All Obituaries

John Dennis Gorman Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 26, 1940, in Leicester, NC, he was the son of the late Carter Lee Gorman and Reva Plemmons Gorman. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Gorman; his sister, Helen Mears; and his first wife, Carole Wood Gorman. A lifelong resident of Leicester, John only left home during his proud service in the United States Air ...

Stephen “Steve” Geoffrey Hughes, age 81, of Swannanoa, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with his family by his side. Steve was born on September 17, 1944, in Winchester, England, to the late Derek P. Hughes (1999) and Marion M. Hughes (2012). He attended Woodward School in Washington, D.C., and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He later retired from Matthews Appliance Services in Raleigh, NC, after ...

Wyona Howie Bridges, of Swannanoa, NC, went to be with her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on May 9, 2026. A devoted woman of faith, Wyona was a longtime member of Swannanoa First Baptist Church, where she found great joy in her community and her walk with the Lord. Her life was defined by her love for her family and her unwavering spirit. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl Kenneth Bridges, and her twin son, Darrell Lee Bridges. Those left to cherish her memory include ...

David Edward Riter, 83, of Alexander, NC, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026, at his home with his family by his side. Born July 14, 1942, in Wetzel County, WV, he was the son of the late Ernie and Mary Riter. He attended Burgettstown High School and proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After 23 years of service, he retired from the Zinc Corporation of America, after which he moved to Asheville, NC. David was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Woodfin, NC. ...

Conley Lee West, age 79, a 52-year resident of Candler, NC, and life-long resident of Buncombe County, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Pisgah Manor in Candler. Conley was born on September 23, 1946, in Asheville, NC, to the late Mary Elizabeth Ballard Austin. He was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School in Asheville. He spent most of his career employed at Tops for Shoes and Discount Shoes, where he was a wonderful salesman and manager. Conley faithfully attended Pole Creek Baptist ...

Opal Jane Wilson, 84, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, in her hometown. Born on July 13, 1941, in Asheville, Opal spent her entire life surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the warmth of family and friends. Opal was a woman whose kindness knew no bounds. Her love for others was unconditional, and she had an extraordinary ability to see the good in everyone she met. Her smile could light up any room, and her storytelling brought joy and ...

William (Bill) Janes, a resident of Highland Farms Retirement Community, Black Mtn., NC, died on May 1st, 2026. He was born Oct. 27, 1929, in Jackson, Mississippi, the third and last child of Ford Brent Janes and Anne Lois Wilbur Janes. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. Bill graduated from Vanderbilt University and Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1957 by the Kanawha Presbytery, Synod of ...

Gerald Lee Baker, 77, of Swannanoa, NC, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at Mission Hospital. Born on June 5, 1948, in Marion, NC, Gerald was the son of the late Glenn Oliver Baker and Margaret Louise White Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Baker. Gerald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda Bennett Baker of Swannanoa, NC; sons, Ronald Lee Baker (Janelle) of Gravette, AR, Randy Dale Baker of Woodruff, SC; daughter, Connie Burt (Henry); ...

Geneva Joydee “Joyce” Teague Burns, 82, of Buncombe County, NC, peacefully passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Charles George VA Medical Center Hospice Unit.   Joyce was born on January 5, 1944, in Haywood County, NC, to the late Jack Monroe Teague (1996) and Willie Mae Price Teague (2002). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Burns Jr., and her brother, Dale Teague. Joyce was a graduate of Enka High School and continued her ...

Bertha Rebecca “Boots” Fortune Glenn, age 91, a lifelong resident of Black Mountain, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at CarePartners Hospice Center, surrounded by her family. Boots was born in Buncombe County, NC, on July 16, 1934, to the late Berlin Young Fortune and Sudie Ledbetter Fortune. She attended Mars Hill College for two years and went on to work as an office manager for McMurry Chevrolet. She later owned and operated Black Mountain Floral. ...