Obituaries

Mar 26, 2023

Brittany Ann Watkins, 32, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Sunday March 26, 2023 at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge, Morganton, after a period of declining health.

Brittany was born November 13, 1990, in Catawba County, a daughter of Glenn and Linda Kay Spencer Huffman.  She was a graduate of East Burke High School and employed as a...

Mar 24, 2023

Ms. Patricia Jean Hice, 66, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Friday, March 24th, 2023 at Amorem of Hudson after a short period of declining health.

A lifelong resident of Burke County, Patricia was born May 27, 1956 to the late Frank and Doris Jeannine Stamey.

In addition to her parents, Patricia is preceded in...

Mar 23, 2023

Mrs. Judy Lee Franklin Lail, 74, of Connelly Springs, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at her residence, following a period of declining health. Judy was born on December 9, 1948 in Burke County to the late Ralph Franklin and Eva Seagle Franklin. She was a member of Connelly Springs First Baptist Church...

Mar 22, 2023

Mr. Fredie Ray Duckworth, 82, of Morganton, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at his residence, following a period of declining health. Fredie was born on August 27, 1940, in Burke County to the late Carl E. Duckworth and Carrie Brittain Duckworth. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, and was a truck driver for Waldensian...

Mar 22, 2023

Vera Harvey Pascal, 93, of Morganton, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Grace Ridge, following a period of declining health. Vera was born May 11, 1929 in Florida to the late Robert Harvey and Vera Kluttz Harvey. She was a member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by...

Mar 22, 2023

Marylon Kay Campbell Gates, 76, of Morganton passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Atrium Health Cabarrus following a period of declining health. Marylon was born October 22, 1946 in Rutherford County to the late Luther Campbell and C.Z. Price Campbell. Marylon was a strong willed, hard worker with a heart of gold. She was a wonderful mom...

Mar 20, 2023

Susie Pernell Lail Smart, 83, of Connelly Springs, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Trinity Village. Carolina Caring was helpful to her during her period of declining health.

Born in Burke County on February 13, 1940, she was a daughter of the late Darling Odell Lail and Nettie Hildebran...

Mar 19, 2023

Mr. Evan Douglas Buff (Doug), 75, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Catawba Valley Medical Center, following a period of declining health. Doug was a man of great character and love, and his passing leaves an enormous void in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a beloved father, husband, and a...

Mar 17, 2023

Mr. Roy Nelson Patton Sr., 79, known to this family and friends as “Johnny”, was born September 29th, 1943 in Morganton, North Carolina.  He attended Burke County, NC Schools and graduated from Olive Hill High School.

Roy worked for the Morganton Community House.  He was also known for his partner dancing alongside his sister Barbara and many...

Mar 17, 2023

Timothy Ray Wright, 59, of Icard, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023 at his residence following a period of declining health. Tim was born on April 16, 1963 in Burke County to the late George Wright and Marie Harris Wright. He was previously employed as a plant manager with Mr. B’s Fun Foods. In addition to his parents,...

Mar 17, 2023

Mrs. Mary Frances Garrou, (Mimi) Sherrill, 97, of Valdese passed away on Friday March 17, 2023 at Collage Pines Nursing Center, after a period of declining health.

Mrs. Sherrill was born July 24, 1925 in Burke County, a daughter of the late Albert Francis and Louise Holloway Garrou.  She was a faithful member of the Waldensian Presbyterian...

Mar 15, 2023

Mr. Kenneth “Pappy” Ward Setzer Sr., 77, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at his residence. Kenneth was born on March 24, 1945 in Burke County to the late Clifford Ward Setzer and Carrie Craig Setzer. He was a member of Zion Road Baptist Church, and was a retired press operator with Parker Industries. Kenneth...

Mar 14, 2023

Mr. Larry Wilson Coffey, 77 of Granite Falls, N.C. passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Brookdale Assisted Living peacefully in his sleep.

A Veteran of the US Army, he took pride in serving his country. He was a lifelong musician, singer and songwriter. He enjoyed blessing others with his gift of music.

In...

Mar 14, 2023

Mrs. Grace Ellen Freeman Robinson, 81, of Valdese, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Autumn Care Nursing home, following a period of declining health. Grace was born on May 14, 1941 in Burke County to the late Carl Odell Freeman and Annie Mae McGinnis Freeman. She was a retired CNA, working at College Pines for many years....

Mar 11, 2023

Jeremy Wayne Mourglea, 50, of Hickory, passed away on Saturday, the March 11, 2023 at Frye Regional Hospital after a period of declining health.

Jeremy was born February 10, 1973 in Burke County to Aloma Mourglea and the late Gerald Mourglea. Aside from his career as a CNC machinist at HSM Solutions, he had a passion for...

Mar 10, 2023

Allen Ray Lowman was called home by his Heavenly Father on Friday, March 10 th 2023. Allen was born on March 13th, 1952 in Valdese, North Carolina to Murray and Eula Mae Lowman. He was a 1970 graduate of Valdese High School and later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Appalachian State University.

On August...

Mar 10, 2023

Mr. Rhonnie Allen Cook, 73, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 at his residence, following a period of declining health.

Rhonnie was born on May 20, 1949 in Burke County to the late Wade Alvin Cook and Azalie Lynn Cook. He was a current member of Zion Road Baptist Church and previously attended...

Mar 9, 2023

Clarence Donald Stevenson, Jr. of Morganton passed away on March 9, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on December 4, 1932. His parents, Clarence Donald Stevenson and Sue Holland Stevenson preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Statesville High School and attended Appalachian State University. In 1961, Don was employed...

Mar 8, 2023

James Edward “Jamie” Metcalf Jr., 41, of Morganton, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at UNC Healthcare Blue Ridge.

Jamie was born March 14, 1981 in Burke County to the late James Edward Metcalf Sr. and Karen Ellis Metcalf. Jamie was known to his family and friends as “Fat Boy” and loved joking, singing, and being...

Mar 8, 2023

Mr. Jack Mitchem Burns, 73, of Vale, formally of Valdese, passed away on Wednesday March 8, 2023, at his residence after a brief illness. Mr. Burns was born December 8, 1949, in Burke County, a son of the late Jack and Agnes Ramsay Burns. Jack served his country as a member of the US Air Force during the Vietnam...