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Previous Obits and Back issues
January 2008
OBITUARIES
as of
January 10, 2007
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 will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Ward’s Station Church of God with Reverends Gary Heffler and Andy Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn is handling 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 of Baltimore, Md., Kenny Heffler of Baltimore, Md. and Rev. Gary Heffler of Brunswick, Md.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 at the funeral home.
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 funeral home on Sunday, Jan. 13 from 3-7 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until noon. 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 will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Zion Plain Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Clarida Family Cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling 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.
Viewing will be at the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 12 from noon until 7 p.m. Viewing will be at the church Sunday following the service.
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 will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Carolina Baptist Church with the Reverends Freddie Garner, Billy Winburn and Preston Grimsley. Burial will follow in the Carolina Cemetery in Green Sea, S.C. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.
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.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11 at the funeral home.
ELSIE ALLEN VUKOVICH SMITH
LUMBERTON -- Elsie Allen Vukovich Smith, 66, died on Jan. 8, 2008, after her battle with cancer to be with the Lord our Saviour in Heaven. We are at peace knowing that she is now pain free and in God’s presence. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Allen. Smith had worked at the BB&T processing center in Whiteville.
Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at Zion Hill Baptist Church with Reverends Worth Gerald and Josh Lancaster officiating. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton. Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc. in Lumberton is handling the arrangements.
She is survived by her mother, Ruby Allen; her loving husband, George Smith who stayed by her side and cared for her; her son, Roger Vukovich and his wife, Gwendolyn; her daughter, Valerie Fackler-Blake and her husband, Ted; her daughter, Mary Anne Vukovich-Peterson and her husband, Michael; six grandchildren, Vanessa and Craig Vukovich, Brittney and Christopher Fackler, Mikayla and Allen Peterson; two brothers, Samuel and Donald Allen; and a sister, Robbie Shan Allen.
The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 at the funeral home.
PEGGY JORDAN KIDDER
FRANKLIN, MAINE -- Peggy Jordan Kidder, 78, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at her residence. She was born on July 8, 1928 the daughter of the late Rod and Grace Jordan of Whiteville.
No arrangements have been made at this time.
She is survived by two daughters, Rebecca J. Golden of Franklin, Maine and Karen Ash; and a grandchild.
LAURA INEZ HAMMOND
CERRO GORDO -- Laura Inez Hammond, 81, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare. She was born in Toombs County, Ga., a daughter of the late Collier and Crissie Rustin Hammond. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie E. Hammond; a brother, Franklin Erron Hammond; two sisters, Beatric Hammond and Willie H. Evans; and a half brother, Charles Eddie Hammond.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Hinson’s Crossroads Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Swaringen officiating. Burial will follow in the Hammond Cemetery. Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include six sons, Dane Hammond and his wife Helen, Dale Hammond and his wife Janet, Warren Hammond and his wife Joyce, Harold Hammond and Allen Hammond, all of Cerro Gordo, and Ferrell Hammond of Fair Bluff; 11 grandsons, four granddaughters and 11 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 121 West Main Street, Whiteville, N.C. 28472.
You may sign the guest book online at www.mearesfuneralhome.com.
KIRBY AARON BLAKE
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.- Kirby Aaron Blake, 83, formerly of Lumberton, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008. He was born Sept. 26, 1924 in Columbus County, the son of the late Asa Blake and Blanche Ward Blake. He was married to the late Trtudy Watts Blake.
Blake attended the Greensboro School of Watch Making and was a certified watchmaker. He later was co-owner of Columbus Supply Wholesale Plumbing and Electrical. He was also owner and operator of the Victory Motel in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed putting crickets on a fishing hook. He often called himself, “The Carolina Cork Watcher.”
Blake was a former member of First Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach and First Baptist in Lumberton, as well as a current member of Maple Baptist Church in Conway, S.C.
Final rites were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines with the Rev. Gary Reeves officiating. Burial followed in Peacock’s Columbus Memorial Park. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines handled the arrangements.
