnny Patrick.

 

...

Edward Eugene Morgan

Edward Eugene Morgan

Dec 18, 2023

 

Edward Eugene Morgan, 81, of Glenwood, passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in Rutherfordton on January 14, 1942 to the late Robert Junior Morgan and Pauline Laughter Morgan. He was also preceded in death by two children, Scott Morgan and Diane Morgan Frye.

 

Mr. Morgan was employed for over...

Albert Franklin Robinson

Albert Franklin Robinson

Dec 17, 2023

     Albert Franklin Robinson, 86, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

     Albert was born on April 4, 1937 to the late Carl Robinson and Agnes Lanning Robinson. He was married to his wife of 64 years, Thursia Bartlett Robinson, and was a member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church. Albert was...

Patsy Ann Smith Barlowe

Patsy Ann Smith Barlowe

Dec 15, 2023

Patsy Ann Smith Barlowe, 84, of Marion, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.

A native of Marion, Patsy was born January 2, 1939 to the late Gurson Alvin Smith and Katie Mae Copeland Smith.

She was a faithful member of Nebo First Baptist Church where she loved worshipping for many years. Patsy was an avid reader, and...

Wilma Grace Styles Autrey

Wilma Grace Styles Autrey

Dec 14, 2023

 

Wilma Grace Styles Autrey, 70, of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

A native of Yancey County, Wilma was born August 26, 1953 to the late Ules Grant Styles and Atlas Davis Styles. She was also preceded in death by six siblings, Robert Styles, Helen Davis, Edna Walker, Ulysses Styles, Ruby Walker,...

Pastor Jimmy Upton

Pastor Jimmy Upton

Dec 14, 2023

Services may be live-streamed at the following links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BethelBaptistMNC

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BethelBaptistMNC

Church App:

https://www.bethelbaptistmnc.church

 

Link to Memorial Video:

https://www.bethelbaptistmnc.church/pastor-jimmy-upton-memorial-video

 

Pastor Jimmy Upton, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, December 14, 2023 at Frye Regional Medical Center.

 

A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, he was born August 21, 1947 to the...

Stephen Michael Long

Stephen Michael Long

Dec 28, 2023

     Stephen “Steve” Michael Long, 73, of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

 

     Steve was born in Marion, NC on January 31, 1950, to the late Bonnie Long Jolly. He was a lifelong resident of Marion and was a gentle, humble, and kind hearted person. Steve...

Frances Wilson Harris

Frances Wilson Harris

Dec 27, 2023

 

Mary Frances Wilson Harris, 85, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Mitchell House in Spruce Pine. She passed peacefully after battling several sicknesses.

 

She was born August 31, 1938 to the late Elbert Washington Wilson and Macie Smith Wilson and was raised in McDowell County.

 

...

Donald H. Childers

Donald H. Childers

Dec 26, 2023

 

Donald H. Childers, 74, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

 

He was born in Maryland on January 13, 1949 to the late James Kermit Childers, Sr. and Anna Lee McMillan Childers. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, James K. Childers,...

Gail Carter

Gail Carter

Dec 26, 2023

Gail “Gia” Carter, 63, of Marion, went home to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.She was born May 19, 1960 in McDowell County to the late Cartha Bolick Martin.She was also preceded in death by one sister, Ernestine Clay; and one brother, Micheal Waycaster.Gail was an adventure...

William "Bill" Thomsen

William "Bill" Thomsen

Dec 26, 2023

 

William “Bill” Thomsen, age 90, of Marion, passed away Tuesday morning, December 26, 2023 at his home.

 

He was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on May 14, 1933 to the late William Thomsen and Lucy Thomsen.

 

Bill was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. He was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1987 and...

Wade Monroe Noblitt

Wade Monroe Noblitt

Dec 25, 2023

Wade Monroe Noblitt, 82, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formally of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away on December 25, 2023. Dementia took his body, but Jesus has his soul. Wade was the son of Ralph and Bonnie Crisp Noblitt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Harrison Noblitt.

Left behind to remember Wade’s happy...

James "Kelly" Burnette

James "Kelly" Burnette

Dec 25, 2023

 

James “Kelly” Burnette, 76, of Marion, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

 

He was born in McDowell County on May 5, 1947 to the late Lawrence Burnette and Frances Robinson Burnette. He was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Tommy Gibson and Eddie Epley.

 

Kelly was a loving and faithful...

Harold Levince Hendley, Jr.

Harold Levince Hendley, Jr.

Dec 24, 2023

Harold Levince Hendley, Jr., 69, passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023.

 

If you or someone you know is a relative of Mr. Hendley, please contact us at 828-559-8111.

 

Lola Huskins Beam

Lola Huskins Beam

Dec 24, 2023

 

Lola Huskins Beam, 93, of Nebo, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Mountain Health and Rehab.

