obituaries

Feb 6, 2026

Christine Smith Naulty-Davis, age 52, went home to be with the Lord on February 6, 2026, after a courageous five-week battle in the hospital. Christine was a woman of deep faith, unwavering strength, and boundless love. She lived her life as a devoted Christian, finding comfort and purpose in her relationship with God, and she reflected that faith through...

Feb 4, 2026

Harry "Buddy" Smith Kimmons II, 67, of Mars Hill, passed away, February 4, 2026. He was the son of Sally Ann Weil Kimmons and the late Harry Smith Kimmons Jr. Harry was a truck driver for many years.

In addition to his mother Harry is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Kimmons-Hamel; son, Harry Kimmons III and sisters,...

Feb 3, 2026

Terrie Lynn Deweese, 63, of Buncombe County, passed away, February 3, 2026. She was a daughter of Garfield Jones and the late Wanda Norton. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

In addition to her mother, Terrie is preceded in death by two sons, Jesse and Alexander Deweese.

She is survived by her daughter, Krystal...

Jan 31, 2026

After living most of her life on her family's treasured homestead in Buncombe County, Betty Jean Calloway Robinson was escorted by the angels into the presence of her Lord and Savior on January 31, 2026 after a long battle with ALS. She had unwavering faith, never complaining about her condition. Her kind and compassionate nature led her to a...

Jan 30, 2026

Marvel "Cotton" Norton, 65, of Marshall, NC passed away on January 30, 2026 at his home in Marshall. Marvel was born on November 3, 1960 to Matthew and Minnie Norton in Madison, North Carolina.

He is preceded in death by siblings, Ellen Johnson, Helen Worley, Betty Langford and Pauline Gosnell, Jack, Grady and William "Bud" Norton.

Jan 29, 2026

Florence Gregg Willis, 95, of Mars Hill, passed away in the early morning hours of January 29, 2026. She was born on July 18, 1930, in Buncombe County to the late Noble E. Gregg and Sue Mundy Gregg.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Boyce Willis who passed away in...

Jan 23, 2026

Lady Diona Davis Cerelli, 81, formerly of Spring Creek, currently living in Asheville, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026. She was a native of Kentucky and the daughter of the late Harold and Lillian Marie Williams Davis.

She is preceded in death by her husband Patrick Cerelli; and siblings, Robert and Michael Davis, Bonnie Flockhart and...

Jan 23, 2026

Shirley Marie Chandler Roberts, 89, of Weaverville, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and the daughter of the late John Frank Chandler and Belle Wilson Chandler Sprinkle.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Tony Roberts, sisters, Ethel Howell and Grace Fender, and brother, James Chandler.

Jan 22, 2026

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Gladys Ellen Shelton Ballard, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 6:42 p.m. She accepted the Lord as a young girl and was baptized, and she thoroughly enjoyed attending church throughout her life.

Gladys was born on September 8, 1942, in Madison County, North Carolina, and spent her younger...

Jan 20, 2026

Velma Wilde Hamlin was born and raised in the Locust Grove Community where she made her home for the past 89 years. On the evening of January 20, 2026, while surrounded by her family, the Lord passed by and took her by the hand and walked her down the streets of gold.

She began her working career...

Jan 20, 2026

William P. "Bill" Conner, age 68 of Weaverville, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born March 17, 1957 in Asheville, to the late Roy and Ruth Fisher Conner.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Kimberly Conner, who died in 2018.

Jan 19, 2026

Ada Dodd Chambers, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Monday, January 19, 2026. She was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and the daughter of the late Levi and Hattie Allen Dodd. She is preceded in death by her sister, Cleta Ayers, and brother, Bill Justice.

Ada was a member of Cole's Cove...

Jan 15, 2026

Bill Rice and Linda Rice, devoted husband and wife of 39 years, passed away and will be lovingly remembered in a joint service celebrating their lives, love, and legacy together. Their bond was strong, steady, and full of devotion, and it showed in the life they created together and the family they cherished so deeply.

Bill Ray...

Jan 15, 2026

Betty Tweed Blackwell, 84, of Alexander, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Shelton Laurel, she was born on August 24, 1941, to the late Elmer and Dorothy Tweed. She was also preceded in death by several sisters and brothers.

Betty was a loving wife,...

Jan 10, 2026

Roy Neal Carter, 87, of Candler, NC, passed away January 10, 2026. He was a native of Madison County and the son of the late, Gay and Thelma Higgins Carter. Roy was a US Navy veteran and a member of Hominy Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sisters, Betty Dotson and Margaret...

Jan 2, 2026

Geneva Whitt Massey, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday January 2, 2026, while surrounded by her family. Geneva was a native of Madison County and was the daughter of the late Melvin Whitt and Delphia Griffin. Geneva was a long-time member of Mt. Bethel Freewill Baptist Church in Weaverville.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded...

Jan 1, 2026

Warren Grant Emory, 70, of Asheville, passed away on January 1, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1955, in Buncombe County, and was a son to the late Billy and Catherine Whitt Emory.

Warren was a retired truck driver who loved life and having a good time with family and friends. He loved the Lord and...

Dec 31, 2025

Britton Pack, 83, of Mars Hill gently left his earthly body on December 31, 2025, to go to be with Jesus Christ and his beloved wife, Lucille, who departed on April 10, 2025.

In addition to his wife, Britton was predeceased by his parents, Bratchett and Lola Cody Pack, and siblings Gar, George Carl, two infant brothers,...

Dec 31, 2025

Jean Lunsford Barnett, 81, passed away on December 31, 2025. She was born, November 2, 1944, in Madison County, and a resident of Barnardsville for most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Ralph A. and Lockie Worley Lunsford.

Jean enjoyed playing the piano, singing, reading her Bible and solving crossword puzzles. She retired...

Dec 31, 2025

Michael Dewayne Boone, 53, passed away December 31, 2025. He was born December 18, 1972, in Buncombe County, and was the son of Mary Jane "Janie" Fisher Boone and the late Novile A. Boone.

Michael was a motorcycle enthusiast, enjoyed fishing and helping others. He retired from welding and plumbing.

In addition to his mother,...