Survivors include his son, Ricky D. Blake and wife Pam of Conway, S.C.; and a godchild, Trudy Eaves Stegal.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Garcie Blake of Chadbourn, Vester Blake, Lee Blake, A.V. Blake, all of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Arthur Blake and Dennis McK ee, both of Whiteville; sisters, Gladys Danford, and Pluma Johnson, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Olivia White, Ila Mae Benton, and Iva Boswell, all of Whiteville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Baptist Church, 4500 Highway 65, Conway, S.C. 29526.
SUSAN G. BARRETT
CHADBOURN --Susan G. Barrett, 52, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.
Final rites will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Friendship Baptist Church in Whiteville with Rev. Algermon McKenzie officiating. Burial will follow in Belvue Cemetery in Chadbourn. S&L and Goodwill Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include her mother, Katherine Jones of Chadbourn; three brothers, Billy Jones of Chadbourn, David Powell of Lumberton, and Dennis Jones of New York; seven sisters, Bobbie Burroughs and Linda Bellamy, both of Tabor City, Barbara Bellamy of Chadbourn, Willie Mae Menser of Hallsboro, Annie Mae Menser and Faye Jones, both of Fayetteville, and Doris Jones of Lumberton.
Visitation will be held from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the funeral home.
Family will receive friends at the home of Katherine Jones residence in Chadbourn.
KEONTA DONDEAGO TYRE HICKMAN COX
CHADBOURN -- Keonta Dondeago Tyre Hickman Cox, 11, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at the home.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at Great Grace Non-Denominational Church in Tabor City with Bishop Anthony Gerald officiating. Burial will follow in Columbus County Singing Union Cemetery at Tabor City. S&L and Goodwill Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include his mother, Angela Michelle Hickman; grandmother, Brenda Hickman Hemingway; his father, Morris Lee Cox; a sister, Breanna Hickman; brothers, Daniel Bennett and Antonio Hickman.
Visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the church.
Family will receive friends at 110 Queen St., Tabor City.
MOESHIA ALEYIA HICKMAN
CHADBOURN -- Moeshia Aleyiaa Hickman, 7, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at the home.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at Great Grace Non-Denominational Church in Tabor City with Bishop Anthony Gerald officiating. Burial will follow in Columbus County Singing Union Cemetery at Tabor City. S&L and Goodwill Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include her mother, Angela Michelle Hickman; her grandmother, Brenda Hickman Hemingway; a sister, Breanna Hickman, brothers, Daniel Bennett and Antonio Hickman. She was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Bennett.
Visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the church.
Family will receive friends at 110 Queen St., Tabor City.
JACQUELYN BELLAMY
HALLSBORO -- Jacquelyn Bellamy, 53, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. She was a veteran of the United States Army and supervisor at Columbus County Department of Social Services.
Final rites will be held at noon Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Mt. Hebron AME Zion Church with Rev. Maria Lacewell officiating. Burial will follow in the Hallsboro Memorial Park. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include sons, Bryan Bellamy and Patrick McCormick, both of Hallsboro; her mother, Alene Bellamy of the home; a sister, Phyllis Lee of District Heights, Md.; brothers, Wilbert Lee Bellamy of Washington, D.C. Beverly Donnell Bellamy of Norfolk, Va., Timothy Bellamy of Greensboro, Charles Howard and James Bracey, both of Whiteville
.
Viewing will be held from noon until 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 and on Wednesday from 9-10 a.m. Viewing will be at the church Wednesday one hour prior to the service, and there will be no viewing after the service.
MIRIAM KELLIHAN EDWARDS
FAIR BLUFF -- Miriam Kellihan Edwards, wife of the late George Owen Edwards, passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Marion County Medical Center in Mullins, S.C.
Miriam was born June 8, 1916 in Cerro Gordo, the daughter of Eleroy and Katie Kellihan. She was the loving mother of Shirley Million of Raleigh, Fred Edwards and wife, Carole of Florence, S.C., and Johnny B. Edwards of Fair Bluff.
