Aytch, Clara Calloway KINSTON - Mrs. Clara Calloway Aytch, 70, of 2311 Rouse Road Kinston, departed this life on Friday, June 5, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 1 p.m. from the Liberty Grove Missionary Baptist Church in La Grange. Burial will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Survivors include her hus-band, James Aytch Sr. of the home; one step-son, James Aytch Jr. of Kinston; two step-daughters, Beverly Davis of Kinston, and Debra Stubbs of New Jersey; two brothers, Cla-rence Best of Maryland, and Herman Best of Virginia; two sisters, Doris Lewis of Raleigh, N.C., and Remona Boyd of Kinston; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild. Viewing will be held on Tuesday June 9 from 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Swinson Funeral Service. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/7/2009 - 6/12/2009 Baker, Callie Sumner PINK HILL - Callie Sumner Baker, 88, died Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. A funeral will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 8 in Serenity Funeral Home of Beulaville, followed by visitation. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday June 9 in Sandy Plain Cemetery of Pink Hill. Survivors include her daughter, Marilyn Baker, of Pink Hill and special nieces and nephews. Published in the Free Press from 6/8/2009 - 6/11/2009 Barwick, Thelma S. SEVEN SPRINGS -Thelma Sue Smith Barwick, 80, died Monday, June 1, 2009. Mrs. Barwick was the daughter of the late George and Lillian Mae Jones Smith. She was the wife of the late Paul Fountain Barwick and was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Smith Barwick. Mrs. Bar-wick attended Daly's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, quilt-ing, crafts and her grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at 2 p.m. from Fairview Cemetery with George Futrelle officiating. Mrs. Barwick is survived by two children, Phyllis Coats and husband Bill, of Tampa, Fla., Elvin Barwick and wife Polly, of Raleigh; four grandchildren, Will Coats III and Paul Barwick Coats of Tampa, Fla., April Barwick McMil-len and husband Jeffrey, of Apex, Christopher Paul Barwick of Raleigh; great-grandchild, Abby McMillen; brother Arnold "Buddy" Smith of Goldsboro; and a number of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Daly's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 6138 Daly's Chapel Road, Seven Springs, NC 28578. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/2/2009 - 6/5/2009 Brinson, Royce Cameron CEDAR POINT - Royce Cameron Brinson, 82, of 129 Waterway Dr. Cedar Point, N.C. and formerly of Kinston passed away Saturday June 6, 2009 at his home. Royce was retired from Nationwide Insurance Company; he was a member of Queen Street United Methodist Church, member of Frank Mock Sunday School Class, member of Kinston Host Lions Club, member of I.C.O.R., and a veteran of WWII. Royce was preceded in death by his wife Ann Brinson. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm Monday June 8, 2009 at Queen Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Allen Bingham officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:00 pm Monday at Queen Street United Methodist Church. Survivors include his son Robert Stephen Brinson and wife Sue of Cedar Point, N.C., daughters; Meg Brinson C rawford of Cedar Point, N.C., and Laura Brinson Geer of Morehead City, N.C., 6 g randchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Queen Street United Methodist Church 500 N. Queen Street Kinston, N.C. 28501 or I.C.O.R., Six Churches Plaza Kinston, N.C. 28501. Edwards Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest-book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/7/2009 - 6/10/2009 Burroughs, Milton M. DUDLEY - Milton M. Burroughs, 73, of 127 Holloman Lane, died Saturday, May 30, 2009, at Wayne Memorial Hospital. A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Rouse Funeral Home with the Rev. Juanita Hollowell and the Rev. Elbert Hollowell officiating. Interment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park. Survivors include children, Jeffery Burroughs of Zebulon, Milton "Mutt" Burroughs of Dudley, Anthony "Andy" Burroughs of Dudley and Sherry Upton of Goldsboro; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home and at other times they will be at the home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Published in the Free Press from 6/1/2009 - 6/4/2009 Cobb Sr., Andrew KINSTON - Andrew Cobb Sr., 78, of 2929 Poole Road, died Friday, June 5, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 at Mills Funeral Home with Bishop J.E. Reddick officiating. Burial will follow in Pinelawn Memo-rial Park. Survivors include daughters Priscila Romano of Winston-Salem, Lena Brown of Snow Hill, and Berniceteen Sutton of Kinston; son Andrew Cobb Jr. of Kinston; sisters Janie Mae Mosley, Arlenia Miller, Bessie Morgan, and Hortense Powell, all of Kinston, Ella Whit-field of Portsmouth, Va.; brother James "Pop" Cobb of Kinston; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 9 at the funeral home. Published in the Free Press from 6/8/2009 - 6/12/2009 . Cobb, John Edmondson KINSTON - John Edmundson Cobb, 54, of 2107 Cecila Ave., died Monday, June 1, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at St. Peter F.W.B. Church with the Rev. Arthur Lofton Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Cobb of the home; brothers Roy E. Cobb, and Alvin J. Cobb of Kinston, Reuben F. Cobb Jr. of Goldsboro, Leslie Cobb of Hinesville, Ga.; sisters Evangeline K. Thibodeaux of Laplace, La., Hazel P. Davis, Dorothy M. Williams, Aileen Cobb, and Shelia D. Cobb, all of Kinston. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday, June 5 at Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home. Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/8/2009 Collie, Roy Earl "Pa" KINSTON - Roy Earl "Pa" Collie, 70, of Kinston went to meet his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 1, 2009. Mr. Collie was the son of the late Eddie and Mary Lula Collie of Nash County, N.C. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William Collie and Paul Collie; and sister, Annie Belle Pollard. He attended Homes Theo-logical Seminary in S.C. and will be remembered as a wonderful Pa to his three grandchil-dren and to all the many other children who called him Pa. A day never went by that he didn't tell his family he loved them and he was proud of them. Survivors include his wife, Ginger Jones Collie of the home; daughters, Darlene C. Harris and husband Charles Jr. "Yogi", and Lisa C. Johnson and husband Karl, all of Kinston; grandchildren, Spenser Earl Harris, Benjamin Briley Harris and Amanda Michelle Johnson, all of Kinston; sisters, Louise Williams of Rocky Mount, Betsy Byrd of Raleigh, and Helen Land of High Point; brothers, Joseph "Dick" Collie of Rocky Mount, Cecil Collie of Franklinton, Ed Collie of Kinston, Tommy Collie of Macclesfield, and Johnny Collie of Spring Hope; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with the Reverend James Roebuck and the Reverend Royce Williams officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/2/2009 - 6/6/2009 Coward, Linwood Ray KINSTON - Linwood Ray Coward, 58, of 203 S. Adkin St., died Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at 26-J Simon Bright. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 5 at Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home with the Rev. Arthur Lofton Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include son, Linwood Ray Brown of New Bern; step-sons Alexander Harrison of Kinston, and Johnnie Ray Simmons of up-state Washington; daughter Tonia Cannon of Kinston; brothers Simon Coward of Kinston, Stilly Coward of Vanceboro, Leroy Coward of Ft. Smith, Va.,; and sister, Sarah Coward of Portsmouth, Va. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at the funeral home. Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/7/2009 Crowder, Michele Conner HOPE HULL, Ala. - Michele Conner Crowder, 41, a resident of Hope Hull, Ala., and Kinston, N.C., passed away Saturday, June, 6, 2009. She is survived by her husband of 22 years, William E. Crowder Jr.; two sons, Brick (Allison)Crowder, and Conner Crowder; one daughter, Jernigan Crowder; mother Doris B. Conner of Montgomery, Ala.; father, the Rev. Chuck Conner of Hope Hull, Ala.; and brother, Charles G. Conner III (Rachel) of Deatsville, Ala. Michele loved God, the church, missions and her family. We love her and our greatest comfort is that she is with Jesus. A memorial service was held Monday, June 8 at the First Southern Baptist Church of Hope Hull. A private family graveside service will be held Tuesday in Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery, Ala. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Carolina Pregnancy Center, Kinston, N.C. or the Christian Missions Unlimited, PO Box 58, Hope Hull, AL 36043. Arrangements by Leak-Memory Chapel, Mont-gomery, Ala. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/9/2009 - 6/12/2009 Davis, Ruby Elizabeth Grimes GRIFTON - Ruby Grimes Davis, 89, of Grifton, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Mrs. Davis was the daughter of the late John and Lucy Kennedy Grimes of Lenoir County. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James Wilton Davis; and sisters, Edna Ruth Becton Jones and Ellen Smith. She was a lifetime member of Grainger Baptist Church and retired from Contentnea School where she served in the cafeteria for 33 years. She was strong in her faith, loved her family, and friends and enjoyed life fully. Survivors include her daughter, Linda D. Warren and husband Carlton "Pete," of Grifton; son, Jimmie Wilton Davis of New Bern; grandchildren, Ryan Davis and Tyler Davis and their mother, Cathy Fulcher; Ricky Smith, and Susan Smith; great-grandchildren, Lindsey Smith, Stephanie Smith and Zachary Smith and their mother, Cindy Ward Smith; sisters, Hazel Houghton of Grifton and Bessie Allen and husband Gid, of Maury. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with the Reverend Benji Ramseur and Ivey White officiating. Entombment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to gather at her home for fel-lowship. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Grainger Baptist Church, 3201 Middle St. Kinston, NC 28501. Funeral arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/7/2009 Dawson, William Flint KINSTON - William Flint Dawson, 84, of 907 Cunningham Road, died Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Mills Funeral Home, Inc. Published in the Free Press from 6/9/2009 - 6/12/2009 Duncan, Ashley B. SEVEN SPRINGS - Ashley Brooke Duncan, 16, of 146 Thelma Duncan Lane, died Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at home. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5 at Tyndall Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Duncan-Tillman Cemetery. Survivors include her parents, Danny and Iris Whitman Duncan of the home; and sister, Helen D. Stevens of Seven Springs. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at the funeral home. Published in the Free Press from 6/4/2009 - 6/7/2009 Estelle, Sandra KINSTON - Ms. Sandra Estelle, 49, of Kinston, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 7, 2009. She died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving sons and family. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, June 10 at 2 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home, officiated by Calvin Heath. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery, Kinston. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Sandra was born March 23,1960, in Bristol, Virginia to the late Herbert Eugene Blaylock and Nellie E. Privette. She moved to eastern North Carolina with her family in 1966 and has been a resident of Kinston since 1998. Sandra was a very active and creative person, working as a fitness instructor for Galaxy Sports. She worked with her sister, Fran, for many years at SanFranSisCo Dancewear and Embroidery. In addition, she maintained a home based business as a graphics artist and designer. She loved the beautiful home that she so carefully and artfully decorated. Even through the struggle of her illness, her home provided her peace and comfort not only for herself, but for those sharing their time with her. Her greatest reward in life was being the devoted mother of her four sons and grandmother to nine wonderful grandchildren. In addition to her father, Sandra was preceded in death by a sister, Sherron Blaylock Jones; a granddaughter, Victoria Gaskins; step-father, Delano R. Cox; and father-in-law, Ralph Bennett. She is survived by a large family including her loving sons, Joseph Gaskins (Marla), Steven Gaskins, Kevin Gaskins (Courtney), and Daniel Gaskins (Nina) all of Kinston; nine grandchildren, Hayley, Jayden, Dylan, Taylor, Tyra, Ryan, Julia, Logan, and Emerson; her step-daughter, Patsy Longgo of Connecticut; her mother and step-father, Nellie and Rex Byrd of Sims; brother Herbert E. Blaylock, Jr. (Kim) of Elizabethtown, Pa.; five sisters, Judy Kilpatrick and Linda Hopkins (Louis) both of Bel-haven, N.C., Patsy Howard (Billy) of Goldsboro, N.C., Gail Garrett (Ronald) of Pantego, N.C. and Fran McKinney (Wayne) of Kinston, N.C.; step-brothers, Myron Cox and Delaney Cox; her mother-in-law, Patricia Bennett; and the faithful father of her children, Kenneth A. Gaskins of Vanceboro. Sandra will be sadly missed by a host of caring friends and many nieces and nephews. As a brain tumor patient, Sandra would be pleased that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to any Relay For Life chapter. Funeral arrange-ments by Edwards Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obitu-ary) Published in the Free Press from 6/9/2009 - 6/12/2009 Evans, L.D. GREENVILLE - L.D. Evans, 84, died Friday, May 29, 2009, at University Health Systems Hospice. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Don Brown Funeral Home. Published in the Free Press from 5/31/2009 - 6/3/2009 Faircloth, Sandra Renee Barfield TAMPA, Fla. - Sandra Renee Barfield Faircloth, 49, of 6011 Native Woods Drive, formerly of Greene County, died Saturday, May 30 2009. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at Maury Chapel F.W.B. Church. Interment will follow in the Snow Hill Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Alton Faircloth of Tampa, Fla.; sisters Cynthia Kaye Bryant of Eaton, Ga., and Joan A. Norman of Jacksonville. Visitation will be held from 7-8 p.m. Friday, June 5 at Don Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/1/2009 - 6/8/2009 Farlow, Russell HYATTSVILLE, Md. - Russell Farlow, 72, of 4012 74th Ave., died Thursday, May 28, 2009, at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Md. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11 at Mills Memorial Garden. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Farlow of the home; daughter Peyton Harrison of Albany, N.Y.; sons Landy Farlow of Springlake, Russell Farlow Jr. of Piscataway, N.J., Henry Henderson of Glen Bernie, Md., Omar Farlow of Largo, Md.; and brother, Clarence G. Farlow of Fayetteville. Online condolences may be sent to www.millsfh.com Published in the Free Press from 6/9/2009 - 6/14/2009 Fields, Daisy O. GOLDSBORO - Daisy Simmons Outlaw Fields, 87, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Mrs. Fields was born in Duplin County on January 2, 1922, to the late Paul Outlaw and Donnie Simmons Outlaw. She was married to the late James Arthur Fields. Mrs. Fields was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Willow Dale Cemetery with the Rev. Ryan Ras-mussen officiating. The family will receive friends at her home. Mrs. Fields is survived by her daughters, Donna Jacobs of Elizabeth City, and June Fields of Goldsboro; her sisters, Maybelle Grady of Kinston, and Edna Joyce Grady of Seven Springs; her brother, Alger Outlaw and wife Rachel, of Kinston; her grandchildren, Danny Jacobs and wife Denise, and Eddie Jacobs and special friend Megan, all of Elizabeth City; two great-grandchildren, James Jacobs and Daniels Jacobs; and numerous nieces and nephews. Flowers are wel-come or memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1101 E. Ash Street, Golds-boro, NC 27530 or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 2402 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or to the Parkinson's Foundation, 400 Mercer Street, #401, Seattle, WA 98109. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements by Seymour Funeral Home, Goldsboro. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/6/2009 Flanagan, Herbert Franklin "Frank" ROCKY MOUNT - Herbert Franklin "Frank" Flanagan, 75, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 4, 2009. He was born October 4, 1933, in Lenoir County and was the son of the late Bob Archibald, and Elizabeth Bibb Flanagan. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Richard, Desmond, Ernest and Marion Flanagan. Frank served in the United States Army, in dutiful defense of his country. He was also a former Police offi-cer in Richmond, Va., along with being a salesman for Electrolux vacuum cleaners. He touched so many lives and will be truly missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Thelma Cain Flanagan of the home, two sons and their wives, Timothy and Pam Flanagan, Gregory and Pansy Flanagan, granddaughter Jessica Flanagan and great-grandson Timothy Flanagan, grandsons James, Haskey, and Daniel Barnes, and Luke Overton, granddaughters Amanda and Haley Overton, great-grandson Logan Barnes and great-granddaughters Isabel and Amiaya Barnes, along with his church family and friends at Cornerstone Vineyard. The funeral service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday June 8, 2009, at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service, and other times at the home. Arrangements by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, N.C. 27804. Online condolences to the Flanagan fam-ily may be made by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com. Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/7/2009 - 6/10/2009 Fuzzell, Daryl L. H. KINSTON - Daryl L. H. Fuzzell, 19, of 1307 McAdoo St., died Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at King Harbor Hospice Facility in The Bronx, N.Y. Funeral services were held Friday, May 29 at St. Augustus A.M.E. Zion Church with the Rev. Julian C. Pridgen officiating. Burial followed in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include his father, Daryl Fuzzell, mother Latisha Hall; finance Jennifer Hill; grandmothers, Margaret Simmons Hall and Susie Allen Fuzzell, grandfather Clarence Polite, sisters Ashley Fuzzell, Sukinah Fuzzell, Nyemah Fuzzell, Fiatmah Fuzzell, Denisha Cooper, Tariah Campbell, and Kashawnna Campbell; brothers Johnathan Fuzzell, Tyrone Mills, and Jah-miqu Wilson. Funeral arrangements by Swinson Funeral Service. Published in the Free Press from 5/30/2009 - 6/2/2009 Grady Jr., John D. View/Sign Guest Book GOLDSBORO - Mr. John D. Grady, Jr., PE, PLS President of Contractors & Engineers Services, Inc., passed away at his Walnut Creek home on Monday, June 1, 2009. He was born on August 30, 1921, in Great Falls, S.C., the son of the late John David and Ruth Outlaw Grady. Mr. Grady graduated from B. F. Grady High School when he was 15. He continued his studies at NC State University in Raleigh, N.C., the Catholic University, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, N.C. He earned certification from the N.C. Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors as a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor in 1966. Mr. Grady was fortunate in that he found his passion for engineering early in life and through his profession he fulfilled his calling to help others and his community. Mr. Grady was a Registered Professional Engineer and a Professional Land Surveyor, a research scientist for roads and paving materials for the NC State Highway Department in Raleigh, an engineer in the Army Corps of Engineers in Wilmington. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, a soldier in the infantry and transferred to the artillery division. After the war he continued his research in the following jobs; a materials research engineer with the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads in Washington, D.C., a highway physical research engineer with the Engineer Research and Development Labora-tories in Fort, Belvoir, Va., a teacher with Army Corps of Engineers in Washington, D.C., a research scientist with the Army Corps doing atomic bomb testing at Nevada Proving Grounds (Frenchmen's Flat), chief engineer at the Army Corps Office at Seymour Johnson AFB, resident civil engineer at Seymour Johnson AFB, owner and President of Contractors and Engineers Services, Inc. (incorporated in February, 1965 to present), engineer for the Goldsboro Wayne Airport Authority and the Southern Wayne Sanitary District, member of the Underground Storage Tank Council and opened the first full service environmental testing laboratory in the Wayne County area. He was also a People to People delegate to China where he helped to improve their infrastructure. Mr. Grady was honored with the Department of the Army's commendation for fixing critical paving projects in connection with the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was presented a Special Department of the Army citation and recommendation, the Arthur S. Fleming Award for research at the atomic test site of the Nevada Proving Ground. He was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. Other memberships have included the National Society of Professional Engineers, PENC, ASTM Committees, American Concrete Institute and numerous other professional organiza-tions. Mr. Grady was an active Kiwanian, Mason (Wayne Masonic Lodge #112) and Shriner (Sudan Temple) for many years. His hobbies included golfing and fishing at Walnut Creek Country Club and the North Carolina coast. He enjoyed spending time with the grandchil-dren nurturing and mentoring them. His favorite music was the Mills Brothers. Funeral services will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Garris Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jerry Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at the Grady Family Cemetery in Albertson. Mr. Grady is survived by his wife, Dorothy Howard; son, John D. Grady III and wife Deana White, and their children, John D. Grady IV and wife Babbs Posey, and their son, his great-grandson, John D. Grady V, Adam Howard Grady and Danielle Rupert, Ginger B. Edwards and husband Michael, and their two daughters, Amber and Jordan, Kimberly B. Whaley and husband Ronald J., and their children, Brad, Miranda and Quinton; daughter, Sherry Grady McDonnell and children, Peter Daniel McDonnell, Jr. and Catherine Kannady, Grady Howard McDonnell and Ciara Macanas, Melissa McDonnell Hoffman and husband Tim, and their two daughters, Katie and Hunter; and family friends, Oliver Wendell Smith Jr. and his grandmother, "Mammaw" Cecile Sheppard Smith from Ellisville, Mississippi; his daughter, Dixie Grady Jernigan and husband Dr. Edward Williams Jernigan, and their children, Edward Williams Jernigan III and Kelsey Umstead, John Carroll Jernigan and Jordan Vassar McRae Jernigan; his sisters, Mary Anna Grady of Albertson, N.C., Peggy Ellis and husband J. B., of Tarboro and sister-in-law, Marguerite Howard Hales of La Grange. He was preceded in death by his son, Carroll Howard Grady, who died in 1954 at the age of 10 years old and his sister, Amelia Grady Snelling of Amelia Island, Florida; and his son-in-law, Peter D. McDonnell, Sr., PE. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and at other times at the home, 607 Mill Road, Goldsboro, NC. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/6/2009 Graham, Marquis GREENVILLE - Marquis Graham, 24, of 1300 Ward St. died Tuesday May 26, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Don Brown Funeral home, Ayden. Interment in Graham Family Cemetery, Grifton. Survivors in-clude his father Robert Graham of Grifton; mother Shelia Bess of Grifton; brothers Teleman-chus M. Bess of Fayetteville and Dente R. Graham of Grifton; and one sister Robin Graham of Winterville. Viewing will be held on Monday from 6 to 9 pm at the funeral home. Online condo-lences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com. Published in the Free Press from 5/28/2009 - 6/4/2009 Guthrie, Ruth Whitaker KINSTON - Ruth Whitaker Guthrie went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. She was born in Westmorland County, Penn. at Snow Ball Farm, which was deeded, to her ancestors by William Penn in 1772. She was the daughter of Hays Claude Nicely and Mary Margaret Cairns Nicely, and the sister of Charles Cairns Nicely and John Jacob Nicely, all deceased. After attending Carnegie Institute of Tech-nology and Cornell University, she moved to Miami, Fla. where she worked for a year with the Council of Social Agencies. Along with four staff members, she applied for and received at Dade County Courthouse a charter for the first Mental Health Society in Florida. Following this posi-tion, Ruth became administrative assistant to Robert Gilliam Lassiter, nationally renowned and honored geologist. After marrying Dr. Paul F. Whitaker in 1955, and until Mr. Lassiter's death in 1963, Ruth continued on a limited basis to help Mr. Lassiter with various affairs at his copper mine at Ore Knob and in Washington, D.C. Ruth was active in Christian, civic, social, literary and political organizations. In 1965, she was honored with the Founders Award for the first NC Heart Association in Chapel Hill. In 2004, she received The Salvation Army Life Membership, having served on their Advisory Board over a 40 year period. In 1988, she was given the South-eastern Salvation Army Dynamic Forces Award at Orlando, Fla. Over a 40-year period, she was active at Lenoir Memorial Hospital as a Pink Lady and was a charter member of the North Caro-lina Women's Medical Society and Foundation. Due to her great love of animals, she helped start the local chapter of the SPCA. When Kersey Smith (father of Mrs. Alban Barrus, Jr.) started the Flynn Alcoholics Home, she and the late Mrs. Junius Rose served together on its early board. Ruth's greatest joy was teaching Bible Class for teenagers for 25 years: five years at North Miami Methodist Church, 15 years at Queen Street Methodist Church where she was a member in Kinston, and five years at the Salvation Army. She was active at Vernon Hall Mission, founded by her dear friends, Margaret and Felix Harvey. Following Dr. Whitaker's death in 1977, Ruth mar-ried the late Guy Richard Guthrie and went to Indianapolis, Ind. in 1979. During the two years until Mr. Guthrie's retirement, she was honored by Governor Bowen for serving as Publicity Director for Ronald Regan's primary campaign. Upon their return to Kinston, she headed three of the late Senator Jesse Helms's Lenoir County campaigns. Ruth is survived by her two beloved nephews, John Hayes Nicely of Blairsville, Ga. and Clearwater, Fla. and Keith Hayes Nicely of Gorham, Maine and their families; and her devoted sister-in-law, Gloria Pierce Nicely of Gor-ham, Maine. In addition to her family, Ruth dearly loved all the Whitaker, Guthrie, and Perry families, her precious caregiver and friend Shelby Clark, her caregivers Carol Wells, Lillian Paderick and Hazel Lamurro and prayer warriors, Haywood Smith and Ernie Sugg. Special thanks to hospice nurse Gina Riggs and to Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Memorial services will be held at 11 a .m. Friday, June 12, 2009, at Queen Street United Methodist Church with the Reverends Haywood Smith and Allen Bingham officiating. The family will receive visitors im-mediately following the service. Interment will be at the Old North Street Cemetery in Gorham, Maine at a later time. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of Kinston in honor of their 121 years of Christian ministry to its citizens at P.O. Box 1479, Kinston, NC 28503. Ar-rangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/11/2009 - 6/14/2009 Hamilton, William Louis "Bill" View/Sign Guest Book KINSTON - William Louis "Bill" Hamilton, 85, of Kinston passed away on Friday, June 5, 2009. Mr. Hamilton is the son of the late Clarence and Ida Smith Hamilton of Lenoir County. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Emmerling Hamilton; and daughter, Vicky Harrell. He served his Country with the U.S. Army during WWII, retired from Ray-O-Vac and was a member of Grainger Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and a Deacon for many years. Survivors include his daughters, Dorise Ervin and husband Donnie, of Ayden and Donna Bjorson and husband Larry, of Charlotte; grandchildren, William and Chris Bjorson, Donnie and Michael Ervin, and David Harrell; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Mollie Dixon and husband Donald, of New Bern. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2009, at Pinelawn Memorial Park with the Reverend Benji Ramsaur officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grainger Baptist Church, 3201 Middle Street, Kinston, NC 28504. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/6/2009 - 6/9/2009 Hatcher, Ronnie Hilton LYMAN - Ronnie Hilton Hatcher, 59, died Saturday, May 30, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2009, at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Beulaville. Visitation will follow. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville. Survivors include wife Julie Christine Hatcher of Lyman; mother Dorothy Maready of Chinquapin; sons Nelson Hatcher of Beulaville, Wade Hatcher of Chinquapin and Branden Maready of Chinquapin; daughter Kassie Maready of Chinquapin; sisters Janice Quinn of Beulaville and Peggy Dail of Teachey; brothers James "Tiny" Hatcher of Chinquapin and Gene "Toot" Hatcher of Chinqua-pin; and one grandchild. Arrangements by Community Funeral Home of Beulaville. Published in the Free Press from 6/1/2009 - 6/4/2009 Hayes, Edna JACKSONVILLE - Edna Grace Hayes, 75, of 1839 Onslow Drive, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Britthaven of Onslow. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, 1268 Old Maplehurst Road , Jacksonville with Brother Gerald Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in Georgetown Memorial Park. Survivors include sisters June Daniel of Stanford, Conn., Joyce Crowder of Jacksonville, Beatrice McGill of Richlands; and brother Elwood Williams of New York. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Sat-urday at the Kingdom Hall. Online condolences may be sent to www.millsfh.com. Arrange-ments by Mills Funeral Home, Inc. Published in the Free Press from 6/2/2009 - 6/8/2009 Head, Dennis H. SNOW HILL - Mr. Dennis Howard Head, 53, passed away Tuesday morning, June 2, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Dennis was a graduate of Greene Central High School and an automotive mechanic. He was a member of Fort Run P.F.W.B. Church. Fu-neral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Fort Run P.F.W.B. Church with the Reverend Larry Turlington and the Reverend Tom Dorman officiating. Committal services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5 at the Radford Family Cemetery. Dennis is survived by his wife, Cindy G. Head of Snow Hill; parents Billy and Margaret Head of La Grange; a son, Justin Allen Head of Snow Hill; sisters Cindy H. Coley and husband Johnny, Angie H. Her-ring and husband Gary, and Melody H. Raynor, all of Snow Hill; nephews and niece, Blake Herring, Austin Herring, Tyler Herring, T. J. Raynor and Makayla Raynor. The family will receive friends on Thursday immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall and other times at the home of Billy and Margaret Head, 2062 Oakdale Road, La-Grange, NC. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/6/2009 Holland, Michael Earl FAYETTEVILLE - Michael Earl Holland, 60, of 812 Greenland Drive, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rachel H. Johnson; his father, Cecil C. King; and his grandmothers, Rachel D. Holland and Carrie B. King. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church. He enjoyed landscaping and working in the yard. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2009, from Pleasant Hill Christian Church with Woody Innman officiating. Visitation to follow and other times at the home of Dell and Jerry Howard, 2221 West Pleasant Hill Road, Pink Hill N.C. A private burial will follow the service at the Church Cemetery. Survivors include his sisters, Dell Howard of Pink Hill and Darlene Davis of Kinston; his brothers, Danny King of Pink Hill, Donald King of Deep Run, and Darrell King of Kinston; and many special family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Hill Christian Church Memorial Fund, 4306 West Pleasant Hill Road, Pink Hill N.C. 28572. Local announcement by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/5/2009 - 6/8/2009 Holmes, Rev. Adolphus GRIFTON - The Rev. Adolphus Holmes, 87, of 6350 Blount Hall Road, died Thursday, June 4, 2009. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11 at Bread of Life Gospel Tabernacle Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Estates. Survivors include his daughter, Patricia Ann Holmes of Grifton; sister Pastor Addie Marie Prince of Grifton; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Don Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/9/2009 - 6/12/2009 Jackson, Janet Lee KINSTON -Janet Lee Jackson, 67, of 2902 Graham Drive, died peacefully and went home to be with her Lord and Savior after a lengthy illness on May 27, 2009. Janet was born on August 2, 1941, to the late Cecil and Ruth Lee. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Ralph H. Lee. Together with her husband, they successfully owned and operated H & R Block in Kinston for 36 years. She had many friends that she held dear in her heart. She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Kenneth Jackson; a daughter, Evelyn Humphries and husband Bob, of Raphine, Virginia; and a son, Cecil Jackson and wife Tracie, of Greenville. She was a loving grandmother to John-Paul, Jenna, and Luke Humphries, and Hillary, Sarah, and Emilee Jackson. In addition, she is survived by special nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. The funeral will be performed by Pastor Joseph Chadburn at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009, at the funeral home with burial to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kinston Community Church, 3217 Carey Road, Kinston, NC 28504. Funeral arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 5/29/2009 - 6/1/2009 Jones, Jessie M. KINSTON - Jessie M. Jones, 80, of 631 E. Washington Ave., died Friday, June 5, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Macedonia F.W.B. Church with the Rev. William Waters officiating. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include her sons, Larry Jones of Kinston, Bobby Jones of Virginia, Willie Laughinghouse of Kinston; daughters Janice Ammons of Deep Run, Jesse Ann Pigford and Hilda Kirkman, both of Snow Hill, Alfreda Nobles of Kin-ston, and Ernestine Jones of Maryland; sister Virginia McGill of Atlantic City, N.J.; loving and devoted granddaughter, Jessica N. Jones; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 at Swinson Funeral Service and other times at 1119 1/2 N. Queen St. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/6/2009 - 6/14/2009 Kennedy, Billy Frederick KINSTON - Billy Frederick Kennedy, 68, died Friday, May 29, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Serenity Funeral Home in Beulaville. Burial will be in East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville. Survi-vors include daughters Dana Woods of Memphis, Tenn.,Kelly Jo Melee of Holly Springs and Casey Kennedy, Asheville; son Billy F. Kennedy II of Texas; sisters Prandy Cham-blee of Raleigh,Frances Tyndall of Kinston and Phoebe Foy of Kinston; five grandchil-dren; and one great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Serenity Funeral Home. Arrangements by Serenity Funeral Home, Beulaville. Published in the Free Press from 5/31/2009 - 6/3/2009 Kennedy, Juanita Turner PINK HILL - Juanita Turner Kennedy, 55, died Friday, June 5, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11, at Sandhills Cemetery in Potters Hill. Survivors include her husband, Leslie "Buddy" Kennedy of Pink Hill; daughters Bonita Kennedy Quinn and Jeanne Kennedy Houston, both of Pink Hill; and two grandchildren. Published in the Free Press from 6/10/2009 - 6/13/2009 Killingsworth, Robert Benjamin "Dock" BELHAVEN - Robert "Dock" Benjamin Killingsworth, 76, of 135 Killingsworth Lane, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2009, at Beaufort County Medical Center. He served in the U.S. Army during the Ko-rean Conflict. He was retired as Maintenance Supervisor with Smith Douglas Fertilizer of Kinston for 18 years, and the Selby Company in Belhaven for 15 years. Dock was a member of the VFW in Pamlico County and served as a Deacon at Holy Family Ministry in Belhaven. He was preceded in death by his "Brother," Marcellous McNeil. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009, from the chapel of Garner Funeral Home with the Reverend Amos Sykes and Father Nicholas Ibarra officiat-ing. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery with Military Honors. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Helen W. Killingsworth of the home; his daughters, Terry Hendricks of Belhaven and Beth Harrell of Maysville; his sons, Robert Gary "Bud" Killingsworth of the home and Todd Jarman and wife Suz-anne, of the home; his daughter-in-law, Diane Woolard of Roanoke Rapids; and a son-in-law, Terry A. Hendricks of Pungo; five grandchildren, Michelle Smith of Washington, Tyler and Kaleb Jarman, both of Roanoke Rapids, Mary Hannah Jarman of the home, and Jonathan Byrd of Maysville; great-grandchildren, Connor, Kendall and Cameron Smith, all of Washington; step-grandchildren, Austin, Haley and Aaron Cherry, and Thomas Hurdle, all of the home; his sisters, Sarah Andrews of Trenton, Mary Tyndall of Kinston; his brother, Dan Killingsworth of Trenton; niece, Sandra Andrews of Trenton and nephew, Ronnie Andrews of Greenville. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, one hour prior to the service. Funeral arrangements by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/10/2009 - 6/13/2009 . Kittrell, Louise T. LA GRANGE - Louise T. Kittrell, 60, of 3757 Ed Herring Road, died Friday, June 5, 2009, at Duke University Hospital. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday June 9 at Bear Creek Headquarters in Goldsboro with the Rev. Charles H. Kittrell officiating. Burial will follow in Farview Cemetery of La Grange. Survivors include her husband Frederick Kittrell of the home; daughter Tori Kittrell of the home; mother Annie R. Thompson of Goldsboro; sisters Lillie McKeathan of Greensboro, Paulette Hite of Bryans Road, Md., Betty Jean Thompson of Goldsboro; brother Clarence Thompson Jr. of La Grange and one granddaughter. Vistation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Monday June 8 at La Grange Funeral Services. Published in the Free Press from 6/6/2009 - 6/10/2009 Maready, Mary Jane CHINQUAPIN - Mary Jane Maready, 65, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, in UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Survivors include her sons, Stanley Maready, and Nathan Maready both of Burlington, Berry Maready of Chinquapin; sisters Ida Lovette and Molly Hines of Willard; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Published in the Free Press from 5/29/2009 - 6/1/2009 Mewborn Jr., George Lemuel SNOW HILL-George Lemuel Mewborn, Jr., 93, of Snow Hill, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at his home. He was born May 16, 1916 at Nehucky Farm, Snow Hill Township, in Greene County, North Carolina, the fifth child of George Lemuel Mewborn and Eula Virginia Mewborn. After graduating from Snow Hill High School in 1933, Mr. Mewborn attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, studying business and accounting. He worked briefly with Wilson Memo-rial Hospital in its accounting department, then worked with his uncle Joshua E. Mewborn as assistant Clerk of Superior Court from 1939-1958. After four years with the Guarantee Bank and Trust Company (later Wachovia) in Walstonburg, Mr. Mewborn returned to Greene County government as County Accountant and Tax Supervisor, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, and later as County Finance Officer, a position he held from 1962 until his retirement in 1982 after forty years of public service with Greene County. On December 22, 1953, Mr. Mewborn married Eva Cornelia Mattocks in Maysville, NC and lived with her and their family in Snow Hill for fifty-five years. The Mewborns have been long-time members of Calvary Memorial United Methodist Church where Mr. Mewborn served as Chairman of the Trustees and in various finance positions. Mr. Mewborn was an avid fish-erman and enjoyed fishing with his brother Henry, his cousin Henry Turnage Mewborn, his friend Earl Baker Jones, and other family and friends through the years. Mr. Mewborn was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Dr. John Moses Mewborn and wife Marga-ret MacNeill Mewborn, Ima Eula Mewborn, Beulah Barbara Mewborn, Nina Lee Mewborn Garner and husband Varner Rayford Garner, Henry Drew Mewborn, Quentin Alexander Mewborn, Marvin Bruce Mewborn, and Manora Mewborn Nunn and husband Malcolm Nunn; sister-in-law Dorothy Griffin Nunn; and brothers-in-law Noland Randolph Mattocks and Fred Dennis Mattocks. He is survived by his devoted wife Cornelia "Connie" Mattocks Mewborn of the home; sons George Lemuel Mewborn, III of Snow Hill; Noland Mattocks Mewborn and wife Denise Karmolinski Mewborn of Hickory; Robert Fields Mewborn and wife Linda Rose Mewborn o f Ayden; grandchildren Catherine Mattocks Mewborn of Hick-ory; Robert Andrew Mewborn, George Ryan Mewborn, and Eva Rose Mewborn of Ayden; Michele Beres Waggoner and husband Mark William Waggoner, Jr. of Chesapeake, Vir-ginia; and great-granddaughters Marissah Marie and Maria Belle Waggoner of Chesa-peake. He is also survived by sister Ailine Eloise Mewborn of Greenville; sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Mozingo Mewborn of Farmville, Mable Parker Mewborn of Hampton, Virginia, Delia Douglas Mattocks of Winston-Salem, and Annie Lois Russ Mattocks of Gaffney, South Carolina; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. His family is especially grateful for care given in his last days by his physician, Dr. Quentin A. Mewborn, Jr. of Greenville, by caregivers Betty Norris and Estella Wallace, by the supportive staff of Asera-Care Hospice, and by many loving family members and friends. Following a family graveside service, a Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at 1:00 pm at Calvary Memorial United Methodist Church, 107 West Greene Street with Rev. James Weaver presiding. The family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall and at other times at the Mewborn home, 501 Lasitter Road. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Calvary Memorial Endowment, Calvary Memo-rial United Methodist Church, PO Box 445, Snow Hill, NC 28580. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service. Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/7/2009 - 6/10/2009 Miller, Ruby Quinn PINK HILL - Ruby Quinn Miller, 96, died Thursday, June 4, 2009, at home. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6 followed by visitation at Serenity Funeral Home, Beulaville. Grave-side services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7 in Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill. Survivors include her daughter, Jo Ann Cavenaugh of Pink Hill; son Wilbur Gene Miller of Pink Hill; sister Macy Trott of Beulaville; three grandchildren; and six great- grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, do-nations may be made to the Potters Hill Advent Christian Church. Published in the Free Press from 6/6/2009 - 6/9/2009 Newkirk, Annie Lee Waters SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, N.Y. - Annie Lee Waters Newkirk, age 68, of 134-32 217th St., formerly of Greene County, died Friday, May 29, 2009, at her residence in New York. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Best Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, on Indian Springs Road in Dudley, North Carolina with the Rev. William Waters Jr., Pastor officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Mill Cemetery, Central Heights, Goldsboro, North Carolina. The body may be viewed from 3-7 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends and other family members at 109 Heather Glenn Drive, Goldsboro, North Carolina. She is survived by two daughters, Ms. April Newkirk of the home, Ms. Lynda Waters of Long Island City, N.Y.; two sons, Mr. Rydell (Tara) Newkirk of Wilson, N.C., Mr. Jonathan Newkirk of Brooklyn, N.Y.; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; five sisters; four brothers; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Cards, Love-Grams and condolences may be faxed to Hamilton Funeral Chapel at (919) 735-4725 or email to hamiltonfc@bellsouth.net. Flowers may be sent to Hamilton Funeral Chapel, Goldsboro, North Carolina. Services have been entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Chapel, Goldsboro, North Carolina. