Area Obituaries

Billie Lee McKenzie Carswell, 93, of Scotts, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 21, 1928, in Prestonburg, Kentucky, to the late William McKenzie and Dolly George McKenzie. She was married to the late Coy Robert Carswell on October 17, 1946. Billie was a…

Doris M. Pempkowski, 99, of Taylorsville, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at her home. Doris was born August 5, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Charles Moore and Ruth Woerner. She worked for the US Navy as an accountant for 31 years. She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran…

Judy Ellen Benfield Moose, 66, of Taylorsville, passed away on October 22, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. Judy was born on January 20, 1955, in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, to the late Milas “Jack” Benfield and Mary Ellen Morris Benfield. Judy was a member of Three Forks Baptist Church where she taught Sunday…

Pauline Bebber Smith, 88, of Taylorsville, passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Pauline was born September 7, 1933, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Carl Ransom Cline and Mary Lou Lail Cline. She worked for the Taylorsville Fish Camp for 25 years and previously was employed with…

Rudolph “Rudy” Alfonso Lail, 88, passed away on October 22, 2021, at his home in Taylorsville. He was born on January 21, 1933, in Caldwell County, to the late Ralph Isbel Lail and Lettie Martin Lail. During his working career, he was involved in many different business ventures. Rudy was the owner of Star Furniture…

Kathy Ann Barker, 64, of Taylorsville, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at her home. Kathy was born August 18, 1957, in Alexander County, the daughter of Mada Poole Jones (Joe) and the late Watisel Jones. She was of the Baptist faith and she loved and enjoyed her family, especially the…

Russell James Lederer, born August 26, 1949, left his earthly body and gained his angel wings on October 21, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Lederer; nine children; five children-in-law; 23 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Russell loved his family and the Lord. He will be forever loved and missed. FLY HIGH, OUR HERO!!…

Shirley Ann Smith Herman, 74, of Taylorsville, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Shirley was born November 13, 1946, in Oconee, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Fred Clifford Smith and Bessie Metcalf Smith. She was a self-employed hairdresser and attended Little River Baptist Church. She loved to…

Mary Lou Wike Kerley, 93, of Taylorsville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 20, 2021. Mary Lou was born May 6, 1928, in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Lawrence Wike and Cleo Deal Wike. She worked in the family poultry business until she retired at the age of 67.…