WHITEVILLE -- Margaret Farrior Thompson, 97, died Feb. 26, 2006 at Scotland Memorial Hospital in Laurinburg.

Mrs. Thompson was the widow of the late Leslie S. Thompson, publisher of The News Reporter, and the mother of the late Carolyn Thompson High.

Survivors include grandson Leslie Thompson High of Whiteville, editor of The News Reporter, and his wife Rebecca Nix High, and granddaughter Stuart High Nance of Charlotte and her husband David Howard Nance.

She is also survived by son-in-law James C. High, publisher of The News Reporter, and four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Haynes Nance and Parker Thayer Nance of Charlotte, and Carolyn Nix High and Margaret Stuart High of Whiteville.

Mrs. Thompson was born in Rose Hill on July 22, 1908. Her father, Edward Farrior, operated a lumber mill. He died when Margaret was 5 following a fire at the mill. Her mother, Mortie Shaw Farrior, took a job as a telephone company operator and supervisor and raised Margaret and her brother Neil.

Mrs. Thompson later married Leslie S. Thompson, who purchased The News Reporter in 1938. She assumed the role of a newspaperman’s wife, assisting her husband at the paper and providing support during trying times, such as when the family received threats and the newspaper was the subject of boycotts during coverage of local Ku Klux Klan activities. The paper won the Pulitzer Prize in 1954 for its reporting of the Klan.

She was active in her beloved church, Whiteville United Methodist Church, which was a focal point in her life. She served in many capacities in the church, where she taught Sunday school and served on the Board of Stewards, among many other duties. She was also active in the United Methodist Women, serving on the local and district level. She was active in the Whiteville Garden Club and in state garden club activities, was a Girl Scout leader and served on the UNC School of Journalism Foundation board.

Mrs. Thompson, known by many as “Maggie,” was physically active until she was stricken by a sudden illness at Scotia Village, a retirement home in Laurinburg, on Feb. 20. She read extensively and could carry on interesting conversations about a wide range of topics from sports to national events.

She took a great interest in the activities of her great-grandchildren, of whom she was very proud and supportive.

Many people noted that Maggie was the epitome of a Southern lady – a friend to many and the needy, kind and gracious, prim and proper yet strong, church-going with a deep faith in Jesus Christ, and an unfailing devotion to her family.

Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Whiteville United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Benson officiating, along with the Rev. Daniel Jones, her nephew and an associate Methodist minister from Wilson.

Internment will follow at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be tonight, Feb. 27, at McKenzie Mortuary from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Pallbearers are Edwin and David Floyd of Cary, Charles Floyd of Fairmont, Emerson Thompson III of Charlotte, and John Brad Thompson and Leslie Thompson of Lumberton.

Memorials may be made to Whiteville United Methodist Church, 902 Pinckney Street, Whiteville, N.C. 28472.

 

EMILY MERCER

WHITEVILLE – Emily Mercer, 85, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2006. Arrangements will be announced by Peacocks Funeral Home.

 

MARGARET L. WILLIS

WHITEVILLE – Margaret L. Willis, 51, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006. Arrangements will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville.

  

A. LINDBURGH KING SR.
Veteran and builder

ASH – Augusta Lindburgh King Sr., 71, died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 in Columbus Regional Healthcare. He was born in Brunswick County, June 22, 1934 the son of the late V. Bailey and Ivey Babson King.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from his occupation as a builder.

Final rites were held Saturday, Feb. 25 at New Britton Baptist Church by the Reverends Sterling Sarvis and Ralph Gore. Interment followed in the King Family Cemetery. Peacocks Funeral Home of Whiteville handled the arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Dutton King; four sons, Michael Jeffery King and wife, Lynn of Holden Beach, Marshall D. “Tab” King and wife, Debbie, A.L. King Jr. and wife, Faith, R. Evan King and wife, Rachel, all of Ash; two daughters, Edna King Dowless and husband, Tim of Whiteville; Sonya King Peacock and husband, Dr. Don Peacock of Whiteville; a sister, Jeanette King McPherson of Ash; six brothers, Victor Thomas King, Harris Lee King, Ronald E. King, Richard Ryan King, Ted Allen King, all of Ash, and Will Davis King of Clarendon; 16 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Serving as active pallbearers were Jerome Walker, Roland “Boo” Patterson, Ryan King, Kyle Watts, Tommy King, John King, Terry King, and David King. Honorary pallbearers were Bennie King, Dudley King, Dwight Babson, Kenneth Babson, Kevin King, and Bill Stevens.

 Memorials may be made to New Britton Baptist Church, 5249 Long Ridge Dr. NW, Ash, N.C. 28420.

 

LEE BERTHA FREEMAN

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Lee Bertha Freeman, 48, formerly of Bolton, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mildred Freeman of Bolton.

Arrangements will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville.

 

WOODUS W. PIGOTT

TABOR CITY – Woodus Wilton Pigott, 77, died Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 at Lake Waccamaw Senior Living. He was born in Columbus County, the son of the late John and Mollie Andrews Pigott.