She was a resident of the Fair Bluff community for more than 70 years. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. In her earlier life, she worked for many years at Guy Bailey Jr.’s Men’s Room, a fine clothing shop in downtown Fair Bluff. She was a devoted member of the Fair Bluff Baptist Church and for years participated in a ladies’ Christian group, known as The Prayer Group. She was known for her strong faith and trust in God.
Miriam enjoyed an active lifestyle, often working in her yard tending her flowers and walking. To those who knew her, she was loving, kind and enjoyed meeting new people. She loved flowers, spending time with friends and family, and earnestly loved the Lord.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Fair Bluff Baptist Church with Dr. Ray Lundy officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Cemetery. Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff is handling the arrangements.
She is survived by her three children and daughter-in-law; her five grandchildren, Amy Jordan, Samantha Alsup and husband Keith, Kristin Wender and her husband Todd, Cameron Edwards and his wife Sharon, and Megan Storer and her husband Nahchey; and her seven great-grandchildren, Carson Edwards, Cade Edwards, Rylan Edwards, Blake Edwards, Satine Storer, Brian Alsup and Kate Alsup.
She was predeceased by three sisters, Edna Bullard, Jewel Benton, and Emily Mercer; and three brothers, Lorenza Dow Kellihan, Athel Kellihan, and James Kellihan.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christian Life Center Building Fund of the Fair Bluff Baptist Church, P.O. Box 217, Fair Bluff, N.C. 28439.
You may sign the guest book online at www.mearesfuneralhome.com.
VIRGINIA BUTLER
CHARLOTTE -- Virginia Butler, 72, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at her residence. She was born in Whiteville.
Butler was a member of Mulberry Presbyterian Church where she was a greeter and visited shut-ins and took them to their medical appointments. She was a graduate of Whiteville High School.
Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. David Frye officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the funeral home. The Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include her husband of 45 years, William E. “Billy” Butler; a daughter, Tracey Butler Calhoun of Gastonia; a son, Perry Dion Butler of Matthews; her mother, Alma Tison of Whiteville; and two brothers, William Earl Tison and Henry Murle Tison of Whiteville; grandchildren, Ashley Sturgill of Gastonia, Cassey Calhoun of Bessemer City, and Brandon Butler of Monroe; great-grandchildren, Katelynn Sturgill of Gastonia, and Caleb Smith of Bessemer City.
She was preceded in death by her father, Hampton Dewitt Tison and twin sister, Ellen Tison.
Pallbearers will be Larry Smith, Dale Smith, John Lillie, Ronnie Williamson, Larry Ray, and Randy Hall.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, N.C. 28204 or to Child Development Center at Mulberry Presbyterian Church, 5600 Tuckaseege Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28208.
LAURA INEZ HAMMOND
CERRO GORDO -- Laura Inez Hammond, 81, died Sunday, Jan. 7, at Columbus Regional Healthcare.
Arrangements will be announed by Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff.
WILLIAM JEROME MILLS
DELCO -- William Jerome Mills, 18, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Lake Waccamaw from a boating accident. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Patsy Watson Mills Stokley; paternal grandfather, William Alson Mills; maternal grandparents, Robert M. Simmons and Billie Ann Upchurch Simmons; and his best friend, Glenn Marvin.
Final rites will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Prosper Baptist Church in Delco with Reverends Eddie Watts, Bob Compton and Calvin Malpass officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include his parents, William “Junior” and Linda Simmons Mills; step-grandfather, Earl Stokley; aunt, Teresa Mason; cousins, Brittany Mason and Miranda Williams; and a special friend, Dillon Malpass.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to William Jerome Mills Funeral Fund, c/o Bladen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 3150, Elizabethtown, N.C. 28337.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at Prosper Baptist Church.
