Obituaries

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...

Patricia Ann Billingsley

Patricia Ann Billingsley

Nov 25, 2021

Patricia Ann Willis Billingsley, 76, of Marion, North Carolina passed away Thursday November 25, 2021 at her residence.

Patricia was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee to the late Earl Glenn Willis and Vivian Flora Mahan Willis. She was an accountant until retirement, and later she started her own Jewelry Company called “Sassy Lady” where she made her own special jewelry. Patricia...

Nina "Ninie"  Lee Gibbs Johnson

Nina "Ninie" Lee Gibbs Johnson

Nov 23, 2021

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 23, 2021, Nina “Ninie” Gibbs Johnson passed away at Rose Hill Retirement Community. A native of Yancey County, Nina was born on November 15, 1936 to the late Ed and Lula Caroway Gibbs.

Nina was a longtime member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing meals with...

Margaret Ann Cope Freeman

Margaret Ann Cope Freeman

Nov 22, 2021

Margaret Ann Cope Freeman, 78, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, November 22, 2021 at her residence.

A native of South Carolina, Margaret was born December 05, 1942 to the late Sidney Cope and Sadie Mole Cope. Margaret worked as a respiratory therapist for 38 years. She was a fun, energetic, and loving woman. In addition to her parents,...

James Donald Ledbetter Sr.

James Donald Ledbetter Sr.

Nov 21, 2021

James Donald Ledbetter, Sr., age 84, of the Glenwood Community, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Pyatt Ledbetter; his parents, Homer and Mammie Sue Ledbetter and a host of brothers and sisters. Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, James Donald Ledbetter Jr., of the home and William...

Thomas Albert Rapan

Thomas Albert Rapan

Nov 21, 2021

Thomas Albert Rapan, age 76, passed away at the Charles George VA Medical Center, on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

He was born to the late Raymond and Kathleen Walsh Rapan, on February 16, 1945, in Allegany County, New York. Thomas proudly served in the US Navy. He was a Vietnam Vet and in the Riverine Force. He was a recipient...

Orin Crisp

Orin Crisp

Nov 21, 2021

Orin Crisp, age 99, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the Hospice Center of the Charles George VA Medical Center.

He was born in Clay County on July 10, 1922 to the late Julius Goldman Crisp and Delia Calhoun Crisp. Orin believed in hard work. He worked for many years as a logger. He enjoyed...

Gary Benny Thomas

Gary Benny Thomas

Nov 20, 2021

On Saturday, November 20, 2021, Gary Benny Thomas, age 81, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away at his residence. A native of McDowell County, he was born August 31, 1940 to the late Charles Hyatt Thomas and Dicie Lee Chrisawn Thomas. Gary was a supervisor with the North Carolina Department of Corrections. He was also a proud veteran of the...

Gary Everett Hollifield

Gary Everett Hollifield

Nov 19, 2021

Gary Everett Hollifield, 69, of Nebo, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021 at The Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

Gary was born in Marion, North Carolina on December 9, 1951 to Lucille Blankenship Hollifield and the late Doc Everett Hollifield. Gary was a faithful member of Nowlings Chapel Church. Gary taught Sunday School for many years at Rocky Pass and...

Wilma Elizabeth Haynes Conner

Wilma Elizabeth Haynes Conner

Nov 19, 2021

Wilma Elizabeth Haynes Conner, age 91, of Old Fort, North Carolina passed away, unexpectedly, but peacefully, into the arms of Jesus on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehabilitation in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Wilma was born on May 26, 1930 in Buncombe County to the late Arthur Leroy Haynes and Arizona Burleson Haynes. In addition to...

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...

Patricia Ann Billingsley

Patricia Ann Billingsley

Nov 25, 2021

Patricia Ann Willis Billingsley, 76, of Marion, North Carolina passed away Thursday November 25, 2021 at her residence.

Patricia was born in Sullivan County, Tennessee to the late Earl Glenn Willis and Vivian Flora Mahan Willis. She was an accountant until retirement, and later she started her own Jewelry Company called “Sassy Lady” where she made her own special jewelry. Patricia...

Nina "Ninie"  Lee Gibbs Johnson

Nina "Ninie" Lee Gibbs Johnson

Nov 23, 2021

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 23, 2021, Nina “Ninie” Gibbs Johnson passed away at Rose Hill Retirement Community. A native of Yancey County, Nina was born on November 15, 1936 to the late Ed and Lula Caroway Gibbs.

Nina was a longtime member of Pleasant Gardens Baptist Church. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sharing meals with...

Margaret Ann Cope Freeman

Margaret Ann Cope Freeman

Nov 22, 2021

Margaret Ann Cope Freeman, 78, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, November 22, 2021 at her residence.

A native of South Carolina, Margaret was born December 05, 1942 to the late Sidney Cope and Sadie Mole Cope. Margaret worked as a respiratory therapist for 38 years. She was a fun, energetic, and loving woman. In addition to her parents,...

James Donald Ledbetter Sr.

James Donald Ledbetter Sr.

Nov 21, 2021

James Donald Ledbetter, Sr., age 84, of the Glenwood Community, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Pyatt Ledbetter; his parents, Homer and Mammie Sue Ledbetter and a host of brothers and sisters. Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, James Donald Ledbetter Jr., of the home and William...

Thomas Albert Rapan

Thomas Albert Rapan

Nov 21, 2021

Thomas Albert Rapan, age 76, passed away at the Charles George VA Medical Center, on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

He was born to the late Raymond and Kathleen Walsh Rapan, on February 16, 1945, in Allegany County, New York. Thomas proudly served in the US Navy. He was a Vietnam Vet and in the Riverine Force. He was a recipient...

Orin Crisp

Orin Crisp

Nov 21, 2021

Orin Crisp, age 99, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021 at the Hospice Center of the Charles George VA Medical Center.

He was born in Clay County on July 10, 1922 to the late Julius Goldman Crisp and Delia Calhoun Crisp. Orin believed in hard work. He worked for many years as a logger. He enjoyed...

Gary Benny Thomas

Gary Benny Thomas

Nov 20, 2021

On Saturday, November 20, 2021, Gary Benny Thomas, age 81, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away at his residence. A native of McDowell County, he was born August 31, 1940 to the late Charles Hyatt Thomas and Dicie Lee Chrisawn Thomas. Gary was a supervisor with the North Carolina Department of Corrections. He was also a proud veteran of the...

Gary Everett Hollifield

Gary Everett Hollifield

Nov 19, 2021

Gary Everett Hollifield, 69, of Nebo, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021 at The Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital.

Gary was born in Marion, North Carolina on December 9, 1951 to Lucille Blankenship Hollifield and the late Doc Everett Hollifield. Gary was a faithful member of Nowlings Chapel Church. Gary taught Sunday School for many years at Rocky Pass and...

Wilma Elizabeth Haynes Conner

Wilma Elizabeth Haynes Conner

Nov 19, 2021

Wilma Elizabeth Haynes Conner, age 91, of Old Fort, North Carolina passed away, unexpectedly, but peacefully, into the arms of Jesus on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehabilitation in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Wilma was born on May 26, 1930 in Buncombe County to the late Arthur Leroy Haynes and Arizona Burleson Haynes. In addition to...