May 2009 Obituaries

Taken from the Kinston Free Press





Aiken, Janie  
 
KINSTON - Janie Aiken, 67, of 507 W. Lenoir Ave. died Thursday, April 30, 2009, at her 
home. The service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2009, at St. Mark Church ministries 
with the Rev. Melvin Parks officiating. Burial will be in Westview Cemetery. Survivors 
include husband Sammy C. Aiken of the home; two sons, Gerald Swinson of Snow Hill 
and Willie Earl Swinson of Raleigh; three daughters, Pier Turnage of Snow Hill, Renee 
Magazine of Kinston and Rita P. Swinson of Alexandria, Va.; eight brothers, Allen Kittrell 
of Kinston, William Fleming of Raleigh, Alton Sutton of Kinston, Timothy Davis of Kinston, 
Glenn Davis of Kinston, Curtis Davis of Hampton, Va., Richard Davis Jr. of Las Vegas and 
Sylvester Fleming Jr. of Knightdale; seven sisters, Minnie Edwards of Kinston, Mary Davis 
of Kinston, Sallie Dixon of Kinston, Virginia Fleming of California, Linda Murrell of Kinston, 
Kathy Sutton of Ayden and Sandra McMillian of Fayetteville; and five grandchildren. 
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial 
Chapel. Arrangements by Swinson funeral service.

Published in the Free Press from 5/1/2009 - 5/7/2009  



Baker, Edna C.

KINSTON - Edna Creech Baker, 89, formerly of Kinston, died Saturday, May 9, 2009 
at Brunswick Cove Assisted Living Center. Mrs. Baker was born April 25, 1920 in 
Lenoir County to the late Leslie Raymond Creech and Iris Hill Creech. She was wife 
of the late Stanley Whitaker Baker. Mrs. Baker graduated as valedictorian from Lenoir 
Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and was a retired registered nurse. She was a 
member of First Baptist Church. A service of remembrance will be held Monday, May 
11, 2009 at 2 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. In-terment will follow at 
Westview Cemetery. Mrs. Baker is survived by three chil-dren, William Stanley Baker 
and wife, Myrtle of Moss Hill, Carol Baker Baldwin and husband, Ed of Oak Island, 
Kathryn Elaine Baker of Apex; sister, Jo Williams of Kinston; three brothers, Raymond 
Creech of Wilmington, Kenneth Creech and Roger Creech, both of La Grange; six 
grandchildren, Brenda Stanley, Karen Angel, Laura Simpson, Jo Ellen Rodgers, Lauren 
Rostek and Anna Rostek; three great-grandchildren, Michael Rodgers, Caroline Rodgers 
and Kathryn Angel. The family will receive friends beginning one hour before the service 
Monday. Online condo-lences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements 
are with Rouse Fu-neral Home, La Grange. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com 
( Paid Obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/10/2009 - 5/13/2009  


 
Barfield, Henry  
 
KINSTON - Henry Barfield, 84, of 1083 Sullivan Road, died Thursday May 7, 2009, at 
Lenoir Memorial Hospital. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 10 at 
Pine-lawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Jessie Wallace officiating. Survivors include his 
wife, Ora Bell Gardner Barfield of the home; son Earl Barfield of Kinston; brothers John 
D. Barfield of La Grange, Oscar Barfield of Tempe, Arizona, and Cecil Barfield of 
Pennsylvania; sisters Alice Swaney of Kinston, Marie Hart of Goldsboro; six 
grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7-9 
p.m. Saturday at Edwards Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/9/2009 - 5/12/2009  


 
Becton, Gerald Lee  
 
KINSTON - Gerald Lee Becton, 56, of 907 Cunningham Road, died Thursday, April 23, 
2009 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. 
Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Post Oak F.W.B. Church with Elder Charlie Howell Jr. 
officiating. He is survived by his son Tryon J. Moore of Kinston; three sisters Kathie 
Sutton, Cynthia Becton and Wanda Smith all of Kinston; six brothers James Minor of 
Augusta, Ga., Milard Avery of Greensboro, Owen Avery of Kinston, Simon Becton and 
Glenwood E. Becton both of Kinston and Norman McKinley Becton of La Grange. Family 
will be at 621 Greenmead Drive, Kinston. There will be no viewing. Ar-rangements by 
Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/11/2009  



Beddard, Sue W

SNOW HILL - Mrs. Sue Wood Beddard, 75, passed away Monday afternoon, May 
11, 2009, at Britthaven of Snow Hill. A native of Greene County, she was born 
October 13, 1933, the daugh-ter of Virley and Thelma Byrd Wood. Mrs. Beddard 
was an avid homemaker and took great pride in her roles as wife, mother and 
grandmother. A member of Brooks Frizzelle UMC for many years, she had more 
recently attended Ormondsville FWB Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. 
Thursday, May 14 at the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with the Reverend 
Dr. Don Ribeiro and the Reverend Roger Tripp officiating. Interment will immediately 
follow at the Snow Hill Cemetery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in 
death by a son, Robert Stewart "Bob" Beddard. Her surviving family includes her 
husband, Stewart Beddard; daugh-ters, Dr. Kay Beddard Murphy and husband Ricky, 
of Snow Hill and Peggy Beddard Case and husband Mark, of Greenville; a son, Woody 
Beddard and wife Lisa, of Snow Hill; sisters Frances Skinner of Maury, Ruth Tripp of 
Ayden, Pat Shackleford of Farmville and Athleen Meeks of Farmville; grandchildren, 
Ryan Murphy, Colby Murphy, Rusty Beddard and wife Candace, Melissa Beddard, 
Laura Case, and Weston Case; and a great-grandchild, Aubrey Beddard. The family 
will receive friends on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home and other times 
at the residence, 495 Beddard Farm Road, Snow Hill. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson 
Funeral Ser-vice. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009

 
 
Bloodwin, Otha "Jim"  
 
GRIFTON - Otha 'Jim' Bloodwin, of 442 Edwards Bridge Road, died Monday, April 27, 
2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 
1 at St. Stephens Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Trenton with the Rev. Ronnie 
Hood officiating. Burial will follow in the Haiti Cemetery. Survivors include daughters, 
Amanda B. Mills of Grif-ton, Elizabeth B. Smallwood of Fayetteville; and one grandchild. 
Visitation will be held from 3-8 pm. Thursday, April 30 at Swinson Funeral Service. 

Published in the Free Press from 4/29/2009 - 5/3/2009  



Brown, Grace

KINSTON - Grace Jones Brown, 69 went home to be with her heavenly father on May 
1, 2009. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Allen Jones and mother 
Bertie Smith Jones. Grace was a loyal member of Freedom Fellowship Church. 
She was very family oriented and was blessed to have special cousins, nieces, 
nephews, aunts, uncles and had a very special love for her Uncle Vance and Aunt 
Muriel Murphy of Pink Hill. She loved singing and playing the guitar. Heaven has a 
brand new angel in the choir and if you want to hear her sing again follow the 
instructions in John 3:16. Grace is survived by three chil-dren; Joyce Hardison Hardy 
and husband Doodle of Kinston, Paul Brown Jr. and wife Rachael of Las Vegas, NV. 
Paula Brown Harrison of Kinston; five grandchildren; Tracy Wil-liams and husband 
Greg of Liddell, Gabriel George of Kinston, Katelyn Brown, Ashley Brown and Kyra 
Grace Brown of Las Vegas, NV., two great grandchildren Michael Shane and Amanda 
Blake Williams. Four brothers; Ralph Caroll Jones of Kinston, Roger Darrell Jones 
and wife Jo Ann of Colonial Heights VA. Royce Allen Jones and wife Wendy of 
McKenny, VA., and Rodney Jones and wife Molly of Kinston; one sister Vermelane 
Daniels and husband Ellis of Albertson. Funeral service will be held 6:00 pm Monday, 
May 4, 2009 at Freedom Fellowship Church, 469 Joe Nunn Road, Kinston, with Rev. 
Steve Dixon offici-ating. The visitation to follow the funeral service and other times at 
the home. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 
from Pinelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations maybe sent to Garner 
Funeral Home, 209 West Peyton Ave. Kinston, NC 28501. Garner Funeral Home is 
in charge of the arrangements. Sign the guest-book at www.kinston.com. 
(Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/2/2009 - 5/6/2009  


 
Byrd, Thesbia "T.L."

WINTERVILLE - The Rev. Thesbia "T.L." Byrd, 83, died Monday, May 4, 2009. The 
funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. 
Burial will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park. Rev. Byrd, a native of Erwin County, 
N.C., had lived in Pitt County for the last 38 years. A veteran of the United States 
Navy, he served during World War II. For the past 55 years he had been in the ministries 
serving in various towns, and pioneered the Evangel-istic Tabernacle Church. For 12 years 
he served the New Life Center in Bakersfield, California, the New Life Tabernacle in 
Greenville for four years, and the West Road Pentecostal Holiness Church in Kinston 
for seven years. For a number of years, he was involved in the upholstery business with 
his wife. Rev. Byrd was an avid golfer. He was preceded in death by his brother, Herbert 
Byrd. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret Smith Byrd; sons, Derrick Byrd, 
of Kinston, George Stanley Byrd, and Timothy Lester Byrd; daughter, Rebecca Byrd 
Turmel, all of Archdale, N.C.; sister, Evelyn B. Bauer of Winterville; brother, Dallas T. 
Byrd of Fayetteville, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. The family 
will receive friends Wednesday from 6- 8 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home. The family 
would like to express their gratitude to Community Home Care & Hospice for their care. 
Online condolences may be sent to www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com. Funeral 
arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home, Greenvile. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/6/2009 - 5/9/2009


 
Carter, Leonard R.  
 
LA GRANGE - Leonard Ray Carter, 50, of La Grange, died Wednesday, May 6, 2009 
at Wayne Memorial Hospital. A service of remembrance will be held Saturday, May 9, 
2009 at 2 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Buchanan officiating. 
Interment will follow at West-view Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Wyckoff 
Carter; two sons, Brian Carter and Peter Carter, both of Calif.; father and step-mother, 
Ransome and Ruthie Carter of Kinston; sister, Penny Blackburn of Seven Springs; 
brother, David Michael Carter of Kinston. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 
to 8 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 5/8/2009 - 5/11/2009  



Coleman, Paula Wade  
 
KINSTON - Paula Wade Coleman, 59, of 215 British Road, died Thursday, April 23, 2009, 
at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at St. John 
F.W.B. Church with the Rev. W. J. Best officiating. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. 
Survivors include her son, Antonio D. Wade of Vanceboro; sisters Deborah Wade, Pamela 
Wade, and Gail Thomas, all of Kinston; brothers Rodney Wade of Kinston, James Wade of 
La Grange; and two grandchildren. The family will receive friends at 2214 Briarfield Road. 
Funeral arrangements by Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 4/25/2009 - 5/1/2009  


 
Couch Jr., Charles  
 
KINSTON - Charles "Willie" Couch Jr., 70, of 1209 E. Bright St., died Friday, April 24, 2009, 
at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, 
May 2 at Hull Road F.W.B. Church with the Rev. Rudolph Williams officiating. Burial will 
follow in South-view Cemetery. Survivors include daughters, Evangelist Bonny Gordon 
Dockary of Raleigh, Barbara J. Graves of High Point, Sandra Sutton, and Tisa Dixon of 
Kinston; sons Charles An-thony Gordon of Chapel Hill, Johnnie Lee Gordon of Raleigh, 
Edward Earl Gordon of Greens-boro; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation 
will be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home. 

Published in the Free Press from 4/26/2009 - 5/4/2009  


 
Coward, William Earl  
 
VALDOSTA, Ga. - William Earl Coward, 64, of 1615 Eucid St., formerly of Kinston, 
died Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at South Georgia Medical Center. The funeral will be 
held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Faith Tabernacle Mission Church of God and Christ. 
Burial will follow in Sun Set Cemetery in Valdosta, Ga. Survivors include his wife, Lucille 
Coward of the home; son William Coward Jr. of Valdosta, Ga.; brothers Thomas Earl 
Harper and Larry Mumford of Kin-ston, Derander Mumford and Melvin Mumford of Grifton, 
William Mumford of Hookerton, and Robert Mumford of Bowling Green, Ky.; sisters 
Evernell Pittman, Elizabeth Hall, Arizona Dawson and Rosa Simmons, all of Grifton, 
Cassie Miller and Mary Cannon of Kinston, Laura Burney of Apex, Debra Gray of Bowling 
Green, Ky., and Iris Lawson of Silver Springs, Md. Local an-nouncement by 
Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  



 
Davis, Shirley Jean  
 
GREENVILLE - Shirley Jean Davis, 70, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Pitt County 
Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at Salvation and
 Praise Full Gospel Church in Farmville with the Rev. Charles Davis officiating. Interment 
will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, Farmville. Visitation will be held one hour 
prior to the service Saturday at the church. All flowers are asked to be taken to the 
church. Funeral arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Homes, LLC.

Published in the Free Press from 5/9/2009 - 5/12/2009  


 
Dixon, Thomas Orville 

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Thomas Orville Dixon, 60, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died Sunday, 
March 29, 2009, at his residence after a long illness. He served in the Vietnam War 
for the United States Marines. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Orville and 
Phyllis Dixon; two brothers, Terry Dixon and Eugene Orahood; and his grandparents, 
Orville and Florence Dixon. He is survived by three sisters, Rhonda Travis of Newport 
News, Va., Pamela Nesselrotte of Kinston, Linda Powell of Springfield, Ohio; two 
brothers, Larry Orahood of Springfield, Ohio, Darrell Dixon of Kenova, W.Va.; along 
with several nieces and nephews. A family service will be held May 15, 2009, at 
Fletcher Chapel Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/1/2009 - 5/4/2009  


 
Dove, Diane "Sugar Babe"  
 
KINSTON - Diane "Sugar Babe" Dove, 50, died Friday, May 8, 2009 at home at 356 
Douglas St. Funeral services are incomplete by Swinson Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/10/2009 - 5/13/2009  



Dudley, Mary G.  
 
CLINTON - Mary G. Dudley, 85, of 3218 Ozzie Road, Clinton, and formerly of Kinston, 
died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at Sampson Regional Medical Center. The funeral will 
be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Union Chapel AME Zion Church, Clinton. Burial will be Monday 
in Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville. Visitation will be from 1 to 
7 p.m. Saturday at Summerville-Boykin Mortuary. Arrangements by Summerville 
Boykin-Mortuary.

Published in the Free Press from 5/2/2009 - 5/5/2009  


 
Dunk, Vivian B. 

DOVER - Vivian B. Dunk, 92, of 109 S. Main St., died Monday, May 11, 2009, at Pitt 
County Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Swinson Funeral 
Service.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  


 
Exum, Sula Powell  
 
RALEIGH - Sula Powell Exum, 56, formerly of Kinston, died Monday, May 4, 2009, at 
home. The funeral will be held at noon, Monday, May 11 at Abundant Life Church, Old 
Poole Road, Raleigh. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held 
one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements by Carlton L. Gray 
Funeral Services. Local announcement by Swinson Funeral Service.

Published in the Free Press from 5/9/2009 - 5/12/2009  



Gardner, James Earl  
 
GRIFTON - James Earl Gardner, 67 of 525 East Hanrahan Road, died Sunday, May 10, 
2009, at University Health Systems Hospice Center. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. 
Thursday, May 14 at Don Brown Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Evergreen 
Memorial Estates. Survivors include his wife, Minnie Gardner of the home; daughter 
Monique Gardner-Green of Fayetteville; step-son Terrance Roach of Greenville; brothers 
Harvey Gardner Jr. of Farmville, Roy Lee Gardner and Donald Ray Gardner of Grifton; 
and six grandchildren. Viewing will be held from 2-9 p.m. with the family present from 
7-8 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at 4571 Wilson Drive, Ayden. Online 
condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/12/2009 - 5/15/2009  


 
Garner, Nell Elizabeth Hardee  
 
SNOW HILL - Nell Elizabeth Hardee Garner, 77, died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 
at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 1 
at Westview Ceme-tery. Survivors include her sons, Paul Edward Garner of Kinston, 
and Joseph Hartley Garner of New Bern; brother Lloyd Vernon Hardee of Kinston; nine 
grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Garner Funeral Home is in charge of the 
arrangements.

Published in the Free Press from 4/30/2009 - 5/3/2009  




Grant, Iris Dell Abbott  
 
KINSTON - Iris Dell Abbott Grant, 85, of 5497 Sharon Church Road, died Tuesday 
May 5, 2009, at Britthaven of Snow Hill. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. 
Thursday May 7 at Sam Jones Cemetery with the Rev. Ed Thornton officiating. 
Survivors include her son Roland Harper Grant of Kinston; sister Grace Abbott 
Sawyer of Jacksonville; our grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. 
Arrangements are with Edwards Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/6/2009 - 5/9/2009  



Griffin, Edna Carol Koonce  
 
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Edna Carol Koonce Griffin, 65, of 965 Earl Essex Arch., 
formerly of Kinston, died Friday, May 8, 2009, at home. The funeral will be held at 
1 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Olive Branch Baptist Church, 2608 Airline Blvd., 
Portsmouth, Va. with Pastor Ernest L. Reid Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in 
Roosevelt Memorial Garden. Survivors include her sisters, Alice Jean Pompey of 
Kinston, Evelyn Williams of High Point, Etta Joyce Fonville of Richmond, Va., and 
Alice Davis of Goldsboro. Visitation will be held Wednesday at Fisher Funeral Home 
in Portsmouth, Va. Local announcement by Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  

 

 
Guzman-Thomas, Damaris  
 
KINSTON - Damaris Guzman-Thomas, 13, of Kinston, passed away. The family 
will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2009 at Howard-Carter Funeral
 Home. Funeral ser-vices will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2009 at Spilman 
Memorial Baptist Church. Ar-rangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/11/2009  




Hall, Carolyn Hooker  
 
HOOKERTON - Carolyn Hooker Hall, 65, of 312 Faith Hope Road, died Thursday, May 
7, 2009, at home. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 11 at Shady Grove 
F.W.B. Church. Interment will follow at the Lodge Hall Cemetery. Survivors include her 
daughter, Samantha Warren of Morrisville; son Carl Williams Jr. of Atlanta, Ga.; mother 
Verna Mae Hooker of Snow Hill; sisters Margaret Hooker of Snow Hill, and Angela
 Washington of Kinston; brothers Roy Lee Hooker Jr. of Kinston and Dwight Hooker of 
Snow Hill. Visita-tion will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, May 10 at S. Connor 
Memorial Funeral Home, Snow Hill.

