Monday March 30 Obituaries

Delores M. Dixon
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Delores Faye Mumford Dixon, 48, of 11 Pieter Schuyler Court died March 25 at her residence. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Maury Chapel Free Will Baptist Church with Bishop J.E. Reddick officiating. Interment will follow in Ayden Cemetery. Survivors include two sons, Rodney Tyron Dixon and Reginald Sean Dixon, both of Albany, N.Y.; three brothers, Rufus Mumford of Bronx, N.Y., William Mumford of Hackensack, N.J. and Owens Mumford of Yonker, N.Y.; five sisters, Hilda Dixon of Albany, N.Y., Barbara Garner of Atlanta, Ga., Janice Cannon of Farmville, Patricia Fraizer and Sheryl Mumford, both of Bronx, N.Y.; and four grandchildren. Arrangements by Albritton-Carraway Funeral Home in Kinston.

Permelia G. Gardner
GREENVILLE -- Permelia Garrett Gardner, 64, of 1700 Battle Drive died March 28. Gardner was born in Pitt County and was employed by Burroughs Wellcome. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Jumping Run Free Will Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Garrett family cemetery, Grifton Rt. 1; Survivors include three sons, Herbert A. Gardner and Quency Gardner, both of Winterville and Ronnie L. Gardner of Pinetops; two daughters, Cheryle Gardner Valenica of Greenville and Diana Gardner Moore of Charlotte; one brother, James Brimmage of Grifton; three sisters, Bonnie R. Jackson of Greenville, Inez Chaney and Agnes Floyd, both of Washington, D.C. Viewing will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Greenville.

Fletcher W. Johnson
CHINQUAPIN -- Fletcher W. Johnson, 79, died March 27 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. today at Community Funeral Home chapel in Beulaville. Interment will follow in East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville. Survivors include his wife, Myra S. Johnson of Chinquapin; three daughters, Betty Callaway of Chesapeake, Va., Carolyn Weis of Chinquapin and Fran Lewis of Apex; two sons, Dennis Johnson and Keith Johnson, both of Chinquapin; four sisters, Omage Sullivan and Louise Willetts, both of Winnabow, Ann King of Rocky Mount and Elizabeth Peterson of Bellefountain, Ohio; one brother, Frank Johnson of Cary; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
 

Arlene Mobley
BEULAVILLE -- Arlene Mobley, 74, died March 29 at Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Community Funeral Home chapel in Beulaville. Interment will follow in Cole Cemetery, Chinquapin. Survivors include one daughter, Josephelaine Sandlin of Beulaville; one son, Joseph Tate Mobley of Pink Hill; one stepson, Defoid Mobley of Pink Hill; four sisters, Nanual Lanier and Normal Lanier, both of Pink Hill, Descic Edwards of Beulaville and Lila Wilkinson of Wilkinson of Fayetteville; one brother, William T. Mobley of Stedman; six grandchildren, eight stepgrandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and 12 stepgreat-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Edna H. Tyndall
SNOW HILL -- Edna Marie Hamm Tyndall, 83, of Snow Hill Rt. 4 died March 29 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Snow Hill Cemetery. Survivors include one daughter, Janice Tyndall Beaman of Snow Hill; one son, James Floyd "Jimmy" Tyndall Jr. of Snow Hill; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Taylor-Edwards Funeral Home chapel in Snow Hill and other times at the residence Janice Tyndall.

Tuesday March 31 Obituaries

Katherine S. Abbott
GRIFTON -- Katherine Stewart-Abbott, 83, of 214 Lenoir St. died March 20. Abbott was born in Pitt County, was a homemaker and member of Savannah Free Will Baptist Church. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Grifton Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons, McDuffie Abbott and Charlie James Abbott, both of Grifton; one daughter, Clemintene Abbott-Bush of the home; three sisters, Alelia Murphy of New York, Rosa Mae Moore and Wilhemenia Payton, both of Portsmouth, Va.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation was from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home, Ayden.

James C. McDowell
BEULAVILLE -- James Clinton "Clinto" McDowell, 85, of 202 Sand Ridge Road died March 29 at his residence. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Pink Hill Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Craven Chavis officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill. Survivors include his wife, Iona McDowell of the home; three daughters, Elsie Keaton of Lexington, Jean Davis and Linda Motsinger, both of High Point; two sons, Billy McDowell of Beulaville and Randy McDowell of Thomasville; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Ralph R. Thornton
Ralph R. Thornton, 74, of Kinston died March 28 at his residence. Thornton was born in Johnston County, was a retired nurse with Caswell Training Center and was a U.S. Army veteran. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Selma Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his wife, Foy Williams Thornton; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma.

Wednesday April 1 Obituaries

Rebecca J. Meritt
FAYETTE, Ala. -- Rebecca Jane Beard Merritt, 49, of 609 Fifth St. died March 29 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Merritt was a former resident of Goldsboro, and was a LPN nurse at a retirement home in Alabama. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include her mother, Billie Faye Beard of Fayette, Ala.; one daughter, Rebecca Jolene Tucker of Goldsboro; one son, Dexter Merritt of Colorado; one sister, Martha Sue Blanton of Columbus, Miss.; one brother, Charles Beard of Berry, Ala.; her grandmother, Ruby Howton of Fayette, Ala. Arrangements by Garner Funeral Home in Kinston.

Robert Purvis
Robert Purvis, 75, of 767 John Green Smith Road died March 31 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Smith family cemetery, Kinston with the Rev. Terry Dennis officiating. Survivors include his wife, Edna Smith Purvis; one daughter, Ruth Ashworth of Chapel Hill; one son, Robert Gary Purvis of Kinston; three sisters, Lucille Dunn of Pine Hurst, Aline Tillman and Rachel Cagle, both of Robbins; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Pink Hill Funeral Home.

Richard C. Tyndall III
TRENTON -- Richard C. Tyndall III, 37, 1400 Old Comfort Hwy. died March 29. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Virgil Whaley and the Rev. John Rickembacker officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Tyndall; his father, Richard C. Tyndall II of Trenton; his mother, Lucille R. Tyndall of Trenton; one son, Richard C. Tyndall IV of the home; one stepdaughter, Candi Eubanks of the home; one stepson, James Duncan of Raleigh; and two stepgrandchildren. The family received friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Thursday April 2 Obituaries

Harvey S. Brantley
Harvey Sherman Brantley, 96, of Guardian Care of Kinston, died March 30 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home in Washington with the Rev. Stanley Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Whitehurst Cemetery in Aurora. Survivors include three sons, Wilbur Ray Brantley and Bryan J. Brantley, both of Kinston and Robert L. Brantley of Denver; three sisters, Ida Edwards of Spartanburg, Mattie Johnson of Raleigh and Kathleen Allen of Aurora; eight grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Robert Purvis

Robert Purvis, 75, of 767 John Green Smith Road died March 31 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Smith Family Cemetery in Kinston with the Rev. Terry Dennis. Survivors include his wife Edna Smith Purvis; a daughter, Ruth Ashworth of Chapel Hill; a son, Robert Gary Purvis of Kinston; three sisters, Lucille Dunn of Pinehurst, and Aline Tillman and Rachel Cagle, both of Robbins; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. The family received friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Pink Hill Funeral Home.

