Obituaries

Apr 7, 2023

Betty Jean Harris, 88 of Hildebran passed away Friday, April 7, 2023 following a period of declining health.

Betty was born on April 25, 1934 in Harlan County, KY to the late Charles Estell Dixon and Talithia Esther Osborne Dixon.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Denson...

Apr 2, 2023

Larry Lee Crowder, 71, of Valdese, NC passed away peacefully in his home on April 2, 2023, after a battle with cancer.

Born in Cherryville, NC on July 13, 1951, he was the son of the late Iva Ruth Crowder and James Furman Crowder Sr. He was also preceded in death by sister, Janice Crowder Walters. Larry...

Apr 2, 2023

Mrs. Angela Michelle Hollifield, 51, of Morganton, passed away at home on Sunday, April 2, 2023 following a period of declining health. Mrs. Hollifield was born in Cleveland County to the late Benjamin Davis Hollifield and Shelby Jean Davis Hollifield. Angela loved her family. She had a strong faith in Jesus and loved listening to Christian music. She enjoyed...

Apr 1, 2023

John Allen Martin, 59, of Conover, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 1, 2023.

John was born on March 28, 1964 in Virginia to the late Neil and Thelma Martin. He was employed by Aqua NC, and was a member of New Life Authentic Christian Community where he played on the church praise team.

Survivors include...

Apr 1, 2023

Our beloved mother, Frieda N. Beausoleil ( Moses), passed peacefully into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and reunited with her two sons Robert and Randy on April 1st.

Frieda had six children: Randy Beausoleil, predeceased, Judy Beausoleil (Morganton,NC), Susan Beausoleil Randolph (Syracuse, NY), Deanna Singleton (Ricky) (Morganton, NC), Lisa Smith (Tim) (Mooresville, NC)., and Robert...

Apr 1, 2023

Ms. Martha Emmajean Settlemyre Thames, 75, of Hickory, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at her residence following a period of declining health.

Martha was born on October 21, 1947 in Burke County to the late Clyde and Burnell Pugh Settlemyre.  She loved to investigate building houses.

In addition to her parents, she is...

Apr 1, 2023

Mrs. JoAnn Abee Hallyburton, 88, of Rutherford College, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at her residence, following a period of declining health.

JoAnn was born on March 10, 1935 in Burke County, NC to the late James Prodis Abee and Alberta Wilson Abee. She was a member of Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church, and was...

Mar 30, 2023

Otis Owen Waddell, 2 months, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at his residence.

He is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Sherrill and Helen Williams and Otis Owen Waddell, Jr. and step-grandmother, Stephanie Shuffler.

Otis is survived by his mother, Mattie Marie Waddell of the home; his grandparents, Jerry and April...

Mar 29, 2023

Hubert Patton “Pat” Ross, 77, of Lawndale, passed away on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at his residence. Pat was born January 5, 1946 in Gaston County to the late George W. Ross and Ada Fields Ross. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church and was a retired machinist with JEMCO Inc. Pat, who loved the Lord, was...

Mar 29, 2023

Mr. Jerry Edward West, 43, of Valdese, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at his residence. Jerry was born on July 21, 1979 in Burke County to Jerry Dale West and the late Sheree Crump West. He was currently employed as a security guard for United Security. He loved NASCAR and was a diehard Chase Elliott fan. He...

Mar 28, 2023

Mark Anthony Robbins of Connelly Springs, NC, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Born December 26, 1963 in Bay City, MI to Theron S. Robbins and the late Richard R. Robbins of Michigan. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, “Pappy”, who had his three grandchildren wrapped around his finger. Mark cared deeply for his pets and any...

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...