The McDowell News

Albert Thomas Kenneth Hewitt, best known as Tom, passed away on April 25, 2022 at the Meadows in Fulton, after a life well lived as a loving husband, devoted father, dedicated citizen, tireless worker, and most importantly a child of God. He leaves behind his daughter Juanita Sheffield (Mark), sons Ken Hewitt and Josh Hewitt (Aimee), daughter-in-law Felecia Hewitt; grandchildren Tommy Hewitt (Phoebe), Kelsey Campbell (Nathan), Brandon Hewitt, Shayna Davis (Josh), Regan Hewitt, Clay Hewitt, and Maddie Hewitt; and great-grandchildren Kayden Hewitt, Andy Hewitt, Addie Hewitt, Natalie Campbell, Nate Campbell, Claudia Campbell, Audrey Hewitt, Greyson Hewitt, Cain Hewitt, Walker Davis, Rhett...

Janess Sharon Parker, 78, of Elm City, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022, with family at her side. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 on Friday, April 8 at Joyner's Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Reverends Allen Mills and Kevin Laughren will officiate. Born in Texas was a Gas Pipe Liner's Daughter, Wife and Mother. She was President of Parker Stockstill Construction. Janess was a wonderful mother of three sons, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Janess was tender hearted and compassionate with a big heart for her dogs. She loved to cook and was very good at it. Her biscuits and gravy were famous for being indigestion free. Janess was...

Audrey Grindstaff Truesdale Cody, 71, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2022 at her home. She was born in McDowell County, NC, daughter of the late Fate Morgan and Maggie Thomas Grindstaff. Audrey was a member of Patterson Grove Baptist Church. She retired from the State of North Carolina DMV where she served as a drivers license hearings officer. Audrey enjoyed camping and spending time with her family and friends. After her retirement, Audrey served the community as a member of the Kings Mountain Planning and Zoning Committee. She was fond of shopping and loved spoiling her grandchildren. Audrey was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and grandmother to her many...

Paul Edward Allison, Jr., 83, passed away Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. He was born in McDowell County on August 31, 1938, the son of the late Paul Edward and Frankie Grindstaff Allison. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Dean Allison. Paul was an accomplished musician, educator, artist and musical mentor. He primarily paid for his college education by playing in jazz groups in Asheville in the late '50's. He ultimately continued to manage his own band and help fund the college educations of his three children while still maintaining a full-time job. His family has never forgotten his sacrifices though, most...

Doris Jane Reynolds Landreth, 70, of 141 Heron Court, Fair Play, SC 29643 passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Born in Greenville County, SC to the late Bobbie Jean Skelton Reynolds McWhite and Jesse Cleveland Reynolds, Jr., Jane was a standout basketball player at Slater-Marietta High School, a member of Phi Theta Kappa at North Greenville Junior Baptist College, and a graduate of Clemson University. She also earned a master's degree in education from Berry College. Jane started her teaching career at Hollis Elementary in Greenville, SC, subsequently teaching subjects ranging from algebra to physical education at schools in Toccoa, LaGrange, and Rome, GA, and then in Marion and...

Ann Self Sigmon, age 73 of Old Fort, formerly of Lincolnton, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021, at her residence into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior. She was born April 14, 1948, in Lincoln County to the late Robert and Fleta Boggs Harrill. Ann was a member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church. She was the founder and owner for 40 years of Carolina's Independent Trucker's Services, Inc. Ann enjoyed gardening and all the beautiful flowers. She had a servant's heart and was always helping others. Ann lived the life of a Proverb's 31 Woman. 1. She was more precious than jewels to all who knew her, especially her family. The Lord used Ann to bring healing to her blended family. She was a...

Ronald Judson Henline, 76, died September 20, 2021 peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 11, 1944 in Asheboro, NC. The son of Clifford and Lillion Henline, was educated in the North Carolina Public Schools and later attended Western Carolina University. His strong interest in mechanical and power transmission led him to a successful career as a field sales engineer in the paper industry. In 1987, Jud married Patricia Henline of Savannah, GA. Jud was a Christian and had a loving heart demonstrated by his membership in his AF. and AM. Masonic lodge Eastgate 692 Charlotte NC, Scottish Rite Valley of Savannah, GA and Alee Shriners Temple of Savannah, GA. In addition...