Edward A. Rogers
Edward Arthur Rogers, 79, of 190 Woodland Church Road died March 31 at his home. He retired from the Army and served in WWII and the Korean War. He was a member of Woodland United Methodist Church in Albertson. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at the church with the Rev. Roger Paxton officiating. Survivors include four daughters, Marian L. Rogers of Cardiff, Calif., Torri Cable of San Diego, Calif., Diane Beebe of California and Renee Miller of Phoenix, Az.; three stepchildren, Bonnie Winstead of Dover, Douglas Riggs of Chesapeake, Va., and Diane Polak of Indiana; 10 grandhchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the home of Earl and Laura Faires, 190 Woodland Church Road, Albertson. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland United Methodist Church, Woodland Church Road, Albertson, N.C. 28508. Garner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friday April 3 Obituaries

Lemon Burney
Lemon Burney, 77, of 127 South Adkin St. died April 1 at his home. Services will be conducted 3 p.m. Sunday at Faith Tabernacle Holy Church with the Elder Cleophus Gooding officiating. Interment will be 9 a.m. Monday at Southview Cemetery. Survivors include four daughters, Gloria Rhoe of Kinston, Gwendolyn B. Charles and Linda Barnes, both of Durham, and Nedra Robinson of Atlanta; four sons, Lemuel Burney Jr. and James Burney, both of Charlotte, Jeffrey Burney of Durham and Anthony Burney of Atlanta; three sisters, Mattie Collins, Ella Mae Batchlor, both of Hardford, Conn. and Eunice Williams of Trenton; one brother, Jim Burney of Hartford, Conn.; eight grandchildren. A wake will be 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Arrangements by Mills Funeral Home, Inc.
 

Sybil T. Forbes
AYDEN--Sybil T. Forbes, 76, died April 1 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Ayden Free Will Baptist Church and Ceila Hart Garris Auxiliary. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at the church. Interment will follow in Ayden Cemetery. Survivors include one brother, Harold Tripp of Ayden; three sisters, Lossie Tripp Stokes of Ayden, Frances Tripp Martin of Haw River and Beluah Tripp Allen of Greenville. Arrangements by Farmer Funeral Service in Ayden.

Charlie Speller
GRIMESLAND--Charlie Speller, 58, of 2769 Voice of America Road, Grimesland, died April 1. Born in Bethel, he was a farmer. Services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell's Funeral Homes Homestead Memorial Garden Cemetery in Greenville. He is survived by four sons, Calving Harvey Sr. of Grimesland, Marvin Harvey Sr. of Rocky Mount, Charlie Speller Jr. of Dover, Del. and Stoney Speller Sr. of Hampton, Va.; two daughters, Dianne Henderson and Carolyn Briley, both of Greenville; one brother, Jimmy Speller of Greenville; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The viewing will be 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Mitchell's Funeral Home in Winterville. The family will receive friends at other times at 206 Burrington Road, Greenville.

Saul Powell
Saul Powell, 81, of 609 Fitzgerald Drive died April 1 at his home. He was retired from Heilig Furniture Co. Services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at Lane's Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. H.H. Dawson officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Memorial Gardens in Kinston. He is survived by his wife, Louella Powell. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.

Ann E. Williamson
Ann Eason Creech Williamson, 78, formerly of Hookerton, died April 2 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Snow Hill Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter Precilla C. McDaniels of Washington D.C. and two sons, Robert Creech of Kinston and Everett Creech of Fort Worth, Texas; 10 granchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Taylor-Edwards Funeral Home in Snow Hill and other times at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Creech, 2206 Rouse Road, Kinston.

Sunday obits, 4-5

Lemon Burney
Lemon Burney, 77, of 127 South Adkin St. died April 1 at his home. Services will be conducted 3 p.m. today at Faith Tabernacle Holy Church with the Elder Cleophus Gooding officiating. Interment will be 9 a.m. Monday at Southview Cemetery. Survivors include four daughters, Gloria Rhoe of Kinston, Gwendolyn B. Charles and Linda Barnes, both of Durham, and Nedra Robinson of Atlanta; four sons, Lemuel Burney Jr. and James Burney, both of Charlotte, Jeffrey Burney of Durham and Anthony Burney of Atlanta; three sisters, Mattie Collins, Ella Mae Batchlor, both of Hardford, Conn. and Eunice Williams of Trenton; one brother, Jim Burney of Hartford, Conn.; eight grandchildren. Arrangements by Mills Funeral Home, Inc.

Peenie Dail Hughes
GOLDSBORO -- Peenie Dail Hughes, 91, died Friday at Britthaven Nursing Home. Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. today at Edgecombe Memorial Park in Tarboro, with the Rev. Daniel Pate officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at their residence, 206 Mill Street, Tarboro. Hughes was the daughter of the late William and Annie Jordan Dail. Survivors include grandchildren James W. Hughes, Jr., of Nashville, N.C., Bo Hughes, of Goldsboro, Starlene Baker, of Goldsboro, Patty Pate, of Raleigh, Robert Hughes, of Raleigh and Peenie McCance, of Killeen, Texas. Seymour Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.

Harvey Sherman Brantley
KINSTON -- Harvey Sherman Brantley, 96, of Guardian Care, died Monday, March 30, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be 2 p.m. today at Chapel of Paul Funeral Home, Washinton, with the Rev. Stanley Jones officiating. Burial will be at Whitehurst Cemetery in Aurora. Arrangements handled by Paul Funeral Home, Washington.

John Alexander Johnson
KINSTON -- John Alexander Johnson, infant son of Ruby Jean Pollard and Gregory Scott Johnson, died Thursday at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Pinelawn Memoiral Park. There will be no visitation and no memorials. Arrangements made by Wilkerson Funeral Home, Greenville. Survivors include maternal grandmother, Sylvia J. Pollard, of Kinston; paternal grandparents, Jo Ann Deaver, of Deep Run, and John H. Johnson, Jr., of Wilmington; paternal great-grandmother Josephine Lee, of Kinston; paternal great-grandfather John H. Johnson, Sr., of Jacksonville.

Flora Stevens Taylor
KINSTON -- Flora Stevens Taylor, formerly of Kinston, died Friday at Harlem Hospital in New York. Services will be held Thursday at St. Matthew F.W.B. Church in New York. Survivors include a daughter, Queen Tucker, of New York; sisters Sudie Daugherty, of New Bern, Martha Hodges and Marion Bryant, of Kinston; brothers Ciciro and Clarence Stevens of Kinston, Squice Cox, of Baltimore, Md., and Robert Stevens, of Port Norris; as well as three grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Swinson Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.

Tuesday April 7 Obituaries
 

Mildred H. Batts
SNOW HILL -- Mildred Hill Batts, 80, of Snow Hill Route 3 Box 269A, Jason community, died Friday at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Simro Free Will Baptist Church in La Grange with pastor Sidney Harper Jr. officiating. Survivors include six sons, Isaac Forrest of Elizabeth, N.J., Jimmie Forrest of the home, Samuel Batts, Manford Batts and Ernest Batts, all of La Grange and George Batts of Kinston; six daughters, Carrie Wootson, Elnora Gardner and Velma Harris, all of La Grange, Ina Best of Goldsboro, Hattie Forrest of Washington, D.C. and Carolyn B. Aldridge of the home; 36 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the mortuary and other times at the home of Carrie Wootson, La Grange Route 2 Box 112.

