Bertie COUNTY NC Obits Aug 2004 ********************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie.htm ******************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Claudia Williams Mmaker52@aol.com BERTIE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA OBITUARIES AUGUST 2005 CARROLL K. WILKINS ROXOBEL - Carroll Kenneth Wilkins, 59, a native of Bertie County, died August 1, 2005 at his residence in Roxobel, NC. He was born on January 18, 1946 in Bertie County. He was a member of Sandy Branch Baptist Church in Roxobel. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday at Sandy Branch Baptist Church by the Rev. Lycurgus Harrell. Burial be in Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Rich Square. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc, Aulander, is in charge. Survivors include his brothers, Anthony "Lynn" Wilkins of Rich Square, Leslie Wilkins of Lewiston, Lonnie Wilkins and Colden Wilkins, both of Hampton, Va., and Reuben Wilkins of Alexandria; his sisters, Phyllis Keemer of Kelford and Esther Norman of Lewiston; and two stepdaughters, Charlotte Crouell of Cove City and Patricia Moon of Baltimore, Md. EUGENE SUTTON WINDSOR - Eugene Sutton, 84, of the 400 block of Taft St. died Aug. 2, 2005. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Bazemore Temple Church of God in Christ. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. Eugene Sutton was born on July 6, 1921 to the late Steve Sutton and Mary Cherry Sutton, both of Windsor, NC. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and a special friend to all. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and was honorably discharged. On June 10, 1966 Eugene was united in Holy Matrimony to Thelma Bond. God blessed their union with two daughters and three sons who cherish his memory. Survivors include his wife, Thelma B. Sutton; two daughters, Mary Sutton Thompson of Syracuse, N.Y., and Gloria Freeman of Windsor; three sons, George Bond Jr. of Windsor, Robert Bond of Windsor and Chesapeake, VA, and James Bond Sr. of Windsor; 13 grandchildren; and a host of great- grandchildren. DEWEY BYRUM COLERAIN - Dewey Griffin Byrum, 85, a native of Bertie County, died August 3, 2005 at Bertie Memorial Hospital, Windsor. He was the widower of Chathleen Dunlow Byrum. Mr. Byrum was born on January 1, 1920 in Bertie County to the late Alfred and Sudie Davis Byrum. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Hillcrest cemetery, Colerain, by the Rev. J.N. Baggett. Memorial gifts may be given to the Colerain Rescue Squad. The family will receive friends at their home. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. Byrum was a retired farmer. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Woods; a son, Jerry Byrum, both of Colerain; a sister, Dorothy Asbell of Windsor; and one grandchild. ANNIE R. SPIVEY WINDSOR - Annie Ruth Heckstall Spivey, 72, of the 100 block of Buckleberry Road, died August 4, 2005. Mrs. Spivey was a native of Windsor and was born to Samuel and Dehlia Heckstall on August 6, 1932. On October 2, 1955 she was married to Joseph Spivey. From this union eight children were born. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Refreshing Center In God and Christ by the Rev. Dr. Hoyt Cooper. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. Mrs. Spivey was a member of Refreshing Center Church of God in Christ. Survivors include her husband, Joseph E. Spivey; two daughters, Verna Spivey-Carter and Darlene Spivey, both of Windsor; six sons, Robert, James, Jeffrey, and Jerry, all of Windsor; Johnnie and Francis, both of Williamston; two sisters, Mae Jones and Alma Cooper, both of Windsor; one brother, James Heckstall of Windsor; 28 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. MABLE C. BAKER AHOSKIE - Mable Cooke Baker, 84, of the 100 NC Highway 42 West, died August 4, 2005. She was a native of Bertie County, a daughter of the late William John and Minnie Brewer Cooke, a retired Lab Technician, a member of First Baptist Church Ahoskie, and the widow of William "Billy" Elworth Baker. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 6, 2005, at Garrett Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Jesse J. Croom officiating. Burial will follow in Ahoskie Cemetery. Surviving are three daughters, Mandy B. Lassiter and husband Clingy Jr., Aulander, N.C.; Kathy B. McCaskey and husband Billy, Ahoskie, NC; Beverly B. Bazemore, Ahoskie, NC; one sister, Lena Hughes, Roanoke Rapids, NC; four grandchildren; Renee Hoggard, Michael Lassiter, Nicholas Wilson, and Chad McCaskey; one great-grandchild; Tyler Lassiter. Memorial donations may be made to the Ahoskie Rescue Squad. Garrett Funeral Home is serving the Baker Family. PHYLLIS W. EURE AULANDER - Phyllis Wiggins Eure, 52, a native of Bertie County, died August 4, 2005 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. She was born on April 24, 1953 in Bertie County. Mrs. Wiggins was a teacher at Bearfield Elementary School and a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church. She was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Zion Grove Baptist Church by the Rev. Elbert Lee. