OBITUARIES

KINSTON FREE PRESS

Joe C. Lawson
Joe Coleman Lawson, 83, of 418 Lewis Lane died April 15 at Guardian Care of Kenansville. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. today at Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial Chapel in Kinston with the Rev. William Waters officiating. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Addie Lawson of Kinston; one daughter, Grace Jordan of Kinston; one stepdaughter, Daisy Smith of Kinston; one son, Jonas Lawson of New York; four stepsons, Willie Williams, Thomas Williams, and John Williams, all of Kinston and Bennie Williams of La Grange; five sisters, Mary Foster of Norfolk, Va. Lucille Sutton of La Grange, Annie Lawson and Mary Wardworth, both of Edenton and Irene Ammons of Maryland; 16  Grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Swinson Funeral Home in Kinston.
(Pd. Obit)
 
Westley F. Lewis
GREENVILLE -- Westley Floyd "Goodship" Lewis, 67, of 4310 Mimosa Lane, died April 16. Lewis was born in Lenoir County. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday at Warren Chapel UAFWB Church in Winterville. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Greenville. Survivors include his mother, Ruth Black of Greenville; two brothers, William Lewis of Paterson, N.J. and Dennis Baker of Greenville; five sisters, Rachel Blount of Newark, N.J., Peggy Baker, Hurlie Cradle, and Nettie Baker, all of  Baltimore, and Mary Sneed of Greenville; one foster sister, Barbara Murray of Greenville.  Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Arrangements are by Flanagan Funeral Home in Greenville.

 
James E. Nelson
AYDEN -- James Edward Nelson, 81, of 309 N. Pitt St. died April 16 at his residence.  Nelson was a member of First Baptist Church in Ayden, a member of Pitt County DAV and Ayden VFW Post No. 6062. He was retired from the U.S. Navy, having served in World War II and Korea. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at Farmer Funeral Service chapel in Ayden . Interment will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park in Greenville with military honors. Survivors include his wife, Winnie Avery Nelson of the home; two sons, Dr. J. Greg Nelson of Rocky Mount and Edward Kevin Nelson of Ayden; two brothers, Ray Nelson of Stokes and Ed Nelson of Hunington, Tenn.; and six grand children. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral service chapel. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Ayden, N.C.
 

Bertha R. Tyson
Bertha Rouse Tyson, 77, of 208 E. Highland Ave. died April 15 at Lenoir Memorial
Hospital. Tyson was a retired licensed practical nurse and a member of New Life Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Snow Hill. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 311 N. East St. in Kinston with Elder Calvin L. Watkins officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.  Survivors include one daughter, Vivian R. Boone of Limerick, Maine; one foster daughter, Betty Perry of Florence, S.C.; one son, Dan A. Tyson Jr. of the home; four sisters, Amanda R. Frazier of the home, Josephine R. Williams and Daisy R. Whitfield, both of Kinston, and Carrie R. Smith of Washington, D.C.; and two grandchildren. The family will receive friends at 208 E. Highland Ave. Viewing will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today. Lane's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
 
Robert E. Ward Jr.
ROSE HILL -- Robert Edward Ward Jr., 76, of 533 Wards Road died April 16 after an extended illness. Ward was born in Rose Hill and was a member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at the church. Interment will follow at Harrells Cemetery with the Rev. Brown Patton and Dr. Walter Hartmann officiating.  Survivors include his wife, Mollie Melvin Ward of the home; seven children, Lela Ward Floyd of Cary, Robert Edward III of Rose Hill, Raymond Melvin Ward of Pink Hill, Sylvia Ward Bowman of Wallace, Merry Carol Ward of Raleigh, Wade Hampton Ward of  Rose Hill and Laura Garner Ward of Apex; two sisters, Thelma Ward Dodson of Durham  and Wilmington and Edith Ward Clayton of Durham; nine grandchildren and eight  great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, Rose Hill;  or Duplin Home Health and Hospice. Arrangements by Community Funeral Home, Rose Hill.
 
 
Hurley L. Williams
RICHLANDS -- Hurley L. Williams, 70, died April 17 at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. Services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 1998, at Haw Branch United Methodist Church in Richlands. Interment will follow in East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville. Survivors include his wife, Lillian J. Williams of Richlands; one son, Leslie Brown of Richlands; one sister, Geraldine Hatcher of Kenansville; one brother, Alton Williams of Richlands; one granddaughter, Jennifer Brown of Richlands; and one grandson, Chris Brown of Richlands. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Community Funeral Home chapel in Beulaville. (Pd. Obit)
 
 
 April 19, 1998
Edna Hawkins
KINSTON -- Edna Hawkins, 81, of 907 Cunningham Road, died April 18 at Guardian
Care. Services 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Interment will follow
in the garden of the church. Visitation will be in the home of her daughter. Arrangements
made by Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home.
 
Inez F. Jones
WILSON -- Inez Flowers Jones, 72, of 105 A Garwin Drive, and formerly of Kinston, died April 17 at Wilson Memorial Hospital. She was a retired clerk with the state of North Carolina and a member of Forrest Hills Baptist Church in Wilson. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Monday at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, near Durahm, with the Rev. Johnny Smith officiating. Survivors include her daughter, Ruby Fulbright, of Greenville; two sons, James William Jones, of Raleigh, and Clinton T. Jones, of Wilson; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Edwards Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions can be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church, 1407 Forest Hills Road, Wilson, N.C. 27896. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home, Kinston.
 
Beth Kilpatrick
WINTERVILLE -- Beth Kilpatrick, 66, died April 18 at Britt Haven Nursing Home, Tarboro. Services 2 p.m. Monday at Chapel Farmer Funeral Service, Ayden. Kilpatrick will be buried at Winterville Cemetery. Kilpatrick was a member of Tuckahoe Christian Church and retired from the White Eye Associates, P. A. in Greenville. Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Linwood Kilpatrick, of home; three daughters, Kimberly Beth Kilpatrick, of San Diego, Karen Lynn Kilpatrick and Mary Susan Kilpatrick Briley, both of  Winterville; brother Irving Maynard, of Elizabeth Town; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Farmer Funeral Service, Ayden. Memorials may be given to Alzheimers Association. Other visitations will be at the family home of Mary Susan Briley, 794 Corbett Street. Winterville. Arrangements by Farmer Funeral Service, Inc., Ayden.
 
