Area Obituaries

Thomas A. Earp, 84, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022, at McDowell Assisted Living. Thomas was born May 7, 1938, in Alexander County, the son of the late Harvey Earp and Bonnie Pope Earp. He was of the Baptist faith. Including his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary…

Clara Jean Sipe, 92, of Taylorsville, went to her Heavenly Home on December 25, 2022, at Gordon Hospice House following a short illness. She was born February 20, 1930, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late James O. Drum Sr. and Mamie Abernathy Drum. She retired from Carolina Glove Mill and was a homemaker…

Richard “Rick” Louis French, 70, of Taylorsville, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 24, 2022. Rick was born on April 15, 1952, to the late Doildeen and Erie French. Rick earned his master’s degree in political science from Appalachian State University and went on to serve in local government throughout North…

Patricia Jeaneane “Jip” Wike Baker peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the age of 88. She was born in Alexander County on June 18, 1934, the daughter of the late Jack and Ethel Wike. Jip was preceded in death by her loving husband…

Clara Ruth Wike Shook, 89, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022. She was born on March 9, 1933, in Catawba County, to the late Fred Wike and Minnie Herman Wike. Mrs. Shook was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. She enjoyed doing genealogy research, shopping, knitting, and cooking. Clara loved spending time with her…

John Robert Wood, 72, of Hickory, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2022, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born in Savannah, Georgia, he was the son of the late Reverend William C. Wood and Lois Howell Wood. Mr. Wood was retired and a member of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church. He is survived by his…

Jackie Lee Benfield, 64, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Catawba County. He was born on May 1, 1958, in Alexander County, to the late Ray L. Benfield and Hester “Corlean” Mays Benfield. Mr. Benfield was of the Christian faith. Those left to cherish the memories of Jackie include…

Kevin Lee “Goatman” Brookshire, beloved dad, son, brother, soul mate, and friend, courageously won his battle against cancer on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. He is now healed and with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Kevin was born May 15, 1956, to the late David Leon Brookshire and Lena Brown Brookshire. He is survived by…