NICHOLAS SETH ‘NICKY’ BUFFKIN
CLARENDON -- Nicholas Seth “Nicky” Buffkin, 27, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. He is the son of the late Jimmy Leon Buffkin and survived by his mother, Margie Hinson Buffkin of Clarendon. He was predeceased by a brother, Christopher Len Buffkin.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Inman Fuenral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Hinson Chapel Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Duncan Buffkin; two daughters, Kalie Lynn Buffkin and Nikki Grace Buffkin; and a son, Jennings Seth Buffkin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Sudan Shriners Childrens Hospital Fund, P.O. Box 490, New Bern, N.C. 28563.
ROSA LEE WILLIAMSON DUDNEY
FAIR BLUFF -- Rosa Lee Williamson Dudney, 79, died Saturay, Jan. 5, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare. She was the daughter of the late Johnny and Dolly Nance Williamson and the widow of Emerson D. Dudney.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Worthington Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Dudley officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Cemetery in Fair Bluff. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn is handling the arrangements.
She is survived by a son, David D. Dudney of Chadbourn; three daughters, Dolly D. Hayes of Cerro Gordo, Katie D. Turbeville of Fair Bluff, and Janice Clark Blanton of Sunset Beach; 11 grandchldren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at the funeral home.
VERNON LEE HINSON
CHADBOURN -- Vernon Lee Hinson, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at his home after a long illness. He was a member and elder of the Beaverdam Freewill Baptist Church. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Gladys Porter Hinson and parents, Daniel and Stella Hardee Hinson.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, at Beaverdam Freewill Baptist Church with burial to follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Dyan Hinson Todd of Loris, S.C., and Nancy Jo Hinson of Chadbourn; two sons, Raymond and Michael Hinson, both of Chadbourn; and three grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 at the funeral home.
MARTHA B. BINFORD
SHALLOTTE -- Martha B. Binford, 86, formerly of Lake Waccamaw and Delco, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008 in Shallotte. She was born Oct. 27, 1921 in Ware County, Ga., the daughter of the late James and Nora Callihan Beaty. She was the widow of Baker Binford.
She was formerly employed with the Jones Stores.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Lake Waccamaw Hillcrest Cemetery with Rev. Charles Hester officiating. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines is handling the arrangements.
She is survived by two daughters, Pat Strickland Squires of Riegelwood and Elizabeth Strickland Crawford of Lakeland, Fla.; a son, James Strickland of Orlando, Fla.; a sister, Nora Todd of Summerville, S.C.; a brother, Roy Beaty of Summerville, S.C.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at the funeral home.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Fair Bluff Baptist Church with Dr. Ray Lundy officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Cemetery. Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff is handling the arrangements.
JACQUELYN BELLAMY
HALLSBORO -- Jacquelyn Bellamy, 53, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Arrangements will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville.
VIRGINIA SIMMONS HUGHES
WHITEVILLE -- Virginia Simmons Hughes, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at Columbus Regional Healthcare. She was the daughter of the late William (Bill) Simmons and Izzie Bell Sasser Suggs Simmons.
Hughes was a member of Palmyra Baptist Church. She graduated from Old Dock High School.
Final rites will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Palmyra Baptist Church with Rev. Oscar Hullender and Dr. Ray Thigpen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. McKenzie Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include her husband, John Leroy Hughes of Whiteville; a son, Geary Leroy Hughes of Clarkton; a daughter, Darlene H. Watson of Johnsonville, S.C.; two sisters, Kathleen Suggs Fowler and Magaline Simmons Marlowe, both of Whiteville.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 7 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Palmyra Baptist Church General Fund.
BOBBY RAY MALPASS
DELCO -- Bobby Ray Malpass, 58, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008. He was the son of the late Sidney B. Malpass and Eloise (Lois) Reaves Malpass. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Dale.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at the Red Hill Pentecostal Church with Rev. Calvin Malpass officiating. Burial will follow in the Champion Cemetery. McKenzire Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include a daughter, Melissa M. Jenkins of Leland; a son, Isreal Ray Malpass of Wilmington; his mother, Lois Malpass of Delco; a sister, Becky Bigford of Atkinson; three brothers, Billy Gale Malpass and Jerry Malpass, both of Delco, and Eugene Malpass of Newport News, Va.; and three grandchildren.