Etter C. Loftin
KINSTON -- Etter C. Loftin, 84, of Britthaven Nursing Home, died April 16 at Lenoir Memorial Hosptial. Loftin was a native of Craven County and a musician for several local churches. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Delight Church of Christ-Disciples of Christ on Independence Street with Dr. Mark Chapman officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Memorial Park. Survivors include one son, Edward "Tom" Herring, of Grifton; one daughter-in-law, Geraldine Herring, of Grifton; and eight grandchildren. A viewing will be from 4:30 to 7:30 Monday at Loftin Memorial Chapel of Precious Memories. The family will be receiving friends at the home of her son, Edward "Tom" Herring, 3649 Sawmill Road, Grifton. Loftin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.  Dexter Roberson Dexter Roberson, 39, of New Jersery. Arrangements are incomplete at Mills Funeral Home, Inc.
 
Sue O. J. Sumner
KINSTON -- Sue Oates Jones Summer, of Wilmington, died April 16 in New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Sumner was born on November 28, 1918 in Moss Hill and was the daughter of the late Claude Jones, Sr. and Dora Caroline Rouse Jones and was preceded in death by her husband, Ledford Sumner. Sumner was a member of the Union Baptist Church in Moss Hill. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday in Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel with the Rev. Damon Lee officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Sumner's nephews. Survivors include her two daughters, Patsy S. Wilson and husband Robert, of Wilmington, Sue S. Kellner and husband Bill, of Leland; five grandchildren, Ledford Ugene Wilson and wife Lisa, Beth Carr and husband James, Kim Ryan and husband Jeff, Becky Sneeden and Mary Lynn Kellner; three great-grandchildren, James Matthew Carr, Sandre Marie Carr and Davis Chandler Wilson; two brothers, Cecil Jones, Sr., of Moss Hill, and Clarence Jones, Sr., of Seven Springs; one sister Dora (Byrd) Jarman, of Trenton. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel and at other times at 1502 Sunrise Lane. Memorials can be made to the
American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 4894 Wilmington, NC 28406.
 
Otis Taylor
KINSTON -- Otis Taylor, 94, of Rose Vista Village, died April 18 at Lenoir Memorial
Hospital. Taylor was a retired farmer and a member of the Christian Science Church. No
formal services will be held. Arrangements by Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange. Survivors
include three daughters, Eloise Dawson and Susie Yuravich, of Kinston, and Margaret
Wylie, of Mount Holly, New Jersey; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one
great-great grandchild.
 
Lavone Washington
KINSTON -- Lavone Washington, 50, of 1109 Macon Street, died April 16 at Kitty
Askins Hospice Center. Washington was a substitute teacher for Lenoir County Schools
and worked at the Boys and Girls Club. She volunteered with P-CAT and the Kinston
Police Sentinels. Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Southview Cemetery with Eldress
Vivian Wright officiating. Burial will be at Southview Cemetery. Survivors include her
mother Jean Johnson Sanders, of Kinston; her father Clemes Sanders, Sr., of Kinston; one
daughter Shana Washington Ford, of Kinston; three sons Tavares Washington, Antonio
Washington and Cardiesse Veal, all of Kinston; sisters Arlene Sanders, Raleigh, Vivian
Wright, Goldsboro, and Gloria J. Wiggins, of Kinston; brother Clemes Sanders, Jr., of
Kinston. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lane's Funeral Home.
(Pd. Obit)
 
 
J. C. Outlaw
NEW BERN -- Jennings Carol Outlaw, 74, of 2413 Thomas Avenue, died Friday at
Craven Regional Medical Center. Outlaw was born in Dover, in 1923 and educated at
North Carolina State University. Institute of Government University of North Carolina
and Chapel Hill. Outlaw, a veteran during World War II, has a military background where  he served in the Army and European Theater of Operations. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge. North Carlina National Guard, 1st Lt. and General's staff. Outlaw's community service includes the Smithfield Rotary Club, Lumberton Rotary Club, where he served as president; charter member of the Lumberton Toastmasters Club, where he served as president; New Bern Rotary Club; charter member and the first president of the New Bern Toastmaster Club; served as secretary of the Simmons-Nott Airport Committee; member of St. John's Masonic Lodge #3 A.F. and A.M. Scottish Rite, New Bern York Rite, Sudan Shrine Temple, as well as service to numerous other boards and civic organizations. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Cotten Funeral Home with the Rev. Justin La Point officiating. Burial will be at Greenleaf Memorial Park with Masonic Rites. Outlaw was preceeded in death by his wife Marie E. Outlaw. Survivors include sons Dana Outlaw, Jennings Outlaw, Hank Outlaw, all of New Bern; one daughter Deborah Outlaw Abernathy, of Pikeville; two sisters Margaret Sutton, of Mount Olive, and Maxine Hawley, of Greenville; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Cotten FuneralHome from 7 to 9 p.m. today. In lieu of flowers Outlaw's Bridge Universalist Church Memorial Fund, 4408 N.C. 111 North, Seven Springs, N. C. 28578. (pd)
 
Monday April 20, 1998
 
Damon D. Barrow
GRIFTON  Damon Dontriel Barrow, infant, of 6098 E. Dawson Rd., died April 17 at Pitt Memorial Hospital. Services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Live Oak Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with the Elder J.L. Wilson presiding.  Arrangements are being handled by Norcott and Company Funeral Home of Ayden.
 
Cora Mae S. Belcher
Cora Mae Sanders Belcher, 70, of Apt. 5C Simon Bright, died April 18 at Lenoir
Memorial Hospital. Swinson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
 
Cederic Earl Hamilton
LA GRANGE -- Cederic Earl Hamilton, 70, of 2708 Jonathan Ln., died April 18 at his home. He was a native of Wayne County and a retired painter. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Wayne Memorial Park in Goldsboro with the Rev. Jim Whitfield officiating. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Edward Earl and Doris Hamilton of La Grange; a daughter, Donna Earl Lancaster of Princeton; an adopted son, Bill Hamilton of Wilson; two step-daughters, Shirley Outlaw of Goldsboro and Darlene Boone of Lucama; a sister, Jean Thomas of Washington; thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and a special friend, Nancy Mitchell. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home.
 