Coley E. Hunnings
Coley E. Hunnings, 100, of Britthaven of Kinston died Sunday. Hunnings worked as a master builder with Cox Construction, UNC Wilmington, Duke University, ECU, military bases and many of the older homes in Kinston. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Kinston, with the Rev. Bobby Williams and the Rev. Willis Pearson officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Wealthy Hunnings of Kinston; one daughter, Lucille Tripp of Kinston; six stepchildren, J.C. Wallace, A.C. Wallace, and Arthur Wallace, all of Goldsboro, Charlotte Meyers of Charlotte, Shirley Downy of Greensboro, and Phyllis George of New Bern; six grandchildren, Pete Tripp, Jackie Phillippe, Becky Meeks, Tommy Meeks, Ivey Hunnings and Candee Forbes; seven great-grandchildren, Dayna Snowden, Michael Meeks, Kari Meeks, J.R. Hunnings, Daniel Hunnings, Jason Forbes, and Lisa Meeks; and one great-great-grandchild, Dylan Hunnings. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston and other times at 3009 Tacoma Drive, Kinston.(Pd. Obit)

Callie Howard
BEULAVILLE -- Callie Howard, 93, formerly of Kinston, died Monday at Duplin General Hospital, Kenansville. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Maplewood Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include one sister, Swannie H. Bryan of Kernersville; and Betsy B. Trent, both of Kernersville; three nieces, Sylvia W. Phillips of Wilmington, Polly Croom of Fort Wayne, Ind. and Betsy B. Trent of Kernersville; two nephews, Joseph H. Williams of Cary and Howard Bryan of Concord, Va.; several great-nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Community Funeral Home in Beulaville. (Pd. Obit)

Flora S. Taylor
NEW YORK-- Flora Stevens Taylor, formerly of Kinston, died Friday at Harlem Hospital in New York City, N.Y. Services will be conducted Thursday at St. Matthew Free Will Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Queen Tucker of New York; three sisters, Sudie Daugherty of New Bern, Martha Hodges and Marion Bryant, both of Kinston; four brothers, Cicero Stevens and Clarence Stevens, both of Kinston, Squire Cox of Baltimore and Robert Stevens of Port Norris, N.J.; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Local announcement by Swinson Funeral Home in Kinston.

Monday April 6 Obituaries

George W. McLawhorn
GRIFTON --ÊGeorge Willard McLawhorn, 70, died Friday. McLawhorn was a native of Vanceboro and attended the Farm Life School. He was a resident of Grifton since 1954 and was former captain of the Grifton Rescue Squad. He worked for 32 years at DuPont retiring in 1985. McLawhorn was also a co-owner of the Grifton Flower Shop from 1959 to 1969 and operated George's House of Wood since 1976. He was a member of the Grifton United Methodist Church. Services were conducted Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Chapel in Greenville. The burial followed at Evergreen Memorial Estates in Grifton. Survivors include wife Janice Powell McLawhorn; a son, George Franklin McLawhorn of Ayden; a daughter, Pamela McLawhorn Labusohr of Wendell; an adopted son, Ray Smith of Greenville; a sister, Ona McLawhorn Gilland of Grifton; and four grandchildren. The family received friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Wilkerson Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Grifton United Methodist Church, 207 E. McCrae St., Grifton, or to the Grifton Rescue Squad, 210 W. Queen St., Kinston, N.C. 28530.

Beulah M. Suggs
HOOKERTON -- Beulah Miller Suggs, 85, of Hookerton died Saturday at Vencor Hospital in Greensboro. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Star of Zion A.M. E. Zion Church in Hookerton with the Rev. Gregory Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Kinston. Survivors include two daughters, Jennie Cozart of Durham and Joyce L. Suggs of Snow Hill; and one grandchild. A wake will be held tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at Lane's Funeral Home.

Henry Judge
Henry Judge, 93, of 500 Greenmead Drive died Sunday at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Lane's Funeral Home.

Wednesday April 8 Obituaries

Vela P. Brinson
RICHLANDS -- Vela McKay Pittman Brinson, 76, died April 7 at her residence. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Johnson-Gaskins Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Marion Humphrey and the Rev. Guy Howard officiating. Interment will follow in the Marshburn family cemetery, Richlands. Survivors include her husband, Linwood Brinson Sr.; two sons, Linwood Brinson Jr. and Alan Brinson, both of Richlands; one daughter, Evelyn Faye Humphrey of Richlands; one sister, Julia Cottle of Kinston; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Emmitt H. Davis
SPARTA -- Emmitt Henderson Davis, 66, formerly of Snow Hill, died April 7 at Alleghany Memorial Hospital. Graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday at Snow Hill Cemetery. Survivors include two daughters, Phyllis Summerlin of Goldsboro and Linda Davis of Smithfield; one son, Terry Davis of Goldsboro; one sister, Lillian "Jackie" Howell of Farmville; and four grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Taylor-Edwards Funeral Home chapel in Snow Hill.

Helen H. Evans
GREENVILLE -- Helen Hardee "Granny" Evans, 86, died April 6. Evans was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Evans Cannon. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Pinewood Memorial Park. Survivors include one son-in-law, Walter Cannon of Goldsboro; and two grandsons, Lee Cannon and Tony Cannon, both of Kinston. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Wilkerson Funeral Home chapel, Greenville. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 377, Greenville, N.C. 27835; or to the American Heart Association, 3015 S. Memorial Drive, Suite A, Greenville, N.C. 27834.

Austin F. Gore Jr.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Austin Franklin Gore Jr., 71, of the 700 Block of Suffolk Circle died April 5 at a local hospital. Gore was born in Kinston. He retired as a commander from the U.S. Navy Supply Corps after 24 years of service and was also a retired real estate broker. He was a member of Kings Grant Baptist Church, Lynnhaven Masonic Lodge No. 220, A.F. and A.M., Norfolk Consistor of Scottish Rite Bodies, Khedive Temple of the Shrine and the Corvette Club. Gore was a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at the church with the Rev. Jerry Holcomb officiating. Interment follows in Princess Anne Memorial Park. Survivors include his wife, Eleanor M. Gore; one daughter, Joan H. Stroud of Kinston; three sons, Richard Gore, Ronald Gore and Thomas Gore, all of Virginia Beach; one sister, Mary Nelson of Snow Hill; and eight grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital or American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel.
 

Eddie R. Smith
Eddie Ray Smith, 51, of 2031 N.C. 11 South died April 6. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Jimmy Mercer and the Rev. Don Gray officiating. Interment will follow in the Deaver family cemetery, Deep Run. Survivors include his mother, Bertie Holland Smith of the home. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Alberta F. Williams
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Alberta Flowers Williams, 64, a former resident of Jones County, died April 3 in Washington, D.C. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at Pearce Baptist Church, 712 18th St., N.E., Washington, D.C. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Suitland, Md. Area survivors include one aunt, Dora Maye of Kinston; one uncle, Doremus Flowers of Kinston; several nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Marshall's Funeral Home, 4308 Suitland Road, Suitland, Md. 20746. Local announcement by Loftin Funeral Home in Kinston.
 

Thursday April 9 Obituaries

Harvey E. Avery
JACKSONVILLE -- Harvey "Rev" Edward Avery, 57, died April 8 at Craven Regional Medical Center in New Bern. Avery was a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service, Jacksonville. The family will receive visitors from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Johnson-Gaskins Funeral Home, Richlands. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville with the Rev. Jerry Bryant, the Rev. Eugene Hardin and the Rev. Robert E. Jarman officiating. Interment will be at the Whaley family cemetery, Brock Road, Richlands. Survivors include his wife, Alice Whaley Avery; mother, Nannie Marshburn Avery of Jacksonville; one son, Harvey Edward Avery II of Jacksonville; one daughter, Alicia Avery Stephens of Jacksonville; five brothers, Alvin, Cecil, Sammy, Donnie and Roger Avery, all of Jacksonville. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Jacksonville or Revival Fires Holiness Church, Richlands.
 

