About

Current President of the Yancey History Association. •Since retiring to this area in 2011, she has served on the board in different capacities since 2012. Debby received her B.A. in Social Studies Education at University of Louisiana-Monroe; and taught basic American history courses before receiving her M.A. in History at ULM. Debby also served as President of the Phi Alpha Theta national honorary history society at ULM. She continued her studies at Louisiana State University in pursuit of a Ph.D., and published several articles and books on local Louisiana history. Debby dedicated her entire 33-year career to the Louisiana Dept. of Children and Family Services where she held various management positions as Child Care Director, Quality Control Director, and Food Stamp Director. She was also a board member and National President of NAPIPM (QC Association) and national board member of the American Public Human Services Association in Washington, D.C. • After she and her husband chose land for retirement here in 2005 and built their home in 2011, she found out that her 4th great grand-father lived in Rutherford County, NC., during the Revolutionary War; served 2 terms as a NC Militiaman (one under Charles McDowell of Burke County); and was a participant in the Battle of King’s Mountain; and later served a year as a Continental soldier. Debby has volunteered with YHA since her retirement and held various board offices.

Born in Ohio and one of 6 children, Mary moved to Boca Raton, Fl. when she was 3 years old. She raised two wonderful daughters and now has 3 terrific grandchildren.    In 1990, Mary provided care for her mother who had terminal cancer. It was the saddest time yet the most loving time of her life. After her mom’s death, Mary obtained her contractor license and ran the family plastering business. Under her direction, the company expanded to remodel homes for celebrities such as Celine Dion and other celebrities. During this time, she also studied Finance at Florida Atlanta University. Mary eventually studied for her Real Estate license, became a Broker, and opened Elite Realty.    Another family tragedy required her to care for her mother- in- law for 6 years. After the death of this family member, Mary decided to move forward with her life's dream- -to open Annabelle's Haven- a sanctuary for women and children affected by domestic violence. She and her husband, Blaine, moved to Burnsville, NC and started their new adventure. Mary served as President of the Burnsville Woman's Club and by chance made a field trip to the Yancey History Association.    Elaine Boone talked her into becoming a member and to eventually serving as Board Secretary and later as Treasurer.    Mary and her husband volunteer every Saturday at the museum.    They have met so many wonderful people, heard so many interesting life stories, and feel that God has put them on this mountain to open Annabelle’s Haven. Along the way, they have been blessed to find peace and love, friends and lasting friendship.

Dylan is known for his music and love of history. He has written, acted, and directed in his own plays, most notable "The Search for Elisha Mitchell" about the discovery of Professor Mitchell's body and the role played by "Big Tom" Wilson. He has also written and produced local history podcasts, "Our Mountain Speaks" which are available for download on major app stores.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Debra Doolittle dedicated 28 years of her life to serving in the US Army, which included multiple combat deployments. Following her long and distinguished military career, Debra and her husband, Asa, chose Burnsville, North Carolina, as their forever home. After retiring, Debra focused on immersing herself in the local community. She became an active member of the Burnsville Rotary Club and a dedicated volunteer for the Yancey County History Association. Debra's commitment to service continues in her full-time role as the Army JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Mountain Heritage High School. There, she works to "Motivate Young People to Become Better Citizens," instilling in them the values of discipline and leadership. In her personal time, Debra enjoys traveling with her husband, gardening, early morning workouts and spending time with their "fur family of 7."

Christine (Chris) Carter hails from historic Bordentown, NJ and is a lifetime member of the Bordentown Historical Society. During the 1976 Bicentennial she served as costumed docent/guide at historic sites around town. She performed with various community musical groups as a soloist and designed various costumes for theatre productions in the area. In 1972 she began working part-time as a pharmacy technician; saved money for college; and graduated from Trenton State College with a BA in fine art in June 1983. She married Jim Carter that same month. In 1984 she began working at a local independent pharmacy. During her 24- year stay, she created merchandising displays, print ads and publications, and scripted and co-directed their television commercials. She was recognized by Hallmark Cards, Revlon Cosmetics and Ambassador Greetings for her creative store presentations and customer service.

Jean was born at Celo, in Yancey County, in 1937. She graduated Micaville High School in 1956 and married in 1958. Jean moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 1960-1961, but returned for 5 years to Yancey County. During this time, she worked at Glen Raven. Jean later moved to the Miami, Florida vicinity for 12 years and worked at a variety of jobs in Florida. She returned again to Yancey County in 1977; started working again at Glen Raven; and retired from Glen Raven in 1999. Jean has been a faithful member of Jack’s Creek Presbyterian Church and served as treasurer for the church for 40 years. Jean began volunteering at YHA in 2017; served as a YHA Board member, and has been one of our most faithful volunteers.

A former editor for the Yancey Times, Jody has been instrumental for years in documenting the preserving local history through her photo journalism and her written articles. She also works tirelessly on the Images of Yancey - Vol I & II

Susan was born in Bristol, Tn. and has a B.S. degree in Medical Technology from Mars Hill University. Her family (the Wilsons, Banks, Briggs, and Rathbone) date back to the 18th century in the Burnsville area. She lived up and down the East Coast (most recently in Maryland) before retiring and moving to Burnsville in 2023. Susan’s interest include reading, music, and genealogy. She currently volunteers as one of our McElroy House tour guides and a museum docent.

Although Minnie is known locally for her musical talent, she is passionate about local history and will be a docent for the McElroy House. She currently runs the law office for local attorney Staunton Norris. We value her legal expertise within the association. She is a valuable resource for all our projects.

Lynn Baker just moved permanently to Burnsville, North Carolina in August 2025. He and his wife Elizabeth have owned a home up here since 2020. He has been doing genealogical research since 1980. He has a passion for history and he is always learning new ways to do genealogical research and study history, then sharing that with others. He ran an active Genealogy Club on Seabrook Island / Kiawah Island, South Carolina from 2017 to 2025 He was a frequent speaker at other genealogy clubs. He is looking forward to learning the history and stories of Yancey County and Burnsville., He is retired from International Business Machine Corporation and the U.S. Naval Reserves as a Captain. He continues to look for ways to help others in the community to learn history and also do genealogy. He has a lovely wife Elizabeth and four grown children and they are all off pursuing their own careers in other parts of the USA. We have two grandsons and 2 granddaughters.