 
Tuesday April 21, 1998
William P. Durrence Jr.
William "Bill" Parker Durrence Jr., 47, of 3370 N.C. 55 East died April 19. Durrence was
an employee of Roy Jones Pontiac for over 24 years. He was recently with William's Auto
Sales and Service in Grifton and a member of Grainger Baptist Church for 18 years,
serving as a deacon many times. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at
Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Frank Carmody
officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery in Kinston. Survivors include his
wife, Sandy Millikan Cantu Durrence of the home; his father, William Parker Durrence Sr.
of Ludiwici, Ga.; his mother, Nona Durrence, of Ludiwici, Ga.; two sons, William
"Junior" Parker Durrence III of Kentucky and Phillip Durrence of Grifton; two stepsons,
Kris Cantu and wife, Tracy Roberts Cantu of Kinston and Brandon Cantu of the home;
one brother, John Durrence of Hinesville, Ga.; and one grandchild, Logan Cantu of
Kinston. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and
other times at the home of his stepson, Kris Cantu, 1830 Chevy Lane, Kinston. Memorial
may be made to Grainger Baptist Church, 3201 Middle St., Kinston, N.C. (Pd. Obit)

Louise K. Hamilton
Louise Ketchum Hamilton, 93, of 3005 Tacoma Drive died April 19. Hamilton was a
member of Grainger Baptist Church, Kinston. Hamilton was a member of Grainger Baptist
Church in Kinston. Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. today at Howard-Carter & Stroud
Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Ivy White and the Rev. Frank Carmody
officiating. A private burial will follow. Survivors include one daughter, Sara H. Best of
Kinston; one granddaughter and husband, Laurel and Robbie Clark of Kinston; two
great-grandsons, Matthew and Joshua Clark of Kinston. The family will receive friends
from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. today immediately following the service at the funeral home.
 
Edna C. Hawkins
Edna Lee Culbreth Hawkins, 81, of 907 Cunningham Road died April 18 at Guardian
Care Nursing Home. Hawkins was a native of Spartanburg County, S.C., and was the
daughter of the late Grover Cleveland Culbreth and Mollie Joe Waldrop Culbreth. She
was a homemaker, employed by M. Lowenstein & Sons, retiring after 32 years, and was a
member of First Baptist Church, Lyman, S.C. Hawkins was preceded in death by her
beloved grandson, James William "Jimmy" Bridwell Jr. A local memorial service will be
conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Donald
Wiesner officiating. Interment will follow at the Garden at St. Mary's. Survivors include
her husband, Crawford Guy Hawkins of Guardian Care Nursing Home to whom she was
married in 1935; one daughter, Frances Dee Hawkins Bridwell of Kinston; one brother,
James Cleveland Culbreth and his wife, Faye Weaver Culbreth of Spartanburg, S.C.; one
sister, Mary Lois Blackwell of Hendersonville; two granddaughters, Marcia Lynne
Bridwell Beam and her husband, Thomas A. Beam of Raleigh, Chrysanne Lee Bridwell of
Kinston, and a special friend, A. Jim Pruett of La Grange. The family will receive friends
at the home of her daughter, 1303 West Road, Kinston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may
be made to Mary's Kitchen, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1318, Kinston, N.C.
28503, or to Building Fund, First Baptist Church, 80 Groce Road, Lyman, S.C. 29365.
Arrangements are by Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home in Kinston. (Pd. Obit)

Jim H. Jones
Jim Henry Jones, 70, of 917 Phillips Road died April 18 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital
in Greenville. Jones was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in World War II and the Korean
conflict. He was a retired principal of Lenoir County Schools, past president with Friends
of the Homeless and board member of the Kinston Housing Authority. Services will be
conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of the Atonement Holy Trinity Catholic
Church, 512 W. Vernon Ave., Kinston with Father Jim Jones officiating. Interment will
follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Cora Edwards
Jones of the home; one daughter, Colise Jones Hunt of Saratoga, Fla.; one sister, Mattie
Warren of Philadelphia; and two grandchildren. The Rosary will be administered from 7 to
8 p.m. today at the church. The family will receive friends at the home. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to the Church Building Fund, Our Lady of the Atonement
Catholic Church. Arrangements by The House Of Best Mortuary in Kinston.
 
Phyllis C. Jones
GREENVILLE -- Phyllis Cowan Jones, 66, died April 20 at Pitt County Memorial
Hospital in Greenville. Jones was a member of Immanuel Free Will Baptist Church in
Winterville. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment will
follow at Homestead Memorial Gardens, Greenville. Survivors include two sons, Paul
Jones of Greenville and Steven Jones of Williamston; one daughter, Sonja Hagebock of
Jacksonville, Fla.; one brother, Eddie Cowan of Winterville; one sister, Ann Todd of
Panama City, Fla.; and nine grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m.
today at Farmer Funeral Service in Ayden.
 
Mary D. Joyner
NEW YORK -- Mary E. Davis-Joyner, 66, formerly of La Grange, died April 18 at
Greater Harlem Nursing Home. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Luke
Free Will Baptist Church in La Grange with Dr. William Bessett officiating. Interment will
follow at St. Matthew Church Cemetery, La Grange. Survivors include two daughters,
Sharon Joyner-Dawson and Rita Joyner, both of New York City; two sisters, Ethel L.
Davis of La Grange and Corener L. Crain, both of New York City; two brothers, Artis
Davis and Edward Davis, both of La Grange; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and other times at 313 W. Queen St., La Grange. Arrangements are by La Grange Mortuary Inc.
 
Alice Mobley
WINTERVILLE -- Alice Mobley, 78, of 515 Jones St. died April 18 at Carolina Care Nursing Home, Greenville. Mobley was a native of Pitt County and attended the county schools. She was a member of Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Winterville. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church with Bishop W.H. Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Winterville Cemetery. Survivors include one son, Samuel Mobley of Winterville; two sisters, Mary F. Mobley and Ruth King, both of Winterville; two brothers, Willie Mobley and John Mobley, both of Winterville. Viewing will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Mitchell's Funeral Home in Winterville.
 
Dexter Roberson
ASHBURY PARK, N.J. -- Dexter Robertson, 39, of 550 Fifth Ave. Apartment 4 died  April 16 at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune, N.J. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) with Bishop J.P. Chapman officiating. Interment will follow in Southview Cemetery in Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Iona Roberson of the home; his mother, Pauline Roberson of Kinston; one daughter, Marie Chestnut of Brunswick, Ga.; two sons, Derrick Roberson and Dexter Roberson Jr. of Brunswick, Ga.; three sisters, Sondra Johnson, Angel L. Murrill and Barbara E. White, all of Kinston; four brothers, Sylvester Roberson Jr., Karl Roberson, Douglas Roberson, all of Kinston and Chatterton Roberson of Augusta, Ga. Arrangements by Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.
 