Noah N. Blackman
Noah Nathaniel Blackman, 23, of 3748 Poole Road died April 5 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, North East Street, Kinston with Elder Malcolm S. Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Dunn Hill Cemetery, N.C. 11 North, Kinston. Survivors include his parents, Brenda Ingram and Andrew Blackman Jr., both of Kinston; one daughter, Keyada Blackman of the home; one son, Noah Blackman Jr. of Kinston; two stepsisters, April LaVender of Wilson, and Denise Roberson of Newark, N.J.; and one brother, Andrew Sutton of Kinston. The family will receive friends at 2106 Old Snow Hill Road, Kinston. Arrangements by Swinson Funeral Home in Kinston.

John R. Gardner
AYDEN -- John Richard Gardner, 88, of 9274 County Home Road died April 8 at his residence. Arrangements are incomplete at Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.

Roy L. Harper
Roy Lee "Jack" Harper, 69, of 109 S. Rochelle Blvd. died April 6 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Emmanuel Hill Memorial Free Will Baptist Church in Kinston with Elder Jasper Newborn officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park. Survivors include his wife, Ethel Foye Harper of the home; two sons, Clifton Harper of New York and Douglas Foye Harper of Connecticut; one sister, Betty Mae Burney of Brooklyn, N.Y. A wake will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today at The House Of Best Mortuary and other times at the residence.

Henry Judge
Henry Judge, 93, of 500 Greenmead Drive died April 5 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Faith Tabernacle Holy Church, 400 S. Adkin St., Kinston, with Bishop Samuel D. Clemmons officiating. Interment will follow at Southview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Waters Judge; two daughters, Alice Freeman of Jersey City, N.J. and Lucy Judge of Kinston; two sons, Melvin Waters of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Marvin Waters of Las Vegas, Nev.; one sister, Ella Jones of Kinston; and two grandchildren. Viewing will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Lane's Funeral Home in Kinston.

Hazel D. Hill
DEEP RUN -- Hazel Duff Hill, 76, of 1761 Liddell Road died April 7 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Hill was a member of Deep Run Free Will Baptist Church. Services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Pink Hill Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Adrian Grubbs officiating. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston. Survivors include one daughter, Marie Smith and husband, Emmett, of Kinston; one son, Thomas Ray Hill and wife, Linda Fay, of Kinston; one sister, Katie Hill of Pink Hill; one brother, James W. Duff and wife, Evelyn, of Jacksonville, Fla.; six grandchildren, Greg Smith and wife, Sandy, of Deep Run, Johnny Smith and wife, Kim, of Deep Run, Ronda Cowley and husband, David, of Kinston, Frankie Hill and wife, Angie, of Kinston and Scottie Hill and wife, Treva, of Kinston; and seven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at the home of her daughter, 1629 Bland Howell Road, Kinston. Memorials may be made to Deep Run Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Bill Hawkins, 3556 Mark Smith Road, Deep Run, N.C. 28525. (Pd. Obit)

Genevera G. Kelly
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Genevera Mae Kelly, 88, died April 7 at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Kelly was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa and later lived in Michigan, Connecticut, North Carolina and Virginia. She was a Peninsula resident for 32 years and was a graduate of Siena Heights College in Adrian, Mich. Kelly was a dedicated educator and taught for 37 years in Michigan, North Carolina and Newport News before retiring from the profession. She loved teaching and touched the lives of hundreds of students over the years. Kelly was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Kelly, and a daughter, Jackelyn Mae Morris. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Weymouth Funeral Home chapel with pastor John Dooley officiating and Lawrence Hilgeman assisting. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Va. Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Hilgeman and Jean Glisson of Virginia Beach, Va. and Mary Kelly of Richmond, Va.; one son, Arthur K. Kelly of Richmond, Va.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Weymouth Funeral Home, Newport News, Va.(Pd. Obit)

Robert W. Barr
Robert Watson Barr, 85, of 2201 Hodges Road died April 7 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Barr was retired from the engineering department of DuPont after 40 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of Staunton, Va. National Guard, a member of Masonic Lodge No. 440 in Fort Madison, Iowa and member of Queen Street United Methodist Church. A private graveside service will be conducted Friday at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Va. with the Rev. Jeff Butcher of Cherryvail United Methodist Church in Staunton, Va. officiating. Survivors include his wife, Jean Good Barr of the home; one son, Robert F. Barr of Virginia Beach, Va.; one brother, Hugh C. Barr of Staunton, Va.; and one sister, Betty Wright of Staunton, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Lung Association, P.O. Box 1407, Greenville, N.C. 27834 or Queen Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 508, Kinston, N.C. 28502.

Friday April 10 Obituaries

Robert W. Barr
Robert Watson Barr, 85, of 2201 Hodges Road died April 7 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Barr was retired from the engineering department of DuPont after 40 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, a member of Staunton, Va. National Guard, a member of Masonic Lodge No. 440 in Fort Madison, Iowa and member of Queen Street United Methodist Church. A private graveside service will be conducted today at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Va. with the Rev. Jeff Butcher of Cherryvail United Methodist Church, Staunton, Va. officiating. Survivors include his wife, Jean Good Barr of the home; one son, Robert F. Barr of Virginia Beach, Va.; one brother, Hugh C. Barr of Staunton, Va.; and one sister, Betty Wright of Staunton, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Lung Association, P.O. Box 1407, Greenville, N.C. 27834 or Queen Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 508, Kinston, N.C. 28502. Local announcement by Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston.

Harriet F. Blizzard
PINK HILL -- Harriet Foyles Blizzard, 77, of 261 Watering Pond Road died April 8 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Blizzard was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Rex Blizzard and a brother, George Thomas Foyles Jr. She was a member of Turner Chapel Church. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pink Hill Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Gene Turner officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill. Survivors include three daughters, Dammie Guy and Rexine Moore, both of Pink Hill and Harriet Jo Cottle of Beulaville; two sisters, Mary Alice Hill and Adelphia Hughes, both of La Grange; four grandchildren, Cameron Cottle of Mount Olive, Jo Anne Cottle of Kinston, Rex Ellis Moore and Lauren Moore, both of Pink Hill. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. (Pd. Obit)

John R. Gardner
AYDEN -- John Richard Gardner, 88, of 9274 County Home Road died April 8 at his residence. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Haddock's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Haddock's Crossroads, Greenville. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Estate, Grifton. Survivors include his wife, Alice Gardner of the home; two daughters, Harriett Louise Gardner and Dorothy Mae Gardner, both of Grifton; four sons, Harvey J. Gardner of Farmville, James E. Gardner of Grifton, Roy L. Gardner and Donald R. Gardner, both of Ayden; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Poplar Hill, Grifton Route 1. Arrangements by Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.

Georgia W. Moore
FALKLAND -- Georgia Williams Moore, 78, died April 8 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Moore was a native of Hendersonville, moved to Tarboro in the early 1940s and lived in the Falkland community since 1947. She was a graduate of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte. She served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a lieutenant in the Nurse Corps. She was a member of Falkland Presbyterian Church and the Women of the Church. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wilkerson Funeral Home chapel in Greenville. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Survivors include one son, Amos L. "Bucky" Moore Jr. of Falkland; three brothers, Robert Williams, Tom Williams and Buddy Williams, all of Hendersonville; two sisters, Iris W. Thornton of Kinston and Mattie "Willie" Cummings of Rocky Mount; and one grandson. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Falkland Rescue Squad, P.O. Drawer AN, Falkland, N.C. 27827 or the Falkland Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 28, Falkland, N.C. 27827.

