Obituaries

Eddie Ray Epley

Eddie Ray Epley

Jan 3, 2022

Eddie Ray Epley, 64, of Marion, passed away Monday January 3, 2022 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City, North Carolina.

Eddie was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina on October 8, 1957 to the late Lellon Epley and Wilma Jarrett Epley. He was a member of Nebo First Baptist Church. Eddie was also a member of The...

Charles  Alvin  Rhom

Charles Alvin Rhom

Jan 1, 2022

Charles Alvin Rhom, 72, of Nebo, passed away on January 01, 2022 at his residence.

Charles was born in Mitchell County, North Carolina on November 17, 1949 to the late James Howard Rhom and Nettie Lovel Davis Rhom. Charles was an avid member of the Marion Moose Lodge where he served as Governor for several years. He enjoyed watching college...

Thomas Raymond Perkins

Thomas Raymond Perkins

Jan 1, 2022

Thomas Raymond Perkins, age 77, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, January 01, 2022 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

A native of Morgan County Kentucky, he was born December 24, 1944 to the late Thomas Calvin Perkins and Beatrice Stidham Perkins. Thomas was a hard worker. He spent many years as a diesel mechanic working on tractors....

Mary R

Mary R

Jan 1, 2022

Mary R, age 70, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, January 01, 2022 at her residence.

She was born in New York on May 22, 1951.

She ran a pet conditioner business from her home, and she was very meticulous and professional in her business.

She is survived by her companion of over 25 years, Joe Spearing; her son, Tristan Ravitch; and...

Margie Frances Boyd

Margie Frances Boyd

Dec 31, 2021

Margie Frances Jaynes Boyd, 94 of Marion, North Carolina, departed her earthly body peacefully, and was immediately met by her glorious Savior and many loved ones on December 31, 2021 at Solace of Asheville. She was born in Albemarle, NC on September 17, 1927, to the late John Vance Jaynes & Dora Linthicum Jaynes. She married her sweetheart, James H....

Reba Harris Pinkerton

Reba Harris Pinkerton

Dec 31, 2021

Mrs. Reba Pinkerton, age 85, of Marion, passed away, Friday December 31, 2021.

Reba was born in Marion, North Carolina on July 15, 1936 to the late Clarence Sylvester Harris and Estelle Gladys Bradshaw Harris. Reba was a member of the Wagon Master Square Dancing Group. She was known as a wonderful cook who would feed anyone who came over. She...

Naomi Hensley

Naomi Hensley

Dec 30, 2021

Naomi Jean Gouge Hensley, 77, of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, in Granite Falls.

Naomi was born in Yancey County, NC, on March 25, 1944, to the late Nathan and Carrie Ollis Gouge. She was married to Thomas Dean Hensley, who passed away in 1986. Naomi enjoyed sewing and reading. Most of all, she loved her family. She...

Clara Lue Briggs

Clara Lue Briggs

Dec 30, 2021

Clara Lue Jenkins Briggs, 75, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Memorial Campus.

Clara was born in Marion, North Carolina on August 30, 1946 to the late Alonzo “Buster” Jenkins and Evelyn Fender Jenkins. She graduated from Old Fort High School in 1964. Clara retired from Duncans Shoe House following thirty years of dedicated service....

Charles  Davis Lowdermilk

Charles Davis Lowdermilk

Dec 29, 2021

Charles Davis (Dave) Lowdermilk of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 29,2021 at Memorial Campus in Asheville, North Carolina.

Dave was born in Marion, N.C. on March 20, 1959 to the late Charles HaddenLowdermilk and Doris Ellen Davis Lowdermilk. Dave worked many years in the nurserybusiness. He was passionate and knowledgeable about native plants of North Carolinaand beyond. He was known as...

Tina Brown Parker

Tina Brown Parker

Dec 29, 2021

Tina Denise Brown Parker, 66, of Nebo, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at her residence.

Tina was born in Marion, North Carolina on June 6, 1955 to the late Fred V. Brown and Dolly Blankenship Brown. Tina was a homemaker who enjoyed doing crafts, painting and gardening. Her main focus was her family and the Lord. She was the glue...