Wednesday April 22, 1998
Johnnie P. Fields
LA GRANGE -- Johnnie Parrott Fields, 58, of 114 W. Railroad St. died Monday, April 20, at Pitt Memorial Hospital. He was born in Lenoir County to the late Julian William and Frances Walters Fields. He was a retired farmer. Graveside services will be conducted at 4 p.m. today at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange with the Rev. Roy Morris officiating. Survivors include his wife, Judy Jernigan Fields; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and John S. Duvall of La Grange; a brother, Julian W. Fields III of La Grange; stepchildren, Walter Richard Barwick and Tracy Lynn Barwick; nieces and nephews, John S. Duvall Jr., Ann Frances Ricks, Julian W. Fields IV, Mary Shannon Fields and Heather Parks Fields. Arrangements are by Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange. (Pd. Obit)
 
Russell J. Gardner Sr.
Russell Jackson Gardner Sr., 72, of 709 Jones Ave. died April 20. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston with the Rev. William Herbert Johnson officiating. Survivors include his wife, Hilda Gardner of the home; one daughter, Brenda G. Davis of Kinston; one son, Russell J. Gardner Jr. of Sanford; two stepdaughters, Nora Gillikin of Beaufort and Johnice Salter of Fremont; one stepson, Joseph Johnson of Beaufort; two sisters, Katherine Stokes and Emma Bell, both of Greenville; two brothers, Grady Gardner and Marvin Gardner, both of Greenville; and five grandchildren. Arrangements by Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home in Kinston.

Annie Gooding
Annie Gooding, 96, of 317 Rhodes Ave. died April 20 at Britthaven Nursing Home. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Lane's Funeral Home chapel in Kinston, 108 W. Shine St., with Elder Cleophus Gooding officiating. Interment will follow in Southview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include one brother, Earl Gooding of Kinston. Viewing will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family will receive friends at 203 W. Daniels St.

Edward Gossett
Edward Gossett, 80, of 2415 W. Vernon Ave. died April 17. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Caswell Center Chapel in Kinston, with the Rev. Ron Cyr and the Rev. Ben Ramsaur officiating. Interment will follow in Caswell Cemetery, Kinston.
 
Eva T. Thigpen
PINK HILL -- Eva T. Thigpen, 74, died April 20 at her residence. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. today at Community Funeral Home chapel in Beulaville. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill. Survivors include one daughter, Lillie T. Smith of Pink Hill; three sons, Allen G. Thigpen, James E. Thigpen and Wade M. Thigpen, all of Pink Hill; one brother, W.F. Thigpen of Richlands; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
 
Ronnie P. Thigpen
BEULAVILLE -- Ronnie Pearce Thigpen, 76, died April 20 at Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Community Funeral Home chapel in Beulaville. Survivors include one daughter, Joan Kaye Thigpen Price of Pink Hill; four sons, Emerson Thigpen, Ted Thigpen and Franklin Thigpen, all of Beulaville and Phillip Thigpen of Chinquapin; two sisters, Vera Gurganus of New Bern and Myrtie Ballsinger of Knoxville, Tenn.; and 10 grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
 
Thursday April 23, 1998
Arthena Baker
Arthena Baker, 76, of 1505 Howard St. died April 19 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at St. James Free Will Baptist Church, U.S. 258 South with the Rev. Earl Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Southview Cemetery in Kinston. Survivors include her husband, Oscar Baker of Kinston; one daughter, Ruth Green of Kinston; three sisters, Holland Isler, Roberta Isler and Rosa Dunn, all of Kinston; one brother, James Robert Isler of Kinston; two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Arrangements by Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.
 
Cora M. Belcher
Cora M. Belcher, 70, of 112 S. East St. died April 18 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Davis Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, South East Street with the Rev. Richard Flowers officiating. Interment will follow at Southview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include three daughters, Michelle Taylor of Lorton, Va., Vera Simmons of Kinston and Catherine Belcher of Raleigh; two sons, Michael Belcher and Stoney Belcher, both of Kinston; two foster sisters, Mary Morgan of Kinston and Ella Louise McDonald of Jacksonville; two foster brothers, James Morgan
and Johnny Morgan, both of Jacksonville; and eight grandchildren; one foster daughter, Carmen Broome of Jacksonville. Arrangements by Swinson Funeral Home in Kinston.
 
Eva R. Chapman
GRIFTON -- Eva Raynor Chapman, 73, of 9330 River Road died April 19 at Craven Regional Medical Center in New Bern. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Alum Spring Disciples of Christ Church with Elder George T. Sandlin Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, Fort Barnwell. Survivors include her husband, Odessa Chapman; nine daughters, Willie C. Smith, Beatrice Chapman and Vera Chapman, all of Harrisburg, Pa., Diane Joyner and Ellen C. Darden, both of Jacksonville, Pearlie C. Peterson and Christine Chapman, both of Grifton, Catherine Reeds of Winston-Salem and Blanchie Chapman of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sons, James T. Chapman
of Harrisburg, Pa., Johnnie Chapman of Oxnard, Calif., Odessa Chapman Jr. of Charlotte and Michael Chapman of Korea; five sisters, Celia Bryant of Kinston, Alberta Flowers of Pink Hill, Josephine Raynor of Grifton, Alice Moore and Geraldine Grady, both of Newark, N.J.; three brothers, Jessie James Raynor of New Bern, Robert Moore of Harrisburg, Pa. and John Koonce of Ayden; one adopted son, Luby Goodman Jr. of Fort Barnwell; 31 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Family visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.
 
Guy E. Eubank
Guy Eugene Eubank, 78, of 3002 Rouse Road died April 21 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Eubank was married to Isabelle Wiggins June 7, 1945. He was a member of Trenton Baptist Church and a member of Lake Forrest Baptist Church in Wilmington, N.C. where he served as a deacon, and also was presently a member of First Baptist Church in Kinston for the last four and one-half years. He was a graduate of Winston-Salem Barber School. He retired as assistant fire chief at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he worked for 30 years. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Edwards Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with Dr. Aubrey Jones and the Rev. Vernon Braswell officiating. Interment will follow in Trenton Cemetery, Trenton. Survivors include his wife, Isabelle Wiggins Eubank;
daughters, Phyllis Eubank West and husband, Edward West of Cary, N.C., Brenda Eubank Dodson and husband, T.A. Dodson of Kinston, N.C., Cheryl Eubank Kennedy and husband, Jerry Kennedy of Cary, N.C.; granddaughter, Gena Marie Dodson of Kinston, N.C.; sisters, Elizabeth Winfrey of Norfolk, Va., Rachel Greer of Nashville, Tenn., Ada Williams of Jackson, Miss., and Evelyn Book of Havelock, N.C.; brothers, Edward Eubanks of Trenton, Elbert Eubanks of Indianapolis, and Virgil Eubanks of Kinston, N.C.; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to
8:30 p.m. today at Edwards Funeral Home. Guy will be remembered as a faithful and loving husband, father and grandfather. His greatest pleasures was time he spent with his family and friends at home, traveling and at the beach. Flowers are acceptable or contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 2600 Rouse Road, Kinston, N.C. 28504. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home, Kinston, N.C. (Pd. Obit)
 
Mary A. Harper
AYDEN -- Mary Almeta Harper, 80, of 808 Liberty St. died April 20 at Pitt Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church with Dr. Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Piney Grove, Grifton. Survivors include one sister, Martha Cox of Ayden; one brother, James William of Philadelphia; a niece and nephew. Viewing will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.
 
