Gregg was the son of the late Carl Stephen Gregg and Mary Horrell and was preceded in death by his wife, Jonnie Rae Simmons Gregg. He was a merchant marine.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27 at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. William Rice officiating. McKenzie Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include two sons, Stephen Gregg of Bolton, and Jeff Gregg of Raleigh; a daughter, Suzanne Gregg of Bolton; and a sister, Juanita Blair of Charleston, S.C.; and four grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Building Fund, P.O. Box 636 Whiteville, N.C. 28472.

 

GRACIE S. HAYES
Homemaker

LEXINGTON – Gracie Strickland Hayes, 89, died Thursday, March 23, 2006 at Lexington Health Care. She was born May 11, 1916 in Columbus County, the daughter of Mack Strickland and Ora Mae Tuberville Strickland and was the widow of Clyde Johnson Hayes. She was preceded in death by a sister, Myrtle Stout.

Hayes was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Final rites were held Sunday, March 26 at Davidson Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverends Terry Coats and James Messer residing. Burial followed in Lexington City Cemetery. Davidson Funeral Home of Lexington handled the arrangements.

Survivors include eight sons, C.J. Hayes, Ronnie Clyde Hayes, Harry Lee Hayes, Jerry Hayes, Tommy Hayes, John Davis Hayes, James Hayes, all of Lexington; and L.C. Hayes of Winston-Salem; two daughters, Judy Roseberry and Darlene Hedrick, both of Lexington; a sister, Elsie Small of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; 32 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Davidson County, P.O. Box 1941, Lexington, N.C. 27293.

 

VERNON JUNE WHITTINGTON

WHITEVILLE – Vernon June Whittington, 66, died Thursday, March 23, 2006 in Duke Medical Center, Durham. He was born June 20, 1939 in Columbus County, the son of Louise Hyatt Whittington of Whiteville and the late Gary Calhoun Whittington.

He served for 20 years in management with the A&P Company as well as several other grocery chains until retirement. He was a member of Glory Tabernacle and served on the Porter Ministry.

Final rites were held Saturday, March 25 at Glory Tabernacle by Pastor Clark Whittington and the Rev. Malcolm Whittington. Interment followed in Peacock’s Columbus Memorial Park. Peacocks Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Ila Jacobs Whittington; two sons, Clark Whittington and wife, Brenda of Whiteville, Paul Whittington and wife, Tounya of Kernersville; a daughter, Lisa Grainger and husband, Dan of Whiteville; his mother, Louise Whittington of Whiteville; four brothers, Rev. Malcolm Whittington of Taveras, Fla., Joey Whittington, Larry Whittington, and Gary Lee Whittington, all of Whiteville; two sisters, Judy McPherson and Lillian Williamson, both of Whiteville; six grandchildren, Ross, Austin, Cohen, and O’Neil Whittington, Roman and Taylor Grainger. He was preceded in death by a sister, Matha McPherson.

Serving as pallbearers were Wayne Hammonds, Randy Hester, T.J. McDowell, Wendell Noble, Spencer Solomon and Duwane Tyner.

 

ALENE S. JOHNSON

TABOR CITY – Alene Stackhouse Johnson, 82, died Monday, March 20, 2006 at the Loris Community Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Boyd and Addie Stackhouse.

Final rites were held Saturday, March 25 at Mitchell Sea Missionary Baptist Church in Green Sea, S.C. with the Rev. Vanzie L. Vereen delivering the eulogy. Burial followed in the Hill Chapel Cemetery. Westside Funeral Home of Tabor City handled the arrangements.

Survivors include her five children, Curtis Johnson, Clyde Johnson, Shirley Shaw, Bonnie Green, and Carolyn Green.

 

SARAH R. DEW

DELCO – Sarah Elizabeth Russ Dew passed away at home. She was born in Columbus County on June 2, 1915, the eldest daughter of John Franklin and Mamie Vander Byrd Russ. She was the widow of the Rev. James L. Dew.

She was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn Reaves, and a brother, John Franklin Russ Jr.

Final rites were held Sunday, March 26 at the First Baptist Church of Delco where she was a long time member. Burial followed at Delco Cemetery. Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service handled the arrangements.

She is survived by her children, Faye Dew Smith of Wilmington, Sylvia Dew Bordeaux of Delco, James L. Dew Jr. of Yerington, N.J., and Robert Eugene Dew of Wilmington; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

 

 

KEVIN S. TYLER

CHADBOURN – Kevin Samuel Tyler, 28, died Friday, March 24, 2006. He was the son of the late Leon “Pete” Tyler.