Published in the Free Press from 5/9/2009 - 5/12/2009  




Hamm, Nicholas Aaron

GREENVILLE - Nicholas Aaron Hamm, 28, of Greenville passed away on Wednesday, 
May 6, 2009. Nicholas was born in Lenoir County on January 8, 1981 to Dale Hamm
 and Cassie Formy-Duval. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, 
Laytham Formy-Duval and pater-nal grandparents, Dr. E. C. and Jean King. Survivors 
include his mother, Cassie Formy-Duval and husband Ronnie of Grifton; father, Dale 
Hamm and wife Cindy of Greenville; daughters, Madison Rae Hamm and Calista 
Troccia, both of Wilmington; sister, Kelsie Formy-Duval of Grifton; brother, Ryan 
Hamm of Wilson; maternal grandparents, Bernie Rackley and wife Lila of Kinston and 
Eleanor Formy-Duval of Kinston; and special friend, Jennifer Troccia of Wilmington. 
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 ? 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Howard-
Carter Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Charles 
Russell and Reverend Branson Sheets officiating. Graveside services will follow at 
Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Mary Lou Johnson, 
3370 Grifton Hugo Road, Grifton, NC 28530. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral 
Home. (Paid obituary). 

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/11/2009  



Harrell, Irene Heath

WALSTONBURG - Mrs. Irene Heath Harrell, 86, passed away Thursday evening, April 
30, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. A native of Greene County, she was born 
May 17, 1922, the daughter of Luther and Lucy Tyndall Heath. After graduating from the 
Snow Hill High School, she married her late husband, Melvin Jesse "Preacher" Harrell 
and together they raised their family and farmed. Following his death in 1977, she 
opened Irene's Kitchen in Walstonburg and operated it until 1988. After selling the 
restaurant, she went to work with the deli at the IGA Grocery Store in Snow Hill and 
worked there until her retire-ment at the age of 82. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. 
Sunday, May 3, at the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Reverend Allen 
Joyner and Reverend Kelly Smart offi-ciating. Interment will immediately follow at the 
Snow Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Harrell is sur-vived by her children, Ernest Melvin Harrell of 
Walstonburg, Linda Braxton Summerlin and husband, Charles of Farmville, and 
Brenda Harrell Braxton and husband, Jesse of Walstonburg; a sister, Alma Heath of 
Snow Hill; a brother, Roland Heath of Clinton; grand-children, Jon Braxton, Eric Braxton, 
Pamela Baughman, Melvin Braxton and Tammy Harrell; and 5 great-grandchildren. The 
family will receive friends on Saturday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home and other 
times at the residence. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Free Union 
FWB Church, 2573 Firetower Road, Walstonburg, NC 27888. Arrangements by Taylor-
Tyson Funeral Service, Snow Hill. (Paid obituary).

 
Published in the Free Press from 5/2/2009 - 5/5/2009  

 
 
Heath, Felicia  
 
GREENVILLE - Felicia Heath, 36, of 456 Britt Road. Greenville, NC died Thursday, May 
7, 2009. Funeral Services will be held May 12, 2009 at noon at Conetoe MB church in 
Conetoe, NC. Burial will follow at Homestead Memorial Gardens, Greenville, NC. She is 
survived by one son, Joseph Heath of the home; one daugh-ter, Ashley Heath of the home; 
her mother Mary Heath Jones of the home; her fa-ther Ray Sharpe of Raleigh, NC.; three 
brothers, Eric Heath of Upper Marboro, MD, Rashawn Nobles of Greenville, NC, Ronald 
Daniels, Petersburg, VA.; two sisters Dawn Sharpe and Nikki Sharpe both of Greenville, 
NC. Viewing will be one hour before the service at the church. Funeral Arrangements by: 
Don Brown Funeral Home in Ayden. Online Condolences at 
www.donbrownfuneralhome.com

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/14/2009  

  
 
Heath Jr., Fred P. (Memoriam) 

KINSTON - Mr. Fred P. Heath Jr., passed away March 17, 2009. He lived in Kinston, 
Selma, and Chattanooga. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; daughter Pam Johnson; 
sons Tim and Mi-chael; and his sister, Ann. A memorial service was held March 19, 
2009. (Paid notice)

Published in the Free Press from 4/28/2009 - 5/1/2009  


 
Hood, Thaddeus Earl  
 
LA GRANGE - Thaddeus Earl Hood, 61, of 4482 Gray Squirrel Road, died Friday, April 24,
 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at 
New Birth United Holy Church with Pastor Ronald Hagens officiating. Burial with military 
rites will follow in the Parrott Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Brenda C. Hood of 
Augustus, Ga.; daughters Tiffany Smith and Angela Sneed of Augustus, Ga.; sisters 
Evelyn Hood, Joyce Hood and Lucy Hood, all of La Grange, Bessie Cannon of Kinston; 
brother Donel Hood of Deep Run; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 4-7 
p.m. Friday, May 1 at Loftin Funeral Home, one hour prior to the service at the church and 
other times at the home. 

Published in the Free Press from 4/25/2009 - 5/4/2009  




Hooker, Leavon  
 
KINSTON - Leavon Hooker, 40, of 654 Roanoke Ave., died May 4, 2009 at Lenoir Memorial 
Hospital in Kinston. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday May 9, 2009 at Mills 
Funeral Home, Inc. Interment will follow in Branch Cemetery in Pink Hill. Viewing will be
 from 1 to 2 pm. Saturday at Mills Funeral Home, Inc. Survivors include his mother 
Gertrude Branch of the home; sisters Fonnie Collins of Fayetteville; Loretta Stroud of 
Cameron and Patricia Faye Good-ing of Kinston; brothers Roger Hooker and Jeffrey 
Hooker of Kinston; Online condolences may be submitted at www.millsfh.com. Mills 
Funeral Home, Inc. in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Free Press from 5/7/2009 - 5/11/2009  



Jarman Jr., Lonnie Gene

KINSTON - Lonnie Gene Jarman Jr., 43, of 2401 Sparre Drive, passed away Sunday, May 
10, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a substitute
 teacher at Northwest School. He worked with Master Brand Cabinets and was an Assistant
Scout Master with the Boy Scout Troop # 392. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic 
Church and was a High Red Belt and Instructor at King Tiger Taekwondo. He was preceded
 in death by his maternal grandfather, Coy Harper and his paternal grandparents, Raeford 
and Mattie Jarman. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, from 
the chapel of Garner Funeral Home with the Reverend Edward Burch officiating. Interment 
services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, from Westview Cemetery. 
The family will receive friends immediately following the service on Tuesday evening at the 
funeral home. Survivors include his wife, Joy L. Jarman; and his son, Leonard "LG Boy" 
Jarman of the home; his parents, Lonnie Sr. and Brenda Harper Jarman; his paternal 
grandmother, Mildred Harper; and his sister, Cynthia Jarman all of Kinston; his niece, 
Jasmine Foye; and his nephews, Travis Foye and Joshua Pressly and many aunts, uncles 
and cousins. Funeral arrangements by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/12/2009 - 5/15/2009  

 
 
Johnson, Patricia M.

KINSTON - Patricia M. Johnson, 53, went to be with her heavenly father on May 2, 
2009. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Pauline Mizell; son 
J.P. Morgan, Jr.; sister-in-law and special friend Gloria Hill. She was a loving wife and 
mom and en-joyed spending time with her family and friends, helping others and also 
spending time at the beach. She attended Covenant United Methodist Church in 
Greenville. Survivors in-clude her husband Charlie Johnson of the home; son Danny
 Johnson and wife, Ashleigh of Holly Ridge; stepdaughter Robin Armstrong and 
husband, Josh of Greenville; grandson Jamie Morgan of Winterville; brother Jerry 
Mizell; sisters Judy Murray, Joyce "Pinkie" Rob-erts, Linda Evans, Shelia Walters 
and Tammy Manuel; brother-in-law Francis Johnson and wife, Pam; special nieces 
Stacie Hill Davenport and Megan Hill; special friends Mike and Crystal Hood and their 
children Carson and Zack, Abby Lanier, Joey Potter and Shelley Kilpatrick. She will 
be greatly missed by her special companion Prissy Girl. Memorial ser-vices will be 
held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Visitation 
will be held from 6 to 7 pm prior to the service and other times at the home. In Lieu of 
flowers memorials may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church 4000 Corey Rd. 
Winterville, NC 28590. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home, Kinston, NC. 
Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/4/2009 - 5/7/2009  



Jones, Betty Daly

DEEP RUN - Betty Daly Jones, 81, went home to be with the Lord on April 29, 2009. 
She passed away from her earthly home, 3558 Old Pink Hill Road, Deep Run, N.C. 
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lucille Daly; husband Johnnie 
Raeford Jones; her son, Don-ald Ray Jones; and sister Dorothy Presson. She is 
survived by three daughters, Judy Kennedy and husband Ray, of Washington, Barbara 
Jones of the home and Pamela Hall and husband Ronnie, of Pink Hill. One sister, Veva 
Cikanek of Jacksonville; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Special
 recognition goes to her church family at Gray Branch Church; a special friend, Rachel
 Arnette; and a special daughter-in-law, Kay Hill Jones Heath of Pink Hill; also many
nurses with Heavens Touch in Kinston and Advantage Hospice Care in Kenansville. 
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at Pink Hill Funeral Home 
with visitation following. Officiating will be the Rev. Ray Brown and the Rev Don Gray. 
Interment will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2009, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. The 
family will be at the home at other times. Funeral arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral 
Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 4/30/2009 - 5/4/2009  


 
Jones, Brenda Joyce  
 
KINSTON - Brenda Joyce Aytch Jones, 56, of 505 Marcella Drive, died Sunday, May 
3, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 8 
at St. John F.W.B. Church with Bishop Michael Whitfield officiating. Survivors include 
her husband, Bobby Jones of the home; son Jyair Smith of Kinston; daughters Nikki 
McKnight, Mamauie Aytch, Kimberly Aytch, and Sharon Chapman, all of Kinston; sister 
Tina Murphy of Kinston; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be 
held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/5/2009 - 5/10/2009  



Kirkman, Marian  
 
KINSTON - Marian Kirkman, 85, of 1316 Holmon St., died Saturday, May 2, 2009 in New 
Jersey. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 11 a.m. from Macedonia Baptist 
Church in Newtown, Pa. Survivors include her husband Isaac Kirkman of the home; 
daughters Murel Dunn of Pa., Joann Kirkman of Trenton, N.J. and Daisy Washington of 
Pa. Swinson Funeral Service is in charge of the local announcement. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/11/2009  




Lilly, Harvey Stephen

KINSTON - Harvey Stephen Lilly, 34, of 1301 West Road passed away on Saturday, 
May 9, 2009. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and 
Margarette Green and his paternal grandparents, Leslie and Helen Lilly. Graveside 
services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from West-view Cemetery. 
Survivors include his mother, Margaret Edwards Lilly of Kinston; his father and 
step-mother, Alton Leslie Lilly, Sr. and Jenelle of LaGrange, his brothers, Alton Leslie 
Lilly, Jr. and wife, Tammy of Texas, Michael Glenn Lilly of Raleigh, his nephew, Marvin 
Brandon Lilly of Texas and his beloved dog, Jordan. The family will receive friends from 
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. Garner Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements. (Paid Obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/11/2009 - 5/14/2009  



Lunn, James  
 
TRENTON - James "Paul" Lunn, 41, of 585 Green Road, died Friday, May 1, 2009 at 
his home. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2009, from the chapel 
of Garner Funeral Home with the Rev. James West and the Rev. Lyn Jones officiating. 
The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Survivors include his wife, 
Misty Jones Lunn of the home; his father, Walton Gillikin of Otway; his grandmother, Ona 
Davenport of Eastern Shore, Va.; his daughters, Sara Felicia Jones and Lucinda Hope 
Lunn, both of the home; his sons, Gabriel Paul Lunn of the home and Christopher 
Clemmer of Bridgeton; and his brothers, Walton Gillikin Jr. and William Gillikin, both of 
Otway.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to cover expenses. 
Arrangements by Garner Funeral Home, Kinston.

Published in the Free Press from 5/2/2009 - 5/5/2009  


 
Massow, Myrtle Baker  
 
BEULAVILLE - Myrtle Baker Massow, 69, died Friday, May 1, 2009, at her home. The 
memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Community Funeral 
Home Chapel, Beulaville. Survivors include one son, William Massow, of St. Albans,
 Maine; three daughters, Melody Dail of Jacksonville, Denise Dorothy of Beulaville and 
Heather Massow of Old Town, Maine; three sisters, Effie Blizzard of Beulaville, Glenda 
Dillon of Beulaville and Jane Padgett of Spring Lake; two brothers, Randolph Baker of 
Beulaville and Steve Baker of East Hartford, Conn.; and six grandchildren. Arrangements 
by Community Fu-neral Home of Beulaville.

Published in the Free Press from 5/2/2009 - 5/5/2009  


 
Metts, Diana H.  
 
KINSTON - Diana H. Metts, 54, of 2206 Linden Ave., died Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 
Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at noon Saturday, May 2 at 
Christian Fellowship Center in Browntown with Apostle Charles White officiating. 
Burial will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Survivors include her husband, Curtis 
B. Metts of the home; mother Mary Francis Hill of Kinston; son Curtis T. Metts of 
Lilburn, Ga.; daughter Lashandra L. Metts of Lilburn, Ga.; brothers Keith Hill of 
Newark, N.J., Donald R. Battle of Kinston; sisters Barbara Kittrell and Towaunta Cobb 
of Kinston; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Friday, May 1 
at Swinson Funeral Service.

Published in the Free Press from 4/28/2009 - 5/5/2009  


 
Mumford Jr., Joseph H. "Joel"  
 
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. - Joseph H. 'Joel' Mumford Jr., 61, of 6034 Irving St., died 
Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at Catholic Hospital. The memorial services were held 
Monday, May 11 at Emmanuel Johnson Funeral Home in Philadelphia. Survivors 
include daughters Shawnda Crawford of Las Vegas, Nev., Jamilah Long of Atlanta, 
Ga.; sisters Lilliam M. Anthony of Willingboro, N.J., LaVerne M. Whitfield of Kinston, 
Cordelia M. Duckett of Burlington, N.J., Debra M. Jenkins of Edgewater Park, N.J.; 
and two grandchildren. Local announcement by Albritton-Carraway Fu-neral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/16/2009  



 
Myers, Maxine P.

KINSTON - Maxine P. Myers, 81, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2009. Maxine 
was a homemaker, and a resident of Kinston, NC. Maxine was predeceased by her 
parents, Alfred and Mable Peterson of Lebanon, MO, also by her husband, Haywood
 F. Myers of Kinston. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters and their husbands, 
Debbie Vick and Chris, of Kinston, NC, Becky Suggs and Danny, of Columbia, SC, and 
Patsy and John Besselman, of Myrtle Beach, SC, a grandson, Jonathan F. Crays of 
Lexington, KY, and four great-grandsons. A brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and 
Virginia Peterson of Beggs, OK and a sister and brother-in-law, Don-naRae and 
Leonard McCallister of Lebanon, MO. A private graveside service was held on May 5,
 2009 at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Edwards Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. 
(Paid obituary). 

