Bertie COUNTY NC Obits January 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 OBITUIARIES JANUARY 2004 JAMES C. DAVIDSON JR. PORTSMOUTH - James C. Davidson Jr., 78, of the 5700 block of W. Norfolk Road, died January 1, 2004, in a Suffolk hospital. A native of Aulander, N.C., he was a retired Quality Assurance Inspector for Norfolk Naval Shipyard and a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of Scrappy Pill Reunion, the 8th Calvary Battalion and was a avid gardener. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline C. Davidson; six daughters, Joyce D. Clarke and husband Lynn of Corapeake, N.C., Angela M. Hassell and husband John of Gates, N.C., Loretta J. Gray and husband Daniel, Rita D. Esada and husband Lee and Sonja L. Adkins and husband Walter and Shelia Y. Ferguson and husband V. Scott, all of Suffolk; four sisters, Marie Lassiter of Colerain, NC, Fannie Carlisle of Norfolk, June Culpepper of Portsmouth and Shirley Fitchette of Jacksonville, FL.; 13 grandchildren, James and Daniel Clarke, Adam and Dale Foxwell, Jacqueline Bell, Jonathan and Jessica Davis, Kyle Ellis, Ardell and Luke Adkins, Blake, Colton and Madison Ferguson; and three great grandchildren, Justin, Selena and Jade. A funeral will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Damon Wyatt. Burial will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens with military honors. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m at Sturtevant Funeral Home Blvd. Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the Portsmouth SPCA. LINNIE R. WHITE WINDSOR - Linnie R. White, 89, died Jan. 1, 2004. Linnie was the daughter of the late Lula Roscoe. She was born on June 15, 1914 in Windsor, NC. She attended the Bertie County Schools. She joined Beautiful Zion Church in Lewiston, NC. She was married to Frank White in 1960. Linnie leaves to cherish her memory: her loving daughter, Renee Bell of Windsor, NC, Sammie White of Aulander, NC, son-in-law, Richard Bell, as well and many cousins and friends. She was a loving, caring, mother and a special person who loved everyone in whom she came in contact. A funeral was held Sunday, January 4, 2004 at 1 p.m. in Gilliam Funeral Home Chapel in Windsor with Rev. Curtis Wilkins officiating. MCCOY BARMER AULANDER - McCoy Barmer, 73, died Jan. 2, 2004. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Aulander. Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square, is in charge. LOUIS COX WINDSOR - Louis Cox, 75, of 122 Center Road, Windsor, died Friday Jan. 2, 2004 at Bertie Memorial Hospital. He was the eldest child of the late Ben Cox and Louise Cox Loftin. He was born on November 28, 1928 in Lenior County, NC. He was formerly married to Clara Nobles Cox, and this union was blessed with six children. He tried his hand as a farmer in Deep Run, NC, but realized that his interest and talent lay in truck driving, and began his truck-driving career at Lakeside Mills and S&L Transfer, Kinston, NC. Louis relocated to Windsor in the late sixties and continued his driving career at Coastal Concrete, where he remained until his retirement in 1991. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Alice Cox. The branches of his family tree will continue to grow through his children; William Cox, Roosevelt, NY, John Cox, Kinston, NC, Earnest Cox, Chesapeake, VA, Linda Ryals-Massey, Grand Blanc, MI, Claretha Love, Collinsville, MS, Hilda Hill, Portsmouth, VA, ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. His life continues to flow in his sisters and brothers: Johnnie Cox, Luby Cox, Johnny Thomas, Gladys Rhodes, Geraldine Barnes, Letha Edwards, and Hattie Moore all of Kinston, NC. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2004 at Cedar Landing Baptist Church with the Rev. Shelton Barnes Officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Windsor, NC. The wake will be 7-8 p.m. Friday at Gilliam Funeral Home Chapel. CYNTHIA DELOIS HOPSON FREEMAN Cynthia Delois Hopson Freeman died on Friday, January 2, 2004 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. She was a member of Greater Harvest Fellowship in Aulander, NC. She is survived by her husband George D. Freeman, Jr. of Gates, NC, three sons, Christopher, Keith, and Kenneth Hopson, all of Aulander, NC, one stepson, Douglas N. Freeman, Murfreesboro, NC, two stepdaughters, Angela Elliott, Tyner, NC, Pamela Green, Gates, NC, her mother Mary Askew, Aulander, NC, three brothers, Alexander Askew of Smithfield, VA, Calvin Askew, Ahoskie, NC, Ricky Askew, Greensboro, NC, two sisters, Joyce Outlaw, Aulander, NC, Mary Futrell, Hampton, VA and one grandchild. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at Greater Harvest Fellowship COGIC in Aulander, NC at 11:00 a.m. with the Bishop Leroy J. Woolard officiating. JOHNNIE TYLER TWINE Johnnie Tyler Twine of New Bern died Friday, January 2, 2004 at Craven Regional Medical Center at the age of 73. He was born in Askewville, NC to Joseph Matthew and Ruby Carol White Twine, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his son, Johnnie David Twine. He was a faithful member of Cornerstone Assembly of God, was the owner of A & J Window Cleaning Service and had previously worked as a machinist with Ultra Precision Machining Company. