Area Obituaries

John Wesley Mitchell, Jr., 58, of Taylorsville, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at his home. John was born September 25, 1964, in Iredell County, the son of the late John Wesley Mitchell, Sr. and Wanda Jean Revels Mitchell. John detailed cars for Steve White Motors and several other occupations. He was of the…

Martha Lucille Hubbard Brittain, 84, of Taylorsville, passed away on September 3, 2023, at her home after declining health. Martha was born December 26, 1938, in Alexander County, to the late Anson Laws and Pearle Mae Hubbard. Martha was a furniture worker and a member of Victory Baptist Church in Taylorsville. In addition to her…

Junior Allen Herman, 62, of Taylorsville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at Accordius Health of Wilkesboro. Junior was born February 14, 1961, in Alexander County, to the late William Junior Herman and Lizzy Geraldine Daniels Herman. Junior was a bus driver and Teacher Assistant at Taylorsville Elementary School for 30 years and…

Ray Earp, 79, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023, at his home. Ray was born October 21, 1943, in Alexander County, the son of the late Sid Earp and Kathleen Fortner Earp. Ray worked as a supervisor at Conover Chair and Dowell Craft Furniture for over 42 years. He was a faithful…

Charles Dexter Petzold passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. Dexter was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and James of California, and his three brothers, Timothy, Philip, and Christopher, all of California. He is survived by his wife, Teresa (Teri) of Hiddenite, and four sons, David…

James “Jimmy” Dwight Chatham, 76, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at his home in Alexander County. He was born to the late Hugh Gordon Chatham and Novella Icenhour Chatham on Tuesday, October 29, 1946, in Alexander County. Mr. Chatham attended West Lenoir Bible College and was the first pastor of Goldsboro Ave. Baptist…

Frank Douglas Levan, 81, of Hiddenite, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, at his home after an extended illness. Doug was born January 26, 1942, in Alexander County, to the late Arthur Gilbert Levan and Sarah Gladys Adams Levan. Doug worked at Broyhill for 45 years and was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.…

Elzia Lou Church Russell was preceded in death by her son, William Russell of Bay City, Texas; grandson, Andy Russell of Moravian Falls, and Clifton Russell; her brothers and sisters, D.A. (Ruby) Church, Jr. of Goldsboro, Veora (Rex) Johnson of Elkin, Leola (Donald) Kale of Statesville, Beatrice (Charlie) Hearn of Greensboro, Claude Church of Greensboro,…

Mary Sue Oxentine Speaks, 86, of Taylorsville, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Amorem Hospice House in Hudson. Mary was born August 16, 1937, in Watauga County, the daughter of the late William Carroll Oxentine and Jenny Lynn Jones Oxentine. For most of her working career, she worked in the furniture industry, retiring…