Mrs. Nancy Plybon Guthrie, age 71, of Marion, NC, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 at her residence with her loving family by her side.  Nancy was born in York County, SC on June 5, 1940 to the late Charles Thomas Plybon, Jr. and Kathryne Hanks Plybon.  She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Marion.  Mrs. Guthrie was a teacher at McDowell High School and principal of East McDowell Junior High School before retiring in 2006.  In retirement, she was an educational coach for early colleges; Buncombe County and Rutherford County Early Colleges and Avery County Modified High School.  Not only was she a teacher, mentor and friend, Nancy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister who was loved by all who knew her.  Nancy had the passion and drive of a leader, but the heart of a servant, and was blessed to be a positive force and impact on so many lives in her short time in this world. 

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 50 years, Norman C. Guthrie, Jr.; one daughter, Kally Guthrie Dotson and her husband, Greg of Rutherfordton, NC; two sons, Norman Scott Guthrie and his wife, Susan of Huntersville, NC; and Neal Clements Guthrie and his wife, Jennifer of Simpsonville, SC; one sister, Mary Kathryne “Micky” Howe and her husband, Joe of York, SC; three grandchildren, Madison, Morgan and Tyler.  Surviving nieces and nephews include Dr. Joseph A. Howe, wife Laura and their children Will and Kate; and Melissa Howe and her children, Justin and Jennifer Snipes. She was preceded in death by nephew Michael T. Howe.   

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Marion with Revs. Kent Smith and Michael Holder officiating.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday immediately following the service. 

Those desiring to make a memorial contribution in Mrs. Guthrie’s memory are encouraged to consider First United Methodist Church of Marion, 176 Robert Street, Marion, NC 28752.