Obituaries
Frederick Manuel Ortiz
Nov 21, 2024
Frederick Manuel Ortiz, 82, of Marion, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Fred was born on October 2, 1942, in Longmont, Colorado, to the late Rose Trujillo and Guadalupe Ortiz. He was married to the late Suzanne Ortiz, his wife of 48 years. Fred was very strong willed and very active throughout his life. He...
Lucille Lowery Smith
Nov 21, 2024
Lucille Lowery Smith, age 102, was born on August 26, 1922, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on November 21 2024, at Summerset Court Nursing. Lucille, affectionately known for her warmth and generosity, was a cherished member of her community and a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout life, Lucille found joy in the simple pleasures of sewing and...
Jerry Winslow Finley
Nov 20, 2024
Jerry Winslow Finley, age 72, born on January 27, 1952, in McDowell County, departed this life on November 20, 2024, at Memorial Mission Hospital. Jerry was a beloved, father, grandfather, and friend known for his infectious sense of humor his unwavering ability to make those around him laugh.
As a US Army Veteran, Jerry served his country with honor, reflecting his...
Jack Douglas McIntosh, Sr.
Nov 20, 2024
Jack Douglas McIntosh, Sr., 61, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Jack was born in Tampa, FL. on November 25, 1962 to his father, Byrd McIntosh who preceded him in death. His wife, Carolyn McIntosh also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his son, Jack Douglas McIntosh, Jr. and his three grandchildren, Gabriel, Isabella...
James Dannie Spencer Jr.
Nov 19, 2024
James Dannie Spencer Jr., aged 70, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 19, 2024. Born on August 4, 1954, in McDowell County, Jr. was cherished by those who knew him for his big heart and delightful sense of humor. He was always happy and smiling, bringing joy to his family and friends.
Jr. was a...
Brenda Briggs Cole Mace
Nov 19, 2024
Brenda Briggs Cole Mace, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Catawba County on March 4, 1957 to the late Henry Briggs and Ethel Frisbee Briggs.
Brenda was fiercely devoted to her family. She placed great importance on quality time with them, especially her grandchildren who were her pride and joy....
Violena Byrd Avis
Nov 19, 2024
Violena Byrd Avis, 95, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at her home.
A native of McDowell County, she was born April 8, 1929 to the late Charlie Byrd and Esther Rector Byrd. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by seven siblings, Bonnie Williams, Faye Jenkins, Alma Webster, Thurman Byrd, KC Byrd, Arthur...
Leroy Johnathan McPeters
Nov 18, 2024
Leroy Johnathan McPeters, 87, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Leroy was born in Yancey County on April 11, 1937 to the late Hubert McPeters and the late Ruby Smith McPeters. Leroy was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Autumn Causby; a brother, John Henry McPeters and one great granddaughter.
He was known as...
Timothy Roger Gardner
Nov 17, 2024
Timothy “Tim” Roger Gardner, of Newland, passed away at his residence at the age 58 on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Tim was born in Avery County to the late George Lee Gardner and the late Grace Alma Laws Gardner on April 10, 1966. His brothers Jerry Gardner and Gary Gardner also preceded him in death.
Tim Gardner is a journalist, and author...
Dianna Mae Durkee Sisk
Nov 17, 2024
Dianna Mae Durkee Sisk, 76, of Marion, passed away Sunday evening, November 17, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A native of McDowell County, she was born May 6, 1948 to the late Barney Durkee and Bessie Duncan Setzer. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Sisk; and one brother, Michael Durkee.
Dianna dedicated her...
Linda McClure Shelton
Nov 16, 2024
Linda McClure Shelton, 75, of Marion, departed to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at her home.
She was born in Gaston County on March 25, 1949 to the late Festus D. McClure and Georgia McKimsey McClure. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Morgan; and her lifelong partner, Bob Mashburn.
Linda enjoyed cooking, and she...
Danny Reece Barnett
Nov 14, 2024
Danny Reece Barnett, 70, of Bakersville passed away at The VA Medical Center in Asheville on Thursday, November 14, 2024. He was born on March 07, 1954 in Mitchell County to Calvin Barnett and Rittie Peterson Barnett who preceded him in death. His siblings, Cratus Barnett, Arnold Barnett, David Barnett, Maxine Garland and Charlotte Maxwell also preceded him in death.
Danny...
Robert Conley Saulmon
Nov 14, 2024
Robert Conley Saulmon, 69, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at home with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Morganton, North Carolina on May 3, 1955 to the late Robert Alexander Saulmon and Betty Jean Orders Davis.
Bob was a dedicated and hard-working individual, known for his extensive career primarily in the furniture industry. He...