Final rites were held Sunday, March 26 at Beaverdam Original Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Jackie Godwin officiating. Interment followed in the McPherson Cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn handled the arrangements.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Gwen C. and James N. McKeithan of Chadbourn; fiancée, Miranda Rochelle Cox of Chadbourn; two brothers, Phillip Tyler of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Joseph “Joe” D. Tyler of Chadbourn.

 

STEVEN DALE WRIGHT

OCEAN ISLE BEACH – Steven Dale Wright, 47, died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at his residence after a lengthen illness.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27 at Hardee-Benton Cemetery in the Pireway community of Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Zetta Vann of Ocean Isle; two daughters, Crystal Williams of Augusta, Ga., and Megan Wright of Ramsey, N.J., a son, Jim Vann of Ocean Isle; a step-daughter, Elaine Plemmons and step-son, Jim Vann of Ocean Isle; and his mother, Illa Wright of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; two brothers, Charles Wright and Stan Wright, both of Millers Creek; and a grandson.

He was predeceased by his father, Morrison Wright.

 

VICTORIA M. HINSON

FAIR BLUFF – Victoria Meares Hinson, 90, died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at Liberty Commons in Whiteville.

Hinson was born in Columbus County, the daughter of the late Byron and Ella Meares. She was a member of Hinson’s Crossroads Baptist Church, and the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dempsey Hinson.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27 at Meares Funeral Home in Fair Bluff with the Rev. Fred Senter officiating. Burial will follow in the Meares Cemetery. Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff  is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include a son, Jack D. Hinson of Raleigh; three daughters, Vernon Hinson Hall of Lake Waccamaw, Nell Hinson Lovett of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Elaine Hinson Rogers and her husband Clarence of Clemson, S.C.; two sisters, Rosie Meares Morris and Margaret Meares, both of Fair Bluff; nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Fair Bluff Rescue, P.O. Box 645, Fair Bluff, N.C. 28439.

You may sign the guest book online at www.mearesfuneralhome.com

 

YVONNE LANCASTER SHELLEY
Homemaker

TABOR CITY – Yvonne Shelley, 77, died on Friday, March 24, 2006 at McLeod Hospital in Florence, S.C. after a short illness.

Shelley was the daughter of the late Alfred Edward and Mary Buffkin Lancaster. Her aunt, Adella Lancaster, raised her and her cousin, Rudolph Lancaster. She was predeceased by a daughter, Donna Cheryl Shelley.

As a member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church, she sang in the choir, served as a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the Women’s Missionary Union. She as a homemaker, an avid reader, and enjoyed working outdoors in her flowers and garden.

Final rites were held at Cherry Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, March 26 with the Rev. Josh Phillips officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City handled the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Clyde Lewis Shelley of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, James Edward “Jimmy” and wife, Pamela Shelley of Nichols, S.C. and a daughter and son-in-law, Deidre and husband, Sonnie Graham, of Green Sea, S.C.; a brother, Joseph Hampton Lancaster of Green Sea, S.C.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Wilhemenia and Duvall Suggs of Green Sea, S.C., Enid and Willard McFayden of Ellerbe, Freida and Bobby Harrelson of Gastonia; a brother-in-law, Dayton Shelley of Green Sea, S.C.; two sisters-in-law, Ordet Shelley of Marion, S.C. and Lois Johnson of Green Sea, S.C.; a brother-in-law, Shelton Shelley and wife, Betty June of Green Sea, S.C.; grandchildren, Clyde Douglas Wrenn of Raleigh, Larissa Adams and husband, Bryan of Lumberton, Shanda Strickland and husband, Benji of Fair Bluff, Rachel Tefertiller and husband, Richard, of Florence, S.C., Shelley Todd and husband, Jeremy, of Loris, S.C.; Jessica Graham of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Stacey Graham of Green Sea, S.C.; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Seth Adams, Jacob and Ethan Strickland, Jet and Tessa Tefertiller, all of Florence, S.C.

Pallbearers were Winston Coleman, Ron Herring, Darrell Suggs, Steven Suggs, Jody Lancaster, and Greg Huggins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 9833 Swamp Fox Hwy. W, Cerro Gordo, N.C. 24830.

 

ANNIE LAWRENCE LEWIS SMITH
Retired school teacher

CHARLOTTE – Annie Lawrence Lewis Smith, 87, went home to be with her Lord on March 22, 2006. She was born in Chadbourn on Nov. 4, 1918 to John Charles Lewis and Annie Louise Swails Lewis as their youngest of seven daughters and one son.

In 1940 she graduated Cum Laude from Coker College in Hartsville, S.C. She married DeWitte Smith in 1942 at Chadbourn Baptist Church.