KIRBY AARON BLAKE
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.- Kirby Aaron Blake, 83, formerly of Lumberton, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008. He was born Sept. 26, 1924 in Columbus County, the son of the late Asa Blake and Blanche Ward Blake.
Blake attended the Greensboro School of Watch Making and was a certified watchmaker. He later was co-owner of Columbus Supply Wholesale Plumbing and Electrical. He was also owner and operator of the Victory Motel in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed putting crickets on a fishing hook. He often called himself, “The Carolina Cork Watcher.”
Blake was a former member of First Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach and First Baptist in Lumberton, as well as a current member of Maple Baptist Church in Conway, S.C.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines with the Rev. Gary Reeves officiating. Burial will follow in Peacock’s Columbus Memorial Park. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include his son, Ricky D. Blake and wife Pam of Conway, S.C.; and a godchild, Trudy Eaves Stegal.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Garcie Blake of Chadbourn, Vester Blake, Lee Blake, A.V. Blake, all of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Arthur Blake and Dennis McK ee, both of Whiteville; sisters, Gladys Danford, and Pluma Johnson, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Olivia White, Ila Mae Benton, and Iva Boswell, all of Whiteville.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Baptist Church, 4500 Highway 65, Conway, S.C. 29526.
DONALD EARL ALLEN
WHITE OAK -- Donald Earl Allen, 59, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Fayetteville Veteran’s Medical Center.He was preceded in death by his father, William Earl Allen.
Allen served in the United States Marines.
Graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Allen Family Cemetery on Marsh Road in Bladenboro with the Rev. Ronnie Nichols officiating. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Allen of the home; his mother, Golda Byrd of Aberdeen; a son, Bradley Crooks of Supply; a daughter, Rebecca Allen of Los Angeles, Calif.; four brothers, Jimmy Allen of Raeford, Bill Allen, Ernie Allen, and Kenny Allen, all of Bladenboro; a sister, Sherry Edwards of Beaufort; and a grandson.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home.
GLENN MARVIN
RIEGELWOOD -- William Glenn Marvin, 17, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, in a boating accident at Lake Waccamaw. He was born March 6, 1990 in New Hanover County, the son of William Richard “Ricky” Marvin and Sonya Lynn Clayter Marvin. He was a junior at East Columbus High School.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Delco Baptist Church with Reverends Danny Kennedy and Patsy Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Delco Cemetery. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines is handling the arrangements.
He is survived by his parents, Ricky and Sonya Marvin; a brother, Austin Richard Marvin of the home; maternal grandparents, Glenn Edward “Sonny” Clayter and Linda Benton Clayter of Riegelwood; paternal grandparents, Carrie Marvin of Bolton and the late Bill Marvin; maternal great-grandmother, Frankie Benton of Riegelwood; two special aunts, Betty Clayter Hagood and Hilda Clayter Muse; many aunts and uncles.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturay, Jan. 5, at the funeral home.
ROSE VICTORIA BREWINGTON LAFORTE
BOLTON -- Rose Victoria Brewington Laforte, 39, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008. She was born Sept. 5, 1969 in Sampson County. the daughter of James A. Brewington and Carolyn Moore Brewington.
Laforte graduated from Southeastern Community College with a degree in business administration. She was a member of Mt. Sinai Holiness Church.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Mt. Sinai Holiness Church with the Rev. Michael Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines is handling the arrangements.
She is survived by two daughters, Nichole Brewington and Natalie Brewington, both of Bolton; a son, Joshua Brewington of Bolton; two sisters, Bridget Brewington and Michelle Brewington, both of Lake Waccamaw; her mother, Carolyn Brewington of Bolton, and James Brewington of Dunn.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 at Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines.
LAWRENCE MILTON JOHNSON
CHARLOTTE -- Lawrence Milton Johnson, 69, formerly of Bladenboro, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.