Cornelius E. Rayner Jr.
DEEP RUN -- Cornelius Eugene "Bucky" Rayner Jr., 68, of 2091 John Green Smith Road died April 9 at his residence. Rayner was a retired paving supervisor from Barrus Construction Company. Services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday at Pink Hill Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Mercer and the Rev. Adrian Grubbs officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Christine Taylor Rayner of the home; two daughters, Pamela Wiggs, and Ann Rayner Hardy and husband, Billy, of La Grange; one son, Michael Rayner of the home; one sister, Mary McAvoy of New Jersey; one brother, Jesse K. "Buddy" Rayner of Kinston; three grandchildren, Ashley Small of Wilson, Trey and Taylor Hardy, both of La Grange. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Greenville, 549 Moye Blvd., Greenville, N.C. 27834. (Pd. Obit)

Curtis F. Waters Sr.
ANDERSON, S.C. -- Curtis Franklin Waters Sr., 59, of 3634 Keys St. died April 7 at Dorn V.A. Medical Center in Columbia, S.C. Waters was born in Kinston, and worked in a grocery store, was a member of the Salvation Army for 50 years and participated for 26 years in active and reserve military services. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. today at Salvation Army Chapel with Maj. Al Smith and Capt. Mike Harmon officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his wife, Nancy McConnell; two sons, Curtis Waters Jr. and Matthew Waters, both of the home; two daughters, Susan Aldrich and Stephanie Price, both of Anderson, S.C.; one brother, Dewey Waters Jr. of Thomasville; two sisters, Barbara Foster of High Point and Sharon Hoffman of Kinston; two step-grandchildren; and eight grandchildren. The family will be at 3520 Wood Cove Trail.

Saturday Obits
 

John I. Sumner
PINK HILL -- John Ivey Sumner, 74, of 501 Leighton Road died April 9 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Sumner was a retired mechanic. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Pink Hill Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Paulette Griffin and the Rev. Proctor Marshall officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill. Survivors include his wife, Lettie Elizabeth "Tiny" Sumner of the home; one daughter, Carolyn Kelly of Snow Hill; five sons, Donnie Sumner of North Little Rock, Ark., Gary Wayne Sumner, Woodrow Sumner, John Edgar Sumner, and Sherrill Sumner, all of Pink Hill; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 8 to 10 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Elizabeth B. Wallace
NORFOLK, Va. -- Elizabeth Margaret Ballou Wallace, 73, of Norfolk, died April 5 while residing at Lafayette Villa Health Care facility in Norfolk. Wallace was born and reared in Boston. She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Lafayette Wallace, formerly of Smith Township, Pink Hill and her son, Stephen P. Wallace of Kinston. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace resided in the Smith Township area several years before making Norfolk their home. A private service was conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Princess Anne Memorial Park in Virginia. Survivors include three daughters, Maureen Turner, Audry Sprott, and Elizabeth Allen, all of Norfolk; three sons, Robert Wallace of Kinston, Kevin Wallace of Virginia Beach and Michael Wallace of Port Salenno, Fla.; 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Wallace Gibbs of Seven Springs. The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the American Lung Association in Greenville, North Carolina. (Pd. Obit)

April 12 Obituaries
 

Vera G. Prince
NEW BRAWFELS, Texas -- Vera Glenn Sparrow Prince, 70, of 3151 Fox Run Drive died April 8 in New Brawnfels, Texas. Prince was a member of the Noble's Chapel United Methodist Church. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home in Kinston with the Rev. Doug Woodworth officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include two daughters, Denise Prince Tunnel of New Brawnfels, Texas and Terry Prince Sorsby of Middletown, N.J.; a son Roddy Price of San Franscisco; sister Verona Sparrow Meeder of Columbia, Md; and seven grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home.

Hinton R. Turner
DEEP RUN -- Hinton Ruff Turner, 84, of 4614 Highway 11 South, died Friday at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. He was a member of Turner Chapel Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the Pink Hill Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harold Turner and the Rev. Glenn Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill. Survivors include wife, Mary Howard Turner of the home; one daughter, Elaine Turner Goff of Deep Run; three sons, Douglas Turner of Deep Run, Harold Glenn Turner of Jacksonville and Ronnie Earl Turner of Magnolia; three sisters, Alice Quinn of Blackstone, Va., Verdia Blizzard of Pink Hill, and Sadie Byrd of Deep Run; one brother, Tommie Turner of Pink Hill; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pink Hill Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to Turner Chapel Church in lieu of flowers.

Gladys S. Williams
Gladys S. Williams, 79, of 3-B Jack Roundtree Homes died April 8 at her home. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Mondayat the Faith Tabernacle Holy Church with Bishop S. D. Clemons officiating. Burial will follow at Southview. Survivors include husband James R. Williams of the home; four daughters, Mageline Johnson, of Hamden, Conn, Evangelist Jessie Wooten and Vernell Suggs of Kinston and Mattie Purnell of Philadelphia, Pa.; one sister, Mary Spruill of Goldsboro; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and two great, great-grandchildren. Swinson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jesse G. Cannon
AYDEN -- Jesse Glenn Cannon, 77, of 619 Park Avenue died Saturday at his home. Cannon was a member of Ayden First Christian Church. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was a retired farmer and Farm Insurance salesman. Services will be conducted on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Chapel Farmer Funeral Service in Ayden. Survivors include wife Lucille Cox Cannon of the home; one son, Jesse Glenn Cannon, Jr. of the home; and one brother, Shelton M. Cannon at Millersville, Md. Family will receive friends today from 7 to 8:30 pm. at the Farmer Funeral Service. Memorial may be given to Ayden Christian Church or Ayden Rescue Squad. (Pd. obit)

Mildred C. Reed
SILVER SPRINGS, Md. -- Mildred Colie Reed, 88, of Silver Springs, Md. died Friday. Services will be conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Fairfax, Va. Survivors include two sons, Michael Reed of Fairfax, Va. and Bobby Reed of Washington, D.C.; a brother, Harry Colie of Wilmington; and two sisters, Mary Colie Williams of La Grange and Vivian Colie Britt of Durham. Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro is handling local arrangements.

April 13 Obituaries

Fannie Lou Barrow
GRIFTON -- Fannie Lou Barrow, 90, of 624 Contentnea, died April 8 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Grifton Chapel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ Church. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grifton Chapel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ Church, with Vice Bishop Edward L. Pollock officiating. Burial will be at Live Oak FWB Church Cemetery, Grifton. Survivors include four daughters, Annie Mae Mabery, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Hattie B. Banks, of Mt. Vernon, N.Y.; Zadie B. Graves, of Newark, N.J.; Louise B. Short, of Long Branch, N.J.; five sons, James Morris, Billie Barrow, Edward Barrow, Roosevelt Barrow, all of Long Branch, N.J., and Arlester Barrow, of Berlin Md.

Margaret Bennett
KINSTON -- Margaret Bennett, of 317 Rhodes Ave., died April 12 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Mills Funeral Home, Inc.
 

Mildred Colie Reed
LA GRANGE-- Mildred Colie Reed, 88, of Silver Springs, Md., died April 10. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Fairfax, Va. Survivors include two sons, Michael Reed, of Fairfax, Va., and Bobby Reed, of Washington, DC; a brother, Harry Colie, of Wilmington; two sisters, Mary Colie Williams, of La Grange, and Vivian Colie Britt, of Durham. Arrangements made by Seymour Funeral Home, Goldsboro.
 

