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Previous Obits and Back issues

January 2008

OBITUARIES

as of January 18, 2008

WANDA WILLIS

CLARKTON -- Wanda Willis, 51, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare.

Arrangements will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville.

ALFRED NEIL EPPS

CLARKTON -- Alfred Neil Epps, 55, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center in Wilmington.

Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Sandhill Missionary Baptist Church in Bladenboro.

Survivors include sons, Alfred Neil Epps Jr. of Asbury, Mo. and Carson Johnson of Chadbourn; a daughter, Clarinda Epps of Carl Junction, Mo.; sisters, Minnie Williams and Bessie Southern, both of Whiteville, Elouise Huckaby of Bristol, Conn., and Louise Epps of Greensboro; brothers, John Epps Jr. of Bolton, Henry Epps of Paterson, N.J., Frederick Epps of Clarkton, and Angelo Epps of Bennettsville, S.C.

Friends may visit the family at the home of Bessie Southern, 64 McDonald Lane in Whiteville.

BETTY ANN BRISSON

BLADENBORO -- Betty Ann Brisson, 60, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Bladen County Hospital in Elizabethtown. He was predeceased by his parents, Fletcher and Edith Russ.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Singletary United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Johnny Guyton officiating. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband, Howard Brisson Jr. of the home; a stepson, Billy Brisson of Bladenboro; two daughters, Melissa Parish of Tar Heel and Laura Annette Cain of Dublin; a stepdaughter, Anna West of the home; a brother, Sandy White of Dublin, a sister, Brenda Mathews of Greenville; four grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the funeral home.

BRUCE McDONALD SPIVEY

TABOR CITY -- Bruce McDonald Spivey, 85, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, at Loris Community Hospital in Loris, S.C. He was born in Columbus County, the son of the late Cannie Albert Spivey and Dosia Wright Spivey. He as a United States Navy veteran of World War II.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Inman Funeral Home Chapel in Tabor City with Reverends Russell Long and Tony Larrimore officiating. Burial will follow in the Spivey Cemetery in Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor Cty is handling the arrangements.

He is survived by two daughters, Wendy Sarvis of Conway, S.C., Emily Simmons of Leland; two sons, Byron Dale Spivey of Tabor City, Darryl Spivey of Westchester, Ill.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 Friday, Jan. 18, at the funeral home.

ROSA BELL CLARIDA

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Rosa Bell Clarida, 76, formerly of Nakina, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, in Brooklyn.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Zion Plain Missionary Baptist Church in Nakina with Rev. Gordon Griffen officiating. Burial will follow in the Clarida Family Cemetery in Nakina. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include a sister, Reather Key of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Friends may visit the family at the home of Retha Key, 779 S.P. Long Road in Nakina.

Viewing will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon. Viewing will be at the church Saturday following the service.

DAVON LABAR SMITH

WHITEVILLE -- Davon Labar Smith, 24, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at SunBridge Care and Rehabilitation in Elizabethtown.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Peoples Funeral Chapel in Whiteville. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include his sons, Nysheem Lason Troy, Zahan LaVar Smith, and Davon LaBar Smith Jr., all of Whiteville; his mother, Sandra Smith of Whiteville; his father, Otis Smith of Paterson, N.J.; a sister, Katrina Greene of Whiteville; his maternal grandmother, Lola Smith of Paterson, N.J.

Viewing will be held at the funeral home Saturday following the service.

MAE BUTLER LEWIS

DUBLIN -- Mae Butler Lewis, 82, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at the Carroll S. Robeson Hospice Center of Fayetteville. She was predeceased by a daughter, Judy Harrison; and two brothers, Creston Butler and Ezra Butler.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Bladen Funeral Home with Reverends Jerry and Hazel Smith officiating. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown handled the arrangements.

Survivors include a daughter, Janice Mae Lewis; four brothers, Harvey, Hoover, Alvin and Lee Butler, all of Bladenboro; two sisters, Nora and Artie Smith of Bladenboro; three grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

WILLIAM GAVON JOHNSON

CLARKTON -- William Gavor Johnson, infant son of Johnny W. Johnson Jr. and Daphne LeeAnn Horne, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, on the day of his birth in Bladen County Hospital.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Myrtle Green Cemetery in Tabor City with Rev. Roger Small officiating. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines is handling the arrangements.