Graveside service was held Saturday, Feb. 25 at Old Zion Cemetery at Tabor City conducted by the Rev. Billy Roy. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City handled the arrangements.

He is survived by a sister, Pearline Slade of Wilmington.

 

GLADYS G. NOBLES
Homemaker

GREEN SEA, S.C. -- Gladys Grainger Grainger Nobles, age 81, of Church Road passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at Loris Community Hospital following an illness.

Nobles was born Dec. 22, 1924 in Horry County a daughter of the late Bruce Grainger and the late Ethel Wise Grainger. She was a homemaker and a member of Carolina Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husband: Allard Grainger, a brother: Claude Grainger, a sister: Frances Stanley, and a granddaughter: Tonya LaDean Grainger.

Graveside services were held Sunday, Feb. 26 from the Carolina Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Billy Winburn officiating. Ward Funeral Home of Loris handled the arrangements.

Survivors include three sons: Edward Donald Grainger and a good friend Jenny Buffkin of Green Sea; Ronald Lewis Grainger and his wife Patricia Ann of Tabor City, and Bruce Wayne Grainger and his wife Ella Dean of Whiteville; three daughters: Norma Lee Grainger, Juanita Jordan, and Sandra Watts and her husband Ronnie all of Tabor City; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.

 

DANIEL RAEFORD HINSON SR.
Businessman, farmer, owned The Dan Hinson
Insurance Agency, veteran, and politician

Daniel Raeford Hinson Sr. was the second son born to Dow Hinson and Retha Gore Hinson. He was born on Aug. 31, 1931 in the Bethel community of Columbus County, and 29 years later his only daughter was born on the same date, Aug. 31, 1960.

He graduated from Williams Township School and then he joined the United States Air Force. He served four years and two of those were in Alaska, which at that time was a foreign land. He returned home and engaged in farming with his father. He became a very successful farmer, and he owned the Dan Hinson Insurance Agency for about 40 years.

When he was a young man he became a Christian and was raised in the Bethel Methodist  Church. Later in life he joined the Missionary Baptist Faith. He always said that the important thing in life was to love God and our fellow man.

In 1954 he was discharged from the Air Force, came home, and met and married his wife: the former Elma Lorraine Long. She is the daughter of the late Roy and Estalene Long. This past Nov. 5 they were married 50 years. Due to his health they had a small celebration with their family.

Services were held Saturday, Feb. 25, from the Bethel United  Methodist Church. Burial followed at the Wright Family Cemetery. Ward Funeral Home of Loris handled the arrangements.

He is survived by his wife: Lorraine Long Hinson of the home; a son: Daniel Raeford Hinson, Jr. and his wife Penny of Tabor City; a daughter: Myra Daye Hinson of Tabor City; two brothers: Joseph Delmus Hinson and his wife Frances of Kinston, and Elton R. Hinson and his wife Shirley of Winchester, Va.; five grandchildren: Dannielle S. Hinson and Laura Starr Hinson, both of Irmo, S.C., Davy Lovette and his wife Kimberly, Patrick D. Lovette and his wife Tracy, Justin Lovette and friend Randel Christian, all of Tabor City; three great-grand children: Skyla Delayne Lovette, Allison Marie Lovette, and Taegan Wallis Lovette; two nephews: Joseph Delmus Hinson Jr. and Jeffrey Gore Hinson; three brothers-in-law: David Leroy Long and his wife Allene, Ronald Wilson Long and his wife Sonya, and John Long and his wife Brenda.

Active pallbearers were Nicky Gross, Nathan Ridgeway, Barry Todd, Jimmy Gore, Lavelle Coleman, Kim Todd and Jeffrey Hinson. Honorary pallbearers were Laverne Spivey, Tom Gore, Bill Gore, Edward Singletary, Vernon Gurganus, H.B. Todd, Clarence Willoughby, C.W. Todd, and J. L. Hall.

The family would like to thank Advantage Hospice, Dr. Richard Fleming, Kelly Reeves, “His Bradley,” Rodney, Amy, Summer, and all of the team.

Memorials may be made to Advantage Hospice and for dementia and cancer research. We thank all of our friends for your love, caring, and always being there for us.

           

DEWITTE “D.W.” SMITH
Veteran, salesman,
sportsman, farmer, and deacon

CHARLOTTE – Dewitte “D.W.” Smith, 89, went home to be with his Lord on Friday morning, Feb. 24, 2006.

He was born on June 21, 1916 in Chadbourn moving to Charlotte in 2001. Smith was in the first graduating class of Raleigh’s Needham Broughton High School in 1932 and then attended Wake Forest College. He was employed by the United States Navy in 1941 and survived the Pearl Harbor attack. He married Annie Lawrence Lewis in 1942 prior to enlisting in the Navy where he served in the South Pacific during World War II for three years.