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/11/2009  




Olalde, Vicky Carol Adams

KINSTON - Vicky Carol Adams Olalde, 57, formerly of Vanceboro, joined her parents 
in Heaven on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, 
grandmother, sister and aunt. Born July 1, 1951, Vicky was raised in Grifton and 
graduated from Grifton High School in 1969. Vicky was a homemaker and a member 
of Riverside Christian Church in Grifton. She was the daughter of the late George Victor 
and Edna Earle Adams of Grifton. Vicky is survived by her husband of 16 years, Martin 
of Empalme Escobedo, Mexico; her son, Michael Paul Adams of Grifton; granddaughter 
Courtney Michael Adams of Pink Hill; her sisters, Kathy Adams Haddock of Greenville, 
and Kaye Adams Ward and husband Kenny, of Grifton; her nephews, Terry Lin Haddock 
and wife Robin, and Kalan Whitley and wife Brandi; and niece, Carrie Sue Haddock 
Richardson and husband Randy, of Grifton; great-nephews Adam and Joshua Avery; 
great-nieces Kelley Brown and Nadia Whitley, all of Grifton; as well as her special aunt 
and uncle, Ruby and Thomas Huggins of Kinston; and many other family members. 
Please join the family for a celebration of Vicky's life at 4 p.m. Saturday May 9, 2009, 
at Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston. Visitation to follow the services at Edwards 
Funeral Home and all other times at the home of Kaye and Kenny Ward, 2002 Rock 
Road, Grifton, N.C. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of choice. 
Edwards Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/12/2009  
 
 
Parrott, Vivian Adell Scott 

KINSTON - Vivian Adell Scott Parrott, 72, of Kinston passed away on Tuesday, 
April 28, 2009. She was born in Lenoir County on November 25, 1936, to the late 
John and Annie Scott. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John W. 
Scott. Vivian was a loving and devoted Chris-tian, wife and mother. She lived each 
day to serve the Lord and to share His message and His love. She met every person 
with loving kindness and with a beautiful smile. Survivors include her loving husband, 
Frank Parrott, Sr.; sons Frankie Parrott, Jr. of Kinston and Jeff Parrott and wife Edna, 
of Trenton; grandchildren, Angelina Parrott and Seleena Parrott; sister Marie Benton 
and husband Bobby, of Kinston; sister-in-law Frances Spivey and husband Paul, of 
Gainesville, Fla.; brother Douglas Scott of Trenton; and sister-in-law, Anne Scott of 
Catlett, Va. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2009, at 
Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, 
May 2, 2009, at Northwest Christian Church with the Reverends James Kent and 
Kenneth Rouse officiating. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery. Funeral 
arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 4/30/2009 - 5/4/2009  


 
Phillips, James  
 
KINSTON - James 'Doc' Phillips, 65, of 1557 Bonnie Lane, died Thursday, April 23, 
2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 
30 at Sand Hill F.W.B. Church with the Rev. Nathan C. Darden officiating. Burial will 
follow in the Sand Hill Cemetery. Survivors include sons, Reggie M. Phillips of Pink 
Hill, and Johnnie G. Phillips of Kinston; daughters Lillian D. Gardner, and Shameka L. 
Phillips of Kinston, Netasha Phillips and Netisha Phillips, both of Raleigh; sister Emma 
Blackwell of Kinston; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation was 
held Wednesday, April 29 at Swinson Funeral Service. 

Published in the Free Press from 4/25/2009 - 5/3/2009  

.  
 
Pike Sr., Gardner Wayne

RICHLANDS - Gardner Wayne Pike Sr., 79, of 686 Hwy 258, Richlands, N.C., died 
Saturday, May 9, 2009, at home. He was the founding Fire Chief of Hargetts VFD. 
He was a Mas-ter Mason with Zion Lodge #81. He was preceded in death by his wife, 
Carole Ervin Pike; his daughter, Linda Carol Simmons; and his son, Linwood Earl Pike.
 Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Whaley's Chapel 
Church in Richlands with the Rev. Ronnie Taylor, and the Rev. George Pike officiating. 
Burial services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at the Pike Family 
Cemetery, Pink Hill. Survivors include his daughter, Lorre Pike Metts and husband 
Marcus, of Hampstead; three sons, Gardner Wayne Pike Jr. and wife Shirley,of 
Richlands, Timothy Ray Pike and wife Belinda, of Tren-ton, John Scott Pike and wife 
Tammy, of Pink Hill; his son-in-law, Eric Simpson of Rich-lands; three sisters, Ruby 
Shorkey of Franklinton, Lummie Faulkenberry of New Bern, and Lottie Smith of Durham; 
his brother, George Pike of Pink Hill; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Visitation 
will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Whaley's Chapel Church. Funeral 
arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com.
 (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/11/2009 - 5/15/2009  


 
Rhem, Zebbie Alfred  
 
KINSTON - Zebbie Rhem, 86, of 1514 Hyman Ave. died Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at 
Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mills Funeral home 
Chapel. Burial will be in Oak Hill Memorial Park. Survivors include three daughters, 
Angela Rhem and Annette Hawkins, both of Kinston, and Laverne Norris of Henderson; 
two sins, Frederick Davis and Milton Davis, both of Kinston; one sister, Mary A. Sutton 
of Kinston; one brother, Knottie Rhem of Brooklyn, N.Y.; eight grandchildren; and three 
great-grandchildren. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday only. Mills 
Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Free Press from 5/1/2009 - 5/6/2009  


 
Roberts, Devedia "Jauan"  
 
KINSTON - Devedia "Jauan" Roberts, 46, of 561 Briss Drive, died Wednesday, May 6, 
2009 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, 
May 9, 2009 in Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Flowers 
officiating. She is survived by four daughters Zenobia Jauna Rovers, Zenyah Jayona 
Roberts, Shaka M. Dail and Nakia R. Dail all of Kinston; three sons Rodreze Javon 
Dail and Rodrico Dail both of the home and Dewayne Omar Dail of Pawleys Island, 
S.C.; three brothers Ian Roberts of Greenville, Cleveland Roberts of Washington, DC 
and Farentino Roberts of Kinston; four sisters Tammy Pearson of Fayetteville, Tracy 
Roberts Hines, Sharon Whitfield and Winifred Whitfield all of Kinston and grandmother 
Clara Pearson of La Grange. There will be no viewing. The family will be receiving family 
and friends at 2306 Briarfield Road, Kinston. Arrangements are by Albritton-Carraway 
Funeral Home. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/7/2009 - 5/11/2009  


 
Roberts-Dail, Devedia "Jauan"  
 
KINSTON - Devedia "Jauan" Roberts-Dail, 46, of 561 Briss Drive, died Wednesday, 
May 6, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. 
Saturday, May 9 at Greater Mt. Zion M.B. Church with the Rev. John Flowers 
officiating. Survivors include her husband, Rodney Dail of the home; daughters 
Zenobia Jauan Roberts, Zenyah Jayona Roberts, Shakia M. Dail, and Nakia R. Dail, 
all of Kinston; sons Rodreze Javon Dail, and Rodrico Dail, both of the home; Dewayne
 Omar Dail of Pawleys Island, S.C.; brothers Ian Roberts of Greenville, Cleveland 
Roberts of Washington, D.C., Farentino Roberts of Kinston; sisters Tammy Pearson 
of Fayetteville, Tracy Roberts Hines, Sharon Whitfield, and Winifred Whitfield, all of 
Kinston; and grandmother Clara Pearson of La Grange. There will be no viewing; the 
family will receive friends at 561 Briss Drive.

Published in the Free Press from 5/9/2009 - 5/12/2009  



Rodriguez, Michael Paul

WYSE FORK - Michael Paul Rodriguez, 18, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2009. 
Michael was born in Kinston on April 1, 1991. He was a loving son and brother who 
enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Michael was loved by many and 
will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, 
Mary Hollowell Byrd and his grandfather, Jose Rodriguez. He is survived by his 
mother, Stephanie E. Turner and her husband, Daryl of Pink Hill; his father, Inocencio 
Rodriguez of Goldsboro; his grandparents, Argentina Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, 
Richard Byrd of Grifton, Cleveland and Roslyn Turner of Pink Hill; his special 
great-grandparents, A.G. and Mary Byrd; and great aunt, Lossie B. Fiori, all of Wyse 
Fork. He is also survived by a son, Michael Andrew Rodriguez of Leland; a sister, 
Rebecca Turner of Kin-ston; his four brothers, Joshua Rodriguez of Wyse Fork, 
Matthew, Daniel and Adam Turner, all of Pink Hill; his Aunt Lolly and Uncle Tom 
Ford of Kinston; his Uncles Hector, Ramon and Nel-son Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, 
Jose and Kiko Rodriguez of New York, and Miguel Rodriguez of Fayetteville. Funeral 
services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2009, from the chapel of Garner 
Funeral Home with the Reverend Steve Dixon, Benny Gutierrez and the Reverend 
Gary Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery. The family will receive 
friends from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Garner Funeral Home and 
other times at the home of AG and Mary Byrd, 4983 Wyse Fork Road. Sign the 
guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  


 
Rouse, Isa Virginia 

KINSTON - Mrs. Isa Virginia Rouse, 79, of 511 N. Queen St. Apt. 1, died Friday, 
April 24, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at noon 
Friday, May 1, 2009, at Grainger Chapel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ with 
the Bishop Robert Earl Jones officiat-ing. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.
 Viewing will be Thursday, April 30, 2009, from 3-8 p.m. with the family present to 
receive friends from 6-7 p.m. at Swinson Funeral Service. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com.

Published in the Free Press from 4/30/2009 - 5/3/2009  


 
Rouse, Joan

SEVEN SPRINGS -Joan Yvonne Rouse, 70, of Seven Springs, died Sunday, April 
26, 2009. Joan was born April 6, 1939, in Lenoir County to the late Esdras Willard 
Rouse Sr. and Anna Hicks Bland Rouse. She was preceded in death by her 
husband of 53 years, Elbert C. Rouse; and a sister, Sandra Bland Rouse. Joan 
graduated from Moss Hill High School and received her license as a Registered 
Nurse from Wayne Community College where she received the Student Nurse 
Of The Year Award. Joan worked many years with Wayne Memorial Hospital prior
 to obtaining certification in Occupational Health Nursing. She then worked as 
Plant Nurse at General Elec-tric and Acme United for several years. Joan later 
implemented the Health Care Clinic at Caro-lina Turkeys. She was a member of 
Union Baptist Church. Joan assisted her husband with Babe Ruth Baseball and 
served as an officer at both the local and state levels. Joan enjoyed working in the 
yard, collecting antiques, interior design, sewing, reading biographies, traveling, 
genealogy and current events. She was President of the Moss Hill Alumni Association 
which replaced the landmark moss covered oak trees on the school campus and was 
co-director of the first Ole Timey Days Festival in Seven Springs. Joan was a member 
of the Lenoir County Historical Soci-ety and participated in the recent celebration of 
her ancestor, Richard Caswell. Her greatest joy was spending time with her loving
 family and devoted special friends. A service of remem-brance will be held Thursday, 
April 30, 2009, at 7 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Interment will be 
Friday at 2 p.m. from Pinelawn Memorial Park. Joan is survived by a daughter, Leesa 
Rouse of Pikeville; son Joel "Joey" Elbert Rouse and wife Donna, of Goldsboro; three 
grandchildren, Joely Alexandra Rouse, Jenna Elizabeth Rouse and Jessica Erin Grant; 
two great-grandchildren, Payton Conner Grant and Riley-Cooper Grant; sister, Ann 
Rouse Price of Seven Springs; brother E. Willard "Fella" Rouse Jr. and wife Lydia, of 
Kinston; nephews Jody Rouse and wife Mollie, Jason Rouse; cousin Chris Rouse and 
wife Brenda, of Atlanta; goddaughter Heather Rouse; and special family friends, Debby 
Jones, Judy and Kenn Hudson. The family will receive friends Thursday following the
 service of remembrance and at other times they will be at the home of Fella and Lydia 
Rouse located at the intersection of Highway 55 and Hardy Bridge Road. Online 
condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome or memorials 
may be made to a charity of choice. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La 
Grange. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 4/29/2009 - 5/2/2009  


 
Sheppard, Katherleen  
 
KINSTON - Katherleen Sheppard, 69, of 1107 Desmond St., died Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 
at home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Swinson Funeral Service.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  



Simms, Adelaine King
LA GRANGE - Adelaine King Simms, 80, of LaGrange passed away Friday, May 01, 
2009. Mrs. Simms was born in Holly Ridge, NC on October 13, 1928 to the late Dewey 
and Beatrice King. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, 
Harold D. Simms.Survivors include daughters, Jeanette Wilson Turner and husband 
Walter and Lorraine Simms Emory and husband Bruce; son, Bennett H. Simms and 
wife Denva; other children, Evelyn Wright, Jimmie VanZant, Zorha VanZant, Laura Lyn 
Sanders, and Jerry Chandler; grandchildren, Eddie Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Heather W
ilson, Belinda Wilson, Jeremy Emory, Billy Whitaker, Bennett Simms II, Christopher 
Simms, Brittany Grant, Hailey Stroud, Andy Smith, Jennifer Smith, Ashley Murphy, 
Tyler Bright and Andrew Wil-son; great-grandchildren, Rebecca Wilson, Lauren Wilson, 
Bevin Wilson, Cherokee Wilson, Hunter Whitaker, Jacob Whitaker, Keenan Wilson, 
Trinton Wilson, Alyssa Smith, Zachary Simms, Clifton Simms, Chalea Simms, Terry 
Simms, Bradley Wilson, Brandon Wilson, Sarah Sanderson, Corey Sanderson, as well 
as many other adopted grandchildren that she loved so much; special friends, Darlene 
Stevens, Dwayne Fields, Steve Johnson, Paige Johnson, and all the Volunteer Firemen, 
EMS and 911 Communications employees. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am on 
Monday, May 4, 2009 at Howard-Carter Funeral Home with Reverend Dennis Ledford 
officiating. Visitation: 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Sunday, May 3, 2009. Burial will follow at 1:00 
pm Monday, May 4, 2009 at Onslow Memorial Park, Hwy 258, Jacksonville, NC. 
Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com.
 (Paid obituary)

 
Published in the Free Press from 5/3/2009 - 5/6/2009  





Southerland, Ruby Grace  
 
CHINQUAPIN - Ruby Grace Southerland, 82, died Thursday, April 30, 2009, at Duplin 
General Hospital in Kenansville. Memorial services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 
May 6 at Coles Chapel Church in Chinquapin. Funeral arrangements by Community 
Funeral Home of Beulaville.

Published in the Free Press from 5/6/2009 - 5/9/2009  




Strickland Jr., Samuel 

KINSTON - Samuel Strickland Jr. was born to Dennis William and Mordecia (Murphy) 
Strickland on May 21, 1928, in Craven County. He departed this life on May 6, 2009, 
at his home on Wilson Avenue. He was two weeks shy of his 81st birthday. Sam, as 
he was known, fathered 18 children, 10 boys and 8 girls. A construction worker by
 trade, Sam loved hard work and tilling his garden. He was almost as proud of his 
collard greens as his children. He was a faithful member of Lawson Chapel Church 
in Lenoir County. His over-sized personality and present will be missed by family and
 friends. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Neva Clark Strickland; his sister 
Mary (Matt Lee) S. Deaver and his brother, W Dennis Strickland; his daughter, Tanis
 D. Strickland; his son, Rev. Dennis C. Wade; granddaughters, Neva Marie Strickland 
and Tadecia M. Strickland and foster parents Louis and Roxie Styles. He leaves to 
cherish his memory; His sons: Rev. Ray E. Strickland (Myrna) of Shreveport, LA.; 
Samuel Strickland III (Laverne), Frederick W. Strickland, Ronnie D. Strickland 
(Elizabeth), all of Raleigh, NC; Kenneth E. Strickland (Cynthia) of Kinston, NC; Dennis 
A. Strickland of Turkey; David L. Wade (Tonie), Charles A. Wade (Arletha), both of 
Kinston, NC; and Eddie D. Wade (Lorena) of Fairfield, CA. His daughters Mordecia 
D. Strickland of Charlotte, NC; Marilyn D. Wise of Kinston, NC; Deborah A. Bell of 
Elizabeth, NJ; Tanitial M. Strickland, Rev. Dorothy W. Gooding (Kenneth), Pastor 
Nancy D. Wade, and Diane V. Wade, all of Kinston, NC. His sister, Annie Susie 
Grant, sisters-in-law Flora B. Moore and Josephine Clark, all of Kinston, NC., 
brothers-in-law Calvin Murphy and James E. Murphy, daughter-in-law Rev. Carol 
Wade, foster sisters Gerline Styles Parker, Deborah Best, Patricia Cox, Helen (Sis) 
Sutton and Bernice Staten and foster brother Victor Styles, all of Kinston, NC. Special
 friend Vera Cotton of Kinston, NC. Dozens of nieces, nephews ? among them devoted 
niece and nephew Luberta and Hilton Parker of Kinston, NC; 36 grandchildren and 37 
great-grandchildren. Services will be held at noon, Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at United 
American Free Will Baptist Tabernacle at 1011 University St. Kinston, NC., 28501. 
The church can be reached at (252) 527-0120. Viewing will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. 
Monday, May 11, 2009 and family visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, 
May 11, 2009 at Mills Funeral Home. Online condolences may be submitted at 
www.millsfh.com. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid Obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/13/2009  


 
Sutton, Bernice H
MAYSVILLE - Bernice Hardison "Ma-Ma" Sutton, 95, of Brookstone Assisted Living
 died Friday, May 1, 2009. Mrs. Sutton was born May 4, 1913 in Lenoir County to 
the late John and Lola Grimes Hardison. She was preceded in death by her husband, 
Robert Lewis "Bobby" Sutton, Sr.; son, John Cleve Sutton; daughters, Mary Ellen 
Odum and Carolyn Sutton; along with three grandchildren. Mrs. Sutton was a member 
of Maysville Memorial Baptist Church. A service of remembrance will be held Tuesday, 
May 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with Rev. Woody Whitt officiating. 
Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Mrs. Sutton is survived by two 
daughters, Barbara Giles and husband, Earl of Jacksonville, Nancy Rowe and 
husband, Jimmy of Jacksonville; three sons, Robert Lewis "Bobby" Sutton, Jr. and 
wife, Edna of Kinston, Elmer "Ricky" Sutton and wife, Faye of Cove City, Roger "Rod" 
Sutton and wife, Sharrii of Maysville; daughter-in-law, Hilda Sutton of Kinston; 15 
grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 7 step great-grandchildren 
and 8 step great-great grandchildren. The family will receive friends begin-ning one hour 
before the service Tuesday and at other times they will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Ricky Sutton, 2355 Wintergreen Road, Cove City. Online condolences may be expressed 
at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Maysville 
Memorial Baptist Church, 904 Main Street, Maysville, NC 28555. Arrangements are 
with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com. 
(Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/3/2009 - 5/6/2009 


 
Thigpen, James Earl  
 
Pink Hill -James Earl Thigpen, 64, of 1926 Sarecta Road, died Monday, May 4, 2009, 
at home. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at Oak Ridge 
Memorial Park with the Rev. Wayne Watson officiating. Survivors include his daughter, 
Belinda Hunter of Kinston; sons Jamie Thigpen of LaGrange, Jason Thigpen of Kinston, 
Justin Thigpen of Snow Hill; sister Lillie Mae Smith of Beulaville; brothers Jerry Thigpen 
of Pink Hill, Merle Thigpen of Beulaville; and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements 
by Pink Hill Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/6/2009 - 5/9/2009  




Thomas, Mary Ellen Dawson

KINSTON - Mary Ellen Dawson Thomas, 77, of 749 Owen Smith Drive, passed away 
on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. She was a retired salesperson 
with JC Penney. She loved time spent in her flower garden. She was a member of 
Gospel Light Church. She was the daughter of the late Edwin and Ollie Benton Dawson. 
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009, from the chapel of Garner 
Funeral Home with the Reverend Ruffin Hill officiating. Interment services will be held at 
11 a.m. on Saturday from Fields Dawson Family Cemetery in Little Baltimore. Survivors 
include her husband of 26 years, Charles E. "Ham" Thomas Sr. of the home; her 
daughters, Sandra Jenkins of Sparr, Fla., Cathy Skaggs, Cathy Tyn-dall and Jean 
Vincent, all of Kinston; her sons, Leroy Perry and Shane Perry of Lantana, Fla., Hank
 Perry of Lakeland, Fla., Billie Perry of the home, Johnny Perry of Kinston, Charles E. 
Thomas Jr. of Dover; her sisters, Geraldine Lancaster and Ella Stanley of Kinston; her 
brother, For-ries Dawson of Kinston; 30 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. The 
family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
 Funeral arrangements by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/6/2009 - 5/9/2009  


 
Thompson, Effie K.  
 