He is survived by his parents; a brother, Tyler King of Clarkton; a sister, Autumn King of Clarkton; maternal grandparents, Roger and Susan Mitchell Horne of Clarkton; paternal grandparents, Johnn W. Johnson Sr. of Clarendon and Maurnice Johnson-Soles of Tabor City; paternal great-grandmother, Dorothy C. Duncan of Tabor City; an uncle, Chad Horne and wife, Kim of Whiteville; an aunt, Angela M. Johnson of Clarendon.

BENJAMIN TERRY ‘STORMY’ STORMS

CLARKTON -- Benjamin Terry “Stormy” Storms, 47, of the Western Prong community, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at Western Prong Baptist Church with Reverends Warren Hill, Ronnie Wilson and Pastor Lucy Young officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn is handling the arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Addie Jacobs Storms of the home; a daughter, Crystal Faye Storms of the home; his parents, Bennie Lee and Doris Cartrette Storms of Clarkton; and a sister, Debbie S. Dorsey of Whiteville.

Visition will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the funeral home.

GERTRUDE GANN

WHITEVILLE -- Gertrude Gann, 91, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare. She was born in Little Rock, Ark, the daughter of the late Lee and Nora Friend Kinney and was the widow of Rhuble Herl Gann.

Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Inman Funeral Home Chapel with Brothers Philip Norwood and Neil Floyd officiating. Burial will follow in the McPherson Cemetery in Chadbourn. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.

She is survived by two grandsons.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the funeral home.

WILLIAM HERBERT ‘PETE’ ANDREWS

RIEGELWOOD -- William Herbert “Pete” Andrews, 69, of the Armour community, died Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice. He was the son of the late William Herbert Andrews Sr. and Vinetta Graham Andrews.

Andrews was a graduate of Armour High School and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was formerly employed with Corning Glass Works of Wilmington. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church. He was preacher’s steward and chairman of the trustee board.

Final rites will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at East Columbus High School with Rev. Donald R. Mapson officiating. Burial will follow in the Brown Cemetery of Riegelwood. Adkins-Drain Funeral Home of Wilmington is handling the arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Andrews; his child-ren, Ora Branch and Le- Mont Andrews; brothers, Curtis Andrews, Earl Andrws, Robert Andrews, Joseph High, and Charles High; sisters, Naomi Graham, Annie Buie, and Rosetta Coley; and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church of Riegelwood.

CARLENE SMITH FULTON

LUMBERTON -- Carlene Smith Fulton, 71, formerly of Whiteville, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Southeastern General Hospital in Lumberton. She was the daughter of the late John Henry and Mae Olar Smith. She was predeceased by a son, Flex Lloyd.

Final rites will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at Central Baptist Church with Pastor Montel McClinnahan officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hebron Memorial Gardens in Hallsboro. Colvin Funeral Home of Lumberton is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include four sons, Allen Ray Smith of the home; Doneal Fulton of Whiteville, John Fulton of Lumberton, and Gunnery Sgt. Randy Fulton of San Diego, Calif; four daughters, Alfredia Green of Bladenboro, SaVon Maultsby of Lumberton, Odessa Washington of Whiteville, Stacey Johnson of Ft. Lee, Va.; 19 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, seven god-children, three god-sisters.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the church on Friday, Jan. 18 and a wake will be held from 7-8 p.m.

MORRIS REECE CAIN

BLADENBORO -- Morris Reece Cain, 79, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Cape Fear Valley Health System in Fayetteville.

Cain was employed with A&P for 14-years and was retired from Monsanto after 20-years of service.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Suggs Grove Baptist Church in White Oak with the Reverends Warren Hill and Donald Keith Carter officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Bunce Cain; two sons, Carlton Cain of Bladenboro and Roger Cain of Salemburg; two daughters, Emily Barbour of White Oak and Paula Gallagher of Rockfish; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons, Jerry and Jeffrey Cain; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at the funeral home.

MAYDEE POWELL

LORIS, S.C. -- Maydee Powell, 82, of the Dogwood community, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, at Loris Extended Care. She was born in Horry County, S.C., the daughter of the late John James Powell and Julia Glendoria Stevens Powell.

Final rites will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Dogwood Hill Baptist Church with Reverends Alvin Jackson and Billy Prince officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.

She is survived by a sister, Pensalee P. Harrelson of the home.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

MADISON ‘MAD CAT’ RABON

BLADENBORO -- Madison “Mad Cat” Rabon, 16, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Madison was a 10th grader at West Bladen High School. He loved to hunt, fish, loved all sports, and he loved the young ladies.

Final rites will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Living Springs Church with Rev. Jerry Green officiating. Burial will follow in Bladen Memorial Gardens. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements.