 

A native of Mitchell County, Lola was born March 4, 1930 to the late George Huskins and Beatrice Ledford Huskins.

 

She was a former member of New Horizon Baptist Fellowship. She enjoyed oil painting, dancing, and listening to music. Lola...

Betty Bright Holtzclaw

Betty Bright Holtzclaw

Dec 24, 2023

 

Betty Bright Holtzclaw, 91, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Amorem Hospice in Valdese.

 

She was born in McDowell County on December 4, 1932 to the late Ed Bright and Minnie Morgan Bright.

 

She attended Ashworth Road Baptist Church and was known as a very energetic person who loved giving to others. She was...

John Mark Watkins

John Mark Watkins

Dec 23, 2023

     John Mark Watkins, 69, of Marion, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023, at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge in Morganton.

 

     John was born in Mecklenburg County, NC, on April 29, 1954, to the late George Washington Watkins and Mildred Marie Dalton Watkins. John was a loving husband father and grandfather. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and golfing. Every...

Woodrow Thomas Cogburn

Woodrow Thomas Cogburn

Dec 22, 2023

     Woodrow Thomas Cogburn, 80, of Marion, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023, at McDowell Hospital.

 

     Woodrow was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 10, 1943, to the late Cecil Cogburn and Dorothy King Cogburn. He enjoyed walking in the mountains, digging for ginseng, and fishing. Woodrow was known as a man who enjoyed helping others. He...

Stephen Emmitt Brown

Stephen Emmitt Brown

Dec 21, 2023

     Stephen “Lucky” Emmitt Brown, 71, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023, at his residence.

 

     Lucky was born in McDowell County, NC on April 21, 1952, to the late George Washington Brown and Ruth Pauline Boone Brown. Lucky loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, trout fishing, watching western movies, and was a role model...

Ronda "Ron" Lee Clemmer

Ronda "Ron" Lee Clemmer

Dec 20, 2023

 

     Ron Clemmer passed from this life on December 20, 2023 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, NC.  He was born in Lowell, N.C. to Truette and Elizabeth Clemmer.

 

     Following graduation from Holbrook High School, he attended Western Carolina University before joining the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country for seven years.  His tours...

Toney Edward Patrick

Toney Edward Patrick

Dec 20, 2023

Toney Edward Patrick, 66, of Marion went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Opal Patrick and daughter, Starla Shifflett.

 

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Weathers (Kemp), son, Mark Patrick; granddaughter, Allee Weathers; one sister, Debbie Rodatz; and one brother, Johnny Patrick.

 

...

Edward Eugene Morgan

Edward Eugene Morgan

Dec 18, 2023

 

Edward Eugene Morgan, 81, of Glenwood, passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in Rutherfordton on January 14, 1942 to the late Robert Junior Morgan and Pauline Laughter Morgan. He was also preceded in death by two children, Scott Morgan and Diane Morgan Frye.

 

Mr. Morgan was employed for over...

Albert Franklin Robinson

Albert Franklin Robinson

Dec 17, 2023

     Albert Franklin Robinson, 86, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Autumn Care of Marion.

 

     Albert was born on April 4, 1937 to the late Carl Robinson and Agnes Lanning Robinson. He was married to his wife of 64 years, Thursia Bartlett Robinson, and was a member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church. Albert was...

Patsy Ann Smith Barlowe

Patsy Ann Smith Barlowe

Dec 15, 2023

Patsy Ann Smith Barlowe, 84, of Marion, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023 at UNC Health Blue Ridge.

A native of Marion, Patsy was born January 2, 1939 to the late Gurson Alvin Smith and Katie Mae Copeland Smith.

She was a faithful member of Nebo First Baptist Church where she loved worshipping for many years. Patsy was an avid reader, and...

Wilma Grace Styles Autrey

Wilma Grace Styles Autrey

Dec 14, 2023

 

Wilma Grace Styles Autrey, 70, of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

A native of Yancey County, Wilma was born August 26, 1953 to the late Ules Grant Styles and Atlas Davis Styles. She was also preceded in death by six siblings, Robert Styles, Helen Davis, Edna Walker, Ulysses Styles, Ruby Walker,...

Pastor Jimmy Upton

Pastor Jimmy Upton

Dec 14, 2023

Services may be live-streamed at the following links:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BethelBaptistMNC

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BethelBaptistMNC

Church App:

https://www.bethelbaptistmnc.church

 

Link to Memorial Video:

https://www.bethelbaptistmnc.church/pastor-jimmy-upton-memorial-video

 

Pastor Jimmy Upton, 76, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, December 14, 2023 at Frye Regional Medical Center.

 

A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, he was born August 21, 1947 to the...