All Obituaries

Carlton James “C.J.” Adams, age 30, of Marion, NC died Monday, February 22, 2021.   C.J. was born May 2, 1990 in Richmond, VA.  He enjoyed being outdoors and loved playing with his six month old son, Luke.  He could always make others laugh.   Surviving are his wife, Samantha Saulmon Adams; his beloved son, Luke Carlton James Adams; his step-son, Christopher Micheal Guffey, Jr.; his mother, Tina Willoughby Kendrick; one brother, Austin Adams of VA; and his...

Charles “Homer” Owensby, of Marion, passed away at the age of 80, at Mission Hospital – Memorial Campus in Asheville, NC, on Sunday, February 21, 2021. A native of McDowell, Homer was born on May 22, 1940 to the late Andrew Owensby and Mallie Styles Owensby.  Homer served with valor in the United States Marine Corps for 6 years and though his service, he got to travel the world.  He retired from Drexel Heritage Furniture after working 40 years for the...

Miriam Sheaffer, of Marion, passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday, February 18, 2021. A native of McDowell, Miriam was born on March 19, 1947 to the late Richard Sheaffer and Faye Withrow Sheaffer.   A graveside service will be held in McDowell Memorial Park on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Allen McKinney officiating.

Silverio Gabriel-Leyva, de 67 años, de Marion, falleció el miércoles 17 de febrero de 2021 en su residencia. Silverio nació el 13 de junio de 1953 en México, Cheran Michuacan, hijo del fallecido Cresencio Gabriel y Javentina Leyva.    El viernes 19 de febrero de 2021 se celebró un funeral privado.     Silverio Gabriel-Leyva, age 67, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at his residence.  Silverio was...

Hazel Rhodes Lawing, age 91, of Marion, NC went to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 16, 2021.   Hazel was born December 3, 1929 in Rutherford County, NC to the late Gilbert Rhodes and Lela Meldonia Hill Rhodes.  She was a member of Nealsville Church of God for almost 50 years, where she taught Sunday School.  She was also a member of the Shingle Hollow Church Senior Choir in Rutherfordton, NC.  In her pastime she enjoyed canning and sewing and was a talented...

Joseph Gregory  “Joe” Chapman, age 72, of Linville Falls, NC passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville, NC.   Joe was born March 8, 1948 in Johnson City, TN to the late S.G. “Bud” Chapman and Marguerite Clark Chapman.  He was a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp. and the owner/operator of Pineola Portable Welding.  Joe liked to fish and work in his garden.  He loved his black dogs.   In...

Howard Harris, age 66, of Old Fort, NC passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at his home.   Howard was born November 3, 1954 in McDowell County, NC to Georgia Phillips Harris of Old Fort, NC and to the late Millard James Harris.    In addition to his mother, those left behind to cherish Howard’s memory are his wife, Barbara Parker Harris; his daughter, April Baldwin of Milwaukie, OR; two granddaughters, Anna and Amelia Baldwin; and two siblings, Ivory Warren...

James Clayton Randolph, age 59, of Nebo, NC passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, February 12, 2021, after years of declining health.   James was born March 22, 1961 in McDowell County.  He was very friendly, had a great personality and never met a stranger.  Anyone who ever met him loved him.  He loved fishing and listening to music and he had a collection of old vinyl records.  His favorite were Tanya Tucker and The Bee Gees.   Those left behind...

Faye Welch Presnell, age 87, went to be with the Lord Friday, February 12, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.   Faye was born March 2, 1933 in Swain County, NC to the late General J. Welch and Hattie P. Welch.  She was a member of Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church and retired from Broyhill Furniture after many years of service.  Faye loved spending time with her family, working in her garden, and canning food to share with others.  She will be deeply missed by all...

Paul Birchfield, age 92, of Marion, NC was called home to be with the Lord Thursday, February 11, 2021.   Paul was born October 28, 1928 in Swain County, NC to the late Jesse and Effie Hall Birchfield.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a lifelong member of Zion Hill Baptist Church.  He worked in construction and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.  Paul loved his little dog and companion, Buddy.  His passion was music.  He played the fiddle and he taught...