Rutherford Weekly

Beverely Grason Merrithew, age 46 of Marion, NC died Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Beverly was born March 5, 1980, in Baltimore, MD to John R. Grason, Jr. and Marie Elizabeth Horkey Thomas. She worked for Baxter Corporation. Beverly was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Elizabeth Horkey. Survivors include her father, John R. Grason, Jr. of Forest City, her boyfriend, Tim Dayton of Marion, brothers, Frank Everley, Tommy Everley, John R.

The Wall That Heals, the original three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial -- The Wall -- in Washington, DC, is coming to Rutherford County in November. Rutherford County is the only location In North Carolina hosting The Wall. It is the final stop on the national tour. From November 12-15, everyone is invited to visit the wall to be located in the soccer field off Piney Ridge Road, across from Isothermal Community College.

Alan Dale Greene Sr., age 60, of Ellenboro, NC, passed away August 29, 2026. He was born August 22, 1966, to the late William Greene and Mary Fowler Greene. Alan served his community for many years as a member of the SDO fire service, serving alongside his son, Alan Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Greene and Mary Greene, and infant grandson, Cecil Greene.

Margaret Forney celebrated her 102nd birthday on July 27. She was born in 1924, right in the middle of America's Jazz Age. Margaret has lived a life full of love. She moves a bit more slowly these days, but she continues to inspire family, friends, and caregivers who surround her. Margaret is the daughter of John and Pearl Forney. They lived in the New Hope neighborhood of Rutherfordton.

Donald Fay Morrow, age 88, of Bostic, born August 26, 1937, died August 21, 2026. Don was the son of the late Lee and Elsie Ramsey Morrow, and he grew up in Rutherford County. After graduating from Sunshine High School, he joined the United States Army where he was in the Paratrooper Division. He completed over 46 successful jumps. After returning home from service, he was introduced to Sue on a blind date in 1962. It was love at first sight, and they married December 8, 1962.

Jimmy Dean Adams, age 73, of Rutherfordton passed away Friday, August 21, 2026. Jimmy was a native of Rutherford County, a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, a fork lift operator at National Textiles and son of the late Floyd and Annie Odum Adams. In addition to his wife Cindy, he leaves to cherish his memory his son Phillip Adams, his daughter Jessica Adams and step son Kenneth Maxey; along with 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

"Cotton candy clouds, so fluffy and white, who put you there in a sky so blue?" are the lyrics of a song written many years ago, describes this view of CRBC. When Chimney Rock Baptist Church (CRBC) observes its 100th birthday on Sunday, August 30, church family,former members, friends and others will gather to celebrate the past, present and look toward the future. No doubt some friendships will be renewed and stories will be shared of times long ago. Rev.

Barbara Ruth White Matheny, 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, August 14, 2026. Barbara was born December 16, 1936, to the late Ishmael Joseph White and Ruby May McDaniel White. Barbara leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including son, Mark Edward Matheny; daughter, Sharon Matheny Brackett and husband Stan; grandchildren, James C.

Dwight "Buddy" Francis Ferguson, 88, of Rutherfordton, passed away August 16, 2026. Buddy was born January 22, 1938, in Rutherford County, NC, to the late Zeb Laxton Jay Ferguson and Mary Ethel Haulk Ferguson. Buddy proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during his service. He later worked in the electric utility industry for nearly four decades before retiring from Pike Electric.

Tonya Garrison loves people. That love is expressed publicly in her new role as director of the Rutherford County Senior Center. She began at the center as a program manager in 2025. Recently, in July 2026, she became the director. Garrison also is an ordained minister, and serves as pastor of Lafayette Street Church in Shelby. In both of these roles, Garrison builds relationships and inspires people to live abundantly.