Final rites will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Center Missionary Baptist Church in Bladenboro with the Rev. Dr. Albert Singletary officiating. Burial will follow in the Kelly Cemetery in Bladenboro. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria Porter Johnson; a daughter, Tiffany Johnson of Cheltenham, Md.; four sons, Lawrence Johnson of Norwich, Conn., Victor Johnson of Largo, Md., Kevin Johnson of Winchester, Va., and Cliff Porter of Toledo, Ohio; four sisters, Fannie Lenora Cobb, Geraldine Johnson Donaldson, and Thelma Caraway, all of Charlotte, and Norma Singletary of Bladenboro; and three brothers, William E. Johnson of Bladenboro, Russell Johnson of Bristol, Tenn., and Sherman Johnson of Charlotte.
Viewing will be at the funeral home on Monday from noon until 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. Viewing will be at the church Tuesday one hour prior to the service, and there will be no viewing after the service.
Friends may visit the family at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Albert Singletary, 20356 Highway 410 South in Bladenboro.
ALTIE WARD SINGLETARY
LUMBERTON -- Altie Ward Singletary, 75, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008 in Lumberton. She was the daughter of the late Simon and Mary Eliza Ward.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Inman Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Dale Cemetery in Loris, S.C. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Piver of Nakina, and Geraldine Ward of Lake Waccamaw; a son, Harold Dean Singletary of Tabor City; a brother, Corbett Ward and a sister, Lillian Cribb, both of Whiteville; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 5 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
ELOISE McQUEEN WATTS
TABOR CITY -- Eloise McQueen Watts, 71, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center in Wilmington.
Final rites will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 5, at Great Grace Church in Tabort City with Apostle Larry Victor Hill officiating. Burial will follow in the Columbus County Singing Union Cemetery in Tabor City. Westside Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include five daughters, Mary Ann Kinlaw of the home, Josephine McCovers of Tabor City, JoAnn Vaughn of Wilmington, Earnestine and Margaret Kinlaw, both of Jacksonville; a son, Seymour Watts of Atlanta, Ga.; and a brother, Willie B. McQueen of St. Pauls.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4 at the funeral home.
CARLIE TYLER
TABOR CITY -- Carlie Tyler, 87, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at his home.
Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Inman Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include his son, Wayne Tyler of the home; four brothers, Rev. Daniel Tyler Jr. and James Tyler, both of Tabor City, Joe Tyler of Chadbourn, Paul Tyler of Thomasville; two sisters, Sue Cartrette of Tabor City, and Stella Norris of Georgia; and seven grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 5 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
LESTER GORE
WHITEVILLE -- Lester Gore, 69, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Mill Branch Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. James Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Cherry Grove Cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Alicia Gore and Vivian Gore, both of Whiteville; three brothers, Charlie Gore and Joseph Gore, both of Whiteville, and L.C. Gore of Elizabethtown.
Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, Jan. 6 from 3-7 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until noon. Viewing will be at the church Monday one hour prior to the service and again following the service.
JOEL HERMAN STANLEY
BLADENBORO -- Joel Herman Stanley, 80, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. He was a veteran.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Hickory Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Charles Brust officiating. Floyd Mortuary in Lumberton is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Myrtle Rising Stanley of the home; two sons, Billy Stanley and Danny Stanley, both of Bladenboro; a daughter, Brenda Strebel of Bladenboro; and four grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Saturday following the graveside service at the home.
ETHEL TURNER MURRHEE
WHITEVILLE -- Ethel Turner Murrhee, 92, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at Shoreland Nuring Center in Whiteville.