 
Grover Rhodes
PINK HILL -- Grover Rhodes, 84, of 1795 N.C. 111 North died Wednesday, April 22 at Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville. He is survived by his wife, Gladys Smith Rhodes; one son, G. Frederick Rhodes and wife, Judith D. of Pink Hill; and one daughter, Ruth R. Turner
 
William Shackleford
SNOW HILL -- William Shackleford, 57, of Snow Hill Route 4 died April 22 at his residence. Shackleford was retired from the National Guard. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Taylor-Edwards Funeral Home chapel in Snow Hill. Interment will follow in Snow Hill Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Goff Shackleford of the home; one daughter, Robin Shackleford of Greenville; three sons, Rick Shackleford and Brian Shackleford, both of Snow Hill and Michael Shackleford of Hookerton; two sisters, Mary Holloman of Grimesland and Stella Tyndall of Kinston; three brothers, Cecil Shackleford of Snow Hill, Marvin Shackleford of Farmville and Larry Shackleford of Asheboro; and one grandchild. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at the home.
 
Grace P. Wooten
Grace Pollock Wooten, 85, lifelong resident of Kinston and Lenoir County, died Monday, April 20, 1998 at the Piedmont Retirement Center in Thomasville, N.C. Mrs. Wooten who was born in Lenoir County spent most of her life as a resident of Kinston. She was a 1934 graduate of Salem College in Winston-Salem. As the wife of the late Jack Wooten, she was a homemaker and mother of four daughters. The last few years of her active life were spent doing volunteer work at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. For the last one and one-half years she has been a resident of the Retirement Center in Thomasville. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Griff Montgomery of Charlotte, Mrs. Sue Wilkins of Roxboro, and Ms. Ruth Wooten of Greensboro as well as eight grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren. Another daughter, Mrs. Polly Cavanaugh is deceased. The service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, 1998 at the First Baptist Church of Kinston. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to The American Cancer Foundation or the Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston. (Pd. Obit)
 
 
Friday April 24, 1998
Alton B. Cannon
AYDEN -- Alton B. Cannon, 69, of 919 East Ave. died April 21 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Reather P. Cannon of Ayden; six daughters, Joyce Cannon-Moore of Greenville, Hazel C. Vance of Tampa, Fla., Nicie House of Newark, N.J., Sarah Cannon-Moye of Edgewater Park, N.J., Brenda C. Wilson of Ayden, and Patricia Cannon of Greenville; three sons, Alton B. Cannon and Nathan Cannon, both of Grifton and Ronnie J. Cannon of Greenville; two brothers, James Cannon and Sampson Kelly Cannon, both of Washington, D.C.; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A wake will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul Church. The
family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home.
 
Lucy O. Dail
LA GRANGE --Lucy Outlaw Dail, 85, of La Grange Route 1, Box 219A, died April 22 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Dail was a native of Duplin County, and was a retired cook at Standard Drug Store. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Outlaw family cemetery near Summerlin's Crossroads in Duplin County with the Rev. Ray Barrow officiating. Survivors are two sons, Joe Dail of Ayden and James Dail of Rocky Mount; two stepdaughters, Sannie Deans of Raleigh and Mildred Pope of Magnolia; one brother, Morris Outlaw of Kinston; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The family will be at the residence. Arrangements are by Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive.
 
Guy E. Eubank
Guy Eugene Eubank, 78, of 3002 Rouse Road died April 21 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital.  Eubank was married to Isabelle Wiggins June 7, 1945. He was a member of Trenton Baptist Church and a member of Lake Forrest Baptist Church in Wilmington, N.C. where he served as a deacon, and also was presently a member of First Baptist Church in Kinston for the past four and one-half years, and a graduate of Winston-Salem Barber School.   He was a retired Assistant Fire Chief at Camp Lejeune, N.C. for 30 years. Guy was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Thornton Eubank and Mary Waters Eubank, and a brother, Guy T. Eubanks Jr. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Edwards Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with Dr. Aubrey Jones and the Rev. Vernon Braswell officiating.  Interment will follow in Trenton Cemetery, Trenton. Survivors include his wife, Isabelle Wiggins Eubank; daughters, Phyllis Eubank West and husband, Edward West of Cary, N.C., Brenda Eubank Dodson and husband, T.A. Dodson of Kinston, N.C., Cheryl Eubank Kennedy and husband, Jerry Kennedy of  Cary, N.C.; granddaughter, Gena Marie Dodson of Kinston, N.C.; sisters, Elizabeth Winfrey of Norfolk, Va., Rachel Greer of Nashville, Tenn., Ada Williams of Jackson, Miss., and Evelyn Book of Havelock, N.C.; brothers, Edward Eubanks of Trenton, Elbert Eubanks of Indianapolis, and Virgil Eubanks of Kinston, N.C.; several nieces and nephews. The family received friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Guy will be remembered as a faithful and loving husband, father and grandfather. His greatest pleasures were each time he spent with his family and friends at home, traveling and at the beach. Memorial contributions, flowers are acceptable or contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 2600 Rouse Road, Kinston, N.C. 28504. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home, Kinston, N.C. (Pd. Obit)
 
 
Saturday April 25, 1998
 
Josephine T. Carson
RALEIGH -- Josephine Thigpen Carson, 89, of 1013 Jordan Road died April 23 at her residence. Carson was a member of Turner Memorial Baptist Church in Garner. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Pink Hill Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Allen Branch officiating. Interment will follow in Maxwell Cemetery, Albertson. Survivors include one daughter, Ethel M. Jones of Raleigh; one stepdaughter, Eunice Lewis of Goldsboro; four sons, Willard Ivy Massey, Elton J. Massey, Jimmy R. Massey, and Linwood E. Massey, all of Raleigh; two stepsons, Bobby Chatham of Raleigh and J.B.
Chatham of Willow Springs; two sisters, Rosa Whaley of Beulaville and Lucille Turner of
Richlands; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
 
Willie Chapman
AYDEN -- Willie "Buck" Chapman, 69, of 708 S. Lee St. died April 23 at his residence.  Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Live Oak Free Will Baptist Church in Grifton with the Rev. Murphy officiating. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery, Grifton. Survivors include his wife, Earnestine Chapman; two daughters, Lynette D. Dixon of Hugo and Angelia Locust of Kinston; four sons, Willie K. Chapman of Ayden, Vincent E. Chapman of Greenville, Melvin D. Chapman of Seattle, and Tyrone Moore of  Baltimore; five sisters, Ida Bell Chapman of Winterville, Bernice Chapman, Laura, Waldine Wilson, and Dollie M. Vines, all of Washington, D.C.; two brothers, Jasper L. Chapman and Clinton Chapman, both of Grifton; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.
 
