Obituaries
Recent obituaries in North Carolina
The obituaries in the North Carolina Area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity North Carolina's history and identity.
Aubyn Horton Adams
Dec 9, 2025
Aubyn Horton Adams, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on December 9, 2025, at the age of 100. Born on December 4, 1925, in Jefferson County, Alabama, Aubyn devoted her life to her family and faith, always embodying the values of love, kindness, and service.
Aubyn spent her early career working for Wachovia Bank,...
Bryant Jarman Ellis
Dec 8, 2025
A Celebration of a Life Well Lived
Bryant Jarman “BJ” Ellis, Jr. a native of West Helena, Arkansas, and long-time resident of Asheville, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025 at the age of 93.
BJ’s life was made up of many chapters, each one shaped by courage, kindness, and an open heart. He was a proud paratrooper soldier, a dedicated University of...
Bonnie Trantham Ross
Dec 7, 2025
Bonnie Trantham Ross, 92, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, surrounded by her family.
At her request no services will be provided at this time
The care of Ms. Ross has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville
Janice Marie Luther
Dec 7, 2025
Janice Marie Luther, born on February 21, 1955, in Buncombe County, NC, embraced life with a sassy charm that illuminated the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. After a long and courageous battle with an extended illness, she peacefully departed this world on December 7, 2025, in Fletcher, NC.
Janice was preceded in death by her cherished...
Thomas Ray Pressley
Dec 6, 2025
Thomas Ray Pressley, 97, peacefully passed away on December 6, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Ray was born on March 21, 1928, to the late Baxter Garland Pressley and Maida Rosalee Roberson Pressley.
Ray served his country by joining the Navy as a Medical Corpsman. He was employed with Champion International for 40 years. To serve his community, Ray joined...
Daffine Davis Hill
Dec 6, 2025
Lela Daffine “Dean” Hill, 94, of Canton, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on December 6th, 2025. Daffine was born on November 22nd, 1931, in Haywood County, NC to Vance and Malanie Davis.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Daffine will be lovingly remembered by her older sister Bernice Haynes, her loving sister-in-law Emmaline Davis, her four...
James Robert "Bob" Russell
Dec 5, 2025
James Robert “Bob” Russell, 96, of Waynesville, NC, born November 13, 1929, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Lawerence” and Selma Rogers Russell, and sisters, Pauleen, Edith, Edna, Betty Jo, Lois, and Lucille. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Kirkpatrick; his two children, Robert “Dean” Russell and Wren “Gay”...
Kathleen A. Naillon
Dec 4, 2025
Kathleen A. Naillon, 82, of Haywood County, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Haywood Regional Medical Center after a period of declining health. A native of New jersey, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Edna Mae Ahlquist.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children, Chan, Kenneth, and Scott Naillon and...
Mary Sue Caldwell Gentry
Dec 2, 2025
Mary Sue Caldwell Gentry, 86, of Maggie Valley, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Jarvis and Wilsye Trantham Caldwell.
Sue retired from Dayco in 1997 after over 24 years of employment. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Maggie Valley. Her family and friends will remember her...
James "JIM" Thomas Schermerhorn
Dec 1, 2025
James “Jim” Thomas Schermerhorn, 96, died on December 1, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center after a period of declining health. He was born on May 13, 1929, in St. Paul, MN to the late James and Edith Thomas Schermerhorn.
During the Korean War Jim served his country as a Staff Seargeant in the USAF at the MATS HQ.
He received his...
Bruce David Sutton
Dec 1, 2025
Bruce Sutton, a lifelong resident of the Crabtree community, passed on into the peace of Jesus on Monday December 1, 2025, due to complications from dementia.
Born in Haywood County January 23, 1947, he was the son of Earl B. Sutton and Mary Viola Guy Sutton, who preceded him in death. Bruce spent his childhood playing and hunting all over the...
Bobby Dan Duckett
Dec 1, 2025
Clyde – Bobby Dan Duckett, 89, born December 14, 1935, in Buncombe County, N.C. Went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 1, 2025. A resident of Haywood, NC, Bobby served and then retired from the Air Force as a Technical Sergeant. Bobby then worked as a dispatcher for the Canton Police Department as well as the...
Rebecca Elizabeth Prevost
Nov 30, 2025
Rebecca Howell Prevost, 84, of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Center in Asheville, NC, died of heart failure on November 30, 2025.
Becky was a beloved and nurturing wife, mother and friend who was known as a loving caretaker and consummate entertainer.
She was born in Newport News, VA, on April 26, 1941, to the late Matt Denmark Howell and the late Edith Morgan...
Mary Ruddle Burris
Nov 27, 2025
Mary Ruddle Burris, an extraordinary spirit who graced the world with her laughter and love, passed away peacefully at her home in Alexander, NC on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on April 25, 1955, in Flint, MI, Mary was a remarkable individual, known for her warm heart, adventurous spirit, and an unparalleled zest for life.
For...
Arthur David Grant
Nov 26, 2025
Swannanoa – Arthur David Grant, 80, born on June 18, 1945, in Buncombe County, N.C., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 26, 2025.
Arthur was a loyal member and trustee to Macedonia AME Zion Church where he dedicated much of his time. Arthur was an owner and operator of A.D. Grant Home Improvement for over 15...
Melvin Ronnie Clark
Nov 25, 2025
Melvin Ronnie Clark, 89, went home to be in the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born on July 6, 1936, in Haywood County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Russell Melvin Clark and Laura Gosnell Clark.
Melvin was a lifelong resident of Haywood County. He proudly served his country as an E5 Sargent Marine and...
C. Leon Turner
Nov 25, 2025
C. Leon Turner, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025. Born on November 2, 1939, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, to the late, Wesley Lee Turner and Lillie Victoria Dellinger Turner. Leon was a beacon of love and hard work in the community of Waynesville, where he dedicated his life to both family and...
Charles Keith Chambers
Nov 24, 2025
Charles Keith Chambers, born December 2, 1949, in Waynesville, North Carolina, to Theodore and Mary Louise Chambers, passed away peacefully at home November 24th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles grew up in Waynesville and was a proud 1968 graduate of Tuscola High School. He continued his education at Western Carolina University, where he played collegiate football. Charles loved coaching...
Kenneth Waring Freece Jr.
Nov 20, 2025
Kenneth Waring Freece Jr, 49, of Asheville, NC gained his wings on November 20. 2025. Kenneth was born in Auburn, NY on July 15, 1976. He was the son of the late Kenneth Waring Freece Sr. and Dawn Maricle.
Kenneth worked for TE Connectivity for over 5 years, as an assembly operator. When Kenneth wasn’t at work he just enjoyed hanging out...
Kenneth Albert Toney
Nov 18, 2025
Mr. Kenneth Albert Toney, 92, a resident of Arden, passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2025, after a recent decline in health. Mr. Toney was a native of Western North Carolina for his entire life. Ken was a devoted husband to the late Gail Toney for over 30 years. He retired as a quality Specialist at GE after 35 years...
Subscribe
To Email Notifications
Subscribe to receive an email when we add new obituaries to our website. Your email will not be used for any other purpose and will not be shared. You may unsubscribe at any time.
365 Days of Grief Support
Sign up for one year of grief messages designed to offer hope and healing during difficult first year after a loss

Sign up for one year of grief messages designed to offer hope and healing during difficult first year after a loss

