All Obituaries

Gloria “Kay” Nash Ayers, 77, of Statesville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Gordon Hospice House surrounded by her family. Kay was born on March 3, 1946, in Iredell County to the late Newell “Jim” Nash and Marcus “Tootie” Privette Nash. She loved the Lord and showed it through her dedication to her church, Fern Hill Baptist, and teaching children’s classes for many years. Kay enjoyed being outdoors and being with...

Susan “Sue” Welling, 65, of Troutman North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Sue was a loving and devoted wife, mother, nana and friend to so many.  She loved taking care of others, from her children’s friends that knew her as “Mama Sue”, to volunteering for countless causes and sharing her love of cooking and entertaining.  Her generosity knew no bounds and her faith was a true testament to the...

John Wood Kiser Jr., 82, of Statesville, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. John was born in Statesville February 23, 1941, son of the late John Wood Kiser and Mary Frye Kiser. He graduated from Statesville High School in 1959 and was awarded an NROTC Navy Scholarship to attend Duke University, where he graduated in 1963. He served six years in the US Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and trained student pilots. Following his military service,...

Thomas Kyle Emery, 30, of Concord, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home. Thomas was born on April 27, 1992, in New Hanover County, NC to Kevin Emery (Gayle) and Jackie Whiting Emery (Tim White). He graduated from J.M. Robinson High School and UNC Chapel Hill. In addition to his parents, Thomas is survived by his stepsiblings, Kayce May (Will), Garrett Martin (Krystin) and Jonathan Martin (Natalie). A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Troutman Funeral...

Michael “Mike” Theodore Bowman, 54, of Statesville, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home. Mike was born on February 14, 1969, in Iredell County to Mary Peacock Bowman and the late Albert Bowman. Mike worked at James River Equipment for twenty-six years. He coached elementary school sports at the Iredell County schools and took great pride in making sure all around him had what they needed. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of thirty years,...

Virginia Mae Branton Moore, 87 of Statesville, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Gordon Hospice House. Mrs. Moore was born March 14, 1936 in Alexander County, the daughter of the late Fred Branton and Ida Gay Christopher Branton.  She was a graduate of Stony Point High School.  Virginia worked in the office at the Statesville Country Club and also at Belk Department Store, but her greatest joy in serving came as the Choir Director at Stony Point Baptist Church.  She was...

Frances R. Williams, 77 of Statesville, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023. Mrs. Williams was born in Iredell County, July 26, 1945, the daughter of the late Ted Robbins and Aileen Nesbit Robbins.  She was a graduate of Troutman High School and received an associates degree from Mitchell College.  Frances was an office clerk with Husky Rack and Wire, and a member of Berea Baptist Church.  She was a collector of Santa Claus and Christmas ornaments, enjoyed cooking, dearly...

Martha Irene Plyler Sherrill Johnston, 87 of Conover, (previously of Statesville) passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, at Abernathy Laurels in Conover. Mrs. Johnston was born in Iredell County, June 22, 1935, the daughter of the late Nathan Plyler and Mary Ratledge Plyler.  She was a graduate of Troutman High School and made her career as a customer service representative with Southern Bell.  Martha was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church, but upon moving to Abernathy...

Brenda Hamilton Hartline, age 84, of Statesville, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023. She was the wife of the late Jackie Hartline and the daughter of the late John G. and Helen Setzer Hamilton.  She was a longtime member of Western Avenue Baptist Church and was a graduate of Statesville Senior High School. Brenda retired from the Iredell Statesville School System as a Teacher Assistant. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. She dearly loved her family.  In addition to her...

Charles Bryce Hartley, 93 of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023.  He was the husband of the late Ada Stuart Hartley and the son of the late Francis Garrett and Eleanor May Johnson Hartley. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Statesville, NC, a graduate of High Point High School and attended UNC Chapel Hill.  At UNC he studied kinesiology and was a letterman at UNC in gymnastics in which he was one of the country’s premier rope climbers.  He had...