Area Obituaries

On January 10, 2026, Donna Heafner Millsaps was delivered into the presence of our great Savior. She was born on May 13, 1959, to Lander Heafner Jr. and Polly Heafner in Lincolnton. She was a devoted wife to her loving husband, a cherished mother to her three children, and a proud grandmother to six grandsons,…

Melissa Daniels Byrd “Moe,” 60, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Melissa was born January 28, 1965, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Bobby Daniels and Colleen Richards Daniels. Melissa worked in retail for over 20 years, also for Alexander County Schools in the cafeteria…

Wayne Eugene Elder, 82, of Taylorsville, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Wayne was born in Alexander County on February 16, 1943, to the late Maurice and Mano Elder. Wayne was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Taylorsville. He retired from Gulf State…

Emory Kate Sweet, made her brief yet profound arrival on January 7, 2026, before returning to her heavenly home. She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Tyler Addison Sweet and Hannah Brooke Sweet. Emory is also survived by her brothers, Isaac Luke Sweet and Noah Blake Sweet, and her sister, Mila Faith Sweet; and her…

James “Jimmy” Bumgarner, 81, of Taylorsville, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Carolina Caring in Newton. Jimmy was born June 2, 1944, in Alexander County, the son of the late Edgar Bumgarner and Wave Swaney Bumgarner. Jimmy proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. He was a sawmiller and…

Peggy Benfield Pennell, 72, born on August 16, 1953, to the late John Benfield and Helen Caldwell Benfield, passed away peacefully at her home on January 3, 2026, after an extended illness. She was a dedicated mail carrier, having retired from the United States Postal Service. Peggy was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in…

Vincent Thomas “Tom” Remcho, Jr., 82, husband of Betty Kay “Kate” Remcho of Fishersville, Virginia, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville, Virginia. Tom was born on November 21, 1943, to Vincent Thomas Remcho, Sr. and Katherine Simon Remcho of Delaware. Tom was a loving husband, devoted father,…