Edna B. Grady
Edna Ruth Barwick Grady, 74, of 419 Tyree Road died April 24 at Country Classic Care of Kinston. Mrs. Grady was a homemaker and a member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Bailey Grady Sr. Graveside services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 1998 at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston with Dr. James McChesney officiating. Survivors include her son, Alvin Bailey Grady Jr. and wife, Becky of Kinston; her daughters, Rita Grady Clark and husband, Gene of Kinston, Betty Grady Stroud and husband, Johnny of Deep Run; her brother, Walter Collins Barwick of Kinston; her sisters, Virginia Barwick Wilson of the home, Joyce Barwick Johnson, Iris Barwick Thigpen and Kirleen Barwick Carter, all of Kinston; her
grandchildren, Tiffany Stroud, Jayme Stroud, Samantha Stroud, Stacey Grady, Ryan Grady, Amanda Poole, Christina Clark Zoltek and Scott A. Clark. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening at Garner Funeral Home chapel and other times at the home of her daughter, Rita, 1412 St. James Place, Kinston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 1752 Hwy. 258 South, Kinston, N.C. 28504. (Pd. Obit)
 
William T. Jones
LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- William T. Jones, 78, formerly of Kinston, died April 21 in Las
Vegas, Nev. Jones was retired from the U.S. Army. Survivors include two brothers, John
Jones and Carl Jones, both of Kinston. Local announcement by Lane's Funeral Home in
Kinston.
 
Affire C. Stephens
Affire C. Stephens of 5800 Chinquapin Chapel Road, Trenton, died April 22 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday at Haughton Chapel Free Will Baptist Church with Elder James Harris officiating. Interment will follow in Trenton Cemetery, Trenton. Survivors include three daughters, Pearl Davis of Hempstead, N.Y., Dorothy Graham of Rockville, Md. and Esther Clark of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sons, William Cheston and George Cheston, both of Brooklyn, N.Y. and James Cheston of the home; one sister, Essie Fields of Kinston; one brother, Milton Cheston of Trenton; and 14 grandchildren. Arrangements by Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.
 

Sunday, April 26, 1998
 
Arthur E. Lee
Arthur E. Lee, 80, of 25-B Simon Bright Apartments, died April 21, at home. Lee was a native of Lenoir County and a retired brick mason. Services will be conducted Monday at 1 p.m. from St. Mark Church ministries, 1009 East Bright St. with Bishop Melvin Parks officiating. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Survivors include two sons, Arthur Lee, Jr. of Raleigh and Melvin T. Lee of Portsmouth, Va.; two daughters, Earsieline Lee of the home and Sandra Pleasant of Richmond, Va.; one brother, Jesse Lee of Chesapeake, Va. Viewing will be today from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Loftin Memorial Chapel of Precious Memories. The family will receive friends at the home.
 
Lillian E. Freeman
SNOW HILL-- Mrs. Lillian Earl Freeman, 83, of Route 4 died Saturday April 25, 1998 at
Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Freeman was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Carl Freeman, Sr. Graveside services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at the Rainbow Cemetery with the Reverend Tom Miller officiating. Survivors include, daughter, Jacquelin Freeman Rouse and husband, James C. Rouse of Snow Hill; son, Rufus Carl Freeman, Jr. of Snow Hill; grandchildren, Carlette Freeman Shingleton, Rudy Freeman, Debbie Rouse Moye, Penny Rouse Littleton and Karen Rouse Irwin; 11 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Freeman will lie in state at Taylor-Edwards Funeral Home on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those wishing to pay their respects. The family will receive friends at the residence, Route 4 Box 110, Snow Hill.
 
Thomas L. French
COVE CITY --ÊThomas Lee French, 69, of Cove City died Saturday at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. French was a North Carolina state employee and a farmer. He was also a member of Woodmen of the World. Services will be conducted Monday at 3 p.m. at Cotten Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Scott and the Rev. David Salmons officiating. Burial will follow at the Russel Family Cemetery at 4 p.m. Survivors include wife, Estella S. French of Dover; two sons, Thomas A. French of Dover and Jeffrey L. French of the home; two daughters, Brenda French Traylor and Sandra French Pillow both of Dover; mother, Estella S. French of Dover, he was preceded in death by his father Lee J. French;
two brothers, Samuel French of Mount Olive and Raymond "Joe" French of Dover; one sister, Joyce Howell of Dover and he was preceded in death by sister Helen Riggs; five grandchildren, Nicole Golden, Aaron Traylor, Victor Pillow, Stephenie French, Mathew French, and he was preceded in death by grandchild Lesley Pillow; and one great grandchild, Adrian Golden. The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home today from 4 to 6 p.m.
 
Monday April 27, 1998
 
Willie A. Burnett
GREENVILLE -- Willie Adrian Burnett, 87, of 319 Queen Drive in Greenville, Died April 23 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. He was a native of Orange County who attended the local schools. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Tabernacle Center Church of Deliverance in Greenville with Dr. George Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow in Nenno Family Cemetery in Grimesland. Survivors include his wife, Thelma Page Burnett of the home; five daughters, Dorothy McKee of Browns Mills, N.J., Doris Griffin of Trenton, N.J., Carolyn Quinn of Neptune, N.J., Marie Goings of Greenville and Ann Artis of Fayetteville; one son, Cecil E. Burnett of Greenville; two sisters, Mabelle Lyons and Helen Mitchell, both of Durham; one brother, Raymond Burnett of Raleigh; 13
grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren. Viewing will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Mitchell's Funeral Home in Winterville.
 