Mr. Dixon Cooke, 88, of Beech Island, SC, entered into rest on Friday, August 13, 2021, exactly two years after his wife, Mary Coughlin Cooke. Born in Perry County, AL, he was son of the late Wilbur Allen and Pearl Clinton Cooke. At the age of seventeen, he left the family cotton field to enlist in the United States Navy, where he proudly and honorably served during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge for the Navy, he went to Auburn University on the GI Bill, where he received a degree in Industrial Engineering. GO WAR EAGLES! He was recruited by United Merchants following graduation. He enjoyed being with his family and in his younger years he enjoyed a round of golf,...

Gerald Walter Jordan (Jerry) age 69 of Tellico Plains, TN, went to be with the Lord on August 4, 2021. He was survived by his mother Pat Jordan of Marion, N.C., brother Bennie Jordan Jr. of Hayesville, N.C., sister-in-law Lucy Jordan, one niece, three nephews, one great niece and one great nephew, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Bennie Joe Jordan Sr. Jerry loved the solitude of the Tennessee Mountains but kept in contact with family and friends on the phone. Jerry enjoyed being a self-taught weatherman and loved the snow. He was an artist and created many beautiful paintings. No memorial service or funeral is planned at this time....

Willie Swan Morgan, formerly of Glenwood, age 89, passed away June 20, 2021. Her bright smile and mischievous personality would light up a room. She will be missed by all who knew her. She never met a stranger and had the ability to find fun in everything she did. Willie is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse "JB" Bryon Morgan Jr.; her parents, Joseph Harvey Swan and Hattie Cable Swan; sister and brothers, Helen Greene, Robert Harold Swan and James Swan. She is survived by her sister, Ruby Scates; 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, Glenwood school classmates and friends. A Graveside Service will be at...

Risberth Arrowood Brooks, age 97, of Asheboro died Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Mrs. Brooks was born July 26, 1923 in Caroleen, NC (Rutherford County) to James and Myrtle Davis Arrowood. Mrs. Brooks and her husband Willard owned and operated Willard's Foodland in Marion for over 30 years and she was an active member of Clinchfield Baptist Church, Marion. . She is survived by her daughter, Graye Hartis and husband Norman of Asheboro; son, Neils W. Brooks, Sr. and wife Elena of Duck, NC; 4 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. A graveside service will be held at McDowell Memorial Park in Marion. Memorials may be made to Oakhurst...

William (Bill) Holland Bell, 84 of Clearwater, FL passed away on January 17, 2021. Born in Lamar, SC on August 8, 1936. Bill graduated from Pleasant Gardens High School. He worked in sales and home improvement. William is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Roma Jean; his parents, Worster and Mildred Bell as well his nephew, James Strader. William is survived by his 3 children; Sherrie Teague (Fred Miller), Annette Disanto (Mike) and John Bell (Kelly); Grandchildren, Andrew Disanto, Daniel Grant, Rachelle Vincenti, Ashley Teague (Griffin Hooper); Great-Grandchildren, Bryce and Riley Hooper; Sister, Pat Merriman (Sonny) and Niece, Cindy Bruce. In lieu of flowers, please make a...

Gail Suttlemyre Lavender, 82, passed away December 23, 2020 at Westminster Towers in Rock Hill, South Carolina after a long battle with Dementia. She was born on May 4, 1938 in Marion, North Carolina. Gail was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Myers Suttlemyre. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Gail spent most of her life growing up in Marion, North Carolina. She graduated from Jackson High in Jackson, SC where her parents moved to start a small grocery store while the Savanah River Nuclear Plant was being constructed. Afterward, her parents sold the store and moved back to Marion, North Carolina. Gail then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to attend...

Judy Elaine Taylor, age 69, passed away September 26, 2020, at her home in Knoxville, after a brave battle with cancer. She was born August 12, 1951 to Gene and Delphia Taylor in Marion, North Carolina. Judy was a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Asheville. She proudly served her country in the US Army where she was an ordinance officer before retiring her commission to work as a military plans analyst with the federal government conducting war games and exercises. She was a voracious reader who loved to go on historical and literary tours. She traveled frequently for work and continued into retirement to many European countries. Judy loved spending time with her...