MOREHEAD CITY - Effie Koonce Thompson, 81, of 304 N 11th St., died Friday April 
24, 2009, at Carteret General Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 
2 at St. Matilda F.W.B. Church 6525 Hwy 41 W. Trenton with Elder John Marks 
officiating. Interment will follow in the Koonce Family Cemetery. Visitation will be held 
from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at Mills Funeral Home,Inc. Survivors include her son, 
the Rev. John R. Thompson III of the home; daughter Jeffrie Ann Holloway of Morehead 
City; sisters Ora Frances Fields of Richlands, Alelia Dancy of Philadelphia,Pa., and 
Daisy Brunton of Jacksonville; brothers Walter Koonce of Pol-locksville and the Rev. 
George W. Koonce of Soul City; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Online 
condolences may be submitted at www.millsfh.com.

Published in the Free Press from 4/25/2009 - 5/2/2009  


 
Wade, Rachel Lea Patterson

JACKSONVILLE - Rachel Lea Patterson Wade, age 55, died unexpectedly Wednesday, 
May 6, 2009, at her home. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, May 
11, 2009, from the Church Street Chapel of the Farmville Funeral Home, 4226 East 
Church Street, Farmville, N.C. with the Rev. David Harrington, friend of the family 
officiating. Interment will follow in Hollywood Cemetery in Farmville. The family will receive 
friends at Hollywood Cemetery following the service and other times at the home of her 
mother, Rachel S. Patterson, 4088 East Horne Ave., Farmville. Mrs. Wade was a 
member of Anne Street Meth-odist Church, Beaufort, N.C. She was a teacher at Brewster 
Middle School, Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, N.C. She was preceded in death by her father, 
Manly Baker Patterson. She is survived by her mother, Rachel Patterson of Farmville; 
brothers Kelly Baker Patterson and sister-in-law, Leigh of Kinston, and Jason Clarke 
Patterson of Farmville; nephew Andy Patterson of Raleigh; niece Sarah Patterson of 
Kinston; and her beloved dog, Midnight. In lieu of flowers those desiring to make a 
memorial may please consider the Humane Soci-ety of one's choice. Funeral 
Arrangements by Farmville Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. 
(Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/9/2009 - 5/12/2009  


 
Whitfield Jr., Arlester  
 
KENANSVILLE - Arlester Whitfield Jr., 75, of 163 Doe Circle, died Saturday, April 25, 
2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 
at Swinson Funeral Service. Burial will follow in the Robinson Family Cemetery. Survivors 
include his wife, Dorothy Whitfield of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughters Janice McBride of 
Kinston, Belinda Whitfield, and Yolanda Alexander, both of Cincinnati, Ohio; sons Bobby 
Whitfield and Jason Whitfield of Cin-cinnati, Ohio; sisters Essie Dove and Carrie Mae 
Wheeler of Kenansville, Kathleen Grady of Boston, Mass.; brothers George Whitfield of 
Boston, Mass, Van Whitfield of Kinston; 11 grand-children; and two great-grandchildren. 
Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Friday, May 1 at the funeral home. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/1/2009 - 5/4/2009  




Wilson, Jacqueline D.  
 
KINSTON - Elder Jacqueline D. Wilson, 57, of 2210 Rouse Road, died Monday, May 4, 
2009 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. 
Saturday, May 9, 2009 from St. Mark Church Ministries with Bishop J.E. Kearney officiating. 
Burial will follow in the Sand Hill Church Cemetery. Jacqueline is survived by her son Tahji 
Jones of North Charles-ton, S.C. The Eastern Star rites will be held Friday, May 8, 2009 
at 6:30 p.m. from the Robert Swinson, Jr. Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 
p.m. Friday, May 8, 2009 from the Robert Swinson, Jr. Memorial Chapel. Swinson Funeral 
Services is in charge of the arrange-ments

Published in the Free Press from 5/5/2009 - 5/11/2009  




Wilson, Sarah  
 
AYDEN - Sarah Wilson, 76, of 1453 Liberty St., died Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Britthaven 
of Ayden. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Don Brown Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  
 


Barfield, Amey  
 
KINSTON - Amey Barfield, 87, of 800 Lincoln St., died Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 
at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Survivors include her brother, James Barfield of 
Kinston; and sisters Ester Bailey and Ida Novell of New York. Visitation will be held 
from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Swinson Funeral Service and other times at 
715 Girl Scout Road.

Published in the Free Press from 5/14/2009 - 5/19/2009  



Beddard, Sue W. 

SNOW HILL - Mrs. Sue Wood Beddard, 75, passed away Monday afternoon, May 11, 
2009, at Britthaven of Snow Hill. A native of Greene County, she was born October 13, 
1933, the daugh-ter of Virley and Thelma Byrd Wood. Mrs. Beddard was an avid 
homemaker and took great pride in her roles as wife, mother and grandmother. A 
member of Brooks Frizzelle UMC for many years, she had more recently attended 
Ormondsville FWB Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 14 
at the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with the Reverend Dr. Don Ribeiro and 
the Reverend Roger Tripp officiating. Interment will immediately follow at the Snow 
Hill Cemetery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert 
Stewart "Bob" Beddard. Her surviving family includes her husband, Stewart Beddard; 
daughters, Dr. Kay Beddard Murphy and husband Ricky, of Snow Hill and Peggy 
Beddard Case and husband Mark, of Greenville; a son, Woody Beddard and wife Lisa,
 of Snow Hill; sisters Frances Skinner of Maury, Ruth Tripp of Ayden, Pat Shackleford 
of Farmville and Athleen Meeks of Farmville; grandchildren, Ryan Murphy, Colby Murphy, 
Rusty Beddard and wife Candace, Melissa Beddard, Laura Case, and Weston Case; 
and a great-grandchild, Aubrey Beddard. The family will receive friends on Wednesday 
from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at the residence, 495 Beddard Farm 
Road, Snow Hill. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson Funeral Ser-vice. Sign the guest book 
at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  




Berry, Charles Edward  
 
NEW BERN - Charles Edward Berry, 62, of New Bern, died on Tuesday, May 12, 
2009 at his residence. Memorial Service will be held at a later date. He is survived 
by: one daugh-ter, Mattie Banks of New Bern; three grandchildren; one 
great-grandchild; one brother, Gregory Smith of New Bern; one sister, Patricia 
Mintz of Kinston. Memorial contributions may be made to Rivers-Morgan Funeral 
Home, Inc., 701 West St., New Bern, North Caro-lina 28560. Arrangements are by 
Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home, Inc., New Bern. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/17/2009 - 5/20/2009  




Chase, James Norwood "Jimmy"

LA GRANGE - James Norwood "Jimmy" Chase, 78, of La Grange passed away 
Saturday, May 16, 2009. Mr. Chase was born in Greene County on October 27, 
1930. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Toler Chase and daughters,
 Taffy Hayes, Edna Chase, Sue Chase and Connie Fields. Mr. Chase attended 
Jesus World Ministries and was retired after 35 years of ser-vice from Barrus 
Construction Company. He was an avid gardener, and a great cook. He loved 
people and laughter. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Lavee Chase; children, 
Kimberly and Ashley Rouse, Mary Jo and John Butler, Kim and Jeff Smith, Roy 
and Glenda Mozingo, all of La Grange, Linwood "Puddy" and June Mozingo of Deep 
Run, and Rhonda Lynn Mozingo of the home; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 
and 10 great great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. 
Thursday, May 21, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home and other times at the 
home of Kim and Ashley Rouse, 3717 Rouse's Path, La Grange, and the home of 
Kim and Jeff Smith, 4922 J.C.'s Village Road, La Grange. Memorial services will 
begin at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Reverend John Butler officiating. 
Graveside services will fol-low at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements by
 Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. 
(Paid obituary)

 
Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/23/2009  



Coward, William Earl  
 
VALDOSTA, Ga. - William Earl Coward, 64, of 1615 Eucid St., formerly of Kinston, died 
Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at South Georgia Medical Center. The funeral will be held at 
1 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Faith Tabernacle Mission Church of God and Christ. Burial 
will follow in Sun Set Cemetery in Valdosta, Ga. Survivors include his wife, Lucille 
Coward of the home; son William Coward Jr. of Valdosta, Ga.; brothers Thomas Earl 
Harper and Larry Mumford of Kin-ston, Derander Mumford and Melvin Mumford of Grifton, 
William Mumford of Hookerton, and Robert Mumford of Bowling Green, Ky.; sisters 
Evernell Pittman, Elizabeth Hall, Arizona Dawson and Rosa Simmons, all of Grifton, 
Cassie Miller and Mary Cannon of Kinston, Laura Burney of Apex, Debra Gray of Bowling 
Green, Ky., and Iris Lawson of Silver Springs, Md. Local an-nouncement by 
Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  



Davis, Gladys  
 
ALBANY, N.Y. - Gladys Davis, 88, of 110 Second St. Apt. 106, died Sunday, May 17,
 2009, at St. Peter Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Albritton-Carraway 
Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/22/2009  



Dove, Diane

KINSTON - Diane Dove, 50, of 356 Douglas Street, died Friday, May 8, 2009, at her 
home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009, from Greater 
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Bishop Zebedee Sheppard officiating. Burial 
will follow in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include her son, Jeffrey Dove of Kinston; 
daughter Tomeka Giggetts of La Grange; two sisters, Loretta Dove and Brenda Dove 
of Kinston; three brothers, Henry Dove and Donald Dove of Kinston, and Fredrick Dove 
of Grifton; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Friday, May 15, 
2009, from the Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial Chapel. Funeral arrangements by Swinson 
Funeral Service. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/10/2009 - 5/18/2009  



Dunk, Vivian B

DOVER - Vivian Becton Dunk, 92, of 109 S. Main St., died Monday, May 11, 2009, at
 Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at
 Bryant Chapel AME Church, Cove City with the Rev. Brian T. Cornelius officiating. 
Burial will follow in White Cemetery, Cove City. Survivors include her husband, Robert 
V. Dunk of the home; son Clifton Moore of Brooklyn, N.Y.; daughters Inell Smith of 
Trenton, Regina Williams of Dover; brother Otha Moore of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and three 
grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at Swinson 
Funeral Service.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/19/2009  



Franks, Cora Dell Sykes

BURLINGTON - Mrs. Cora Dell Sykes Franks, 98, of 100 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington 
died at the Twin Lakes Center on Monday, May 18, 2009, at 7 p.m. A native of Lenoir 
County, she was the wife of the late Numa Randle Franks Sr. and the daughter of Elijah 
Sykes and Betty Jenkins Sykes, both deceased. She was a homemaker, a secretary 
at Elon College High School, and a part-time employee at Carolina Biological. She was 
a member of St. Mark's Church and a former member of Elon Community Church. She 
attended Southwood School in Kinston, N.C., and attended Elon College. Survivors 
include two daughters, Mrs. Betty F. Reynolds and husband Wes, of Burlington, and 
Mrs. Vivian F. Cashwell and husband Clayton, of Oxford, Pa.; two sons, Mr. N. R. 
Franks Jr. and wife Becky, of Elon, and Mr. Richard Lee Franks and wife Carolyn, of 
Burlington; one sister, Mrs. Irene S. Hill Hagell of Kinston, N.C.; nine grandchildren; 
and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Mrs. Eva 
Rakestraw, Mrs. Ethel Dawson, Mrs. Ruth S. Harris Piaski; and three brothers, Mr. 
Garland Sykes, Mr. Jackson Sykes and Mr. Felix (Jack) Sykes. The funeral service 
will be conducted at St. Mark's Church on Thurs-day, May 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. by the 
Rev. Robert M. Disher Jr., and the Rev. Ben Bishop. Burial will follow at Alamance 
Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the St. Mark's Church Parlor on 
Thursday from 10 until 11 a.m. prior to the service. Other times they will be at the 
residence of Richard and Carolyn Franks, 3361-B Garden Road, Burlington, N.C. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. The
 family would like to express their thanks to Twin Lakes for their care and support of 
Mrs. Franks as well as her family. Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service 
in Burlington is in charge of arrangements. Condo-lences may be offered at
 www.richandthompson.com. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/23/2009  



Gardner, James Earl  
 
GRIFTON - James Earl Gardner, 67 of 525 East Hanrahan Road, died Sunday, May 
10, 2009, at University Health Systems Hospice Center. The funeral will be held at 1 
p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Don Brown Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Evergreen 
Memorial Estates. Survivors include his wife, Minnie Gardner of the home; daughter 
Monique Gardner-Green of Fayetteville; step-son Terrance Roach of Greenville; brothers 
Harvey Gardner Jr. of Farmville, Roy Lee Gardner and Donald Ray Gardner of Grifton; 
and six grandchildren. Viewing will be held from 2-9 p.m. with the family present from 
7-8 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at 4571 Wilson Drive, Ayden. Online 
condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/12/2009 - 5/15/2009  



Griffin, Edna Carol Koonce  
 
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Edna Carol Koonce Griffin, 65, of 965 Earl Essex Arch., 
formerly of Kinston, died Friday, May 8, 2009, at home. The funeral will be held at 1 
p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Olive Branch Baptist Church, 2608 Airline Blvd., Portsmouth, 
Va. with Pastor Ernest L. Reid Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Roosevelt Memorial 
Garden. Survivors include her sisters, Alice Jean Pompey of Kinston, Evelyn Williams 
of High Point, Etta Joyce Fonville of Richmond, Va., and Alice Davis of Goldsboro.
 Visitation will be held Wednesday at Fisher Funeral Home in Portsmouth, Va. Local 
announcement by Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  




Hamm, Annie Lou Perry "Ann" 

LAGRANGE - Mrs. Annie Lou "Ann" Perry Hamm passed away May 15, 2009, at 
Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Ann was a member of Hull Road Free Will Baptist 
Church in the Arba Community of Greene County. She retired with the State of 
North Carolina as a Computer Processing Assistant at O'Berry Center in Goldsboro,
 NC, on January 1, 1997, after 23 years of dedicated service. Ann had an avid 
interest in the genealogy of her family. Also, she enjoyed the time she spent at 
the Perry family farm that gave her access to her love of nature. Graveside services 
will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 19, at the Fairview Cemetery in LaGrange with 
the Reverend Leon Grubbs officiating. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, 
Walton Kenneth Hamm; her parents, James W. Perry and Mildred Sugg Perry; and 
one sister, Carol P. Gray. She is survived by a son, Martin C. Hamm and wife, Tanya 
of Southport, NC; sisters, Lila C. Harrison of Snow Hill and Margaret P. Lindquist of 
Missouri; nieces, Emily Baker of Snow Hill, Pam Rouse of Kinston, Rose Harvey of 
Dallas, TX, Stacy Caudill of Missouri, and LeAnne Boggs of Missouri; a brother-in-law, 
Stuart Hamm and wife, Loretta of Snow Hill; sisters-in-law, Ann Vick of Winterville, 
Sandra Dawson and husband, Farrell of Goldsboro, Betty Hardy and husband, Charles 
of Virginia, and Diane Barbour and husband, Larry of Raleigh; and other dearly loved
 nieces and nephews of the Hamm and Perry families. The family will receive friends 
on Monday evening from 7:00 ? 8:30 PM at Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service in Snow Hill, 
NC. Ann's wishes were in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Hull Road FWB 
Church, 3984 Hull Road, Snow Hill, NC 28580. Funeral arrangements by Taylor-Tyson 
Funeral Service Snow Hill, NC. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com (Paid Obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/17/2009 - 5/20/2009  




Heath, Felicia  
 
GREENVILLE - Felicia Heath, 36, of 456 Britt Road. Greenville, NC died Thursday, 
May 7, 2009. Funeral Services will be held May 12, 2009 at noon at Conetoe MB 
church in Conetoe, NC. Burial will follow at Homestead Memorial Gardens, Greenville, 
NC. She is survived by one son, Joseph Heath of the home; one daugh-ter, Ashley 
Heath of the home; her mother Mary Heath Jones of the home; her fa-ther Ray Sharpe 
of Raleigh, NC.; three brothers, Eric Heath of Upper Marboro, MD, Rashawn Nobles 
of Greenville, NC, Ronald Daniels, Petersburg, VA.; two sisters Dawn Sharpe and 
Nikki Sharpe both of Greenville, NC. Viewing will be one hour before the service at 
the church. Funeral Arrangements by: Don Brown Funeral Home in Ayden. Online 
Condolences at www.donbrownfuneralhome.com

 
Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/14/2009  
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Jarman Jr., Lonnie Gene

KINSTON - Lonnie Gene Jarman Jr., 43, of 2401 Sparre Drive, passed away Sunday, 
May 10, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was 
a substitute teacher at Northwest School. He worked with Master Brand Cabinets 
and was an Assistant Scout Master with the Boy Scout Troop # 392. He was a 
member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was a High Red Belt and Instructor at 
King Tiger Taekwondo. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Coy 
Harper and his paternal grandparents, Raeford and Mattie Jarman. Funeral services 
will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, from the chapel of Garner Funeral 
Home with the Reverend Edward Burch officiating. Interment services will be held at 
11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, from Westview Cemetery. The family will 
receive friends immediately following the service on Tuesday evening at the funeral 
home. Survivors include his wife, Joy L. Jarman; and his son, Leonard "LG Boy" 
Jarman of the home; his parents, Lonnie Sr. and Brenda Harper Jarman; his paternal 
grandmother, Mildred Harper; and his sister, Cynthia Jarman all of Kinston; his niece, 
Jasmine Foye; and his nephews, Travis Foye and Joshua Pressly and many aunts, 
uncles and cousins. Funeral arrangements by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest 
book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/12/2009 - 5/15/2009  




Jones, Lucille D.  
 