Katie Wells Hill
Katie Wells Hill, 82, of 907 Cunningham Road, died April 26 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. She
was preceded in death by one son, Edward Earl Hill, and one daughter, Nancy Hill Byrd.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Pink Hill Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. George Pke
and Danny Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Cemetery in Deep Run. Survivors
include three sons, Lynwood Hill of New Bern, Kenneth Hill of Albertson and Milton Hill of Pink
Hill; two sisters, Sadie Jones of Potters Hill and Sudie Tyndall of Deep Run; 18 grandchildren
and 29 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at Pink Hill Funeral
Home.  (Paid Obituary)
 
Lena L. Joyner
WINTERVILLE -- Lena Mae Lewis Joyner, 86, of Winterville, died April 25 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Greenville Church of God and was retired from Fieldcrest Mills in Greenville. Services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Farmer Funeral Service Chapel in Ayden. Burial will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park in Greenville. Survivors include one son, Tom Joyner of Greenville; three daughters, Myrtle Jones of Greenville, Brenda Nichols of Winterville and Virginia Bishop of Kinston; three sisters, Fronnie Lee Manning of Kinston, Lola Douglas of Frostproof, Fla., and Nell Lewis of Tampa, Fla.; 20 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at Farmer Funeral Service in Ayden and other times at the home of Tom Joyners, 2093 Ivy Road, Greenville.
 
 
Tuesday April 28, 1998
William T. Barnes Jr.
WILSON -- William "W.T." Barnes Jr., 76, died April 27. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Wilson. Survivors include his wife, Nettie Parker Barnes; three sons including Doug Barnes of Kinston; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home chapel in Wilson.
 
Veronaca Clark
MAURY -- Veronaca Clark, 40, of P.O. Box 271 Maury, died April 24 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Red Hill AME Zion Church with Elder George Streeter officiating. Interment will follow at Warren Cemetery in Maury. Survivors include her mother, Hilda Shackleford Ragsdale of Hookerton; her father, Frank Clark of Greenville; and her grandmother, Annie Stanley of Maury. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today with viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.
 
Elva W. Congleton
Elva Whitby Congleton, 90, of Kinston Towers died April 26 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Congleton was formerly of Forksville, Va. and was the widow of Claude Thomas Congleton. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Crestview Memorial Park, South Hill, Va. Survivors include one son, David Thomas Congleton of Norfolk, Va. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home, South Hill, Va. Garner Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
 
Hazel L. Jones
SNOW HILL -- Hazel Letchworth Jones, 83, died April 27 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph Jones and one son, Paul Allen Jones. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the chapel of Taylor-Edwards Funeral Home, Snow Hill. A private burial will follow at Snow Hill Cemetery. Survivors include three daughters, Jean Jones and Peggy Blizzard, both of Snow Hill, and Angelia Herring of La Grange; two sons, Wilmon and Kenneth Jones, both of Snow Hill; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; also, two sisters, Mary Coltrane and Eva Fader. Mrs. Jones will lie in state from 1 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral
home and prior to the service on Wednesday for those who wish to pay their respects. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. this evening at the family residence, Route 1, Snow Hill. (Pd. Obit)
 
Suretta H. Martin
Suretta Hawkins Martin, 37, of 1104 Brentwood Drive, died April 25 at her residence. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. James Free Will Baptist Church, U.S. 258 South, with the Rev. William L. Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Southview Cemetery in Kinston. Survivors include her husband, Steve Martin of the home; and her mother, Beulah Hawkins of Kinston. Arrangements are by Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.
 
Constance Z. Santos
Constance Zitelli Santos, 91, of 2109 Emerson Drive, died April 26 at her residence. Santos was a retired funeral director. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Pinelawn Memorial Park with Father Paul Brant/SJ officiating. Survivors include her husband, Benedito Santos of the home; daughters, Marie A. Knapp of Kinston, Grace P. Bodenstedt of Newport, Veronica O'Neill of Hialeah, Fla., Ann Buzzo of Hollywood, Fla. and Julie Brown of Davie, Fla.; one son, Anthony Santos of Blue Ridge, Ga.; one sister, Josephine Juliano of Houston; 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. and family visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m.
today. Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity/Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1455, Kinston, N.C. 28503.
 
Evelyn R. Stallings
Evelyn Rouse Stallings, 77, of Kinston Route 1 Box 215, died Sunday, April 26, 1998. Stallings was preceded in death by her brother, Norman Rouse. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Tim Rausch officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery in Kinston. Survivors include three daughters, Mary Lou S. Williamson and husband, Neil of St. Petersburg, Fla., Margaret S. Gooding of Kinston, N.C., and Frances S. Radford and husband, Charlie of La Grange, N.C.; one son, Frank Stallings and wife, Cindy of Point Harbor, N.C.; their father, Sidney Stallings of Kinston, N.C.; one sister, Ruby R.
Hedgepeth and husband, Johnny of Grifton, N.C.; grandchildren, Donna Gooding, Joseph Gooding, Robin Stancil, Shannon S. Newborn, Kay R. Brock, June R. Rich, Justin Radford, Ginger Platt, Lisa Williamson, Greg Williamson, Stanly Williamson, Angela Williamson, and Erica W. Brooks; great-grandchildren, Sarah Gooding; Joe Gooding, Katin Newborn, Jordan Brock, Mercedes Rich, Donovan Platt; Justin Platt, Rebecca Williamson, Blake Brooks, Jonathan Williamson, and Katrina Williamson; two great-great-grandchildren; one uncle, Ray Woodard of Carrolton, Va.; and one aunt, Annie Hayes of Pelzer, S.C. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at 613 Cameron Drive, Kinston. (Pd. Obit)
 
Eunice M. Taylor
POLLOCKSVILLE -- Eunice Mallard Taylor, 90, died April 27 at Trent Village Nursing Home in Pollocksville. Taylor was a member of Pollocksville Baptist Church. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Pollock-Wells Funeral Home chapel in New Bern with the Rev. Buford Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Friendship Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. Survivors include one brother, Harry C. Mallard of Pollocksville; three sisters, Mable Ball of New Bern, Kathleen Scott and Hazel Parker, both of Pollocksville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pollocksville Baptist Church, Pollocksville, N.C. 28573 or Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Trenton, N.C. 28585.
 
