Leoah McRae

Leoah McRae, 91 of the Atoah community in Robbinsville, N.C., passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at Trinity Hills Assisted Living in Knoxville, Tenn.
She was a native of Graham County, and the daughter of the late Claude and Nora Orr Icenhower. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Huel McRae and son, John McRae; brother, Paul Dee Icenhower; and sisters, Frances and Lorene Icenhower.
Leoah loved the Lord, her family and helping others. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed singing in her church, New Hope Baptist, and in the community, especially for revivals and funerals.
She was a cosmetologist and owned Golden Shears Beauty Shop for many years.
She is survived by her sons, Jeff McRae (Claudia) of Murphy, N.C., and Norman McRae (Linda) of Knoxville, Tenn.; brother, Howard Icenhower (Chris) of Arendtsville, Pa.; daughter-in-law, Marcella McRae of Robbinsville, N.C.; grandchildren: Carrie Stewart (John), Sarah Howard (Brent), Matt McRae (Brittany), Erika McRae and Carolina McRae; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will follow the service at the Metz Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from noon – 1 p.m., Thursday at the chapel, prior to the service.
The family is grateful for the kindness and attentive care provided by Caris Healthcare of Knoxville, Tenn.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the McRae family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.