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at Cornerstone Assembly of God with the Rev. James Hogan and the Rev. Phillip Hogan officiating. Burial followed in Greenleaf Memorial Park. He is survived by his wife, Ann Twine of New Bern, two daughters, Lynn Stauber of Charleston, SC, and Deborah Phelps of Burgaw, five grandchildren, and three great- grandchildren. The family received friends at Cornerstone Assembly of God. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornerstone Assembly of God, PO Box 3362, New Bern, NC 28564. Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations is serving the Twine family. LARTHA BRIDGETT WINDSOR - Lartha Bridgett, 92, of 405 Leghorn St, Windsor, died Saturday, Jan 3 2004 at his home. Lartha Bridgett was born to the late Lettie and Edward Bridgett. He was employed at Bertie Memorial Hospital for twenty plus years until retirement. He was well known for his spiritual conversations and his ability to dress well. He served as a deacon at Bazemore Temple Church of God in Christ, Governor's Road, Windsor, until he became ill. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Moncila Bridgett. He was the father of 10 children- five of whom, Jerlene, Treherne, Lucy Laws, Lettie Teran, Robert Bridgett, and Lartha Bridgett, Jr.- preceded him in death. Five remaining to cherish loving memories are Sonya Watford (James), Gregory Parker, Harvey Bridgett (Virgeous), Catherine Pope (William), and Mack Bridgett (Ruth). Five additional children include Franklin Parker, Alicia Morris, Russell Parker, Timothy Parker and Mary Hawkins; seven sisters, Cleo Ryan, Thelma Sutton, Mary Bell, Maggie Bond, all of Windsor, NC, Martha Watson of New York, and Ella Hobdy of Detroit, MI, (two sisters, Sarah Ryan and Josephine Bond, preceded him in death); six brothers, William Bridgett, Alex Bridgett, Joe Bridgett, Walter Bridgett, all of New York, and George Bridgett of Windsor, NC, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great- and great- great-grandchildren. Special thanks to Gail Bond of Windsor, NC. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2004 at Bazemore Temple Holiness Church with Rev. Maurice Davenport officiating. Burial will followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Windsor, NC. ISIAH SPIVEY JR. WINDSOR - Isiah Spivey, Jr., age 60, of 121 Spivey Lane, Windsor, NC, died Saturday, January 3, 2004 at Bertie Memorial Hospital. Isaiah Spivey Jr. was born September, 1944 in the community of Windsor, Bertie County, NC. He attended St. Elmo Baptist Church as a child. He graduated from Southwestern in 1964, and like his brother Jimmy, he too moved to New York. There he was employed at the US Metal Refining Company in Caret, New Jersey. He had recently moved back to Bertie County to take care of his mother. He never married, but was a devoted son, brother, uncle, father and friend. He was a hardworking, strongminded man who was very dependable and accessible to his family and friends. If you needed him, you knew you could always call on him. He may not come when you wanted him but he was always on time. He leaves to cherish his memories; his daughters, Giovanna Cooper Broadnax (Robert), Twanna Cooper Whitaker (Lee), Pamela Cooper, Sonya Cooper, Necole Cooper, Latisha Jones; one son, Isiah Spivey III; twelve grandchildren; his beloved mother and father, Mary Rose and Isiah Spivey Sr.; a true and devoted friend, Mary Jones of New York; one sister, Brenda Outlaw Cooper; one brother-in-law, Jack Cooper; one aunt, Catherine Tropier of VA; four uncles, Edward Outlaw, Sr. of Windsor, NC, Maxwell Outlaw (Clara) of New York City, Benjamin Outlaw of White Plains, NY, Ernest Outlaw (Shirley) of Philadelphia, PA as well as a host of great nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2004 at St. Elmo Baptist Church in Windsor, NC. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Windsor, with the Rev. Anthony Goodwyn officiating. MAYLAND HARRIS AULANDER - Mayland Harris, 90, of the 1600 block of NC 561, died January 4, 2004 in his home. Funeral services conducted by Reb Lebron Britt, are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan 10th at Zion Grove Baptist Church, Aulander, where Harris was a member. Wilder's Funeral Home, Aulander, is in charge. Harris was retired from the NC Department of Transportation. Survivors include a daughter Lontonnia ("Tonya") Lassiter of the home; on son, Richard Lee Williams of Ahoskie; and three grandchildren. CHERRIE C. ANDERSON NORFOLK - Cherrie Christine Anderson of the 800 block of Hatton St, died Jan. 4, 2004. A graveside service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in Andrew Morris Cemetery, Colerain, N.C. Fitchett Funeral Home is in charge. ERNEST O. RUFFIN PLEASANTVILLE N.J. - Ernest O. Ruffin, 64, of the 500 block of W. Park Ave, Pleasantville, NJ, died Monday, Jan. 5, 2004 in the Pleasantville Hospital. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday January 12, 2004 at Indian Woods Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, N.C. is in charge. EVORA C. WATSON WINDSOR - Evora Cowan Watson, died January 5, 2004, at Three Rivers Nursing Home, Windsor. She was born to the late Moses and Robert Askew Cowan. She joined Mount Olive Baptist Church at an early age. She was a kind, loving spirited person who raised her seven children and helped to rear eight grandchildren. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Roger Watson and to this union seven children were born. Two preceded her in death, Etta Watson and Joserine Watson. A funeral was conducted Saturday at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include her daughters, Annie Mae Taylor of Windsor, Luburte Outlaw and Gloria Rivers, both of Newport News, VA; her sons, Richard Watson and Lincoln Watson, both of Windsor; 33 grandchildren; and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren. FLORA B. GARDNER WINDSOR - Flora Marie Brant Gardner, 69, a native of Mountain Home, Idaho, died January 5, 2004 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in Edgewood Cemetery, Windsor, by the Rev. Rachel Holloman. Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. Mrs. Gardner was a homemaker. Survivors include three daughters, Teresa Belangia and Betty Jo Belangia, both of Raleigh and Virginia Phillips of Swansboro; two sons, James Belangia of Ahoskie and John Belangia of Scotland Neck; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. CLADIE R. AMBROSE AULANDER - Cladie Hardy Ruffin Ambrose, 97, died Jan. 6, 2004, at Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. She was born on January 13, 1906 in Hertford County. She was a retired school teacher. She graduated from Waters Training School. She was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church, where she served as a Deaconess. She is survived by four daughters, Elaine Toland of Hampton, VA, Louise Cherry of Aulander, NC, Mildred Beale of Norfolk, VA and Marion Lee of Lewiston NC; two sons, Wayland Ruffin of Aulander, NC, and Rudolph Ruffin Jr. of New Castle, DE, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. A funeral was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2004, at Zion Grove Baptist Church, Aulander. The Rev. Robert Walton officiated. Burial took place in Cladie Ambrose Memorial Gardens. Wilder's Funeral Home is in charge. CHARLIE R. PERRY JR. COLERAIN - Charlie R. Perry Jr., 88, of 2848 NC 45, Colerain died Wednesday, January 7, 2004 at his home. He was the son of the late Charlie R. and Ada Perry and was born on January 7, 1915. He slipped into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 7, 2004, on his 89th birthday. Charlie was known to many as "Bump", was a retired farmer who enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities. During his lifetime, he was an active sportsman who participated in hunting and fishing as often as time would allow. However, the activity that he loved to perform, which kept hom on the outside during his final years, was mowing grass and tending to the yards of various community members. He was known in the community as a hardworker and someone who was always willing to provide assistance to others. Charlie received his formal education in the Bertie County School System. At an early age, he joined Zion Hill Missionary Baotist Church and remained a member until his death. He was preceded in death by his son, Charlie Rogers Perry III and by his siblings, Sarah (Bert) Moore, William Perry, Willie (Boyshack) Perry, Smitha Perry Lassiter, Luther (Luke) Perry, Reba Perry Darden, Rudolph Perry, and William (Bud) Spruill. Charlie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Sutton Perry of Colerain, NC; one sister, Beatrice Mitchell of Baltimore, MD; three sons, Alex Perry of Powellsville, NC; Euric Perry (Linda), and Terry Bond (Shirley) of Windsor, NC; two daughters, Barbara Bivins (Robert) of Gulph Mills, PA, Bettina Odom (Claude) of Harrellsville,NC; Charlie was blessed with 20 grandchildren. He also leaves behind two brothers-in- law, Thomas King of Durham, NC and Harry Rascoe of Merry Hill, NC; a sister-in-law Gladys Wynn Perry of Powellsville, NC and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. The funeral will be held Sunday, January 11, 2004 at Zion Hill Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor will be in charge of arrangements. MAX G. ADAMS MERRY HILL - Max Gardner Adams, 75, of the 200 block of Farless Road, died Jan. 9, 2004. A native and lifelong resident of Bertie County, he was the son of the late Solomon and Fannie White Adams. Mr. Adams was a farmer and member of Riverside Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Jessie Mae Lane Adams; sons, Dennis and wife, Susan of Apex, N.C., Ray and wife, Terrie of Merry Hill; daughters, Jill Morris and husband Bob of Kitty Hawk, Lona Binnicker and husband, Brad of Plymouth and Penny Manolas and husband Jerry of Kitty Hawk; grandchildren, Maggie, Lisa, Lane and Cody Adams, Anna Chenault, Sophie and Sally Morris, Tyler Binnicker and Zoe and Jered Manolas; sisters, Josephine Pierce of Ahoskie, Margaret Parker of Newport News, VA and Miriam Wise of Williamsville, N.Y.; brothers Ben Adams of Merry Hill, Frank Adams of Windsor, NC, Jack Adams of Colerain, NC, Truett Adams of Payson, AZ, and Phillip Adams of Columbia, SC. A funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Riverside Baptist Church in Merry Hill by the Rev. Al Jarrell. