Obituaries

Richard David Burleson

Richard David Burleson

Dec 8, 2021



In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 8, 2021, Richard David Burleson passed away at the North Carolina State Veterans Home. A native of Avery County, Richard was born on April 25, 1937 to the late John and Texie Queen Burleson.

Richard was a member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church and was a proud United States Air Force veteran...

Pauline McCoyle Rector

Pauline McCoyle Rector

Dec 7, 2021

Pauline McCoyle Rector, 83, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, December 07, 2021 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills on what would have been her 64th wedding anniversary.

She was born in Rutherford County on July 06, 1938 to the late Shuford and Bessie Brown McCoyle. Pauline retired from Coats America after working there for over 40 years. She...

Ethel Lee Shelton

Ethel Lee Shelton

Dec 7, 2021

Ethel Lee Shelton, 81, of Marion, passed away after battling a lengthy illness, on Tuesday, Dec. 7th, 2021 while surrounded by her family at her home.

Ethel was born in McDowell County, NC on January 22, 1940, to the late Thomas Lee and Mary Randolph Lee. She was married to her husband of 67 years, Clyde Delano Shelton. Ethel...

Donna Lou Dover Wilson

Donna Lou Dover Wilson

Dec 6, 2021

Donna Lou Dover Wilson, 79, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, December 06, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. A native of McDowell County, she was born January 24, 1942 to the late Harry T. Dover and Catherine Williams Dover. She is also preceded in death by a brother, William Edgar Dover. Donna Lou was a...

Kimberly Angela Bartlett

Kimberly Angela Bartlett

Dec 5, 2021

Kimberly Angela Bartlett, age 56, of Nebo, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at her residence. A native of McDowell County, Kimberly was born on October 12, 1965 to the late Jack and Mitzi Davis Reynolds.

She is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Tabatha Manis. Kimberly enjoyed watching and collecting hummingbirds. Known as being kind...

William Thomas Ross

William Thomas Ross

Dec 5, 2021



On the evening of Sunday, December 5, 2021, William Thomas Ross passed away at Memorial Campus with his loved ones by his side. He was born on August 25, 1937 in Whitney, South Carolina to the late Clyde and Rubenia Smith Ross.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marietta Norman Ross; infant son, William Thomas Ross, Jr.;...

Larry  Dean Ballard

Larry Dean Ballard

Dec 5, 2021

Larry Dean Ballard, 65, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, December 05, 2021 at his residence.

He was born in McDowell County on November 01, 1956 to Alice Faye Ballard Lowery and the late Clinston Lowery. Larry retired from the City of Marion as the manager of the water department. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the...

Lewis C.  Tipton, Jr.

Lewis C. Tipton, Jr.

Dec 5, 2021

Lewis C. Tipton, Jr., age 78, of Marion, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center. He was born in Dickinson County, Virginia on February 5, 1943 to the late Lewis C. Tipton, Sr. and Gladys Stanley Tipton.

Lewis was a member of Grace Community Church. He was known as a hard-working man that...

Hattie McAbee

Hattie McAbee

Dec 4, 2021

Hattie McAbee, 85, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, December 04, 2021 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation.

Emily Mae Elliott Plemmons

Emily Mae Elliott Plemmons

Dec 4, 2021

Emily Mae Elliott Plemmons, 89, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, December 04, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

A native of McDowell County, she was born September 27, 1932 to the late Benjamin and Eunice Cameron Elliott. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Rev. J.D. Plemmons; and five siblings, Margaret, Ben, James,...

Clayton Champton Murphy

Clayton Champton Murphy

Dec 2, 2021

Clayton Champton Murphy, age 88, went home to be with the Lord December 02, 2021, with family by his side. He was born on July 16, 1933 in Rutherfordton. He was the son of the late Hardy L. Murphy and Birdie Painter Murphy; and stepmother, Ella Maude Murphy. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Clinton Murphy and...

Carol Louise Owings

Carol Louise Owings

Dec 2, 2021

Carol Louise Owings, 86, of Marion, NC, passed away December 2, 2021, at Rose Hill Retirement Community. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, she was born November 24, 1935, to the late Phyllis L. Cunningham Dietz and William J. Dietz, and baptized at Mahoningtown Presbyterian Church in New Castle, PA. Carol was a graduate of Mars High School in Pittsburgh, PA,...

Johnny Alvin "Al" Ward

Johnny Alvin "Al" Ward

Dec 2, 2021

Johnny Alvin Ward of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021 at his residence.

Al was born in Marion, North Carolina on June 2, 1931 to the late Clarence Woody Ward and Hessie Morgan Ward. Al worked in the furniture industry as a molding machine operator. He retired from Drexel Furniture after 36 years of service. Following retirement he enjoyed working...

Shaun Michael Dale

Shaun Michael Dale

Dec 1, 2021

On the evening of Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Shaun Michael Dale passed away at his residence. He was born on September 25, 1980 in Detroit, Michigan to Debra Lewis Dale and the late Charles Dale.

