Obituaries

Larry E. Whitfield

Larry E. Whitfield

May 2, 2022

Larry E. Whitfield, 68, passed away Monday, May 02, 2022.

 

A complete obituary will be available once finalized.

Larry  Gene Wiggins

Larry Gene Wiggins

May 2, 2022

Larry Gene Wiggins, 86, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, May 02, 2022 at his home.

 

He was born in Swain County on October 04, 1935 to the late Bill Wiggins and Lillie Laws Wiggins. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Vanessa Olson.

 

Larry retired from Coats America after over 40 years of...

Jamie Etta Edwards Burleson

Jamie Etta Edwards Burleson

May 1, 2022

Jamie Etta Edwards Burleson, 71, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, May 01, 2022 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

A native of McDowell County, she was born on June 01, 1950 to the late Coy Branscom Edwards and Florence Lorraine Washburn Edwards. She is also preceded in death by her special sister, Carolyn Duncan...

Gwendolyn Lowery

Gwendolyn Lowery

Apr 30, 2022

Gwendolyn Gilbert Lowery, 59 of Marion, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2022.

 

Gwendolyn was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on October 06, 1962 to the late OC and Agnes Ferguson Gilbert.  Gwendolyn formally worked as an LPN for over 30 years.  She enjoyed reading but most spending time with her family, especially the grandkids.

 

Those left...

Terry A. Henry

Terry A. Henry

Apr 30, 2022

Terry Allen Henry AKA (Big Hen) was born on November 4, 1964 to the late James Henry Sr., better known as "Big Daddy" and Margaret Elaine Henry, affectionately known as "Granny Laney" in Marion, North Carolina. He departed this life and transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax, Virginia. 

...

Dianne McGinnis Godfrey

Dianne McGinnis Godfrey

Apr 28, 2022

     Dianne Sue McGinnis Godfrey, 64, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

 

     Dianne was born in Marion, NC on February 28, 1958 to the late Frank McGinnis and Dorothy Melton McGinnis. She was married to her husband of over twenty years, Laddie Godfrey, who preceded her in death. Dianne...

Spc. Luis Enrique Herrera

Spc. Luis Enrique Herrera

Apr 28, 2022

Spc. Luis Enrique Herrera, 23, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away tragically on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

 

A native of McDowell County, he was born on October 29, 1998.

 

Spc. Herrera served in the United States Army as a paratrooper and was most recently stationed at Fort Bragg. He truly enjoyed his work in serving our country and...

Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely

Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely

Apr 28, 2022

Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely, 84, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

 

She was born in McDowell County on April 19, 1938 to the late Wayne Curtis Dillingham and Ossie Beatrice Harvey Dillingham.

 

Frances ran several local restaurants and had a loyal following as she served breakfast...

Aaron Robert Vess

Aaron Robert Vess

Apr 27, 2022

 

On the evening of Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Aaron Robert Vess, of Old Fort, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord. A native of McDowell County, Aaron was born on July 20, 1964 to the late Floyd and Georgia Hall Vess.

 

Aaron is the current pastor of Westminster Baptist Church in Union Mills, where he has...

Martha Ann Hemphill Tate

Martha Ann Hemphill Tate

Apr 26, 2022

Martha Ann Hemphill Tate “Aunt Bootsie,” of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Caldwell UNC Health Care.

 

Having just celebrated her 88th birthday, she was born on April 24, 1934 in McDowell County to the late Luther and Hessie Lynch Hemphill.

 

Martha retired from Broyhill after many years. She was a hard worker who enjoyed...

Debra Smith

Debra Smith

Apr 25, 2022

Debra Ann Tranthem Smith, 59, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022 at her residence.

 

She was born in McDowell County on April 27, 1962 to the late Daisy Welborn and her late stepfather, Ralph Welborn.

 

Debbie was a great cook who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. They were truly her world, especially Ayden...

Phillip Baldwin

Phillip Baldwin

Apr 25, 2022

     Phillip Lee Baldwin, 60, of Marion, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at his residence. At this time, no services are scheduled. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.beamfuneralservice.com 

Jonathan  Ray Wilson

Jonathan Ray Wilson

Apr 23, 2022

Jonathan Ray Wilson, 37, of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in McDowell County on January 21, 1985 to the late Theodore Hutchins and Rhonda Kay Wilson.

 

Jonathan loved fishing, and he was an avid fan of NASCAR racing and football....

Fairah Suttles Hollifield

Fairah Suttles Hollifield

Apr 19, 2022

 

On the morning of Tuesday, April 19, 2022, Fairah Suttles Hollifield passed away at Memorial Mission. A native of McDowell County, Fairah was born on September 4, 1945 to the late James and Sally Wilson Suttles.

 

She is preceded in death by her son, Timothy Brian Hollifield.

 

Fairah was a member of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church...