Frank Melton Lavender

Frank Melton Lavender

Dec 27, 2021

Frank Melton Lavender, 85, of Marion, passed away Monday, December 26, 2021 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville after several years of declining health.

Frank was born in McDowell County on September 17, 1936, to the late Alfred Lavender and Minnie Smith Lavender. He was lovingly devoted to his wife of 62 years, Bonnie Presnell Lavender. Frank proudly served his country...

Agnes Wilkerson

Agnes Wilkerson

Dec 27, 2021

Miss Clara Agnes Wilkerson entered the gates of Heaven on Monday, December 27, 2021. A native of Marion, she was the daughter of the late John D and Mae Robbins Wilkerson.

Agnes was born on February 3, 1933. A pillar of the Montford Cove community, she was well-known for her generous heart, giving spirit and devotion to her church and...

Betty Jo Frisbee Hawkins

Betty Jo Frisbee Hawkins

Dec 27, 2021

Betty Jo Frisbee Hawkins, of Charlotte, passed over to her heavenly home on Monday, December 27, 2021, in Marion, where she was born.

She was the daughter of the late Roy L. Frisbee and Della Mae Maney Frisbee, of Marion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Raymond Hawkins; two sisters, Ruby Frisbee Setzer and Mary Ruth Frisbee Edwards; and...

Jerry Don Knighton

Jerry Don Knighton

Dec 26, 2021

Jerry Don Knighton, 82, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021 at his residence.

Jerry was born in McDowell County, North Carolina, on June 30, 1939, to the late Charles William and Hazel Bradford Knighton. He was married to his wife of sixty-two years, Brenda “Susie” Joyce Harvey Knighton. Jerry served his country proudly in the United States Army...

Michelle Julia Elliott  Samples

Michelle Julia Elliott Samples

Dec 25, 2021

Michelle Julia Elliott Samples, 49, of Morganton, North Carolina, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, December 25, 2021 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

She was born in McDowell County on December 18, 1972 to Thiet Thi Doan Elliott and the late Phillip Charles Elliott. Michelle was a member of Freedom Baptist Church. She was a...

Mildred Pruden Kelly

Mildred Pruden Kelly

Dec 25, 2021

Mildred Pruden Kelly, age 97, of Old Fort, went to be with the Lord, on Saturday December 25, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Lee Kelly, Sr.; one son Terry Kelly; three brothers and one sister

She was born in McDowell County to the late Fletcher and Connie Raffield Pruden on September 11, 1924. Mildred was...

Jonathan Drake

Jonathan Drake

Dec 21, 2021

Jonathan Carl Drake, 38, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 in Morganton.

Mr. Drake was born in Lincolnton, NC, on July 11, 1983, to Tyron and Tammy Drake. He was a fence installer with Fences by Eddie for fourteen years. He was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church #2 in Morganton. He loved his Mustang and his...

Catherine "Cathy" Boone Blankenship

Catherine "Cathy" Boone Blankenship

Dec 21, 2021

Catherine “Cathy” Boone Blankenship, 88, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her residence.

Cathy was born in Marion, North Carolina on October 6, 1933 to the late Ossie Boone and Mildred Ellis Boone. Cathy ran a daycare for years and loved taking care of children. She loved fishing and loved her family very much. In addition...

Paul Henry Allison

Paul Henry Allison

Dec 20, 2021

Paul Henry Allison, age 65, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

He was born in Raleigh on March 14, 1956 to Doris Weiss Walston and the late Paul Allison. Paul enjoyed being outdoors. He lived a good life and enjoyed showing others how to enjoy life. He will...

James Kenneth Perry

James Kenneth Perry

Dec 20, 2021

James Kenneth Perry, Sr, 91, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021, at the John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center in Asheville.

Mr. Perry was born in Miami, West Virginia on May 21, 1930, to the late Everett and Maple White Perry. Mr. Perry served his country, proudly, in the United States Army, with whom he retired after...