TRENTON - Lucille D. 'Chick' Jones, 84, of 158 Monk St., died Saturday, May 16, 2009, 
at Brookstone Nursing Home in Pollocksville. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. 
Wednesday, May 20 at King Chapel F.W.B. Church with Dr. W.S. Nicholson officiating. 
Burial will follow in Haiti Cemetery. Survivors include her daughter, Yvonne Adams of the
 home; sons James Ray Jones Sr. of Trenton, Samuel Leroy Jones of Bowie, Md., and 
Larry T. Jones of Raleigh; sisters Ruth Brown and Helen Hill of Trenton, Etta Marie Green 
of Goldsboro, and Nellie Dove of Fayetteville; brothers Nelson Dove, Haywood Dove, 
Charlie Dove and Robert Dove, all of Trenton, David Lee Dove of Red Bank, N.J.; 13 
grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 
May 19 with the family present from 7 to 8 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home. Online condolences 
may be sent to www.millsfh.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/17/2009 - 5/22/2009  



Kidney, Betty Dawson Gray

KINSTON - Betty Gray Kidney, 85, died Monday, May 18, 2009, at her home, 2307 
Hardee Road. Mrs. Kidney was the daughter of the late Bessie Dawson and Marshall 
Edward Gray and the wife of the late Colonel John Augustus Kidney. Mrs. Kidney is 
survived by her sister Mary Marshall Gray of Kinston; her daughter, Mary Marshall 
Herring and husband Edward, of La Grange; and her grandchildren, Daniel Elliot 
Crowley of Kinston and Sarah Yourell Cameron and husband Yuri, of San Antonio, 
Texas. She is also survived by her much adored nieces and nephews. A memorial 
graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2009, at Ma-plewood 
cemetery in Kinston with Father Edward Burch officiating. Arrangement are with Edwards 
Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/23/2009  




Lilly, Harvey Stephen

KINSTON - Harvey Stephen Lilly, 34, of 1301 West Road passed away on Saturday, 
May 9, 2009. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and 
Margarette Green and his paternal grandparents, Leslie and Helen Lilly. Graveside 
services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from Westview Cemetery. 
Survivors include his mother, Margaret Edwards Lilly of Kinston; his father and 
step-mother, Alton Leslie Lilly, Sr. and Jenelle of LaGrange, his brothers, Alton 
Leslie Lilly, Jr. and wife, Tammy of Texas, Michael Glenn Lilly of Raleigh, his nephew, 
Marvin Brandon Lilly of Texas and his beloved dog, Jordan. The family will receive friends 
from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday evening at Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book 
at www.kinston.com. Garner Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements. 
(Paid Obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/11/2009 - 5/14/2009  




Lowery, Woodrow Wilson "Skin"

TRENTON - Woodrow Wilson "Skin" Lowery, 87, of 3899 Highway 58 North, Trenton, 
North Carolina, died on May 13, 2009, after a brief period of declining health. He was 
preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jeanette Jarman Lowery; and his parents,
 John Raymond Lowery and Catherine Gilbert Lowery. Mr. Lowery was born and grew 
up on a farm in Jones County. He was a member of the American Legion Clen Newton 
Smith Post 154 and had been its oldest surviving member. He served with the National 
Guard and the United States Army, including serving in the European theater operations 
during World War II. He received numerous decora-tions and citations. He was honorably 
discharged on June 21, 1945, as First Sergeant. He re-turned to farming and became a 
custom applicator of anhydrous ammonia for other farmers throughout Jones County. In 
1957 he started working for the United States Department of Agri-culture. He held 
positions as District Director and Director of Public Relations. He was a marketing 
specialist in Field Operations in North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Kansas City, 
Mo. He retired in 1989 as Assistant Regional Director for North Carolina, Virginia, West 
Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. He was a member of Shady Grove 
Methodist Church in Jones County. He is survived by his son, Woodrow Wilson Lowery 
Jr. and wife Pat, of Georgetown, S.C.; and his daughters, Janice Lowery Hontz and 
husband Lloyd, of Woodbridge, Va. , and Annette Lowery Daughety and husband Bobby, 
of Kinston, N.C.; three grandchildren, Robby Daughety of Trenton, Laura Lowery Arena 
and husband Jeffrey, of Boston, Mass., and Wilson Layne Lowery and wife Elizabeth, 
of Newtown, Conn.; and one great-grandson, Wilson Orion Lowery of Newtown, Conn. 
He is also survived by his sisters, Louise Lowery Williams of Kinston, N.C. and Rena 
Lowery Manning of Greenville, N.C. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, May 
16, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston, N.C. and at other times at the 
home of his daughter, Annette Daughety, 4451 Middle Road, Kinston, N.C. Funeral 
services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home 
with Pastor Dr. Carolyn Roy officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. 
Special thanks to those who helped care for "Mr. Skin" during these past years: Debra 
Cureton, Patricia Foye, Lisha Ward, Ida Dove, Teresa Moore, Toni Strayhorn and Betty 
Williams. Flowers are welcome, but the family prefers that memorials be made in honor of 
his grandson Robby Daughety to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, PO Box 639, Wilson, NC 
27894. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/15/2009 - 5/18/2009  




McCumbee, Gregory Ray  
 
JACKSONVILLE - Gregory Ray McCumbee, 26, died Sunday, May 17, 2009, at Onslow 
Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 
followed by Visitation at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Graveside services will be 
at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the Batchelor Cemetery in Richlands. Survivors include
 his mother, Brenda Hunt McCumbee of Jacksonville; and his father, Kenneth McCumbee 
of Dallas, N.C.

 
Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/22/2009  



McKeel, Mary Ida Jones

GRIFTON - Mary Ida Jones McKeel, 74, of Grifton passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 
2009 at home. Mary was a member of Tabernacle Free Will Baptist Church. She retired 
from Kinston Shirt Factory with over 44 years of service. She was preceded in death by 
a granddaughter, Courtney Paige Smith. Survivors include her husband Willie Edgar 
McKeel, Sr. of the home; daughters Mary Sue Deaver and husband Charlie, Jr. of Grifton, 
Becky Ann Daniels and husband Andy of Hookerton and Wendy Lynn Gladson and 
husband Gary Keith of Winterville; son Willie Edgar McKeel, Jr. and wife Natalie of 
Grifton; sisters Kathleen Cole of Dover, Annabelle Wilson of Cove City and Mable Sellars 
of Maine; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 
10-11 a.m. Thursday May 14, 2009 at Tabernacle Free Will Baptist Church. The funeral 
will be held following visitation at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jim Maddox officiating. Burial will 
follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to 
Tabernacle Free Will Baptist Church Mission Fund 1003 W. New Bern Rd. Kinston, N.C. 
28504. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at kinston.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/14/2009 - 5/17/2009  



Moore, Robert Lee  
 
WINTERVILLE - Robert Lee Moore, 90, 102 Worthington St., died Tuesday, May 12, 
2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, 
May 16 at St. Rest United Holy Church, Winterville. Interment will follow in St. Delight 
Church Cemetery, Wal-stonburg. He is survived by sons Franklin Moore and Jeffery 
Moore of Kinston, William Tuten of Snow Hill, Elbert Lee Williams of Suffolk, Va., and 
Johnny Ray Tuten of Greenville; daughters Annie Ruth Ames of Bethel, and Mary Louise 
Gorham of Farmville. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-9 p.m. at Don Brown Funeral 
Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/14/2009 - 5/18/2009  




Morris, Doreen  
 
DOVER - Doreen Morris, 46, of 216 Wilson St., died Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 
Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern. Funeral arrangements are incomplete 
at Fonville and Dove Mortuary of Kinston.

Published in the Free Press from 5/18/2009 - 5/21/2009  



Mumford Jr., Joseph H. "Joel"  
 
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. - Joseph H. 'Joel' Mumford Jr., 61, of 6034 Irving St., died 
Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at Catholic Hospital. The memorial services were held 
Monday, May 11 at Em-manuel Johnson Funeral Home in Philadelphia. Survivors 
include daughters Shawnda Crawford of Las Vegas, Nev., Jamilah Long of Atlanta, 
Ga.; sisters Lilliam M. Anthony of Willingboro, N.J., LaVerne M. Whitfield of Kinston, 
Cordelia M. Duckett of Burlington, N.J., Debra M. Jenkins of Edgewater Park, N.J.; 
and two grandchildren. Local announcement by Albritton-Carraway Fu-neral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/8/2009 - 5/16/2009  




Oakes, Jesse Speight

SNOW HILL - Mr. Jesse Speight Oakes, born March 19, 1930, went to be with his 
Lord Thursday, May 14, 2009, after a prolonged illness. He died at his home 
surrounded by his wife and children. A native of Greene County, he was born and
 raised in Hookerton, the son of the late Arthur Courts and Effie Stocks Oakes. He 
graduated from Hookerton High School in 1948. He and his wife Joyce, married in 
1980 and he resided at Shines Cross Roads for the remainder of his life. Jesse was 
a farmer and a carpenter, owner of Oakes Builders, and owned and operated Oakes
 Family Farms and Nahunta Farms. He received the greatest pleasure by meeting 
with his friends at Beaman's Restaurant each morning at 4:30 a.m. Funeral services 
will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 18 at Free Gospel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist 
Church with the Reverend Terry Heath officiating. Interment will immediately follow at 
the Snow Hill Cemetery. In addition to his parents, Jesse was preceded in death by 
his brothers, Arthur Courts Oakes Jr., Raymond "Tedock" Oakes, Bennie Earl Oakes, 
Bill Oakes, Carroll Oakes and James Oakes; sisters Mattie Erma Askew, Betsy 
Laughinghouse, Elizabeth Harrison, and Inez Gurganus; and grandchildren, Krista 
Leigh and Jessica Nicole Robbins. His surviving family includes his loving wife of 28 
years, Joyce Stroud Chapman Oakes, who stood by his side providing love and support; 
his eight children, Irma Oakes Corbett and husband Allen, Kay Oakes Boykin and 
husband Dennis, Sue Oakes Taylor and husband Johnny, Bobbie Oakes Harrell and 
significant other George Res, Jesse Oakes Jr. and wife Deb, Pam Oakes Holloman and 
husband Steve, Pam Chapman Robbins and husband Ty, and Charles Chapman and wife 
Susan; sisters Bell Boyles and Mildred West; mother-in-law, Lillian Stroud; grandchildren, 
Kim Henning and husband Mark, Hope Vick and husband Stan, Woody Corbett and wife 
Evelyn, Ted Sauls Jr., and wife Paula, Lindsey Brown and husband Corey, Joe Boykin 
and wife Shiori, Jenny Boykin, John Harrell and wife Emma, Trey Taylor and wife Tracy, 
Jesse Taylor, Russ and Ryan Kornegay, Stephanie, Reagan and Morgan Holloman, Trey 
and Chelsea Robbins and Danielle Chapman; great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Luke 
Corbett, Jordan Barrow, Taylor and Kaylee Vick, Kennedy and Hailey Sauls, and Riley 
Grace Brown and Chloe Herring. Jesse also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, 
breakfast partners, and his "partner in crime," Morris Taylor. The family will receive friends 
on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Free Gospel PFWB Church and other times at the residence, 
1783 Gurganus Road, Snow Hill. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Free 
Gospel PFWB Church, 145 Free Gospel Road, Snow Hill, NC 28580. Arrangements by 
Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/15/2009 - 5/18/2009  



Padgett, Thomas Ray

MOUNT OLIVE - Thomas Ray Padgett, 73, of 1337 Red Hill Road, died Tuesday, 
May 12, 2009 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro. A funeral service will be 
held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 
Albertson Ward, Hwy 111. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill. 
Survivors include wife Pat of the home; son Jeff Padgett of La Grange; sister Ruth 
Holmes of Kenansville; brothers James Padgett of Golds-boro and Melvin Padgett 
of Kinston and grandchildren Jeffrey Padgett of Greenville and PFC Morgan Padgett 
of Kinston. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Pink 
Hill Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral Home. Sign the 
guestbook at kinston.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/14/2009 - 5/17/2009  
 

Pierce, Thelma  
 
GRIFTON - Thelma Pierce, 81, of 3526 Chapman Drive, died Sunday, May 17, 2009. 
Arrangements are incomplete at Don Brown Funeral Home of Ayden.

Published in the Free Press from 5/18/2009 - 5/21/2009  



Pike Sr., Gardner Wayne

RICHLANDS - Gardner Wayne Pike Sr., 79, of 686 Hwy 258, Richlands, N.C., died 
Saturday, May 9, 2009, at home. He was the founding Fire Chief of Hargetts VFD. He 
was a Mas-ter Mason with Zion Lodge #81. He was preceded in death by his wife, 
Carole Ervin Pike; his daughter, Linda Carol Simmons; and his son, Linwood Earl 
Pike. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at Whaley's 
Chapel Church in Richlands with the Rev. Ronnie Taylor, and the Rev. George Pike 
officiating. Burial services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at the Pike 
Family Cemetery, Pink Hill. Survivors include his daughter, Lorre Pike Metts and 
husband Marcus, of Hampstead; three sons, Gardner Wayne Pike Jr. and wife Shirley,
of Richlands, Timothy Ray Pike and wife Belinda, of Tren-ton, John Scott Pike and 
wife Tammy, of Pink Hill; his son-in-law, Eric Simpson of Rich-lands; three sisters, 
Ruby Shorkey of Franklinton, Lummie Faulkenberry of New Bern, and Lottie Smith 
of Durham; his brother, George Pike of Pink Hill; 10 grandchildren; and one 
great-grandchild. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Whaley's 
Chapel Church. Funeral arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral Home. Sign the guest book 
at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/11/2009 - 5/15/2009  




Pompey, Alice Jean Koonce  
 
KINSTON - Alice Jean Koonce Pompey, 70, of 708 Girl Scout Road, died Tuesday, May
 19, 2009, at home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Mills Funeral Home, Inc.

Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/23/2009  



Prayer, Isaac  
 
SNOW HILL - Isaac Lee Prayer, 54, of 733 Hwy. 903 North, Snow Hill, N.C., died Thursday, 
May 14, 2009 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, 
May 19, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Zion Chapel FWB Church. Interment will follow at Branches 
Cemetery. He is survived by his mother, Fannie Prayer of Ayden; wife Vicky Prayer of the 
home; one son, Derrick Speight of the home; two daughters, Latasha Collins and Latisha 
Collins of Cincinnati, OH; five brothers, George Prayer of Ayden, James Prayer of Stokes, 
Bobby Prayer of Cary, Rodney Prayer of Hookerton and Gregory Prayer of Jack-sonville; 
one sister, Eldress Audrey Prayer Williams of Greenville and seven grandchil-dren. Public
 viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Don Brown Funeral Home Family visitation 
will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at New Deliverance Church of Christ. Online condolences 
can be made at www.donbrownfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements by Don Brown Funeral 
Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/15/2009 - 5/18/2009  



Resto, Audrey A.  
 
