All Obituaries

Mrs. Arlene Hall Ledbetter, age 96, of the Montford Cove community, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019.  A full obituary will be published when arrangements have been completed.  

Terry Benge, age 56, of Nebo, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 11, 2019 at his residence.  Terry was born in McDowell County on January 16, 1963 to the late Homer Lewis and Bertha Bledsoe Lewis.  He was a fan of the Carolina Tar Heels and NASCAR.  He loved animals and was a history buff.  His mother will remember him as a loving and caring son.  Two brothers, Mickey and Doug Benge preceded him in death.    Left to cherish his memory, in...

Frank J. Hall, age 97, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Rose Hill Retirement Community.  A native of Marion, Frank was born on March 1, 1922. He proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army.  Frank retired after being self-employed for many years as a Real Estate Developer.  He was a patriotic man and enjoyed fellowship with other veterans.  He was a sports enthusiast who liked to watch the Carolina Tar Heels and...

Mr. Jason D. Bryant, age 85, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville.  Jason was born in Carthage, NC on May 25, 1934 to the late Herman R. Bryant and Mildred Key Bryant.  He was a college instructor, a computer consultant and enjoyed woodworking.  A daughter, Beth Bryant, preceded him in death.   Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Annette Poteat Bryant; three children, Mike Bryant and wife Kandice of...

Mrs. Joan Allen Butler, age 87, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, November7, 2019 at Deer Park Rehab and Care.  She will be laid to rest beside her husband Robert V. Butler at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.  

Mrs. Iris “Diantha” Vess McPeters, age 77, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, November 3, 2019.  Diantha was born in Buncombe County to the late Emery Vess and Lee Davis Vess on September 27, 1942. She attended Nowlings Chapel Freewill Baptist church for many years.  Diantha very much enjoyed her flowers and cooking.  She was the prayer warrior of the family and could be counted on to be in deep prayer for any needs that her family requested. She...

Howard Tipton, age 97, of Morganton, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2019 at his residence with his daughter and caregiver, Marlene, by his side.  He was a native of Yancey County, born on October 2, 1922 to the late Henry Grady Tipton and Bernice Harris Tipton.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Gladys Carver Tipton.   Howard enjoyed working outside around his home, whether it be mowing the grass or just working in his vegetable garden, and he did so...

Mrs. Agnes Helms Lanning, age 93, of Old Fort, passed away, Thursday, October 31, 2019 at Fleshers Fairview Health Care Center.  Agnes was born in Monroe, NC on February 24, 1926 to the late Edward and Fronie Eudy Helms.  A member of Catawba Falls Baptist Church in Old Fort, she will be remembered as a loving wife and mother.  Ollis Lanning was her husband of 54 years and passed away in 2003.   She leaves behind five children, Richard Lanning (Linda) of Mills River, Ann...

Richard “Coach” Laney, age 85, of Nebo, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 following a period of declining health.  A native of Hickory, Coach was born on March 28, 1934 to the late Rev. W. C. Laney and Ethel Parker Laney.  He spent his entire career with the McDowell County School System as a teacher, coach and Athletic Director.  Coach Laney proved to be a guiding moral compass for school system leadership and students alike. ...

Mrs. Sandy Stines Sherlin, age, 58, of Marion, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019 at her residence with her loving husband Eddie by her side.  A native of Marion, Sandy was born on May 31, 1961 to the late Johnny Stines and Frances Miller Stines. Sandy served faithfully in the United States Army and also retired from the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville. She had quite a talent for crafts, with a special passion for creating art that represented people.  The...