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Area Obituaries

James Ray “Jimmy” Crawford

James Ray “Jimmy” Crawford, 77, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory after a period of declining health. Jimmy was born on July 24, 1948, in Rutherford County, to Jay Crawford and Clariene Bridges Crawford. He graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale Central High School in 1966 and from the University…

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Edward “Jr” Wright

Edward “Jr” Wright, 72, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Edward was born June 28, 1953, in Alexander County, the son of the late Luther Dula and Edna Allen Wright. Edward had worked for Arthur C. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, for over 30 years. He…

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Daphne Ann Matthews Carrigan

Daphne Ann Matthews Carrigan, 76, passed away on December 25, 2025, at her home in Alexander County. She was born on July 4, 1949, in Catawba County, to the late Frankie and Blene Lail Matthews. Daphne dedicated a significant part of her working career to Taylor Togs as a sewer. She was a member of…

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Barney Lawrence Brookshire

Barney Lawrence Brookshire, 69, passed away on December 24, 2025, at his home in Ponce Inlet, Florida. Barney was born in Taylorsville on December 13, 1956, to Samuel and Lillian (Zachary) Brookshire. Barney was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James (Jim) Brookshire, and is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Brookshire…

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Irene Moose Earp

Irene Moose Earp, 88, of Hiddenite, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at her home. Irene was born September 26, 1937, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Roby Dawson Moose and Mary Adams Moose. Irene was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved God and going to church. She…

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Donnie Ray Flowers

Donnie Ray Flowers, 68, of Taylorsville, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center, following a lengthy illness. Donnie was born January 18, 1957, in Alexander County, the son of Bessie Flowers. Donnie was a 1975 graduate of Alexander Central High School and spent much of his working life serving others,…

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Barry Clark Shade

Barry Clark Shade, 80, of Taylorsville, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. Barry was born on December 9, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, to Robert Clark and Betty June (Shay) Shade. He graduated from Oakwood High School and attended art school at The Dayton Art Institute, where he met his first…

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Rosa Louise Gaines Nicholson

Rosa Louise Gaines Nicholson, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her cherished “girls” at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville on December 22, 2025. Born to J.O. Gaines and Frances Gaines, on March 31, 1954, Louise was a gifted seamstress and a compassionate CNA. Survivors include her siblings, Raymond Gaines and David Gaines, and her…

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Carol Lynn Hamel Stewart

Carol Lynn Hamel Stewart, 67, of Stony Point, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Carol was born January 28, 1958, in Union County, Mississippi, to the late Hector Hamel and Allaine Chisolm Mcgee. Carol was a devoted member of South…

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Donna Robertson Ward

Donna Robertson Ward, a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on December 19, 2025, at Gordon Hospice House in Iredell County. Born on October 14, 1954, in Dade County, Florida, she lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service. During her working career, Donna made a significant impact as a correctional officer,…

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