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 3 to 5 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, and other times at the home. RUTH S. RUSSELL NORFOLK - Ruth S. Russell, 90, of the 900 block of Widgeon Road, died January 9, 2004, in her residence. Born in Windsor, NC, she attended Hillside School in Bertie County. She was a retired tailor/seamstress for Norfolk Naval Exchange. She was a member of New Calvary Baptist Church and at an early age joined Hillside Baptist Church in Bertie County. The widow of Sylvester Russell, she is survived by a daughter, Sarah M. Bond of Windsor, NC; a sister, Mary J. Smallwood of Lanham, MD; a grandchild, Jerry R. Bond of Wendell, NC and wife Shedina R. Bond; four great- grandchildren, Joshua Drye, Jasmine Bond, Brittany Bond and Shania Bond; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Walton Smallwood and Trim Smallwood. A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday at New Calvary Baptist Church by the Rev. G. G. Campbell with burial in Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery. Graves Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. JESSIE B. COBB WINDSOR - Jessie B. Cobb, 85, died January 11, 2004. A native and lifelong resident of Bertie County, she was the daughter of the late Lynsey and Emma Swain Byrum. Cobb was a homemaker and member of Greens Cross Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husband. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at Walker Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Kevin Copeland. A private burial followed at the Family Cemetery. Survivors include daughters Betty Smithwick and Amy Bartley of Windsor, NC, son, Michael Cobb of Windsor, NC, brother, George Byrum of Murfreesboro, NC, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The family received friends at the funeral home Tuesday, January 13, 2004 from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. and other times at the home. Memorials gifts may be given to the Bertie County Rescue Squad, PO Box 74, Windsor, NC 27983. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor was in charge of arrangements. GEORGE GRANT HOLLEY George Grant Holley, son of the late George Cooper and Tina Holley, was born on August 8, 1910 and departed this life on January 11, 2004. He was a lifelong native of Bertie County, North Carolina. He was educated in the Bertie County public schools and joined Saint Elmo Baptist Church. He was well known and liked by many. George was a veteran of World War II. He is survived by two daughters, Ernestine Roulhac Roundtree of Portsmouth, VA and Linda Clark Collier of Windsor, NC, three sisters, Goldie Owens of Garland, NC, Laddie Pelham of Leland, NC, and Thelma McKoy of Clinton, NC, seven grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren. He had a devoted, special cousin, Charles Sutton of Windsor, NC and a sister-in-law, Joanne Holley of Raleigh, NC. He will always be remembered by a host of friends and other relatives. Funeral services were held at Saint Elmo Baptist Church in Windsor on Friday, January 16, 2004 with the Rev. Roy Sharpe officiating. Gilliam Funeral Home of Windsor was in charge of the arrangements. SYBIL BAKER DAVISON Sybil Baker Davison, 88, departed for home Monday, January 12, 2004 at the Delmar Gardens Nursing Home in Fenton, MO, after a four and a half month battle with heart problems and a stroke. She was born in a farmhouse near Colerain, NC on November 22, 1915. After her mother died when she was a teenager, she was raised on a farm, caring after her father and brother until she got married. She was the daughter of the late Raleigh Edgar and Dora H. Baker of Colerain, NC; sister of the late Vernon G. Baker, also of Colerain. She married twice. Her first husband was Jake Norvell of Harrellsville, NC with whom she had a daughter. Her second husband was Arthur Davison of Detroit, MI with whom she had a son, Thomas G. Davison of Byron, GA. Sybil had six grandchildren whom she loved very much. She had five great- grandchildren whom she cherished. Sybil lived the later part of her life on her farm near Colerain until the last ten years when she moved to Arnold, MO to live with her daughter Kay. There she helped raise two of her great-grandchildren and enjoyed her freedom driving to WalMart and McDonalds several days a week. She loved meeting and talking with people and would help anyone who needed help. Viewing was at Walker Funeral Home in Windsor, NC on Friday evening, January 16, 2004 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Her celebrations of life service was held at Colerain Baptist Church where she was a member most of her life. The service was held Saturday morning, January 17th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Colerain, NC. Arrangements are by Heilitag Funeral Home of Arnold, MO and Walker Funeral Home of Windsor, NC. WILLIAM S. HILL William S. Hill, known as "Baby Ray" was born on September 29, 1928 in Windsor, NC to the late Tommie Hill and the late Lucinda H. Hill. He was a graduate of W.S. Etheridge High School. He served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. After being honorably discharged, he met and married Mildred Sue Miller. From this union a daughter was born, Cynthia. He resided in New York for two years. Later he moved to Pennsylvania where he