June Winders Wilson
Nov 13, 2024
June Winders Wilson of Little Switzerland passed away at the age of 84, at her residence on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
June was born in Raleigh, NC on June 11, 1940 to Gilbert Winders and Evelyn Hudson Winders who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by three children.
She and her husband, Thomas, served as a missionaries in...
Everette Donald Ricker
Nov 12, 2024
Everette Donald Ricker, 75, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Everette was born in McDowell County on June 18, 1949 to Hobert Ricker and Margie Hampton Ricker. Both parents have preceded him in death.
He dedicated thirty-five years of service to Drexel Furniture. In his spare-time he enjoyed music, dancing, fishing and watching...
Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis
Nov 10, 2024
Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis, 77, of Marion, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in McDowell County on August 2, 1947 to the late Grayson Finley and Louemer Neneve Lamb Finley.
Coleen worked in insurance sales for many years. She also was employed with McDowell County Department of Social Services for a period....
Homer "Shirl" Robinson
Nov 6, 2024
Homer "Shirl" Robinson, born on November 27, 1951, in Yancey County, North Carolina, passed away on November 6, 2024, at Mission Hospital. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who touched many lives.
Shirl shared a life filled with love and affection with his beloved wife, Marlene J. Robinson. They had a beautiful family that was the pride and joy...
Linda Ann Rapan Smith
Nov 5, 2024
Late in the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Linda Ann Rapan Gee Smith, 72, of Black Mountain passed away at Memorial Mission in Asheville.
Linda was born in Wellsville, New York on November 10, 1951 to Raymond Rapan and Ella K. Walsh who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Tina Gee.
After twenty-six years...
Laura Dolores Burgos
Nov 5, 2024
Laura Dolores Burgos, 80, of Rutherfordton, passed away at Mission McDowell on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Laura was born on December 07, 1943 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Jose Luis Burgos and Herminia Berrios who preceded her in death.
Laura worked for Eastern Airlines as a stewardess which fit her outgoing personality perfectly. She always enjoyed helping others which meant a...
Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr.
Nov 4, 2024
Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr., 75, of Marion passed away at UNC Medical Center Chapel Hill on Monday, November 4, 2024.
Robert was born in McDowell County on February 13, 1949 to Robert Lawrence McKinney, Sr. and Estelle Pyatt Allman who preceded him in death.
Robert loved his Lord and Savior and was a dedicated member of New Manna Baptist Church. He enjoyed...
Frederick Manuel Ortiz
Nov 21, 2024
Frederick Manuel Ortiz, 82, of Marion, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.
Fred was born on October 2, 1942, in Longmont, Colorado, to the late Rose Trujillo and Guadalupe Ortiz. He was married to the late Suzanne Ortiz, his wife of 48 years. Fred was very strong willed and very active throughout his life. He...
Lucille Lowery Smith
Nov 21, 2024
Lucille Lowery Smith, age 102, was born on August 26, 1922, in McDowell County, passed away peacefully on November 21 2024, at Summerset Court Nursing. Lucille, affectionately known for her warmth and generosity, was a cherished member of her community and a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout life, Lucille found joy in the simple pleasures of sewing and...
Jerry Winslow Finley
Nov 20, 2024
Jerry Winslow Finley, age 72, born on January 27, 1952, in McDowell County, departed this life on November 20, 2024, at Memorial Mission Hospital. Jerry was a beloved, father, grandfather, and friend known for his infectious sense of humor his unwavering ability to make those around him laugh.
As a US Army Veteran, Jerry served his country with honor, reflecting his...
Jack Douglas McIntosh, Sr.
Nov 20, 2024
Jack Douglas McIntosh, Sr., 61, of Marion, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Jack was born in Tampa, FL. on November 25, 1962 to his father, Byrd McIntosh who preceded him in death. His wife, Carolyn McIntosh also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his son, Jack Douglas McIntosh, Jr. and his three grandchildren, Gabriel, Isabella...
James Dannie Spencer Jr.
Nov 19, 2024
James Dannie Spencer Jr., aged 70, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 19, 2024. Born on August 4, 1954, in McDowell County, Jr. was cherished by those who knew him for his big heart and delightful sense of humor. He was always happy and smiling, bringing joy to his family and friends.
Jr. was a...
Brenda Briggs Cole Mace
Nov 19, 2024
Brenda Briggs Cole Mace, 67, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.
She was born in Catawba County on March 4, 1957 to the late Henry Briggs and Ethel Frisbee Briggs.
Brenda was fiercely devoted to her family. She placed great importance on quality time with them, especially her grandchildren who were her pride and joy....
Violena Byrd Avis
Nov 19, 2024
Violena Byrd Avis, 95, of Marion, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at her home.
A native of McDowell County, she was born April 8, 1929 to the late Charlie Byrd and Esther Rector Byrd. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by seven siblings, Bonnie Williams, Faye Jenkins, Alma Webster, Thurman Byrd, KC Byrd, Arthur...
