John Henry Freeman, Jr
Jul 11, 2026
John Henry Freeman, Jr, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Dallas, North Carolina, on July 11, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love and presence of his family. Born on October 14, 1947, in Gastonia, North Carolina, John was the son of the late John Henry Freeman, Sr. and...
Jane Linder Falls
Jul 3, 2026
Jane Linder Falls, a beloved member of the Bessemer City community, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Richard Dan Falls, and her dear sister, Linda Wehunt.
Jane is survived by her cherished daughter, Leah Lyerly, and her husband, Larry Lyerly; her beloved granddaughters, Janie Elmshaeuser, and her husband, Elijah;...
Linda Faye Stewart
Jun 28, 2026
Linda Faye Stewart, 84, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at Carolina Caring Sherrills Ford Hospice House. Born on January 5, 1942, in Gaston County, North Carolina, Linda was the daughter to the late Homer Gilleland and Ruth Kiser Gilleland.
Throughout her 84 years, she touched many lives with her gentle presence and compassionate heart. She strived to take care...
Roger William Brackett, Sr
Jun 21, 2026
Roger William Brackett, Sr., 86, of Charlotte passed away on June 21, 2026, at home. He was born on January 1, 1940, to the late Ross Otis Brackett and Lucy Eldridge Brackett.
He is preceded in death by his parents; children’s mother, Patricia Moore Brackett; 3 sisters and 3 brothers.
He was a wonderful husband, devoted father, caring brother, proud uncle, and...
Betty Elizabeth Thornburg
Jun 16, 2026
Margaret Elizabeth Thornburg, always known as “Betty”, was born to Rudy (O.R.) Thornburg and Margaret Elizabeth Strong on August 18, 1938.
In the early 1940’s, she developed polio. Her grandfather, Dr. Strong of Charlotte, had knowledge of the virus. It was caught early and she was a part of the early treatments. This was before the vaccine was discovered.
Later in life...
Michelle "Chelly" Caruso Franklin
Jun 15, 2026
Michelle Caruso Franklin, 66, of Gastonia passed away on June 15, 2026, at Atrium Health Cleveland. She was born on July 21, 1959, in Norfork, Virginia to Thomas Caruso and the late June Lee Hedley.
She is preceded in death by her mother, and brother, Ernie Caruso.
Chelly had a strong Catholic faith and a profound belief in Jesus Christ. She enjoyed...
Brenda Lee Woodard
Jun 11, 2026
Brenda Joyce Lee Woodard, a beloved mother, grandmother, Nana, and great-grandmother, and a longtime resident of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away on June 11, 2026. Born on January 26, 1947, in Johnsburg, New York, Brenda was the daughter of the late John Wesley Lee and Joyce Caleethith Haas Lee.
Brenda was a supervisor at Curtain & Drapery Fashions, Inc., where...
Jerry Wayne Noah
May 30, 2026
Jerry Wayne Noah, 67, of Gastonia passed away on May 30, 2026, at home. He was born on May 13, 1959, to Wayne James Noah and Betty Lou Wood Noah.
Those left to cherish his memory include his parents; son, Justin Noah (Alexis); daughter, Amanda Noah (fiancé Brandon Grant); brothers, Steve Noah (Angela), and Johnny Noah (Debbie); sisters, Vickie Helton (Don),...
Shirley Bell Whetstine
Apr 23, 2026
Shirley Bell Burton Whetstine, 79, of Bessemer City passed away on April 23, 2026, at her home. She was born on February 10, 1947, to the late Benjamin Frank Burton and Iva Mae Fraley Burton.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Frank Burton and Iva Mae Burton; husband, Ray Whetstine; sister, Elizabeth Spencer
Shirley attended First Wesleyan Church, Bessemer...
John Steven Baynard
Apr 23, 2026
John Steven Baynard, 57, of Bessemer City passed away on April 23, 2026. He was born on January 19, 1969, to the late Harold Dean Baynard and Mary Joy Robbins Baynard.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 21 years, Jetta Michelle Baynard; daughters, Gracie and Faith; brother, Jimmy Baynard.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00...