Madison is survived by his parents, Robert and Samantha Rabon of the home; two brothers, Robert J. Rabon and Elliot Rabon, both of the home; a sister, Teresa M. Rabon of Bladenboro; paternal grandparents, Roy Lee and Evelyn Todd of Bladenboro; and maternal grandparents, James and Peggy Hester of Bladenboro; a great-grandmother, Lena Callahan of Elizabethtown; and a niece, Nevaeh Johnson of Bladenboro.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.bladenfuneralhome.com.

HORACE FURNEY BOWEN

BLADENBORO -- Horace Furney Bowen, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare. He was the son of the late Pearl and Emma Bowen, and predeceased by a sister, Esther Hester, and a brother, P.M. “Buddy” Bowen.

Bowen was employed with several different funeral services for many years. He worked for Lewis Funeral Home of Bladenboro and Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bladenboro.

Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at First Baptist Church of Bladenboro with Dr. Russell Cherry officiating. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Cemetery. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Bowen; two sons, Joey Bowen and Rick Bowen, both of Bladenboro; two daughters, Donna Crutchfield of Greenville, and Laura Allbright of Bladenboro; a brother, E.C. Bowen of Bladenboro; a sister, Juanita Rhodes of Binghamton, N.Y.; and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the church.

MATTIE ‘SUDIE’ WALKER NEALEY

WHITEVILLE -- Mattie “Sudie” M. Walker Nealey, 63, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Loris Healthcare in Loris, S.C. She was the daughter of the late Chancey H. and Lula Mae Westbrook Walker and the widow of Eddie B. Nealey.

Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn with Rev. Jonathan Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in the Walker Family Cemetery in Whiteville. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn is handling the arrangements.

She is survived by her daughter, Lorena Nealey Graham of Tabor City; two sons, Greg Nealey and William Jeffrey Nealey, both of Whiteville; five sisters, Ethel Marie Aylesworth of Mountain Home, Ark., Alice W. Romig of Kennesaw, Ga., Jane W. Romig and Rebecca W. Brzozowski, both of Orlando, Fla., and Miriam W. Tedder of Shallotte; two brothers, Harvey Paul Walker of Chadbourn, and James C. “Buddy” Walker of Goose Creek, S.C.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the funeral home.

MYRTLE HINSON SELLERS

CHADBOURN -- Myrtle Hinson Sellers, 95, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Liberty Commons Nursing in Whiteville. She was the widow of Troy Sellers and the daughter of the late Mel and Julie Hinson. She was preceded in death by two sons, Samuel Sellers and Jack Sellers.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn.

She is survived by six daughters, Mona Faye Lanier of Chadbourn, Mary “Cecil” Cribb and Betty Cartrette, both of Whiteville, Mavie Lee Legg of Rock Hill, S.C., Carolyn Conner of Cerro Gordo, and Mahala Hayes of Whiteville; two sons, Troy Daniel Sellers of Riegelwood and John Sellers of Chadbourn; a stepson, O’Brian Sellers of Leesburg, Fla.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

JACK CLINTON  GASTER JR.

ROCKWELL -- Coach Jack Clinton Gaster Jr., 59, died Friday, Jan. 11, 2008, at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte following complications from a stroke.

Born Oct. 25, 1948 in Durham, he was the son of Jack Clinton Gaster Sr. and the late Dorothy Johnson Gaster. He was a graduate of Durham High School in 1967, received both his bachelors degree and masters of art from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and certification in supervision and administration from NC A&T.

Coach Gaster was a high school teacher and coach from 1977 until he retired in 2004 with stints at West Columbus, Smithfield-Selma, Lexington, and Albemarle. He amassed a total football record of 230-72-3.

His achievements include three NCHSAA state football championships, 16 conference championships, 12 coach of the year honors and selection to coach in both the Shrine Bowl and the N.C. All-Star Game.

A memorial service will be held at Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church in Cerro Gordo on Jan. 19, 2008.

He is survived by his wife H.K.; two sons, Guy of Baton Rouge, La., and Travis of Broadway; his father, Jack Sr.; and a brother, Randolph.

Memorials may be made to a high school athletic department of the donor’s choice or to Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church, c/o Vivian Williamson, 5582 Braswell Road, Cerro Gordo, N.C. 28430.

MARY ALICE WILLIAMS

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Mary Alice Williams died on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, in the Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Final rites will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. Frank Bell Funeral Home of New York is handling the arrangements and D&A Funeral Service of Chadbourn is announcing for the family.