Donald Lee Melton

Donald Lee Melton

Apr 19, 2022

Mr. Donald Lee Melton, 50, of Marion, N.C. passed away on April 19, 2022 at his home.  He was born in Hickory N.C. to the late Frank D. Melton and Mary Hampton Melton.  He was perceeded in death by two brothers, Terry Brooks and Andrew "Bud" Brooks and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donald is survived by his cousins,...

Hobert Lee Whitesides

Hobert Lee Whitesides

Apr 16, 2022

     Hobert Lee Whitesides, 93, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Amorem Hospice in Hudson.

 

     Mr. Whitesides was born in McDowell County, NC, to the late Tom Dewey Whitesides and Bessie Noblitt Whitesides. He was married to his wife of seventy years, Betty Jane Harris Whitesides. He was a member of New...

Luther Junior McKinney

Luther Junior McKinney

Apr 15, 2022

     Luther Junior McKinney, 92, of Marion, passed away Friday, April 15, 2022, at Hospice of Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

    

     Mr. McKinney was born in McDowell County, NC on October 9, 1929, to the late Luther Joseph McKinney and Evelyn Jackson McKinney. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He...

Daniel Roland Ledbetter

Daniel Roland Ledbetter

Apr 14, 2022

Daniel Roland Ledbetter, 84, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2022 at his home.

 

He was born on November 21, 1937 to the late Roland and Monnie Ledbetter.

 

A resident of the Montford Cove community, Dan served as the former chief of the Sugar Hill Montford Cove Fire Department. He was also a member of...

Ricky Eugene Fender

Ricky Eugene Fender

Apr 13, 2022

     Ricky Eugene Fender, 67, of Asheville, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at his residence.

 

     Ricky was born in Asheville, NC on January 5, 1955 to the late James Fender, Sr. and Doris Butler Fender. He was of Christian faith and was formerly married to Brenda Fender. Ricky was a career truck driver with a great appreciation...

Douglas Carl Finley

Douglas Carl Finley

Apr 13, 2022

 

On the night of Wednesday, April 13, 2022, Douglas Carl Finley went home to glory at the Robbins Center in Hudson, N.C. A native of McDowell County, Douglas was born on March 16, 1961 to Pauline Ledford Hollifield and the late Jasper Carl Finley.

 

He is preceded in death by one brother, Arthur Ray Davis and one sister,...

Larry E. Whitfield

Larry E. Whitfield

May 2, 2022

Larry E. Whitfield, 68, passed away Monday, May 02, 2022.

 

A complete obituary will be available once finalized.

Larry  Gene Wiggins

Larry Gene Wiggins

May 2, 2022

Larry Gene Wiggins, 86, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, May 02, 2022 at his home.

 

He was born in Swain County on October 04, 1935 to the late Bill Wiggins and Lillie Laws Wiggins. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Vanessa Olson.

 

Larry retired from Coats America after over 40 years of...

Jamie Etta Edwards Burleson

Jamie Etta Edwards Burleson

May 1, 2022

Jamie Etta Edwards Burleson, 71, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, May 01, 2022 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

A native of McDowell County, she was born on June 01, 1950 to the late Coy Branscom Edwards and Florence Lorraine Washburn Edwards. She is also preceded in death by her special sister, Carolyn Duncan...

Gwendolyn Lowery

Gwendolyn Lowery

Apr 30, 2022

Gwendolyn Gilbert Lowery, 59 of Marion, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2022.

 

Gwendolyn was born in McDowell County, North Carolina on October 06, 1962 to the late OC and Agnes Ferguson Gilbert.  Gwendolyn formally worked as an LPN for over 30 years.  She enjoyed reading but most spending time with her family, especially the grandkids.

 

Those left...

Terry A. Henry

Terry A. Henry

Apr 30, 2022

Terry Allen Henry AKA (Big Hen) was born on November 4, 1964 to the late James Henry Sr., better known as "Big Daddy" and Margaret Elaine Henry, affectionately known as "Granny Laney" in Marion, North Carolina. He departed this life and transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax, Virginia. 

...

Dianne McGinnis Godfrey

Dianne McGinnis Godfrey

Apr 28, 2022

     Dianne Sue McGinnis Godfrey, 64, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

 

     Dianne was born in Marion, NC on February 28, 1958 to the late Frank McGinnis and Dorothy Melton McGinnis. She was married to her husband of over twenty years, Laddie Godfrey, who preceded her in death. Dianne...

Spc. Luis Enrique Herrera

Spc. Luis Enrique Herrera

Apr 28, 2022

Spc. Luis Enrique Herrera, 23, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away tragically on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

 

A native of McDowell County, he was born on October 29, 1998.

 

Spc. Herrera served in the United States Army as a paratrooper and was most recently stationed at Fort Bragg. He truly enjoyed his work in serving our country and...

Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely

Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely

Apr 28, 2022

Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely, 84, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

 

She was born in McDowell County on April 19, 1938 to the late Wayne Curtis Dillingham and Ossie Beatrice Harvey Dillingham.

 

Frances ran several local restaurants and had a loyal following as she served breakfast...

Aaron Robert Vess

Aaron Robert Vess

Apr 27, 2022

 

On the evening of Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Aaron Robert Vess, of Old Fort, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord. A native of McDowell County, Aaron was born on July 20, 1964 to the late Floyd and Georgia Hall Vess.

 

Aaron is the current pastor of Westminster Baptist Church in Union Mills, where he has...

Martha Ann Hemphill Tate

Martha Ann Hemphill Tate

Apr 26, 2022

Martha Ann Hemphill Tate “Aunt Bootsie,” of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at Caldwell UNC Health Care.

 

Having just celebrated her 88th birthday, she was born on April 24, 1934 in McDowell County to the late Luther and Hessie Lynch Hemphill.

 

Martha retired from Broyhill after many years. She was a hard worker who enjoyed...

Debra Smith

Debra Smith

Apr 25, 2022

Debra Ann Tranthem Smith, 59, of Morganton, North Carolina, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022 at her residence.

 

She was born in McDowell County on April 27, 1962 to the late Daisy Welborn and her late stepfather, Ralph Welborn.

 

Debbie was a great cook who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. They were truly her world, especially Ayden...

Phillip Baldwin

Phillip Baldwin

Apr 25, 2022

     Phillip Lee Baldwin, 60, of Marion, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at his residence. At this time, no services are scheduled. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.beamfuneralservice.com 

Jonathan  Ray Wilson

Jonathan Ray Wilson

Apr 23, 2022

Jonathan Ray Wilson, 37, of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.

 

He was born in McDowell County on January 21, 1985 to the late Theodore Hutchins and Rhonda Kay Wilson.

 

Jonathan loved fishing, and he was an avid fan of NASCAR racing and football....

Fairah Suttles Hollifield

Fairah Suttles Hollifield

Apr 19, 2022

 

On the morning of Tuesday, April 19, 2022, Fairah Suttles Hollifield passed away at Memorial Mission. A native of McDowell County, Fairah was born on September 4, 1945 to the late James and Sally Wilson Suttles.

 

She is preceded in death by her son, Timothy Brian Hollifield.

 

Fairah was a member of Bethel Free Will Baptist Church...

Donald Lee Melton

Donald Lee Melton

Apr 19, 2022

Mr. Donald Lee Melton, 50, of Marion, N.C. passed away on April 19, 2022 at his home.  He was born in Hickory N.C. to the late Frank D. Melton and Mary Hampton Melton.  He was perceeded in death by two brothers, Terry Brooks and Andrew "Bud" Brooks and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donald is survived by his cousins,...

Hobert Lee Whitesides

Hobert Lee Whitesides

Apr 16, 2022

     Hobert Lee Whitesides, 93, of Old Fort, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Amorem Hospice in Hudson.

 

     Mr. Whitesides was born in McDowell County, NC, to the late Tom Dewey Whitesides and Bessie Noblitt Whitesides. He was married to his wife of seventy years, Betty Jane Harris Whitesides. He was a member of New...

Luther Junior McKinney

Luther Junior McKinney

Apr 15, 2022

     Luther Junior McKinney, 92, of Marion, passed away Friday, April 15, 2022, at Hospice of Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

    

     Mr. McKinney was born in McDowell County, NC on October 9, 1929, to the late Luther Joseph McKinney and Evelyn Jackson McKinney. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He...

Daniel Roland Ledbetter

Daniel Roland Ledbetter

Apr 14, 2022

Daniel Roland Ledbetter, 84, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, April 14, 2022 at his home.

 

He was born on November 21, 1937 to the late Roland and Monnie Ledbetter.

 

A resident of the Montford Cove community, Dan served as the former chief of the Sugar Hill Montford Cove Fire Department. He was also a member of...

Ricky Eugene Fender

Ricky Eugene Fender

Apr 13, 2022

     Ricky Eugene Fender, 67, of Asheville, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at his residence.

 

     Ricky was born in Asheville, NC on January 5, 1955 to the late James Fender, Sr. and Doris Butler Fender. He was of Christian faith and was formerly married to Brenda Fender. Ricky was a career truck driver with a great appreciation...

Douglas Carl Finley

Douglas Carl Finley

Apr 13, 2022

 

On the night of Wednesday, April 13, 2022, Douglas Carl Finley went home to glory at the Robbins Center in Hudson, N.C. A native of McDowell County, Douglas was born on March 16, 1961 to Pauline Ledford Hollifield and the late Jasper Carl Finley.

 

He is preceded in death by one brother, Arthur Ray Davis and one sister,...