Eddie Ray Epley

Eddie Ray Epley

Jan 3, 2022

Eddie Ray Epley, 64, of Marion, passed away Monday January 3, 2022 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City, North Carolina.

Eddie was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina on October 8, 1957 to the late Lellon Epley and Wilma Jarrett Epley. He was a member of Nebo First Baptist Church. Eddie was also a member of The...

Charles  Alvin  Rhom

Charles Alvin Rhom

Jan 1, 2022

Charles Alvin Rhom, 72, of Nebo, passed away on January 01, 2022 at his residence.

Charles was born in Mitchell County, North Carolina on November 17, 1949 to the late James Howard Rhom and Nettie Lovel Davis Rhom. Charles was an avid member of the Marion Moose Lodge where he served as Governor for several years. He enjoyed watching college...

Thomas Raymond Perkins

Thomas Raymond Perkins

Jan 1, 2022

Thomas Raymond Perkins, age 77, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, January 01, 2022 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

A native of Morgan County Kentucky, he was born December 24, 1944 to the late Thomas Calvin Perkins and Beatrice Stidham Perkins. Thomas was a hard worker. He spent many years as a diesel mechanic working on tractors....

Mary R

Mary R

Jan 1, 2022

Mary R, age 70, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Saturday, January 01, 2022 at her residence.

She was born in New York on May 22, 1951.

She ran a pet conditioner business from her home, and she was very meticulous and professional in her business.

She is survived by her companion of over 25 years, Joe Spearing; her son, Tristan Ravitch; and...

Margie Frances Boyd

Margie Frances Boyd

Dec 31, 2021

Margie Frances Jaynes Boyd, 94 of Marion, North Carolina, departed her earthly body peacefully, and was immediately met by her glorious Savior and many loved ones on December 31, 2021 at Solace of Asheville. She was born in Albemarle, NC on September 17, 1927, to the late John Vance Jaynes & Dora Linthicum Jaynes. She married her sweetheart, James H....

Reba Harris Pinkerton

Reba Harris Pinkerton

Dec 31, 2021

Mrs. Reba Pinkerton, age 85, of Marion, passed away, Friday December 31, 2021.

Reba was born in Marion, North Carolina on July 15, 1936 to the late Clarence Sylvester Harris and Estelle Gladys Bradshaw Harris. Reba was a member of the Wagon Master Square Dancing Group. She was known as a wonderful cook who would feed anyone who came over. She...

Naomi Hensley

Naomi Hensley

Dec 30, 2021

Naomi Jean Gouge Hensley, 77, of Marion, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, in Granite Falls.

Naomi was born in Yancey County, NC, on March 25, 1944, to the late Nathan and Carrie Ollis Gouge. She was married to Thomas Dean Hensley, who passed away in 1986. Naomi enjoyed sewing and reading. Most of all, she loved her family. She...

Clara Lue Briggs

Clara Lue Briggs

Dec 30, 2021

Clara Lue Jenkins Briggs, 75, of Old Fort, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Memorial Campus.

Clara was born in Marion, North Carolina on August 30, 1946 to the late Alonzo “Buster” Jenkins and Evelyn Fender Jenkins. She graduated from Old Fort High School in 1964. Clara retired from Duncans Shoe House following thirty years of dedicated service....

Charles  Davis Lowdermilk

Charles Davis Lowdermilk

Dec 29, 2021

Charles Davis (Dave) Lowdermilk of Marion, passed away Wednesday, December 29,2021 at Memorial Campus in Asheville, North Carolina.

Dave was born in Marion, N.C. on March 20, 1959 to the late Charles HaddenLowdermilk and Doris Ellen Davis Lowdermilk. Dave worked many years in the nurserybusiness. He was passionate and knowledgeable about native plants of North Carolinaand beyond. He was known as...

Tina Brown Parker

Tina Brown Parker

Dec 29, 2021

Tina Denise Brown Parker, 66, of Nebo, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at her residence.

Tina was born in Marion, North Carolina on June 6, 1955 to the late Fred V. Brown and Dolly Blankenship Brown. Tina was a homemaker who enjoyed doing crafts, painting and gardening. Her main focus was her family and the Lord. She was the glue...