Along with his father, he is preceded in death by a nephew, Hunter Dale. Shaun enjoyed fishing and bowling. He was a loving son and...

Julian Turance Peterson

Julian Turance Peterson

Dec 1, 2021

Julian Turance Peterson, 28, formerly of Marion, NC, passed away on Wednesday December 1st 2021 after losing his battle with addiction.

Julian was born on June 3rd 1993 in Fort Myers, FL, and moved to NC with his family in 2005. He graduated from McDowell High School in 2011.

Julian will be remembered for his deep perception and wonder of the universe,...

Jerome Edmund Morris

Jerome Edmund Morris

Nov 30, 2021

Jerome Edmund Morris, 82, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at the Charles George VA Medical Center. He was born in Dean, West Virginia on February 03, 1939 to the late Berl Morris and Lena Ellen Livingston Morris. Jerome was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked at Hercules in Ohio for 38 years...

Billie Ann Burgess

Billie Ann Burgess

Nov 30, 2021

Billie Ann Burgess, passed away, with her family by her side on, November 30th, 2021 at the age of seventy-nine at Valdese Hospice. Billie Ann was born on October 21, 1942.

She was predeceased by her parents George and Ruth Brown; siblings, Carol, Gladys, Pat, Penny, Peggy, Wanda, Brenda and her three sons; Michael George McEntire, Lloyd W. Foster...

Martha Gayle Kirby

Martha Gayle Kirby

Nov 30, 2021

Martha Gayle Kirby, 51, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021. She was born July 03, 1970 in McDowell County to the late Mary Ruth Kirby Triplett. Gayle was a warm-hearted and loving soul. She was quite a character who was a friend to all. Gayle was giving to everyone regardless of their status. She always rooted...

Grace "Gracie" Evelyn Bradley Harris

Grace "Gracie" Evelyn Bradley Harris

Nov 29, 2021

Grace “Gracie” Evelyn Bradley Harris, 85, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, November 29, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

She was born in Rutherford County on July 18, 1936 to the late McClain and Estelle Huffman Bradley. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Gay Harris; a son, Talmadge Harris; six brothers, Don, Wilford, Charlie, Floyd,...

Swan Arvil Woody

Swan Arvil Woody

Nov 27, 2021

Swan Arvil Woody, 84, of Marion, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021, in Lincolnton. Mr. Woody was born in Madison County, NC on June 9, 1937 to the late Grover and Verlie Gowan Woody. Mr. Woody attended Yancey Street Baptist Church in Marion. He had an easy-going personality and loved to remanence about old times. He was a car enthusiast...

Richard David Burleson

Richard David Burleson

Dec 8, 2021



In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 8, 2021, Richard David Burleson passed away at the North Carolina State Veterans Home. A native of Avery County, Richard was born on April 25, 1937 to the late John and Texie Queen Burleson.

Richard was a member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church and was a proud United States Air Force veteran...

Pauline McCoyle Rector

Pauline McCoyle Rector

Dec 7, 2021

Pauline McCoyle Rector, 83, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, December 07, 2021 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills on what would have been her 64th wedding anniversary.

She was born in Rutherford County on July 06, 1938 to the late Shuford and Bessie Brown McCoyle. Pauline retired from Coats America after working there for over 40 years. She...

Ethel Lee Shelton

Ethel Lee Shelton

Dec 7, 2021

Ethel Lee Shelton, 81, of Marion, passed away after battling a lengthy illness, on Tuesday, Dec. 7th, 2021 while surrounded by her family at her home.

Ethel was born in McDowell County, NC on January 22, 1940, to the late Thomas Lee and Mary Randolph Lee. She was married to her husband of 67 years, Clyde Delano Shelton. Ethel...

Donna Lou Dover Wilson

Donna Lou Dover Wilson

Dec 6, 2021

Donna Lou Dover Wilson, 79, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, December 06, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. A native of McDowell County, she was born January 24, 1942 to the late Harry T. Dover and Catherine Williams Dover. She is also preceded in death by a brother, William Edgar Dover. Donna Lou was a...

Kimberly Angela Bartlett

Kimberly Angela Bartlett

Dec 5, 2021

Kimberly Angela Bartlett, age 56, of Nebo, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at her residence. A native of McDowell County, Kimberly was born on October 12, 1965 to the late Jack and Mitzi Davis Reynolds.

She is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Tabatha Manis. Kimberly enjoyed watching and collecting hummingbirds. Known as being kind...

William Thomas Ross

William Thomas Ross

Dec 5, 2021



On the evening of Sunday, December 5, 2021, William Thomas Ross passed away at Memorial Campus with his loved ones by his side. He was born on August 25, 1937 in Whitney, South Carolina to the late Clyde and Rubenia Smith Ross.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Marietta Norman Ross; infant son, William Thomas Ross, Jr.;...

Larry  Dean Ballard

Larry Dean Ballard

Dec 5, 2021

Larry Dean Ballard, 65, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, December 05, 2021 at his residence.

He was born in McDowell County on November 01, 1956 to Alice Faye Ballard Lowery and the late Clinston Lowery. Larry retired from the City of Marion as the manager of the water department. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the...