Ruth Grady Heath
GREENVILLE -- Ruth Grady Heath, 92, formerly of Wilmington, died April 11 in Greenville Villa Nursing Home. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include her two sons, Levy J. Heath, Jr., of Zebulon, and Cecil A. Heath, of Greenville; two sisters, Lottie Jean Simmons and Hazel King, both of Kinston; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Anne Jackson Lane
ROCKY POINT -- Anne Jackson Lane, 52, of 20 Goose Neck Road, Rocky Point, died April 12 at Pender Memorial Hospital, Burgaw. Visitation will be 7-8:30 p.m. today at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Northside Baptist Church, Wilmington, with the Rev. Kenneth Chinn officiating and the Rev Stan Jenkins. Burial will be in Sea Lawn Memorial Park, Hampstead. Survivors include her husband James K. "Jimmy" Lane, of the home; son Sherif Mostafa, of the home; mother Virginia Jackson Hill, of Kinston, step-father J. B. Hill, of Kinston; sister Jo Caulder, of Statesville. She was proceeded in death by her father, Jonah Theodore Jackson; and her daughter Pamela Jo Rouse.

Thomas Earl Robinson
AYDEN -- Thomas Earl Robinson, 72, died April 11 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. There will be a visitation from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Farmer Funeral Service, Ayden. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hancock Primitive Church Cemetery. Robinson, served in the Army during World War II. Survivors include his wife Shirley Sawyer Robinson, of Ayden; one sister Rena Lou Buck, of Winterville.

Tuesday April 14 Obituaries

Margaret Bennett
Margaret Bennett, 87, of 317 Rhodes Ave. Kinston, died April 12 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Emanuel Christian Church with the Rev. H.O. Simmons officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include one nephew, James R. Brooks Jr. of New Bern. The family will be at the home of Eunice Staten, 2003 Tower Hill Road. Arrangements by Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.

Shirley K. Cox
WINTERVILLE -- Shirley King Cox, 50, of 505 Maye Drive died April 12 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Homestead Memorial Gardens, Greenville. Survivors include her mother, Mary King of Winterville; her father, Arthur Lee King of Winterville; three daughters, Angela Cox Grimes of Greenville, Eunice Cox and LeKisha Cox, both of Winterville; one son, Kimber Cox of Greenville; two sisters, Pearlie Daniels of Winterville and Mildred Smith of Goldsboro; five brothers, Arthur King Jr. and Vidalia King, both of Winterville, Larry King and Randolph King, both of Ayden, Bernard King of Vanceboro; and four grandchildren. Calling hours from 7 to 8 p.m. today, family visitation and viewing from 6 to 9 p.m. at Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Greenville.

R.A. Cardenas
WINTERVILLE -- Master Gunnery Sgt. R.A. Cardenas, 70, died April 13 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Cardenas was retired from the U.S. Marines and served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Memorial services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Farmer Funeral Service chapel in Ayden. Survivors include his wife, Dean Butler Cardenas of the home; one brother, Rick Cardenas of California; two sisters, Becky Looney and Eve Padilla, both of California; three stepchildren, Leroy Jackson Jr. of Winterville, Deborah Parks of Lawrenceville, Ga. and Lisa Tripp of Farmville; and four grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Freedom Baptist Church, Ayden, N.C. or Winterville Rescue Squad.

Robert E. Creel Sr.
Robert Earl "Bobby" Creel Sr., 57, of 545 N.C. 11 South died April 11 at his residence. Creel was an auto mechanic and worked several years with Skinner's By-Pass Automotive. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Garner Funeral Home chapel in Kinston. Interment will follow in Westveiw Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include one son, Robert Earl "Bobby" Creel Jr. of Kinston; two daughters, Georgia Creel Stocks and Mary Creel Locklear, both of Kinston; one brother, Johnny Harrison of Swansboro; four sisters, Hazel Ham and Patricia Ann Bell, both of Kinston, Della Mae Jones of Raleigh and Christine Casey of Dover; and six grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at his residence.

Jerome Davis
Jerome Davis, 41, of 2204 Rouse Road died April 10 at his residence. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at New Birth Holiness Church with Eldress Virginia Dixon officiating. Interment will follow in Parrott Cemetery, La Grange. Survivors include two daughters, Jermicey Moore of Kinston and Jaleria Joyner of La Grange; one sister, Annie Haddock of Kinston; six brothers, Jessie Davis of Kinston, James Davis of Washington, Alton Davis of La Grange, Roscoe Davis, David Lee Davis and Otto Davis, all of Kinston. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.

Michael S. Dunn
Michael Sean Dunn, 21, of 804 Candlewood Drive died April 10 in Richmond, Va. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Grainger Chapel Church of Christ with Elder R. Earl Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Southview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include his mother, Alliene Dunn of Kinston; his father, Lenwood Earl Dunn of Kinston; one daughter, Shondrea' Uzzell of Kinston; one sister, Kimberly D. Dunn of Kinston; one brother, Lynwood Earl Dunn of Kinston. Arrangements by Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.

Regina W. Mercer
BEULAVILLE -- Regina White Mercer, 44, died April 12 at Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Community Funeral Home chapel in Beulaville. Interment will follow in Gresham Cemetery, Kenansville. Survivors include her husband, Russell L. Mercer of Beulaville; two daughters, Melissa Renee Westring and Kalee Aileen Mercer, both of Beulaville; her parents, Earl and Beatrice White of Beulaville; two brothers, Jammie White of Chinquapin and Allen White of Radford, Va. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Vera S. Prince
Vera Glenn Sparrow Prince, 70 of 3151 Fox Run Drive Kinston, died April 8 in New Brawnfels, Texas. Prince was a member of Noble's Chapel United Methodist Church. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Doug Woodworth officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include two daughters, Denise Prince Tunnel of New Brawnfels, Texas and Terry Prince Sorsby of Middletown, N.J.; one son, Roddy Prince of San Francisco one sister, Verona Sparrow Meeder of Columbia, Md.; and seven grandchildren.

Glendora W. Sharpless
Glendora Woods Sharpless, 87, of 317 Rhodes Ave. died April 10 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Missionary Baptist Church, 304 S. East St. Kinston with the Rev. W.K. Raynor officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. The family will receive friends at 1207 Morningside Drive. Viewing will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Lane's Funeral Home in Kinston.

Wednesday April 15 Obituaries

Virgil A. Byrd Sr.
Virgil Allen Byrd Sr., 71, of 1632 U.S. 258 North died April 14. Byrd was a member of Richard Caswell Lodge, Scottish Rite, Sudan Temple, Lenoir County Shrine Club and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. He was also retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston with the Rev. Jack Watson officiating. Survivors include his wife, Audrey D. Byrd of the home; two sons, Virgil A. Byrd Jr. and wife, Gena of Kinston and Dr. Vernon D. Byrd and wife, Karen of Concord; one sister, Gertrude Hamilton of Kinston; and three grandchildren, Caroline Byrd, Kathryn Byrd and Nathan Byrd. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home in Kinston. (Pd. Obit)

Nellie G. Cockrell
KENLY -- Nellie Godwin Cockrell, 84, died April 14. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Bethany Baptist Church near Kenly. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Survivors include one son, Donald Cockrell of Lumberton; one daughter, Mavis Pope of Kinston; one sister, Alice Creech of Suffolk, Va.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma.