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 5/30/2009 - 6/6/2009 . Pace, Nelson KINSTON - Nelson Pace, 54, of 907 Cunningham Road, died Saturday, May 23, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30 at Mills Funeral Home. Survivors include his daughter, Tameeka Pace of New York; sons Gus Pace and Gerad Pace of New York; sister Mary Mills of Brooklyn, N.Y.; brother Ronald Pace of Peachtree City, Ga.; and two grandchildren. Viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home Published in the Free Press from 5/24/2009 - 6/1/2009 Palmer, Tonya Lu "Squeek" LA GRANGE - The enemy became the final victor in Tonya's 'Life is Worth the Fight' war and sent her into the Hands of God with her family at her side on Saturday, May 30, 2009. Having survived a cerebral aneurysm in 1993 and six years after defeating Hodgkin's Lymphoma, the effects of the radiation and chemo (the cure) overwhelmed her. To the end, she fought a long and valiant campaign depleting virtually all of her physical resources until she had no more left to give. She never gave up. Born in Middletown, N.Y. on February 3, 1974, to Edyth (Dee) and Leo(Chuck) Green, she married her longtime best friend and the love of her life, Robert S. Palmer in 1995. Tonya achieved one of her proudest accomplishments when she became the mother of Zackary S. Palmer in 2006. Tonya earned a degree in Medical Office Administration and most recently, Pharmaceutical Technician's Certification at Lenoir County Community College, Kinston, N.C. She formerly worked as a caseworker for the Lenoir County, NC Dept. of Social Services and for the Piggly-Wiggly, Greentree Plaza, Kinston until her illness forced her retirement. Tonya is survived by her loving husband, her devoted parents and her adoring son, all of La Grange, N.C. She is also survived by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Shirley Boniface of Burlingham, N.Y., aunt and uncle Elizabeth and R.J. Smith of Pine Bush, N.Y., uncle Dick (Slim) Boniface of Burlingham, N.Y., long time special friends, Amy, Donna, Mellanie, Tina and Kara; many cousins, nieces and nephews as well as canine and feline friends Sam, Darla, Nina, and Kit-Kat. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Helen and Leo Green; several aunts, uncles, cousins and canine friends Ralph, Rosie, Brutus, and Spanky. A memorial service and celebration of Tonya's life will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date (to be announced). Memorial contributions may be made in Tonya's memory to the charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/6/2009 Pate, Eliza Garvey KINSTON - Eliza Garvey Pate, 91, of 1003 West Washington Avenue, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Britthaven of Kinston. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Pate; grandson, Johnnie Cash; and great-grandson, Alton Carter III. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday June 4, 2009, from the chapel of Garner Funeral Home with Pastor Allen Ham officiating. The family will receive friends following the service and other times at the home. Interment will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2009, at Westview Cemetery. Survivors include her daughters, Margaret Carter of the home, Gladys Sutton and husband Kelly, of Kinston; her sons, Leonard Pate and wife Elsie, of Seven Springs, Leslie Pate and wife Betty, Thomas Pate and wife Faye, all of Deep Run; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 40 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/4/2009 - 6/7/2009 Pate, John Leroy KINSTON - John Leroy Pate, 77, of 918 Jefferson Drive passed away on Friday, June 5, 2009 at Kinston Rehabilitation and HealthCare. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009 from Gospel Baptist Church with Reverend Mike Parker officiating. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Shirley Brock Pate of the home; his daughter, Gale Shattack of Mount Olive; his step-daughters, Jennifer Russell and Drew Bradshaw of Kinston and LaRue Turnage of Phenix City, AL; his step-son, Prew Grady of Kinston; a grandson, Brandon Shattack of Greenville, NY; two great-grandchildren, eleven step-grandchildren and nine step great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at his home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Garner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/6/2009 - 6/10/2009 Patterson, Lillia Irene Marino KINSTON - Our beautiful and beloved Lillia Irene Marino Patterson passed away peacefully Sunday morning, May 31, 2009. The daughter of Jesus and Irene Marino, Lillia was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on August 20, 1925. She went to elementary and high school at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School before continuing her education at Xavier University in New Orleans, graduating in 1947 with a teaching degree. At her first job teaching in Waynesborough, Mississippi Lillia met her future husband, Bruce. Soon after marrying on May 14, 1950, they moved to Kinston, North Carolina where she pursued a long and fulfilling career as an educator. Lillia was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lenore Marino Branson, Katherine Marino Cain, Juanita Marino Howell; and brother, Bishop Eugene A. Marino, SSJ. Lillia lived her life in faith and was a dedicated member of her church. She taught Sunday school and was also a member of the Blessed Martin Guild, Catholic Daughters, and Legion of Mary for as long as her health permitted. Always active in her community, she was a member of the American Business Women 's Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, North Carolina Association of Educators, and Entre ' Nous Civic and Social Club. Lillia was an avid card player and enjoyed memberships in several related organizations. She was a member of the American Bridge Association, American Contract Bridge Association, the Duplicators, Fairfield Duplicate Bridge Club and the Tuesday Bridge Club. Those that commend her to God's care are her devoted husband of 59 years, Bruce; three children, Michael (Esther) of Fayetteville, N.C., Denise Thomas (Gene) of Golds boro, N.C., Dwayne (Veronica) of Garner, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Lisa Eileen, Allison, Michael Sterling (Teresa), Jeremy, Bradley, Lillia Danielle, and Jarrod; three sisters, Clare Rhodeman (Thomas) of Biloxi, Miss., Sister Eileen Marino of Baltimore, Md., and Lucille Johnson of Emerson, Ill.; one brother, Joaquin Marino (Helen) of Plainfield, N.J.; and goddaughter, Agnes Houston Harper (John) of Atlanta, Ga.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Lillia will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will remember her as a mentor, a loyal friend and a warm-hearted luminary. She supported her family throughout her life with indefatigable dignity, integrity, and strength. She lived a full and most rewarding life, with a strong and loyal family, abiding interests, and more than 30 years as an exemplary educator. Lillia cared deeply about her religion, making it the central concern of her personal life. She embraced each day with a sense of humor, the time to listen carefully, the empathy to ease the hurt of another, and the grace to offer friendship without affectation. For her husband, her children and her grandchildren, Lillia is their life's reward. A visitation and rosary will be held on Wednesday, June 3, from 6:30-8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 4, at 11 a.m. All services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 400 Academy Heights Road, Kinston, NC 28504. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund at the previous address. Services of comfort entrusted to Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/1/2009 - 6/6/2009 Powell, Lynda Dudley GRIFTON - Rev. Lynda Dudley Powell, 52, of 4115 Leland Road, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at St. Peter Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Kinston. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Estates. Survivors include her husband, Elder Donald Terrell Powell of Kinston; mother Thelma C. Dudley of Kinston; sons Carlando Dudley of Montgomery, Ala., and Stephano Dudley of Grifton; daughters Faneka Kilpatrick of La Grange, Sparkle T. Speaks of Grifton; sister Alice Herbert of Bali, Md.; and five grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday a the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Don Brown Funeral Home. Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/8/2009 Pridgen, Edna H. SNOW HILL -Mrs. Edna Gray Hughes Pridgen, 82, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. A native of Greene County, she was born July 2, 1926, the daughter of Tracy and Edwina Graves Hughes. Mrs. Pridgen was an avid homemaker who loved to cook and practiced her gift of service through her cooking and taking to those sick, shut-in and in need. Mrs. Pridgen was a member of Rainbow United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7 at Rainbow UMC with the Rever-end Tony Calhoun officiating. Interment will follow at the Snow Hill Cemetery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John Neil Pridgen; a sister, Sally Sugg; and a brother, Harry Hughes. She is survived by her husband, John Robert Pridgen; sons Robert Gary Pridgen and wife Sheila, and Alan Dale Pridgen and wife Kathy; a sister, Virginia Dare Lloyd of Winterville; grandchildren, Casey Pridgen and wife Tina, Justin Pridgen and wife Heather, Terrell Pridgen, Carrie-Anna Pridgen, Emmanuel Pridgen, Jay Pridgen, Dorothy H. Moore and husband Chad, and Jason Pridgen; and great-grandchildren, Marcus Vick, Kayla Vick and Lukas Moore. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service and other times at the residence, 580 Pridgen Road, Snow Hill. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/6/2009 - 6/9/2009 Quinn, Beulah Thomas PINK HILL - Beulah Thomas Quinn, 100, of Hwy 11 South, died Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at her home. Her husband, Leslie Quinn, preceded her in death. She is survived by two sons, Thomas H. Quinn and wife Inez, of Pink Hill, and Frederick Quinn of Pink Hill; one daughter, Frances Q. Walker and husband Robert, of Charlotte; sister-in-law Maxine Q. Smith and husband Johnny, of Kinston; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild; and special caregiver Tressie Howard. Visitation was held Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at the Pink Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Pink Hill Fu-neral Home with interment to follow at the Quinn-Stroud Cemetery on Quinn Sawmill Road. The family will receive friends at the home at other times. Memorials may be made to Pink Hill Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 357, Pink Hill, NC 28572. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com Published in the Free Press from 6/11/2009 - 6/14/2009 Reed, Chyna Unique GREENVILLE - Chyna Unique Reed, infant, of 106 B Eric Court, died Monday, June 1, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Don Brown Funeral Home. Published in the Free Press from 6/4/2009 - 6/7/2009 Robinson, Vina Hucks DEEP RUN - Vina "Vi" Hucks Robinson, 86, of 4007 Highway 11 South passed away on May 30, 2009, at her home. Funeral services will be held at Pink Hill Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, with Elder Michael Moody officiating. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. and services will be immediately after at 2 p.m. A private burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill, N.C. Vina was born on February 11, 1923, in Horry County, S.C., to Frederick W. and Susan V. Hucks. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Reid B. Wimer Jr.; and husband Eugene E. Robinson. She was also preceded in death by brothers Esmond, Jack and Bill Hucks and by sisters Virginia Lester and Nellie Palmer. She is survived by her son, Reid B. "Sonny" Wimer III of Norfolk, Va., and many special nieces and nephews. Vina was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Woodington Ward. She was active with Lenoir me-morial Hospital Volunteer Services, where she spent over two thousand hours as a "Pink Lady." Vina also delivered many "meals on wheels" in service to her community. She will fondly be remembered for her generosity and many acts of kindness. Arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary). Published in the Free Press from 6/1/2009 - 6/4/2009 Rouse, Walter Bryant KINSTON - Walter Bryant Rouse, 92, of Kinston, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Mr. Rouse was the son of the late John Franklin Rouse Sr. and Fannie Bryant Rouse. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ida Bruce Carlyle Rouse; sisters Marie Rouse Parris, Frances Rouse Gardner, Elizabeth Rouse McLawhorn, and Mabel Rouse Seymore, all of Kinston; brothers, John "Johnny" Franklin Rouse Jr. and Richard Basile Rouse, both of Kinston, and Hardy Rouse of La Grange. Mr. Rouse was a Charter Member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church where he served in numerous positions including Elder, Dea-con, and Sunday School Superintendent. He loved his family, his church family and friends, vegetable gardening, and sharing the fruits of his labor with others, and building things with his hands. During WWII, Mr. Rouse worked at the Naval Shipyard and Ford Motor Company As-sembly Plant in Norfolk, Va. After the War, he returned home to Kinston and worked for several years with Hardy and Hardy Construction Co. as a finishing carpenter. He spent approximately 20 years in Maintenance at Caswell Center until health issues forced his retirement. Although he loved working in his vegetable garden and building things in his woodwork shop, he decided he had time for another hobby. He enrolled in a Lock Smith correspondence course, and became licensed and bonded as a locksmith. In his seventies, and feeling he had too much time on his hands, he went to work for Trade Oil Company, where he worked until age 90. Survivors include his wife, Allysen A. Rouse of the home; daughter, Shirley Rouse Fields and husband Jimmy, of Kinston; grandson, James Michael Fields and wife Anne, of Greenville; great-granddaughters, Amelia Jane Fields and Mary Frances Fields; and great-grandsons, James Henry Fields and David Michael Fields, all of Greenville; step-children, Milton Todd Maples and Ann Maples Bromley; 10 step-grandchildren; five step-great- grandchildren; and good friends Rufus Allen and wife Hazel, of Kinston. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Rivermont Presbyterian Church with Pastor James Gale officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 1752 Hwy 258 South, Kinston, NC 28504. Funeral arrangements by Howard- Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/5/2009 - 6/8/2009 Scott, Vanessa L. FAYETTEVILLE - Vanessa L. Scott, 20, of 2540 Previs Drive, died Friday, May 29, 2009, in Charlotte. The funeral will be held at noon Friday, June 5 at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville with the Rev. Carl Brinkley officiating. Survivors include her mother, Connie Scott of Fayetteville; son Michael D. Howard Jr. of the home; brothers Darrell Carr Jr., Curtis Scott and Corey Scott, all of Fayetteville; sisters Deetria Scott and Shabray Williams of Fayetteville; her grandparents, Betty Williams and Ronald Williams of Kinston, and Frank Lakes and Elizabeth Lakes of Fayetteville. Funeral arrangements by H. M. Colvin of Fayetteville. Local announce-ment by Swinson Funeral Service. Published in the Free Press from 6/4/2009 - 6/7/2009 Simmons, Ava Lee KINSTON - Ava Lee Simmons, 88, of 304 E. Bright St., died Friday, May 24, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 at Herring Grove F.W.B. Church with the Rev. Reginald Lowery officiating. Burial will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Survivors include daughters Mona Moore of the home, Eva G. Lowery of Garner, Gloria Hart of Kinston; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and six great great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements by Swinson Funeral Service. Published in the Free Press from 5/31/2009 - 6/6/2009 Skinner, Oneta TRIANGLE, VA. - Oneta Skinner, 83, of Triangle, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Potomac Hospital. She is survived by her daughter, Jean Venable, of Triangle; one granddaughter and two step- great grandsons. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/6/2009 Smeraldo, Robert Arthur KINSTON - Robert Arthur Smeraldo, 59, of Kinston passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Mr. Smeraldo was born in Norfolk, Va. on May 15, 1950, to Myrtle Smith Smeraldo and the late George William Smeraldo. Mr. Smeraldo was the longest tenured member of the Kinston Indians staff, working 17 years with the team. He spent almost two decades taking care of Cleveland's future stars. He worked around the clock to make sure their needs were met. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Robert Smeraldo, Jr. of Kinston; and his sister, Peggy Smith of Dover. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home and other times at the home of his sister, Peggy Smith, 12805 NC Hwy 55W, Dover. Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, May 30, 2009, at the Kinston Indians Baseball Field with the Reverend Jay Baines and the Reverend Todd Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Howard-Carter Funeral Home, 1608 W. Vernon Avenue, Kinston, NC 28504. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 5/28/2009 - 6/1/2009 Spruill, Billie B. LA GRANGE - Billie Bryan Spruill, 85, of the Institute Community, died Thursday, June 4, 2009, in Morehead City. Mrs. Spruill was born June 3, 1924, in Lenoir County to the late John Hugh Bryan and Lillie Hodges Bryan. She was wife of the late Arthur Clifford Spruill Jr. Mrs. Spruill graduated from East Carolina Teachers College and was a member of Institute United Methodist Church. A service of remembrance will be held Sunday, June 7, 2009, at 3 p.m. from Institute United Methodist Church with Dr. Mallie Hinnant and Herb Pierson officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Spruill is survived by a daughter, Kathy Spruill of Morehead City; two granddogs, Zooey and Jully; seven nieces and nephews, Mary Bryan Cooper, Hugh Bryan, Jane Gridley, Susan Falkowski, Anne Bryan, Julia Bryan and Betty Hodges Bryan. Mrs. Spruill was preceded in death by her siblings, Edna Bryan, Elizabeth Bryan, Robert Bryan, Herman Bryan, Percy Bryan, Margaret Bryan Wooten, Carmer Bryan and Fred Bryan. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home and at other times they will be at the Bryan family home, 4739 Bryan-Hardy Road, La Grange. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome or memorials can be directed to a special patient fund in the process of being developed through Crystal Bluffs Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. You may obtain additional information by email at zoejull@yahoo.com. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary) Published in the Free Press from 6/6/2009 - 6/9/2009 Stroud Sr., Billy Wayne KNIGHTDALE - Billy Wayne Stroud Sr., 59, of 1944 Red Top Loop Drive, died Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Wake County Medical Center. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at Pink Hill Funeral Home with the Rev. Lynn Jones officiating. Survivors include daughters, Betty Jo Thigpen of Seven Springs, Armecia Dawn Stroud of Kinston; son Billy Wayne Stroud Jr. of Florida; his father, Robert Owen Stroud of Mount Olive; and brothers Jerry Stroud of Mount Olive and Robert "Cotton" Stroud of Knightdale. The fam-ily will receive friends at 4310 Outlaws Bridge Road, Seven Springs. Published in the Free Press from 5/30/2009 - 6/2/2009 Sutton, Mary Elizabeth M. "Sista" ELIZABETH, N.J. - Mary Elizabeth "Sista" m Sutton, 75, formerly of Kinston, died Friday, June 5, 2009. The funeral will be held at noon, Friday, June 12 at Perry Funeral Home in Newark, N.J. Survivors include sons Anthony L. Sutton and William A. Sutton, of New Jersey; brother Samuel "Sam" Sutton of Brooklyn, N.Y.; sister Lula "Skeet" Sutton of Elizabeth, N.J.; seven grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Local announcement by Swinson Funeral Service. Published in the Free Press from 6/11/2009 - 6/14/2009 Thomas, Hazel KINSTON - Hazel Thomas, 63, of 1006 Jamestown Court, died Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Kinston Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at Sand Hill F.W.B. Church with the Rev. Nathan C. Darden officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Survivors include sons Johnny Thomas, Theodore Thomas, and Elijah Tho-mas, all of Kinston; daughter Esther Ratcliff of Kinston; brothers John Lewis Parker of Raleigh, Elisah Parker Jr. of Kinston; sisters Evangeline Smith of Brooklyn, N.Y., Floretha Toodle of Dur-ham; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm. Friday, June 5 at Swinson Funeral Service. Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/8/2009 Thomas, Patricia Faye KINSTON - Patricia Faye Thomas, 55, of 512-D Richard Green Apartments, died Monday, May 25, 2009, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. The service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2009, at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. John Flowers officiating. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include father Thurman Stanley of Pink Hill; mother Margaret Stanley of Pink Hill; sons Santonio Stanley, Rashad Rhem and Rashun Rhem of Kinston; daughter Nicole Stanley of Kinston; brothers Marion Stanley of Virginia, Arthur Stanley of New York and Lester Stanley of Austin, Texas; sisters Joyce Wright, Margie Speight and Carolyn Stanley of Virginia and Jacqueline Collins of Kinston; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial Chapel. Swinson Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 6/3/2009 Tolston, Margaret Ann KINSTON - Ann Tolston, passed away June 8, 2009, at the beach home she loved. She was a graduate of the Lenoir Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and had been employed at LMH since 1980. Ann received her BSN and MSN from East Carolina University, and was a member of Sigma Theta Tau. Her early years were spent as a CCRN in the Coronary Care Unit where she touched the lives of all her pa-tients. For the past 11 years, Ann led the professional development of many staff members in her role as education specialist. She was recognized for excellence in practice and commitment to the profession of nursing by being named one of the Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina in 2004. She set the standard for excellence in her commitment to education and the high quality of care she extended and expected from others. Her generosity was unmarveled, her smile was infectious, and she will be greatly missed by those who loved her. Ann is survived by her husband, Mark Tolston; her brother, Frog Carter and his wife Mary, of La Grange; her sisters, Sally Kelly, Evelyn Phelps, and Doris Jones, all of Goldsboro; and numerous nieces and nephews; her father-in-law, Richard L. Tolston; her brother-in-law, Ricky Tolston; her brother-in-law Gary Tolston and his wife Betty, all of Kinston, her brother-in-law Mike Tolston and his wife Holly, and their two sons, Tanner and Gunner, of Swansboro. She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Helen Jones; brothers James Carter, Buck Carter, and Walter Carter Jr.; and her mother-in-law, Mildred "Lucky" Tolston. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with the Reverend Bob Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Ann Tolston Nurs-ing Scholarship via the Lenoir Memorial Foundation, 100 Airport Road, Kinston, NC 28503. For addi-tional information, please contact the Lenoir Memorial Foundation at 252-522-7262. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/10/2009 - 6/13/2009 Turner, Wilda Grey PINK HILL - Wilda Grey Turner, 56, died Monday, June 1, 2009. Wilda was born on Oct. 6, 1952, at the old Parrott Hospital in Lenoir County. Upon graduation from East Duplin High School, she then attended Lenoir Community College in the field of Cosmetology. After working for a couple of years in cosmetology, she went to work at Buehler Products in Kinston were she spent 26 years. At the closing of Buehler, she returned to LCC and earned an associated degree in accounting. After graduating, Wilda joined the payroll department at LCC as an associate accountant. Wilda was a very loving and wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Outside of work she enjoyed trips to the beach, mountains and spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren. Wilda is survived by her husband, Jimmie Turner of Pink Hill; mother Ella Mae and husband Gene Alphin; sons Donnie Robinson and wife Jessica, of Clayton, Scott Rob-inson and wife Jennifer, of Kinston; stepson Steven Turner and wife Leanne, of Kinston; step-daughters Michelle and husband David Hudson, of Winston-Salem, Jennifer Turner of Pink Hill; sister Mary Ann and husband Ted Byrd; brother-in-law Glenn Thompson and wife Donna; step-sisters Dean Potter, Pat Hill, and Jeannie and husband Danny Pittman; stepbrothers Tim and Wayne Cole. Wilda had seven grandchildren, Bret, Danielle, Gillian, Drew, Emily, Cody, and Kaia. Wilda is preceded in death by her father, Marvin Stroud; son Allen Robinson; sister Margie Thompson; stepson Douglas Turner; and faithful dog, Holly. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at the funeral home. Arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/3/2009 - 6/7/2009 Whitaker, Angela Denise HOOKERTON - Angela Denise Whitaker, 26, of 114 Village Park Drive died Friday, May 22, 2009. The funeral will held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Don Brown Funeral Home, Ayden. Burial will be in Branches Cemetery, Winterville. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral Sunday. Arrangements by Don Brown Funeral Home, Ayden. Published in the Free Press from 5/31/2009 - 6/3/2009 Wilkes, Johnny Ray BALTIMORE, MD. - Johnny Ray Wilkes, 60, died Sunday, May 24, 2009, at Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at Lewis Chapel F.W.B. Church, 9705 US 264 A, Farmville. Burial will follow in the Hamilton Gardens in Wilson. Survivors include his son, Johnny Ray Wilkes Jr. of Baltimore, five daughters Michele Carr, Michaun Wilkes, Maquel Wilkes, and Marquette Wilkes, all of Baltimore, and Shandella Wells of Wilson; five brothers Robert Earl Wilkes Sr. of Baltimore, Earnest Lee Wilkes of Snow Hill, Ernest "Bobby" Wilkes, Kenny Wilkes and Jimmy Wilkes, all of Wil-son; sisters, Carrie Connor of Ayden, and Carrie Harris of Tarboro. The wake will be held one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Funeral arrangements by S. Connor Memorial Funeral Home, Snow Hill. Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 6/2/2009 Williams, Polly S. FAISON - Polly S. Williams, 78, of 448 Tom Hill Road, died Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at home. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, followed by visitation at Tyndall Funeral Home. Burial services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 11, at Pineview Cemetery. Survivors include sons, Eddie Ray Williams of the home, and Jimmy Paul Williams of Faison; daughters Evelyn Riggs of Kinston, and Paulette Williams of Goldsboro; sister Dorothy Hill of Faison; brothers George Summerlin of Dudley, the Rev. Ashley Summerlin of Seven Springs; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Published in the Free Press from 6/10/2009 - 6/13/2009 Winstead Jr., Floyd Lawrence GARLAND - Floyd Lawrence Winstead Jr., 49, of 1233 Lisbon Bridge Road, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Melvin Riggs; and his paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Christine Winstead. Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday evening, June 12, 2009, from the chapel of Garner Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Pridgen and Pastor David Lewis officiat-ing. Interment services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the Cove City Ceme-tery. Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Phyllis N. Winstead of the home; his parents, Floyd and Bonnie Winstead of Dover; his sister, Deborah Register and husband Michael, of Ashbury; his brothers, Richard Winstead of Rocky Mount and Stephen Winstead and fianc?Beth, of Greenville; three nieces and three nephews. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service on Friday evening at the funeral home and other times at his home or his parent's, 418 West Burl Street, Dover. Funeral arrangements by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. Published in the Free Press from 6/11/2009 - 6/14/2009
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