Smith taught English, French and world history for 38 years in Columbus County Schools, including high schools in Fair Bluff, Cerro Gordo, Evergreen, Chadbourn and her last years before retirement at West Columbus High School in Cerro Gordo. She will be remembered by her students and co-workers as a conscientious, dedicated and caring teacher who loved her subject matter and her students.

She was a member of Chadbourn Baptist Church and taught Sunday school there during her working years. Her family was very important to her. She had many fond memories of family gatherings at her home in her early years and later when she married and lived at her home place at 415 Railroad Avenue. In 2001, she and her husband moved to a private care facility in Charlotte.

Final rites were held at Chadbourn Baptist Church on Saturday, March 26 with the Rev. C.F. McDowell officiating. Burial follow at the Chadbourn Cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn handled the arrangements.

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

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Sardis Oaks in Charlotte and the support staff from Hospice at Charlotte for their loving and compassionate care of both her and her husband and their immediate family during their recent illnesses. Mr. Smith preceded his wife in death on Feb. 24, 2006. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28204 or at www. hospiceatcharlotte.org.

 

JOHN KELLY GORE
Veteran

OLD DOCK -- John Kelly Gore, 81, a World War II veteran, died Sunday, March 26, 2006, at his home.

John was born on April 8, 1924, to Percy C. and Dora Register Gore, who preceded him in death along with two brothers: William Cardell Gore and Ernest Lee Gore who were also World War II veterans.

During World War II, John was a Sergeant in the United States Army Air Force serving in the Pacific Theater.   He was Senior Vice Commander of the Nakina VFW Post #6066 and President of the Old Dock Hunting Club for many years. He also served on the Boards of Directors for both the Old Dock Cypress Creek Fire Department and Old Dock Community Center. His most prized title was historian of the Old Dock United Methodist Church, which he held for more than 50 years.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Ezzell Gore, beloved sister Hattie Gore Long and brother-in-law Lawson Long, one daughter, Debby Gore of Holden Beach, two sons, Richard Gore (Karen) and Calvin Gore of Old Dock, three beautiful and loving granddaughters, Mandy Long (Larry), Lyndsey Gore and Cody Soots, one great-granddaughter, Jasmin Long, as well as numerous close family members and friends.

Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, March 28th, at Old Dock United Methodist  Church from 6-9 p.m.  The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 29th, at 3 p.m. with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, VFW Post #6066, Old Dock Cypress Creek Volunteer Fire Department, or the charity of your choice. McKenzie Mortuary of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.

 

ROBERT EUGENE
‘BOBBY’ SESSIONS

WHITEVILLE – Robert Eugene “Bobby” Sessions, 77, died Sunday, March 26, 2006 at his residence. He was the son of the late Absalom Hearst “Red” Sessions and Frances Elizabeth High Sessions.

Sessions was a farmer and and a co-business owner of Sessions

Ford Tractor Inc. for 35 years. He was a territory farm equipment manager for North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia from 1967-1984. He served in the United States Army in the 3^rd Infantry Division in the Korean War.

In Sessions community and civic activities he served in the following capacities: Board of Directors of Carolina Equipment Dealers Association, chairman and member of Cape Fear Farm Credit Board of Directors, chairman of a five member Statutory Reorganization Committee of the third Farm Credit District, president of Columbus County Farm Bureau Members, Board of Directors of Farm Bureau Federation, R Flake Shaw Scholarship Committee, Nominating Committee for Executive Officers, past commander American Legion Post 137, Post 137 Athletic Office, Past District II Baseball Commissioner, N.C. American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame, past member Agricultural Advisory Council, former member of Columbus County commissioners, former member of Columbus County Board of Education, Columbus Board of Election, chairman for 15 years, PTA president, chairman of Hallsboro High School Reunion Committee.

He was a member of Peace United Methodist Church serving as adult Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, certified lay speaker. Sessions graduated from Hallsboro High School in 1945, and from N.C. State University in 1949.

Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 29 at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Delma Cribb officiating with burial following in the Columbus Memorial Park. McKenzie Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Hattie Merle Hardee Sessions of Whiteville; two daughters, June S. Harper of Lauderdale by the Sea, Fla. and Cynthia S. Hansen of Whiteville; two sons, Gene Sessions of Ocean Isle and Bobby Sessions of Raleigh; a brother, James R. “Speed” Sessions of Whiteville; four grandchildren, Julianne Hollingsworth of Asheville, Morgan Harper of Atlanta, Ga., Caroline Brickhouse of Raleigh, and John Brickhouse of Charleston, S.C.; great-grandchildren, Sierra Shell and Anna Holcombe of Asheville.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 28 at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m.

 

CARL McP. HINSON

CHADBOURN – Carl McPherson Hinson, 75, died Sunday, March 26, 2006 at his residence.

Arrangements will be announced by Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City.