He was a member of Chadbourn Baptist Church where he taught a boy’s Sunday school class for many years and served as a lifetime deacon. After working most of his life as a tobacco farmer, he was employed as a salesman for Williamson Volkswagen in Lumberton, the 10 years prior to his retirement in 1982. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying quail hunting, fishing, boating and raising his bird dogs.

Smith also loved the competitive sports of tennis and golf and is credited with three holes-in-one at the Land-O-Lakes Golf Course in Whiteville. He always had a wonderful vegetable garden and was often seen around Chadbourn making “deliveries” to friends. “D.W.” will be remembered for his warm personality and his willingness to help anyone he could.

Services were held Monday, Feb. 27 at Chadbourn Baptist Church. The Reverends Sean Roberds and Jay Perez officiated. Burial followed at Chadbourn Cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn handled the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Annie Lawrence Smith of Charlotte; a daughter, Hannah S. Modrell and son-in-law, Walt Modrell of Charlotte; his three grandchildren, Charles D. Waters and wife Katie Pawluk of Brooklyn, N.Y., Caroline Perez and husband, Rev. Jay Perez of Florence, S.C., Melissa Fenn and husband, Gordon Fenn of Manteo; two great-grandchildren, Hannah Moriah Perez and Felix Alexander Waters; and his sister-in-law, Margaret Peal of Morehead City.

Pallbearers were Paul Blake, Bill Hanning, Walt Modrell, Buddy Peal, John Peal, and Charles Waters.

 

MASON D. STEWART

WHITEVILLE – Mason Dewayne Stewart, infant son of Jeffrey and Abby McLean Stewart of Chadbourn was born and died on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at Columbus Regional Healthcare.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 at the graveside at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery by the Rev. Willard McPherson. Peacocks Funeral Home handling the arrangements.

He is survived by his parents; paternal grandparents, Robert and Patricia Stewart of Hallsboro; maternal grandparents, James and Connie McLean of Chadbourn; maternal great-grandmother, Jeanette Lee Callihan of Whiteville.

Memorials may be made to the Hallsboro Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 8, Hallsboro, N.C. 28442.

The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stewart, 251 Hallsboro Rd. N., Hallsboro.

 

DALLAS M. LEARY
Secretary

WHITEVILLE – Dallas Pearl Marshburn Leary, 77, died Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at John Randolph Medical Center in Hopewell, Va. She was born in Onslow County the daughter of the late Berry and Sadie Coston Marshburn.

She was a secretary at the Columbus County Bus Garage for almost 20 years.

Final rites will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 at Worthington Funeral Home with the Reverends Danny Lewis and David Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in Columbus Memorial Park in Whiteville. Worthington Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

She is survived by a daughter, Jan Bowers of Hopewell, Va.; four sons, Jimmy Horne of Chadbourn, Randy Horne of Whiteville, Norman Horne of Ash, and Dicky Leary of Greenwood, S.C.; three brothers, Kenneth Marshburn of Jacksonville, Ronnie Marshburn of Richlands, and Emory Marshburn of Wilmington; four sisters, Zelma Davis of Richlands, Elnita Hoffman of Richlands, Carolyn Shepard of Jacksonville, and Sharon Turner of Richlands; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

 

DENNIS RAY LOWERY

TABOR CITY – Dennis Ray Lowery Sr., 56, died Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at his residence. He was born in Brunswick County on Feb. 3, 1949, a son of Laura Inman Lowery of Whiteville and the late James Craven Lowery.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Ash by the Rev. David Todd. Brunswick Funeral Service of Shallotte is handling the arrangements.

Surviving are sons, Dennis Ray Lowery Jr. of Ash, Kevin G. Lowery of Tabor City, Kristopher Shawn Lowery of Grissettown, Henry B. Lowery and James A. Lowery, both of Rock Hall, Md.; daughters, Heather Faith King of Ash and Santana Gayle Lowery of Rock Hall, Md.; brothers, Frankie Lowery of Tabor City, Robert Lowery and Ronnie Lowery, both of Whiteville; a sister, Doris L. Davis of Elizabethtown; and four grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, P.O. Box 279, Ash, N.C. 28420.

 

SHIRLEY GASS

LAKE WACCAMAW – Shirley Gass died Monday, Feb. 27, 2006 at her residence.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McKenzie Funeral Home in Whiteville.

 

GEORGE F. BECKER
CPA and veteran

WHITEVILLE – George Franklin Becker, 84, died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006 at his home.

Becker was the son of the late George Francis Becker and Odessa Bordeaux. He was a retired CPA and was a veteran of the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of Whiteville First Presbyterian Church and was a former member of the Lions Club and the American Legion.

Final rites will be held at the graveside Monday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at Delco Cemetery with the Rev. Josh Bower officiating.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Burns Becker of Whiteville; a daughter, Geraldine B. White of Newman, Ga.; a son, George Franklin Jr. of Chadbourn; a sister, Ernestine Kennedy of Austell, Ga., and one grandchild, Jared David Cox of Marietta, Ga.

Memorials may be made to the Whiteville First Presbyterian Church.