Frank Melton Lavender

Frank Melton Lavender

Dec 27, 2021

Frank Melton Lavender, 85, of Marion, passed away Monday, December 26, 2021 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville after several years of declining health.

Frank was born in McDowell County on September 17, 1936, to the late Alfred Lavender and Minnie Smith Lavender. He was lovingly devoted to his wife of 62 years, Bonnie Presnell Lavender. Frank proudly served his country...

Agnes Wilkerson

Agnes Wilkerson

Dec 27, 2021

Miss Clara Agnes Wilkerson entered the gates of Heaven on Monday, December 27, 2021. A native of Marion, she was the daughter of the late John D and Mae Robbins Wilkerson.

Agnes was born on February 3, 1933. A pillar of the Montford Cove community, she was well-known for her generous heart, giving spirit and devotion to her church and...

Betty Jo Frisbee Hawkins

Betty Jo Frisbee Hawkins

Dec 27, 2021

Betty Jo Frisbee Hawkins, of Charlotte, passed over to her heavenly home on Monday, December 27, 2021, in Marion, where she was born.

She was the daughter of the late Roy L. Frisbee and Della Mae Maney Frisbee, of Marion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Raymond Hawkins; two sisters, Ruby Frisbee Setzer and Mary Ruth Frisbee Edwards; and...

Jerry Don Knighton

Jerry Don Knighton

Dec 26, 2021

Jerry Don Knighton, 82, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021 at his residence.

Jerry was born in McDowell County, North Carolina, on June 30, 1939, to the late Charles William and Hazel Bradford Knighton. He was married to his wife of sixty-two years, Brenda “Susie” Joyce Harvey Knighton. Jerry served his country proudly in the United States Army...

Michelle Julia Elliott  Samples

Michelle Julia Elliott Samples

Dec 25, 2021

Michelle Julia Elliott Samples, 49, of Morganton, North Carolina, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, December 25, 2021 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

She was born in McDowell County on December 18, 1972 to Thiet Thi Doan Elliott and the late Phillip Charles Elliott. Michelle was a member of Freedom Baptist Church. She was a...

Mildred Pruden Kelly

Mildred Pruden Kelly

Dec 25, 2021

Mildred Pruden Kelly, age 97, of Old Fort, went to be with the Lord, on Saturday December 25, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Lee Kelly, Sr.; one son Terry Kelly; three brothers and one sister

She was born in McDowell County to the late Fletcher and Connie Raffield Pruden on September 11, 1924. Mildred was...

Jonathan Drake

Jonathan Drake

Dec 21, 2021

Jonathan Carl Drake, 38, of Morganton, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 in Morganton.

Mr. Drake was born in Lincolnton, NC, on July 11, 1983, to Tyron and Tammy Drake. He was a fence installer with Fences by Eddie for fourteen years. He was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church #2 in Morganton. He loved his Mustang and his...

Catherine "Cathy" Boone Blankenship

Catherine "Cathy" Boone Blankenship

Dec 21, 2021

Catherine “Cathy” Boone Blankenship, 88, of Old Fort, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her residence.

Cathy was born in Marion, North Carolina on October 6, 1933 to the late Ossie Boone and Mildred Ellis Boone. Cathy ran a daycare for years and loved taking care of children. She loved fishing and loved her family very much. In addition...

Paul Henry Allison

Paul Henry Allison

Dec 20, 2021

Paul Henry Allison, age 65, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021 at the CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

He was born in Raleigh on March 14, 1956 to Doris Weiss Walston and the late Paul Allison. Paul enjoyed being outdoors. He lived a good life and enjoyed showing others how to enjoy life. He will...

James Kenneth Perry

James Kenneth Perry

Dec 20, 2021

James Kenneth Perry, Sr, 91, of Old Fort, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021, at the John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center in Asheville.

Mr. Perry was born in Miami, West Virginia on May 21, 1930, to the late Everett and Maple White Perry. Mr. Perry served his country, proudly, in the United States Army, with whom he retired after...