Alene J. Casey
Alene Jackson Casey, 76, of 404 W. Atlantic Ave. died April 14. Casey was a homemaker and member of First Baptist Church. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Pinelawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Aubrey Jones officiating. Survivors include her husband, Henry Clay Casey of the home; one son, Henry Clay Casey Jr. and wife Sue, of Durham; one daughter, Anita Jackson Cook and husband Pete, of Lake Gaston, Va.; her brothers, A.G. Jackson Jr. and wife, Margaret of Hillsborough, Gene Jackson and wife, Melba, Kenneth Jackson and wife, Janet, and Don Jackson and wife, Gertrude, all of Kinston; her sisters, Doris J. Broadway and husband, Bill, Inez Emory and Geraldine Emory, all of Kinston; granddaughters, Tina Gallatin and husband, Jeff, Christy Davis and husband, Phillip, Patty Woffard and husband, Dennis, Michelle King and husband, Michael and Melissa Hudson; great-grandchildren, Dillon, Cody, Abbie, Randy, Jessica and Bryant. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the home. Garner Funeral Home in Kinston is in charge of arrangements. (Pd. Obit)

Fred Loftin Jr.
DENVER -- Fred Loftin Jr., 77, died April 10 in Denver. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver. Survivors include one daughter, Kay Loftin of Denver; one son, Keith Loftin of Denver; one sister, Agnes Loftin Tilley of Kinston; two brothers, Clennie Loftin of Denver and Henry Loftin of Trenton. All Veterans Funeral Home in Colorado has arrangements. Local announcement by Mills Funeral Home in Kinston.

Ernestine Parker
GRIFTON -- Ernestine Parker, 44, of 720 West Contentnea Drive died April 12 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Rouse Chapel Free Will Baptist Church with Elder Jesse Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Greenville. Survivors include one daughter, Krystal Parker Harper of Grifton; one son, Travis Parker of Grifton; three sisters, Elizabeth Dixon of Grifton, Susie Mae Shaw of Tarboro and Catherine Reid of Wilmington; three brothers, Thomas Reid of Richmond, Va. James Reid of Weldon and Otis Reid of Tarboro; and one grandchild. Calling hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.

Glendora W. Sharpless
Glendora Woods Sharpless, 87, of 317 Rhodes Ave. died April 10 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. today at First Missionary Baptist Church, 304 S. East St. Kinston, with the Rev. W.K. Raynor officiating. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include one sister, Annie Smith of Kinston. The family is receiving friends at 1207 Morningside Drive. Viewing was from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Lane's Funeral Home in Kinston.

Alma H. Stilley
NEWPORT -- Alma Howard Stilley, 84, of 3383 Railroad Blvd. died April 14. Stilley was a member of Chinquapin Chapel Christian Church. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. George Earl Pike officiating. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include Kenneth F. Points of Lancaster, S.C., James "Jim" M. Ferrell, Della F. McCain, and Mona S. Boyette, all of Newport, Brient Stilley and Greg Stilley, both of Goldsboro, Sandra F. Lindner of Great Falls, S.C., Carol F. Tyndall of Comfort; 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at the home of Joyce Ferrell, 214 Roberts Road, Newport, and also at the home of Carol Tyndall, Comfort.

Thursday April 16 Obituaries

James F. Barwick
James Frederick "Freddie" Barwick, 42, of 108 W. Capitola Ave. died April 14 at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Wilson. Barwick was a police officer at Caswell Center where he had worked for seven years, and was a sergeant with the Kinston Police Department for 13 years. He was an usher, deacon, member of the Homecoming Committee and the Building and Grounds Committee of the First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Maj. Frederick Barwick; his father-in-law, Vance P. Lee, and a special aunt, Grace Carter. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church on Rouse Road with the Rev. Dr. Aubrey Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Jan Lee Barwick of the home; his mother, Susan H. Barwick of Kinston; his mother-in-law, Olene W. Lee of Kinston; two sons, Jonathan Michael Barwick and Jordan Lee Barwick, both of the home; his daughter, Jessica Grace Barwick of the home. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, "Together We Build" or the Youth Group. (Pd. Obit)

Myrtle C. Braxton
AYDEN -- Myrtle Casey Braxton, 80, died April 15 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Braxton was a member of Ayden United Methodist Church. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Ayden Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Charles Robin Braxton of the home; four daughters, Kay B. Chalk of Greensboro, Patricia B. Joyner of Burlington, Deborah B. Loehr of Augusta, Ga. and Robin B. Edwards of Washington; one sister, Edna C. Gray of Buxton; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Farmer Funeral Service chapel in Ayden.

Carl Brown Sr.
AYDEN -- Carl Brown Sr., 79, of 704 S. Lee St. died April 15 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Arrangements are incomplete at Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.

Alene J. Casey

Alene Jackson Casey, 76, of 404 W. Atlantic Ave. died April 14. Casey was a homemaker and member of First Baptist Church. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Pinelawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Aubrey Jones officiating. Survivors include her husband, Henry Clay Casey of the home; one son, Henry Clay Casey Jr. and wife Sue, of Durham; one daughter, Anita Jackson Cook and husband Pete, of Lake Gaston, Va.; her brothers, A.G. Jackson Jr. and wife, Margaret of Hillsborough, Gene Jackson and wife, Melba, Kenneth Jackson and wife, Janet, and Don Jackson and wife, Gertrude, all of Kinston; her sisters, Doris J. Broadway and husband, Bill, Inez Emory and Geraldine Emory, all of Kinston; granddaughters, Tina Gallatin and husband, Jeff, Christy Davis and husband, Phillip, Patty Woffard and husband, Dennis, Michelle King and husband, Michael and Melissa Hudson; great-grandchildren, Dillon, Cody, Abbie, Randy, Jessica and Bryant; and a special companion, Becky Thomas. The family received friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Garner Funeral Home chapel in Kinston. (Pd. Obit)

Jan B. Edwards
GREENVILLE -- Jan Baldwin Edwards, 43, died April 14 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Edwards was employed by Adams and Longino Advertising as print production manager. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Winterville Cemetery. Survivors include one daughter, Jessica Lynn Edwards of the home; father and stepmother, Benjamin and Willie Mae Baldwin of Elizabeth City; one brother, Gary Baldwin of Palo Alto, Calif.; one sister, Susan Long of Milpita, Calif.; one stepsister, Brenda White of Elizabeth City; one stepbrother, Alan Ward of Elizabeth City. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Farmer Funeral Service chapel in Ayden. The family will be at the home of Mary S. Edwards, 3738 N.C. 903 South Winterville. Memorials may be made to the church of your choice or American Cancer Society.

Mary L. Hardee
WINTERVILLE -- Mary Frances Lang Hardee, 72, died April 14 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Hardee was a member of Winterville Free Will Baptist Church, Willing Workers Sunday School class, Women's Auxiliary, Senior Citizens Club Emmauel Free Will Baptist Church, Sun Shine Club, Ayden, DAV Chapter 37 Greenville and Ladies Auxiliary VFW Winterville. She was retired from Brody's Clothing Store. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Farmer Funeral Service chapel in Ayden. Interment will follow in Ayden Cemetery. Survivors include one son, Billy Hardee of Wilmington; two sisters, Joyce Philyan of Kinston and Irene Sutton of Ayden; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral service chapel.

Stephen C. Mills
Dr. Stephen Clifton Mills, 48, of Youngsville died April 10 at his residence. Mills was employed with P.S.I. Computer Software Company in Wake Forest. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifton E. Mills. Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Gordon Street Christian Church with Dr. Randy Spaugh officiating. Survivors include his mother, Lorena D. Mills of Kinston; one daughter, Chloe P. Mills of Ithaca, N.Y.; one brother, Cleveland Dawson Mills of Carbondale, Colo.; two sisters, Trudy Mills of Tucson, Ariz. and Claire Mills of Garner. Memorials may be made to the N.C. Diabetes Association Inc., 2315A Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, N.C. 27801. Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home in Kinston. (Pd. Obit)

Dock Rouse
MORRISVILLE -- Dock Rouse, 75, died April 12 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Shilow Baptist Church in Morrisville. Interment will follow in Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Marie L. Rouse of Boston; three sisters, Hattie Lawson of Kinston, Bertie Rouse of La Grange and Bernice Phillips of Long Island, N.Y. Local announcement courtesy of Lane's Funeral Home in Kinston.

