Bertie COUNTY NC Obits February 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 Obituaries for Bertie County North Carolina February 2004 LENA E. EDWARDS PORTSMOUTH, VA - Lena Estelle Edwards, a native of Windsor, NC, 78, died Sunday, Feb 1, 2004 in her residence. A funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Sturdevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Gene V. Primm. Burial was in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family received friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home and will be at her residence at other times. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2730 Ellsmere Ave., Norfolk, VA 23513 Mrs. Edwards was a member of Port Norfolk Baptist Church and later joined Emmaus Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Erick B. Edwards; a daughter, Marsha Edwards Coder of Bethesda, Md., two sons, Erick B. Edwards, Jr. of Midlothian and Jeffrey B. Edwards of Portsmouth; three sisters, Rhae Breakfield of Chesapeake, Virginia Smithwick of Portsmouth and Bunny Carasiti of Virginia Beach; and three grandchildren. BETTY O. DUNLOW WINDSOR - Betty Overton Dunlow, 57, died February 1, 2004. She was the widow of Elbert Dunlow. A funeral service was conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. R.O. Denton Jr. and the Rev. Cheryl Denton. Burial was in Edgewood Cemetery. The family received friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to the University Hospital Hospice, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC 27910. Mrs. Dunlow was a cosmetologist and a homemaker. Survivors include a son, Anthony "Tony" Dunlow of Durham; two daughters, Beverly Williams of Henderson and Wendy Bazemore of Askewville; three brothers, James Overton and Melvin Overton, both of Windsor and Richard Overton of Macclesfield; and seven grandchildren. WILLIAM HENRY PUGH LEWISTON - William Henry Pugh, 80, (Better known as Lock Pugh) of the 300 block of Weeping Mary Road, died February 4, 2004. He was born on June 16, 1923 in Bertie County. He was a farmer and a member of Saint Luke Pentecostal Healing Center. He is survived by his sons Elder Starkey Pugh, James A. Pugh, Jersey Joe Pugh, William C. Pugh, and Winslow Pugh all of Connecticut and Richard Pugh of Colerain, his daughters Ella Blue, Genia M. Pugh, Sebenia Allen, Famous Clark all of Connecticut and Ruth C. Norwood of Chicago, Illinois, and his sisters Pastor Jerlene Wiggins, Catherine Watson, Fannie M. Wiggins, and Albinia Watson. A funeral were held at St. Luke's Pentecostal Healing Temple in Lewiston on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. Wilder's Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge of the arrangements. ALICE W. CASTELLOW WINDSOR - Alice Graham White Castellow, 93, formerly of Cooper Hill Road, died Feb. 4, 2004 at Guardian Care Nursing Home in Ahoskie. She was born in Bertie County on Nov. 11, 1910, to the late Thomas and Cennie Ann Jernigan White. Mrs. Castellow was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert Cross Castellow. She was a member of Lawrence Bible Church and was a homemaker. She is survived by her daughter, Corrine C. Mizelle and husband, Alton L. Mizelle of Ahoskie, NC; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. J. N. Baggett. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home. SARAH C. RICE WINDSOR - Sarah Newbern Cobb Rice, 94, daughter of Alethia Jane and William Judson Cobb went to eternal rest Feb. 5, 2004. Sarah was born in Windsor, Feb. 23, 1909, and lived the majority of her life in her ancestral home, "Cobb's Hill", in Windsor. Sarah was a devoted mother and wife and was affectionately known as "Mammy" to her grandchildren and "Aunt Sarah" to numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was a member of Cashie Baptist Church. Sarah was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Van Buren Rice and daughter, Lucy Judson Rice. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Patricia Rice of Suffolk and daughter, Sarah Malinda Rice of Greenville, NC; a sister, Mary Willard Hunter of Kingsport, Tenn; granddaughters, Karen Hurdle Riggsbee and husband, F.A. Riggsbee, Jr of Raleigh, NC; Penny R. Frye and husband Barry of Surry, Va., and Vanessa Rice Culbertson and husband Curtis of Portsmouth; and great-grandsons, Jacob, Jared and Joshua Frye and Jordan Culbertson. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. Jack Byrd. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Windsor Rescue Squad, PO Box 74, Windsor, NC 27983. BLANCHE N. HARMON AULANDER - Blanche Norris Harmon, 72, a native of Pitt County, died February 7, 2004, at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. She was the widow of Albert McKeel and Eli Harmon. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lewiston Assembly of God by the Rev. Stephen Farmer. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery, Windsor. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor and at other times at the home of Debbie Harmon, 113 Charlie Harmon Rd, Ahoskie. Mrs. Harmon was a member of Lewiston Assembly of God where she was the president of Women's Ministries and a teen Sunday School teacher. She was retired from Dan Pittman's Insurance Agency. Survivors include four daughters, Anna Woodley of Roper, Debbie Harmon of Aulander and Connie Bazemore and Sandra Kowalski, both of Ahoskie; a son, Albert McKeel Jr. of Windsor; two sisters, Huldy Carter of Smyrna, DE and Helen Thomas of Knightdale; two brothers, Woodrow Norris of Chesapeake, Va, and A.C. Foy of Windsor; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great- grandchildren. LINWOOD BAZEMORE JR. KELFORD - Linwood "Junior" Bazemore Jr., 67, a native of Bertie County, died February 7, 2004. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Luella Baptist Church by the Rev. Vernon Lassiter. Burial will be in the Bazemore family cemetery, Kelford. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Bazemore retired from Peanut Belt Research Station. He was a member of Woodville Plains Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Ira Lynn Bazemore of Lewiston; a daughter, Angela Lee of Lewiston; brothers, Paul Bazemore, Milton Bazemore, Larry Bazemore and Charlie Bazemore, all of Lewiston and Willie McCoy Bazemore and William Bazemore, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and sisters, Thelma Keys, Nellie Tabron and Alice Willis, all of Windsor, his aunts Annie Bazemore of Aulander and Lucille Mitchell of Lewiston, his uncles William Eddie Bazemore of Washington, D.C. and Rev. Lester Bazemore of Philadelphia, PA, and his grandchildren Shenita Hardy of New Jersey and Roderick Lee of Windsor, NC. Funeral services were held at Luella Baptist Church, Kelford, NC on Saturday February 14, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Vernon Lassiter officiating. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, served the Bazemore family. HENRY SPRUILL WINDSOR - Henry Bazemore, "H.B." Spruill, 89, a native of Bertie County, died February 8, 2004 at his home. He was the widower of Nancy Taylor Spruill. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. Robert White. Masonic Rites and Military Rites will be observed. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Spruill was the founder and chairman of Spruill Farms, Inc. and Spruill Oil Company. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a recipient of the Purple Heart and participated in the Battle of Normandy. He founded and commanded the Bertie County Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a member of the American Legion. He also was a former National Chairman of the Young Democratic Clubs of North Carolina and the National Counselor of the US Chamber of Commerce. H.B. was a former president of the North Carolina Society of Farm managers, the Windsor Rotary Club, and a former Rotary District Governor. He was a Thirty Second Degree Mason, member of Sudan Shrine, past Worshipful Master of Davie Lodge #39 and a member of JOVAM (junior order). Survivors include three sons, Hunter Spruill and Charles Taylor Spruill, both of Windsor and Walt Spruill of Hatteras; a sister, Hannah S. McGaw of Windsor; five grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. FLORENCE P. HARRELL PHILADELPHIA - Florence P. Harrell, 77, of the 5400 block of Chestnut Street, died Feb. 8, 2004. A funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in Indian Woods Baptist Church. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. ROBERT P. STEPHENSON ROXOBEL - Robert Payne "Poodlum" Stephenson, 86, a native of Bertie County, died February 10, 2004, at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Sandy Run Baptist Church by the Rev. Dave Rimel. Burial will be in Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home, Aulander, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and other times at the home. Stephenson was a WWII Army veteran having obtained the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of Sandy Run Baptist Church and a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Jilcott Stephenson; his daughters, Tena Stephenson-Dillon of Tobacconville, Theresa Parker of Roxobel and Effie Vick of Kelford; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. MAGGIE BOND WINDSOR - Maggie Bond, a native of Windsor, died February 10, 2004. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Lettie Bridgett. She was born December 20, 1913 in Windsor, North Carolina. She attended the public schools in Bertie County. She joined Bazemore Temple (formerly Cedar Fork Church) at the age of twenty and was a member until her death. She was united in holy matrimony to James Henry Bond in 1941 and together they were blessed with four children--- James W. Bond, who preceded her in death, Mary Maggie and Evonne. A funeral was conducted Saturday, February 14, 2004 at Bazemore Temple Church of God in Christ by Elder Maurice Davenport. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Windsor. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge. Survivors include her children, Mary Powell and Maggie Treherne of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Evonne Morris of Windsor; one foster daughter, Mary Moore of Brooklyn; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; six brothers and five sisters. She was blessed with a special gift of love. She always said, "I love people". God sent her on a special mission in this earth to comfort, console, teach, and love. When that mission was fulfilled, God took her home. She is gone but her prayers live on. She will be missed but never forgotten by those who had the opportunity to meet her. Her family loved her dearly, but God loved her best. CATHERINE FORD WINDSOR - Catherine White "Cat" Ford, a native of Windsor, died February 10, 2004 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Greenville. She was the widow of Wilson Lewis Ford. She was born to the late George Washington White and the late Elizabeth White in Windsor, NC. "Cat" attended the public schools in Bertie County. She was a devoted mother and homemaker. At an early age, she joined the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. She was married to Wilson Lewis Ford, who preceded her in death. To this union, seven children were born. One son, Melvin Carmichael Ford, preceded her in death. A funeral was conducted Sunday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church by Elder William D. White Jr. Burial was in Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge. Survivors include two daughters, Clara McNeill of Robersonville and Lurenza Mosley of Windsor; four sons, Jeffrey White, Glenn Maurice White and Wesley Carnell Ford, all of Windsor and Patrick M. Ford of Robersonville; a brother, William White of Norfolk, Va.; four sisters, Cedesa White, Georgia Hobbs and Lizzie Leary, all of New York City, Eleanor Jenkins of Portsmouth; 18 grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. BERNICE J. GLOVER ROXOBEL - Bernice Johnson Glover, 89, died February 11, 2004, at Obici Hospital, Suffolk. Mrs. Johnson was born October 5, 1914, in Bertie County, NC, the daughter of the late Samuel Paul Johnson and Beulah Vaughan Johnson. She was also predeceased by her husband, Luther D. Glover Sr. and a son-in-law, Edward L. Sutphin Sr. She was a member of Sandy Run Baptist Church in Roxobel and was a dear, loving mother and grandmother. Survivors include her daughters, Bettye G. Umphlette and husband Lewis Carroll Umphlette and Jean G. Sutphin, both of Suffolk; her son L.D. Glover Jr. and wife Gail of Rich Square, NC; her sister, Frances J. Lassiter of Sumter, SC; brothers, Birthan R. Johnson of Como, NC, and Roger D. Johnson of Roxobel; seven grandchildren, Carol U. Meredith, Cheryl U. O'Conner, Robin S. Jones, Edward L. Sutphin, Jr., Cindy U. Howell, L.D. Glover III and Heather G. Sumner; and 10 great-grandchildren, Lewis Carrol Meredith, Carter Meredith, Corey D. Jones, Kristen Sutphin, Sadie H. O'Conner, Landon Howell, Page Meredith, Brooke Sutphin, L.D. Glover IV and Everett Sumner. A funeral will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in Sandy Run Baptist Church, Roxobel, by the Rev. Roger D. Johnson and the Rev. Dave Rimel. Burial will follow in Roxobel-Kelford Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Sandy Run Baptist Church Building Fund, Roxobel. Massey Funeral Home, Aulander, is handling arrangements. SUE CONNER HARDISON Sue Conner Hardison, 57, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She was born in Bertie County on November 23, 1946 to the late Willie Joe Conner and the late Alma Lee Conner. She was a Patient Representative at Martin General Hospital. She was a member of the First Christian Church. She was married on August 28, 1965 to Larry B. Hardison. She is survived by her husband Larry B. Hardison, her son Mark B. Hardison, her daughter Brandi H. Canfield, and grandchildren Aaron Hardison and Bailey Hardison. Funeral services were held at Biggs Chapel Friday, February 13, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Johnny Phillips and Rev. Delmus Ayers officiating. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Biggs Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. WILLIAM R. RAYNOR AHOSKIE - William Reed Raynor, 86, of the 900 block of W. Church St., died Feb. 12, 2004, in Guardian Care of Ahoskie. Mr. Raynor was born in Bertie County, the son of the late Hezekiah Owen and Annie Laura Harrell Raynor. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, where he served as church organist from 1945 until 1995. He was a graduate of Campbell College and received a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a postgraduate degree from Wake Forest University. He also received a meteorology degree from New York University. Mr. Raynor served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander during World War II and was the owner of William Raynor Co. and an agribusiness. Billy served as chairman of the Board of Directors of Roanoke Chowan Hospital and was a member of the Board of Directors of Wachovia Bank in Ahoskie. Survivors include his wife, Sara Bryant Raynor; a daughter, Sarah Anne Raynor Lamm of Asheville; a son, William Reed Raynor, Jr. of Chapel Hill; grandchildren, Sarah LeGwin Lamm Dickson, Elizabeth Bernard Raynor Singleton, Mary Eliza Lamm, William Reed Raynor III; and a great-grandson, Thomas Griffitts Dickson. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held today at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Ahoskie with the Rev. Jesse J. Croom officiating. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, Music Department. Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is serving the Raynor Family. AUDREY MAE HARDY RUFFIN AHOSKIE - Audrey Mae Hardy Ruffin passed into eternity after a lengthy illness on Friday, February 13, 2004 at her daughter's residence in Ahoskie where she received continuous love, compassion and quality care. Audrey, who entered this world on April 26, 1926 in Roxobel, was the first of five siblings born to the last Thomas Hardy and Helen Bush Hardy. Audrey graduated in 1945 from W.S. Creecy High School and completed her cosmetology certification at Maco Beauty College in Greensboro. She successfully operated a beauty salon for many years. For 19 years, Audrey worked as a Housing Specialist for Choanoke Area Development Association and later served on their Board. She was appointed by the Bertie County Commissioners to the Board of Health. Audrey was also a member of the FHA and Tri County Credit Union boards. In addition, Audrey was a member of the Merry Makers Club of Portsmouth, Va. She loved to travel and took many trips throughout the United States and abroad. Audrey joined Sandy Run Branch Baptist church at an early age and served as chairperson of the Trustee Board, Usher Board and in other capacities at the church. Dedicated service to the church was a source of joy and fulfillment in her life. In 1954, Audrey married Linzy Ruffin, who preceded her in death in 2001. To this union was born one daughter, Wendy Ruffin-Barnes. She also reared two special nephews, Clyde and Linzy Ruffin. She will best be remembered for her sense of humor, strength in times of trouble and warm concern for others. Most of all, she will be remembered by her daughter as a devoted, protective, loving and caring mother. She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Wendy, and devoted son-in-law, Roy "Scott" Barnes; one granddaughter, Mia Audrey Barnes; two special nephews, Linzy Ruffin (Patricia) of Lewiston and Clyde P. Ruffin (Delois) of Winton; three sisters, Maggie H. Boone of Greensboro, Emma H. Johnson (Freddie) of Aulander, Dorothy H. Walton of Chesapeake; one brother, Thomas Hardy Jr. of Portsmouth; dedicated caregiver, Florence "Jean" Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A funeral will be held at 12 noon today (Tuesday, Feb 17) at Sandy Branch Baptist Church, Roxobel, by the Rev. Lucurgus Harrell. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is handling the arrangements. MARY L. HOLLOMAN PORTSMOUTH - Mary L. Holloman, 86, of the 1900 block of Effingham St., died February 13, 2004, at her home. Born in Bertie County, NC, she was a member of St. John Baptist Church, Portsmouth. The widow of Turner L. Holloman, she is survived by a daughter, Renay White, Portsmouth; two sons, Clarence Raynor, Newport News and Roy Lee Newsome, Ahoskie, NC; a brother William C. Raynor, Portsmouth; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St John Baptist Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. Robert Earls. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. Viewing at Corprew Funeral Home will begin at noon today. The body will be taken to the church at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. WHITAKER CHAPELLE SMALLWOOD Whitaker Chapelle Smallwood, known as "Sonny Boy", son of the late Fannie Smallwood and Brinkley Smallwood, was born on December 19, 1938. He departed this life on February 13, 2004. Sonny Boy was a simple man, but he was a loving man. He had one of the biggest hearts. He loved traveling with his sister to visit his nieces in Salisbury, NC. He leaves to cherish hi memory; two sisters, Shirley Lassiter and Celestine Thompson both of Windsor, NC; two brothers, Robert Brown of Windsor, NC and Kelvin Smallwood of Orlando, FL; sister-in-law, Mary Smallwood of Windsor, NC and brother-in-law, Harvey Thompson of Windsor, NC; thirty nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and great nephews. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Indian Woods Missionary Baptist Church with Bishop Hurron Freeman officiating. Cherry's Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. GEORGE JERNIGAN WINDSOR - George Wilson Jernigan, 86, a native of Bertie County, died February 14, 2004, at Roanoke- Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. He was the widower of Yvonne B. Flowers Jernigan and the son of the late George Perry and Susan Ellen Bazemore Jernigan. He was born October 31, 1917. A graveside service was conducted Monday in Edgewood Cemetery, Windsor, by the Rev. Harvey Jackson. The family request no flowers. Memorials may be made to Republican Baptist Church, c/o Mr. Reddick White, 301 Sterlingworth Street, Windsor, NC 27983 or a charity of donor's choice. Jernigan served in Europe during World War II in the 178th Engineers Division of General Patton's Third Army. He served three terms on the Bertie County Board of Education. He was a retired farmer and a lifetime member and deacon of Republican Baptist Church. Survivors include a brother, Donald Ray Jernigan of Rich Square; sons, Dr. Perry Jernigan of Elkin and Scott G. Jernigan of Windsor; daughter, Penny J. Wicker of Ahoskie; four grandchildren; and a great- grandchild. Lawrence R. Harmon DURHAM - Lawrence Ray Harmon, 75, a native of Bertie County, died, February 14, 2004. A funeral was conducted Tuesday at Immanuel Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Turnbough. Burial was in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Hudson Funeral Home was in charge. Harmon was retired owner of Harmon Welding Company. He was a member of Immanuel Free Will Baptist Church where he was a former deacon and served on the finance committee. Survivors include a daughter, Lynne H. Moody of Clayton; one brother, Linwood Harmon of Southern Pines; two sisters, Hazel Francis of Ahoskie and Carolyn Reynolds of Augusta, GA; and two grandchildren. A funeral was conducted Tuesday at Immanuel Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Turnbough. Burial was in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Hudson Funeral Home was in charge. MARIE F. JONES KELFORD - Marie F. Jones, 70, a native of Bertie County, died February 15, 2004, at Roanoke- Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted Saturday at Church of God for All People. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Mrs. Jones was a retired nurse. She was a member of Church of God for All People. Survivors include her husband, Kelly Mitchell; a son, Willie McCoy Freeman of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and four daughters, Margaret Beckless of Brooklyn, Carrie Iseghohi and Shirley Jones-Hardy, both of Kelford and Marian Williams of Windsor. ANNIE LOUISE JENKINS RIDDICK WINDSOR - Annie Louise Jenkins Riddick was born in Windsor, NC on January 21, 1918 to the late Victoria Riddick and John Smith. Son Monday morning, February 16, 2004, she gave up her earthly travels of 86 years to answer her call for a home in Heaven. She was adopted by Noah and Lettie Jenkins after her mother died when she was just a small child. The Jenkins lived in the Woodard area of Bertie County, so Louise attended Woodard School. She lived and worked on the farm---even helping with the plowing and harvesting of crops. Louise and Glonnie V. Riddick were married on December 21, 1935. To this union two daughters were born. Her husband, Glonnie V. and one son, Glonnie Roger, preceded her in death. Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church was Louise's choice of a church home and she loved it and was a faithful member until her health became an issue to deal with. She loved and depended on God faithfully. She also loved her family, her church and people. She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Willie D. (Christine) Riddick of Windsor, NC, Robert L. (Willie Ette) Riddick of Odenton, MD., Larry M. Riddick of Hampton, VA; two daughters, Jean R. Hayes and Annie R. (Frank III) Rice of Elizabeth City, NC, one former daughter in law, eleven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Funeral services were held on Monday, February 23, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Windsor with the Rev. Barry K. Berryhill officiating. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. MILLIE LEGGETT STOCKS Millie Leggett Stocks, 87, died Wednesday, February 18, 2004 in Bertie Memorial Hospital. She was born in Bertie County on August 8, 1916 to the late Slonnie Pritchard and Joseph Bryant Leggett. Mrs. Stocks was predeceased by her husband, Roy Alton Stocks, Sr. She was a member of Republican Baptist Church. She was a farmer and former store keeper. In her later years, she worked at Winston Park Rest Home. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2004 at Republician Baptist Church. Burial followed in Edgewood Cemetery. Survivors include daughters Louise S. Mizelle and Pearl S. White, both of Windsor, NC, sons Roy A. Stocks, Jr. and William Bryant Stocks, both of Windsor and George Spoolman Stocks of Ahoskie, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. The family received friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Home and at other times from the home of Pearl White in Windsor. Memorial gifts may be made to the Bertie County Rescue Squad, PO Box 74, Windsor, NC 27983. HERBERT WHITE MERRY HILL - Herbert White died February 18, 2004. A funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in Zion Hill Baptist Church, Colerain. Reynolds Funeral Home is in charge. LAUREN M. HOGGARD WINDSOR - Lauren Michelle Hoggard, infant, died February 18, 2004. A graveside service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Ross Baptist Cemetery. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. MYRTLE GARRETT ALEXANDER Myrtle Garrett Alexander, 90, of the Swain Building, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004 in Three Rivers Health and Rehab, Windsor, NC. Alexander was born in Pasquotank County NC and was the daughter of the late Thomas Martin and Minnie Davis Garrett. She had worked as a spooler with the Edenton Cotton Mill and as Food Supervisor at Chowan Hospital and was a member of First Christian Church in Edenton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Alexander. Surviving are three daughters, Vonnie Smith and husband Ray of Edenton, Judy Harrell and husband Tommy of Kelford, NC, and Thelma Hughes and husband Ray of Windsor, NC; two sisters, Lillian Markham of Weeksville and Natalie Elliott of Roper; two brothers, Lloyd Garrett and Archie Garrett, both of Elizabeth City; three grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Services were held Friday at 2:00 p.m. by the Rev. Tommy Tripp and the Rev. E.C. Alexander in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, Edenton. Burial followed in Beaver Hill Cemetery. The family received friends following the service in the funeral home and all other times at the home of Ray and Thelma Hughes in Windsor. NELLIE R. COWAN AULANDER - Nellie Ruth Cowan, 65, a native of Bertie County, died February 20, 2004 at Bertie County Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 7, 1938 in Bertie County. A funeral will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2004 at Weeping Mary Baptist Church by the Rev. Johnnie Cofield. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Mrs. Cowan was a member of Weeping Mary Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Roosevelt "Jack" Cowan; three sons, Robbie Cowan of Lewiston-Woodville, André Cowan of Richmond, Va., and Darryl Cowan of Winston-Salem; six sisters, Jessie Mae Anderson of Philadelphia, Phil., Rosa Bess of Paterson, N.J., Sarah Cherry of Kelford, Pattie Williams, Beatrice Lee-Sanchez and Earnestine Ausby, all of Hoboken; and two grandsons. FLORENCE SMALLWOOD HARRELL Florence P. Smallwood Harrell was born on August 4, 1926 in Windsor NC to the late Nathaniel Smallwood and Alice Jones-Smallwood. She attended W.S. Etheridge High School until the 12th grade. She left Windsor in 1945 for Philadelphia, PA with her late husband Johnnie T. Harrell, where she lived until her death. Harrell is survived by her only child, Gloria Brown- Harrell, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Florence P. Harrell led a full life, rededicating her life to God in April 2, 2000. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 21, 2004 at Indian Woods Missionary Baptist Church in Windsor with Rev. Ralph D. White officiating. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. BERKLEY PETER HECKSTALL Rev. Berkley Peter Heckstall was born in Windsor, NC on April 16, 1919, the son of the late Ms. Marry Betty Heckstall. He grew up in Bertie County where he spent most of his life. He attended public school and at an early age, he joined Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church. He worked diligently in the church and became a Christian man who found his life's work in serving others. He was ordained on April 11, 1967. Early in life he names his childhood sweetheart, Zeola Lee and to this union, one daughter, Mary Virginia , was born. Through the years, they both were devoted to the Father. Following the death of his first wife, he later married the late Libby Lassiter, his companion for 34 years. The Rev. Heckstall served his country, being given an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1945. He was also active in other organizations including the Masonic Order and the West Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association. He served the following churches: Woodville Plains, Peterson Grove, and St. Elmo, all in Bertie County, and Selma Missionary in Columbia, NC. At St. Elmo he was instrumental in serving and supervising the completion of an educational and fellowship hall, as well as other projects at the church. He initiated a combined Sunday School, which included St. Elmo, Zion Bethlehem and Sandy Point. This proved to be a great fellowship. Rev. Heckstall spent much time as a spiritual leader in the community by visiting the sick and shut-ins, always helping others and he will be greatly missed. In the family were two brothers and one sister who predeceased him. Surviving him are his devoted daughter Mary Virginia Douglas; a granddaughter, Linda Siler, and nine great-grandchildren all of Brooklyn NC. Sharing in this loss also are his in-laws, Thelma Heckstall of Goldsboro, NC, Mrs. Viola Veale, Mrs. Barbara Rice and Donald Lassiter. Also a special friend, Mrs. Rebecca Speller, as well as many cousins, friends, and members of all his churches. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 21, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Bethlehem Baptist Church in Windsor with Rev. Barry K. Berryhill officiating. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. JAMES COPELAND BRONX, NY - James Leroy Copeland, 68, a native of Bertie County, died February 21, 2004. A funeral will be conducted at 12 p.m. Saturday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander. Burial will be in the Eaton Family Cemetery, Lewiston. The family will receive friends at the home of Nettie Bazemore, 233 Piney Wood Road, Lewiston. Copeland was retired from Amtrak Railroad and from Trucking Company in New York. He was a member of Luella Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Della White Copeland of Atlantic City, NJ; one daughter, Debra Spicer of Plainfield; and his stepfather, Vanderbuilt Ruffin of Hampton, VA. PAUL L. POWELL SR. MURFREESBORO - Paul Leslie Powell Sr., 92, a native of Bertie County, died February 22, 2004. He preceded his wife Lelia Dare Colson Powell in death. He was born April 28, 1911, the son of the late W. T. Powell and Ann Saunders Powell. A graveside service was conducted Wednesday at Buckhorn Baptist Church Cemetery, Como. Massey Funeral Home, Jackson, was in charge. Powell was retired from Union Camp. Survivors include his daughters, Rosalea Boyette of Newport News, VA and Ann Jones of Greenville; a stepson, Vincent Salerno of Suffolk; nine grandchildren, Tanya Ellingsworth, Kathy Watson, and Melvin Boyette II, Debra Carson, Tammy Kelly, Ann Amerson, Paula Vaughan, Linwood Jones Jr., and Deidre Williamson; 11 great grandchildren; and four great- great-grandchildren. SHIRLEY S. LASSITER WINDSOR - Shirley S. Lassiter, died February 22, 2004, at Bertie Memorial Hospital, Windsor. A funeral was conducted Saturday at Indian Woods Missionary Baptist Church cemetery. Cherry's Funeral Home, Windsor, was in charge. Survivors include a son, Alton Lassiter of Washington; four daughters, Gloria Stephenson of Windsor, Carolynette Peele, Fannie Lassiter and Celestine Lassiter, all of Salisbury; one sister, Celestine Thompson of Windsor; two brothers, Kelvin Smallwood of Orlando, Fla., and Robert Brown of Windsor; and 14 grandchildren. JAMES HENRY SESSOMS James Henry Sessoms, 56, of Pleasantville, NJ, departed this life and went home to be with the Lord on February 22 in the Shore Memorial Hospital of Somers Point, NJ. Born in Windsor, NC to the late Willie Henry Sessoms and Annie O. Sessoms, he attended the Kings and the Indian Woods Elementary Schools, W.S. Etheridge and Southwestern High Schools of Windsor, NC. He was baptized at the Indian Woods Baptist Church under the Rev. Charles Creecy. He moved to Baltimore, MD in 1967, and relocated to the Atlantic City area in 1968, where he joined the Second Baptist Church. He was employed at the Atlantic City Hospital mailroom, the Ozone water company and various hotel jobs before joining the NJ Transit Bus Company where he remained until his illness and death. He married Felita Saunders in 1980 and to this union five children were born. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Felita Sessoms, six daughters, Jamie, Viola, Felisha, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Althea Saunders, one son, Lewis Saunders, his mother, Annie Sessoms, four sisters, Lois W. Braxton, Eunnice Harris, Wiley Sessoms, and Katherine Davis, eight grandchildren, three aunts, Bea David, Florence and Ethel Smallwood and two uncles Theodore and Tom Smallwood. He was preceded in death by six brothers, Carl, Johnny, Theodore, Michael, Kenneth, Ricky, and Tommie. Funeral services were held on Friday, Februray 27 at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church. DAVID W. DANIEL WINDSOR - David W. Daniel, 77, died February 24, 2004 at his home. A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday in Walker Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. R.O. Denton Jr. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to Bertie County Rescue Squad, PO Box 74, Windsor, NC 27983. Daniel worked for Eastern Fuels as a truck driver and was a member of Askewville Assembly of God. Survivors include his wife, Vadis Hoggard Daniel; a daughter, Sue Hoggard of Windsor; a son, Don Daniel of Windsor; a brother, Linwood Daniel of Salem, VA; a sister, Virginia Williams of Ahoskie; and three grandchildren. VIRGIE COWAND NORTHCOTT Virgie Cowand Northcott, 84, died Wednesday, February 25, 2004, in Guardian Care of Ahoskie. Northcott was born in Bertie County, a daughter of the late Starkey Valentine and Nettie Jernigan Cowand, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Ahoskie. She was a graduate of Chowan College and East Carolina Teacher's College, now East Carolina University, and taught in public schools of Herford and Bertie Counties. Survivors include her daughter, Judy Tucker and husband Tommy of Greenville, granddaughter Kathryn Thurston, two great grandchildren, brothers, Thomas Cowand and Jerry Cowand, both of Merry Hill, and sisters, Susan Harden of Windsor and Betty Mienke of California. Her husband L.T. Northcott, predeceased her. A funeral service was held on Friday, February 27, 2004 at LUVENIA M. BUNCH COLERAIN - Luvenia Morris Bunch died February 26, 2004. A funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church. Reynolds Funeral Home, Ahoskie is in charge. WILLIAM M. BURDEN JR. AHOSKIE - William Madison "Jr. Burden" Burden Jr., 65, died February 26, 2004. He was born on May 22, 1938 in Bertie county. He was tired from Golden Peanut Factory. He was a member of Conocanary Baptist Church. Survivors include wife Alice Bonner Burden of Ahoskie, children Jerome Burden, Cynthia Burden, Charita Burden, Keshia Burden, Calvin Burden all of Ahoskie, Reginia Harmon of Windor, Jessica Brooks of Richmond, VA, Ernest Harris of Lewiston, NC and Tony Askew of Brooklyn, NY, sister Nellie Ward of Ahoskie, NC and brothers Melvin Burden of Lewiston, Albert Burden and Levy Burden both of Aulander, Roy Burden of Maryland and Clarence Burden of NY and several grandchildren. A funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. on February 29, 2004 at Conocanary Baptist Church. Wilder's Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge. TILLMAN L. GRIFFIN JR. COLERAIN - Tillman Lee Griffin Jr., 74, died February 27, 2004. A funeral will be held today at 2 p.m. at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie. VIRGINIA J. BEDDINGFIELD RALEIGH - Virginia Johnson Beddingfield, 84, passed away on February 27, 2004. She was born April 16, 1919, in Bertie County, the daughter of the late William Ruffin and Sarah Myers Johnson. Brothers Fate, Sam, Sidney, and Kyle Johnson and sister, Willie Mae Odom preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband Peyton S. Beddingfield; daughter and son-in-law JoAnn McLeod and William R. Sessoms, Jr., of Raleigh; grandson William R. Sessoms III of Raleigh; granddaughter Christine and husband William S. Schmidt and great grandson William Reagan Schmidt of Bunn, NC; and brother William Ruffin Johnson of Fayetteville NC. After the death of her father, she resided at Kennedy Baptist Children's Home in Kinston from grade 5 thru High School. She was graduated from Campbell College, Buies Creek, NC in 1937. She lived many years in Ahoskie, NC where she worked at the Bank of Ahoskie. She was active in the Business Professional Woman's Club and the First Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She was the wife of the late Sessoms Odom of Ahoskie. After the death of her husband, she moved to Raleigh in 1959 where she worked at North Carolina National Bank and later became bookkeeper for Winn Dixie Stores until she retired in 1974. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. A memorial service was held at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, at 3:00 p.m. on February 29, 2004, with the Rev. James Harry officiating. Burial followed in Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue. The family received friends at Mitchell Funeral Home on hour prior to the service. Memorial gifts may be directed to Kennedy Baptist Children's Home, 2557 Cedar Dell Road, Kinston, NC 28504.