Meredith Whittemore-Zaiken, 71, passed away on June 29, 2020. After a short battle with leukemia, she passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Meredith was originally from McDowell County but loved traveling with her husband, settling in Asheville, NC, Belchertown, MA, Sparta, NJ and Covington, GA. It could be said that her greatest accomplishment was loving others. She did it well. But she also loved the sound of the ocean, dancing, and even taught ballroom and swing dancing classes in her spare time too. Meredith spent a lifetime showing those around her kindness, love, and friendship. She was a light to everyone who knew her. Her faith and family carried her throughout her...

Ms. Barbara Alice Slone, 42 of Mt. Vernon, KY passed from this life on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at her home. She was born in Lexington, KY on April 9, 1978 and had been an employee of Baxter's Medical Supply Company. A non-denominational Christian, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as reading her Bible, listening to music, and crafting. She is survived by her children, Christopher Terry, Rachael L. Ponder, and Amber Nicole Ponder, all of North Carolina; her grandchildren, Arianna and Jasper; her parents, James and Marcella Whitaker of Mt. Vernon; brothers, R.J., Jim Bob, David, Casey, and Michael; sisters, Jenny and husband, Clay and Rachel; and her...

Robert Clyde Parish, 83, entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 8, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Robert lived in Marion, NC and was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church. Robert was born on September 4, 1936 in Long Beach, California. He was the son of the late Clyde Henry Parish and the late Mary Francis Graves Parish. Robert served in the US Marines and then became an active member of the St. Andrew's Fire Department. He retired as Assistant Chief after 33 years of service. Robert is survived by his wife, Doris W. Parish and his children: Linda Martin (Dale) of Grantsville, WV; Liz Turnage (Michael) of Summerville, SC; Kelly Rosenbalm (Jeff) of Troutman, NC; Patrick Parish...

Mrs. Margaret "Crickett" Jones Poteat, 73 of Clover, SC, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, Rock Hill, SC. Graveside service will be 11:00 am Friday, May 1, 2020 at Lakeview Memory Gardens with the Rev. Mike Stafford officiating. Mrs. Poteat was born August 11, 1946 in Marion, NC to the late M. Lee and Hester Mae Seagle Jones. She retired in August 2010 from Duke Power after 25 years of service. Crickett loved her family more than anything. She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Crickett had the kindest heart. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Betty Flynn and Bobbie Roland. Survivors are her husband Bobby Poteat; daughter...

Augusta, GA - Russell Earl Watkins, 88, husband of Lois S. Watkins, entered into rest Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center - Downtown. Funeral services with Full Military Honors will be held Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 12:00 noon from the chapel of Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors with Reverend Steve Hartman officiating. Mr. Watkins, son of the late Sarah Gallion Watkins and Henry Watkins, was born in Marion, NC, Macedonia Community. He was a veteran of the United States Army, retiring after 22 years of service. He was of the Baptist Faith and attended Fleming Baptist Church. Russ enjoyed sharing a joke, was affectionately known as the "gum...

Victoria "Vickie" Ballew Dillard, 69, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2019 surrounded by her family. Originally from Yancey County N.C., Vickie was born the youngest of 6 children to the late Albert and Ola Mae Ballew on November 22, 1949. Vickie was a loving and devoted mother to her three children, always putting her family first. Even after Vickie moved to Charlotte to be with her daughters, her friends and family in Marion were never far from her mind. Vickie could always be seen driving highway 70 back "home" to Marion to spend time with her extended family and friends. Whether it was playing Bridge or having monthly family dinners you could be sure that Vickie was always up for...

Mr. Jerry Glen Lavender, 80 of Fort Mill, SC passed away peacefully from complications of liver disease at Hospice & Community Care in Rock Hill on Sunday, September 22, 2019. Jerry was the son of Callie May Lavender and Ray Lewis. He was born in Marion, NC and was married to Gail Suttlemyer Lavender for 39 years. He graduated from Marion High School and attended Appalachian State University. He was a veteran of the US Army and was self-employed. He is survived by his step-sons Chip Smith (Cathie) and Stacy Smith, and granddaughters Loring Smith Bobart (Brandon) and Cooper Smith. A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion Post Number 43 in Fort Mill this Sunday,...