Survivors include four sons, Robert Moulterie, Lamont, Tony and Richard Williams; six daughters, Tenessia Hayes of Chadbourn, Veronica, Shavon, Valerie, Shaneema and Christa Williams, all of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sisters, seven brothers, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

ALVIN LEE EDGE SR.

CHARLOTTE -- Alvin Lee Edge Sr., 61, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at his home.

Final rites were held Saturday, Jan. 12, at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Fair Bluff with the Reverends Harper and Thomas Nelson officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. S&L Funeral Home of Fair Bluff handled the arrangements.

Survivors include three sons, Alvin Lee Edge Jr., Terry Williams, and Allen Washington; six daughters, Carleen Bennett, Mabel Haley, Cinquetta Edge, Bridget Edge, Velvet Edge, and Megan Williams; five brothers, Calvin Edge, Alfonza Edge, Herbert Edge, Willie Edge, and Wayne Edge; three stepdaughters, Edith Graham, Deborah Cobbs, and Mona Cherry; three sisters, Avella Bessent, Joanna Vereen, and Mary Etta Dossie; 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

EMILY FLORENCE BEAUFORD

CHADBOURN -- Emily Florence Beauford, 91, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare.

Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Zion Wall Freewill Baptist Church with Elder Ricky Mason officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Moriah Memorial Gardens. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include a sister, Aleese Brown of Chadbourn.

Viewing will be at the church Monday one hour prior to the service and again following the service.

The family may visit the family at the home of Aleese Brown, 412 West Holland Street in Chadbourn.

ALLANE SMITH CLARIDA

NAKINA -- Allane Smith Clarida, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, at her residence.

Final rites were held Sunday, Jan. 13, at Zion Plain Missionary Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Clarida Family Cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville handled the arrangements.

Survivors include three daughters, Mary M. Teebenny of Brooklyn, N.Y., Lucy B. Clarida of Nakina, and Louise Stroud of New Carrollton, Md.; and two sons, Willie Clarida of Nakina, and Clifton Clarida of Arizona.

DAVON LABAR SMITH

WHITEVILLE -- Davon Labar Smith, 24, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at SunBridge Care and Rehabilitation of Elizabethtown.

Arrangements will be announced by Peoples Funearl Home of Whiteville.

JACK RIEL

WHITE LAKE -- Jack Riel, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at Bladen County Hospital.

Final rites will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church with burial following in the Elizabethtown City Cemetery. Kinlaw Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Justyn Riel of the home; two sons, Deal Riel of Hope Mills and Tom Riel of White Lake; and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at the funeral home.

SHARON ANN HEFFLER SELLERS

WHITEVILLE -- Sharon Ann Heffler Sellers, 62, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare. She was the daughter of the late Albert Kenneth and Thelma Mae Bloom Heffler.

Final rites were held Sunday, Jan. 13, at Ward’s Station Church of God with Reverends Gary Heffler, Andy Johnson, and Billy Garner officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn handled the arrangements.

Survivors include two daughters, Terry L. Sellers of Raleigh and Deborah Ann White of Whiteville; two sons, Hartford T. Sellers Jr. and Rex B. Sellers, both of Whiteville; two sisters, Norma Jean Pitts of Abingdon, Md. and Janet Green of Brandon, Fla.; three brothers, Benjamin Heffler and Kenny Heffler, both of Baltimore, Md. and Rev. Gary Heffler of Brunswick, Md.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

MATTIE ROSETTA GRAINGER

GREEN SEA, S.C. -- Mattie Rosetta Grainger, 96, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at Loris Community Hospital. She was the widow of Dwight “Toonie” Grainger. She was born in Horry County, S.C., the daughter of the late Jessie Cornelia Roberts and Julia Margaret Brown Roberts.

Final rites were held Saturday, Jan. 12, at Carolina Baptist Church with the Reverends Freddie Garner, Billy Winburn and Preston Grimsley. Burial followed in the Carolina Cemetery in Green Sea, S.C. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City handled the arrangements

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She is survived by a son, Dwight Grainger of Sumter, S.C.; four daughters, Fonnie Watts of Holden Beach, Margaret Hake of Conway, S.C., Gerata Strickland of Nichols, S.C., Shelby Jernigan of Roanoke, Va.; 15 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Gwendolyn Grainger; a son, Jessie D. Grainger; a sister, Blanche Floyd; three brothers, Alton Roberts, Leneaue Roberts, and H.R. Roberts; and a grandson.