Lewis C.  Tipton, Jr.

Lewis C. Tipton, Jr.

Dec 5, 2021

Lewis C. Tipton, Jr., age 78, of Marion, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center. He was born in Dickinson County, Virginia on February 5, 1943 to the late Lewis C. Tipton, Sr. and Gladys Stanley Tipton.

Lewis was a member of Grace Community Church. He was known as a hard-working man that...

Hattie McAbee

Hattie McAbee

Dec 4, 2021

Hattie McAbee, 85, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, December 04, 2021 at Deer Park Health and Rehabilitation.

Emily Mae Elliott Plemmons

Emily Mae Elliott Plemmons

Dec 4, 2021

Emily Mae Elliott Plemmons, 89, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, December 04, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

A native of McDowell County, she was born September 27, 1932 to the late Benjamin and Eunice Cameron Elliott. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Rev. J.D. Plemmons; and five siblings, Margaret, Ben, James,...

Clayton Champton Murphy

Clayton Champton Murphy

Dec 2, 2021

Clayton Champton Murphy, age 88, went home to be with the Lord December 02, 2021, with family by his side. He was born on July 16, 1933 in Rutherfordton. He was the son of the late Hardy L. Murphy and Birdie Painter Murphy; and stepmother, Ella Maude Murphy. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Clinton Murphy and...

Carol Louise Owings

Carol Louise Owings

Dec 2, 2021

Carol Louise Owings, 86, of Marion, NC, passed away December 2, 2021, at Rose Hill Retirement Community. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, she was born November 24, 1935, to the late Phyllis L. Cunningham Dietz and William J. Dietz, and baptized at Mahoningtown Presbyterian Church in New Castle, PA. Carol was a graduate of Mars High School in Pittsburgh, PA,...

Johnny Alvin "Al" Ward

Johnny Alvin "Al" Ward

Dec 2, 2021

Johnny Alvin Ward of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021 at his residence.

Al was born in Marion, North Carolina on June 2, 1931 to the late Clarence Woody Ward and Hessie Morgan Ward. Al worked in the furniture industry as a molding machine operator. He retired from Drexel Furniture after 36 years of service. Following retirement he enjoyed working...

Shaun Michael Dale

Shaun Michael Dale

Dec 1, 2021

On the evening of Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Shaun Michael Dale passed away at his residence. He was born on September 25, 1980 in Detroit, Michigan to Debra Lewis Dale and the late Charles Dale.

Along with his father, he is preceded in death by a nephew, Hunter Dale. Shaun enjoyed fishing and bowling. He was a loving son and...

Julian Turance Peterson

Julian Turance Peterson

Dec 1, 2021

Julian Turance Peterson, 28, formerly of Marion, NC, passed away on Wednesday December 1st 2021 after losing his battle with addiction.

Julian was born on June 3rd 1993 in Fort Myers, FL, and moved to NC with his family in 2005. He graduated from McDowell High School in 2011.

Julian will be remembered for his deep perception and wonder of the universe,...

Jerome Edmund Morris

Jerome Edmund Morris

Nov 30, 2021

Jerome Edmund Morris, 82, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at the Charles George VA Medical Center. He was born in Dean, West Virginia on February 03, 1939 to the late Berl Morris and Lena Ellen Livingston Morris. Jerome was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked at Hercules in Ohio for 38 years...

Billie Ann Burgess

Billie Ann Burgess

Nov 30, 2021

Billie Ann Burgess, passed away, with her family by her side on, November 30th, 2021 at the age of seventy-nine at Valdese Hospice. Billie Ann was born on October 21, 1942.

She was predeceased by her parents George and Ruth Brown; siblings, Carol, Gladys, Pat, Penny, Peggy, Wanda, Brenda and her three sons; Michael George McEntire, Lloyd W. Foster...

Martha Gayle Kirby

Martha Gayle Kirby

Nov 30, 2021

Martha Gayle Kirby, 51, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021. She was born July 03, 1970 in McDowell County to the late Mary Ruth Kirby Triplett. Gayle was a warm-hearted and loving soul. She was quite a character who was a friend to all. Gayle was giving to everyone regardless of their status. She always rooted...

Grace "Gracie" Evelyn Bradley Harris

Grace "Gracie" Evelyn Bradley Harris

Nov 29, 2021

Grace “Gracie” Evelyn Bradley Harris, 85, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, November 29, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Wellness Center.

She was born in Rutherford County on July 18, 1936 to the late McClain and Estelle Huffman Bradley. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Gay Harris; a son, Talmadge Harris; six brothers, Don, Wilford, Charlie, Floyd,...

Swan Arvil Woody

Swan Arvil Woody

Nov 27, 2021

Swan Arvil Woody, 84, of Marion, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021, in Lincolnton. Mr. Woody was born in Madison County, NC on June 9, 1937 to the late Grover and Verlie Gowan Woody. Mr. Woody attended Yancey Street Baptist Church in Marion. He had an easy-going personality and loved to remanence about old times. He was a car enthusiast...

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