Bertie COUNTY NC Obits April 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by (Mmaker52@aol.com) Claudia Williams http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie.htm Joseph Clinton Griffin Sr. WINDSOR -- ``J.C.'' Griffin Sr., 96, of the 20 block of E. Griffin St., died March 30, 2003, in Tandem Health Care of Windsor. Believed to be the oldest living resident born in Windsor, he was the son of the late Charles L. Griffin and Hattie J. Persons Griffin. He was also predeceased by two brothers, Charles D. and Harry M. Griffin; and two sisters, Hattie G. Fenton and M. Violet Griffin. He retired as a self-employed farmer and was a member of Windsor Congregational Christian Church and a former deacon. Mr. Griffin was a former member of the Windsor Town Council, and the Central Hill, Black Water and Windsor hunt clubs. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Elaine Butler Griffin of Windsor; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn G. and Everett C. Williams of Franklin; sons and daughters-in-law, Joe Griffin Jr. and wife Carolyn H. Griffin, and Charles H. Griffin and wife Constance O. Griffin, all of Windsor; five grandchildren, Chris and Craig Griffin, Heather Wray, Anne Marie and Holly L. Griffin; and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service for J.C. will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Windsor Congregational Christian Church by the Rev. Steve Bradshaw. Burial will be in Windsor Cemetery. Friends may join the family today from 7 to 8 p.m. at Harrell & Hill Funeral Home and other times at the residence. Memorials may be made to the Windsor Congregational Christian Church, General Fund, P.O. Box 407, Windsor, VA 23487 or to the Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad, 19 Windsor Blvd. E., Windsor, VA 23487. Myrtle D. Horton VIRGINIA BEACH -- Myrtle Dempsey Horton, 81, went to be with the Lord March 31, 2003 after a long illness. She was born in Aulander, N.C., on Oct. 11, 1921 to Arthur and Gracie Mae Dempsey. Myrtle was predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years, Roshus Patrick Horton. She is survived by her son, Stephen Horton of Memphis, Tenn.; two daughters, Patricia H. Bocock and Darlene Williams, both of Virginia Beach; her sister, Inell Williams of Chesapeake; five grandchildren, Shannon Skiffington, David Bocock, Kristin Fowler and husband, Scott, Tara Calles and husband, Duane and Austin Williams; also five great-grandchildren, Matthew, Nathan, Andee, Alex and Haley. A service of remembrance will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Kellum Funeral Home, Rosewood Chapel, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, by the Rev. Robert Jordon, burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Myrtle was a very loving and devoted mother who will be greatly missed by her children. Condolences may also be made to www.kellumfuneralhome.com. Lizzie C. Lassiter JAMESVILLE -- Lizzie Corey Lassiter, 92, died April 1, 2003. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Home, Williamston. Ja'Myelia Ma'yriah Fennell AULANDER - Ja'Myelia Ma'yriah Fennell, 4 months old, of 103 Askew Lane, Aulander, died Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at Roanoke- Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. She was born Nov. 26, 2002, in Hertford County, the daughter of Maxie Fennell and Muhamad Brent. She is survived by her mother, Maxie Fennell of St. John and her father, Muhamad Brent of Gates; a sister, Jaz'mine Ny'Keah Fennell of the home; a brother, Kunyri Brent of Aulander; her maternal grandparents, Claude and Brenda Fennell of St. John; her paternal grandparents, Abdualeem and Amina Al- Mutazzim of Newark, N.J.; and her maternal great-grandmother, Ruth Fennell of Ahoskie. Wilder's Funeral Home in Aulander is handling the arrangements, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 6, with the Rev. Mary Sharpe officiating. Burial will follow in the Willie and Ruth Fennell Family Cemetery in Ahoskie. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday, April 5, at the funeral home. Clarence Holley COLERAIN -- Clarence Holley, 58, of the 700 block of Farless Road, died April 2, 2003. A funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church Colerain. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Nathaniel Blackstone Sr. AULANDER - Nathaniel Blackstone Sr., a native of New York, died April 4, 2003, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Greenville. A funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Roanoke Chapel Baptist Church, Jackson, by the Rev. Franklin Williams. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A viewing will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Thursday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel. Wilder's Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge. Blackstone was employed in the construction business for many years. Survivors include his wife, Marie Blackstone; five children, Nathaniel O. Blackstone Jr. Of Salisbury, Derrick E. Blackstone of Baltimore, Md., Pamela Blackstone of Stone Mountain, Ga., Sonya F. Drake of Fayetteville and Lakisha Blackstone of Baltimore; one sister, Violet Fane of Drakes Court, Va.; two brothers, Elmer Blackstone of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Bynum Terry of Bronx; five grandchildren; and one great- grandchild. Eva S. Baker KINSTON - Eva Frances Spruill Baker, 87, formerly of Windsor, died April 7, 2003, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. She was the widow of Benjamin F. Baker. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Capeharts Baptist Church by the Rev. Charles Thompson. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. Survivors include a daughter, Annie Leavon Thompson of Hopewell, Va.; two sons, Herbert C. Baker of Moyock and Bennie Baker of Kinston; sisters, VivaBelle Bray of Surry and Helen Adams of Chesapeake; one brother, Evan Spruill of Edenton; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Annie E. Sermons WINDSOR - Annie Early Sermons, 90, a native of Greensboro, died April 7, 2003, at Chowan Hospital. She was the widow of Graham Early. A funeral was conducted Wednesday at Cashie Baptist Church by the Rev. Dennis Conner and the Rev. Jack Byrd. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Williamston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cashie Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 221 S. Queen Street, Windsor, NC 27983. Walker Funeral Home was in charge. Mrs. Sermons was a graduate of Meredith College and was a retired postal clerk. She was a member of Cashie Baptist Church and also a member of the WMU, and former Sunday School teacher and church clerk. A niece survives her. Joseph N. Holley, Bertie County native Joseph Nathan Holley, 78, of 987 Herkimer St., Brooklyn, N.Y., died at St. Mary's Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y. Monday, April 7, 2003. A native of Bertie County, he was the son of the late John W. and Maggie Freeman Holley, and the widower of Sarah Holley. Survivors include one sister-in-law, Bertha Holley White of Merry Hill, N.C., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and co-workers. A funeral service will be held today at 1:30 p.m. at New Sawyer Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. McCoy Sr., 113 McCoy Road, South Mills. Walson Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. Ted M. Lassiter WINDSOR - Ted Michael Lassiter, 66, of 803 Sterlingworth St. died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at Roanoke- Chowan Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Cashie Baptist Church by the Rev. Dennis Conner and the Rev. Jack Byrd. He was born on March 29, 1937, in Northampton County to Lois Martin Lassiter and the late A.G. Lassiter. Mr. Lassiter received his BA and master's from East Carolina University and was the former headmaster of Roanoke- Chowan Academy. During his career in the public schools of North Carolina, Ted taught, coached and was an athletic director and principal. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Scotland Neck and attended Cashie Baptist Church while in Windsor. Survivors include his wife, Florence Daniels Lassiter of Windsor; daughter, Kimberly L. Price of Windsor; son, Ted Michael Lassiter Jr. of Waverly, W.Va.; mother, Lois Martin Lassiter of Scotland Neck; brothers, Al Lassiter of Greenville, Henry "BB" Lassiter of Roanoke-Rapids; and grandchildren, Jennipher Dickens of Greenville, Cassidy Lassiter and Grayson Lassiter, both of Waverly. The family will receive friends from their home and after the service in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations in Ted's memory to be made to University Hospital Hospice, P.O. Box 271, Ahoskie, N.C. 27910. Walker Funeral Home is serving the Lassiter family. Mary P. Lawrence WINDSOR - Mary Louise Pierce Lawrence, 79, a native of Bertie County, died April 8, 2003, at Bertie Memorial Hospital. She was the widow of Lloyd Lawrence. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel, Windsor, by the Rev. Ben Bunch. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery. Mrs. Lawrence was a retired textile worker with Jefferson Mills and a member of the Windsor Assembly of God Church where she taught Sunday School for 18 years. Survivors include a son, Lloyd Kenneth Lawrence; a daughter, Edith L. Thompson; a sister, Lois P. Jernigan, all of Windsor; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Dorothy Evelyn Robinson AULANDER - Dorothy Evelyn Robinson, 74, of Aulander, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at Guardian Care of Ahoskie. