Lora Gene Young

Lora Gene Young, our huntress, go-getter, inspiration, and world traveler, departed this life on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at her home in Lansing. Lora was 41.

Born in Concord, NC, to Charles Martin and Carla Fields Young, Lora was a force of nature—fearless, adventurous, and deeply compassionate. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Arnold Young and Eugene Fields. Left to cherish her memory are her loving parents; her brother, John Young (Lori) of Warrensville; niece, Luna Warren; her grandmothers, Carolyn Young of Sparta and Alma Fields of LaGrange, NC; as well as aunts and uncles Marty Franklin (Mike), Julian Young (Kim), Sue Wilson, and Jackie Crane. She also leaves behind several cousins, outfitters, Crock Adams and Andrew McKay,and several special friends.

 Lora was a proud graduate of Ashe County High School, Class of 2002, and later earned her Ag Journalism degree from North Carolina State University in 2006. She further pursued her passion by obtaining a master's degree in International Agricultural Relations/Ecology from Oklahoma State University.

A true adventurer at heart, Lora loved the great outdoors and dedicated her life to exploring and preserving nature. She was an avid traveler, hiker, and photographer, having hiked parts of the

Appalachian Trail multiple times and was planning to complete the entire trail the year her cancer was discovered.. She also completed most of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and cherished every moment spent in both the mountains and by the ocean.

As a highly respected hunting guide, Lora worked in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and across the United States. She took great pride in her work, ensuring the best experience for those she guided while managing all aspects of the camp areas associated with each hunt. Her pride and zeal carried over into the retail world with her work at Footsloggers.

Lora’s generous and compassionate spirit extended far beyond her career. She was always the first to lend a helping hand, and during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, she played a vital role in securing immediate assistance for those in need. She was deeply committed to her community, always offering kindness and support to those around her. Most of all, Lora loved her family—both immediate and extended—and held them all close to her heart.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have offered their prayers, kindness, and support throughout Lora’s illness, especially the Lansing Bridge to Recovery, the Lansing Community, and her Footsloggers family.

In honor of Lora’s wishes, a Celebration of Life, or as she preferred to call it, a “Party” will be held at Helton Creek Community Center, Helton School Rd, (about 14200 NC Hwy 194 N, Lansing, NC) on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 3:00 pm.

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Lansing Bridge to Recovery, Northern Peak State Trail/Paddy Mountain, Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or SECU Family House in Winston Salem NC.

Lora’s adventurous spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends will forever be remembered.