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. She is survived by her husband, Elvis Eure of the home; one daughter, Tremaine Latoya Cofield of Ft Bragg; three brothers, James L. Wiggins of Portsmouth, Va.; David B. Wiggins of Rich Square and Kenneth A. Wiggins of Ahoskie; and five sisters, Maxine L. Perry of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Ruth Jennings of Raleigh, Bonnie B. Morgan of Ahoskie, Nyoka M. Green of Ahoskie and Monica Myrick of Como. THURMAN T. WHITE AHOSKIE - Thurman Tracy White, 65, a native of Bertie County, died August 6, 2005. White was a member of Hickory Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, a retired fireman with Ahoskie Fire Department, one of the original members of Ahoskie Rescue Squad, and a former dispatcher for the Ahoskie Police Department. A graveside service was conducted Monday at Highland Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Robert M. May. Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, was in charge. Survivors include four daughters, Shirley Pritchard of Powellsville, Jean White of Windsor and Tracy Lynne Conner and Joy Davenport, both of Aulander; two sisters, Rose Blowe of Aulander and Julie White of Ahoskie; one brother, Tommy White of Winton; 14 grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Ahoskie Rescue Squad, Ahoskie, NC 27910. W. GALE PARKER RALEIGH - W. Gale Parker, 87, a native of Bertie County, died August 7, 2005. He was the widower of Margaret Louise Eastep. Parker graduated from Aulander High School and was a veteran of the U.S. navy. Mr. Parker began practicing law in Raleigh in 1950, joining the firm of Mordecai, Mills and Parker in 1951. He left the firm to start a general civil solo practice in 1969, and remained in solo practice until joined in practice by his daughter, Betty L. Parker, in 1988, when the firm became known as Parker & Parker. W. Gale Parker was an active member of Forest Hills Baptist Church since 1951, and also served as a Trustee for the Baptist State Convention for more than 25 years. Survivors include his children, Tony Parker, Margaret Parker Hogan, Betty L. Parker and Karen E. Wyatt; a brother, James Winston Parker of Phoenix, Ariz.; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Forest Hills Baptist Church on Dixie Trail, followed by a graveside service at Montlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, August 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home, 600 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh. Memorials to Forest Hills Baptist Church or flowers are welcome. PHARDALIS WATSON WIGGINS AHOSKIE - Mrs. Phardalis Watson Wiggins was a native of Bertie County, NC. Following an extended illness, the angels of God escorted Phardalis Watson Wiggins to her heavenly home on August 7, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. She peacefully moved to her new life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with her family witnessing her transition at Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, North Carolina. A funeral will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2005 at Newsome Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Ahoskie, NC, by the Rev. Richard E. Smallwood. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Ahoskie. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is serving the Wiggins Family. Survivors include six daughters, Lillian Kearney of Paterson, New Jersey, Shirley McCain of Paterson, New Jersey, Joyce Castro of Virginia Beach, VA, Barbara Matthews of Accokeek, Maryland, Eva Wiggins of Ahoskie and Teresa Wiggins of Virginia Beach, VA; five sons, John Wiggins Jr. of New Haven, Connecticut, Milton Wiggins of Ahoskie, Kenneth Wiggins of Paterson, New Jersey, James Wiggins of Ahoskie and Larry Wiggins of Germantown, Maryland; one brother, Norman Watson of Hampton, VGA: 23 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. WILLA L. COOPER NORFOLK - Willa Louise Cooper, 69, known as "Dolly" of the 500 block of Maryland Ave., passed away August 9, 2005, at her residence. She was born April 23, 1936, in Windsor, N.C. and was a 1954 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk. She was employed with Norfolk Public Schools where she worked for 10 years. Willa was a member of Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church for 17 years, serving as president of the No. 1 Usher Board. Willa was also the founding member of Trinity-Word of Faith Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a deaconess. Mrs. Cooper will be remembered for her unconditional devotion to her family and her sparkling sense of humor. Special thanks are extended to Odyssey Health Care Management and staff and the doctors and nurses of Virginia Oncology Associates for the many acts of kindness shown for Ms. Cooper. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Eugene Cooper of Norfolk; two daughters, Gina Bond of Norfolk and Angela Hamilton (Vincent) of Chesapeake; one sister, Gladys Bond, both of Norfolk; one granddaughter, Shaia Hubbard of Virginia Beach; and a host of other relatives and special friends. A funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Trinity-Word of Faith Baptist Church, 2808 Ballentine Blvd., the Rev. Leroy Briggs, officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk. Family and friends will assemble at 522 Maryland Ave. one hour prior to service for procession to the church. Viewing will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby Chapel. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com. LUCY B. BAZEMORE WINDSOR - Lucy Bunch Bazemore, 77, a native of Bertie County, died August 9, 2005. She was born to the late Andrew Bunch and Hellena Speller Bunch on April 13, 1928. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church by the Rev. Berryhill. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery. A visitation will be conducted from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Zion Bethlehem Church. Mrs. Bazemore was a retired educator and a member of Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church. Survivors include her daughters, Gloria Harrell of Greenville and Sandra Bazemore of Hampton, GA.; a brother, Charlie E. Bunch of Windsor; and her sisters, Shirley Cooper of Windsor and Helena Lassiter of Ahoskie. MILDRED P. BAZEMORE WINDSOR - Mildred Pritchard Bazemore, 93, of Taylor Street, died Aug 10, 2005, in Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation. Mrs. Bazemore was born in Bertie County, a daughter of the late Raleigh and Cora Jenkins Pritchard. She was a member of Republican Baptist Church and a homemaker. Survivors include a special niece and nephew, Ruth S. Whitehurst of Windsor, N.C. and Ralph P. Tayloe of Franklin, VA; there nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. Besides her husband, Benjamin Franklin Bazemore, she was predeceased by two sisters, Thelma P. Smith and Myrtle P. Tayloe. Mildred loved farming, and her great-nieces and - nephews were like grandchildren to her. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in Edgewood Cemetery with the Rev. J.N. Baggett and the Rev. Buck Leary officiating. The family will receive friends at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today and will assemble at the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. Friday, prior to services. Memorial donations may be made to Republican Baptist Church, Windsor, N.C. LEROY BUNCH Leroy Bunch, better known as "Boo-ga-lou", "Cool Breeze" or "Bay" was born on November 27, 1946, in Bertie County of Windsor, North Carolina to Channie Heckstall (Bunch) Bush and the late John Bunch. Boo-ga-lou departed this life Wednesday, August 10, 2005, at home in Atlantic City, New Jersey, after a brief illness. At an early age, Boo-ga-lou united himself with Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church, Windsor, North Carolina. Boo-ga- lou attended Southwestern High School and graduated in the class of 1965. He was drafted in the United States Army in 1966 and moved to Atlantic City in 1968, where he met his wife, Lora Simpson (Bunch). Boo-ga-lou was employed at Atlantic City Hospital for two years and worked at many restaurants as a cook: Carson's, Captain's Galley and Lou's just to name a few. He was last employed at the Atlantic City Board of Education, where he served for twenty-eight years as a Cafeteria Aide and Safety Officer. Atlantic City High School was his home. Boo-ga-lou is predeceased by his father, John Bunch; sister, Anna Bunch (A.B.) and step-brother, James Bush. Boo-ga-lou leaves to cherish his fond memories: his wife, Lora of Absecon; three daughters, Denita "Dee-Dee" of Pleasantville, Centenia (Tada) of Atlantic City and Kamisha "Misha" of Absecon; one son, Antonio "Daddy" of Mays Landing; seven grandchildren, Nafisha, Chris Jr., Antinio Jr., Khaadim, Cheyana, Antonia and a special grandson, Tyion Leroy; three brothers, Thomas Bunch Sr. of Pleasantville, William of Atlantic City, and Noah of Glen Burie, Maryland; six aunts, Ethel Smith, Mary Bazemore, Annie Mae Bond, Stella Heckstall, Alice Smith and Ophilia Wynn, all of Windsor, North Carolina; one step-brother; Archie Bush Jr. of Rocky Mount, NC; three step-sisters, Frances Bush Gray, Glenoia Bush, and Maggie P. Bush of Lewiston, NC; three special nieces, Vanessa, Stephanie and Meryl, who he helped to raise; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving relatives and special friends. Home Going services were held at Second Baptist Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at 11 o'clock in the morning. We will always love you, mother, wife, brothers, and children. SARAH LEIGH J. DEMPSEY AULANDER - Sarah Leigh Jenkins Dempsey, 81, died August 11, 2005. A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. John's Baptist Church. Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. JAMES M. HARMON AHOSKIE - James Mackie Harmon, 53, a native of Bertie County, died August 11, 2005 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. He was born on November 26, 1952 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lewiston, by Overseer Luther Cherry. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Harmon was employed with Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He was a member of Evening Light Church of God in Christ, Windsor. Survivors include his wife, Zelma P. Harmon of the home; children, Tameka Snow Harmon of Winterville, Danyell Michelle Harmon of Greenville and Janice Jones Blackstone of Durham; sisters Mary Moore Long of Long Island, NY, Johnnie Mae Taylor of Aulander, Maxine Greenfield of Newport News, VA. and Jean Keemer Myles of New York; brothers, Harry "Buddy" Harmon, Louis Harmon and Lemuel Wendell Harmom, all of Newport News, Harrison Ray Harmon of Aulander, Vernon Lee Askew of Philadelphia, Pa.' and two grandchildren. LOUIS MCCLEAN SPELLER Louis McClean Speller, 85, of Williamston, NC, died on August 11, 2005 in Martin General Hospital. He was born on March 9, 1920 in Bertie County to the late Louis Hamilton Speller and Maggie Leggett Speller. He was a member of Siloam Baptist Church where he served as a past deacon, song leader, clerk, teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. He was retired from Georgia Pacific where he was employed as a millwright. He was a US Army Veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ora Moore who passed away September 25, 1985. He is survived by his wife Nora Speller, his daughters, Edith Smithwick of Fairmont, Janet Dunlow of Aulander, Barbara Barber of Jamesville and Kathy Dickens of Williamston, his step sons, Frank Deans Williamston, Ray Deans of Everetts, and Kenneth Deans of Greenville, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Siloam Baptist Church on Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jimmie Cox and Rev. Roger Leggett officiating. Burial followed in Speller Cemetery. Biggs Funeral Home of Williamston was in charge of the arrangements. MELVIN M. VEALE NORFOLK - Melvin McCoy Veale, 64, of the 2800 block of Victoria Ave., died Aug. 12, 2005 in Norfolk Health Care Center. He was born March 26, 1941, in Bertie County, NC. A funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lewiston, NC. Burial will be in the Veale Family Cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Aulander, NC, is in charge. Veale was a member of New Bethany Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Va. Survivors include two brothers, Otis Veale of Lewiston and Randy Veale of Hampton, an aunt, Irene Veale of Norfolk; and two uncles, Leslie Veale and John Veale (Evelyn), all of Washington, D.C. GWENDOLYN HARRELL WINDSOR - Gwendolyn Bazemore Harrell, 51, a native of Bertie County, died August 13, 2005 at her residence. She was born on January 27, 1954 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lewiston, by Dr. James E. Jones, Jr. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Mrs. Harrell was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Lewiston. She was employed at Perdue, Inc. of Lewiston, NC. Survivors include her husband, Randolph Harrell of Windsor; a daughter, Kendra Harrell of Lewiston; a son, Randolph Harrell of Lewiston; a sister, Araminta Bazemore of Washington, D.C.; and a granddaughter Dajah Lugo of Lewiston, her niece, uncles and aunts. BESSIE COFIELD BAKER MERRY HILL - Bessie Cofield Baker, 93, of 339 Old Merry Hill Road, died Saturday, August 14, 2005 in the Harrisburg Hospital. Mrs. Baker was born in Bertie County on September 18, 1910 to the late William Alton and Betty Perry Cofield and was predeceased by her husband, Rufus Josephus Baker. She was a member of Merry Hill Baptist Church, the Eastern Star and homemaker. Survivors include, sons, Darrell Baker of Silver Spring, MD and Everett Baker of Oak Island, NC; one sister Willie Mae Perry of Perrytown, NC; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 20, 2005 at Merry Hill Baptist Church by the Rev. Michael Bryant. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery in Colerain, NC. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, August 19, 2005 at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor. Memorial gifts may be made to the Merry Hill Baptist Church. JAMES O. BOND COLERAIN - James Oris Bond, 60, a native of Bertie County, died August 14, 2005 at his residence. He was born March 31, 1945. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander. Burial will be in Wilder- Cherry Family Cemetery, Aulander. Bond was a member of Greater Wynn's Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Odessa Perry of Colerain; two sons, Charlie Bond of Colerain and James Stewart Bond of Boston, Mass.; and four grandchildren. VIRGINIA M. GREENE WINDSOR - Virginia M. Greene, 77, died August 16, 2005 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. She was born on June 14, 1928 to Nora Revelle and Louis Holloman. She was a member of Spellers Chapel Disciples Church and Cashie Chapter #261 Order of the Eastern Star. Virginia was admired for her strength and determination and for being an inspiration to all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her special memories, her husband Johnnie Greene, Sr.; three sons, Julius of New York, Jerald of Lewiston, and Johnny Jr. of Windsor, two sisters, Emma Walton and Berneice Holloman of Ahoskie, one brother, Roger Holloman of Philadelphia, Pa, ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cedar Landing Baptist Church by the Rev. Shelton Barnes. A wake will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. LESTER GILLIAM AHOSKIE - Lester Gilliam, 52, a native of Bertie County, died August 16, 2005 in Florida. He was born on June 13, 1953 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Carpenter's Shop Church, Ahoskie, by Bishop Joseph Smith. Burial will be in the Moore Family cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Survivors include two daughters, LaTonla Spruill of Charlotte and Destiny Ridley of Ahoskie; two sons, Dominick Deloatch and Karrem Beverly, both of Ahoskie; three sisters, Mozella Harrell of Ahoskie, Rosa Allen of Bronx, NY, and Virginia Brooks of Norfolk, Va.; two brothers, James Williams Jr. of Ahoskie and James Craig of Norfolk; and a host of grandchildren. GEORGETTA OLIVIA WRIGHT Georgetta Olivia Wright was born to the late George and Mollie L. Askew on January 5, 1907 in Bertie County, North Carolina. She grew up and attended the public schools in Bertie County. She joined the Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church at an early age. In later years, she relocated to New York City, where she joined the Union Baptist Church. She was on the #1 Usher Board and sang with the Senior Choir. She worked as a seamstress for Garment House in New York City. She met and married Mr. Jordan Wright and they relocated to Covington, KY, where she remained until she departed this life on August 17, 2005. Her husband, Jordan Wright who passed away in 1989 and her sister, Naomi P. Lee of Portsmouth, VA, preceded her in death. Georgetta was a kind and loving daughter, sister, wife, godmother, and friend. She will be missed by all. She leaves to cherish her memory a goddaughter, Olivia Freeman, a step goddaughter, Ella Holiday, a special cousin, Annie Askew of Ahoskie, dear friends, Emma Perry and Bessie Cockrell of Covington, KY, as well as a host of other cousins, relatives and friends. Graveside services were held on August 28, 2005 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Windsor, NC at 2:00 p.m. Cherry Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. WILLIAM CARROLL LEE William Carroll Lee, 52, of Ferguson, died Thursday, August 18, 2005 at Avante of Wilkes. He was born July 21, 1953 in Bertie County, NC to James Arthur Lee of Windsor and the late Sarah Casper Lee. Mr. Lee was employed with Winn-Dixie and Lowes Foods and was a member of Cashie Baptist Church in Windsor. He was an auctioneer for 28 years and was a member of Roanoke Amateur Radio Society and his call sign KC4DGZ with the radio society. He is survived by his father, his wife Carol Burden Lee of the home, his daughter Angela Dawn Lee of the home and his brother James Grover Lee of Windsor. Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Jack Byrd and Gary Burden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 500 E. Morehead St., Suite 211, Charlotte, NC 28202. Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the funeral arrangements. VANCY F. ELLISON ROXOBEL - Vancy Flood Ellison, 83, a native of Bertie County, died August 19, 2005 at Autumn Care of Roanoke Valley Nursing Home, Rich Square. Ellison was born on October 11, 1921. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander, by the Rev. Ronald Dolberry. Burial will be in the Wilder-Cherry Family Cemetery. Survivors include nieces and nephews; and a goddaughter, Maxine White of Greensboro. VERNA M. GILLIAM FAYETTEVILLE - MERRY HILL - Verna Mae Gilliam, a native of Bertie County, died August 19, 2005. She was the widow of John Henry Gilliam and the daughter of the late Granville and Mattie Winston. A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Oxley Hill Baptist Church, Merry Hill by the Rev. Vonner G. Horton. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Survivors include her three children, Georgia Gilliam of Fayetteville, Shirley Brown of Brooklyn, NY, and Kenneth Gilliam of Brooklyn; one foster daughter, Patricia Mayo; sisters, Annie R. Gilliam of Merry Hill, Ella Cooper of Philadelphia, Pa., Cora Parker of Windsor, Esther Tate of Baltimore, Md., and Gloria Merchant of Glen Oaks; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. RICHARD ROSCOE SR. NORFOLK - Deacon Richard Roscoe Sr. 90, of the 200 block of Corporate Blvd., died Aug. 22, 2005. He was retired from Preston Trucking as a truck driver. He was a native of Windsor, NC. Survivors are his wife of 65 years, Beatrice Owens Roscoe of Norfolk; three daughters, Olivia R. Kimp (Andrew) of Norfolk, Joyce R. Fitzgerald (Victor) and Janice R. Smith (Bernard), both of Portsmouth; two sons, Richard Roscoe Jr. (Evelyn) of Suffolk and Horace Muhammed (Ann) of Riverdale Ga.; 18 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two great- great-grandchildren; one niece and two nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. A wake will be Friday at 7 p.m. at Providence United Church of Christ, 2200 Vicker Ave., Chesapeake and a funeral will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Providence United Church of Christ by the Rev. John Myers. The body will be placed in church Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. The family will assemble at Fitchett Funeral Home, 1821 E. Liberty St., Chesapeake, one hour prior to service. A special thanks to the staff at Sentara Nursing Center, Chesapeake. LUTHER M. COWAN JACKSONVILLE FLA - Luther Mitchell Cowan, age 79, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2005. He was born in Windsor, NC, and was a World War II Navy Veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Grissom Cowand and Minnie Elizabeth Wilson Cowand and a sister, Sara Cowand Phelps. Survivors include his wife, Madge W. Cowan; son, Mitchell Cowan and wife, Susan of Horchtor, Ga.; three daughters, Donna Cowan Jenkins and husband, Wayne of Woodland, Susan Cowan Butler and husband Richard of Clayton, NC and Heather Cowan Laney and husband, Ashley of Jacksonville. Also surviving are three sisters, Betty Cowand Hughes, Ruby Cowand Harrison and Minnie Cowand Ridenour; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2005 in the chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, Fl 32205 MCCOY CHERRY AHOSKIE - McCoy Cherry, 72, a native of Bertie County, died August 27, 2005 at his residence. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander, by the Rev. Michael Cherry. Burial will be in the Cherry Family cemetery, Ahoskie. Cherry was a retired construction worker. Survivors include his wife, Lela Moore Cherry of Lauderdale, Miss.; sons, Ricky Lewis Cherry and Melvin Eugene Cherry, both of Connecticut and Michael McCoy Cherry of Mississippi; daughters, Demetrice Candace Keys of Ahoskie; foster daughter, Christine Cherry of Ahoskie; sisters, Georgia Mitchell of Ahoskie and Clara Jones of Stamford, Conn.; and six grandchildren. GEORGE C. BAKER AHOSKIE - George Carroll Baker, 70, of Evergreen Street, died Saturday, August 27, 2005, in his home. Mr. Baker was a native of Colerian, North Carolina, and moved to Chesapeake Va, where he was employed in steel fabrication and sales in excess of 40 years. He was a member of Colerain Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Bessie Jean Baker of Southampton County, VA; a daughter, Shirley A. Blanks, and her fiancé of Branchville, Va; a sister, Diane Vasser and husband of Walters, Va.; a brother, David Baker and wife , of Edenton, NC' grandchildren George Glen Baker, Jr., Brandi Bradshaw, Brian Baker, Krystal Shaver, Justin Baker, Jeffrey Bradshaw, Timothy Baker, and Jennifer Bradshaw; step grandchildren, Jessie Bradshaw Jr. and Frankie Bradshaw; great- grandchildren, Bryce, Haley, Gabriel, Angel, Ashley, and Abigail and his stepmother, Evelyn Daniels. A graveside memorial service will be conducted on Thursday, September 1, 2005, at 121:00 a.m. in Highland Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Robert May officiating. The family will assemble at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. prior to services and will receive friends at the home, 150 Evergreen St, Ahoskie, NC, following the service. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to University Health Systems Hospice Care, Box 272, Ahoskie, NC, 27910. Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is serving the Baker family. FANNIE MAE BROWN NORFOLK - Fannie Mae Brown, 64, of the 2400 block of Corona Ave., departed this life August 27, 2005. She was born in Colerain, NC, to the late Lloyd and Martha Cherry. She leaves to mourn a husband, Roland Brown Sr.; five children, Linda Freeman, Deloris Edwards, Roland Brown Jr., (RoRo), Gail Edwards and Victor Howard; two brothers, Joseph and Norman Lee Cherry; three sisters, Daisy Cherry, Peggy Howard and Annie Peoples; six grandchildren and one great- grandchild. A funeral will be held at noon Friday in Olive Grove Baptist Church, Norfolk. Viewing will be held Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Riddick Funeral Service with a wake from 6 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk. CLAUDINE P. PERRY WOODLAND - Claudine P. Perry, 81, a native of Bertie County, died August 28, 2005 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Zion Grove Church by the Rev. James Mercer. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Hertford County Undertakers, Winton, is in charge. Survivors include her son, Archie Perry Jr. of Baltimore, Md; two daughters, Claudia P. Sconion of Joppa and Rosa Perry of Silver Spring; six grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. CYNTHIA W. POWELL AHOSKIE - Cynthia White Powell, 48, a native of Bertie County, died August 29, 2005. She was born August 27, 1957. She was a student at Roanoke Chowan Community College of Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 12 noon at First Baptist Missionary Church, Powellsville, by the Rev. John White. Burial will be in the Liverman family cemetery, Powellsville. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Survivors include a son, Da'Quon D. Powell and Darrian D. Powell, both of Powellsville; brothers, Carlton D. White and Gregory T. White, both of Powellsville and David E. White of Boston, Mass.; and sisters, Mildred Jackson of Liberty, NY, Joyce W. Moore of Powellsville and Juddie W. Moore of Ahoskie. SIDNEY L. HARRELL MOYOCK - Sidney Loneal Harrell, 59, passed away August 30, 2005, in Chesapeake. Born in Bertie County NC, Mr Harrell was the son of Luther Harrell and Lucille Cox Harrell and was predeceased by one grandchild, Ashley Nicole Large and a brother, F.D. Harrell. He was a master plumber employed with F.D. Harrell Plumbing Company. He was a trustee and member of Heritage Community Church, Great Bridge. Mr. Harrell is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Reberta Anne Harrell; two children, Cheryl L. Harrell of Powell's Point, NC; and Sidney L. Harrell and wife Josann of Hertford, NC; three brothers, Ronald Harrell and wife Sis Ann of Richmond, Va, Haywood Harrell and wife Mary of South Carolina and Kenneth Harrell and wife Janet of Camden, NC; a sister-in-law, Rebecca Harrell; and four grandchildren, Nathan James Large, Hannah Marie Nicole Large, both of Powell's Point and Christopher Ryan Harrell and Brandelyn Cheyenne Harrell, both of Hertford. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Heritage Community Church, 513 Johnstown Road, Chesapeake. The Rev. Asa Lowe and the Rev. Gene Boyce will officiate. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. Friday in Laurel Memorial Gardens in Popular Branch, NC. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Heritage Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Youth Ministry at Heritage Community Church, 513 Johnstown Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, Francis Gay Chapel, 1146 Rodgers St., Chesapeake. Friends are invited to sign the register book and send condolences at www.omanfh.com WILSON "WILT" SMITH AULANDER - Wilson "Wilt" Smith, 56, of 111 Sandpiper Square, Aulander, died Wednesday, August 31, 2005 in his home. He was born June 26, 1949 in Bertie County. Mr. Smith is survived by his mother, Ola Mae Smith of Windsor; two children, Keith Cousin and Sharese Majette both of Paterson, NJ; three brothers, Ulysses Smith Jr. and Edgar Smith, both of Paterson, NJ and Cecil Smith of Roxobel, five sisters, Dorothy Hardy of Washington, DC, Glenda Newsome of Bronx, NY, Vera Newsome of Fayetteville, Vicki Dickerson of Lewiston and Rachel Smith of Bronx, NY. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 4th at Mill Branch Baptist Church in Aulander with the Rev. Ronald Dolberry officiating. Burial will follow in the Mill Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home of Aulander is in charge of the arrangements.