Murrhee was born Feb. 10, 1929 in Marion County, Ga., a daughter of the late William and Mary Elizabeth Wyrick Ison and was a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City, Fla. She was also a member of the Plant City Woman’s Club, the Plant City Garden Club and was a past member of the Eastern Star. Her two passions were cooking and gardening.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home of Supply is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Frances Austin and husband Richard of Whiteville, and Pamela Frederick and husband Ken of Wyoming; nine grandchildren, Richard Austin II, Charles Austin, James Austin, Sam Austin, John Austin, Katherine Ferus, Bill Matonte, Joey Matonte and Jay Matone; and 18 great-grandchildren. Aside from being predeceased by her parents and husband, Murrhee was the last of 13 siblings.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Enon Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 326, Plant City, Fla. 33566, in remembrance of Ethel Murrhee.
CARSON A. SMITH
ASH -- Carson A. Smith, 75, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, in Premier Living at Lake Waccamaw. He was born May 19, 1932 in Citrus County, Fla., the son of the late Frank and Edith Bell Smith.
Smith was employed for 10 years with Polk County Public Works and a veteran of the United States Army.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Smith Cemetery in Ash. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines is handling the arrangements.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma Sapp Smith; two sisters, Nada Williams of Homosassa, Fla. and Carol Smith of Ash. He was preceded in death by a son, Carson A. Smith Jr.
LUCILLE W. SHOLAR
WHITE OAK -- Lucille W. Sholar, 88, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at her home.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in White Oak. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Butler Funeral Home of Roseboro is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include a son, Danny W. Sholar and wife Vivian of White Oak; five daughters, Sara S. West and husband Sammy of White Oak, Kay Hughes and husband Gary of Smithfield, Va., Holly Toler and husband Terry of Dunn, Wendy McCartney and husband Bob of Grove City, Pa., and Kristy Bordeaux and husband Jerry of Coram, N.Y.; a sister, Alease S. Faircloth of Clinton; 25 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Play Ground Equipment Fund, c/o Dwayne Sholar, P.O. Box 117, White Oak, N.C. 28399 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Bladen County, P.O. Box 1984, Elizabethtown, N.C. 28337.
Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at the church fellowship hall and at other times at the home of Sammy and Sara West, 177 Gum Springs Road, White Oak.
BETTY LADSON WHITE
OXEN HILL, Md. -- Betty Ladson White, formerly of Evergreen, died on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, in Washington, D.C.
Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Ebenezer AME Church, 7707 Allentown Rd., Fort Washington, Md. The body will lie in state one hour before the service. Stewart Funeral Home of Washington, D.C. is handling the arrangements. Smith Funeral Home of Whiteville is announcing for the family.
Survivors include her husband, James White of the home; a daughter, Wendy White of Fort Washington, Md.; a son, Ricky White of Fort Washington, Md.; her mother, Ida Ladson of Evergreen; and two sisters, Peggy McClelland of Jacksonville, Fla., and Dianthe Williamson of Chadbourn.
NINA BUFFKIN STRICKLAND
GREEN SEA, S.C. -- Nina Buffkin Strickland, 93, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at Sunny Acres Nursing Center in Fork, S.C. Born Dec. 18, 1914 in Horry County, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Hamp and Mantha Jane Buffkin.
She was a life long member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.
Final rites will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Oak Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Mitchell Barnhill officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Nichols, S.C. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include her husband, Roscoe Strickland of the home; two daughters, Judy Causey of Lake Murray, S.C., and Debbie Cheatham of Edgefield, S.C.; two sisters, Olivia “Dixie” and Ginny, both of Florida; and a brother, Sam Buffkin of Virginia; four grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
Memorials may be made to The Stained Glass Window Fund of Oak Grove Baptist Church, c/o Mary Lou Lovett, 6675 Lovett Lane, Nichols, S.C. 29581.
HONOREE FLETCHER DUDNEY
TABOR CITY -- Honoree Fletcher Dudney, 80, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. He was born in Columbus County, the son of the late Aurdey Augusta Dudney and Smithie Strickland Dudney.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at the Inman Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverends Kenneth Smith and Sterling Sarvis officiating. Burial will follow in Myrtle Green Cemetery in Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements.