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 12, at Millennium Pentecostal Holiness Church, with the Rev. Paul Edwards and the Rev. Lotis Joyner officiating. Burial will follow in Job Cemetery. Massey Funeral Home in Aulander is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 11. Martin S. Powell CHESAPEAKE -- Martin Sherriel Powell, 79, of the 1000 block of Fitchett St., entered rest on April 9, 2003. He was a native of Windsor, N.C. and was employed with Portsmouth Shipyard, Shop 72 for 30 years until his retirement in 1982. He was predeceased by his wife, Annie L. Powell; his daughter, Lillie Mae Powell; and parents, Walter and Mary Powell. Survivors include four daughters, Mary A. Riddick, Laverne Wilson (Timothy), Shirl Fortson (James) and Dineen Powell all of Chesapeake; three sons, Milton Powell (Audrey) of Virginia Beach, Walter Powell (Yolanda) and Anthony Powell all of Chesapeake; a brother, James O. Powell (Teresa) of St. Simon, Ga.; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held Tuesday at noon at Chesapeake Christian Center with interment following at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.. Cecil L. McCoy AULANDER -- Cecil Lee McCoy, 92, of the 200 block of Broad St., died April 10, 2003. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie. Raymond J. Jenkins AULANDER -- Raymond Joseph Jenkins, 84, died April 11, 2003. A funeral will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church. Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. Edward C. Beach WILLIAMSTON -- Edward ``Eddie'' Clifton Beach, 73, died April 11, 2003. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at First Pentecostal Holiness Church. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. John J. Bunch AULANDER -- John Jackson Bunch, 87, died April 11, 2003. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hoggard Memorial Cemetery, Lewiston. Massey Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge. Mollie P. Thompson LEWISTON - Mollie Pugh Thompson, a native of Bertie County, died April 11, 2003, at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Lewiston, by the Rev. Harry Hayes. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A viewing will be conducted from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and a wake from 6 to 7 p.m. at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel. Mrs. Thompson was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Alfredia Butler of Bridgeport, Conn.; two stepdaughters, Thelma Thompson of Philadelphia, Pa., and Caroline Thompson of Ahoskie; one brother, Anderson Pugh of Lewiston; eight grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 60 great-great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-great- grandchildren. Sarah B. Hopkins CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Sarah Belle Hopkins, 92, a native of Roxobel, died April 12, 2003, in a local hospital. She was the widow of Edwin G. Hopkins. A graveside service was conducted Monday in Rosewood Memorial Park by the Rev. Robert E. Jordon. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home was in charge. Mrs. Hopkins was a member of a Baptist church in Roxobel. She is survived by two nieces and four nephews. Lacy A. Howard FRANKLIN, Va. - Lacy Alfred Howard, 77, a native of Bertie County, died April 12, 2003, in Southampton Memorial Hospital. He was the widower of Evelyn Bryant Howard. Howard was a Navy veteran of World War II, a retired machinist with Stone Container Corporation, and a Baptist. A sister, Ruth H. Meade survives him. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. Edward C. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Southampton Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and requests memorials be made to American Cancer Society, c/o Ruth Petty, 116 Southampton Road, Franklin, VA 23851. Sarah B. Hopkins CHESAPEAKE -- Sarah Belle Hopkins, 92, of the 1600 block of Willow Ave., passed away April 12, 2003, in a local hospital. Born in Roxobel, N.C., Sarah was the widow of Edwin G. Hopkins. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and a brother. She was a member of a Baptist church in Roxobel. She is survived by two nieces, Marilyn H. Dixon of Ayden, N.C. and Faye Hardee Swanson of Hillsborough, N.C.; and four brothers, David C. Hardee of Ayden, Glen Mayo Jackson of Aulander, N.C., Thomas Joyner of Kelford, N.C., and Raleigh Joyner Jr. of Ahoskie, N.C. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in Rosewood Memorial Park by the Rev. Robert E. Jordon. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel, today from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com Fannie P. Phelps WINDSOR - Fannie Pierce Phelps, 96, a native of Bertie County, died April 12, 2003, in Three Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Windsor. She was the widow of Percy Everette Phelps. Mrs. Phelps was the first charter member of Windsor Assembly of God Church where she also served as a Sunday school teacher for more than 50 years and as the secretary. Survivors include a son, Percy Francis Phelps; two daughters, Doris P. Hoggard and Dorothy Jean Pierce, all of Windsor; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Windsor Assembly of God Church by the Rev. Chuck Gray. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor. Ima H. Bracy MURFREESBORO Ima Bracy, 88, a native of Bertie County, died April 12, 2003, in Guardian Care of Ahoskie. A funeral was conducted Monday at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, by the Rev. Jerry Boyd. Burial was in Ahoskie Cemetery. Mrs. Bracy was a member of Creech Memorial Baptist Church and a retired cook from Guardian Care Nursing Home of Ahoskie. Survivors include a son, Lloyd Bracy of Conway; two daughters, Jayne Davenport of Virginia Beach, Va., and Peggy J. Burgess of Franklin; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Ralph E. Dail Sr. WILLIAMSTON - Mr. Ralph Edward Dail Sr., 68, of Tar Landing Road died Sunday, April 13, 2003. Mr. Dail was the retired owner-operator of Dail Aircraft Service and a former member of Riverside Baptist Church in Washington, N.C. Graveside services 2 p.m. Wednesday, Pinewood Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation today, 7-9 p.m. Walker Funeral Home, Williamston. Benjamin Wiggins WILLIAMSTON - Mr. Benjamin Wiggins, 78, of 126 Roanoke Ave., died Sunday, April 13, 2003. A native of Williamston, he was a custodian at Enterprise Publishing Co. He was a member of Green Memorial Church. Funeral services 2 p.m. Friday, Manson Mortuary. Burial in Andrews Memorial Park. Viewing 1-5 p.m. Thursday, Manson Mortuary. Earl R. Baker WINDSOR - Earl Roland Baker, 86, a native of Bertie County, died April 14, 2003, at his home. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Windsor Assembly of God by the Rev. Chuck Gray. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to University Hospital Hospice, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC 27910. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Baker was a member of Windsor Assembly of God and a farmer. He served in the Army during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Emaline Hoggard Baker; two daughters, Frances B. Simmons and Patsy B. McClellan; a son, David Baker; a sister, Alma B. Suis, all of Windsor; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Garland Wynne WILLIAMSTON - Mr. Garland Benjamin Wynne, 79, of 100 First St., died Saturday, April 19, 2003. Funeral services 2 p.m. Tuesday, Biggs Funeral Chapel, Williamston. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation 7- 8:30 tonight, Biggs Funeral Chapel; other times at the home. Evie W. Byrum HERTFORD -- Evie White Winslow Byrum, 77, of the 900 block of Beech Springs Road, died Sunday afternoon, April 20, 2003 in Albemarle Hospital. Born in Bertie County, she was the widow of both the late Carson Winslow and the late Gilbert Byrum and the daughter of the late Myrtle Phelps and Daniel White. She worked as a seamstress in garment manufacturing and attended Hunters Fork Pentecostal Holiness Church. Survivors include four daughters, Frances Copeland of Belvidere, Evie Castelow of Cofield, N.C., Myrtle Ramos of Seven Springs, N.C., and Rebecca White of Hertford; two sons, Daniel Belcher of Chesapeake and Carson White of Hertford; a stepson, James Byrum of Tyner; three sisters, Vivian White of Windsor, N.C., Vinnie Overton and Revie Allen, both of Chesapeake; 15 grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a brother, Willard White. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today in Hunters Fork Pentecostal Holiness Church with Terry White and Deloras Meads officiating. Burial will follow in Up River Cemetery with Swindell Funeral Home of Hertford in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hunters Fork Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1211 Beech Springs Road, Tyner, NC 27980. John S. Davidson FRANKLIN, Va. - John Stanley Davidson, 68, a native of Bertie County, April 20, 2003, at Southampton Memorial Hospital. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, by the Rev. Dr. Richard Peerey. Burial will be in Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and requests memorials be made to The American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. Ruth Petty, 116 Southampton Road, Franklin, VA 23851. Davidson served three years in the U.S. Army and retired from International Paper after 43 years of dedicated service. Survivors include his wife, Mary Hughes Davidson; two daughters, Gwen D. Sawyer of Franklin and Pamela D. Haydu of Boykins; a son, Gregory Madison Davidson of Franklin; two grandchildren; four sisters, June D. Futrell of Carrsville, Nancy D. Manning of Tarboro, Betty D. Bellflower of Franklin and Mary D. Whitehead of Hayes; a brother, William E. Davidson of Greenville, Tenn. STANFORD W. COUCH, 64, April 20. Funeral 11 a.m., Thursday, North Roxboro Baptist Church. Burial, Concord United Methodist Church Cemetery, Roxboro. Arrangements by Brooks & White Funeral Home. William A. Tadlock Jr. WINDSOR -- William Andrew ``Peck'' Tadlock Jr., 85, of the 300 block of Blanchards Road, died April 21, 2003 at the Brian Center in Windsor. Mr. Tadlock was born July 26, 1917 in Bertie County to the late William A. Tadlock Sr. and Pearl Tarkington Tadlock. He was predeceased by his wife, Elma Freeman Tadlock. Mr. Tadlock was a retired farmer and a member of the Cashie United Methodist Church. A Mason, he was affiliated with Charity Lodge No. 5 and was a member of the Veteran's Club. Survivors include sons, William A. Tadlock III and wife, Nancy Jordan Tadlock of Windsor; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. J.H. Daniels. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Home, and at other times from the residence of his son, William A. Tadlock III, 1535 Woodard Road, Windsor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bertie County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 74, Windsor, NC 27983 or to the Windsor Fire Dept., P.O. Box 508, Windsor, NC 27983. Elmer Gatling WASHINGTON, D.C. - Elmer Gatling, 73, a native of Bertie County, died April 21, 2003 at Greater South East Community Hospital, Washington. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mill Branch Baptist Church by the Rev. Bernice Scott. Burial will be in the Gatling family cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Gatling was a resident manager for Adam's Wyoming Properties. Survivors include two sons, Tony Gatling of Winton and Elmer Gatling Jr. of Las Vegas, Nev.; two daughters, Margie Gatling of Washington and Linda Shepherd of Landover, Md., and Jacqueline Gatling of Ahoskie; two brothers, Lonzo Gatling of Ahoskie and Archie Gatling of Roxobel; three sisters, Lillian Lane of Roxobel, Katie Gatling of Virginia and Rauline Gatling of New York; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Florence Winston WINDSOR -- Florence Winston, 85, of the 300 block of Jamestown Road, died April 21, 2003. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Oxley Hill Baptist Church. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. Annie L. Chapman WINDSOR - Annie Lee Chapman, died April 24, 2003, at Bertie Memorial Hospital. A funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Herman Baptist Church, Aulander, by the Rev. Stevie Lawrence. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Miss Chapman was a member of Mt. Herman Baptist Church, Aulander. Survivors include a daughter, Sylvia Berry of Windsor; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Gerald Knight AULANDER - Gerald Knight, a native of Bertie County, died April 24, 2003 at Martin General Hospital, Williamston. A funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Aulander First Baptist Church by the Rev. Ronald Dolberry. Burial will be in the Wilder-Cherry Family Cemetery, Aulander. Wilder's Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge. Knight was employed with Perdue Farms in Lewiston. Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Knight; a son, Quametric Knight; a daughter, Janazier Knight; his father, Frank Mizzelle of Ahoskie; his mother and stepfather, Sally Mae Knight Artis and Nathaniel Artis of Ahoskie; seven brothers, Jermaine Artis of Ahoskie, Jerome Knight of Newport News, Va., Anthony Mizzelle and William Mizzelle Jr., both of Colerain, and Reginald Mizzelle, Kevin Mizzelle and Deshawn Mizzelle, all of Ahoskie; three sisters, Chrsey Cross and Carroll Littles, both of Ahoskie and Cakeshia Mizzelle of Winton; and his grandparents, Katherine and Johnny Knight and Alice Mizzelle, all of Ahoskie. Linwood Mitchell AHOSKIE - Linwood Mitchell, 68, a native of Bertie County, died April 25, 2003, at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Conoconary Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Vernon Lassiter. Burial will be in the Edwards family cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Mitchell was retired from Bennett Box Company. He was a member of Conoconary Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Linwood Weaver; and a sister, Elouise Dempsey, both of Ahoskie. Lanie Smith WILLIAMSTON - Mrs. Lanie Moore Smith, 93, of 119 Ronoke Ave. died Friday, April 25, 2003. She was a member of Green Memorial Church of Christ. Funeral services 2 p.m. today at the church. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation was Thursday. Arrangements by Smith Community Funeral Home. Kimberly H. Britton AHOSKIE -- Kimberly Holloman Britton, 39, of the 500 block S. Pembroke Ave., died April 26, 2003, in Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Britton was born in Wilson County, N.C., and was a member of First Baptist Church of Ahoskie where she served as Sunday school teacher. She was a member of Mom on Missions, The W.M.U. and former I.S. Director at Roanoke Chowan Hospital. Kim was a computer systems analyst of Nucor Steel. Survivors include her husband, Tim Britton of Ahoskie; two sons, Bryan Britton and Austin Britton of the home; her parents, Harold L. Sr. and Billie Frazier Holloman of Aulander, N.C.; two sisters, Karen H. Early of Aulander, Allison H. Avery of Rocky Mount, N.C.; and a brother, Hal Holloman of New Bern, N.C. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Ahoskie by the Rev. Dr. Jesse J. Croom. The family will receive friends at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today and other times at the home. Memorial donations may be made to ``Operation In As Much,'' c/o First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC 27910 Maude E. Byrum CHESAPEAKE -- Maude Elizabeth ``Lib'' Byrum, 88, formerly of Hull Street, South Norfolk, passed into eternal glory on April 27, 2003 in Chesapeake. Born in Bertie County, N.C., on July 29, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Thomas R. and Anna Leggett Speller. Her life inspired many including her late husband, Joseph I. Byrum Sr. She had a strong constitution and was known as a Christian, having been raised in Siloam Baptist Church in Bertie County. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Roberts of Chesapeake; three sons, John Stephen Byrum and his wife Sharon of Dillwyn, Va., Thomas Ridley Byrum and his wife Sheila of Chesapeake and Brian Keith Byrum of Nags Head, N.C.; four sisters, Sissy Lee of Merry Hill, N.C., Lena Harry of Florida, Roberta Wagner of Chesapeake and Elsie Mobley and her husband Leroy of Williamston, N.C.; three brothers, James ``Boggie'' Speller of Bertie County, N.C., Charlie ``Bunk'' Speller and his wife Catherine of Windsor, N.C., and Stephen Speller and his wife Virginia of Williamston, N.C.; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two stepsons, Joseph I. Byrum Jr. and James Edward Byrum. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Graham Funeral Home, South Norfolk Chapel, with the Rev. Greg Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Memorial Park, Norfolk. The family will receive friends from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and at her son's home, 1123 Park Ave., Chesapeake. Memorial contributions may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 1207 Perry St., Chesapeake, VA 23324. Sunrise to sunset worked the women we mourn today. Now she resides in the house of our Lord and finds comfort from all who have gone before. Friends may sign the register at www.grahamfuneralhome.com. Mary F. Woodley NORFOLK -- Mary Francis Freeman Woodley, 73, of the 6600 block of Poe Court, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 27, 2003. She was a native of Windsor, N.C., born to the late Sannie and Mary Bunch Freeman. She was the widow of Claudie Woodley Jr. She was a very strong supporter of the Building Fund of Union Bethel COGIC. She is survived by four daughters, Carolyn Woodley-Horne, Jacqueline W. Campbell, Kathy Drew and Sylvia Woodley; six sons, Harold Woodley, Kenneth Woodley, Claude Woodley, Lawrence Woodley, Thomas Woodley and Tracy Woodley; two brothers, Willie Freeman and John Freeman; three sisters, Elnora Brown, Roberta Peterson and Jean Williams; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. Homegoing services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at New Hope COGIC, 3232 Brest Ave., with Elder Harold Woodley presiding. Viewing will be held Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Riddick Funeral Service with a wake from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, or for anyone who would like to make a donation in memory, please send donations to Union Bethel COGIC Building Fund, P.O. Box 6941, Portsmouth, VA 23703. Bernard T. Smithwick Mr. Bernard Todd Smithwick, 91, of 146 Flea Hill Road, Ahoskie, died Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at Roanoke Chowan Hospital. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in Merry Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael Bryant officiating. Burial will follow in the Smithwick family cemetery, Merry Hill. Mr. Smithwick was born in Bertie County on Dec. 3, 1911. He was the son of the late William M. Smithwick and Sue Louise Britt. He was a farmer and commercial fisherman. He was a Mason, affiliated with Charity Lodge No. 5. He was a member of Merry Hill Baptist Church, where he led the singing for 50 years. Survivors include two sons, Donald L. Smithwick of Ahoskie and Jimmy W. Smithwick of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.; one brother, J. Britt Smithwick of Merry Hill; two sisters, Sue Doris White of Colerain and Louise Taylor of Williamston; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor. James W. Miller WINDSOR -- James W. Miller, 90, of the 100 block of Doe Lane, died April 29, 2003. A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Cedar Landing Baptist Church, Windsor. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. Girlie Beasley WILLIAMSTON - Mrs. Girlie James Beasley, 77, of 200 W. Lanier St. died Tuesday, April 29, 2003. A native of Martin County, she was as homemaker. She was a member of Union Town Church of Christ. Funeral services 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial in church cemetery. Visitation 7-8 tonight, Manson Mortuary.