Garland L. Sykes
Garland Larry Sykes, 81, of 830 Elijah Sykes Road died April 15 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Sykes was a retired farmer, veteran of World War II and member of Southwood Memorial Christian Church. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Edwards Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Dexter Wasson officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Ketchside Sykes of the home; two daughters, Gloria S. Wainright of Tuscarora, and Frances S. Rouse of Seven Springs; one stepson, Joe Harrell of Faith; three stepdaughters, Faith Whitley and Susan Matthews, both of Kinston and Debbie Murphy of Pink Hill; one brother, Amos J. Sykes of Kinston; three sisters, Coradell Franks of Elon College, Ruth Piaski and Irene Haggell, both of Kinston; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Southwood Memorial Christian Church Building Fund, N.C. 58 South, Kinston, N.C. 28501.

Bertha R. Tyson
Bertha Rouse Tyson, 77, of 208 E. Highland Ave. died April 15 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Lane's Funeral Home in Kinston.

Friday April 17 Obituaries

Edna R. Bell
Edna Ruth Melton Bell, 64, of Kinston Route 5, Box 147 died April 15 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. Bell was a homemaker, and worked for over 20 years as a machine operator with J & R Shirt Factory. She was a member of Daly's Chapel Church. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Garner Funeral Home chapel in Kinston with the Rev. Tony McLamb officiating. Interment will follow in the Jarman-Brinson family cemetery, Highway 24 in Richlands. Survivors include her husband, Edward L. Bell of the home; two sons, Dewey Earl Bell of Kinston and Tracy Allen Bell of Newport; one daughter, Peggy B. Stalls of Snow Hill; one brother, Ernest Melton of Kinston; one sister, Annette Ward of Kinston; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Carl S. Brown
AYDEN -- Carl S. Brown, 79, of 704 S. Lee St. died April 15 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Brown was a World War II veteran. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church with Elder J.L. Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Ayden Cemetery, Ayden. Survivors include one son, Carl S. Brown Jr. of New Rochelle, N.Y.; two sisters, Anna Wilson and Lois Newton, both of Jacksonville; one brother, Fred Wilson of Bronx, N.Y.; and four grandchildren. Calling hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Norcott & Company Funeral Home in Ayden.

Annie B. Daniels
WINTERVILLE -- Annie Bell Daniels, 66, of 509 Boyd St. died April 15 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Daniels was a native of Pitt County where she attended the county schools. She was a member of Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church and served on the Mother Board. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Winterville with Dr. W.H. Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Grifton. Survivors include her husband, Roy L. Daniels of the home; one daughter, Debra Neal of Winterville; two sons, Rodney Daniels of Greenville and Tony Hines of Grifton; three sisters, Lillie M. Waller, Lina Green and Shirley Smith, all of Winterville; and three grandchildren. Viewing will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell's Funeral Home in Winterville.

Robert B. Dawson
GRIFTON -- Robert Bynum Dawson, 73, of 5057 Tickbite Road died April 15. Dawson was a retired master sergeant of the U. S. Air Force. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include four daughters, Carolyn Kaye Reynolds and Vivian Lea Dawson, both of Riverview, Fla. and Karla Ruth Dawson and Mary Ruth Mahon Dawson, both of Grifton; four sons, Robert Mallory Dawson of Grifton, William Clarence Dawson of Alaska, James Calvin Dawson of Las Vegas, Nev. and Paul Joseph Dawson of Mount Olive; three sisters, Janie Fields of Goldsboro, Hilda Gardner of Kinston and Ella Lou Jones of Chattanooga, Tenn.; one brother, Thomas Ray Dawson of Dudley; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Verna S. Jenkins
GOLDSBORO -- Verna Smith Jenkins, 77, of 2710 Langston Drive, Apartment D-41 died April 15. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kinston with Bishop Grant Jones officiating. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, Farmville. Survivors include four daughters, Mary Ann Gregg of Salt Lake City, Utah, Glenda Mae Henderson of Raleigh, Brenda Carol Brown of Tarboro and Janice Loraine Grant of Goldsboro; three sons, Bobby C. Jenkins Sr. of Kinston, Herman Jenkins Jr. of Farmville and Michael Ray Jenkins of El Paso, Texas; four sisters, Gertie Sutton of Pinehurst, Evelyn Dawson of Kinston, Helen Etheridge of Wilson and Faye Loftin of Omaha, Neb.; 25 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Howard-Carter & Stroud Funeral Home chapel in Kinston.

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. Saturday at Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial Chapel in Kinston with the Rev. William Waters officiating. Interment will follow in Southview Cemetery, Kinston. Survivors include his wife, Addie Lawson of Kinston; one daughter, Grace Jordan 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, Myrtle Wardworth, both of Edenton and Irene Ammons of Maryland; 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Swinson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley R. Murphy
FAYETTEVILLE -- Shirley Lee "Lizzie" Robinson Murphy, 60, of Route 1 Box 462D died April 13 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Murphy was the administrator for the Pope Air Force Base Child Development Center. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Gardner's Chapel AME Zion Church with the Rev. Ander L. Wright officiating. Interment will follow at Murphy cemetery in Wade. Survivors include her husband, retired Chief Master Sgt. U.S. Air Force George D. Murphy of the home; one daughter, Pamela Sutton Green of Savannah, Ga.; one son, retired U. S. Air Force Maj. Andre J. Murphy of Alexandria, Va.; four sisters, Ruth Evans of Wilmington, Alease Gilbert of Fayetteville, Josephine Murphy and Marie White, both of Takoma Park, Md.; one brother, William James Robinson Jr. of Fayetteville; and four grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Wiseman Mortuary, Fayetteville.

Robert E. Ward Jr.
ROSE HILL -- Robert Edward Ward Jr., 76, of 533 Wards Road, Rose Hill, died Thursday, April 16, 1998, after an extended illness. Mr. Ward, a member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, was born in Rose Hill on October 14, 1921 to the late Robert Edward Ward Sr. and Lela Johnson Ward of Rose Hill. Surviving Mr. Ward are his wife, Mollie Melvin Ward, of the home; seven children: Lela Ward Floyd and husband, Frank, of Cary, Robert Edward Ward III and wife, Sue, of Rose Hill, Raymond Melvin Ward and wife, Fran, of Pink Hill, Sylvia Ward Bowman and husband, Eddie, of Wallace, Merry Carol Ward of Raleigh, Wade Hampton Ward and wife, Cam, 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. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 1998 at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Harrells Cemetery. Rev. Brown Patton and Dr. Walter Hartmann will officiate. Visitation will be from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 1998 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church of Rose Hill, N.C. or Duplin Home Health and Hospice. A Community Funeral Home of Rose Hill service. (Pd. Obit)

Curtis W. Witherington
GRIFTON -- Curtis Windfield Witherington, 84, died April 15 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Witherington was a member of Riverside Christian Church where he served as a deacon for many years and retired as an elder. He was retired owner and operator of Witherington General Store. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Emma Duncan Witherington of the home; one son, Curtis Tyrone Witherington of Tampa, Fla.; one daughter, Eleanor Ann Dean of Denver; one sister, Margaret Stokes of Grifton; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Farmer Funeral Service in Ayden. Memorials may be given to: Ronald McDonald House, 549 Moye Blvd, Greenville, N.C. 27834 or Riverside Christian Church c/o Lindsay Taylor, 404 N.E. College St., Ayden, N.C. 28513.