All Obituaries

Carrie L. Brownlee, 91, a resident of Asheville for 60 years passed away peacefully on July 10, 2019. Ms. Brownlee was born in Abbeville, SC on March 20, 1928 to John and Carrie Rosa Brownlee. Ms. Carrie is preceded in death by 12 sisters and brothers. She retired from John Carroll clothing in 1980 and was a member of Brown Temple CME Church. She loved reading the Bible, listening to gospel music, cooking, sewing and would do anything for anyone. She was a very loving mother and...

Mr. Preston Ray passed away on July 9, 2019 at the age of 82. He was born on March 25, 1937 in Mars Hill, NC to Valeria Ray. He is preceded in death by 4 brothers, 1 sister, children; Ronnie Vance, Allen Goodman and Teresa Ray. Mr. Ray retired from GTE. He was an Elder of God’s Ray of Hope International Non-Denominational Church where he was a hard-working, trusted, faithful member. He was a stellar singer and was a member of the Golden Tones and Brother’s of Faith. Preston was...

Patricia Blakely McCurry, 68 of 119 Carroll Ave, Asheville NC departed this earth on Monday, July 1st. A life long resident of Asheville, Patricia attended the all black Stephens-Lee High School.  Integration closed the school in 1965. She subsequently graduated from South French Broad in 1969. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Preston and Virginia Blakely. Known for her fun loving spirt and willingness to cook for anyone in need, Pat’s kitchen was always open to...

Mrs. Laura Davis Penland (“P”) 83, died peacefully on June 28, 2019 at Care Partners Hospice in Asheville. Mrs. Penland was born September 2, 1935, in Newberry, South Carolina to Aaron and Geneva Davis. She worked for 50 years as a childcare worker at Hill Street Baptist Church Day Care Center. Mrs. Penland LOVED working with children. She had a giving heart and never met a stranger. She was a pleasure to be around and her smile would light up a room.    She was...

Patrick B. Rice Jr., 32 died at Mission Hospital on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. Patrick was known for his big heart and beautiful smile. He never met a stranger and was willing to help anyone at any time. He was a protector and was always concerned about his family’s needs and how he could help them. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Willie and Dorothy Carter, paternal grandmothers, Sallie Rice and Dorothea Rice and uncle Willie Lee Carter, Jr. Those left to...

Andy McMinn, 74 of Hendersonville, N.C., peacefully passed away on June 15, 2019. Andy was the son of the late Enoch Paul McMinn and the late Irene Nash McMinn. Mr. McMinn was a graduate of the former Ninth Avenue High School and retired from General Electric Company in Hendersonville. Mr. McMinn leaves behind his daughter Samora J. McMinn and two granddaughters, Navia K. Taylor and Ariyana K. Taylor of Brooklyn, New York and a host of nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be...

Tyheim Van Bolden, Sr. 28 years old passed away on June 14, 2019 at Mission Hospital. He was the husband of Porsha Hudson and they were married for 11 years.  He was the father of three; Tyheim Van Bolden, Jr., Nylah Bolden and Ivory Bolden. He was born in Asheville, NC. He was the son of Otilia Harris (Marc Murray) and Stephen Bolden (Kimala Bolden). He attended and graduated from Asheville High School. He obtained his CDL’S and completed a flagger training course. He worked...

Tiyquasha Antwonique Simuel 24, died Wednesday, June 12, 2019.  Tiyquasha was a native of Asheville and the daughter of Anitta Finley of Asheville and Julio Simuel of Raleigh. Tiyquasha was a very out-going person with an amazing personality and heart. God gifted her as a care giver and with the gift of encouragement. Tiyquasha knew how to make everyone laugh with her silliness and if anyone was feeling down she knew how to uplift them with her words. Tiyquasha was so excited about...

Robert Lewis Wingard, Jr. was born December 4, 1982 and died June 12, 2019. He was a resident of 9 Water St.  He was born and raised in Asheville NC. He is the birth son of the late Beverly R. Howell and Robert L. Wingard, Sr. Surviving is his mother Laura Bryson. Funeral Services for Mr. Wingard will be held on Friday, June 21st at 3:00 pm at Hill Street Missionary Baptist Church located at 135 Hill Street.

Mrs. Marguerite T. Shivers received her wings on Saturday, June 8, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents McHenry and Essie Reed, a son Kenneth Shivers, two grandchildren; Chelsea G. Gatlin and Kengy Shivers and her sister, Comerdis Phillips. She was a faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church where she sang on the choir. Mrs. Shivers spent countless hours as a Nursing Assistant at Memorial Mission Hospital. After retirement, she became a Foster Grandparent until her health...