All Obituaries

Anne Pifer Ford, passed away early Sunday morning, September 20, 2020, after a period of declining health, at College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center in Connelly Springs, NC. Anne was born to the late Jay A. Pifer and Melba Williams Perkins in Rock Hill, SC.  Anne worked for many years at Rutherford Hospital as a Registered Nurse and was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Morganton, NC.  Anne is preceded in death by her husband and faithful companion of 32 years,...

Richard Harlin Newton, age 97, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Rutherford, NC. A native of Hardeman County, TN, Richard was born on April 16, 1923 to the late Richard Clarence Newton and Roberta Shearin Newton. Richard served in the United States Army and following the Army he worked at Cape Canaveral in Florida for a period of time.  He retired as a Real Estate Broker and was a member of First Baptist in Old Fort,...

John Lee Tilson, age 94, of Old Fort, NC passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, September 16, 2020, with his family at his bedside.   Mr. Tilson was born March 13, 1926 in Yancey County, NC to the late Samuel E. Tilson and Ina Dell Robertson Tilson.  He was the last remaining of ten children.  Mr. Tilson was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  He attended Living Waters Tabernacle.  He was the founder/business owner of Tilson Machine Shop where he worked until his...

Sylvia Frick Duncan, age 88, of Marion, NC passed away peacefully Friday, September 11, 2020, surrounded by loving family.   Sylvia was born September 6, 1932 in Harlan, KY to the late Curtis Adam Frick and Mary Edna Hensley Frick.  She was a member of First Baptist Church of Marion. Devoted always to her faith and family, she lived a life deeply committed to both, and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.   In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by...

Donald E. Jackson passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020 at the age of 89 at Mission Hospital Memorial Campus in Asheville, NC.  Donald was born in Old Fort, NC on September 7, 1930 to the late Ed Jackson and Effie Walker Jackson.  After graduating high school, Donald joined the United States Army and served in the Army Reserves for more than 6 years.  He attended the men’s Sunday School class at Zion Hill Baptist Church and was a Past Master of the Old Fort Joppa...

Jerry Tillotson, age 72, of Marion, NC passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Autumn Care of Marion.   Jerry was born June 13, 1948 in Polk County, NC to the late Marion Tillotson and Grace Gibson Tillotson.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired from General Electrics in Flat Rock, NC.  He had a big personality and was very likable, he was even called flirtatious at times.  Jerry enjoyed reading and listening to music, especially piano music.  He liked...

Ned Hollifield, age 82, of Marion, NC went to be with the Lord Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City, NC.   Ned was born February 6, 1938 in McDowell County, NC to the late Marvin A. Hollifield and Rose Jamison Hollifield.  He retired from RDM Electronics and was a member of Fairview Free Will Baptist Church.    In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Tucker Hollifield; his...

Christopher “Chris” Michael Grover, age 48, of Nebo, NC passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Mission Hospital – Asheville – Memorial Campus.   Chris was born December 27, 1971 in Rochester, New Hampshire.  He enjoyed working on cars and was an avid NASCAR fan.   Those left behind to cherish Chris’ memory are his wife, Debra “Debbie” Deaton Grover; his father, Terrance Grover of Nebo, NC; his “mom”, Lillian Sweet;...

Phyllis Lea Williamson Belair, age 72, of Marion, NC passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Mountain Ridge Health & Rehab in Black Mountain, NC.   Phyllis was born June 14, 1948 in Cambridge, VT to the late Stanley Theodore Williamson and Mary Louise Butler Williamson.  She was a member of Marion Congregation Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witness.    In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, John Maurice Belair.   Those...

Barbara Ann Cooper Norton, age 77, of Nebo, NC went to be with the Lord Saturday, August 29, 2020 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.   Barbara was born March 13, 1943 in Burke County, NC to the late Rev. Paul Clifton Cooper and Lula Mae Shidal Cooper.  She was a member of Glenwood Baptist Church and she retired from Southern Devices.  She enjoyed bird watching with her husband.  Barbara will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and...