He is survived by two sons, Charles Dudney of Tabor City, and Fletcher Dudney of Germanton; three daughters, Janet Marek of Conway, S.C., Jo Ann Gaskins of Sanford, and Wendy Stubblefield of Columbia, S.C.; two brothers, Lawrence W. Dudney of Georgia, and William Dudney of North Carolina; a sister, Jacquelyn Lovette of Tabor City; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 2 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
PATRICIA ANN GREEN HILL
WHITEVILLE -- Patricia Ann Green Hill, 64, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at Columbus Regional Healthcare.
Final rites will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Brother James Rogers officiating. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville is handling the arrangements.
Survivors include a daughter, Saundra Hill Chestnut of Whiteville; two sons, Garry Hill and Ronald Hill, both of Whiteville; a stepson, Kevin Simpkins of Whiteville; four sisters, Ora Scott of New Haven, Conn., Rosa Smith of Tabor City, Carolyn Jernigan of San Antonia, Texas, and Belinda Dixon of Staton Island, N.Y.; and a brother, Richard Jernigan of Whiteville.
Viewing will be at the funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 3 from noon until 7 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 4 from 9-11 a.m. Viewing will be at the Kingdom Hall on Friday following the service.
Friends may visit the family at the home of Saundra Hill Chestnut, 53 Stanley Circle in Whiteville.
ROSA LEE ETHERIDGE
WHITEVILLE -- Rosa Lee Etheridge, 78, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. She was born Sept. 26, 1929 in Horry County, S.C. the daughter of the late Levie and Nell Reaves Brock. She was the widow of William Henry Etheridge. She was a member of Magnolia Baptist Church.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Magnolia Baptist Church with Reverends Olease Boyd, Leroy Long and Ervin Etheridge officiating. Burial will follow in the Etheridge Cemetery. Peacock’s Chapel In The Pines is handling the arrangements.
She is survived by a son, William P. Gore Jr. and wife, Betty Ann of Whiteville; a daughter, Rosa Marie Beck and husband, David of Nakina; five grandchildren, Billy Gore, Timmy Gore, William Harper and wife, Ruthy, Tammy Beck and Slade Fowler; four great-grandchildren, Dylan Harper, Drake Harper, Jordan Register, Jacquline Beck.
She was preceded in death by a son, Baby Boy Gore; two brothers, Johnny and Bill Brock; two sisters, Sue Mae Clewis and Florence Fowler; a granddaughter, Crystal Harper; and a great-grandson, Dakota Register.
The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the funeral home.
MYRTLE BERNICE ROBBINS ANDREWS
LAKE WACCAMAW-- Myrtle Bernice Robbins Andrews, 96, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, in Lumberton. She was the daughter of the late Charles I. Robbins and Nettie Ulmer and was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Andrews.
A memorial service was held Thursday, Dec. 27, at Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church with Rev. Matthew Rich officiating. McKenzie Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Survivors include two sons, Charles B. Andrews and wife, Elizabeth of Creston, and Barry Lee Andrews and wife, Teresa of Lake Waccamaw; two daughters, Susan Andrews Hooks and husband, James of Lumberton, and Linda Andrews Beitelshees of Seminole, Fla.; a brother, Jack Robbins of Seabring, Fla.; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
WILKES ELKINS
BLADENBORO -- Wilkes Elkins, 91, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2007, at Liberty Commons in Whiteville.
Elkins retired from the United States army with 25 years having served in World War II and the postal service with 20 years of service. He was a Sunday school teacher of the adult mens class and served as a deacon at Galeed Baptist Church.
Final rites were held Thursday, Dec. 27, at Galeed Baptist Church with Dr. Mac Roberts and Rev. Boyd Britt officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown handled the arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Ada Elkins of the home; a son, Norman Elkins of Winston-Salem; two stepsons, Al Gibson and Billy “Tub” Gibson, both of Whiteville; a daughter, Claire Hodge of Fayetteville; two stepdaughters, Frances Godwin of Alaska, and Linda Strickland of Whiteville; a brother, Buddy Elkins of Florida; two grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren.