spent most of his adult life. He was employed as a Longshoreman for Philadelphia Marine Trade Association. In the year of 2000, he moved back to North Carolina to help care for his mother in the Indian Woods Community; subsequently, his health started failing two years later. He spent his later days in Pitt Memorial Hospital battling his illness; where death came so admirably overcame his body on January 12, 2004. Baby Ray dedicated the last few years of his life to his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. They were the joy of his life. He will be missed by many. He leaves to treasure and always cherish his memory, one daughter, Cynthia Hill Speller of Windsor, NC, son- in-law Ronnie M. Speller of Windsor, NC, two grandchildren, Rhonda and Sidney Speller of Windsor, NC, , three sisters, Mary Manker of Windsor, NC,, Annie Posey of Long Island, NY, and Evangelist Ivella Staton of Windsor, NC; three brothers, Samuel Hill of Windsor, NC, Isreal Hill of Durham, NC and Roger Hill of Temple MD, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 17, 2004 at Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. with Elder Huron Freeman as eulogist. STELLA L. ARTIST HAWKINS PORTSMOUTH - Stella L. Artist Hawkins, 55, of Lexington Drive, died Jan. 15, 2004, in Maryview Medical Center. She was a native of Aulander, NC. Survivors include her husband, Maceo Hawkins; two daughters, Christine Hawkins and Nicole Hawkins; three sons, Ike Peele, Antonio Hawkins and Maceo Hawkins Jr. all of Portsmouth; two sisters, Hazel Lewter of Portsmouth and Ernistine Artist of Boston, MASS; four brothers, Eugene Artist, Melvin Artist, Vernon Artist, and Roosevelt Artist, all of Portsmouth; 14 grandchildren; three daughters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Everlene Artist and Eugene Artist; three sisters, Gail, Jean and Opheia Artist, and a brother, Jimmy Artist. A funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Corprew Funeral Home, Portsmouth chapel, by the Rev. F.R. Williams with burial in Rosewood Memorial Park, Virginia Beach. Viewing at the funeral home will begin at 2 p.m. today. HENRIETTA WILKERSON HARRELLSVILLE - Henrietta Collins Wilkerson, 83, a native of Bertie County, died January 17, 2004, at Roanoke Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church by the Rev. Robert Lewis. Burial will be in the Wilkerson Family Cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Mrs. Wilkerson was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, Willie Collins of Norfolk, Va., Ronnie Ward of Portsmouth, VA and William E. Collins of New York; one sister, Tulie Riddick of Philadelphia, Pa.; 14 grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren. WILBERT WIGGINS Wilbert Wiggins, son of John Otis Wiggns and Janet Cherry Wiggins, was born on July 13, 1959. He attended school in Bertie County where he met the love of his life, Deborah Smallwood. They moved to New York in 1980. To this union five children were born. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Deborah Wiggins, four daughters, Takisha Wiggins, Tameka Wiggins, Jennifer Wiggins, and Jessica Wiggins, one sone Wilbert Wiggins, Jr. all of the Bronx, NY, four sisters, Annie Rascoe of Lewiston, NC, Luzenia Mitchell, Amanda Lee, and Janet Wiggins all of Bronx, NY, six brothers, Willie Wiggins of Bridgeport, CT, Alexander Wiggins of Manhatten, NY, John Otis Wiggins of Lewiston, NC, Theodore Wiggins of Rich Square, NC, William Thompson of Newport News, VA and Howard Thompson of Bronx, NY, twenty-six nieces and nephews, two aunts, three uncles, one great aunt as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 18, 2004 at Spring Hill Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Harry Hayes officiating. DONNELL E. WILSON COLERAIN - Donnell Eugene Wilson, 51, a native of Bertie County, died January 19, 2004 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. He was born on June 29, 1952 in Bertie County. He was a farmer. He was a member of Firsr Baptist Church of Colerain. A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church, Colerain, by the Rev. Wise. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc, Aulander, is in charge. Wilson was a farmer and a member of First Baptist Church Colerain. Survivors include three brothers, Benjamin Wilson of Harrellsville, Thomas Riddick of Windsor and James Wilson of Colerain; one sister, Mary E. Banks of Harrellsville, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. EDWARD SPELLER WINDSOR - Edward Speller, 89, died Jan. 19, 2004. A funeral was conducted Saturday at Cedar Landing Baptist Church, Windsor, by the Rev. Shelton Barnes. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home is in charge. Speller was employed as a postal clerk and worked in both Transit System and the Department of Sanitation in New York. He was also a veteran of the United States Army. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice Cooper Speller; his sisters, Lee Alma Watson of Windsor and Sarah S. Williams of Lewiston; and brothers, Daniel B. Speller and James "Sonny" Speller, both of Windsor. LOIS A. MANNING AULANDER - Lois Anderson Manning died Jan. 20, 2004. A graveside service will be held at noon Saturday at Earley Family Cemetery, Aulander. MARY JOHNSON MERRY HILL - Mary "Honey" Johnson, 71, of the 400 block of Old Merry Hill Road, died Jan. 20, 2004 at Bertie Memorial Hospital. She was a native of Bertie County, NC and a member of Ashland Missionary Baptist Church, Merry Hill. Survivors include a son, Michael Watford of Virginia Beach; brother Melvin Watford of Norfolk; five sisters, Ollie Morris, Shirley Paramore and Teresa Chapman, all of Bridgeport, Conn., Queen Miller of Bronx, NY and Margaret Mourning of Norfolk; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Peterson Chapel Baptist Church by the Rev. J. W. Best. Burial will be in Watford Family Cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. ELIZABETH B. WHITE WINDSOR - Elizabeth Banks White, 90, died Jan. 22, 2004. A funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. in Ebenezer Assembly of God. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. GRACIE D. MILLLER COLERAIN - Gracie Davis Miller, 90, a native of Bertie County, died January 23, 2004, in Britthaven of Edenton. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Thomas and Elsie Cobb Davis. She was the widow of John Edward Miller and predeceased her sons, Cordell and Tracey W. Miller and a stepson, John E. Miller, JR. Mrs. Miller was a retired private duty nurse and a member of the Perrytown Assembly of God Church. Survivors include a daughter, Julia M. Copeland of Merry Hill; a son, Thomas R. Miller of Edenton; two stepdaughters, Sarah M. Moore of South Hill, VA, and Lucy H. Byrum of Tennessee; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and eight stepgrandchildren. A funeral was conducted Sunday by the Rev. Dennis Cayton in the Perrytown Assembly of God Church. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Colerain. Miller Funeral Home of Edenton was in charge. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Perrytown Assembly of God Church, 928 Perrytown Road, Colerain, NC 27924. MARY JOHNSON MERRY HILL - Mary "Honey" Johnson, 71, a native of Bertie County, died January 20, 2004, at Bertie Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Johnson was a member of Ashland Missionary Baptist Church, Merry Hill. Survivors include a son, Michael Watford of Virginia Beach; brother, Melvin Watford of Norfolk; five sisters, Ollie Morris, Shirley Paramore and Teresa Chapman, all of Bridgeport, Conn., Queen Miller of Bronx, NY, and Margaret Mourning of Norfolk; one grandchild; and three great-grandchildren. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Peterson Chapel Baptist Church by the Rev. J.W. Best. Burial will be in Watford family cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. WILLIE P. HARRELL COLERAIN - Willie Patrick Harrell, 78, a native of Edenton, died January 23, 2004, at his residence. Harrell served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He had retired from the postal service and was a cabinetmaker. Mr. Harrell was an active member of the Colerain Baptist Church and the Colerain Rescue Squad. Survivors include his wife, Violet F. Harrell of Colerain; daughters, Libby Taylor of Harrellsville, Nancy Baker of Ahoskie, Sherri Randall of Greenville and Jerri Ward of Zebulon; sister, Emma Evans brothers, Lindsey Harrell, Marcus Harrell, David Harrell, Percy Harrell, Roland Harrell, and Robert Harrell, all of Edenton; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A funeral was conducted Monday at Colerain Baptist Church with the Rev. Shelby Stephens and the Rev. Gary Cline. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Garrett Funeral Home, was in charge. Memorials may be sent to Colerain Baptist Church or to Colerain Rescue Squad. WILLIE M. LOWERY WINDSOR - Willie Mae Lowery, 84, died January 25, 2004, at Roanoke Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Gilliam Funeral Home Chapel by the Revs. Elbert Lee and Gregory Gilliam. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Survivors include a sister; a grandchild; and a great grandchild. HENRY S. MANNING RALEIGH - Henry Stancill Manning Jr., a native of Windsor, died January 24, 2004. Henry was born June 8, 1938 in Windsor, NC and attended public schools in Williamston and Windsor. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry S. Manning and Julia Askew Manning and his beloved son, Allen S. Manning. He is survived by his wife, Sara Jo Allen Manning,his adored wife of nearly 40n years and numerous supportive family, friends and his faithful Dachshund companions, Ace and Doe. Manning served two years active duty as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy. In 1966, Henry graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Law School, where he was a member of the Board of Editors, North Carolina Law Review. After graduation from Law School, Henry served as law clerk to Justice Susie Sharpe, North Carolina Supreme Court. He then joined the law firm of Joyner and Howison where he later became a partner. Henry continued to practice law in Raleigh until his retirement in 2001. Henry was a member, Lay Reader, Vestryman and Warden of St. Michael's Episcopal Church and he also attended St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Bath, NC. He was a member of the Wake County Bar Association, where he served as secretary treasurer