Area Obituaries

Rhea Jean Smith Corley, 87, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Valley Nursing Center. Born on October 28, 1938, in West Virginia, Rhea’s life was enriched by her love for reading and her gentle appreciation of the natural world, particularly enjoying the serene beauty of watching birds. She…

Helen Barnes Smith Keever, 90, of Hiddenite, passed away peacefully at Gordon Hospice House on March 27, 2026. She was born on March 25, 1936, in Statesville, to Helen Campbell and Jackson Oren Smith. She grew up surrounded by a loving family and community. Helen graduated from Hiddenite High School and attended Appalachian State Teachers…

Judy Kay Reese Nance, 79, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 24, 2026. Judy was born on April 19, 1946, to Lloyd Lee Reese and Mae Hefner Reese of Alexander County. Judy was known from a young age for her brilliance, intelligence, and academic disposition, as well as her deeply loving and caring nature.…

E.D. Rector died at his house in Taylorsville on March 24, 2026, at the age of 99. Born on March 10, 1927, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Parks (Pearl Martin) Rector, he was raised in Alexander County with an older brother, Donnie Rector, and a younger foster brother, Kenneth Cockrell, who predeceased him. He…

Henry “Earl” Godfrey, 95, of Conover, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at his residence. He was born May 29, 1930, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, to the late Martin Godfrey and Alma Louise Suttles Godfrey. Earl had a deep passion for preaching the Gospel and sharing God’s word with others, and served as…

Jack Alexander Walker, 91, a devoted family man and faithful member of Rocky Face Baptist Church, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Catawba County. Born on April 13, 1934, in Alexander County, Jack lived a life grounded in love, faith, and steadfast commitment to his loved ones and…

Mary Jane Johnson Clendenin, 57, born to the late Mitchell Andrew Johnson, Jr. and Doris Elmore Johnson on June 5, 1968, in Alexander County, passed away on March 19, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Catawba County. Mary worked as a cosmetologist. Survivors include her daughters, Lydia Lord and Anna Weaver Mary; her brothers,…

Sally Edna Marshall Lackey, 67, born June 5, 1958, in Alexander County, passed away at her home in Alexander County on March 17, 2026. Sally was a cherished member of her community and a member of Carson Chapel. Throughout her life, Sally was known for her warm spirit and vivacious personality. She loved making people…

Perlie Mae Hoke, 90, passed away in her home on March 17, 2026. She was born on September 2, 1935, to Lily Tarlton Bryant of Granite Falls. She was the last of many siblings. She lived in Stony Point most of her life. In 2020, she moved to Hudson with her very treasured daughter, Nancy,…