Leroy Johnathan McPeters
Nov 18, 2024
Leroy Johnathan McPeters, 87, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Leroy was born in Yancey County on April 11, 1937 to the late Hubert McPeters and the late Ruby Smith McPeters. Leroy was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Autumn Causby; a brother, John Henry McPeters and one great granddaughter.
He was known as...
Timothy Roger Gardner
Nov 17, 2024
Timothy “Tim” Roger Gardner, of Newland, passed away at his residence at the age 58 on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Tim was born in Avery County to the late George Lee Gardner and the late Grace Alma Laws Gardner on April 10, 1966. His brothers Jerry Gardner and Gary Gardner also preceded him in death.
Tim Gardner is a journalist, and author...
Dianna Mae Durkee Sisk
Nov 17, 2024
Dianna Mae Durkee Sisk, 76, of Marion, passed away Sunday evening, November 17, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A native of McDowell County, she was born May 6, 1948 to the late Barney Durkee and Bessie Duncan Setzer. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Sisk; and one brother, Michael Durkee.
Dianna dedicated her...
Linda McClure Shelton
Nov 16, 2024
Linda McClure Shelton, 75, of Marion, departed to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at her home.
She was born in Gaston County on March 25, 1949 to the late Festus D. McClure and Georgia McKimsey McClure. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Morgan; and her lifelong partner, Bob Mashburn.
Linda enjoyed cooking, and she...
Danny Reece Barnett
Nov 14, 2024
Danny Reece Barnett, 70, of Bakersville passed away at The VA Medical Center in Asheville on Thursday, November 14, 2024. He was born on March 07, 1954 in Mitchell County to Calvin Barnett and Rittie Peterson Barnett who preceded him in death. His siblings, Cratus Barnett, Arnold Barnett, David Barnett, Maxine Garland and Charlotte Maxwell also preceded him in death.
Danny...
Robert Conley Saulmon
Nov 14, 2024
Robert Conley Saulmon, 69, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at home with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Morganton, North Carolina on May 3, 1955 to the late Robert Alexander Saulmon and Betty Jean Orders Davis.
Bob was a dedicated and hard-working individual, known for his extensive career primarily in the furniture industry. He...
June Winders Wilson
Nov 13, 2024
June Winders Wilson of Little Switzerland passed away at the age of 84, at her residence on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
June was born in Raleigh, NC on June 11, 1940 to Gilbert Winders and Evelyn Hudson Winders who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by three children.
She and her husband, Thomas, served as a missionaries in...
Everette Donald Ricker
Nov 12, 2024
Everette Donald Ricker, 75, of Marion passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Everette was born in McDowell County on June 18, 1949 to Hobert Ricker and Margie Hampton Ricker. Both parents have preceded him in death.
He dedicated thirty-five years of service to Drexel Furniture. In his spare-time he enjoyed music, dancing, fishing and watching...
Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis
Nov 10, 2024
Coleen Elizabeth Westall Davis, 77, of Marion, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in McDowell County on August 2, 1947 to the late Grayson Finley and Louemer Neneve Lamb Finley.
Coleen worked in insurance sales for many years. She also was employed with McDowell County Department of Social Services for a period....
Homer "Shirl" Robinson
Nov 6, 2024
Homer "Shirl" Robinson, born on November 27, 1951, in Yancey County, North Carolina, passed away on November 6, 2024, at Mission Hospital. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who touched many lives.
Shirl shared a life filled with love and affection with his beloved wife, Marlene J. Robinson. They had a beautiful family that was the pride and joy...
Linda Ann Rapan Smith
Nov 5, 2024
Late in the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Linda Ann Rapan Gee Smith, 72, of Black Mountain passed away at Memorial Mission in Asheville.
Linda was born in Wellsville, New York on November 10, 1951 to Raymond Rapan and Ella K. Walsh who preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Tina Gee.
After twenty-six years...
Laura Dolores Burgos
Nov 5, 2024
Laura Dolores Burgos, 80, of Rutherfordton, passed away at Mission McDowell on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Laura was born on December 07, 1943 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to Jose Luis Burgos and Herminia Berrios who preceded her in death.
Laura worked for Eastern Airlines as a stewardess which fit her outgoing personality perfectly. She always enjoyed helping others which meant a...
Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr.
Nov 4, 2024
Robert Lawrence McKinney, Jr., 75, of Marion passed away at UNC Medical Center Chapel Hill on Monday, November 4, 2024.
Robert was born in McDowell County on February 13, 1949 to Robert Lawrence McKinney, Sr. and Estelle Pyatt Allman who preceded him in death.
Robert loved his Lord and Savior and was a dedicated member of New Manna Baptist Church. He enjoyed...
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