Brenda: I've had the same problem trying to locate death certificates in McDowell County. I ended up going over the Tazewell County, since McD was part of it prior. Ofcourse, there are not many records there too. Most of them, I was told when at the courthouse, are in Richmond Va. I hope this helps you just a little. I am forwarding your message to a cousin who lives in McDowell County and is helping to compose the 2nd McDowell County history book to see if she can be of any help to you. If I find something out, I will let you know. Heather searching the following surnames: Rowe, Asbury, Coleman, Jewell, Smith, White, Davis