in 1969; the North Carolina Bar; the North Carolina Bar Association, and was licensed to appear before various Federal district courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Henry was a member of the Carolina Country Club, Sphinx Club and the 2500 Club. He also served as a Boy Scout leader, Charter Board member of Hospice of Wake County and Board member and president of Cerebral Palsy Center. Henry will be remembered as a true Southern gentleman who loved his native state of North Carolina, nature and especially, as he often said his "home on the beautiful north shore of the Pamlico River." He also will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his singing and his love for the Episcopal Church. It was his deep faith that helped him cope with his illness during the last months of his life. Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Burial will be in the church burial garden. The family will receive friends in the Parish Hall following the service. The family request flowers be omitted and, if desired, donations may be made to the Allen S. Manning Scholarship Fund, c/o Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, PO Box 17025, Raleigh, NC 27609 or the charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, 919-828-4311. EDWARD M. FREEMAN, SR. POWELLSVILLE - Edward McKinley "Kenny" Freeman Sr., 54, died Jan. 24, 2004. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Soul Saving Station. Wilder's Funeral Home is in charge. WILLIE MAE LOWERY Homegoing service for Mrs. Willie Mae Lowery, January 31, 1919 - January 25, 2004. Mrs. Willie Mae Hymon-Lowery was born January 31, 1919 to the late Willie and Mary Hymon of Windsor, NC. The sister of the latte Naomi Leslie-Gilliam, sister of the late James Frank, Joe David, and King Hymon, mother of one child, the late Melvin Gilliam and wife of the late Eddie Lowery, a longtime resident of the Three Rivers Nursing Home, a patient of the Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, NC., passed this life for a higher home Sunday, January 25, 2004. Funeral services by and at the Gilliam Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 11 a.m. Burial in the Hillcrest Cemetery. The Rev. Elbert Lee and the Rev. Gregory Gilliam will be officiating. ELSIE C. BELCH WINDSOR - Elsie Cobb Belch, 79, died January 26, 2004, at Three Rivers Nursing Home. She was the widow of William Franklin Belch. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Raleigh Johnson. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to the Ahoskie Assembly of God or to the Colerain Rescue Squad. Mrs. Belch was a homemaker and a member of the Ahoskie Assembly of God Church. Survivors include a son, Robert Belch of Williamston; a sister, Bessie C. Pierce of Windsor; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. EUNICE P. SNYDER PLYMOUTH - Eunice Pierce Snyder, 73, a native of Bertie County, died January 26, 2004. She was the widow of Floyd Clayton Snyder. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at Windsor Assembly of God by the Rev. Lester Jarrett and the Rev. Frank Halsey, Jr. Burial will be in the family cemetery at Rocky Hock. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. Mrs. Snyder was a homemaker and a member of Windsor Assembly of God. Survivors include two daughters, Shirley S. Barber and Sharon "Candy" Halsey, both of Jamesville; four sons, Charles Snyder, Curtis Snyder, and Jarrett Snyder, all of Jamesville and Donald "Billy" Snyder of Windsor; two sisters, Gladys P. Hoggard and Charlie Mae P. Hoggard, both of Windsor; nine grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. ELIZABETH SMALLWOOD WINDSOR - Elizabeth Smallwood, 101, of the 1400 block of Conner Drive, died Jan. 27, 2004. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Gilliam Funeral Home. JOSEPH YOUNG AULANDER - Joseph "Jack" Yung, 77, died Jan. 27, 2004. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Louise Young; his daughters, Brenda Bowen and Shelia Conner, both of Woodland, NC; and Sherry Young of Aulander; a son, Grove Young also of Aulander; three brothers, Marshall Young, Donald Young and Carroll Young, all of Ahoskie; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Massey Funeral Home in Aulander. Burial will be in Aulander Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. RUTH L. DAVIDSON AULANDER - Ruth Janet Lassiter Davidson, 82, died Jan. 27, 2004. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Aulander Cemetery. Massey Funeral Home is in charge. DAVID E. HOGGARD WINDSOR - David Earl Hoggard, 77, of the 700 block of Bertie Ave., died Jan. 28, 204 in Chowan Hospital. Mr Hoggard was the son of the late Bessie Hughes and Luther T. Hoggard. Mr. Hoggard was a member of Lawrence Baptist Church where he served as deacon, usher, former secretary of Sunday School and Training Union Director. He was retired from the NC Department of Transportation as a Maintenance and Construction supervisor. He also served his country as Seaman First Class V6 USN-R during World War II and the Pacific Theatre. Mr. Hoggard is survived by his wife, Cornie Miller Hoggard of 55 years; daughter, Terry Pierce and husband, Raymond of Windsor; a son, Earl Hoggard of Merry Hill; sister, Earline Bass of Edenton; a half brother, Tracy Hoggard and wife, Alice of Windsor; four grandchildren, Jennifer Mitchell, Lacy White, Miranda Hoggard and Dustin Matthews; stepbrother, Fannie Sue Baker of Windsor; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mr. Hoggard's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Lawrence Baptist Church with the Rev. Joe Lassiter and the Rev. J.N. Baggett officiating. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today form 7 to 8:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Bertie County Rescue Squad, PO Box 74, Windsor, NC 27983 or to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038. Evans Funerals and Cremations of Edenton is serving the Hoggard family. PATRICK H. PIERCE COLERAIN - Patrick H. Pierce, 95, of the 2400 block of NC Hwy 45, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004. Mr. Pierce was born Jan. 31, 1908, in Harrellsville, NC to the late Patrick and Mamie Pierce. Mr. Pierce was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church where he served as the church sexton for 40 years. Her was also a member of Mount Pleasant Mason Lodge No. 126. Mr. Pierce was married to the late Jannie Bell Parker Pierce and from this union a daughter, Dorothy, was born. His second marriage was to the late Naomi C. Pierce and with this union a second daughter, Jeanette, was born. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Izell Pierce and Lindwood Pierce; three sisters, Annie Watford, Marida Harrell and Ophilia Revelle; and a granddaughter, Althea J. Tripp. His precious memory will forever live in the hearts of his daughters, Dorothy Tripp (John) of Chesapeake and Jeanette Kelly of New York City; his grandchildren, John Tripp, Jr., Patrick Tripp, Duncan Tripp, Major Vencent Tripp, Denise Gipson, and Teresa Tripp Whitehurst; great grandchildren, Leandrea Tripp, Patricia Tripp, Phillip Tripp, LaShawn Gipson, Joy Hodnett, Yedail Whitehurst III, Patrick Louise Tripp, Dakeybe Simmons, Katrina Tripp, Zachery Williams and John Williams; his devoted nephew, Melvin Watford; his devoted great niece Cynthia Savage; his devoted friends, Sylvester Hardy and Bud Howard; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral was held in Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Harrellsville, NC. Hertford County Undertakers is in charge. JAMES HOLLEY SR. AHOSKIE - James Holley "Woodman" Sr., 77, a native of Bertie County, died January 29, 2004, at CMC University Hospital, Charlotte. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. Anthony Ward. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Hunter's Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Holley was a member of Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he was a deacon, superintendent of Sunday School, past chairman of the deacon board, co-chairman of deacon board. He was also president of International Wood Workers Association, local president of AFL-CIO, member and past Worship Master of Tuscarora Lodge 215 Rich Square. Survivors include his wife, Bernice Hoggard Holley of Aulander; three sons, James M. Holley, Jr. of Aulander, Leonard Earl Holley of Edgemore, SC, and Christopher B. Holley of Charlotte; two daughters, Freda H. Robinson and Kimberly H. Hunter, both of Charlotte; a brother, David Askew of Aulander; four sisters, Mary E. Hines of New York, NY, Thelma Holley of Ahoskie, Gloria Hoggard of Hampton, VA, and Marva Hall of Powellsville; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. MARGORIE P. MCKEEL POWELLSVILLE - Marjorie Pierce McKeel, 68, died Jan 30, 2004. A funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie. JOYCE SAWYER WOODLAND - Joyce Ann West Sawyer, 58, a native of Bertie County, died January 31, 2004, at her home. A funeral was conducted Monday at Massey Funeral Home, Jackson, by the Rev. Heath Lloyd. Burial was held in Woodland Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Ronald Seaton Sawyer, Sr.; her mother, Lillie Mae West of Woodland; her sons, Ronald Seaton Sawyer Jr. and Steannier Sawyer, both of East Lake; two daughters, Lyseaton Blaine and Ada Sawyer, both of Woodland; and nine grandchildren. ESSIE PERRY COLERAIN - Essie Perry, died January 31, 2004, at Guardian Care Nursing Home, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Zion Hill Baptist Church by the Rev. Nathaniel Thompson. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is in charge. Survivors include three sons, Willie Rufus Perry and Gene Otis Perry, both of Colerain, Alex Jasper Perry of Hampton, VA; four daughters, Myrtisphere Askew of Colerain, Shirley Farrar of Harrellsville, Georgia Lewis of Emporia and Della Leary of Ahoskie; 40 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren; and 18 great- great-grandchildren. BARBARA A. RIDDICK BALTIMORE, MD - Barbara Ann Riddick, a native of Bertie County, died January 31, 2004, at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Baltimore. A funeral was conducted Saturday at Peterson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Merry Hill. Burial was in the James Family Cemetery. Gilliam Funeral Home was in charge. She was employed at Mt. Sinai Hospital for 18 years. She was a member of Peterson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include aunts and great aunts.