KINSTON - Audrey A. Resto, 59, of 2704 Huntington Circle, died Tuesday, May 12, 2009 
at Lenoir Memorial Hos-pital. A funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2009 
from the Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial Chapel with Bishop Tripplet officiating. Burial will 
follow at Carolina Coastal Cemetery in Jacksonville. Survivors include hus-band David Resto 
Sr. of the home; sons David Resto Jr. of Raleigh and Isaiah Resto of Kinston; daughters 
Lila Resto of Kinston and Aleicehia Resto of Richlands; brother Andrew Stephens of New 
Jersey; sister Shirley Stephens of New Jersey and seven grandchildren. Visitation will be
 from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2009 from the Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial Chapel. 
Swinson Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/14/2009 - 5/17/2009  




Rodriguez, Michael Paul

WYSE FORK - Michael Paul Rodriguez, 18, passed away on Monday, May 11, 
2009. Michael was born in Kinston on April 1, 1991. He was a loving son and 
brother who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Michael was loved 
by many and will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his 
grandmother, Mary Hollowell Byrd and his grandfather, Jose Rodriguez. He is survived 
by his mother, Stephanie E. Turner and her husband, Daryl of Pink Hill; his father, 
Inocencio Rodriguez of Goldsboro; his grandparents, Argentina Rodriguez of Puerto 
Rico, Richard Byrd of Grifton, Cleveland and Roslyn Turner of Pink Hill; his special 
great-grandparents, A.G. and Mary Byrd; and great aunt, Lossie B. Fiori, all of Wyse 
Fork. He is also survived by a son, Michael Andrew Rodriguez of Leland; a sister, 
Rebecca Turner of Kin-ston; his four brothers, Joshua Rodriguez of Wyse Fork, 
Matthew, Daniel and Adam Turner, all of Pink Hill; his Aunt Lolly and Uncle Tom 
Ford of Kinston; his Uncles Hector, Ramon and Nel-son Rodriguez of Puerto Rico,
 Jose and Kiko Rodriguez of New York, and Miguel Rodriguez of Fayetteville. Funeral 
services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2009, from the chapel of Garner 
Funeral Home with the Reverend Steve Dixon, Benny Gutierrez and the Reverend Gary 
Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends
 from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Garner Funeral Home and other times 
at the home of AG and Mary Byrd, 4983 Wyse Fork Road. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/16/2009  



Sheppard, Katherleen  
 
KINSTON - Katherleen Rhem Sheppard, 69, of 1107 ? A Desmond St., died Tuesday, 
May 12, 2009, at home. The funeral will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at United 
American Free Will Baptist Tabernacle with Bishop Chester L. Aycock officiating. Burial 
will follow in Evergreen Memorial Estates, Grifton. Survivors include sisters Edna R. 
Whitney of Swansboro, Irene R. Edwards, Thelma R. Dudley and Linda R. Alford, all of 
Kinston; and brothers Connie R. Rhem of Richmond, Va., Henry E. Rhem Jr. of Greenville, 
Robert L. Rhem of Kinston and David L. Rhem of Swansboro. Visitation will be held from 
3-8 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Swinson Funeral Service. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/18/2009  



Smith, Annie H. 

DEEP RUN - Annie H. Smith, 94, 3211 Gray Branch Church Road, went home to 
be with her Lord on Saturday, May 16, 2009. She was preceded in death by her 
parents, Oscar and Emma Humphrey, her husband of 57 years, Glennie E. Smith, 
brothers Alfred, Jake and Clarence Humphrey and a sister, Bernice Gray. She was 
a charter member of Gray Branch FWB Church. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., 
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Pink Hill Funeral Home with the Rev. Ray Brown officiating. 
Survivors include her five children, Elaine Byrd and husband Richard of Warrenton, 
Va., Joanne Ipock and husband Don of Cove City, Currie Smith and wife Margaret of 
Deep Run, Dale Smith and Emma Smith of the home. Six grandchildren; Glenn Byrd 
and wife Laura of Woodbine, Md., Krystal McAtee and husband Larry of Cove City, 
Kelly Toohey and husband Jeff of New Bern, Donna Gabler and hus-band Robert of 
Greensburg, Pa., Amber Willingham and husband Phil of Katy, Texas, and Kevin 
Smith of Kinston. Great-grandchildren include John Elson and wife Jennifer of Grifton, 
Matthew and Brian Byrd of Woodbine, Md., Nathanael and Austin Gabler of 
Greensburg, Pa., Tyler Toohey of New Bern and Cole and Casey Ray Willingham of 
Katy, Texas. Surviving brothers are John, Carlyle, and Ralph Humphrey and surviving 
sisters are Eve-lyne Stroud, Margorie Hill, and Ethel "Sweetie" Lee. Annie was a loving 
wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a home maker who enjoyed 
gardening, quilting, cooking and baking cakes. She will be missed by all. Visitation will 
be held from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2009 at Pink Hill Funeral Home and 
at the home at other times. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Gray Branch 
FWB Church, P. O. Box 288, Deep Run, NC 28525. Sign the guestbook at
 www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/18/2009 - 5/21/2009  




Stewart, Ruby Williams  
 
PINK HILL - Ruby Williams Stewart, 85, died Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Autumn 
Village in Beulaville. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 16 followed by 
Visitation at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Beulaville. Graveside services will be 
at 2 p.m.Sunday, May 17 in East Duplin Memorial Gardens. Survivors include sons, 
Roger Williams and Beasley Williams of Potters Hill; daughter Jo Ann Carlyle of La 
Grange; sisters Sudie Comito of Reidsville, Irene Basden of Clayton; brother William 
F. Whaley of Reidsville; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 25 great 
great-grandchildren.

 
Published in the Free Press from 5/16/2009 - 5/19/2009  
Share photos, videos and more with Legacy Memorial Websites. Find out more.  
 
Sutton, Willie  
 
KINSTON - Willie Sutton, 91, died Friday, May 15, 2009, at Kinston Rehabilitation 
and Healthcare Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Swinson Funeral 
Service.

Published in the Free Press from 5/16/2009 - 5/19/2009  



Taylor, William Leo 

NEW BERN - William Leo Taylor, 82, of Two Rivers Nursing Home, New Bern, died 
Thursday, May 14, 2009, at Craven Regional Medical Center. He is preceded in death 
by his wife, Dorothy K. Taylor of Kinston; and step-daughter, Barbara Koonce. Mr. 
Taylor was a retired truck driver with Tidewater Transit Company of Kinston and was 
a proud Korean War Veteran. Survivors include his stepchildren, Mickey Koonce and 
Douglas Koonce, both of Kinston, and Richard Koonce of Albertson; two 
step-grandchildren; sisters, Clara Mae Sharp and husband James, of Montgomery, 
Ala., and Peggy J. Dunn and husband Tommy, of New Bern. The family will receive 
friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. 
Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. with Pastor Dwayne Boyd officiating. Burial will 
follow the service at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Howard-Carter 
Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obitu-ary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/16/2009 - 5/19/2009  



Tyndall, LuRae C

MOUNT OLIVE - Ms. LuRae Clark Tyndall, 47, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 
at Lenoir Memorial Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. A native of 
Greene County, she was born January 18, 1962, the daughter of William Ray Clark 
and Sara Rebecca "Becky" Patrick Clark. LuRae was a graduate of Greene Central 
High School and had attended Mount Olive College and Lenoir Community College. 
She was employed with JSC International of Faison where she was an office manager. 
LuRae truly enjoyed the beach and spending time at her place at Goose Creek near 
Emerald Isle. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at the chapel 
of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Reverend Alan Joyner and Reverend Glenn 
Turner officiating. Interment will follow at the Snow Hill Cemetery. In addition to her 
parents, LuRae was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, John D. and 
Maggie Toler Clark, and her maternal grandparents, Reverend C.L. and Clara Patrick. 
Her surviving family includes her fianc?Jeff Sutton of Newton Grove; daughters, 
Christen Tyndall and Lindsey Tyndall both of Newton Grove; Jeff's daughter whom she 
considered her own, Lindsay Sutton of Newton Grove; her devoted sister, Christy Clark 
Turner and husband, Glenn of Deep Run; grandchildren, Jayden Bradford and Logan 
Oates; and her many special aunts and uncles of the Clark and Patrick families. The 
family will receive friends on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home and other times 
at the Clark home, 209 Eastover Drive, Snow Hill, NC. Flowers are welcome or 
memorials may be made to Free Union FWB Church, 2573 Firetower Road, Walstonburg, 
N.C. 27888. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service of Snow Hill. Sign the 
guestbook at kinston.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/14/2009 - 5/17/2009  



 
Uzzell, Christine Sutton

GOLDSBORO - Christine Sutton Uzzell, 81, of Goldsboro, died Sunday, May 17, 
2009, at Wayne Memorial Hospital. A service of remembrance will be held 
Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 7 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill 
Sutton officiating. Interment will be Thurs-day at 11 a.m. from Fairview Cemetery. 
Mrs. Uzzell is survived by a brother, Chester Sutton of Newton. The family will 
receive friends Wednesday following the service of remembrance. Online 
condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/22/2009  



Wells, Ada S.

SNOW HILL - Mrs. Ada Leen Strickland Wells, 85, passed away Thursday morning, 
May 14, 2009, at Britthaven Nursing Home in Snow Hill. Mrs. Wells was born in Pitt 
County on April 16, 1924, the daughter of Blaney and Abbie Mooring Strickland. She 
had retired from the former Granite Glove in Snow Hill and was a member of the Snow 
Hill Pentecostal Holiness Church. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, 
May 16, at the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with the Reverend Ronnie 
Heath officiating. Committal services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the 
Snow Hill Cemetery. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 
husbands, Lloyd William Wells and Dexter Donald Wells; and son, Jerry Wallace 
Wells. Her surviving family includes her daughters, Debra Wells Stocks of Snow Hill 
and Abbie Jean Wells Lancaster of Pikeville; a son, Lloyd L. Wells of Snow Hill; sisters, 
Connie Roberson, Ellen Goldmeyer and Linda Carraway, all of Farmville, and Marie 
Strickland of Virginia; broth-ers, Linwood Earl Strickland of Walstonburg and George 
Michael Strickland of Farmville; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, and three 
great great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends immediately following the 
service on Saturday and other times at the home of Lloyd Wells, 107 Edgemont Drive, 
Snow Hill. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Snow Hill PH Church, 
PO Box 1158, Snow Hill, NC 28580. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service. 
Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/15/2009 - 5/18/2009  




Wiggs, Edna Mae  
 
KINSTON - Edna Mae Nixon Wiggs, 75, of 811 Eagle Road, died Thursday, May 14, 
2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday May 19 in 
Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Rev. Edward J. Burch officiating. Burial will follow 
in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Survivors include husband Joseph Wiggs Jr. of the home, 
daughter Tonia W. Beamer of Upper Marlboro, Md.; sons Joseph Wiggs III of Huntsville, 
Texas and Derrick Wiggs of Rocky Mount; father John T. Nixon of Kinston; sister Lenora 
Nixon of Sherman, N.Y.; brother James A. Nixon of Wingdale, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren and 
nine great-grandchildren. Viewing will take place from 2-8 p.m. Monday May 18 in the 
chapel of Al-britton-Carraway Funeral Home of Kinston. Visitation will take place from
 7-8 p.m. Mon-day, also at the funeral home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/16/2009 - 5/21/2009  



Williams Jr., Rev. Spencer  
 
GOLDSBORO - Rev. Spencer Williams Jr., of 608 Poplar St. died Thursday, May 14,
 2009. Homegoing celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the Bear 
Creek Association Headquarters, 1800 S. Slocumb Street, Goldsboro, with Dr. Lorenzo 
Lynch Sr. officiating. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at Mary's 
Chapel Baptist Church, Scot-land Neck. Burial will follow in Mary's Chapel Church 
Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, the former Nainnie McNeal; children Lori Anita 
Wililams-Grant of Goldsboro; Spencer Eldridge Williams of Jonesboro, Ga., and Joseph 
Anthony Williams of Kernersville; and eight grandchil-dren; brother the Rev. Jesse E. 
Williams of Goldsboro; and sister Mabel Clark of Scotland Neck. Visitation will be held 
fro 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 318 Den-mark Street, 
Goldsboro. Funeral arrangements by Hamilton Funeral Chapel, Goldsboro.

Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/23/2009  




Wilson, Sarah  
 
AYDEN - Sarah Louise Wilson, 71, of 4315-A Liberty St., died Tuesday, May 12, 
2009, at Britthaven of Ayden. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17 at 
Don Brown Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Branches Cemetery. Survivors 
include her brother, Leonard Smith of Flint, Mich.; and sister, Deloris Smith of Flint, 
Mich. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. 
Online condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/13/2009 - 5/18/2009  
 



Arnold Sr., Robert Earl "Jabo"  
 
KINSTON - Robert Earl "Jabo" Arnold Sr., 64, of 603 Girl Scout Road, died Saturday, May 
23, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, 
May 28, 2009, at St. James Free Will Baptist Church, 2989 Hwy 258 South with Pastor 
Matthew R. Streeter officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Memorial Park. Survivors include 
his wife, Lillie Yvonne Arnold of Kinston; one daughter, Wanda Faye Sutton of Fayetteville; 
two sons, Gregory Lamont Arnold Sr. of Kinston and Timothy Theron Arnold of Raleigh; one 
brother, Rosco Arnold of Kinston; and two sisters, Dorothy L. Hines and Ella F. Simmons 
of Kinston. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Loftin Funeral 
Home. Masonic rites will be performed at 6:30 p.m. by King David Masonic Lodge #24 of 
Kinston. At other times the family will receive friends at the home. Viewing will resume on 
hour prior to the service at the church. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. 
(Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/25/2009 - 5/30/2009  


 
Autry, Pearl Elizabeth  

ELIZABETHTOWN - Pearl Elizabeth Autry, 94, died Tuesday, May 26, 2009. The funeral 
will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow in 
the Shady Grove Old Field Cemetery. Survivors include her son, Harold "Bob" Gene Autry 
of Elizabethtown; daughters Mary Jane Howell and Sara White of Clarkton, Melba Atkins 
of Elizabethtown, Delma Moore of Kinston, and Diann Thompson of Dublin; sister Inez 
Pervine Baxley; 41 grand-children; and 34 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials 
may be made to the Ameri-can American Cancer Society, 930 B Wellness Drive, Greenville, 
NC 27834, Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, NC 28472, American 
Heart and Lung Association or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, 
Alexandria, VA 22312. Funeral arrangements by Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/28/2009 - 5/31/2009  


 
Brimage, Rosa  
 
TRENTON - Rose Mae Brimage, 75, of 418 Ten Mile Fork Road died Wednesday, May 20, 
2009 at Mana-sas Nursing Rehab Center in Virginia. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. 
Monday, May 25, 2009 at Northwest A Tabernacle in Trenton with Rev. Brian Cornelius 
officiating. Burial will follow at Andrews Chapel Church Cemetery in Trenton. Survivors 
include sons, Lorenzo Jones of Vanceboro, Gary Foy of Robbin, Ga., and Jeffrey Foy of 
Barstow, Ca.; daughters, Monica Sadler of Stuttgart, Germany, Jautawan Brimage of 
Manassas, Va.,; sisters, Virginia Dunn, Eva Epps, Shelia Wallace, Priscilla Brown of Cove 
City an Jewel Hardy of Winterville, NC.; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. 
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2009 from Robert Swinson Jr. 
Memorial Chapel. Swinson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
 
Published in the Free Press from 5/22/2009 - 5/27/2009  


 
Britt, Cornia McKay

ALBERTSON - Cornia McKay Britt, 77, of 519 Coy Smith Road, died Sunday, May 24, 
2009 at Duplin General Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, 
May 27, 2009 at Pink Hill Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Larry Miller and Rev. John 
Isenberg officiating. Burial will follow in the Simmons Family Cemetery, Albertson. 
Survivors include wife Nancy Carol Britt; daughter Kay Houston and husband Dewey, Mt. 
Olive; sons, Marshall Britt and wife Marsha of Albertson and Jimmy Britt and wife Paula 
of Pink Hill; sisters, Mildred Matthis of Kenansville and Glenda Beavers of Mt. Olive; 
brothers, Delmus Britt of Goldsboro and Carl Britt of Six Run; grandchildren, Hope 
Kornegay, Tammy Jones, Thomas Houston, Scott Britt, Bobby Britt, Clint Britt, Kim 
Hedrick, Carol Britt and J.P. Britt; great-grandchildren, Logan Kornegay, Griffen Kornegay, 
Karley Kornegay, Dalton Jones, Brittany Jones, Jared Britt, Blaine Britt, Chase Britt, Lilly 
Britt, Drew Hedrick and Seth Hedrick. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 
May 26, 2009 at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Arrangements by Pink Hill Funeral Home. 
Sign the guest book at kinston.com.
 
Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 5/29/2009  

 
 
Campbell, Icesolene Fleming  
 
VANCEBORO - Icesolene Fleming Campbell, 68, of 9331 Hwy. 43 South, Vanceboro, 
NC died Wednes-day, May 20, 2009. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, 
May 26, 2009 at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Vanceboro. Interment will 
follow in the Fleming Family Cemetery located in Vanceboro. Survivors include her 
mother, Olivia Thigpen Fleming of Vanceboro; brother, Moses Fleming of Vanceboro; 
sisters, Lauralene Campbell, Gerelene Dixon and Brenda Mitchell of Vanceboro and 
Lossie Savage of Chocowinity. Viewing will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday, May 25,
 2009 at Don Brown Funeral Home and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Online 
condolences can be made at www.donbrownfuneralhome.cm. Funeral arrangements 
are by Don Brown Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/22/2009 - 5/27/2009  

 
 
Carmon, Leora Hall "Fruity"  
 
NEW BERN - Leora "Fruity" Hall Carmon, 70, of 155 S. West Craven Middle School 
Road, died Friday, May 22, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be 
held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Rio Grand M. B. Church, 1125 Spring Garden Road 
with the Rev. Marcus Miller Sr., officiating. Burial will follow in the Carmon Cemetery. 
Survivors include sons, John T. Carmon of New Bern, Thomas Carmon of Ayden; 
daughters Sandra Strick-land of Greenville, Betty Miller, Mayline Outlaw and Synthia 
Carmon all of New Bern, and Shirley Mason of Stockbridge, Ga.; brothers James Hall 
of Kinston and Leo Kinsey of La-Grange; sister Gladys Davis of Kinston; 20 grandchildren;
 and 18 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the residence. Viewing will 
be at Oscar's Mortuary from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Thursday and at the church one hour prior to 
the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.oscarsmortuary.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/27/2009 - 5/30/2009  


 
Chase, James Norwood "Jimmy"

LA GRANGE - James Norwood "Jimmy" Chase, 78, of La Grange passed away Saturday, 
May 16, 2009. Mr. Chase was born in Greene County on October 27, 1930. He is 
preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Toler Chase and daughters, Taffy Hayes, 
Edna Chase, Sue Chase and Connie Fields. Mr. Chase attended Jesus World Ministries 
and was retired after 35 years of ser-vice from Barrus Construction Company. He was an 
avid gardener, and a great cook. He loved people and laughter. Survivors include his wife 
of 30 years, Lavee Chase; children, Kimberly and Ashley Rouse, Mary Jo and John Butler, 
Kim and Jeff Smith, Roy and Glenda Mozingo, all of La Grange, Linwood "Puddy" and 
June Mozingo of Deep Run, and Rhonda Lynn Mozingo of the home; 22 grandchildren; 
23 great-grandchildren; and 10 great great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends 
from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2009, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home and other times 
at the home of Kim and Ashley Rouse, 3717 Rouse's Path, La Grange, and the home of 
Kim and Jeff Smith, 4922 J.C.'s Village Road, La Grange. Memorial services will begin at 
2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Reverend John Butler officiating. Graveside services 
will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. 
Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/23/2009  



Clark, Josephine  
 
KINSTON - Josephine Clark, 66, died Sunday, May 21, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. 
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at St. John Free Will Baptist 
Church. Internment will be in South View Cemetery. Survivors include her son, James Clark 
of Savannah, Ga., and Lonnie Clark of Louisville, Ky.; daughters Bernice Clark of Kinston 
and Linda C. Sutton of Newport News, Va.; and brothers Odell Roberson and Jack 
Roberson, both of Mobile, Ala. The wake will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 
at the church. Arrangements by S. Conner Memorial Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/22/2009 - 5/29/2009  


 
Coward, Bertha Kornegay  
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bertha Kornegay Coward, 68, formerly of Kinston, died Saturday, 
May 23, 2009, at Capital Hospice in Washington, D.C. The funeral will be held at noon 
Saturday, May 30 at Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Maryland. Burial will follow in Cedar 
Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Md. Survivors include her husband, Robert "Bull" Coward of 
Kinston; son Antobio "Toby" Coward of Maryland and Robert "Bobby" Coward of the home; 
four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral arrangements by Freeman Funeral 
Service, Temple Hills, Md. Local announcement by Swinson Funeral Service. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/28/2009 - 5/31/2009  




Cox, Emanuel "Bo"  
 
LA GRANGE - Mr. Emanuel "Bo" Cox, 88, of 405 W. Queen St., died Thursday, May 
21, 2009 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Funeral services for Mr. Cox will be held at 11 
a.m. Monday, May 25, 2009 at St. James Disciples of Christ Church, La Grange with 
Elder Janet Wiggins officiating. Burial will follow at La Grange Cemetery. Mr. Cox is 
survived by his wife, Mrs. Patricia Cox of the home; four daughters Elder Janet Wiggins 
and Mrs. Teresa Kornegay both of La Grange, Ms. Louijeania S. McNeil of Hampton, 
Va. and Ms. Wilhelmenia B. King of Kinston; one son, Mr. James Kornegay Jr., of the 
home; one sister, Mr. Inez Wooten, of La Grange and three grandchildren. Visitation 
will be held at La Grange Funeral Ser-vices on Sunday, May 24, 2009 from 2 to 8 p.m.

Published in the Free Press from 5/23/2009 - 5/26/2009  




Cummings, Stephen Walker 

ORIENTAL - Stephen Walker Cummings, 69, died Monday, May 18, 2009, at his home. 
He attended the Bethel Freewill Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a daughter, 
Charmon Cummings. His is survived by three sons, Stephen Ashley Cummings of Lowland, 
Stephen Walker Cummings of Vanceboro, Joseph and John Banks of Winterville; one 
daughter, Liz Rush-ing of Winterville; and special companion "Sally" the dog; two brothers, 
Harry Cummings of Hugo and Joe Cummings of Bridgeton; two sisters, Jane White of 
Smithfield; and Gypsy Wether-ington of Cove City; 12 grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 
and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009, 
at Bryant Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral 
home. Interment will be at the Bethel F.W.B. Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family 
requests that memorial contributions be made to Sudan Crippled Children's Fund, PO Drawer 
490, New Bern, NC 28563. Funeral arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home & Cremation 
Alliance. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/21/2009 - 5/24/2009  


 
Davis, Gladys  
 
ALBANY, N.Y. - Gladys Davis, 87, of 110 Second St., formerly of Kinston, died Sunday, 
May 17, 2009, at St. Peter Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23 
at Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home with the Rev. W. J. Best officiating. Burial will follow 
in the Parrott Cemetery. Survivors include her sisters, Ella Graham of Kinston, and Fannie 
Lee Beamon of Baltimore, Md. Viewing will be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral 
home. The family will receive friends at 1300 E. Shine St.

Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/25/2009  



Dixon, Laula Riggs  
 
GREENVILLE - Laula Riggs Dixon, 79, died Monday, May 25, 2009, at Pitt County 
Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, May 29 at New St. John 
Missionary Baptist Church in Vanceboro. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. 
Survivors in-clude her son, Edward Jr. Dixon of Ayden; daughters Joyce Brown of Irvington, 
N.J., Cora Dixon of New Bern, Diane Harrison of Brooklyn, N.Y., Constance Fornis and 
Esther Dixon of Ayden; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will 
be held from 2-4 p.m. Friday at the church. Online condolences may be sent to 
www.donbrownfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 5/30/2009  


 
Edwards, Richard  
 
RUNDALLSTOWN, Md. - Richard Edwards, 92, formerly of Grifton, died Monday, May 25, 
2009 at John Hopkins Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 
2009 at Perkins Square Baptism Church. Arrangements by March Funeral Home, Westside, 
Wavash, Avenue. Local arrangements by S. Connor Memorial Funeral Home.




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  


 
Franks, Cora Dell Sykes

BURLINGTON - Mrs. Cora Dell Sykes Franks, 98, of 100 Wade Coble Drive, Burlington 
died at the Twin Lakes Center on Monday, May 18, 2009, at 7 p.m. A native of Lenoir 
County, she was the wife of the late Numa Randle Franks Sr. and the daughter of Elijah 
Sykes and Betty Jenkins Sykes, both deceased. She was a homemaker, a secretary at 
Elon College High School, and a part-time employee at Carolina Biological. She was a 
member of St. Mark's Church and a former member of Elon Community Church. She 
attended Southwood School in Kinston, N.C., and attended Elon College. Survivors include 
two daughters, Mrs. Betty F. Reynolds and husband Wes, of Burlington, and Mrs. Vivian F. 
Cashwell and husband Clayton, of Oxford, Pa.; two sons, Mr. N. R. Franks Jr. and wife 
Becky, of Elon, and Mr. Richard Lee Franks and wife Carolyn, of Burlington; one sister, Mrs. 
Irene S. Hill Hagell of Kinston, N.C.; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She 
was preceded in death by three sisters, Mrs. Eva Rakestraw, Mrs. Ethel Dawson, Mrs. 
Ruth S. Harris Piaski; and three brothers, Mr. Garland Sykes, Mr. Jackson Sykes and Mr. 
Felix (Jack) Sykes. The funeral service will be conducted at St. Mark's Church on Thursday, 
May 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. by the Rev. Robert M. Disher Jr., and the Rev. Ben Bishop. Burial 
will follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the St. Mark's Church 
Parlor on Thursday from 10 until 11 a.m. prior to the service. Other times they will be at the 
residence of Richard and Carolyn Franks, 3361-B Garden Road, Burlington, N.C. In lieu of 
flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. The family would like to 
express their thanks to Twin Lakes for their care and support of Mrs. Franks as well as her 
family. Rich & Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington is in charge of 
arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.richandthompson.com. Sign the guest 
book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/23/2009  




Frink, Ophelia Whitsett

Brown Summit ? Mrs. Ophelia Whitsett Frink, formerly of La Grange, died Sunday at 
the Wesley Long Community Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. 
Saturday from the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 9800 Highway 158 West, 
Reidsville with the Rev. Moses Hodnett presiding. Interment will follow in the church 
cemetery. The family visitation will be Saturday from 12:30 -1 p.m. at the church. Mrs. 
Frink was born on June 13, 1918, in Rockingham County, North Carolina, the second 
daughter of the late Harvey and Nettie Dabbs Whitsett. She graduated from Brown 
Summit High School in 1936, received her B.A. in English/French from N.C. A & T State 
University in 1940 and a Masters in Library Science from N. C. College in Durham (North 
Carolina Central University) in 1956. On April 27, 1943, Ophelia Whitsett married Emmett 
Bentley Frink who preceded her in death on May 6, 1951. In La Grange, Mrs. Frink joined 
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, be-coming active and faithful member, joining the 
Senior Choir, True Workers and teaching Sunday school. Mrs. Frink retired after 41 years 
at E. B. Frink High School (Now E. B. Frink Middle School), La Grange, North Carolina in 
1982. She returned to her childhood home of Brown Summit and rejoined her home church, 
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Reidsville, North Carolina where she served faithfully 
until her health declined. Her com-munity affiliations included the Order of the Eastern Star, 
Beulah Chapter, Friends of the Lenoir County Library, National Education Association, 
Society of the Golden Eagles of N.C. Central University at Durham and a Life member of the
La Grange-Frink Alumni and Friends Association. In addition to her parents and husband, 
Mrs. Frink was preceded in death by brother, Azzie Whitsett and sister, Vivian Whitsett 
(Infant); Beatrice W. Watlington and Olivia W. Richardson. Survivors are her son, Samuel 
Harvey Frink (Juanita) of Con-way, South Carolina; daughter Nettie Frink Ivy (William) of St. 
Louis, Missouri; brother Harry Whitsett (Vivian) of Brown Summit; sister Rebecca W. Allen 
(Thomas) of Fayetteville; sister-in-law Ethel Whitsett of Greensboro; six grandchildren; seven 
great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a plethora of cherished friends. 
Mrs. Frink was a loving, caring mother, touching the lives of many who knew her, living life as 
an example and inspiration. She fought her illness valiantly, being a model of inner strength, 
quiet determination and courage. She will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions 
may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 9800 Highway 158 West, Reidsville, 
N.C. 27320 or La Grange ? Frink Alumni and Friends Association, P. O. Box 424, La Grange, 
N.C. 28551. Funeral arrangements are by Johnson & Sons, 115 Holderby Street, Reidsville 
27323. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/27/2009 - 5/30/2009 


 
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  


 
 
Garris, Hettie Bell Sanderson  
 
MESQUITE, TEXAS - Hettie Bell Sanderson Garris, 85, of 523 New Market Road, died 
Sunday, May 17, 2009, at the Dallas Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be held 
at 3 p.m. Friday, May 22 at Garner Funeral Home with the Rev. Glenn Nichols officiating. 
Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara 
Detwiler of the home; son Rodney H. Garris of Tarboro; sister Jean Garvey of New Bern; 
four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7-9 
p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/21/2009 - 5/24/2009  



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  


 
Harden, Ruth Dunn  
 
JACKSONVILLE - Ruth Dunn Harden, 94, of 225 White Street, died Sunday May 24, 
2009, at Britthaven of Jacksonville Nursing Home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. 
Saturday May 30 at Gospel Temple Holiness Church in Richlands with Elder Ernest 
Humphrey officiating. Inter-ment will follow in Brick Mill Cemetery, Richlands. Visitation 
will be held from 3-8 p.m. Friday at Mills Funeral Home, Inc. Survivors include her 
daughter, Donna Farrior of Jacksonville; two grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. 
Online condolences may be submitted at www.millsfh.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 5/31/2009  


 
Hopkins, Gloria Jean Chapman  
 
GRIFTON - Gloria Chapman Hopkins, 57, of 263 Main St., died Friday, May 22, 2009. 
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 at Zion Chapel F.W.B. 
Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Estates. Survivors include her 
husband, John Hopkins of the home; sons Richard Mabry of Grifton, and John Hopkins 
Jr. of the home; daughters Lisa Stigall of Ayden, and Tonyia Adams of Shreveport, La.; 
brothers William Chapman, Marvin Chapman and Hamp Chapman of Baltimore, Md., 
James Chapman of Newport News, Va. and Derby Chapman of New York; and 10 
grandchildren. Visitation will be held one hour before the funeral service at the church. 
Funeral arrangements by Don Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to 
www.donbrownfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/23/2009 - 5/30/2009  


 
Houston, Linwood  
 
POTTERS HILL - Linwood Houston, 77, died Friday, May 22, 2009, at Duplin General 
Hospital in Kenansville, N. C. Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 
2009 followed by visitation at Serenity Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. Graveside service 
will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, 2009 at Sand Hill Cemetery, Potters Hill, NC. 
Survivors include daughters,Sherry Norris, Potters Hill, NC, Tracy Kennedy, Beulaville, 
NC; son, Randy Houston, Potters Hill, NC; brothers,Wesley Houston, Beulaville, NC,
Chesley Houston, Pink Hill, NC and Johnny Houston, Potters Hill, NC; and three 
grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are by Serenity Funeral Home

Published in the Free Press from 5/24/2009 - 5/27/2009  




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, Lucille D.  
 
TRENTON - Lucille D. 'Chick' Jones, 84, of 158 Monk St., died Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 
Brookstone Nursing Home in Pollocksville. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, 
May 20 at King Chapel F.W.B. Church with Dr. W.S. Nicholson officiating. Burial will follow 
in Haiti Cemetery. Survivors include her daughter, Yvonne Adams of the home; sons James 
Ray Jones Sr. of Trenton, Samuel Leroy Jones of Bowie, Md., and Larry T. Jones of Raleigh; 
sisters Ruth Brown and Helen Hill of Trenton, Etta Marie Green of Goldsboro, and Nellie Dove 
of Fayetteville; brothers Nelson Dove, Haywood Dove, Charlie Dove and Robert Dove, all of 
Trenton, David Lee Dove of Red Bank, N.J.; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. 
Viewing will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 with the family present from 7 to 8 p.m. 
at Mills Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.millsfh.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/17/2009 - 5/22/2009  



 
Joyner, Jaylin  
 
KINSTON - Jaylin Mar'Jerel Joyner, 2, of 912 E. Highland Avenue died Thursday, May 21, 
2009 at Le-noir Memorial Hospital. A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 
23, 2009 at Faith Hope Me-morial Gardens in Hookerton with Elder Robert McArthur officiating. 
Survivors include parents, Lationa Mason and Jerell Koyner of Kinston; sisters, Charmaine 
Franklin of Kinston, Antwanika Joyner of Greensboro, Tierra Robinson of Florida and Janet 
Joyner of Fayetteville; brothers, Lamont Franklin of Greensboro, Jacier Joyner of Kinston, 
Michael Joyner and Todd Joyner of Greensboro, Deontae Joyner of Kinston; paternal 
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Norwood of Joyner. Swinson Funeral Home is in charge of the 
arrangements.

Published in the Free Press from 5/22/2009 - 5/27/2009  




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. Survivors 
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 Chamblee 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  



Kidney, Betty Dawson Gray

KINSTON - Betty Gray Kidney, 85, died Monday, May 18, 2009, at her home, 2307 Hardee 
Road. Mrs. Kidney was the daughter of the late Bessie Dawson and Marshall Edward Gray 
and the wife of the late Colonel John Augustus Kidney. Mrs. Kidney is survived by her sister 
Mary Marshall Gray of Kinston; her daughter, Mary Marshall Herring and husband Edward, 
of La Grange; and her grandchildren, Daniel Elliot Crowley of Kinston and Sarah Yourell 
Cameron and husband Yuri, of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by her much adored 
nieces and nephews. A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21,
 2009, at Ma-plewood cemetery in Kinston with Father Edward Burch officiating. Arrangement 
are with Ed-wards Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/23/2009  



 
King, Rita Sandlin  
 
BEULAVILLE - Rita Sandlin King, 39, of Beulaville, died Saturday, May 23, 2009 at her 
home. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Community 
Funeral Home Chapel, Beulaville. Burial will follow at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, 
Beulaville. Survivors include husband, Anthony Garland King of Beulaville; father, Joe 
Robert Thigpen of Wilming-ton; daughters, Leslie King Thigpen of Beulaville and Haleigh 
Elizabeth King of Chinquapin; sister, Gloria Carawan of Beulaville; brothers, Jimmy 
Sandlin of Potters Hill, Michael Sandlin of Beulaville and Dale Sandlin of Beulaville. 
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Community 
Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 5/29/2009  



 
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  


 
McCumbee, Gregory Ray  
 
JACKSONVILLE - Gregory Ray McCumbee, 26, died Sunday, May 17, 2009, at Onslow 
Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville. The funeral will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 followed 
by Visita-tion at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. 
Wednesday, May 20 at the Batchelor Cemetery in Richlands. Survivors include his mother, 
Brenda Hunt McCumbee of Jacksonville; and his father, Kenneth McCumbee of Dallas, N.C.

Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/22/2009  


 
Morris, Doreen  
 
DOVER - Doreen Morris, 46, of 216 Wilson St., died Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Carolina 
East Medical Center in New Bern. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Fonville and 
Dove Mortuary of Kinston.

Published in the Free Press from 5/18/2009 - 5/21/2009  


 
Newkirk, Annie Lee Waters  
 
NEW YORK - Annie Lee Waters Newkirk, 68, of 134-32 217th Street, First Floor, Springfield
Gardens, formerly of Greene County, died Friday, May 29, 2009, at her residence. The 
family will receive friends at 109 Heather Glen Drive, Goldsboro. Funeral arrangements are 
incomplete. Professional services have been entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Chapel in 
Goldsboro, where flowers may be sent.

Published in the Free Press from 5/30/2009 - 6/4/2009  



 
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  


 
Paradis, Bruce Lucien  
 
SILER CITY - Mr. Bruce Lucien Paradis, 63, of Pleasant Hill Church Road, died May 21, 
2009 at Chat-ham Hospital in Siler City following a period of declining health. He is survived 
by his wife, Shelly Para-dis of the residence; his mother, Artheline T. Paradis of Bristol, 
Conn.; and two brothers, Gary Joseph Paradis of Pittsboro and Jeffrey John Paradis of Bristol, 
Conn. The service to celebrate Bruce's life will be held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 26 from the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Pittsboro Branch, (in the Main Street Station 
complex), with President Timothy M. Hester officiating. Graveside rites will be held at 2 p.m., 
Tuesday at Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Kinston. Friends may visit with the family from 8 to 
8:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church, and at other times at the Paradis residence. Please direct 
memorials to the Church Fast Offering, Pittsboro Branch, 442 Churchwood Lane, Pittsboro, 
NC 27312. Online condolences may be sent to www.hallwynne.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/23/2009 - 5/26/2009  



 
Pierce, Thelma Louise Hardy  
 
GRIFTON - Thelma Louise Hardy Pierce, 81, of 3526 Urban Estates, died Sunday, May 17, 
2009, at University Health Systems Hospice Center in Greenville. The funeral will be held at 
1 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Live Oak F.W.B. Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen 
Memorial Estates. Survivors include her husband, Winfred Pierce of the home; son Edward 
Earl Pierce of Grifton; daughter Martha Pierce Cozart of Goldsboro; sisters Sally Cannon 
of Grifton, and Emily Kornegay of Chester, Pa.; three grandchildren; and three 
great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Don Brown Funeral Home. 
Online condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Free Press from 5/18/2009 - 5/24/2009  


 
Pompey, Alice Jean Koonce

KINSTON - Eldress Alice Jean Koonce Pompey, 70, of 708 Girl Scout Road, died Tuesday 
morning May 19, 2009, at her home. Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, May 22,
2009, at United American F.W.B. Tabernacle, 1011 Dr. J E Reddick Blvd. with the Rev. 
Charlie Howell officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be 
held from 3-8 p.m. Thursday at Mills Funeral Home, Inc. She leaves loving memories to her 
son, Robert (Ruthie) Pompey Jr. of Jamestown, N.C.; three sisters, Evelyn Williams of High 
Point, Etta Joyce (Donald) Fonville of Richmond, and Alice (Fred) Davis of Goldsboro; one 
aunt, Eva Harper of Kinston; and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements by Mills Funeral 
Home, Inc. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/24/2009  



 
Roberson, Emma Holloway  
 
GREENVILLE - Emma Holloway Roberson, 62, of 919 Bldg. 8, Apt. A Allen Road, died 
Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Don Brown Funeral 
Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/22/2009 - 5/25/2009  



 
Shepard, Virginia Lee  
 
KINSTON - Virginia L. 'Pink' Anderson Shepard, 76, of 507 Greenmead Drive, died 
Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. A funeral service will be held 
at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Greater Mt. Zion M.B. Church with the Rev. John 
Flowers officiating. Interment will follow in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include son 
Clifton Shepard Jr. of East Orange, N.J.; three brothers: John D. Anderson, Palmer Lee 
Anderson and Robert Lee Anderson, all of Kinston; six grandchildren and one 
great-grandchild. Visitation will be held Monday, May 25, 2009, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the 
funeral home. Arrangements by Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/21/2009 - 5/28/2009  


 
Simmons, Aver Lee  
 
KINSTON - Aver Lee Simmons, 88, of 304 E. Bright St., died Friday, May 29, 2009, at 
Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Swinson Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Free Press from 5/31/2009 - 6/3/2009  


 
 
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 Cleve-land'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  

 
 
Smith, Annie H.

DEEP RUN - Annie H. Smith, 94, 3211 Gray Branch Church Road, went home to 
be with her Lord on Saturday, May 16, 2009. She was preceded in death by her 
parents, Oscar and Emma Humphrey, her husband of 57 years, Glennie E. Smith, 
brothers Alfred, Jake and Clarence Humphrey and a sister, Bernice Gray. She was 
a charter member of Gray Branch FWB Church. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., 
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Pink Hill Funeral Home with the Rev. Ray Brown officiating. 
Survivors include her five children, Elaine Byrd and husband Richard of Warrenton, 
Va., Joanne Ipock and husband Don of Cove City, Currie Smith and wife Margaret of 
Deep Run, Dale Smith and Emma Smith of the home. Six grandchildren; Glenn Byrd 
and wife Laura of Woodbine, Md., Krystal McAtee and husband Larry of Cove City, 
Kelly Toohey and husband Jeff of New Bern, Donna Gabler and hus-band Robert of 
Greensburg, Pa., Amber Willingham and husband Phil of Katy, Texas, and Kevin 
Smith of Kinston. Great-grandchildren include John Elson and wife Jennifer of Grifton, 
Matthew and Brian Byrd of Woodbine, Md., Nathanael and Austin Gabler of Greensburg, 
Pa., Tyler Toohey of New Bern and Cole and Casey Ray Willingham of Katy, Texas. 
Surviving brothers are John, Carlyle, and Ralph Humphrey and surviving sisters are 
Evelyne Stroud, Margorie Hill, and Ethel "Sweetie" Lee. Annie was a loving wife, mother, 
grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a home maker who enjoyed gardening, 
quilting, cooking and baking cakes. She will be missed by all. Visitation will be held from 
7:00 until 9:00 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2009 at Pink Hill Funeral Home and at the home 
at other times. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Gray Branch FWB Church, 
P. O. Box 288, Deep Run, NC 28525. Sign the guestbook at www.kinston.com. 
(Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/18/2009 - 5/21/2009  


 
Speller, Pennie  
 
KINSTON - Pennie Speller, 88, of 317 Rhodes Ave., died Sunday, May 24, 2009, at 
Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at New 
Birth Holy Church with the Rev. Charles Dingles officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill 
Memorial Park. Survivors include her sister, Olivia Brown of New Jersey. Visitation will 
be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday, May 20 at Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home and other 
times at 703 Cavalier Circle. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 5/31/2009  

  
 
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, Bruce Hardy

KINSTON - Mrs. Bruce Hardy Sutton, 88, passed away Tuesday evening, May 19, 
2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. A native of Greene County, she was born January 
31, 1921, the daughter of William Blount Hardy and Bertie Glenn Grant Hardy. 
Following graduation from the Snow Hill High School, she attended East Carolina 
Teacher's College, what is today East Carolina University. She was the widow of 
Jesse Leon "Buck" Sutton, who preceded her in death on Au-gust 20, 1989. Mrs. 
Sutton was a member of Rainbow United Methodist Church where she had primarily 
attended all of her life. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at 
the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service in Snow Hill with the Reverend Tony 
Calhoun officiat-ing. Interment will follow at the Westview Cemetery in Kinston. Her 
surviving family includes a son, Leon Hardy Sutton of Kinston; a daughter, Dianne 
Sutton Bradicich of Kinston; grandchil-dren, Tracey Sutton Jones of Kinston and 
Chad Bradicich and wife Bonnie, of Snow Hill; great-grandchildren, Emma Lee 
Bradicich, Jaydan Bradicich, Dylan Moore and Dereck Brandon Smith and wife Kris; 
and a great great-grandchild, Noah Ryan Smith. The family will receive friends on 
Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at the residence, 3242 Hwy 
258 North, Kinston, N.C. The family would like to thank the staff of Lenoir Memorial 
Hospital for their care to Mrs. Sutton and also Greene Regional Home Health for the 
kind and compas-sionate service they provided since 2007. Arrangements by Taylor-
Tyson Funeral Service Snow Hill, NC. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com. 
(Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/21/2009 - 5/24/2009  



 
Sutton, Willie  
 
KINSTON - Willie Sutton, 91, died Friday, May 15, 2009, at Kinston Rehabilitation 
and Healthcare Center. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22 
at Holly Grove Cemetery in La Grange with the Rev. Rudolph Turnage officiating. 
Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca Blount of La Grange; and five grandchildren. 
Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at Swinson Funeral Service.

Published in the Free Press from 5/16/2009 - 5/24/2009  


 
 
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  



Turner, R. Kilby 

LA GRANGE - Robert Kilby Turner, 74, of La Grange, died Sunday, May 24, 2009 
at his home. Kilby retired from E.I. Dupont and established Kouakh Prison Ministry. 
In 1991, Kilby was hon-ored as volunteer of the year at Greene Correctional Center 
and in 1992 he was honored as vol-unteer of the year at Wayne Correctional Center. 
He graduated from Liberty Home Bible Insti-tute in 1984, was a member of Pathway 
Baptist Church and assisted at WAGO. Kilby enjoyed spending time with his 
grandchildren, fishing and was an avid sports fan. Graveside funeral services will be 
held Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 2 p.m. from Fairview Cemetery with Rev. T.D. 
Worthington officiating. Kilby is survived by his wife, Evelyn Coltrane Turner; children, 
Janice Sutton Hamm and husband, Roger of La Grange, Robert Franklin Sutton, Jr. 
of La Grange, Teena Sutton James of Delano, MN, Miklus Sutton and wife, Teresa of 
La Grange, Robert Kilby Turner, Jr. and wife, Sue of Saulston, Johnny Clayton Turner 
and wife, Patty of Kinston, Vincent Turner and wife Kim, of Kinston; two brothers, 
Bernie Tyndall and wife, Kay of Rocky Mount, Michael Tyndall of Atlanta; eleven 
grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Kilby was preceded in death by his 
parents, Henry Tyndall and Vesta Bullock Tyndall; and a brother, Kenneth Tyndall. 
The family will receive friends at the home, 5452 Brothers Road and following the 
graveside service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. 
Memorials may be made to WAGO (Go-Mix) Radio, P.O. Box 1895, Goldsboro, NC 
27533. Arrangements are with Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Sign the guestbook 
at kinston.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/25/2009 - 5/29/2009  


 
Tyndall, Walton Nolan

KINSTON - Walton Nolan Tyndall, 77, of 5360 Highway 55 West, passed away Monday, 
May 25, 2009, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. He was a member of The Church of Jesus 
Christ of Latter Day Saints, Woodington Ward. Nolan loved fishing, gardening, yard sales, 
flea markets and his chickens. He greatly enjoyed his Blue Grass Music. He was 
preceded in death by his parents, Ebron Alfred and Gertie Taylor Tyndall; his sisters, 
Shirley Brown and Susie Howard; and his brother, Cordell Tyndall. Funeral services will 
be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2009, from the chapel of Garner Funeral Home 
with Bishop Gary Whaley officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. Survivors 
include his wife of 50 years, Virginia Deaver Tyndall of the home; his daughter, Nola Gaye 
Jarman of Kin-ston; his son, Jeffrey W. Tyndall and wife Sharon, of La Grange; four 
grandchildren, Bran-don Carter, Julie Tyndall, Christopher Jarman, Joshua Jarman; a 
great-grandson, Jayden Jarman; and many special nieces and nephews. The family will 
receive friends from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home and other times 
at his home. Funeral arrangements by Garner Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at 
www.kinston.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/27/2009 - 5/30/2009


 
Uzzell, Christine Sutton

GOLDSBORO - Christine Sutton Uzzell, 81, of Goldsboro, died Sunday, May 17, 2009, 
at Wayne Memorial Hospital. A service of remembrance will be held Wednesday, May 
20, 2009, at 7 p.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Sutton officiating. 
Interment will be Thurs-day at 11 a.m. from Fairview Cemetery. Mrs. Uzzell is survived 
by a brother, Chester Sutton of Newton. The family will receive friends Wednesday 
following the service of remembrance. Online condolences may be expressed at 
www.rousefh.com. (Paid obituary)

Published in the Free Press from 5/19/2009 - 5/22/2009  




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  



 
Whitfield, Sarah Rosenboro

AYDEN - Pastor Sarah Rosenboro Whitfield, 70, of 4564 Wilson Ave., died Tuesday, 
May 26, 2009, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. 
Saturday, May 30 at Zion Chapel F.W.B. Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen 
Memorial Estates, Grifton. Sur-vivors include her son, Pastor James Whitfield of 
Winterville; daughters Angela Whitfield and Sarah Whitfield of the home, Michelle 
Whitfield of Grifton; sisters Emma Jarmon of Trenton, Mary McCarter of Ayden, Olivia 
Johnson of Goldsboro; and one grandchild. Viewing will be from 2-5 p.m. Friday at 
Don Brown Funeral Home. Family visitation will be held from 7-8 at the church. Online 
condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/28/2009 - 5/31/2009  


  
 
Wiggs, Edna Mae  
 
KINSTON - Edna Mae Nixon Wiggs, 75, of 811 Eagle Road, died Thursday, May 14, 2009, 
at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday May 19 in Holy Spirit 
Catholic Church with the Rev. Edward J. Burch officiating. Burial will follow in Pinelawn 
Memorial Park. Survivors include husband Joseph Wiggs Jr. of the home, daughter Tonia 
W. Beamer of Upper Marlboro, Md.; sons Joseph Wiggs III of Huntsville, Texas and Derrick 
Wiggs of Rocky Mount; father John T. Nixon of Kinston; sister Lenora Nixon of Sherman, 
N.Y.; brother James A. Nixon of Wingdale, N.Y.; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 
Viewing will take place from 2-8 p.m. Monday May 18 in the chapel of Al-britton-Carraway 
Funeral Home of Kinston. Visitation will take place from 7-8 p.m. Mon-day, also at the 
funeral home.

Published in the Free Press from 5/16/2009 - 5/21/2009  



 
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 Jr., Rev. Spencer  
 
GOLDSBORO - Rev. Spencer Williams Jr., of 608 Poplar St. died Thursday, May 14, 
2009. Homegoing celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at the Bear 
Creek Association Headquarters, 1800 S. Slocumb Street, Goldsboro, with Dr. Lorenzo 
Lynch Sr. officiating. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at Mary's 
Chapel Baptist Church, Scot-land Neck. Burial will follow in Mary's Chapel Church 
Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, the former Nainnie McNeal; children Lori Anita 
Wililams-Grant of Goldsboro; Spencer Eldridge Williams of Jonesboro, Ga., and Joseph 
Anthony Williams of Kernersville; and eight grandchil-dren; brother the Rev. Jesse E. 
Williams of Goldsboro; and sister Mabel Clark of Scotland Neck. Visitation will be held 
for 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 318 Den-mark Street, 
Goldsboro. Funeral arrangements by Hamilton Funeral Chapel, Goldsboro.

Published in the Free Press from 5/20/2009 - 5/23/2009  




Wooten, Irene P.  
 
STANTONSBURG - Mrs. Irene Peterson Wooten, 81, passed away Monday morning, 
May 25, 2009. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the 
Stantonsburg Ceme-tery. The family will receive friends immediately following the service 
there at the graveside. Survivors include her children, Mary Etta Wooten Bryan of 
Statesville, James Earl "Jimmy" Wooten, Jr. of Snow Hill, Gloria Wooten Evans of Union 
Grove and Stephen Arthur Wooten Stantonsburg; seven grandchildren and four 
great-grandchildren. At times other than Wednes-day morning, the family will be at the 
home of Stephen and Donna Wooten, 410 N. Main Street, Stantonsburg. Flowers are 
welcome or memorials may be directed to the Stantonsburg UMC, 300 Main St., 
Stantonsburg, NC 27883. Arrangements by Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service, Snow Hill.

Published in the Free Press from 5/26/2009 - 5/29/2009 



Younger Jr, Theophus  
 
AYDEN - Theophus Younger Jr., 76, of 4331 MLK St., died Monday, May 25, 2009, at 
Pitt County Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30 at 
New Deliver-ance F.W.B. Church, Ayden. Interment will follow in the Ayden Cemetery. 
Survivors include sons, Levon Younger of Grifton, Jeffrey Younger of Oxon Hill, Md.; 
daughters Iris Younger of Grifton, Saundra Younger of Washington, D.C., Tara Billops 
of Mount Olive; brothers Collin Younger of San Antonio, Texas, Edward Younger of Jersey 
City, N.J., and Kenneth Younger of Hyattsville, Md.; sisters Bertha Mae Gillis of 
Washington, D.C. and Lula Younger of Maryland. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. 
Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.donbrownfuneralhome.com. 
Funeral arrangements by Don Brown Funeral Home. 

Published in the Free Press from 5/28/2009 - 5/31/2009  



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