Wednesday April 29, 1998
Fannie H. Spence
Fannie Mae Hill Spence, 74, of 302 Darden Drive Kinston, died Monday, April 27 at her residence. Spence was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Woodington Ward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Bertie Hill; a sister, Sadie Davis; and a brother, Ray Hill. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 1998, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Woodington Ward with Bishop Gary Whaley officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill. Survivors include her husband, Roy Clinton Spence of the home; three daughters, Diane Davis of Morehead City, Elsie S. Howard and husband, Clarence
Lynwood Howard of Kinston, and Delsie S. Jenkins and husband, J.D. of Kinston; one son, Joseph C. Spence and wife, Brenda of Kinston; seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening at Pink Hill Funeral Home. (Pd. Obit)
 
Rhome Artis
GREENVILLE -- Rhome Artis, 77, of 1310 Grove Ave. died April 25 at Tar River Manor. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Zion Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Ayden with C.R. Parker officiating. Interment will follow in the Artis family cemetery, Scuffleton. Survivors include one sister, Elsie Southernland of Hookerton; two brothers, Ruffin Artis and William Artis, both of Grifton; and a devoted niece, Rosa Cooper of Greenville. Viewing will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.
 
Elbert A. Aycock
GOLDSBORO -- Elbert Anthon Aycock, 85, died April 27 in Gastonia. Aycock was a native of Wayne County and a retired salesman with WT Rawleigh Company. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Wayne Memorial Park with Bishop Bob Coates officiating. Survivors include his daughter, Betty Lou Aycock Conner of Gastonia; one son, E. Gordon Aycock of Goldsboro; one sister, Lucille Aycock of Fremont; and six grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1000 11th St., Goldsboro, N.C. 27530. The family will
receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m at Seymour Funeral Home chapel in Goldsboro.
 
 
Ruthie C. Lee
Ruthie Jane Turner Carmack Lee, 71, of Guardian Care of Kinston, died April 28. Lee was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kinston Ward. Services will be conducted at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with Bishop Amos Howard officiating. Interment will follow in the Stroud family cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include three daughters, Linda Medford of Kinston, Rebecca Goins of Boydton, Va. and Judy Howard of Wilson; four sons, Edward Carmack of Leland, Ronald Carmack of Asheville, Morris Carmack of Seven Springs, and Johnny Carmack of Burton, S.C.; one sister, Mary Green of Kinston; one brother, Horace Turner of Deep Run; 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. this evening at the funeral home and other times at the home of her daughter, Linda
Medford, 1809 Harriette Drive, Kinston.
 
Constance Z. Santos
Constance Zitelli Santos, 91, of 2109 Emerson Drive, died April 26, at her residence. Santos was a retired funeral director. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston with Father Paul Brant/SJ officiating. Survivors include her husband, Benedito Santos of the home; five daughters, Marie Knapp of Kinston, Grace P. Bodenstedt of Newport, Veronica O'Neill of Hialeah, Fla., Ann Buzzo of Hollywood, Fla., and Julie Brown of Davie, Fla.; one son, Anthony Santos of Blue Ridge, Ga.; one sister, Josephine Juliano of Houston; 14 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Rosary was at 7 p.m. and family visitation was from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston. Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity/Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1455, Kinston, N.C. 28503.
 
 
Thursday April 30, 1998
Graham P. Bryant
PINK HILL -- Graham Preston Bryant, 55, of 5402 Potters Hill Road died April 28 at his residence. Bryant was a retired chief from the Pink Hill Fire Department with 20 years of service. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Pink Hill Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Sadie Ball, the Rev. Ronnie Heath, the Rev. Harold Turner and the Rev. Michael Wells officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill. Survivors include his wife, Tina Bryant of the home; four sons, Allen G. Bryant of Orlinda, Tenn., Preston Lee Byant of Stafford, Va., Roger Glenn Bryant of the home, Michael G. Bryant of Pink Hill; three stepchildren of Fayetteville; one sister, Linda Ann
Waller of Kinston; one half brother, Arnold Dean Jones of Kinston; one stepsister, Marie Kennedy of Pink Hill; one brother, Clifton "Buddy" Bryant of Capital Heights, Md.; and 10 grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
 
Edward W. James
GREENVILLE -- Edward W. James, 84, of 2578 W. Fifth St. died April 27 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. James was born in Philadelphia and moved to North Carolina 17 years ago. Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses with Charlie Moore officiating. Survivors include his wife, Maggie James of Greenville; one stepdaughter, Lillian Johnson of Maple Shade, N.J.; one son, Dennis James of California; three stepsons, Donald Berry of Newport News, Va., Thomas Berry of Baltimore and Robert Berry of Spain; one sister, Elizabeth
Newson of Philadelphia; 40 or more grandchildren. Arrangements by Norcott & Company
Funeral Home in Ayden.
 
Ruthie C. Lee
Ruthie Jane Turner Carmack Lee, 71, of Guardian Care of Kinston, died April 28. Lee was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kinston Ward. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with Bishop Amos Howard officiating. Interment will follow in the Stroud family cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include three daughters, Linda Medford of Kinston, Rebecca Goins of Boydton, Va. and Judy Howard of Wilson; four sons, Edward Carmack of Leland, Ronald Carmack of Asheville, Morris Carmack of Seven Springs, and Johnny Carmack of Burton, S.C.; one sister, Mary Green of Kinston; one brother, Horace Turner of Deep Run; 16 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. The family received friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and other times at the home of her
daughter, Linda Medford, 1809 Harriette Drive, Kinston.
 
Alma J. Offutt
Mrs. Alma Whitfield Johnson Offutt, 84, of 908 Rountree, died at her residence. She was a member of Queen Street United Methodist Church where she served as minister of music for 38 years. Mrs. Offutt was a graduate of Grainger High School and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, N.C. She did additional studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C. She studied organ with such masters as E. Power Biggs and Arthur Howes at the Organ Institute at Andover, Mass. Mrs. Offutt was elected a diaconal minister in 1977 by the Methodist Conference. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists and has served as dean of the regional chapter. Mrs. Offutt's primary interests included her music, dancing and painting. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 1998, at Queen Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Whitfield Warren Jr. and the Rev. Craig Ham officiating. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery, Kinston. She is predeceased by her husbands, Henry Harris Johnson Sr. and Dr. Vernon Delmas Offutt, a brother, John Thomas Whitfield and a sister, Doris Spence Whitfield. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Henry Harris Johnson Jr. and Mary Ann Brooks Johnson of Kinston; one daughter, Vara Johnson Bell of Raleigh, N.C.; grandchildren, Herbert Whitfield Johnson, Elizabeth Brooks Johnson and Parker Elizabeth Bell; one brother, George Herbert Whitfield. The family will receive friends at the home, 908 Rountree before and after the service. Memorials may be made to Alma Offutt Memorial Fund c/o Queen Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 508, Kinston, N.C. 28502.  Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston. (Pd. Obit)