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Columbus County Obituaries November 2004 Use Ctrl F to search

Obituaries from the Whiteville News Reporter Monday, November 1, 2004 CURLIE W BRADSHAW WHITEVILLE - Curlie Woodell Bradshaw, 78, of the Smyrna community, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Perte Tate Woodell and Sara Susan Ward Woodell. She was a member of the Smyrna Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Bradshaw of Charlotte. Final rites were conducted Saturday, Oct. 30 at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel by the Rev. Ted Riedel. Interment was in Smyrna Cemetery. McKenzie Mortuary handled the arrangements. She is survived by a daughter: Violet B. Watts of Nakina; a son: Tony Bradshaw of Whiteville; a sister: Pearl Sellers of Whiteville; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. EDNA FLOYD CERRO GORDO - Edna Floyd, 97, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004 at Shoreland Healthcare Center in Whiteville. She lived most of her life in Cerro Gordo. She attended Winthrop College before marrying Benjamin Franklin Floyd in 1929. She was a lifelong member of Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church and was an active member of the United Methodist Women's Missionary Society up until her declining health. She was also one of the first members of the Cerro Gordo Women's Garden Club. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Oct. 31 at Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church by the Rev. Neill Smith. Interment was in the Powell Cemetery, Fair Bluff. Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff handled the arrangements. She is survived by a son, Billy F. Floyd of Cerro Gordo; three daughters: Jo Frazier of Wilmington, Louise Gorham and her husband Dumay of Wilmington and Orville -Vi- Cothran of Cerro Gordo; a brother: E.L. Floyd of Greenwood, S.C.; six grandchildren: Joy and Melody Frazier, Dumay Gorham III and Patrick Gorham, all of Wilmington, Carla M. Floyd of Chadbourn and Franklin Travis -Chick- Floyd of Raleigh. She was also blessed with two great-granddaughters: Jillian Elizabeth Floyd and Alexandria Chase Gorham. Memorials may be made to Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church, 5582 Braswell Road, Cerro Gordo, N.C. 28439. Serving as pallbearers were Dumay Gorham III, Patrick Gorham, Franklin Floyd, Gene Nance, Victor Floyd and Joe Floyd. MARGARET I AVANT TABOR CITY - Margaret Irene Avant. 79, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at her home. She was a native of Columbus County. She was the widow of Woodrow Avant. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. in the Westside Baptist Church by the Rev. Glen Fowler. Interment will be in Myrtle Green Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements. She is survived by eight daughters: Betty H. Johnson and husband Bobby and Doris H. Beasely and husband Kenneth, all of Loris, S.C., Jean McMillian of High Point, Bobbie Willard and husband Pat, Faye Fuller and husband Jim and Patricia Eaton, all of Thomasville, Mary A. McClintock and husband Curtis of Greensboro and Meredith A. Edge of Charlotte; two sons: Ricky Avant of Mt. Pleasant, Milton Avant and wife Clara of Kernersville; a sister; Eloise Allen and husband Ernest of Augusta, Ga.; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a beloved sister-in-law: Hazel Avant of Tabor City; two lifelong friends: Wayne Honeycutt of Mt. Pleasant and Don Jones of High Point. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Inman Funeral Home. MARTHA A THOMPSON WHITEVILLE - Martha Ann Thompson, 82, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at Duke Medical Center. She was born in Columbus County Feb. 28, 1922, the daughter of the late Robert Bruce and Elizabeth Walker Smith. She was the widow of Julius Thompson. She was a member of Brunswick Baptist Church. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at Peacock's Chapel In The Pines by the Reverends Ralph Gore and Merle Johnson. Interment will be in Smith Cemetery. Peacock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by four daughters: Christine Thompson Sellers and husband Bennie of Whiteville, Joyce Thompson Inman and husband Andy of Whiteville, Elizabeth Thompson Hinson of Whiteville and Ann Tedder Soles and husband Dan of Clarendon; two sons: Ernest Tedder and wife Dawn of Whiteville and Bobby Tedder and wife Betty of Texas City, Texas; a stepdaughter: Barbara Ann Jacobs of Whiteville; a brother: Robert B. Smith of Whiteville; 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a son, Nathan Tedder. Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Waldron, Frank Waldron, William Wayne, Donald Wayne, Johnny Bruton and Sammy Jacobs. The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 1 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Peacock's Chapel In The Pines. LIZZIE S WELCH Homemaker, retired from Avondale Manufacturing TURBEVILLE, S.C. - Lizzie Elizabeth Smith Welch, 89, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at The Heritage Home of Florence, S.C. after an illness. Born in Florence County, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Thomas David Smith and Julia Lee Smith. She was a homemaker, was retired from Avondale Manufacturing and was a member of the Horse Branch Freewill Baptist Church where she was a member of the ladies auxiliary and the Golden Agers Sunday school class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur J. Welch; a son: W. Legrand Welch; and a son-in-law: J.A. McCutcheon. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at Horse Branch Freewill Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Floyd Funeral Home of Olanta, S.C. is handling the arrangements. She is survived by four daughters: Dorothy Nell and husband DeLeon Lee of Florence, S.C., Willa McCutcheon of Florence, S.C., Julia and husband Willis McKenzie of Lake City, S.C. and Brenda and husband William Jolly of Whiteville; a son: Leroy and wife Beverly Welch of Rosamond, Calif.; her sisters (surviving from a family of 11 children): Leona DuBose of Florence, S.C. and Nellie Miles of Lake City, S.C.; 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Monday, Nov. 1 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home (136 E. Main Street, Olanta, S.C.). The family requests that memorials be made to Horse Branch Freewill Baptist Church, 1097 Horse Branch Road, Turbeville, S.C. 29162. LILA C HESTER BLADENBORO - Lila Callihan Hester, 88, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at Elizabethtown Nursing Center. Final rites were conducted Monday, Nov. 1 at West Bladenboro Baptist Church by the Reverends  Boyd Britt and Bert Young. Interment was in Pine Crest Cemetery. Lewis Funeral Home of Bladenboro handled the arrangements. She is survived by two daughters: Ann Walters of Lenior and Doris Avant of Bladenboro; a sister; Kathleen Pack of Virginia; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. MILDRED J WILLIAMS GOLDSBORO - Mildred Jackson Williams died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville. Final rites were conducted Friday, Oct. 29 from St. Delight United Holiness Church in the Parkstown Community of LeGrange. Rhodes Funeral Home of Goldsboro was in charge of arrangements and Smith Funeral Home of Whiteville is announcing for the family. She is survived by the Rev. H.V. Williams, former pastor of First St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Whiteville; and three children: Jessie, Averil and John. CLAUDIA M MORRIS Custodian WILMINGTON - Claudia Mae Morris, 75, died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She was formerly employed as a custodian. Final rites were conducted Thursday, Oct. 28 from Mt. Roney Missionary Baptist Church. Interment was in Pollock Cemetery in Scotts Hill. Smith Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by two daughters: Camellia Thompson and Sandra Nixon, both of Wilmington ; a son: David Morris of Wilmington; a brother: Sonny Boy Davis of Graham, S.C.; and three sisters: Deborah Moody and Jina Moody, both of Long Island, N.Y. and Dora Bell Moody of Marion, S.C. MARSHA S HINTON Teacher, professional clown,advocate for the deaf DANVILLE, KY - Marsha Leigh Stephenson Hinton, 54, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at her residence. She was born Aug. 7, 1950 in Portsmouth, Va. to the late Leary Thomas and Bernice Lifeste Stephenson. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, Va., a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. and a graduate of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, Richmond, Va. She was an elementary school teacher, a deaf advocate and a volunteer for the Kentucky School for the Deaf. Final rites will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Danville, Ky., by Father Linh Nguyen. Stith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Jeffrey Hinton of Johnson City, Tenn.; two daughters: Sidney Hinton of Danville, Ky. and Melissa McCarter of Kill Devil Hills; two sons: Jacob T. Hinton and Samuel L. Hinton, both of Danville, Ky.; a sister: Mary Lynn Douglas of Richmond, Va.; and a granddaughter. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Tuesday at Stith Funeral Home, Danville, Ky. Memorial donations may be made to the local National Public Radio Station of A.D.A.P.T. (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today). ELVERTA S JOHNSON Textile worker CHADBOURN - Elverta Sellers Johnson, 93, went to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 at her residence. She was the daughter of the late Bud and Flora McPherson Sellers and the widow of Victor Duncan and Toy Johnson. She was formerly employed as a seamstress in the textile industry. Final rites will be conducted Monday, Nov.1 at 2 p.m. at Ward's Station Church of God by the Reverends Richard Thomas, Gene McGuire, Jimmy Boyd and John McPherson. Interment will be in the McPherson Cemetery, Chadbourn. Worthington Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by four daughters: Dot Day of Chadbourn, Willadean Boyd of Hilsborough, Carrie Rising and Dianne Hewett, both of Chadbourn; four sons: Arvell Duncan and Grady Duncan, both of Chadbourn, Richard Johnson of Tabor City and Ronnie Johnson of Columbia, S.C.; two sisters: Agnes Cartrette of Clarkton and Marie Popkins of Jacksonville; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Ricky Bell, Kenneth Duncan, Mark Duncan, Devin Johnson, Michael McGuire and Marcus Rising. LUETTA BALDWIN LAKE WACCAMAW - Luetta Baldwin, 86, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at Premier Living of Lake Waccamaw. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Union Funeral Home. She is survived by three daughters: Sulo Baldwin of Clarkton, Diane Troy and Reginia Baldwin, both of Whiteville; and four sons: Jane Ellen Lewis of Bridgeport, Conn., Lee Dre Baldwin of Clarkton, Marvin Baldwin of Danville, Va. and Aqquilla Baldwin of Whiteville. Thursday, November 4, 2004           CURLIE W BRADSHAW WHITEVILLE - Curlie Woodell Bradshaw, 78, of the Smyrna community, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Perty Tate Woodell and Susan Sara Ward Woodell. She was a member of the Smyrna Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Bradshaw and a son, Thomas Bradshaw. Final rites were conducted Saturday, Oct. 30 at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel by the Rev. Ted Riedel. Interment was in Smyrna Cemetery. McKenzie Mortuary handled the arrangements. She is survived by a daughter: Violet B. Watts of Nakina; a son: Tony Bradshaw of Whiteville; a sister: Pearl Sellers of Whiteville; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. DAISY L JOHNSON Driver for Department of Aging BLADENBORO - Daisy Lee Johnson, 68, died Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 at her residence. She was a driver for the Department of Aging. Final rites will be conducted Friday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at Center Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Albert Singletary. Interment will be in the Kelly Cemetery in Bladenboro. She is survived by her husband, William Eugene Johnson; a daughter: Myra Kornegay of Upper Marlboro, Md.; a son: Bernard Jenkins of Bladenboro; three stepdaughters: Alma Johnson and Karen Brown, both of Bladenboro and Mildred Lewis of Upper Marlboro, Md.; two sisters: Claretta Gibson of Upper Marlboro, Md. and Flossie B. Pridgen of Kinston; seven brothers: Robert Dixon of Washington, D.C., Griffin Dixon of Roanoke Rapids, Henry Dixon of Philadelphia, Pa., James Dixon of Clinton, Md., Willie Dixon of Wilson and Allen Dixon and Earl Dixon, both of Kinston. Viewing will be at the funeral home Thursday from noon until 7 p.m. and Friday from 9-11 a.m. Viewing will be at the church Friday following the service. Friends may visit the family at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jenkins, 113 Gowans Road, Bladenboro. MARY M MCQUEEN College cafeteria worker WHITEVILLE - Mary Magdalene McQueen, 92, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was formerly employed as a college cafeteria worker. Final rites will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. at Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Ford. Interment will be in the Kelly Cemetery in Bladenboro. Peoples Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Nichols of Whiteville. Viewing will be at the funeral home Friday from noon until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Viewing will be at the church Saturday from noon until 1 p.m. and again following the service. Friends may visit at the home of Elizabeth Nichols, 3562 Joe Brown Highway North, Whiteville. LUETTA BALDWIN LAKE WACCAMAW - Luetta Baldwin, 86, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at Premier Living of Lake Waccamaw. Final rites will be conducted Friday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at Love Grove Freewill Baptist Church with Bishop Rudolph Powell delivering the eulogy. Interment will be in the Welches Creek Cemetery. Union Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by four daughters: Sulo Baldwin of Clarkton, Diane Troy and Reginia Baldwin, both of Whiteville and Jane Ellen Lewis of Bridgeport, Conn.; and three sons: Lee Dre Baldwin of Clarkton, Marvin Baldwin of Danville, Va. and Aquilla Baldwin of Whiteville. Viewing will be Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until noon at the funeral home. JOHN C WILLIAMSON Insurance agent, Veteran CASTLE HAYNE - John Clifton -Cliff- Williamson, 79, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. He was born Aug. 16, 1925 in Columbus County to the late William Ranson and Annie Victoria Faulk Williamson. He was a graduate of Hallsboro High School and attended Campbell College. He was a veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Navy and was a retired insurance agent. Final rites will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at Wilmington First Pentecostal Church by the Rev. Paul Evans. Interment will be in Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington. Coble Ward'smith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Ruby Best Williamson of the home; a son: Stuart C. Williamson of Castle Hayne; a daughter: Donna Williamson Crawford of Wilmington; three sisters: Lillie Clark of Newport News, Va., Bessie Stevens of Lake Waccamaw and Thelma Best of Whiteville; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Willie and Herman Williamson. HERRY J WHITE JR Retired livestock dealer BLADENBORO - Herry James White Jr., 83, died Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at his home. He was born in Bladen County, was a graduate of Bladenboro High School and Wake Forest University. He was a Sunday school teacher and deacon at First Baptist Church, Bladenboro. Prior to his retirement, he was a livestock dealer. Final rites were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 3 at First Baptist Church by the Rev. Bert Young, the Rev. Dr. Russell Cherry and the Rev. Dr. James White. Interment was in Pine Crest Cemetery. Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home of Elizabethtown handled the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Betty Elmore White; a son: Henry James -Jimmy- White III of Concord; a daughter: Nancy Wyer of Lumberton; two brothers: Harold White of Chapel Hill and Jerry White of Bladenboro; two sisters: Annie Merle Elam of Lumberton and Marie Bridger of Bladenboro; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald White. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 500 S. Main Street, Bladenboro, N.C. or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, P.O. Box 1984, Elizabethtown, NC. ELIZABETH H BRILL RIEGELWOOD - Elizabeth Harris Brill, 80, died Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She was born in Pender County March 28, 1924, the daughter of the late Joseph Hudson Harris and Annie Jordan Harris. Siblings preceding her in death were Mary Harris Chadwick, Robbie Harris, Johnnie Harris, Edna Harris Bond, Maggie Harris Jordan and Mack Harris. She was a charter member (1958) of Wesley United Methodist Church of Riegelwood and was a member of the Methodist Women of the church. She was a loving wife of 60 years, a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her favorite activities included gardening and cooking, but nothing pleased her more than doing things for her family. She was a caring and generous person, always helping others and sharing that special smile. She was loved by her family and by the many friends whose lives she touched along her way. Final rites will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, Riegelwood, by the Rev. Bill Altman. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Andrews Mortuary is handling the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Brill; two sons: Bobby Brill and wife Joyce and Donny Brill and wife Marian; a daughter: Sheila Austin and husband Smitty; a sister: Dot Goff; a brother: Nick Harris and wife Patsy; grandchildren: Donny Brill and wife Sue, Amy Ward and husband Stephen, Beth Griffin, Jenny Sykes and husband Harvey, Sarah Clifton and husband Dennis, Kenny Brill and Amber Brill; great - grandchildren: Paige Brill, Kevin Miceli and Dillon Ward. Pallbearers will be Aldred Bridgers, Steve Camlin, Jeff Wilder, Wiley Justice, Mark Bridgers and Stevie Pridgen. Honorary pallbearers will be Lloyd Lane, Bill Bracey, Calvin Hildreth, Tom Bostic, Gene Lewis and Jimmy Davis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 116, Riegelwood, N.C. 28456. ARDENA R SANDERSON CLARKTON - Ardena Rush Sanderson, 91, died Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at Elizabethtown Nursing Center. She was the daughter of the late Albert Darius and Margaret Kelly Rush and the widow of Ellison Lloyd Sanderson. She was also preceded in death by her only son, Albert Lloyd Sanderson. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Clarkton Cemetery by the Rev. Stuart Link. Kinlaw Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements. She is survived by a daughter: Margaret S. Pope and husband Kenneth of Clarkton; a grandson: Bill Chauncey and wife Lois of Charleston, S.C.; a granddaughter: Sarah C. Guthman of Clarkton; seven great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Clarkton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 663, Clarkton, NC 28433 or the Clarkton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Clarkton, NC 28433. EUGENE R EDGE NEW BERN - Eugene Ray Edge, 70, formerly of Whiteville, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004 at his residence. He was the son of the late Kermit and Mattie Edge and was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a great - granddaughter, Natalie Brown. A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at Cross Roads Baptist Church by the Reverends Buford Lewis, Lee Ray Greene and the Rev. Dr. Steve Cobb. Cotton Funeral Home of New Bern is handling the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Gail Parker Edge of New Bern; four daughters: Pamela Edge Kane and Bari Edge Wiley, both of New Bern, Tammy Edge or Ernul and Cindy Edge Lancaster of Savannah, Ga.; six sisters: Betty Sealey and Hilda Dores, both of Whiteville, Yvonne Weeks and Marietta MacDonald, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Nancy Forrest of Shallotte and Sandra Mihal of Wilmington; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cross Roads Baptist Church, 1802 U.S. Highway 70 E., New Bern, NC. 28560. VALERISE HOLLEY BALTIMORE, Md. - Valerise Holley, 45, formerly of Council, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at University Hospital in Baltimore, Md. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home. HARVEY C TUCKER Ceramic engineer, salesman HICKORY - Harvey C. Tucker, 96, died Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004 in Hickory. He was born Feb. 21, 1908 in Fair Bluff, the son of the late Roscoe C. Tucker and Rosa Anderson Tucker. A graduate of NC State University, he was a ceramic engineer with Ferro Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1967, he became a salesman for Carter Sandin Realty in Fort Myers, Fla. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Carter Tucker; and a brother: Harry R. Tucker of Swansboro. Burial will be at Lee Memorial Gardens in Fort Myers, Fla. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Pendry's Lenior Funeral Home of Lenior. He is survived by a daughter: Margaret Greer of Hickory; two grandchildren: Emily Smith of Efland and Adam Burns of Wilmington; and two sisters: Rosalie Renfrow of Wilmington and Marylou Baggett of Newnan, Ga. Online condolences may be sent via www.pendrysfuneralhome.com. ROBERT MONTEITH -MONTY- POWELL Retired insurance agent LAKE WACCAMAW - Robert Monteith -Monty- Powell Sr., 81, died Nov. 4, 2004 surrounded by family. He was born July 1, 1923 in Whiteville, the son of Walter Hogue Powell and Toccoa Caine Powell. He attended Whiteville High School, The McCallie School and Davidson College. For many years, he owned and operated an independent insurance agency with his partners Frank Gault and Hector McNeill. He was a member of First Prebyterian Church and a former member of the Whiteville Civitan Club and Whiteville Country Club. Final rites will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 6 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Paul D. Woodall. Interment will be in Whiteville Memorial Cemetery. McKenzie Mortuary is handling the arrangements. He is survived by three children: Caroline Powell Veronee and husband Charlie of Charlotte, Robert Monteith Powell Jr. and wife Holly of Whiteville and Elizabeth Powell Flynt and husband Mike of Apex; two sisters: Mariegene Powell Lytton of Lake Waccamaw and Toccoa Powell Todd of Laurens, S.C.; his former wife: Annette Teague Powell of Whiteville; and eight grandchildren: Charlie and Margo Veronee, Robert, Andrew and Victoria Powell and Michael, Will and Jack Flynt. He was preceded in death by a sister, Rosa Caine Powell Bacon; and two brothers: Walter Hogue Powell Jr. and Frank McKinnon Powell. Visitation will be Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Parlor. Monday, November 8, 2004         VALERISE HOLLEY Factory worker ABERDEEN, Md. - Valerise Holley, 45, formerly of Council, died Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004 at University Hospital in Baltimore, Md. She was a factory worker. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 7 at Shady Grove AME Zion Church by the Rev. Marjorie Powell. Interment was in New Hope Cemetery, Council. Peoples Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Maurice Holley; a son: Jethro Allen III of Baltimore, Md.; a daughter: Latarrow Allen of Aberdeen, Md.; two stepsons: Maurice Holley II of Belgium, Germany and Mikel Holley of Aberdeen, Md.; her father: Charles Lenwood McKoy of Council; her mother: Eunice McKoy of Baltimore, Md.; and a brother: Charles Leon McKoy of Whiteville. Friends may visit the family at the home of Charles Lenwood McKoy, 84 Sarah Peterson Road, Council. MATTIE DINKINS TABOR CITY - Mattie Dinkins, 79, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004 in Loris Community Hospital after an illness. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 from First Baptist Missionary Church, Tabor City, with the Rev. C.W. Joyner giving the eulogy. Interment was in the Columbus County Singing Union Cemetery. Westside Funeral Home of Tabor City handled the arrangements. She is survived by two daughters: Renee D. Johnson and Joetta D. Gerald; and three sons: Bobby A. Dinkins, Clark G. Dinkins and John P. Dinkins. MARYLOU BAGGETT Teacher NEWNAN, Ga. - Marylou Tucker Baggett, formerly of Fair Bluff and Lake Waccamaw, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 at Wesley Woods Care Center. She was a teacher and avid bridge player. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McKenzie Mortuary. She is survived by a twin, Rosalie Renfrow of Wrightsville Beach. EDNA M HARRELSON TABOR CITY - Edna Marie Harrelson, 90, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004 in Columbus County Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Fredrick Houston Wright and Allie Lee Cox Wright and the widow of Lahna Ham Harrelson. She was a member of New Life Baptist Church. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. in Inman Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Wright Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements. She is survived by a daughter, Eunice H. Ward of Monroe; a sister: Blanchie Irene Wright of Tabor City; four grandchildren: Bo Lynn Jennings, Butch Ward, James Ward and Amy Kramer; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Nathaniel Harrelson; a brother: Sheldon Wright and a sister, Lucille Fowler. Visitation will be Monday from 7-9 p.m. at Inman Funeral Home. DENNIS L WRIGHT ELIZABETHTOWN - Dennis Lawrence Wright died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004 at Bladen County Hospital. Final rites were conducted Saturday, Nov. 6 at Bladen Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. David Galant. Bladen Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by a son: Donald Wright of Elizabethtown; a daughter: Sherry Lynn Buffkin of Bladenboro; a brother: Lonnie Wright of Bladenboro; five sisters: Ina Murray of New Bern, Eva W. Edwards and Jeanette Vaughn, both of Bladenboro, Mari Anne Davis of Edenton and Ann Gallant of Charlotte; and three grandchildren. BETTY LOU NORRIS TABOR CITY --  Betty Lou Norris, 64, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004 in Liberty Woods Nursing Home in Thomasville. She was the daughter of the late Willie Hamilton Turbeville and Allie Turbeville. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. in the Inman Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Oak Dale Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by two daughters: Kimberly Michelle Smith of Thomasville and Tonya Lisa Shirley of Tabor City; a brother: Rowland Turbeville of Tabor City; a sister: Genice Barnes of Tabor City; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be Monday from 7-9 p.m. at Inman Funeral Home. LESLIE A BUFFKIN TABOR CITY - Leslie Allen Buffkin, 40, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004 at his home. Final rites were conducted Monday, Nov. 8 in Gapway Baptist Church. Interment was in the church cemetery. Inman Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by his parents: Murdock and Ida Allen Buffkin; two brothers: James M. Buffkin of Charlotte and Kelvin Buffkin of Tabor City; and his grandmother: Mabel Buffkin of Tabor City. LOLA R WORLEY TABOR CITY - Lola Ruth Worley, 75, of the Beaverdam Community, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004 in Columbus County Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Curtis and Janice LaTouche Powell. She was also preceded in death by a son, Jeff Worley. Final rites will be conducted Monday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. in Inman Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by two sons: Bill Worley of Chadbourn and Rob Worley of Raleigh; a sister: Dorothy Royer of Lancaster, Pa.; and seven grandchildren. EDWIN H PRIEST Pipefitter, owner and operator of P & M Mechanical Contractors CLARKTON - Edwin Harold Priest died Nov. 5, 2004. He was born May 16, 1930 in Bladen County to Warren -Zat- and Ruby McCall Priest. He was a lifetime member of White Plains Presbyterian Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and elder. A graduate of Clarkton High School, he studied at Foxboro, Mass. He worked as a pipefitter until his retirement and was owner and operator of P & M Mechanical Contractors. He was a Mason and Shriner. A memorial service was conducted at White Plains Presbyterian Church Sunday, Nov. 7. with longtime friend and former pastor, the Rev. Paul Layton and current pastor James D. Barrett conducting the service. Gaskins Funeral Home of Clarkton handled the arrangements. He is survived by brothers, Dougald M. Priest and wife Peggy of Baltimore, Md., Ned W. Priest and wife Kathleen of Clarkton and W. Wycliffe Priest and wife Marjorie of Council; sister-in-law: Libby Priest of Council; and 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Priest; and three brothers: Carner, Buren and Julian Priest. Memorials may be made to White Plains Presbyterian Church or Hospital Hospitality House, 1613 Medical Center Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401. IDALENE W HYATT BLADENBORO - Idalene Williams Hyatt, 76, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 7 at New Light Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church by the Rev. Ronnie Cox and Hazel Smith. Lewis Funeral Home of Bladenboro handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Warren Hyatt of the home; a son: Tony Hyatt of Tar Heel; two daughters: Nancy Smith of Bladenboro and Karen Evans of Evergreen; a brother: Norman -Rick- Williams of Fayetteville; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Friends may visit the home of Nancy Smith, 14796 NC 242 South. RENA B JUSTICE WHITEVILLE - Rena Brown Justice, 76, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She was the daughter of the late Xenophon Brown Sr. and Mary Lou Wooten Brown and was the widow of Frank Edward Justice Jr. She was a member of Whiteville United Methodist Church. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 7 at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel by the Rev. Elmore Strickland. Interment was in Clarkton Cemetery. McKenzie Mortuary handled the arrangements. She is survived by a daughter, Beverly Justice of Lumberton; a son: William Justice of Hallsboro; a sister: Sarah Phifer of Burlington; and a brother: Sam Brown of Whiteville. Memorials may be made to Whiteville United Methodist Church.   Thursday, November 11, 2004           MARYLOU BAGGETT Teacher NEWNAN, Ga. - Marylou Tucker Baggett, 92, formerly of Fair Bluff and Lake Waccamaw, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 at Wesley Woods Care Center. She was the daughter of the late Roscoe C. Tucker and Rosalee Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Deke Eli Baggett and a son, Thomas Tucker Baggett. She was born Oct. 8, 1912 in Fair Bluff and lived her adult life in Whiteville where she spent many years as an elementary school teacher. She was an avid bridge player. She is survived by a son: Deke Leamon Baggett and wife Lorraine of Newnan, Ga.; a twin sister: Rosalie Renfrow of Fayetteville; four grandchildren: Lorey Baggett of Saint Simons, Ga., Tom Baggett of Macon, Ga., Nancy and Chris Howell and Joe Baggett, all of Newnan, Ga.; and three great - grandchildren: Madelyn Baggett of Covington, Ga., Mary Tucker Howell and Julia Howell, both of Newnan, Ga. Graveside services will be Thursday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery. McKenzie Mortuary is handling the arrangements. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Fair Bluff Depot Museum at 339 Railroad Street, Fair Bluff, NC 28439. ROY SMITH Veteran, automotive and hauling business WHITEVILLE - Roy Smith, 82, passed from this life Sunday morning, Nov. 7, 2004 at his residence. He was the son of the late Haney Smith and Elvie Smith and was preceded in death by five younger brothers and two younger sisters. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he received a Purple Heart. He worked in the automotive business for many years before starting his own dirt hauling business from which he retired. Final rites were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 10 at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel by the Rev. Dr. McElree Purifoy. Interment was in Union Valley Cemetery. McKenzie Mortuary handled the arrangements. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Doris Dyson Smith of the home; his youngest son: Andrew Thomas Smith, also of the home; his oldest son: Roy Smith and wife Gail of Whiteville, owner and operator of Waccamaw Automotive; his daughter: Sandra Smith Watson and husband Billy Bordeaux of Whiteville; three sisters: Thelma S. Thornton of Jacksonville, Fla., Mary Allen and husband Wilton of Wilmington and Clara Allen and husband M.H. of Wilmington; a brother: J.C. Smith of Delco; three grandsons: Joe Dyson and wife Jennifer of Greenville, Anthony Smith and wife Ellen of Cary and Travis Watson and wife Susan of Lake Waccamaw; one granddaughter: Kelly Watson Green of Whiteville; four great - grandchildren: Cameron Green, Hanna and Ethan Dyson and Lilly Smith. ELLEN DOLORES DUNCAN LAKE WACCAMAW - Ellen Dolores Williams Duncan, 68, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was born Aug. 18, 1936 in Columbus County, the daughter of the late Jesse and Mae Ray Williams. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Waccamaw. Final rites were conducted Thursday, Nov. 11 at First Baptist Church of Lake Waccamaw by the Reverends Darrell Phillips and Chip Hannah. Interment will be in Lake Waccamaw Hillcrest Cemetery. Peacock Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Spencer Duncan; two sons: Tim Bullard of Kure Beach and David Duncan of Lake Waccamaw; a daughter: Janet Duncan Nance of Riegelwood; three brothers: Henry Williams of Shallotte, Willard Williams of Shallotte and Robert Williams of Longwood; four sisters: Dessie Williams Long and Lina Williams Nord, both of Shallotte, Esther Williams Varnam of Varnamtown and Grace Williams Barnes of Lake Waccamaw; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Rodney Williams of Shallotte. Serving as pallbearers were Wayne High, Frank Carroll, Raeford Batten, Roger Byrd, Frank Galloway and Sonny Creech. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Lake Waccamaw, P.O. Box 202, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450. HERBERT O LENNON Veteran BLADENBORO - Herbert Odell Lennon, 75, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004 at his residence. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Final rites will be conducted Friday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. at St. Luke AME Zion Church by the Rev. Haywood Oliver. Interment with full military honors will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Gardens. Peoples Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. He is survived by three daughters: Marjorie L. Purdie, Sheila A. Grady and Nanette Lennon, all of Bladenboro; two sons: Julius Odell Lennon and Chant- Dominique Lennon of Bladenboro; two sisters: Sudie Lennon of Whiteville and Ruby Howell of Evergreen; a brother: Ross Lennon of Trenton, N.J. Viewing will be at the funeral home Thursday from noon until 7 p.m. and Friday from 9-11 a.m. Viewing will be at the church Friday following the service. HENRY O LEGGETT FAIR BLUFF - Henry Oliver -Jim Swanger- Leggett, 81, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. Final rites will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. at S & L Funeral Home Chapel, Fair Bluff, by the Rev. Thomas Nelson. Interment will be in the Butler Branch Cemetery, Fair Bluff. S & L Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. He is survived by a daughter, Shirley Bellamy of Fair Bluff; a sister: Beulah Mae Moss of Fair Bluff; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Friends may visit the family at the home of Shirley Bellamy, 25 Railroad St., Fair Bluff. CHARLIE BORDEAUX ELIZABETHTOWN - Charlie Bordeaux died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 at his home. Final rites were conducted Tuesday, Nov. 9 at Singletary United Methodist Church, Dublin, by the Rev. Patrick Sinclair, the Rev. David Rutland and Lynne King. Interment was in the Bordeaux Cemetery in Elizabethtown. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown handled the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Todd Bordeaux; two sons: Mike Bordeaux of St. Pauls and Keith Bordeaux of Elizabethtown; a brother: W.J. Bordeaux of Leland; three sisters: Rosa Wilson of Tar Heel, Margaret Sessoms of Elizabethtown and Ellen Bain of Newport News, Va.; and three grandchildren. RALPH B HARPER JR Retired from NC Dept of Environmental Health and Natural Resources WILMINGTON -- Ralph Buchanan Harper, Jr. died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, in New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born in Greenville Aug. 30, 1942, the son of the late Ralph Buchanan Harper, Sr. and Hilda Austin Harper. He grew up in the Williams Township community of Columbus County and was employed with the NC Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources for more than 35 years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Reconciliation. He is survived by his wife, Susan Waters Harper; four children: Renee' Harper Hudgins of Atlanta, Georgia, Ralph Buchanan Harper III of Fayetteville, Allison Lynn Homick of Orlando, Fla. and Lyndsey Susan Presley of Delco; five grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Austin Harper of Pawleys Island, S.C. Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center, 1406 Physician's Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or to the Lutheran Church of the Reconciliation, 7500 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28405. MARION C GEORGE JR Attorney, Professor, Veteran FAYETTEVILLE - Marion Columbus George Jr., son of the late Marion Columbus  George Sr. and the late Sally Baldwin George, was born Jan. 13, 1922 in Columbus County. He completed his earthly journey on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 at Whispering Pines Nursing Home in Fayetteville. He was a graduate of the public schools of Columbus County, A & T State University, University of Illinois, Ohio State University and Georgetown University School of Law. He also attended the University of Chicago, Harvard University, North Carolina Central University Law School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After having served and completed his duty as a combat soldier in Italy in the U.S. Army, Attorney George became the first veteran to have earned three degrees (BS, MS and Ph.D) under the provision of the Veteran Rehabilitation Bill, as publicized by the central office of the Veterans Administration in Washington, D.C. A licensed lawyer, he maintained an office for the general practice of law in downtown Fayetteville. He was also a retired professor of business administration from Fayetteville State University. Attorney George was elected to the Fayetteville City Council in 1969 where he served for five consecutive years, including two terms as Mayor Pro-Tem. A quiet, reserved gentleman, he worked diligently for the improvement of representation of all people on public boards, commissions and agencies. He was also involved in many other civic organizations and activities. As a member of Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Fayetteville, he served as legal consultant and in many other capacities. He was also a member of Rose Hill AME Zion Church in Whiteville. He is survived by his nieces, Loutishia Templeman, Annie George, Nora Ellerby, Evangeline Jones and Patricia Shipman; and by his nephews: Ernest Davis, George Shipman, Marion Shipman, Harry Shipman and William Ward. Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, Nov. 15 at Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 301 North Cool Spring Street, Fayetteville. Interment will follow in the George Cemetery, U.S. 701, Whiteville. The family will receive friends Sunday, Nov. 14 from 4-6 p.m. at Peoples Funeral Home in Whiteville. RENA K CROOM Avid gardener KINSTON - Rena Bessie Kelly Croom, 70, died Monday, Nov. 8, 2004 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. She was born in Freeman to the late Harry Lee Kelly and Lena Mae Byrd Kelly. She was the wife of the late Major Lott -M.L.- Croom. She had a great love of gardening and flowers. A memorial service will be conducted Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. from Neuse Baptist Church by the Rev. Greg Kincaid. Rouse Funeral Home of La Grange is handling the arrangements. She is survived by four sons: Harry Ray Croom of Kinston, Gary Lott Croom Sr. and wife Elizabeth of Aiken, S.C., James Franklin Croom of Wake Forest and Samuel Bryan Croom and wife, Janice of Kinston; a brother: Thurman Kelly and wife Sandra of Clarkton; four grandchildren: Amanda Croom, Gary Lott Croom Jr., Samantha Croom and Matthew Croom. She was preceded in death by two sisters: Pearl Shepherd and Rosa Lee Potter along with four brothers: Floyd Kelly, Wade Kelly, Raymond Kelly and Harry Lee Kelly Jr. The family will receive friends Friday following the service and at other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Neuse Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 2909 West Vernon Ave., Kinston, NC 28501. WARREN WILKERSON ORANGEBURG, S.C. - Warren Wilkerson, 47, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004. Final rites will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. from Diamond Branch Baptist Church, Whiteville, by the Rev. Dr. J.R. Leach. Interment will be in Sandy Grove Cemetery in Parkton. F.W. Newton & Sons Mortuary is handling the arrangements. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Wilkerson of Jersey City, N.J.; two brothers: Leonold Wilkerson and Michael Wilkerson, both of Jersey City, N.J.; a sister: Jackie Faye Wilkerson of Jersey City, N.J.; and several grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at F.W. Newton & Sons Mortuary, 403 Martin Street, Elizabethtown. EMMA M CARTER WILMINGTON - Emma Marie Carter died Monday, Nov. 8, 2004 at the Commons at Brightmore. Graveside services were conducted Thursday, Nov. 11 at Columbus Memorial Park. Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel handled the arrangements. WILLIAM D WINN ELIZABETHTOWN - William Daniel Winn, 79, died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004 at his home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. at Bladen Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Walter Hayes. Bladen Funeral Home of Elizabethtown is handling the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Julia C. Winn; a daughter: Patricia Schoonmaker of Sheffield, Mass.; two brothers: Richard Winn of Agawam, Mass. and Donald Winn of Marlboro, Conn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Elizabethtown, 411 South Poplar St., Elizabethtown, NC 28337. BEULAH W HICKS Bookkeeper/grocery CERRO GORDO - Beulah -Bea- Alice White Hicks, 80, died Monday, Nov. 7, 2004 in Loris Community Hospital. She was a native of North Bay, Ontario and was the widow of Dr. Charles Howard Hicks. She worked as a bookkeeper in the grocery business. Final rites were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 10 at Worthington Funeral Home by Pastor Will Smith. Interment was in Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by a son, Robert Charles Hicks of Holden, La.; a brother: Pete White of North Bay, Ontario; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Monday, November 15, 2004     RALPH B HARPER JR Retired from NC Dept of Environmental Health and Natural Resources WILMINGTON -- Ralph Buchanan Harper, Jr. died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, in New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born in Greenville Aug. 30, 1942, the son of the late Ralph Buchanan Harper, Sr. and Hilda Austin Harper. He grew up in the Williams Township community of Columbus County and was employed with the NC Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources for more than 35 years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Reconciliation. He is survived by his wife, Susan Waters Harper; four children: Renee' Harper Hudgins of Atlanta, Georgia, Ralph Buchanan Harper III of Fayetteville, Allison Lynn Homick of Orlando, Fla. and Lyndsey Susan Presley of Delco; five grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Austin Harper of Pawleys Island, S.C. Memorials may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care Center, 1406 Physician's Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or to the Lutheran Church of the Reconciliation, 7500 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28405. MARIE DAVIS CARTER WILMINGTON - Marie Davis Carter, widow of William A. Carter of Columbus County, daughter of the late Hattie Carter Davis and George E. Davis, completed her earthly journey on Nov. 8, 2004 at Liberty Commons in Wilmington. She was a longtime member of Smyrna Baptist Church of Whiteville. Mrs. Carter is survived by a son, Sammy Carter and wife Susan of Newport News, Va.; a daughter: Alicia Brock Sneeden of Wilmington; two brothers: B.S. Davis of Evergreen and George Davis of Whiteville; four sisters: Juanita Davis and Reba Bartley, both of Evergreen, Evelyn Scott of Carthage and Nancy Odham of Fair Bluff; four grandsons and several nieces and nephews, she shared generously with love. Graveside services were held Thursday, Nov. 11 at Columbus Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Smyrna Baptist Church in her name. DOROTHY L WEST Restaurant cook COUNCIL - Dorothy Lee West, 77, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was formerly employed as a restaurant cook. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. at Carver's Creek AME Zion Church. Interment will be in the Carver's Creek Cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Hubert West; and a son: Charles Simpson of Bronx, N.Y. Viewing will be at the funeral home Monday from noon until 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon. Viewing will be at the church Tuesday following the service. MARY E BROWN Homemaker BOLTON - Mary Eliza Brown, 83, died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 at her residence. She was a homemaker. Final rites will be conducted Friday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. at Lee's Chapel AME Zion Church by Elder Thomas A. Wiggins Jr. Interment will be in the Smith Chapel Church Cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by a sister, Jannie Mae Beatty of Bolton. Viewing will be at the funeral home Thursday from noon until 8 p.m. and Friday from 9-11 a.m. Viewing will be at the church Friday following the service. There will be a wake Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at Peoples Funeral Chapel at which time Eastern Star rites will be performed. GERI F FREDERE PRINCETON - Geri Fore Fredere, 69, died Sunday morning, Nov. 14, 2004. Born in Whiteville June 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Mary H. Fore. She was also preceded in death by her brothers: James Dixon Fore and Graham Carl Fore. She was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church. She dedicated her life to her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at Ebenezer United Methodist Church near Princeton with visitation following in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Whiteville Cemetery in Whiteville. Parrish Funeral Home of Princeton is handling the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Frank B. Fredere Jr.; children: Jo F. Ramsey and husband Doug of East Bend, Frank B. Fredere III and wife Kandi of Hodges, S.C., Lisa F. Wood and husband Jimmie of Princeton; grandchildren: Ashlee J. Ramsey, Haylee V. Wood and Hannah H. Wood; and a sister: Mary F. Raines. The family would like to express their most sincere gratitude to the staff and class members of Wayne Memorial Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit. They also would like to thank the special friends who went that extra mile to make her life a little bit easier. ESTELL G MCNEILL TRENTON, N.J. - Estell Gause McNeill, 72, formerly of Tabor City, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004. Final rites will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. at Holy Light Holiness Church in Tabor City with Elder Nathan Gause giving the eulogy. Interment will be in the Columbus County Singing Union Cemetery, Tabor City. Westside Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by five sons: Ronnie McNeil, Jimmy Dale McNeil, Arnold McNeil, all of Trenton, N.J. and Donald McNeil of California; and a daughter: Katrina McNeill of Trenton, N.J. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Westside Funeral Home Chapel and other times at the home of her brother, Albert Gause, 109 Fair Bluff Road. HILDA B COHEN BRONX, N.Y. - Hilda Bryant Cohen died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 at Albert Einstein Hospital in Bronx, N.Y. She was the daughter of Louise Bryant and the late Wilbert Bryant of Hallsboro. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home. OLIVER HILBOURN Retired farmer LAKE WACCAMAW - Oliver Hilbourn, 79, died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. He was the son of the late John and Letha Edwards Hilbourn. He was a retired farmer. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 14 at Worthington Funeral Home by the Reverends Eddie Watts and Danny Lewis. Worthington Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Mae Russ Hilbourn of the home; daughters: Virginia Ruth Hayes of Lake Waccamaw and Nancy Louise H. Inman of Florence, S.C.; a son: Herold Ray Hilbourn of Cerro Gordo; sisters: Mary H. Britt and Rebecca Birch, Snowie Hammonds and Reba Nobles, all of Lexington, Martha Lou Elliott of Floyds, S.C.; a brother: Hubert Hilbourn of Fair Bluff; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Ashley Inman, Robert Inman, Brian McPherson, J.B. McPherson, James Godwin, Kenny Lewis Godwin and Bryan Bartley. SARA M NOLEN TABOR CITY - Sara Ellen Morris Nolen, 68, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004 at her residence. She was the widow of Donald Nolen and the daughter of the late Theodore and Alda Wickman Morris. A memorial service will be held Monday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. at Worthington Funeral Home by the Rev. Roger Coffe. Worthington Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by two daughters: Barbara Rush of Thornton, W.Va. and Dianna Watts of Nakina; two sons: Joseph Morris of Tabor City and Brent Nolen of Marietta, Ohio; two sisters: Mary Riggs and Gladys Salisbury, both of Monroe County, Ohio; a brother: Freeman Morris of Monroe County, Ohio; and nine grandchildren. SHELBY C NOBLES CHADBOURN - Shelby Jane Cribb Nobles, 63, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Ernest Alton and Leona Nobles Cribb. Final rites will be conducted Monday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at Worthington Funeral Home by the Reverends Alton Cribb and James Howard Nobles. Interment will be in Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, James -J.C.- Nobles of the home; daughters: Tammy Jenrette of Tabor City, Elizabeth Powell of Whiteville and Melissa Faye Helms of Bassett, Va.; sons: Danny Jeffers of Cerro Gordo, Ronnie Jeffers of the home and Tim DeWitt; sisters: Alice Faye Turner of Leesburg, Fla.; a brother: Rev. Alton -Buddy- Cribb of Loris, S.C.; and 11 grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Randy Edwards, Scott Turbeville, Ricky Hammonds, Ricky Buffkin, Onzie Nobles and Robert -Bobby- Turner. AUDREY K CANADY Student at Old Dock Elementary School NAKINA - Audrey Kay Canady, 6, died Thursday, Nov. 11, 2004. She was born Dec. 9, 1997 in Columbus County, the daughter of Marcus Allen Canady and Amy Elizabeth Smith Canady. She was a first grade student at Old Dock School and a member of the Angel Team of the Nakina Dixie Youth League coach pitch ball. She was active in Happy Home Baptist Church children's activities. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 14 at Happy Home Baptist Church by the Reverends David Peterson and Wayne Faulk. Interment was in the Happy Home Baptist Church Cemetery. Peacock Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her parents, Allen and Amy Canady; a sister: Anna Elizabeth Smith of Nakina; paternal grandparents: Mack Jr. and Kay Canady of Nakina; maternal grandfather: Cliff Smith III and step-grandmother: Hazel Smith of Hampstead; paternal uncle: Jimmy Canady and wife Paula of Nakina; maternal uncles: Cliff Smith IV and Rodney Smith, both of Carolina Beach; paternal cousins: Kyle and Tyler Canady; maternal cousins: Dell and Brittany Smith. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother: Betty Smith; paternal great-grandparents: Mack Sr. and Ruby Canady, Jim and Vera Smith; maternal great-grandparents: Cliff H. II and Anna Smith, Fred and Francis Parnell. Serving as pallbearers were Carlton Register, Donnie Clark, Kent Spivey, Timmy Porter, Trent Porter and Ben Reaves. Honorary pallbearers were J.D. Gore, Donald Oxendine, Lawrence Gore and Donald Clark. Memorials may be made to Happy Home Missionary Baptist Church, 2439 Happy Home Baptist Church Road, Nakina, NC 28455 or Old Dock Elementary School Library, New Britton Highway East, Whiteville, NC 28472. FREDRICK BURTON WILMINGTON - Fredrick Burton died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 at Cape Fear Hospice Care Center. Final rites will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 17 at noon in Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Wilmington, by the Rev. Charles Davis. Interment will be in the Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Hallsboro. Smith Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. He is survived by several cousins. Thursday, November 18, 2004 ESTELL G MCNEILL TRENTON, N.J. - Estell Gause McNeill, 72, formerly of Tabor City, died Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004. Final rites were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Holy Light Holiness Church in Tabor City with Elder Nathan Gause giving the eulogy. Interment was in the Columbus County Singing Union Cemetery, Tabor City. Westside Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by five sons: Ronnie McNeill, Jimmy Dale McNeill, Arnold McNeill, all of Trenton, N.J., Donald McNeill of California and Jeffery McNeill of North Dakota; and a daughter: Katrina McNeill of Trenton, N.J. HILDA B COHEN BRONX, N.Y. - Hilda Bryant Cohen died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 at Albert Einstein Hospital in Bronx, N.Y. She was the daughter of Louise Bryant and the late Wilbert Bryant of Hallsboro. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home. NELLIE RICHARDSON BLADENBORO - Nellie Richardson, 90, died Monday, Nov. 15, 2004 in Bladen County Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Richardson and a son, Jerry Richardson. Final rites were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church by the Reverends Sidney Britt and Charles Brust. Interment was in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Lewis Funeral Home of Bladenboro handled the arrangements. She is survived by a daughter-in-law: Christine Richardson of Bladenboro; two grandchildren: Terry Richardson and Christy Hales, both of Bladenboro; and four great - grandchildren: Jeremy Richardson, Tera Richardson, Casey Hales and Cassidy Hales, all of Bladenboro. BILLY W LEWIS TABOR CITY - Billy Wayne Lewis, 60, died Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004 in Loris Hospital. He was born in Columbus County, the son of Albert Lewis and the late Dola Beatrice Fowler Lewis. Final rites were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 17 in the Inman Chapel by the Rev. Alvin Jackson. Interment was in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City handled the arrangements. He is survived by two sons: Billy Ray Lewis and Eddie A. Lewis, both of Tabor City; his father: Albert Lewis of Loris, S.C.; two sisters: Linda Tompkins of Red Springs and Patsy Gore of Loris, S.C.; two brothers: Donald Lewis and Keith Lewis, both of Loris, S.C.; and four grandchildren. ROSA L DANIEL ELIZABETHTOWN - Rosa Lee Daniel, 92, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004 at Bladen County Hospital. Final rites were conducted Tuesday, Nov. 16 at Bladen Funeral Home Chapel by the Reverends Steve Butler and Joe Barnhill. Interment was in Wesley's Chapel Church Cemetery. Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home of Elizabethtown handled the arrangements. She is survived by two sons: Charles B. Daniel and James Roland Daniel, both of Elizabethtown; three daughters: Virginia Steuart of Wilmington, Kathleen Wood of Rocky Point and Lillian Atkinson of Elizabethtown; six grandchildren and eight great - grandchildren. MARGARET P LAMB Homemaker LUMBERTON - Margaret Parrott Lamb, 77, formerly of Henderson, died Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 in Lumberton. Born in Warren County, she was the daughter of the late John T. and Carrie Renn Parrott. She was the widow of the Rev. Waverly Douglas Lamb. She was a homemaker and a member of City Road United Methodist Church until 1968 when she and her husband entered into the ministry. They retired in Whiteville in 1997. Final rites were conducted Tuesday, Nov. 16 at City Road United Methodist Church by Rev. Eddie Kirby and Jimmy Adams. Interment was in Sunset Gardens. Flowers Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by two sons: W.D. Lamb Jr. of Hemmingway, S.C. and Ted Wayne Lamb of Wilmington; a sister: Florence P. Roberson of Henderson; and five grandchildren. Serving as active pallbearers were Alan Matthews, Larry West, W.A. West, Bennie Layton, Gary Tillotson, Charles Chewning, Paul Nowell, Bob Williams, Danny Ray Roberson and Terry Green. DAVID W LITTLE Owned and operated Little Professional Painting WHITEVILLE - David Wayne Little, 41, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2004. He was born May 9, 1963 in Columbus County, the son of Doris Rogers Todd of Lexington and the late James Alton Little. He formerly owned and operated Little Professional Painting. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Jerry Spivey at Happy Home Baptist Church Cemetery. Peacock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Campbell Little; a son: David Edward Little of the home; a daughter: Amanda Grace Little of the home; his mother: Doris Rogers Todd of Lexington; a brother: James Robert Little of Elizabethtown; a sister: Janice Noble of Chadbourn; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Roger Little. Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Hewitt, Matthew Hewett, Allen -Tuggy- McKee, Steve Lovette, James Little and Trevor McKee. HARVEY B JEFFRIES Retired from Rose's Stores Harvey B. Jeffries, 89, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, at Evergreens of High Point. He was born Dec. 13, 1914, in Greene County, Tenn. He retired from Rose's Stores on Dec. 31, 1979, after serving as a manager for 46 years where he was loved by all who knew him. He spent his years of retirment on Oak Island. Harvey was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Aileen Frierson Jeffries, on March 12, 2004. He is survived by daughters: Mary Jo Tilghman of Wilmington and Susan Harris and husband John of Jamestown; grandsons Chris Tilghman and Mark Harris, granddaughter Jamie Harris; and great-granddaughter Kayla Tilghman. Also a memorial service in honor of Harvey and Aileen will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Oceanview United Methodist Church, 600 Yaupon Drive, Oak Island. Sechrest Family Funeral Care in Archdale is serving the family. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262, Oceanview UMC, or Kingstree UMC. MORRIS GREEN Retired farmer BOLTON - Morris Green, 77, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. He was the son of the late Zeb and Bessie Strickland Green. He was a retired farmer. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with the Reverends Robin Cox, Eddie Watts and Linzy Nance officiating. Interment will follow in the Green Family Cemetery, Cerro Gordo. Arrangements by Worthington Funeral Home Inc., of Chadbourn. Survivors include his wife: Theatus Anderson Green of the home; daughter: Belinda G. Lewis of Bolton; sons: Richard Morris Green of Bolton and Terry D. Green of Whiteville; sisters Tommie G. Britt of Bladenboro, Virginia G. Stephens of Whiteville, Geneva G. Green of Florence, S.C., Patricia G. Greene of Cerro Gordo and Sue G. Enzor of Lake Waccamaw; brothers: Harry Lee Green of Cerro Gordo and Lenue Green of Theriot, La.; 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Friday at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn. THELMA DODD COUNCIL - Thelma T. Dodd, 83, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004 in Elizabethtown. She was born June 24, 1921 in Columbus County, the daughter of the late John and Hattie Dew Tedder. She was a member of the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Elizabethtown. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Peacock's Chapel In The Pines, Whiteville. She is survived by her husband: Jack Dodd, three daughters: Peggy Gulick of Willingsboro, N.J., Barbara Smith of Hope Mills, and Patricia Cutrell of Wilmington; two sisters: Gertrude Holloman of Hallsboro and Hilda Pope of Whiteville; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Monday, November 22, 2004 LARRY D MARTIN TEMPLE HILLS, Md. - Larry Darnell Martin, 52, formerly of Bladenboro, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2004 in Washington, D.C. Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 21 at Mt. Hebron A.M.E. Zion Church in Abbottsburg by the Rev. Earl Godfrey. Burial followed in the Sandhill Cemetery in Bladenboro. Surviving are his wife: Glenda Martin; two sons: Freddie Martin of Maryland and Larry Martin Jr. of Washington, D.C.; a daughter: Jessica Martin of the home; six sisters: Mertis Martin of Abbottsburg, Wilma Lloyd of Lumberton, Jane Echols of Detroit, Michigan, Kevin Clark of Jacksonville, Alice McKenzie of New York, and Bernice Gowens of Savannah, Ga.; a brother: Eddie Martin of Bladenboro. Friends may visit the family at the home of Mertis Martin, Highway 211, Abbottsburg. A service of Peoples Home of Whiteville JOHN BYRD JR Hospital orderly WHITEVILLE - John Byrd Jr., 58, died Tuesday, Nov. 16. 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. He was employed as a hospital orderly. Final rites were held Saturday, Nov. 20 at First St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. S.E. Bryant. Burial followed in Hallsboro Memorial Park. Peoples Funeral Home of Whiteville handled the arrangements. Survivors include a daughter: Sharon Cross of Mays Landing, N.J.; a son: Sami Khabir of Atlantic City, N.J.; two stepdaughters: Lanette McKoy and Glynnis Byrd both of Salisbury, Md.; a stepson: Andrea McKoy of Stone Bridge, Ga.; two sisters: Brenda Byrd Hoskin of Temple Hills, Md. and Pamela Johns of Washington, D.C.; three brothers: Richard Johns of Temple Hills, Md., Charles Byrd of Shelby, and Leroy Johns of St. Louis, Missouri. JOYCE BUFFKIN GREEN SEA, S.C. - Joyce Buffkin, 71, died Friday, Nov. 19, 2004 in the Carolina Hospital System, Florence, S.C. She was the daughter of the late Vollie Turbeville and Ethelle Strickland Turbeville. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 21 at Cherry Grove Baptist Church. Interment was in the Buffkin Cemetery. Inman Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Landis Buffkin of the home; two sons: Maurice Buffkin of Timberlake and Stan Buffkin of Loris, S.C.; three grandchildren: Lindy, Lindsey and Joye Buffkin; and one great-grandchild: Jenny Lynn Buffkin. JAMES S -FRED- GRAHAM JR Construction worker LELAND - James Sanford -Fred- Graham Jr., 28, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004 in Bladen County. He was born Nov. 19, 1976 in New Hanover County, the son of James Sanford Graham Sr. and Julia Bernice Hewett Graham. He was employed with Mundy Construction Company. He was a member of Straightway Ministries Church of Living God, was a former Boy Scout and enjoyed go-cart racing. Final rites will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Bolton by the Reverends Don Carter and Jonathan Ballard. Interment will be in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Peacock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Donna Shari Critzer Graham; a son: Jonathan Graham of the home; a daughter: Karissa Mae Ann Graham of the home; his parents: James Sanford and Julia Graham of Leland; and a sister: Kimberly Ann Graham of the home. Serving as pallbearers will be Demeare Cobb, Stephen Perry, Tony Butler, Jonathon Taylor, Mike Graham and Erick Graham. The family will receive friends Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 7-8:30 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. JULIA V BOWERS Civic worker WHITEVILLE - Julia Mitchell Vinson Bowers, a lifelong resident of Whiteville, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004. She was born June 22, 1919 in Fairmont, the daughter of the late Ernest Livingston Vinson and Julia Mitchell Vinson. She attended St. Mary's College and Meredith College. She was involved with numerous civic organizations including the boards of the Columbus County Fine Arts Committee, Columbus County Mental Health Association, Whiteville Public Library, Cape Fear Council of Boys Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of Coastal Carolina and Southeastern Community College. She was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America and was a member of Whiteville United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence Ray Bowers, retired president and chairman of the board of United Carolina Bancshares, who died in 1987. She is survived by two sons: Lawrence Ray Bowers II and his wife Lil of Peachtree City, Ga. and Ernest Livingston Vinson Bowers and his wife Nancy of New Bern; a daughter: Julia Bowers Rich and her husband Lewis of Raleigh; eight grandchildren: James Samuel Bowers II and wife Kristin, Lawrence Ray Bowers III, Andrew Christopher Bowers and wife Alena, Franklin Wilson Bowers, Lawrence Brantley Bowers, Julia C. Slider, Shields Castarphen and Charles Vinson Bowers; and one great-granddaughter, Stella James Bowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Lawrence R. Bowers Memorial Auditorium General Fund, c/o Fuller Royal, P.O. Box 707, Whiteville, NC 28472 or to the Columbus Fine Arts Committee, P.O. Box 183, Whiteville, NC 28472. The family would like to thank Catherine Radcliffe, Hazel Spivey and all caregivers and staff of Springmoor Retirement Center, Raleigh. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. at Whiteville United Methodist Church by the Rev. David Benson. McKenzie Mortuary is handling the arrangements. The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the home of Nancy Smith, Edgewood Circle, Whiteville. LEE H MILLICAN Retired farmer, formerly employed with Gore Trailer WHITEVILLE - Lee Hobson Millican, 89, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born July 22, 1915 in Columbus County, the son of the late William Pinkney and Dora Sasser Millican. He was the widower of Lina Simmons Millican. He was the oldest living member of Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, having served as a deacon and member of the building and grounds committee. He was a retired farmer and was employed with Gore Trailer Manufacturing for 27 years. He was an avid traveler and enjoyed fishing. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Dave Heller. Interment will be in Peacock's Columbus Memorial Park. Peacock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. He is survived by a son, John Paul Millican and wife Shirley of Whiteville; three grandchildren: John David Millican of Clayton, Tara Millican Willis and husband Brian of Wilmington and Gentry Millican of Wilmington; a great-grandson: Skylar Millican of Wilmington; two sisters: Jessie Millican and Maggie Millican Davis, both of Whiteville. He was preceded in death by a sister: Estelle Simmons; and a brother: Elwood Millican. Pallbearers will be James Simmons, Allie Simmons, Ricky Simmons, Daniel Simmons, McRay Simmons and Billy Simmons. The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Peacock's Chapel In The Pines. LEON T WILSON Owner/operator of Wilson's Tree Service, Veteran WHITEVILLE - Leon Thomas Wilson, 60, formerly of White Lake, died Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004. He was born Oct. 27, 1944 in Bladen County, the son of the late Rupert and Thelma Thomas Wilson. He owned and operated Wilson's Tree Service. He served in the National Guard and was a member of White Lake Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Carol Catt Wilson; two sons: Shawn Monroe of Hallsboro and Leon T. Wilson II of the home; two brothers: Elmer Kelly of Castle Hayne and Weldon Thomas of Bridgeport, W. Va.; a sister: Mildred Hall of Clinton; and three grandchildren. Peacock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. THELMA T DODD COUNCIL - Thelma T. Dodd, 83, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004 in Elizabethtown. She was born June 24, 1921 in Columbus County, the daughter of the late John and Hattie Dew Tedder. She was a member of the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Elizabethtown. Final rites were conducted Saturday, Nov. 20 at Peacock's Chapel In The Pines by the Reverends Jerry Green, Robert Jackson and Danny Williams. Interment was in Flynn Cemetery. Peacock Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Jack I. Dodd; three daughters: Peggy Gulick of Willingsboro, N.J., Barbara Smith of Hope Mills and Patricia Cutrell of Wilmington; two sisters: Gertrude Holloman of Hallsboro and Hilda Pope of Whiteville; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers were Gordon Holloman, Jimmy Holloman, Sylvan Tedder, Jimmy Pope, Horace Baxley, Tommy Butler and Charles Foneville. ELIZABETH T DOWLESS OCEAN ISLE BEACH - Elizabeth Turner Dowless, 73, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 in New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She was born in Dillon, S.C., a daughter of the late Forrest and Mattie Turner. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ben -Hoover- Dowless Jr. and her daughter, Wanda Gail Watts. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte, by the Rev. Phil Norris. Interment will be in Brunswick Memorial Gardens. Brunswick Funeral Service of Shallotte is handling the arrangements. She is survived by two sons: John W. -Buster- Dowless of Ash and Mitchell Wayne Dowless of Ocean Isle Beach; two daughters: Elizabeth Ann Phipps of Tabor City and Jacqueline Ren- Lloyd of Ocean Isle Beach; two brothers: Frank Turner of Whiteville and Robert Turner of Shallotte; a sister: Iris Gunter of Charlotte; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.         Thursday, November 25, 2004        BEULAH E KEEN TABOR CITY - Beulah Estelle Keen, 83, died Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004 in Loris Hospital. A native of Columbus County, she was the daughter of the late J. Bright Stephens and Jennie Spivey Stephens. She was the widow of Horace Keen. Final rites were conducted Tuesday, Nov. 23 in the Inman Chapel. Interment was in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by two brothers: M.J. Stephens and W.D. -Dewey- Stephens, both of Tabor City; and four grandchildren. DAVID LEE WARD WHITEVILLE - David Lee Ward, 65, died Nov. 16, 2004 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington. He was the son of the late Charlie Lee Ward and Lecie Cleo Ward. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. at Lewis-Bowen Chapel in Bladenboro. Officiating will be the Reverends Avery Canady and Clyde Reeves. No graveside service, burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tabor City. Lewis-Bowen Funeral Home of Bladenboro is handling the arrangements. He is survived by two sons: David L. Ward and Charlie Lee Ward, both of the home; two brothers: Billy Ward and Johnny Ward, both of Whiteville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. JAMES F WILLIAMSON Veteran, retired Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock, Co. HAMPTON, Va. - James Fred Williamson, 76, entered eternal life with the Lord Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004. Born Aug. 18, 1928 in Columbus County, he served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. He loved fishing, racing, church and his garden. He leaves many family members and devoted friends to cherish his memory. Mr. Williamson was a loving husband for 56 years to his wife, Mary and he was a devoted father to his sons, Irby and wife Alice and Johnnie and wife Doris and daughter, Kaye Faltot and husband John. He also leaves behind five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two sisters: Vera Gore and Evelyn Stocks, both of Columbus County. A chapel service was conducted Wednesday, Nov. 24 at Peninsula Funeral Home by Pastor Dan Schafer. Interment was in Peninsula Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 3805 Cutshaw Ave., Suite 200, Richmond, Va. 23230. CHARLES E TATUM JR Employed with the State of North Carolina TABOR CITY - Charles Edwin Tatum Jr., 61, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 in Erwin Garden Nursing Home. He was employed by the State of North Carolina. He was born in Mullins, S.C., the son of the late Charles Edwin Tatum Sr. and Bertha Ward Long. Final rites were conducted Tuesday, Nov. 23 in the Inman Chapel. Interment was in Pireway Methodist Church Cemetery, Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Kever B. Tatum of Tabor City; a son: J. Kevin Tatum of Ocean Isle Beach; a daughter: Pamela Tatum Prince of Whiteville; a brother: Roger Tatum of Cornelius; two half-brothers: Richard Tatum of Wilmington and Robert Tatum of Castle Hayne; and two grandchildren. MILDRED P WILLIAMS EVERGREEN - Mildred P. Williams, 92, of Boardman, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Peoples Funeral Home. SHEILA L SHELLEY LITTLE RIVER, S.C. - Sheila Lynn Shelley, 47, died Friday, Nov. 19, 2004. She was born Jan. 11, 1957 in Tabor City, the daughter of the late Hoyt and Donnie Fowler Shelley. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Brunswick Funeral Service is handling the arrangements. She is survived by a son, David Osborne of Sunset Beach; and three sisters: Mary Jo Strickland, Margaret Lanier and Ann Mansfield, all of Whiteville. LOUISE H WILLIAMSON CHADBOURN - Louise Hammond Williamson, 84, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. Final rites will be conducted Friday, Nov. 26 at 3 p.m. at Williamson's Crossroads Baptist Church by the Rev. Linzey Nance. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Other information is incomplete and will be announced by Worthington Funeral Home. LILLIAN L ATKINS WHITEVILLE - Lillian Lovett Atkins, 83, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. Graveside services will be conducted Friday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. at Spring Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, Nichols, S.C. Meares Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Meares Funeral Home, Fair Bluff. Monday, November 29, 2004 MILDRED P WILLIAMS Homemaker EVERGREEN - Mildred P. Williams, 92, of Boardman, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was a homemaker. Final rites were conducted Saturday, Nov. 27 at Horace Grove Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Ronnie McCray. Interment was in the Williams Family Cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by a son, Lagous Williams of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three daughters: Asalee Williams of Brooklyn, N.Y., Janice Williams of the home and Louise Mason of Boardman. LOUISE H WILLIAMSON Homemaker CHADBOURN - Louise Hammond Williamson, 84, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital. She was the daughter of the late John L. and Mattie Williamson Hammond. She was a homemaker. Final rites were conducted Friday, Nov. 26 at Williamson's Crossroads Baptist Church, Chadbourn, by the Reverends Linzy Nance and J.P. Williams. Interment was in the church cemetery. Worthington Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by two daughters: Betty Branch of Chadbourn and Gail W. Fields of Evergreen; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Mackie Bullock, George Dillard, Fielding Hammond, Shayne Hammond, Keith Harrelson and David Williamson. KATHY S TODD Bookstore employee at Southeastern Community College CHADBOURN - Kathy Diane Strickland Todd, 51, died Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 at her residence. She was the daughter of the late William Melvin Strickland. She was employed at the bookstore at Southeastern Community College. Final rites were conducted Saturday, Nov. 27 at Fair Bluff Church of God by the Reverends Louis Bass and Kevin Strickland. Interment was in Green Cemetery, Cerro Gordo. Worthington Funeral Home of Chadbourn handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, Donald R. Todd of Chadbourn; two sons: William Donald Todd of Chadbourn and Reggie Shawn Todd of the home; her mother: Josephine Russ Strickland of Cerro Gordo; two brothers: Sherwood Strickland of Evergreen and Marty Strickland of Cerro Gordo; and two grandchildren. Pallbearers were Michael Batten, Billy Green, Mike Green, Jeffery Greene, Spanky Strickland and Chris Todd. LILLIAN L ATKINS WHITEVILLE - Lillian Lovett Atkins, 83, passed away Nov. 23, 2004 at Columbus County Hospital after an extended illness. She was born March 3, 1921, the daughter of the late John Hector and Madge Grainger Lovett. She was preceded in death by her husband, James O. -Jimmie- Atkins; three brothers: Lee -Mutt-, Dock and Claude Lovett; and two sisters: Ruth VeHorn and Margie McMillian. Graveside services were conducted Friday, Nov. 26 at Spring Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, Nichols, S.C. Meares Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her children: James M. Atkins and his wife Carolyn of Whiteville, Nancy Ray and her husband Allan of Pleasantview Community, S.C. and Sharon Fallon and her husband Richard of Louisville, Ky.; a sister: Lorrine L. Soles of Whiteville; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family requests memorials be made to a hospice group or The Shriners Children's Hospitals. TONY MEARES Veteran KILLEEN, Texas - Tony Meares, 45, formerly of Whiteville, died Monday, Nov. 22, 2004 in Temple, Texas. He was a veteran. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 28 at Christian Plain AME Zion Church in Whiteville by the Rev. Vincent Meares. Interment was in the Shaw Cemetery in Whiteville. Peoples Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by a son: Shawn Michael Meares of Italy; his mother: Lula Graham of Whiteville; four sisters: Phyllis Mitchell of Killeen, Texas, Loletha Godwin of Charlotte, Donna Jones and Josie McKoy, both of Whiteville; four brothers: Dillard Meares and the Rev. Vincent Meares, both of Fayetteville, Earl Meares of Whiteville and Bobby Meares of Seattle, Wash. Friends may visit at the home of Lula Graham, 1447 Jenkins Road, Whiteville. DEWEY LANGLEY BLADENBORO - Dewey Langley, 90, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 28 at New Light Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church by the Rev. Ronnie Cox. Interment was in Gardens of Faith Cemetery, Lumberton. Lewis Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Clara Langley of Bladenboro; a son: Dewey Langley Jr. of Fayetteville; a daughter: Geraldine Taylor of Bladenboro; 20 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. ALICE V WILLIAMS Retired school teacher WHITEVILLE - Alice Vernita Williams, 68, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004 at home. She was born in Columbus County, the daughter of the late Wilson and Reba Edmund Bryant. She was a retired school teacher of 36 years. Final rites were conducted Saturday, Nov. 27 in the Clarendon Baptist Church by the Reverends Jim Hooper and David Todd. Interment was in Forest Lawn Cemetery,  Tabor City. Inman Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband, J.C. Williams of the home; a son: Jonathan Williams and wife Michelle of Tabor City; two daughters: Kim Edwards and husband Worley of Williams Township and Lynn Williams of the home; a brother: William -Jack- Bryant of Whiteville; a sister: Adi Jo Jenkins of Hamlet; four grandchildren: Jon Williams, W.T., Bryant and Allison Edwards. Memorials may be made to Williams Township School, 10400 James B. White Highway, Whiteville, NC 28472. GENEVA D CONYERS TABOR CITY - Geneva D. Conyers, 88, of the Dothan community died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004 in Loris Community Hospital, Loris, S.C. She was the daughter of the late Ed Dubose and Maggie Durant. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. at New Light AME Church, Tabor City, by J.W. Nixon. Interment will be in the Butler Cemetery in the Dothan Community of Tabor City. Westside Funeral Home of Tabor City is handling the arrangements. She is survived by daughters: Bertha Faulk of the home, Lorene Daniel and Sarah Pierce, all of Dothan, Vernice Bellamy and Catherine Williams, both of Iron Hill, Maxine Hemingway of Cedar Branch Community of Loris, S.C. and Betty Stewart of Loris, S.C.; her sons: O.B. Conyers of Dothan, James Conyers of Iron Hill and Isaac Conyers of Wilmington; 48 grandchildren, 95 great-grandchildren; 55 great - great - grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild. MELBA R HAYNES Former factory worker BLADENBORO - Melba Ruth Haynes, 74, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004 at her residence. She was formerly employed as a factory worker. She was the sister of the late N.J. Peacock, Sarah Lewis, Fannie Haynes and Mary McKenzie. Final rites will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Whiteville, by the Rev. Dr. Timothy A. Lance. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Peoples Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. Viewing will be at the funeral home Monday from noon until 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. Viewing will be at the church Tuesday from noon until 1 p.m. and again following the service. There will be a wake Monday, Nov. 29 from 7-8 p.m. at Peoples Funeral Chapel. Friends may visit at the home of the Rev. and Mrs. Darryl Lewis, 2762 Red Store Road, Whiteville. RUTH B KNIGHT Nurse's aide LAKE WACCAMAW - Ruth -Ruby- Bennett Knight, 92, formerly of Bolton, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004. She was a nurse's aide. Graveside services were conducted Saturday, Nov. 27 at Hillcrest Cemetery at Lake Waccamaw by the Rev. Houston Miller. Highland Funeral Service of Fayetteville handled the arrangements. She is survived by a step-daughter, Jean Blair of Baltimore, Md.; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. MACEL C HUGHES NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Macel Cox Hughes, 68, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004 at her residence. She was born in Columbus County, the daughter of the late Wayman Arthur and Nora Gore Cox. The family held a private memorial service. Inman Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by two sons: James J. Hughes of Costa Rica and William J. -Bill- Hughes of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; seven sisters: Edna Mae Livingston of Tabor City, Mary Starr Finnessey and Barbara White, both of Roanoke, Va., Leona Floyd of Green Sea, S.C., Dot King of Loris, S.C., Joan Schuetz of North Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Linda Sue Callahan of High Point. JOAN W CRITCHER RALEIGH - Joan White Critcher, 69, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 at her home. She was born in Columbus County, the daughter of the late Bailey White and Delilah Tart White. She was loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Graveside services will be conducted Monday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. in Historic Oakwood Cemetery by the Rev. Dr. Ken Altom. Bryan-Lee Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Howard J. Critcher of the home; a daughter: Stefanie C. Lee and husband Wesley of Raleigh; a son: Howie Critcher and wife Teri of Raleigh; grandchildren: Victoria Norris, Kaitlyn Lee, Morgan Lee and Abigail Lee; a brother: Leonard White and wife Sara of Columbus County; a sister: Alice Kerr and husband John of Greenbelt, Md.; and her nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary's St., 4th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27605. MILDRED RICHARDSON CLARKTON - Mildred Richardson, 91, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 at Elizabethtown Nursing Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Richardson; a son: Jimmy Richardson; and two grandchildren. Final rites were conducted Monday, Nov. 29 at Clarkton First Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Michael Thompson and the Rev. Charles Hester. Interment will be in Clarkton City Cemetery. Bladen-Gaskins-Elizabethtown Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by three sons: Charles Michael Richardson of Bladenboro, Robert C. Richardson and John Steven Richardson, both of Clarkton; three daughters: Millie Guyton of Bladenboro, Gail Faircloth of Roseboro and Judith Richardson of Clarkton; two sisters: Doreen Copeland and Bertha Chandler, both of Florence, S.C.; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Friends may visit the family at the home of Robert C. Richardson, 154 Duncan Road, Clarkton. MARION R FOGLE LENOIR - Marion R. Fogle, 77, formerly of Fair Bluff, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004 at Caldwell County Hospice. Graveside services were conducted Friday, Nov. 26 at the Old Powell Cemetery in Fair Bluff by the Rev. Dr. Ray Lundy. Meares Funeral Home of Fair Bluff handled the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Fannie Grey Small Fogle of Lenior; a daughter: Roselyn F. Keyes of Lenoir; a sister: Annie Mae Gainus; and a half-brother: John -Buck- Fogle of Charleston, S.C. MARY C FLOYD Veteran, retiree of Guilford County Health Dept. INDIAN TRAIL - Mary Elizabeth Cooper Floyd, 80, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004. Born in Critz, Va., she was the daughter of the late William Clarence and Evelyn Patterson Cooper. She was a WWII veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy. She graduated from McClung Business College and retired from the Guilford County Health Department in Greensboro. Graveside services were conducted Sunday, Nov. 28 at Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery by the Rev. Dr. Corbin Cooper and the Rev. Sean Roberds. Worthington Funeral Home handled the arrangements. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Harry P. Floyd of the home; daughters: Nancy F. King of Charlotte and Peggy F. Rogers of Boone; a brother: Michael Cooper of Wilmington; two sisters: Margaret Vernon of Wilmington and Betty Ruth Litaker of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. JAMES E GREENE Retired auto mechanic CERRO GORDO - James Edward Greene, 65, died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 at his residence. He was the son of the late Cornie Wynn and Lillie Mae Edwards Greene. He was a retired auto mechanic. Final rites were conducted Sunday, Nov. 28 at Worthington Funeral Home by the Reverends Tim Moore and Bobby McNair. Interment was in the J.E. Greene Family Cemetery, Cerro Gordo. Worthington Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Mary Bea Russ Greene and granddaughter, Amber Lynn Green, both of the home; a daughter: Deborah G. Batten of Chadbourn; four sons: Eddie Dean Greene of Clarendon, Jeffery Greene, Anthony James Greene and Michael W. Greene, all of Cerro Gordo; three sisters: Kathleen G. Whitney of Miami, Fla., Virginia Mae G. Norris and Louise G. Patterson, both of Whiteville; three brothers: C.W. -June- Greene Jr. of Cerro Gordo, Jack Greene of Florence, S.C. and Kenny Greene of Whiteville; and seven grandchildren. Pallbearers were Gene Thompson, Keith Greene, Billy Rae Greene, Marty Strickland, Mike Green, Terry Floyd, Zeke Green and Scott Williamson. JOHN M SOLES Veteran, retired mail carrier AUBURNDALE, Fla. - John M. -Jay- Soles, 67, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 at Good Shepherd Hospice of Auburndale, Fla. He was a graduate of Nakina High School, class of 1957. He served in the Army from 1959 to 1962 and was a mail carrier in the Auburndale area for 27 years. Graveside services were conducted Wednesday, Nov. 24 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. Oak Ridge Funeral Care of Winter Haven, Fla. handled the arrangements. Worthington Funeral Home is announcing for the family. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Johnnie Mae Soles of the home; two daughters: Janet Soles Bell and Debbie Soles Kulick, both of Auburndale, Fla.; two brothers: George Soles of Cordova, Tenn. and Jimmy Soles of Delaware; four grandchildren; and an aunt: Valma Soles Worthington of Chadbourn. Memorials may be made to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73101-0036. ALFRED E LONG Restaurateur, salesman, Veteran, humanitarian LAKE WACCAMAW - Alfred Everett Long, 79, died Thursday, June 15, 1925 in Premier Living. He was born June 15, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Jamison and Anna Green Long and was the widower of Audrey Mae Covington. He was a graduate of Penn State and was a veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Navy. He formerly owned the Todd House in Tabor City and the Holiday Restaurant in Whiteville and was an industrial salesman with Union 76. He received seven statewide Service to Humanity awards for giving Christmas parties to needy children. Private burial will be in Stanley Garden of Memory in Albermarle at a later date. Peacock Funeral Home handled the arrangements. He is survived by a daughter, Suzin McNeill of Lake Waccamaw; and three grandchildren. STEVEN L PEYTON WHITEVILLE - Steven L. Peyton, 17, died Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004 in an automobile accident. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Peacock's Chapel In The Pines. PVT MICHAEL PEYTON Veteran WHITEVILLE - Pvt. Michael Daniel Peyton, 18, died Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004 in an automobile accident. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Peacock's Chapel In The Pines. ROY C BATTEN CHADBOURN - Roy C. Batten, 58, died Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004 at his residence. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McKenzie Mortuary.