All Obituaries

Joyce Gibbs Gardner, born on July 18, 1931, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Yancey House in Burnsville, NC. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Bascombe and Annie Westall Gibbs. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, James Gardner; son, Vic Gardner; brothers: Harold Gibbs, C.D. Gibbs, and Carroll Gibbs; and sisters: Thelma and Paulina. Joyce and her husband, Jim, were the original owners and operators of Riverside Roller Rink which...

Catherine Jenrette Smith of the Jacks Creek community passed away on Thursday, April 4th, 2024. Catherine grew up in North Wilkesboro, NC, and Roanoke and Galax, VA.  She was the daughter of Tom and Virginia Jenrette. Catherine attended Galax High School, graduating in 1957, and was co-captain of the school’s women’s basketball team her senior year there.  She then attended the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, a school which later became known...

Thomas Dean Gates, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 4, 2024. A resident of Burnsville, NC since 2009, he previously lived and worked in Charlotte. He was born in Surgoinsville, TN on June 6, 1942, and was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas George Gates, and Thelma Harrell Gates. Dean is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Gates; daughter, Tina Gates Brooks (Ron) of Charlotte; along with many extended family members and friends. After graduating from...

Wilma “Ann” Hart Savage, age 90, of Green Mountain, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. She was born May 23, 1933, in Atlanta, GA to the late William Glenn Hart and Clytie Chandler Hart. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Clara Jane McWhorter, Jeannine Hart and Mary Jo Hart. Ann graduated from Roosevelt High School in Atlanta in 1951 and then went on to Mercer College before transferring to Baylor University in Waco, TX, graduating in...

William Daniel Elliott, age 79, of Newdale, NC passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. William, better known as Danny, graduated from East Yancey High School in 1962. Danny led the football team as a full back and enjoyed sports and outdoor activities. Danny worked at Air Preheater as a lead welder. He retired from Columbia Carolina as foreman in research and development. After retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and being outdoors. Danny was a...

Joyce Fox Gravitt, born on May 22, 1935, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Smoky Ridge Health and Rehab in Burnsville, NC. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Arnold and Chloe Smith Fox. She was also preceded in death by her son, Bryan Gravitt; daughter, Karen Ludford; and brothers: Robert Fox, Danny Fox, Ivan Fox, and Gary Fox. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Dean Brown; son, Bruce Gravitt; daughter, Kimberly Passmore;...

Mabel Ledford Getz, born November 29, 1941, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, at CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville, NC. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Gus and Sylvia Angel Ledford. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Herbert Franklin Getz, and her precious grandchildren, Brian Amos Ellis and Tyler Savage. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Terry Lynn (Dan) Cronin, Veronica Burrell, Terri Raich, Kathy (Scott) Fodness,...

Magdaline (Nancy) Hilemon Stiles, age 80 of Burnsville, NC went Home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. A native of Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Catherine Morrow Hilemon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, John Roger Buchanan, and husband, Charles Stiles; her son, Kenneth Buchanan; and her brothers: Sam and Leroy Hilemon. Surviving to cherish her memory are her sons, John...

Mary Hensley Nelson, age 88 of Burnsville, NC went Home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 8, 2024. Mary was born on May 27, 1935, in Burnsville, NC at her Granddaddy’s house (Plato Marion Banks). She was the daughter of the late Kenneth J. and Nell Banks Hensley. After graduating from Appalachian State Teachers College (now ASU) in 1957, she worked for the North Carolina Extension Service as an agent in Murphy and Sylva; dietician for the college in Boone; and a pre-k teacher in...

Gloria Anne Moore, age 80 of Burnsville, NC went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 6, 2024. A native of Atlanta, GA, she was the daughter of the late Loy and Gertrude Venable Thomason. Surviving is her son, Kevin Moore and husband Michael; daughter, Jennifer Moore; and brother, Dan Thomason. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in remembrance of Gloria to Yancey County Humane Society. Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the...